Library and Information Science Commons^™

Welcome To Our Charity Bazaar, Leslee Thorne-Murphy, Maggie Kopp

Faculty Publications

Catalog for the 2017-2018 exhibit at L. Tom Perry Special Collections, BYU Library. Charity bazaars were a product of a massive nineteenth-century philanthropic undertaking in the United Kingdom, as private citizens attempted to respond to the social ills created by a rapidly industrializing economy. Bazaars combined the entertainment value of a social gathering and the fun of a town fair, with the moral earnestness of philanthropic work. Typically organized by women, these bazaars offered handmade goods for sale, raising funds for numerous local and national charitable causes. The exhibit showcases the history and print culture of the charity bazaar, from …

Lsab Minutes September 2026, Shawna Battle, Maryke H. Barber

WRL Newsletters

No abstract provided.

Virtual Lunch And Learn: Efficient Database Translation, Stefanie Lapka

TMC Library Newsletter (2015-)

Searching across multiple databases is an important part of a comprehensive literature search—but translating a search strategy from one database to another takes more than simply copying and pasting.

Join us for September's Lunch & Learn to explore database translation. Register to attend this virtual session.

Resources Feature: Explore Public Opinion Data With Roper Ipoll, Joanne Romano

TMC Library Newsletter (2015-)

Looking for public opinion or survey data? Roper iPoll, available through the TMC Library, provides access to nearly one million survey and poll questions and responses covering decades of public opinion research.

Explore Roper iPoll through the TMC Library’s A–Z Databases: https://bit.ly/4rixZFk

History Of Medicine Seminar Returns For Fall 2026, Alice Sherwood

TMC Library Newsletter (2015-)

The History of Medicine Seminar is back for the Fall 2026 semester! This longstanding collaborative series brings together the TMC community for conversations exploring the history of medicine, archival collections, philosophy, and morally relevant questions in medicine.

View the Fall 2026 History of Medicine Seminar schedule

From The Archives: Rediscovering The John Preston Papers, Isabella Sumner

TMC Library Newsletter (2015-)

The John Preston, MD Papers, the newest collection at the McGovern Historical Center, contain letters and institutional records documenting life at the Austin State Lunatic Asylum—now Austin State Hospital—during Dr. Preston's 36 years as superintendent. Materials include correspondence from patient's families, physicians, judges, sheriffs, and attorneys, along with budgets, patient records, and even menus for staff and patients. Together, they offer a window into mental health care in Texas during the early 20th century.

Read the full story and explore highlights from the collection on the McGovern Historical Center blog. 

Neo4j-Based Knowledge Graph Construction For Semantic Analysis Of Lis Literature, Partha Sarathi Mandal, Sukumar Mandal

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Knowledge graphs with graph databases such as Neo4j provide tremendous capabilities for semantic mapping and discovery in Library and Information Science. This paper proposes a method to construct a domain-specific knowledge graph from journal articles in LIS. Researchers are interested in the semantic connection between authors, topics, citations, and concepts. Using Neo4j, the team implements entity extraction, ontology modeling, relationship mapping, and advanced querying techniques will enable better information retrieval and knowledge discovery. A realistic knowledge graph is created from about 27825 current LIS articles from 100 LIS journals from 2020 to 2026. Interactive Neo4j dashboards are used to visualize …

Parental Perceptions Of Censorship In Utah: Working Paper, Rachel L. Wadham, Dallyn Edmunds

Faculty Publications

The rapid rise of book challenges and removals in U.S. school libraries has increasingly been justified through appeals to parental rights, yet relatively little research has explored what parents themselves believe about censorship and book removal. This exploratory qualitative study examined Utah parents’ perceptions of censorship in school libraries, the kinds of content they believe should be restricted, and the reasoning underlying those beliefs. Using a grounded theory-informed thematic analysis approach, data were collected through a survey of 319 Utah parents with children enrolled in public schools. The survey combined closed-ended and open-ended questions, allowing participants to articulate their views …

Lanthorn, Vol. 61, No. 03, September 14, 2026, Grand Valley State University

Volume 61, August 10, 2026 – current

Lanthorn is Grand Valley State's student newspaper, published from 1968 to the present.

“Perceived Usefulness And The Role Of Electronic Libraries In Supporting E-Learning (2010–2025): A Systematic Review Of Empirical Studies, Comfort Oluwapelumi Egunyemi (Cln), Ifeoluwa Adenike Ayoola

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Abstract

Electronic libraries have become essential tools in supporting e-learning by providing users with timely and flexible access to digital academic resources. This study examined the perceived usefulness and role of electronic libraries in supporting e-learning, particularly within Nigerian universities.

The study adopted a systematic literature review methodology in which relevant empirical and scholarly studies were purposively selected and critically analysed. Findings revealed that students perceive electronic libraries as useful for accessing course materials, conducting research, completing assignments, and promoting independent learning. The review further showed that electronic libraries contribute significantly to knowledge organization, information accessibility, and flexible learning environments …

Back And Forth: The Status Of Ict Resources And Facilities For Opac Use In University Libraries In Nigeria, Perpetua O. Ukwueze, Jacintha U. Eze Prof, Docas Nnedinso Ugwu

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study examined the status of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources and facilities supporting Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) utilization in university libraries in Nigeria. The paper specifically investigated the availability of ICT resources that facilitate OPAC utilization and identified the challenges preventing effective use of OPAC among library patrons in university libraries. Descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population of the study was 28,897 registered library users. The sample size for the study was three hundred and ninety five (395) respondents who were selected using Yamen’s formula. These respondents comprises both undergraduate and postgraduate library users. Data …

College Library Websites In West Bengal: Analysis Of Information Visibility And Digital Infrastructure Through A Content Analysis Approach, Niti Mollah, Debabrata Barman, Samim Haidar

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

In an era of digital boom and growing internet connectivity, college websites have become vital platforms for disseminating information and establishing communication among students, faculty members, researchers, and the general public who intend to use the library. The present paper aims to study the library web pages of various degree colleges in West Bengal by examining their structure, content, user accessibility, and interactability.  It explores and evaluates the contents of 465 college websites based on certain key parameters such as availability, visibility, comprehensiveness, navigability, design, and user experience (users’ ease). The research finds a significant disparity in the quality of …

Read, Evaluate, Cite: Using Chatgpt To Teach Primary Source Literacy, Victoria Jones

Journal of Contemporary Archival Studies

For the last three years, generative artificial intelligence and its uses have been a frequent topic of conversation. In education, many of us have wondered about the impact that generative AI will have on teaching and student learning. The present study considers the benefits and challenges of using generative AI tools in archival education to improve students’ primary source literacy skills. The focus of the research project is an assignment that uses ChatGPT to remove one of the challenges of developing primary source skills: historical writing. In doing so, the students were able to focus on practicing key archival research …

Review Of Archives And Emotions: International Dialogues Across Past, Present, And Future, Caelin Ross

Journal of Contemporary Archival Studies

This review analyzes Archives and Emotions: International Dialogues Across Past, Present, and Future, edited by Ilaria Scaglia and Valeria Vanesio, which argues that emotions are constitutive forces in archival practice rather than distortions of objective work. This volume explores international case studies from the 1800s to the present, bridging the gap between archival science and historical scholarship. It examines how emotions influence preservation, access, and the production of knowledge. The editors use various theoretical frameworks to show that affect plays a contextual role across different types of archives and institutional settings. Key contributions include analyses of international standardization, archivists' …

Leveling Up Data Analytics To Understand Patron Interactions, Sasha H. Kim, Keri K. Eason Ph.D.

Journal of Contemporary Archival Studies

This case study demonstrates how a special collections unit library has used descriptive and predictive (inferential) data analytics with reference transaction data over three years. The goals of this case study are to introduce the idea of inferential statistics and analysis to the library and archive world, to show how using inferential statistics and analysis can help a newly hired library leader understand historical context of user behavior quickly, and how to use data analysis as part of data-informed decision-making that can strengthen archives and library leadership and administration.

Trends, Challenges And Strategic Paths Towards Navigating Remote Library Services In The 4ir Era: The Nigerian Academic Library Perspective, Ayodele O. Akinola, Rasak Ojo Alliyu

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This paper adopts a comprehensive and conceptual approach to review the emerging trends and aiding issues in provision of remote library services in Nigerian academic libraries. The COVID-19 pandemic and the mounting requirements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) have changed the nature of digital library services, prompting the study. The current global trends are characterized by the progressive adoption of ICT, virtual support and innovative models of blended librarianship, while in Nigeria academic libraries show some level of adoption but are limited by critical ICT infrastructure and internet penetration, unreliable power supply and frequent funding problems. Additionally, organizational preparedness …

Is Artificial Intelligence Intelligent? Trust, Verification, And The Responsible Use Of Al In Libraries, Norman Desmarais, Janice Schuster

Library Faculty and Staff papers

We live in an age of alternate realities. If we do not like the current situation, we can pick or rearrange facts to suit our worldview. It appears our information systems follow suit, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI). Developers in the Al industry generally want friendly Al that does what the human user wants (as long as it is not too naughty). They do not want Al that says "I do not know," so they design models to be fluent, not factual. Consequently, the engines confidently invent citations, titles, or people if not constrained or verified, a phenomenon called AI …

More Than A Name: Reparative Description For Women’S Archives, Allison Mccormack, Hallie Oines

Journal of Western Archives

This article describes a reparative description initiative at an academic library aimed at improving access to women’s archival collections. By hiring a metadata specialist through grant funding, the project revised legacy MARC records to update, expand, and standardize collection descriptions. Prioritizing inclusive language and accurate subject headings, the team addressed gaps that previously hindered discovery of women’s materials. Over two years, 818 records were remediated, enhancing creator, topical, and genre/form access points. The article discusses project challenges, strategies for respectful description, and the resulting improved discoverability, offering a replicable model for reparative archival work.

When Winning Got More Than Gold: Hope's Glory Days; How Hope College Built Its Physics Program, Mackenzie Niswonger, Ryan Mccreedy

Archives and Special Collections Quarterly

When Winning Got More Than Gold: Hope's Glory Days

Column: From the Director of Archives and Special Collections

How Hope College Built Its Physics Program

"A History Of The Florence-Lauderdale Public Library", William Lindsey Mcdonald

Writings

A speech detailing the development of a local library in Florence, Lauderdale County, Alabama from early educational institutions to the present Florence-Lauderdale Public Library. The speech is organized by subheadings.

We Cut To The Chase! Building Consensus For School Librarian Collaboration: A Delphi Study, Pam Harland, Susan D. Ballard, Rachel V. Small

Learning Hub

This study examines collaboration between school librarians and educators using a three-round Delphi study with 38 experts in school librarianship. The researchers developed a consensus definition and a seven-level model of collaboration, ranging from autonomy to schoolwide assurance. The study also identifies environmental, cultural, and dispositional conditions that support successful collaboration, including administrative support, shared planning time, trust, communication, and librarian leadership. The resulting model and rubrics are intended to help educators and school librarians assess and strengthen collaborative practice to support student learning.

September 2026 Library & Learning Newsletter, Minnesota State University, Mankato. Library & Learning Dean's Office Communication Team

Library & Learning Newsletters

PDF version of the September 2026 (Volume 5, Issue 1) Library & Learning Newsletter.

From Withdrawal To Impact: Smu Libraries’ Book Rehoming Initiatives, Kai Leong Heng, Eng Ling Lynn Yeo

Research Collection Library

Academic libraries are no strangers to large-scale deselection exercises. Driven by space constraints, evolving curricula, and the shift towards digital resources, the question is no longer whether to withdraw print materials, but what comes next. In the past year, SMU Libraries explored a different answer: instead of recycling withdrawn books, could we reimagine their next chapter, and rehome them to create meaningful impact for the community?

The Information Edge - Library Newsletter - September 2026, Rose Gillen, Jennifer Rosenstein

University Library Newsletter

No abstract provided.

W&L Law Library Annual Report 2025-2026, The Law Library At Washington And Lee University School Of Law

Law Library Annual Reports

No abstract provided.

An Enduring Mission, Expanding Responsibilities: Reexamining Educating Students To Think Forty Years Later, Victoria Therriault

Learning Hub

This article reexamines the role of school librarians forty years after the publication of Educating Students to Think. It argues that the central mission of school librarianship, helping students locate, evaluate, synthesize, and use information thoughtfully, has remained consistent while librarians’ responsibilities have expanded. The article connects this mission to contemporary practices including inquiry learning, instructional collaboration, digital and media literacy, AI literacy, digital citizenship, equitable access, and instructional leadership. It also presents an updated framework and practical strategies for applying these responsibilities in modern school library programs.

Myths, Risks, And Realities Of Floppy Disk Preservation, Tyler Thorsted, Leontien Talboom, Julianna Barrera-Gomez, Ross Spencer

Faculty Publications

Floppy disks remain vital for accessing early digital collections, yet online forums and blogs circulate many untested myths around these carriers. This paper examines common claims about reading disks; handling, cleaning, storage and media fragility; evaluating them in the context of contemporary workflows. Drawing on practical experience, targeted testing, and collaboration with conservation experts, we distinguish between theoretical risks and real-world workflows. By situating online advice within our own preservation practice, we provided a grounded perspective that helps preservation practitioners navigate legacy media.

Tennessee Archivist 45, No. 4, Society Of Tennessee Archivists

Tennessee Archivist newsletters

Fall 2026 issue of the Tennessee Archivist, a newsletter produced by the Society of Tennessee Archivists.

A Call For Sustainable Library Standards And Practices For Prison Education Programs (Peps), David B. Malone, Sarah M. Kolk, Jessica Hronchek, Jen Fiero

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

Academic library services are a crucial, yet chronically under-resourced component of prison education programs (PEPs). This perpetuates systemic information inequity when compared to traditional higher education campuses. This article argues that sustainable, standards-aligned academic library services within carceral higher education partnerships must be reconceived as foundational infrastructure, not as auxiliary support. Multiple interconnected barriers impede meaningful access: restrictions on technology imposed by departments of corrections, which extends the digital chasm for students who are incarcerated because it limits or eliminates access to the over 80% of academic library holdings that are in digital form; the inadequacy of existing prison library …

Ada Commons: Connecting Dentists To Research, Publications And History, Alisun Dekock

Bulletin of the Ninth District Dental Association

Are you curious about what’s going on at other ADA state and local associations? Perhaps you are faced with a unique clinical or business question and wondering if your peers have written about a similar experience. ADA Commons is a new resource designed to help answer those questions.