Information Literacy Commons^™

A School-Library-Centered Community Information Resource Sharing Model And Its Impact On Cultural Life Of Rural Communities In China, Wenjie Zhou, Elaine X. Dong, Tim J. Zou

University Libraries Faculty Publications and Presentations

This paper provides a case study of the rural library programs sponsored by the Evergreen Education Foundation (EEF) and identifies the vital role of school libraries in improving local residents’ access to information and enriching their cultural life. It analyzes the data collected from user surveys of one high school library and one book station from two library clusters in underdeveloped rural Tianzhu and Tongwei counties in Gansu Province of western China to assess the impact and effectiveness of a schoollibrary- centered community information resource sharing model developed and implemented by China Evergreen Rural Library Service Stations (CERLS). A total …

Digital Citizenship: The Internet, Society, And Participation, Allegra Swift

Library Staff Publications and Research

Building on their prior research on public policy and the Internet, the authors of Digital Citizenship examine the impact of the Internet on economic opportunity, civic engagement, and political participation. Karen Mossberger, Caroline J. Tolbert, and Ramona S. McNeal define “digital citizens” as those who use the Internet daily and with skill. Analyzing data from Current Population Survey (CPS) and Pew Internet and American Life Project surveys, the authors find that Internet use is lowest in the section of society that would benefit most. The surveys analyzed are compiled of questions about location, education level, work, earnings, computers use, marital …

Introducing Learning Commons Functionality Into A Traditional Reference Setting, Jeffrey A. Franks

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

Abstract

For the past decade the University Libraries at The University of Akron has been modifying and enhancing its services in response to changing technologies and user needs, as well as evolving campus strategies. Library efforts centered on service excellence and student success have played a leading role in the inclusion of a planned learning commons as one of the key strategic initiatives of the University. At this time the learning commons concept has been fully developed, while the proposed building renovation plan is underway. The Library, however, is utilizing key opportunities in the present to integrate learning commons functionality …

The Need For Subject Librarians In Ghanaian Academic Libraries, K. Agyen-Gyasi

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

Abstract

The rapid development of information and communications technology with its proliferation of information resources, pressures from the expanding higher education system, the rise in student numbers, and the new economic and administrative frameworks are posing greater challenges to professional librarians in Ghana. Currently, information can be found in different formats such as e-books, CD-ROM, online journals and other electronic databases, in addition to the traditional paper formats. The introduction of the International Network for the Availability of Scientific Publications supported e-resources project has opened up access to full-text e-journals, e-books, and other databases on the Web to the State …

New Liaison Librarians: Factors Influencing Confidence Levels And The Type Of Activities Undertaken, Ramirose Attebury, Sara Holder

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

Abstract

Although library literature related to liaison work is not uncommon, most of what has been written takes the form of advice to new liaisons or else describes liaison program implementation and evaluation. This study seeks to identify what types of activities liaison librarians are employing nationwide and what factors influence the decision to undertake these activities. It also investigates what factors affect self-reported confidence levels of new liaison librarians.

Distance Education Library Services Assessment, Judy Block

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

Abstract

The primary purpose of assessment in academia is to support high-quality learning. To accomplish this tracking, monitoring and documenting student activity is important to providing excellent library service. By gathering information on student learning, assessments can pinpoint areas for improvement. Ideally, assessment should be quantitative, qualitative, and ongoing and have the ability to address different skills. Assessment is most effective when based on faculty teaching and student learning. Outcomes assessments are the only credible assessment for the distant learner. They are necessary to improve student learning results and are a means of gathering information about student learning that is …

Subject Guides: Putting A New Spin On An Old Concept, Nedelina Tchangalova, Amanda Feigley

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

Abstract

The wide application of digital technologies in the library environment has changed the format and content of subject guides. Given the advent of new Internet tools and the explosive growth of electronic resources available on the Web, the reference librarians at the University of Maryland (UM) College Park were facing many issues when keeping up with new technologies and creating subject guides that meet library users’ satisfaction. The goal of this paper was to explore the challenges librarians are facing and to identify new technologies to assist them in creating subject guides. The literature revealed a wide variety of …