Information Literacy Commons^™

Information And Communication Technologies And The Effects Of Globalization: Twenty-First Century “Digital Slavery” For Developing Countries—Myth Or Reality?, L. A. Ogunsola

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

Abstract

The main goal of this paper is to examine the ICT (Information and Communication Technology) revolution and the concept of globalization as they effect developing countries. Globalization as one of the reasons for possible widening of the gap between the poor and the rich nations was examined and the emerging concept of “digital slavery” was carefully evaluated. The wide gap in availability and use of ICTs across the world and the influences ICTs exert on globalization at the expense of developing countries were carefully examined and suggestions and necessary policies were offered for developing countries to leap-frog the industrialization …

Differences In Indexing Term Vocabularies And Agreement With Subject Specialists, John M. Weiner

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

Abstract

Index terms are an important component in considering a scientific topic. In a real sense, the indexing terms represent the vocabulary and language of the topic. Study of these critical terms has employed human and machine techniques. Computerized indexing systems can accurately and completely recognize terms, but the different strategies for organizing and evaluating the concepts (i.e., informative terms) and related issues may not be effective in accomplishing the desired descriptive actions. This paper explored the results of two computer supported approaches in indexing scientific documents against a background of simple random generation of informative terms in varying sized …

Handling Legal Questions At The Reference Desk And Beyond, Newkirk Barnes

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

Abstract

This article offers reference librarians practical advice on how to approach legal information requests that arrive via the reference desk, as well as through e-mail and chat. It suggests how to avoid the unauthorized practice of law by focusing on the activities reference librarians can safely perform when faced with legal questions from both their on-site and virtual users. The article discusses how reference librarians can conduct effective legal reference interviews both in person and online. Additionally, it suggests ways to include instruction in legal reference encounters, and possible sources for referral of questions that require professional legal assistance.

Users And Internet Skills: A Report From Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria, Stella E. Igun

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

Abstract

This study, based on a survey of eighty-one (81) users of a cyber café owned and run by the Delta State University, Abraka in 2005 examines the self-reported level of Internet skills; sources of such skills; the additional skills desired, and preferred ways of acquiring them; and how the Internet has influenced and affected their research. The results show 71% of respondents rated their Internet skills between average and very high; 78.8% acquired their Internet skills either online or through teaching by colleagues or friends. World Wide Web (WWW) skills were the most sought after additional skill (73%). Continuing …

Udlib/Search: Enhancing Information Literacy In Delaware Public Schools Through Use Of Technology, Dianna Mckellar

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

[Introduction]

Technology is being introduced to students at an earlier age each year. In today’s society students need to acquire a comfort level with technology and strong information literacy skills, preferably at an early age. It is for this reason that schools are being encouraged to create programs that both pique students’ interest in and develop their knowledge of technology.

UDLib/SEARCH is an example of a statewide program that enhances information literacy through use of technology and could be used as a model for similar programs. UDLib/SEARCH provides 16 periodical and encyclopedia databases as well as training on the use …

Narrowcasting To Faculty And Students: Creating An Efficient “Research By Subject” Page, Rob Withers, Rob Casson, Aaron Shrimplin

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

Abstract

Libraries provide thousands of e-resources, but most users need only a handful. Miami University has created an interface which enables subject specialists to select from electronic resources provided by the Libraries, add links to related resources, and post announcements in each subject area. In addition, subject specialists can create multi-database searches for each subject area. Subject specialists can make immediate changes, web developers are relieved of reviewing and making changes submitted by others, and students and faculty see the resources they need. The University portal will eventually link to subject areas corresponding each students’ classes and faculty member’s teaching …

Digital Reference Evaluation: Assessing The Past To Plan For The Future, J. B. Hill, Cherie Madarash-Hill, Ngoc Pham Thi Bich

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

Historically, libraries have routinely evaluated their reference services both quantitatively and qualitatively. With the increasing volume of digital reference transactions, there is a need to modify and apply to digital reference, the same evaluation techniques that have been used successfully in the evaluation of traditional reference service. At Southeastern Louisiana University, a recent evaluation of the library's Ask a Librarian digital reference service included an unobtrusive observation of current practice through a detailed examination of archived reference transactions, as well as an assessment of future needs through a survey of users. Through this evaluation, it was possible to assess the …

Usability Of E-Journals And Preference For The Virtual Periodicals Room: A Survey Of Mathematics Faculty And Graduate Students, Lutishoor Salisbury, Emilio Noguera

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

Introduction

Using several variables, the University of Arkansas Libraries conducted a survey in 2002 to measure the nature and extent of journal use in the Mathematics Reading Room, the Virtual Periodicals Room and Mullins Library.

The aims of this survey were two-fold: firstly, to collect information on the current level of support for electronic-only journals to aid in collection development, and secondly, to ascertain whether a Virtual Periodicals Room is a viable alternative to the physical Reading Room for the Mathematics faculty.

Conclusion

It is obvious from the results of the survey that greater use is being made of the …

Bibliographic Instruction: Two Models Converging In A Common Goal, Stephen J. Shaw

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

Introduction

This essay will explore research in the undergraduate curriculum by examining the divergent ways research is understood. The debate centers around the ways that the typical student perceives the role of the library in her education at the university. To limit the discussion to the relation between the student and the librarian misses the larger issue at stake. What needs does the average undergraduate have after completion of the B.A., if they have no plans to continue education further? Are research skills necessary only for the graduate student, or is there some truth to the humanistic notion of 'knowledge …

Issues In Providing Information Literacy Training: Our Kosovo Experience, Fred C. Pond

University Libraries Faculty and Staff Publications

As part of a partnership of two medical schools, Dartmouth's Biomedical Libraries is providing leadership in the provision of information literacy training to students, faculty and staff of the Medical Faculty of University of Prishtina. Initial steps include establishing rapport between University of Prishtina and Dartmouth College partners, identifying knowledgeable trainers/educators, and designing a responsive training protocol, to act as the basis for initial train-the-trainer personnel as well as the end user.

This poster focuses on issues which arise, such as the more apparent ones of language and culture differences, and the less clear, such as navigating a steady Internet …

Drug, Pharmaceutical, And Pharmacy-Related Sites: A Webliography Of Core Sites, Paul G. Haschak

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

The World Wide Web (WWW) increasingly is becoming an important learning, teaching, and research tool for teachers and students, alike, who are seeking useful drug, pharmaceutical, and pharmacy-related sites on the Web, for their research. However, the seemingly inexhaustible number of WWW links can be daunting even to the most experienced Web user.

The following webliography is presented specifically for educators and students seeking a concise, annotated core list of WWW links on pharmaceutical, drug, and pharmacy-related topics.

Digital Science: Electronic Association And Groupware In Facilitating Third Sector Research, Roger A. Lohmann

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

In thinking about the application of computers and the internet technology to problems of association, collaboration and civil society we need to get beyond the current state of mimicking existing social processes and discover new ways to extend and enhance those social processes.

Feminist Empowerment Through The Internet, Lucretia Mcculley, Patricia Patterson

University Libraries Faculty and Staff Publications

The University of Richmond's upper division Political Science course, "Women and Power in American Politics," has several ambitions. Among these is an exploration of the power of information technology to foster political research by and about women and to advance feminist political aims.

Catching Diverse Users In The Library Instruction Web, Lucretia Mcculley

University Libraries Faculty and Staff Publications

The 1988 LOEX (Library Orientation and Exchange) Conference challenged our instructional staff to think beyond our traditional instruction program for our university students. With a well established freshman and upperclass student program, what other groups did we need to focus on? Four librarians from the University of Richmond (UR), including three reference librarians and the Director of Public Services, attended the LOEX Conference in Bowling Green, Ohio in May of 1988. The conference theme was "Reaching and Teaching Diverse Library User Groups" and it concentrated on atypical groups within a college or university community such as international students, high school …

A Review Of Key Developments In The Scholar Project, Roger A. Lohmann

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

The Scholar Project was my term for a variety of projects and developmental efforts to incorporate the use of computers into the everyday work life of a graduate social work faculty member before the advent of desktop computing. It began in 1974 with a variety of experiments with SPSS files, McBee "KeySort" Cards, and a Computer Aided Instruction experiment with IBM's Coursewriter software. It evolved into the full-scale integration of electronic equipment into all facets of my professional life. The Scholar bibliography mentioned, the electronic in this Research Repository, and the Docuverse project are the longest lasting products of this …