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Reference Services Review

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ISSN (Print) 0090-7324
Published by Emerald

[307 journals]

Assessing State Government Financial Transparency Websites
- Authors: literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (JOEL THORNTON; ELAINE THORNTON)
  Abstract: Abstract
  
  Purpose - This study examines the content of and the extent to which the fifty state governments make online spending data available to citizens. Additionally, this study analyzes the typical access points available for searching financial transparency websites and evaluates each for the presence of learning aids to assist average citizens in deciphering the data provided. Design/methodology/approach - A content analysis of fifty state government financial transparency websites was conducted to determine access points available for searching and the presence of learning aids and explanatory materials to facilitate citizen understanding of government spending.Findings - The study results revealed that, despite state government’s efforts to provide increased access to financial information, little has been done to assist in improving citizens ‘ skill in using the information and making it more understandable. Research limitations/implications - N/APractical implications - Librarians can play an integral role in assisting average citizens in navigating and understanding state government financial transparency websites. Originality/value - This study demonstrates the importance of including learning aids on state government financial transparency websites and highlights the role that information professionals can play in assisting citizens with website navigation and data interpretation.
  PubDate: Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +000
Fugitive Filing: Ready Reference Technologies as Cultural Artifacts
- Authors: literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Miriam E. Sweeney)
  Abstract: Abstract
  
  Purpose - This paper positions ready reference technologies as cultural artifacts that have meaning and value beyond pure functionality as a reference tool. This case study offers that locally created reference tools and technologies have much to offer as artifacts that encode cultural knowledge about the community, institution and profession.Design/methodology/approach - This case study consists of semi-structural interviews with six library reference staff members about their experiences and interpretations of a collaboratively created ready reference technology that is used in their reference practice at a public library.Findings - The results of this study demonstrate there is value is exploring technologies as cultural artifacts in that they reveal otherwise hidden or obscured institutional values, labor practices, tensions associated with changing times in the profession, and the community culture throughout time. Practical implications - There is benefit in exploring locally created ready reference tools as cultural artifacts to uncover hidden cultural knowledge about our institutions, communities, and professional practices. Originality/value - While there are studies of ready reference tools, they largely focus on the transition of these materials from print-to-digital. There was a gap in the literature looking about the meaning of the ready reference tools to their librarian creators/users. This study is a contribution to ready reference literature and works to begin addressing this gap.
  PubDate: Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +000
EVALUATING REFERENCE DATA ACCURACY: A MIXED METHODS STUDY
- Authors: literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Stephanie Alexander; Megan Bresnahan, Jennie Gerke, Alison Graber)
  Abstract: Abstract
  
  Purpose - Reference data collection tools facilitate the collection of in-depth data about reference interactions. Since this information may influence decisions, library managers should examine how these tools are used and assess how these data entry behaviors may impact the accuracy of the data. Design/methodology/approach - This two-year mixed method study analyses reference staff perceptions and data entry behaviors related to the reference data collection tool used at the University of Colorado Boulder Libraries. The authors identified six distinct data entry behaviors for analysis in this study.Findings - The survey results indicate that staff consider the tool to be both easy to use and useful. These findings, under the Technology Acceptance Model, indicate technology acceptance, which influences adoption and use of the tool. Though rates of adoption and use of the tool are high, the authors’ analysis of behaviours indicate that not all users record reference interactions in the same way, and this inconsistency may impact the accuracy of collected data.Practical implications - Inconsistency in data entry behaviors should inform the design of staff training sessions, best practice guidelines, and the tool’s interface. Originality/value - Previous studies related to reference data collection mention the importance of consistent data entry practices, but no studies have explicitly evaluated how inconsistencies in use may impact the accuracy of data.
  PubDate: Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +000
Library and University Governance: Partners in Student Success
- Authors: literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Vickie Lynn Mix)
  Abstract: Abstract
  
  Purpose - To examine the value of library participation in institutional governance in the implementation of a comprehensive model for Student Success at a research university.Design/methodology/approach - This paper provides a case study comparing the historical and current governance structure in a high research university, the relationship between a new governance structure and the implementation of a comprehenisive student success model and the inclusion of the library in creating, implementing and participating in student success initiatives.Findings - Participation in institutional governance by librarians can ehance the library's role in undergraduate student success.Research limitations/implications - Need for further longitudinal assessment of library impact on student retention and graduation.Originality/value - This paper contributes to the discussion of the value of academic libraries to student success efforts in retention, progression and graduation for university students.
  PubDate: Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +000
The American Community Survey: Practical considerations for researchers
- Authors: literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Francis P Donnelly)
  Abstract: Abstract
  
  Purpose - This paper provides researchers and librarians with an overview of the US Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS), with a specific focus on practical issues that users must face when choosing and using ACS datasets. Design/methodology/approach - Each of the following issues are explored subsequent to a general overview of the ACS: choosing among census datasets from different census programs, interpreting and choosing between the different ACS period estimates, selecting census geography, understanding and recalculating margins of error, and accessing the data. Samples of ACS tables and and formulas for creating derived estimates are used to illustrate how to interpret and work with the data.Findings - The ACS datasets are fundamentally different from the decennial census as they are period estimates created from rolling sample surveys. The ACS has a steeper learning curve; this complexity is due in part to the number of choices users must make between datasets, but the primary challenge is learning how to understand and work with estimates as opposed to population counts. Originality/value - While other papers have discussed the benefits and challenges of the ACS, this paper is structured around the practical issues that researchers must face when using it. Special consideration is given to calculating derived estimates using spreadsheet formulas, as this is a key task that many users will need to perform and spreadsheets are the most likely tool users will employ to manipulate the data.
  PubDate: Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +000
Recruiting Parents, Retaining Families
- Authors: literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Micquel Little; Michelle Dubaj Price)
  Abstract: Abstract
  
  Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to share St. John Fisher College Library’s marketing approach to recruiting and retention of parents within the higher education community.Design/methodology/approach - The objectives of this paper are achieved by connecting local experiences with other parent initiatives on university campuses throughout the country. This paper takes the approach of addressing marketing strategies for recruitment and retention of parents, while also including opportunities for these strategies to be applied.Findings - The findings display the library’s ability to contribute to their campus recruitment and retention goals while assisting parents in connecting to the library in an informational and emotional capacity.Originality/value - This paper presents the academic library’s perspective on a higher education initiative focused on targeting parents during the recruitment and retention processes. Academic librarians will find the most value in this paper by finding step by step guidelines for implementing the experiences shared by St. John Fisher College’s library.
  PubDate: Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +000
Academic Library Participation in Recruitment and Retention Initiatives
- Authors: literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Melissa A. Hubbard; Amber T. Loos)
  Abstract: Abstract
  
  Purpose - The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which academic libraries participate in and assess initiatives to increase or maintain student enrollment levels at colleges and universities in the United States.Design/methodology/approach - An online survey of academic library directors in the United States was conducted. The 31 question survey was distributed via email to 321 librarians in our sample population. The survey response rate was 42.7%. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS 19.0 and qualitative data were coded according to recruitment or retention strategy.Findings - Regardless of institution type or size, libraries in our sample population were just as likely to participate in recruitment and retention initiatives. However, some libraries stood out as particularly active in recruitment and retention initiatives. Indicators of active library participation were identified. Research limitations/implications - The response rate for our survey did not generate a statistically significant sample size, given our population. However, the data generated here contributes significantly to the relatively scant literature on academic library participation in retention and recruitment activities. Our findings also suggest the need for the profession to focus on creating assessment tools to measure library impact on recruitment and retention.Originality/value - No other studies have surveyed the academic library field to document the extent to which they participate in and assess recruitment and retention initiatives.
  PubDate: Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +000
Academic Libraries, Institutional Missions, and New Student Recruitment: A Case Study
- Authors: literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Maggie Kopp)
  Abstract: Abstract
  
  Purpose - Academic institutions struggle to differentiate themselves in the eyes of prospective students. Schools use their institutional missions to communicate their unique purposes and goals with core constituencies, but often the mission is not shared during recruitment. Academic libraries can assist in recruiting students by communicating the institution's mission through their collections.Design/methodology/approach - This case study examines the efforts of Brigham Young University’s L. Tom Perry Special Collections, which has worked with its campus admissions office by serving as a stop on campus tours for high-priority academic and athletic recruits. Findings - These tour sessions are more than just quick show-and-tell sessions; they are opportunities to discuss the university’s unique "Aims of a BYU Education."Originality/value - The case study provides new perspectives on how academic libraries can demonstrate value by tying their services and collections to recruitment efforts and to the mission of their parent institutions.
  PubDate: Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +000
Staffing trends in college and university libraries
- Authors: literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Gillian S. Gremmels)
  Abstract: Abstract
  
  Purpose - The paper aims to discern, document, and analyze current staffing trends in college and university libraries. Design/methodology/approach - The author gathered information from the literatures of library and information science and higher education.Findings - The paper details six trends across public and technical services, affecting librarians, non-MLS professionals, and paraprofessionals. The presentation of trends is followed by a discussion of three concerns the author has about these trends.Research limitations/implications - The paper covers trends in college and university libraries but does not specifically address community college libraries. Community colleges may have similar issues, as well as unique trends; further research is encouraged.Practical implications - Library managers will be able to compare developments in their libraries to the profession-wide trends. They will also be able to link to a large body of literature on the topic.Originality/value - This kind of comprehensive look at academic library staffing does not seem to have been published recently.
  PubDate: Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +000
Libraries and Student Persistence in Southern Colleges and Universities
- Authors: literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Boris Teske; Dexter Cahoy, Michael DiCarlo)
  Abstract: Abstract
  
  Purpose - To determine whether or how academic libraries affect student achievement.Design/methodology/approach - Computation of Pearson’s r coefficients and predictor values for correlations of academic library statistics with first-year retention and six-year graduation rates reported to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System by Southern Regional Education Board four-year colleges and universities in 2010. Findings - Book collection size in doctoral university libraries has the strongest correlation with retention and graduation rates, in our sample, and predicts for every 10% increase a 0.5% improvement in retention and a 0.7% higher graduation rate. Originality/value - First impact study to correlate library statistics with both retention and graduation rates from a large sample of doctoral, master’s and bachelor’s degree-conferring institutions. Calculated twenty-one predictor values of interest to academic administrators.
  PubDate: Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +000
Mind the gap: Academic library outreach and EOP
- Authors: literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Coleen Meyers-Martin; Lynn D. Lampert)
  Abstract: Abstract
  
  Purpose - This article describes the many ways academic library outreach practices are evolving through online formats. It underscores the implications of moving communications and resources online for EOP students when considering these students’ specific technology usage patterns and the need for face-to-face mentoring. Recommendations are made for libraries that intend to develop successful programming and interactions with transitional students online. The article also brings to light the need for future research concerning the creation and usage of online educational support structures that specifically serve the EOP community.Design/methodology/approach - A literature review discusses technology and academic library outreach programming as well as the historic and current digital divide and learning styles of EOP transitional students. Recommendations are made for how to best meet EOP student needs online to support the traditional in-person programming in which these students succeed.Findings - Identifying successful learning structures and potential technology usage patterns of EOP students provided the foundation for this paper. Developing library outreach and programming within the online platforms EOP students access and utilize is necessary to support continued face-to-face interactions in an academic setting. More research is necessary in order to support transitional students in a digital format.Originality/value - This article describes digital outreach efforts targeting non-campus and campus communities, in particular within EOP transitional programming. It inquires about how to best meet transitional students in a digital format when they have historically succeeded in face-to-face educational interactions and settings.
  PubDate: Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +000
Preparing Graduate Students for Graduate-Level Study and Research
- Authors: literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Katherine O'Clair)
  Abstract: Abstract
  
  Purpose - This paper describes a graduate level course in information research for thesis-based Master’s Degree students in the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences at California Polytechnic State University for which the College Librarian served as the instructor of record. It also reports the results of research conducted to investigate the impact of the course and its effect on graduate student confidence and preparedness. Design/methodology/approach - Questionnaires were used to measure student perception of their confidence and preparedness for graduate study and research before and after completing a for-credit course. Findings - Students’ self-perceived levels confidence and preparedness increased after taking the course. Most felt the course was useful and the content would help them to complete their theses more efficiently and effectively. The majority of students also completed the administrative tasks that are required for graduate-level study. Originality/value - For-credit, course-based information literacy instruction is common for undergraduates at institutions throughout the United States, yet similar offerings for graduate students are rare. Graduate students have specific information needs that require a particular set of skills. A for-credit course designed to meet the needs of graduate students is an effective way to prepare students. Research conducted in conjunction with the offering of this course examines the impact on graduate students’ self-perceived confidence and preparedness.
  PubDate: Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +000
Faculty-Librarian Collaboration in Improving Information Literacy of Educational Opportunity Program Students
- Authors: literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Ma Lei Hsieh; Susan J McManimon, Sharon Q Yang)
  Abstract: Abstract
  
  Purpose - This study aims to examine the instruction of basic information literacy (IL) skills taught to the socio-economically disadvantaged students in the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) at Rider University in summer 2011. The study set out to determine how the beginning IL levels of EOP freshmen differ from those of other freshmen, their learning outcomes, and retention of IL as a means to improve future research instruction. Design/methodology/approach - Faculty of a Speech Communication class and two librarians collaborated in integrating IL in the class assignments of the 2011 summer EOP program. The assessment tools include an identical pre- and post-tests, a second post-test with different multiple correct answer questions, a survey about students’ perceptions of their IL training, and the teaching faculty’s observations of EOP students’ research skills.Findings - EOP freshmen are equivalent to the peer freshmen in their low levels of IL skills. The findings suggested that EOP freshmen complete IL instruction with stronger IL skills. The second post-test revealed that many students were confused about some basic IL concepts. Faculty’s observation of students’ information literacy skills concurs with the pre- and post-tests. Originality/value - This study fills a void in the literature on recent research of information literacy skills of socio-economically disadvantaged college students. The multi-correct answer questions employed are valuable but rarely employed in studies or discussed in the literature. The collaboration of faculty and librarians in assignment design is valuable as increasing number of faculty are utilizing librarians to teach the necessary IL skills needed in today’s curricula.
  PubDate: Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +000
Bridging the Information Literacy Gap: Library Participation in Summer Transition Programs
- Authors: literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Anne C Barnhart; Andrea G Stanfield)
  Abstract: Abstract
  
  Purpose - With Complete College America and renewed interest in performance-based funding models for higher education, colleges are focused on improving retention, progression and graduation rates. Many schools bring lower-achieving students to campus for a pre-first-year program called summer bridge to give them an introduction to college. These summer programs have varying levels of library involvement. The authors of this article wanted to compare the level of library involvement at their institution with that of libraries where similar programs exist. Design/methodology/approach - The authors searched for schools with summer bridge programs, read through their program descriptions to find ones that were similar to their own situation (e.g. not STEM-focused or Upward Bound), and sent a survey to 103 libraries. 42 responded. Findings - 88% of the responding libraries have face-to-face instruction with the summer bridge participants, however only 33% of the libraries did any assessment of this contact. 10 of the respondents teach credit-bearing information literacy courses, but none of them offers this to the summer bridge students. Practical implications - Many states require institutions to demonstrate student success in order to compete for limited state funds. Libraries have an important role to student success and librarians should strategically place themselves within that conversation. This article provides some possible means to help with summer bridge students. Originality/value - A search through library and education literature reveals that little has been written about library involvement with programs that are not Upward Bound affiliated. This case study and its survey respond to a gap in the literature of both fields.
  PubDate: Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +000