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Journal of Academic Librarianship    Journal TOC RSS feeds Export to Zotero [404 followers]  Follow    
  Full-text available via subscription Subscription journal
     ISSN (Print) 0099-1333
     Published by Elsevier Homepage  [2556 journals]
  • Measuring the Disparities between Biology Undergraduates' Perceptions and Their Actual Knowledge of Scientific Literature with Clickers
    • Abstract: Publication date: March 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship, Volume 39, Issue 2

      This article demonstrates an innovative method used to determine the need for information literacy among science undergraduate students at Adelphi University. Using clickers technology, this study measured the disconnect between biology undergraduates' perceived and actual knowledge of scientific literature. The quantitative data collected in the clickers sessions clearly show the deficiency of knowledge about the structures and contents of various types of articles published in scientific literature that exists in biology undergraduates. This study reinforces the importance of incorporating information literacy into training and learning processes for science majors.


      PubDate: 2013-04-13T04:02:26Z
       
  • Subversive Infusions: Strategies for the Integration of Information Literacy Across the Curriculum
    • Abstract: Publication date: March 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship, Volume 39, Issue 2

      Beginning in 2004, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) requires institutions seeking accreditation to develop a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) to improve student learning. QEP topics may be focused on a single educational initiative or may combine several efforts in order to enhance and assess student learning. While some plans have focused on information literacy specifically, a considerable number of the QEP proposals submitted to SACS between 2007 and 2011 have integrated information literacy learning outcomes as part of another topic. An analysis of the topics and outcomes proposed at 58 institutions offers librarians and information professionals an alternative perspective on the integration of information literacy across the curriculum.


      PubDate: 2013-04-13T04:02:26Z
       
  • Undergraduate Program Review Processes: A Case Study in Opportunity for Academic Libraries
    • Abstract: Publication date: March 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship, Volume 39, Issue 2

      How can an academic library most effectively participate and expand its contributions to program reviews at the institutional level? By becoming involved in undergraduate reviews, college and university libraries can articulate new and enhanced roles for themselves on campus. Academic libraries have always contributed to a variety of institutional review processes. However, by embracing a more holistic view of its support, the library can expand beyond collection-related metrics to encompass all the ways the library interconnects with the program. Furthermore, by becoming proactively involved with the committee(s) responsible for managing institutional program reviews, libraries can contribute to the governance of this essential activity on campus. This paper describes one academic library's experience and efforts in becoming involved with undergraduate reviews at both the program and institutional levels. It is hoped that sharing our case study and the tools we have created, will benefit other academic libraries.


      PubDate: 2013-04-13T04:02:26Z
       
  • Now it's Necessary: Virtual Reference Services at Washington State University, Pullman
    • Abstract: Publication date: March 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship, Volume 39, Issue 2

      While virtual reference services (VRS) are becoming more and more common in academic libraries, implementing and maintaining well-used and effective VRS can be a challenge in the face of competing demands on time, staffing, and funding. Between 2011 and 2012, librarians at Washington State University, Pullman (WSU) have overhauled and reorganized VRS, committing more time, money, and energy to VRS than ever before. While past experiences with VRS at WSU Pullman have been mixed, data collected from recent years shows that the decision to prioritize VRS was worth it, leading to a vital and rapidly growing service. VRS at WSU shows sizable increases in usage between 2010 and 2012, indicating that VRS is now a necessary part of the WSU Libraries' mission to best serve their community of users.


      PubDate: 2013-04-13T04:02:26Z
       
  • PeterGodwinJoParkerInformation literacy beyond library 2.02012Neal-SchumanNew York(256 p. $99.95. ISBN 9781856047623)
    • Abstract: Publication date: March 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship, Volume 39, Issue 2




      PubDate: 2013-04-13T04:02:26Z
       
  • BethanRuddockThe new professionals toolkit2012Facet PublishingLondon(237 p. $95.00. ISBN 978-1-85604-768-5)
    • Abstract: Publication date: March 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship, Volume 39, Issue 2




      PubDate: 2013-04-13T04:02:26Z
       
  • Academic Library Consortium in Jordan: An Evaluation Study
    • Abstract: Publication date: March 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship, Volume 39, Issue 2

      PURPOSE Due to the current financial and managerial difficulties that are encountered by libraries in public universities in Jordan and the geographical diffusion of these academic institutions, the idea of establishing a consortium was proposed by the Council of Higher Education to combine these libraries. This article reviews the reality of establishing a public university libraries consortium in Jordan through answering the following questions: 1. What are the reasons and motives for establishing a consortium? 2. What are the potential problems and challenges facing the library members when establishing a consortium? 3. Where the benefits regarding the economics of knowledge management achieved by the consortium? DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH Using a Descriptive Method of research, this case study examines the initial goals for establishing a consortium related to the benefits achieved four years after the consortium was launched. FINDINGS The consortium enriches the digital governmental university libraries network with information sources through a sharing mechanism. This mechanism allowed for the consortium to coordinate database subscriptions and to act as a lobby group when dealing with library vendors in an attempt to economize in subscription costs. ORIGINALITY/VALUE The paper focuses on the benefits of developing a library consortium and establishing procedures as a road map for other libraries especially in developing countries.


      PubDate: 2013-04-13T04:02:26Z
       
  • QiangJinDemystifying FRAD: Functional Requirements for Authority Data2012Libraries UnlimitedSanta Barbara, CA(134 p. $45.00. ISBN 978-1-59884-496-2)
    • Abstract: Publication date: March 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship, Volume 39, Issue 2




      PubDate: 2013-04-13T04:02:26Z
       
  • G.Edward EvansMargaretZarnosky SaponaroCollection management basics6th Ed.2012Libraries UnlimitedSanta Barbara, CA(343 p. $45.00. ISBN 9781598848649)
    • Abstract: Publication date: March 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship, Volume 39, Issue 2




      PubDate: 2013-04-13T04:02:26Z
       
  • LoanneSnavelyStudent engagement and the academic library2012Libraries UnlimitedSanta Barbara, Ca($55.00. xiv, 138 p. ISBN 978-1-59884-983-7)
    • Abstract: Publication date: March 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship, Volume 39, Issue 2




      PubDate: 2013-04-13T04:02:26Z
       
  • Danny P.WallaceConnieVan FleetKnowledge into action: Research and evaluation in library and information science2012Libraries UnlimitedSanta Barbara, CA(388 p. $55.00. ISBN 978-1-59884-975-2)
    • Abstract: Publication date: March 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship, Volume 39, Issue 2




      PubDate: 2013-04-13T04:02:26Z
       
  • Editorial Board
    • Abstract: Publication date: March 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship, Volume 39, Issue 2




      PubDate: 2013-04-13T04:02:26Z
       
  • Editorial Board
    • Abstract: Publication date: March 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship, Volume 39, Issue 2




      PubDate: 2013-04-13T04:02:26Z
       
  • Sarah K.SteinerStrategic planning for social media in libraries (the TECH SET #15)1st Ed.2012ALA TechSourceChicago(128 p. $59.95. ISBN 9781555707798)
    • Abstract: Publication date: March 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship, Volume 39, Issue 2




      PubDate: 2013-04-13T04:02:26Z
       
  • JoeMurphyLocation aware services and QR code for libraries (the TECH SET #13)2012ALA TechSourceChicago(125 p. $59.95. ISBN 978-1555707842)
    • Abstract: Publication date: March 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship, Volume 39, Issue 2




      PubDate: 2013-04-13T04:02:26Z
       
  • Format Preferences of Performing Arts Students
    • Abstract: Publication date: Available online 10 April 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship

      This research examines performing art students' preferences for accessing various types of information, factors in their selection process, and their opinions on what the library should purchase. A Performing Arts Library at a large public university created a two-page paper survey, which was completed by 182 students studying music, dance, and/or theater. Results indicated that these students preferred print books and scores, as well as electronic access to journals and audio. There was an approximate split for physical and virtual reference and video materials. The data also suggests that, while students support the trend of more electronic access, they want librarians to continue to acquire a mixture of electronic and traditional resources.


      PubDate: 2013-04-13T04:02:26Z
       
  • Can the Library Contribute Value to the Campus Culture for Learning?
    • Abstract: Publication date: Available online 9 April 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship

      What value can academic and research libraries contribute to the campus culture for learning? How can these value contributions be measured? This paper offers the campus culture for learning as a new frame of reference for measuring the library's contribution to learning. It examines various means of assessing the role a library plays in a campus learning culture. It identifies related outcome assessment goals, and the means of measuring performance are suggested.


      PubDate: 2013-04-13T04:02:26Z
       
  • Information Competence of Doctoral Students in Information Science in Spain and Latin America: A Self-assessment
    • Abstract: Publication date: March 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship, Volume 39, Issue 2

      The study was carried out with students of official doctoral programs of Information Science in four universities in Spain and Latin America with the purpose of finding out, through self-assessments, student perceptions of their own information competence. A survey was designed to determine self-perceptions of knowledge, skills and attitudes regarding information competence, and it was distributed to students of two universities in Spain, one in Cuba and one in Mexico. Student perceptions of the levels of their own information competence in terms of knowledge, skills and attitudes are, in general, high. Nevertheless, despite being immersed in research processes that require these information competencies, they recognize that they are lacking in certain skills related tothe organization, evaluation and presentation of information. Having a self-assessment that identifies those areas of information competence in which students consider themselves to be weak will be a significant help in planning activities designed to strengthen these areas in doctoral programs.


      PubDate: 2013-04-13T04:02:26Z
       
  • Study Abroad Programs: A Golden Opportunity for Academic Library Engagement
    • Abstract: Publication date: March 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship, Volume 39, Issue 2

      Study abroad programs in higher education increasingly play a major role in training students for global citizenship. This case study, conducted in a large research university in the United States, identifies the information needs of students and faculty in study abroad programs. Of particular interest is how awareness of library resources and services enrich students' study abroad experiences. This essay also looks at study abroad in terms of engagement, where the libraries could join with study abroad programs and develop a common vision.


      PubDate: 2013-04-13T04:02:26Z
       
  • Table of Contents
    • Abstract: Publication date: January 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship, Volume 39, Issue 1




      PubDate: 2013-04-09T03:29:11Z
       
  • Table of Contents Continued
    • Abstract: Publication date: January 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship, Volume 39, Issue 1




      PubDate: 2013-04-09T03:29:11Z
       
  • Mandatory Open Access Publishing for Electronic Theses and Dissertations: Ethics and Enthusiasm
    • Abstract: Publication date: January 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship, Volume 39, Issue 1

      This article argues against policies that require students to submit theses and dissertations to electronic institutional repositories. The article counters a variety of arguments often used to justify this practice. In addition, the article reports on the results of an examination of electronic thesis and dissertation policies at more than 150 university libraries and graduate schools, offering a system of criteria and scoring for ranking these policies according to their respect for student copyright and intellectual property.


      PubDate: 2013-04-09T03:29:11Z
       
  • U.S. Academic Library Spending, Staffing and Utilization during the Great Recession 2008–2010
    • Abstract: Available online 14 March 2013
      Publication year: 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship

      The study analyzes the U.S. academic library spending, staffing and utilization trends during the “great recession” in the period 2008–2010. These trends are compared to similar trends during the period 1998–2008, one of the most robust economic periods in U.S. history. The data used in the study was from publicly available surveys from the National Center for Education Statistics. In general it was found that for both periods many similar trends persisted and were not significantly affected by macroeconomic conditions, and that U.S. academic libraries cannot be seen as a homogeneous group with similar investment and operating profiles. Between 2008 and 2010, growth among especially small to medium sized libraries has declined; while large libraries continue to expand their investments and grow, particularly in electronic services. The economic collapse that occurred in 2008 and the effects of which are still being distributed through the economy and society are having the same impact on all types and sizes of libraries, as many library trends are not influenced by the economic downturn of the period 2008–2010. The study describes the significant differences in the level and scope of spending, staffing, and utilization by size of library, and how the differences among small and large libraries became more accentuated in the period of the great recession.


      PubDate: 2013-03-20T00:13:53Z
       
  • Publishing in Discipline-Specific Non-Library Journals for Promoting Information Literacy
    • Abstract: Available online 7 March 2013
      Publication year: 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship

      Academic librarians tend to publish in traditional “library” journals rather than journals directed at other academic disciplines, thereby missing the opportunity to inform and educate a key audience. This article alerts librarians to publishing opportunities in discipline-specific academic journals in the Arts & Humanities, Sciences, and Social Sciences, both as a means of promoting information literacy (IL) and effecting outreach to faculty. Selection criteria are defined and discussed. The results of the study are presented by discipline in table format with data on each journal including publisher, affiliation, publication frequency, review time, acceptance rate, and ranking indicators.


      PubDate: 2013-03-08T00:39:28Z
       
  • Building the Assessment Librarian Guildhall: Criteria and Skills for Quality Assessment
    • Abstract: Available online 24 February 2013
      Publication year: 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship




      PubDate: 2013-02-27T23:54:29Z
       
  • By Librarians, For Librarians: Building a Strengths-Based Institute to Develop Librarians’ Research Culture in Canadian Academic Libraries
    • Abstract: Available online 20 February 2013
      Publication year: 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship

      In spite of the increase in formal and informal expectations for research by Canadian librarians, there have been few—if any—Canada-wide initiatives to help support librarians in meeting research expectations. Moreover, there have been few opportunities to address academic librarians’ needs and Canadian librarian research culture in any systematic way, especially on a national scale. As a way of redressing these absences and filling this need, a four-day nation-wide institute was proposed and conducted in order to bring together Canadian librarians interested in developing their own research programs and working toward fostering a positive and productive research culture in Canadian academic libraries. This article describes the principles informing the institute's development and locates the institute's objectives within discussions of research culture, mentorship, and strengths-based approaches.


      PubDate: 2013-02-23T23:15:05Z
       
  • Reviews and Analysis of Special Reports
    • Abstract: Available online 18 February 2013
      Publication year: 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship




      PubDate: 2013-02-19T21:55:26Z
       
  • Elsevier Compendex and Google Scholar: A quantitative comparison of two resources for engineering research & An update to prior comparisons
    • Abstract: Available online 12 February 2013
      Publication year: 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship

      Elsevier's Compendex product (and its ancestor, Engineering Index) has been a de rigeur indexing tool for searching the primary literature in engineering for many years. However, the price of Compendex continues to rise while at the same time, broader, lower-cost or even free alternatives to such expensive indexing tools have proliferated. This paper seeks to quantitatively and, to a lesser extent, qualitatively compare Compendex to Google Scholar. In this paper, the author used a combination of methodologies in prior comparisons of both Google Scholar and Compendex to other indexing services and to each other. We undertook a quantitative comparison of the retrieval capabilities of the two indexing tools with the specific aim of examining Google's suitability to be a primary indexing tool for engineering literature. The author also considered additional factors regarding the ease-of-use and ‘added value’ features of the two interfaces.


      PubDate: 2013-02-15T21:09:49Z
       
  • Librarians’ Views of Academic Library Support for Scholarly Publishing: An Every-day Perspective
    • Abstract: Available online 12 February 2013
      Publication year: 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship

      This article reports on a study of academic librarians' views of their work and possibilities regarding support for researchers' publishing. Institutional repositories and Open Access are areas being dealt with in particular. Methods used are highly qualitative; data was gathered at two Swedish university libraries over a six months period through focus group interview sessions and personal logs by informants. Findings indicate that attitudes are often in collision with practicalities in the daily work in libraries. Even though a high degree of knowledge and awareness of scholarly publication patterns, librarians often feel insecure in the approach of researchers. There is a felt redirection in focus of academic librarianship, from pedagogical information seeking tasks towards a more active publication support, a change which also includes a regained prominence for new forms of bibliographical work. The Although there are some challenges, proactive attitudes among librarians are felt being important in developing further support for researchers' publishing.


      PubDate: 2013-02-15T21:09:49Z
       
  • Using Games to Make Formative Assessment Fun in the Academic Library
    • Abstract: Available online 8 February 2013
      Publication year: 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship




      PubDate: 2013-02-11T20:55:47Z
       
  • Mobile Library Service in Key Chinese Academic Libraries
    • Abstract: Available online 4 February 2013
      Publication year: 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship

      Mobile Internet applications and service innovations are changing people's way of life. At the same time, they are also changing the way that people communicate and access information. People who visited libraries to find specific information in the past are now able to find the same information online. As the spectrum of human need grows, the opportunities for librarians to meet these needs are also growing. Libraries will need to be designed to accommodate the changing needs of their users. Mobile library services can meet users’ information needs in a fast-paced society. In this investigation we identified 39 university libraries supported by the Ministry of Education's "Project 985" and evaluated their status as mobile library service providers.


      PubDate: 2013-02-07T18:47:33Z
       
  • Web 2.0 and Information Literacy Instruction: Aligning Technology with ACRL Standards
    • Abstract: Available online 4 February 2013
      Publication year: 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship

      The purpose of this article is to report on how Web 2.0 tools in an online information literacy instruction course aligned with ACRL's Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education. A qualitative case study was undertaken on an online graduate course related to information literacy instruction. Data collected included: course activities, assignments, emails, online discussions, and surveys. The educational theory of constructivism and its adherence to reflection, active learning, and social interaction was used to find patterns in the data. Activity theory provided a framework for data analysis and interpretation related to the patterns of activities that took place while students used each Web 2.0 tool. Web 2.0 was found to enhance all five information literacy standards. These standards related to collaboration, information organization, creativity, discussion, and technology education.


      PubDate: 2013-02-07T18:47:33Z
       
  • Guided and team-based learning for chemical information literacy
    • Abstract: Available online 30 January 2013
      Publication year: 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship

      This case study recounts a process of course design, conduct, and evaluation for a single-session chemical information literacy class using guided and team-based learning. This approach incorporates active learning, worked examples, process worksheets, and POGIL elements. The instruction followed an iterative cycle of learning exercises whereby (1) the instructor introduces an information problem or task through a short presentation, (2) student teams collaboratively work through process worksheets that guide them through the technical and analytical tasks of resolving the information problem or task, (3) the instructor serves as a facilitator to address learning needs that arise during the exercise, while student teams analyze and reflect upon the learning activity and concepts, and afterwards, (4) the class engages in a discussion as an opportunity for evaluation, further exploration, and peer instruction. Overall, the guided and team-based learning approach offers opportunities to observe student progress closely and forges a collaborative spirit between students and the instructor for an engaging and rewarding experience.


      PubDate: 2013-01-30T17:25:40Z
       
  • Librarians and Mandatory Academic Advising at a Mid-sized Public University: A Case Study
    • Abstract: Available online 26 January 2013
      Publication year: 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship

      This article provides a case study of librarians being assigned the responsibility of providing academic advising to undeclared students at a mid-sized public university. The experience of academic advising as librarians is explored as well as challenges, benefits, best practices and next steps. The implications and impact of advising on library work is discussed. For the most part, the librarians found that academic advising dovetailed well with the culture of librarianship.


      PubDate: 2013-01-30T17:25:40Z
       
  • First Impressions and the Reference Encounter: The Influence of Affect and Clothing on Librarian Approachability
    • Abstract: Available online 24 January 2013
      Publication year: 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship

      Whether or not a librarian appears approachable in public service environments is critical to providing excellent service, conveying a welcoming space, and encouraging library users to engage with one of the key intellectual venues on our campuses. This study used an image-rating method to assess the influence of affect and attire on patron impressions of librarian approachability. Findings suggest that librarian behaviors do matter, with specific treatments resulting in increased or decreased perceptions of approachability. These findings not only support common sense assessments that an attentive and welcoming environment is essential to encouraging patrons to engage with librarians; they also provide information on specific behaviors that affect approachability, allowing librarians to distinguish between a range of presentation styles that can be readily employed in public service.


      PubDate: 2013-01-26T16:35:09Z
       
  • Thinking Like Curators
    • Abstract: Available online 10 January 2013
      Publication year: 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship




      PubDate: 2013-01-19T15:04:11Z
       
  • Open Access versus Traditional Journal Pricing: Using a Simple “Platform Market” Model to Understand Which Will Win (and Which Should)
    • Abstract: January 2013
      Publication year: 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship, Volume 39, Issue 1

      Economists have built a theory to understand markets in which, rather than selling directly to buyers, suppliers sell through a platform, which controls prices on both sides. The theory has been applied to understand markets ranging from telephony, to credit cards, to media. In this paper, we apply the theory to the market for scholarly journals, with the journal functioning as the platform between submitting authors and subscribing readers. Our goal is to understand the conditions under which a journal would prefer open access to traditional pricing and under which open access would be better for the scholarly community. Our new model captures much of the richness of the existing economic literature on journal pricing, and indeed adds some fresh insights, yet is simple enough to be accessible to a broad audience.


      PubDate: 2013-01-19T15:04:11Z
       
  • Demystifying the Life of an Article: From Submission to Publication in Journal of Academic Librarianship
    • Abstract: Available online 14 January 2013
      Publication year: 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship




      PubDate: 2013-01-19T15:04:11Z
       
  • Using Academic Courses to Generate Data for Use in Evidence Based Library Planning
    • Abstract: Available online 11 January 2013
      Publication year: 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship

      The Auraria Library, which serves the University of Colorado Denver, Metropolitan State College of Denver and the Community College of Denver, collaborated with several academic courses on its campus to investigate some aspects of Participatory Action Research and Service Learning. The goal was to have students (the largest library user group) formulate questions, analyze data and provide suggestions that would help the library make evidence based decisions. The projects would provide student produced information that would be used to renovate the library. Unexpected benefits included the valuable relationships that developed between the Auraria Library, students and teaching faculty.


      PubDate: 2013-01-19T15:04:11Z
       
  • The Case for E-book Literacy: Undergraduate Students' Experience with E-Books for Course Work
    • Abstract: Available online 14 January 2013
      Publication year: 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship

      There have been a number of calls for more user-focussed research on electronic books (e-books) to understand how they are used rather than how often they are used. In-depth case studies of end user behaviour are, by design, very labour and resource intensive and generally limited in terms of the numbers of participants and the ability to generalise from analysis of the results. However, this type of research provides a valuable insight into how scholars interact with e-books to attempt to fulfil their information needs. These studies produce a very rich data set which enables the researcher to understand how scholars use, and wish to use, e-books. This paper investigates how e-books are used for scholarly activity. It focuses on the end-users of e-books in a case study which aimed to establish how scholars use and learn from e-books during a coursework task. Based on analysis of our empirical results, together with those obtained from previous research examining user needs and experiences of e-books, we present a typology of e-book interactions relevant to the design of library/academic instruction in the effective use of e-books (‘e-book literacy’) and to the future design of e-book content, tools and features.


      PubDate: 2013-01-19T15:04:11Z
       
  • Reference Reviewed and Re-Envisioned: Revamping Librarian and Desk-Centric Services with LibStARs and LibAnswers
    • Abstract: Available online 6 January 2013
      Publication year: 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship

      The first section of this article reviews the literature on the changing face of reference, beginning with a discussion of the national decline in reference transactions, its causes, and the likelihood that online reference services might one day halt or reverse the decline. It then analyzes definitions of the term “reference,” pointing to a disconnect between those definitions and much of the work that actually takes place at reference desks. Next, critiques of desk-centric models of reference are examined, followed by a discussion of the persistence of the desk in so many academic libraries today. The analysis of the literature in section one informs the re-envisioning of reference services at CPP discussed in section two. Specifically, section two describes and assesses CPP's reference desk staffing shift from librarians to LibStARs (Library Student Assistant Researchers) and our implementation of LibAnswers in an effort to automate some reference transactions. The paper ends with an overview of the benefits of these new initiatives.


      PubDate: 2013-01-11T12:30:44Z
       
  • Publishing in Discipline-Specific Open Access Journals: Opportunities and Outreach for Librarians
    • Abstract: Available online 10 January 2013
      Publication year: 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship

      Open access (OA) journals promote the opportunity for peer-reviewed journal articles to be freely accessible. In recent years, the number of OA journals has exploded in all disciplines. Previous studies have identified print-based pedagogical discipline-specific journals outside the field of Library and Information Science (LIS) for librarians to consider as vehicles for publishing articles related to subject-based Information Literacy (IL). The present study explores the presence of discipline-specific pedagogical journals listed in the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) and presents a table of OA journals with their acceptance rates and review times. Pedagogical OA journals are highlighted as a potential opportunity for librarians to pro-actively reach out to faculty within a discipline and contribute towards the OA movement.


      PubDate: 2013-01-11T12:30:44Z
       
  • The Principle and the Pragmatist11The title draws on David Lewis's comment: “Open access journals claim two advantages: the first is pragmatic and the second is principled.” See David W. Lewis, “The Inevitability of Open Access,” College & Research Libraries 73:5 (September 2012): 493–506.: On Conflict and Coalescence for Librarian Engagement with Open Access Initiatives
    • Abstract: Available online 3 January 2013
      Publication year: 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship

      This article considers Open Access (OA) training and the supports and structures in place in academic libraries in the United States from the perspective of a new librarian. OA programming is contextualized by the larger project of Scholarly Communication in academic libraries, and the two share a historical focus on journal literature and a continued emphasis on public access and the economics of scholarly publishing. Challenges in preparing academic librarians for involvement with OA efforts include the evolving and potentially divergent nature of the international OA movement and the inherent tensions of a role with both principled and pragmatic components that serves a particular university community as well as a larger movement.


      PubDate: 2013-01-07T12:00:35Z
       
  • LibQUAL in Ireland: Performance Assessment and Service Improvement in Irish University Libraries
    • Abstract: Available online 3 January 2013
      Publication year: 2013
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship

      This article reviews the Irish university experience of LibQUAL, drawing from interviews with administrators and library directors in the seven Irish universities together with data from the Irish LibQUAL notebooks generated from 2009 to 2012. Of the seven Irish universities, three find it very useful, run it regularly and have integrated it into their planning activities. Two found LibQUAL to be very useful in an occasional sense and two found LibQUAL to be less useful for their needs. The results from all LibQUAL notebooks indicate common poor perceptions about library buildings among users. However Irish users' expectations of library buildings appear to be higher than elsewhere. The approaches to analysis, interpretation and response to the results varied from library to library. While most institutions reported implementing changes as part of their LibQUAL action plans, attitudes around whether LibQUAL was a catalyst for change in their libraries varied. The majority of those interviewed described themselves as somewhat satisfied, as opposed to very satisfied, with the tool. At a national level, LibQUAL has repositioned the importance of the physical library environment within strategic planning and has placed the customer firmly at the centre of Irish university library development.


      PubDate: 2013-01-07T12:00:35Z
       
  • Patterns of Undergraduates' Use of Scholarly Databases in a Large Research University
    • Abstract: Available online 22 December 2012
      Publication year: 2012
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship

      Authentication data was utilized to explore undergraduate usage of subscription electronic databases. These usage patterns were linked to the information literacy curriculum of the library. The data showed that out of the 26,208 enrolled undergraduate students, 42% of them accessed a scholarly database at least once in the course of the entire semester. Despite their higher levels of learning and expected sophistication in information seeking skills, juniors and seniors used databases proportionately less than freshmen and sophomores. The University Library conducts a variety of introductory seminars that introduce freshmen to databases in the Fall semester. There was no evidence that this momentum is sustained in the subsequent years when higher-level more sophisticated skills are needed.


      PubDate: 2012-12-26T02:11:00Z
       
  • International Students' Perception of Library Services and Information Resources in Chinese Academic Libraries
    • Abstract: Available online 22 December 2012
      Publication year: 2012
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship

      With the growth of international student enrollment in Chinese universities, user perception has become an area of developing research in academic libraries. China's policy of opening up has led to the education and economic reforms allowing major universities to enroll international students. These changes have created an increasing need for libraries to be responsive to the information needs of these students. In order to serve these students better, universities will be expected to further understand how academic library services are currently perceived by international students. This is particularly the case at Wuhan University, which has experienced significant growth in international student enrollment. This study aims to discover the met and unmet needs as well as barriers encountered in library use by international students. Based on the information gathered, recommendations and future strategies will be formulated to improve the understanding of the information needs of non-native Chinese speakers in both the provision of services and the building of collections. The findings of this study reveal that Chinese academic libraries are considerably well perceived by international students. It also indicates that they have differing purposes, and differing needs for library services and information resources. This paper acknowledges that the study is limited to Wuhan University; however, there is a need for further studies on non-Chinese speakers, particularly, international students to obtain important information on their perception of library services and information resources.


      PubDate: 2012-12-26T02:11:00Z
       
  • Open Access Metadata, Catalogers, and Vendors: The Future of Cataloging Records
    • Abstract: Available online 21 December 2012
      Publication year: 2012
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship

      The open access (OA) movement is working to transform scholarly communication around the world, but this philosophy can also apply to metadata and cataloging records. While some notable, large academic libraries, such as Harvard University, the University of Michigan, and the University of Cambridge, released their cataloging records under OA licenses, this is not the prevailing standard for libraries as a whole. In order for OA metadata to benefit users, libraries must release their cataloging records and metadata under an open access license. This OA metadata can reside locally or globally, both of which will be discussed in this article. Three main stakeholders can foster this process: libraries, vendors, and publishers. Working as a cataloger in a vendor's technical services department affords me a unique perspective on the potential role of vendors creating, promoting, and working with OA metadata to help libraries make their collections more discoverable and user-friendly. No matter what role vendors and publishers play, though, libraries and their catalogers must lead the charge in OA metadata and cataloging records in order to provide better information to users, while easing the burden of record upkeep through a collaboration of shared OA information.


      PubDate: 2012-12-21T22:28:11Z
       
  • Digital Distribution of Academic Journals and its Impact on Scholarly Communication: Looking Back After 20Years
    • Abstract: Available online 9 November 2012
      Publication year: 2012
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship

      It has been approximately 20years since distributing scholarly journals digitally became feasible. This article discusses the broad implications of the transition to digital distributed scholarship from a historical perspective and focuses on the development of open access (OA) and the various models for funding OA in the context of the roles scholarly journals play in scientific communities.


      PubDate: 2012-12-17T22:00:50Z
       
  • Designing Authentic Learning Tasks for Online Library Instruction
    • Abstract: Available online 29 November 2012
      Publication year: 2012
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship

      This empirical study explores whether authentic tasks designed specifically for deliberately grouped students have an effect on student perception of teaching presence and student cognitive gains. In one library research class offered in an express session online, the instructor grouped students randomly. In a second online library research class, students were deliberately grouped according to major. Assignments were designed and targeted to these two groups with IRB approval. The students were surveyed using a modified Community of Inquiry survey. Analysis of survey results using Chi Square tests indicates that this constructivist approach to teaching and learning is effective for teaching library research methods; there was a statistically significant measure of overall grade achievement in the deliberately grouped class.


      PubDate: 2012-12-17T22:00:50Z
       
  • Commentary on Open Access from the JAL Editors
    • Abstract: Available online 13 December 2012
      Publication year: 2012
      Source:The Journal of Academic Librarianship




      PubDate: 2012-12-17T22:00:50Z
       
 
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