Blogging for the Distance Librarian

Abstract

Based on user lookups, Merriam-Webster Onlineproclaimed “Blog” the word of the year for 2004.¹ Distance librarianship, until mid-way through 2004, was a subject that was underrepresented in the blogosphere. The inception of a blog called The Distant Librarian: Comments on the World of Distance Librarianshipis chronicled in this article, along with suggestions for how and where to get started, as well as how to incorporate blogs that support library services for distance students.     

对学科化服务背景下嵌入式图书馆服务的思考:定位、关键步骤及挑战

结合国内外图书馆关于嵌入式服务理论与实践的讨论,探讨了学科化服务背景下图书馆服务的特点及基本模式、有效开展嵌入式服务的关键步骤,以及图书馆员亟待解决的挑战。本文所探讨的结论,可为国内大学图书馆开展此项服务实践提供参考性框架。     

Blogging for the Record: A Study of Blogging from an Archival Point of View

ABSTRACT

This article examines the current phenomenon of blogging from an archival point of view. To better understand the nature of blogs, the author conducted an informal survey of bloggers at Princeton Theological Seminary. The results of this survey show that blogs represent a dynamic but ephemeral new form of electronic record and writing practice. This article concludes that blogs have archival value and that archivists should proactively preserve them along with other electronic records.     

The Use of Supporting Documentation for Information Architecture by Australian Libraries

This article reports the results of an online survey that examined the development of information architecture of Australian library Web sites with reference to documented methods and guidelines. A broad sample of library Web managers responded from across the academic, public, and special sectors. A majority of libraries used either in-house or external documents or both, but the nature of these documents varied greatly. Most external documents were guidelines handed down by libraries’ parent bodies, though some documents produced by independent organizations were used. More general guides on best IA practice were also consulted. The extent of libraries’ control over their own Web sites also varied widely, from minimal control to complete autonomy. Although guiding documentation was considered useful in some ways, respondents were more interested in developing the necessary IA skills and competencies than in cross-site standardization. The lack of these skills and resource and management issues were a greater concern than a lack of documentation. The influence of parent bodies and the diverse purpose and context of library Web sites suggest that a generic set of guidelines for libraries would not be particularly helpful. Instead, librarians with greater IA skills would be in a better position to apply the most appropriate standards and guidelines according to their local contexts.     

Strengthening information literacy in a writing-designated course in the mathematics major

When a campus has not integrated information literacy education into the curriculum, many students will not have the opportunity to learn these necessary skills before they embark on their career paths. This pilot study explores the possibility of teaching information literacy skills to students enrolled in a writing-designated course offered to mathematics majors who are about to complete their undergraduate studies. Outcome-based objective evaluations were used to guide teaching strategies as well as to gauge student progress. Embedded one-on-one consultations were found to be critical in strengthening these students’ information literacy abilities.     

Foot in the Door: A Typology of Salesmen

The authors developed a grounded model of face-to-face salesmen. The first part of the study involved analysis of 2 films on sales: 1 fiction and 1 nonfiction. Then, the researchers interviewed salesmen in a variety of contexts. Finally, the film analysis was compared with the interviews to create a conceptualization of the contemporary salesman.     

Blackboard on a Shoestring

Abstract

Blackboard Learning System(tm) enhancements can provide high levels of sophistication and make it relatively simple to provide a seamless connection between online courses and library services. But not all institutions are willing or able to make the investment for these additional features. Yet providing direct links to library resources from Blackboard courses may still be the best way to facilitate a connection between the two Web environments. This paper is intended to introduce the key points for consideration as an institution begins a project to insert a library presence into online and courseware-enhanced classes taught on Blackboard. A general “primer” on the potential functionality of Blackboard is included as well as instructions for the various means of creating links from course menus to a library Web page.     

Getting on the Fast Track,or How to Get an MLIS Through Distance Education,with a Specialization in Medical Librarianship

Abstract

The article describes an innovation in MLIS education for medical librarianship, with an introduction to the FastTrack, the distance education program at the University of Pittsburgh's library and information science school, together with an overview of a model program linking the biomedical library at Vanderbilt University with the School of Information Sciences in Pittsburgh. Admissions requirements and specific curriculum for the distance education master's degree are detailed in an FAQ format.     

Embedded Librarian Within an Online Health Informatics Graduate Research Course: A Case Study

The Health Sciences Library and the Department of Health Informatics & Information Management at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis piloted an embedded librarian project in summer 2012. The value and effectiveness of the pilot project was evaluated by analyzing the content of e-mail questions received from the students and the students’ answers to the pre- and post-class surveys. The project received positive feedback from the students and course faculty. Librarians collaborating with teaching faculty and interacting one-on-one with students in health information-intensive courses proved to be helpful for student learning.     

Managing Exploratory Units in Academic Libraries

Abstract

This article describes the role of exploratory teams in leading radical innovation within academic libraries, empirically expanding on Jantz’s research on the managerial and environmental conditions necessary for the creation of such units. Using historical and contemporary private-sector examples, as well as an in-depth case study from successful implementation of one such unit, this article documents the components, characteristics, and return on investment associated with academic library R&D. Finally, by tackling the concept of exploratory activities at the organization, team, and individual levels, the article presents actionable techniques for fully supporting, and adequately nurturing creative professionals whose job is to redefine 21st century librarianship.     

From Distance Education to Online Learning: Practical Approaches to Information Literacy Instruction and Collaborative Learning in Online Environments

The increasingly ubiquitous nature of online learning has necessarily changed pedagogical approaches in the 21st century. This article will present an overview of the evolution of distance learning with a particular emphasis on current models and emerging methods of instruction for online learners. The authors detail how various learning management systems and tools as well as online learning objects can be used as mechanisms for creating a platform for student investment and ownership in the learning process. Additional discussion will focus on how these methods and approaches can enhance teaching, training, and peer collaboration within the library workplace.     

Use of Social Networking Sites by LIS Professionals in Higher Education Institutions in India: A Study

The study investigates how library and information science professionals working in higher education institutions in India integrate social networking sites (SNS) into their routine work. It was revealed through the questionnaire that the majority of respondents are members of the institution's official group on the SNS, whereas only one fifth are members of an unofficial student group. These information professionals use SNS to socialize, keep themselves up-to-date, find jobs, and acquire information about conferences and seminars in their respective fields. Some of the legitimate concerns of library and information science professionals are privacy and cyberbullying. To increase use, social networking applications must be incorporated into the curriculum of master's degree courses for library and information science.     

美国南康州大学的图书馆学远程教育及其对中国的启示

本文介绍了美国南康州大学图书馆学情报学远程教育的情况。分析了远程教育的睨势和不足．同时对中国发展图书馆学远程教育提出了建议。参考文献4。表3。图1。     

Getting Our Foot (Back) in the Door: Reestablishing a Freshman Instruction Program

SUMMARY

In 1999, librarians at the University of Alabama (UA) developed a program to reintroduce library instruction into the English Department's mandatory Freshman Composition Program. This article discusses the development, execution, outcome, and assessment of the program and includes tips for developing a similar program. Through negotiation and open discussion with the Director of Freshman English, the library successfully convinced the Director to allow a program of instruction back into the English 101 program. Library instruction sessions were paired with one of the essays/assignments common to all English 101 classes. A survey conducted to assess the library's efforts concluded that the instruction had a positive effect on students' understanding of library resources.     

Social Science Research in India

An analysis of 393 papers published by Indian social scientists and included in Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) indicates that most of these papers are published in Indian journals. Some of the papers are directly related to problems faced by Indian society. A major share of the papers are in low impact journals and have a low citation rate. Anthropology, psychology and psychiatry are the strong areas in social science research in India.     

Teaching critical thinking skills through commonly used resources in course-embedded online modules

The University of Louisville Quality Enhancement Plan focuses on integrating critical thinking into the undergraduate curriculum while using the Paul-Elder Critical Thinking Framework. In an effort to expand information literacy and outreach opportunities, the Social Sciences Librarian created online learning modules using SoftChalk, a program that enables the modules to be embedded into any Blackboard course shell. Originally created for an Introduction to Psychology course, the Critical Thinking & Information Evaluation Module Series maps information evaluation concepts to the Paul-Elder Framework's Elements of Thought through an examination of commonly used resources: Wikipedia, Google, and scholarly journal articles.     

Work of the Web Weavers: Web Development in Academic Libraries

Although the library's Web site has become a standard tool for seeking information and conducting research in academic institutions, there are a variety of ways libraries approach the often challenging—and sometimes daunting—process of Web site development and maintenance. Three librarians at Western Michigan University explored issues related to this topic by conducting a Web-based survey, which was sent to two librarians—Web services and reference/public services—at 149 academic institutions. Survey findings are discussed, including references to Web departments and committees, priority setting, Web authoring, soliciting input, outsourcing, content management systems, redesigns, and user involvement. The participants’ insights regarding the greatest challenges and what seems to be working or not working well are also outlined, in addition to the authors’ suggestions for future research in this area.     

Enhancing Information Literacy for Preservice Elementary Teachers: A Case Study from the United States

Through this study, a librarian and faculty team aimed to determine the extent to which a one-credit information literacy course deepened preservice teachers' understanding of information literacy. We employed a treatment and control group design; treatment participants received 15 hours of information literacy instruction while control participants received no direct information literacy instruction. Data sources included a questionnaire and think-aloud cognitive tasks. Analysis revealed that the one-credit course was insufficient for deepening preservice teachers' information literacy skills, leading to recommendations to enhance and expand instruction and recommendations for future study. Preparing teachers with effective information literacy skills who are also equipped to instruct youth to navigate the challenges of 21st Century information literacy is an important endeavor that requires collaboration and continuous assessment.     

中国图书馆学专业教育层次化探讨

当前，图书馆学专业教育面临着专业萎缩、生源不足、学习动力不足等危机。针对这些问题．本文提出了进行中国图书馆学专业教育层次化改革的设想，同时提议教育部图书馆学学科指导委员会的作用，实施图书馆从业人员资格认证制度。