Academic Librarians' Varying Experiences of Archives: A Phenomenographic Study

This article reports on a study investigating academic librarians' varying experiences of archives in order to promote understanding and communication among librarians and archivists. A qualitative, phenomenographic approach was adopted for the study. Three different ways of experiencing archives were identified from analysis of interviews. Archives may be experienced by academic librarians as 1) a place which protects collections; 2) resources to be used in accomplishing tasks such as teaching, research, or outreach; or 3) manifestations of politics. The third way of experiencing archives is the most complex, incorporating both the other experiences. The results of this study may help librarians, especially academic librarians, and archivists communicate more clearly on joint projects involving archival collections thereby enabling more collaboration.     

图书馆馆员心理工作环境测量问卷设计研究

图书馆员心理工作环境是馆员对工作情境中个人、图书馆组织、工作特征、人际关系等方面综合知觉的认知反馈。经过开放式问卷访谈、预试及正式调查程序,研究证实中国文化背景下馆员心理工作环境是一个具有五维结构的概念,包括公平感、社会链结、价值观、社会性报酬、工作控制感,并且可以测量。研究编制的测量问卷具有良好的信度和效度,可作为相关研究的参考工具。     

By Librarians,For Librarians: Building a Strengths-Based Institute to Develop Librarians' Research Culture in Canadian Academic Libraries

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.     

高校图书馆的自助复合化设计研究

随着信息技术的不断发展,当前高校图书馆设计要与信息化趋势相适应,自助复合化是有利于优化高校图书馆空间区划的重分配与空间结合重组织.本文提出了自助复合化设计理念的定义和背景,论述了自助型复合化的高校图书馆的实现方式,为我国高校图书馆不断适应新世纪的发展提出了更高、更新、更完善的要求.     

Talent,Schmalent: An Instructional Design/Action Research Framework for the Professionalization of Teaching in Academic Libraries

When myths become canonical beliefs within a professional culture, they can have a profound impact on professional practice. In this paper we identify as a pernicious educational myth the belief that the ability to teach well is a naturally occurring innate talent or skill. The first two sections of the paper aim to demonstrate (i) that the concept of the naturally gifted teacher is a myth based on factually incorrect assumptions about expertise development and (ii) that this myth has several major negative implications for professional practices around teaching in academic libraries. We then we draw on the education literature to offer an alternative model for the cultivation of teaching excellence, an instructional design/action research framework that prioritizes ‘deliberative’ practice over innate talent. We close with suggestions for how academic librarians and library administrators can implement this framework within their institutions.     

高校图书馆标杆管理实施流程研究

标杆管理实施流程正确与否对其在图书馆绩效的提高效果上具有重要的影响作用。笔者对国外高校图书馆成功实施标杆管理的案例进行了深入分析,总结出了一些在实施过程中需要面对的问题、实施内容、前期准备工作和容易产生的认识误区,为我国高校图书馆实施标杆管理提供一些参考与借鉴。     

图书馆资源构成及认识过程

解释了什么是资源和图书馆资源，阐述了图书馆资源的构成，即图书馆资源包括物质资源、技术资源和管理资源三方面内容，并指出其资源各要素紧密联系、相辅相成，在图书馆系统中发挥着各自不同的效用。     

An Exploration of a Website Design Process and Results of a Usability Study

A transition of content management systems provided Kornhauser Health Sciences Library with an opportunity to redesign the library’s website to be more user-friendly, efficient, and visually appealing. A multistage approach was taken: (1) informal interviews of various stakeholders from the library, (2) a redesign using information gained from those stakeholders, and (3) a retrospective comparative usability study. This study was conducted with the goal to inform library staff whether the redesigned website improved accuracy and efficiency of information retrieval through the completion of timed tasks. In addition, user satisfaction was measured through guided interview questions.     

Understanding User-Librarian Interaction Types in Academic Library Microblogging: A Comparison Study in Twitter and Weibo

This research examined the ways in which academic librarians and users interact when using social media tools such as Twitter and Weibo as well as end-users' and librarians' perceptions of the types of interaction through social media. The study conducted an analysis of 1600 microblog posts sampled from twenty university library Weibo (Chinese Twitter) sites and twenty library Twitter sites in English-speaking countries. The results were compared using Chi-Square analysis. Results indicated that at present academic librarians in English-speaking countries use post information relevant to the library (news and events) and respond to information/research inquiries. And academic librarians in China are likely to use Weibo to communicate with users and to disseminate library news. Given the lack of previous research on how social media such as micro-blogging in general facilitates communication between librarians and library users in academic libraries between in English-speaking countries and China, this study provides valuable information concerning librarians' and end-users' interactions of information/knowledge sharing activities, which will enable libraries to be better positioned to promote user engagement through SNS usage.     

Biking to Academic Success: A Study on a Bike Desk Implementation at an Academic Library

Sedentary behavior has increased over the last several decades, and this has led to major life-threatening health issues. Texas A&M University Libraries has introduced an innovative idea in three of their buildings. This case study highlights the implementation of Bike Desks at an academic library while offering strategies for other libraries wishing to replicate this project, and analyzes data from a user survey. The survey explored student experiences, including perceived satisfaction and any perceived gains in study habits while using the Bike Desk.     

Understanding Roles and Functions of Academic Libraries as Innovation Intermediaries within the Service-Dominant Logic Perspective: An Australian Case Study

This study defines the academic library as an innovation intermediary that under the service-dominant logic perspective has a role of co-creator of value instead of a traditional service provider focused on collecting and exchanging knowledge. Innovation intermediaries develop a number of roles and functions to stimulate knowledge creation and transfer by supporting interactions and collaborations among multiple parties. As result, 2×2 Matrix was created to position each library's service based on its unique combination of necessary innovation roles and functions. A single case study focused on a university library and highlighted the existence of two different types of intermediaries: generalist and specialist.     

The Establishment of a Library Networking Model for the Caribbean Region: A Delphi Study

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to propose a library networking model for the Caribbean region. In addition, the probability, desirability, and feasibility of developing and implementing the proposed model was assessed.

Three questionnaires were used for collecting the data. One was called the preliminary questionnaire; the second one consisted of the Delphi questionnaire, which was sent in two rounds; and the third, was the cross-impact questionnaire.

The analysis of responses to the three questionnaires were the major sources of input on the design of this prototype model. The major findings were: Almost all libraries were involved in some kind of cooperative activity involving other institutions. Interlibrary loans, exchange of professional information, and reference services were three major activities which are carried out by libraries, both at the local level and based on informal arrangements. Eighteen institutions reported that they were engaged in computer activities with other libraries. Responses indicated that a wide array of materials exist and that a good portion is in English. Other languages represented were French, Spanish, Dutch, Papiamento, and German. There is a variety of materials found in library collections in the Caribbean region.

The classification schemes used are DDC–the most widely used; followed by LC. The AACR II is used by 82.5 percent of the institutions participating in the study.

All respondents, except one, agreed that there is a need for a networking structure in the Caribbean. Inadequate funding of library and information services was the major obstacle to the development and implementation of a library network. Absence of planning and lack of library legislation were two other impediments mentioned. The responses to the two rounds of Delphi questionnaires provided information with regard to the probability, desirability, and feasibility of the occurrence of the events presented to the participants. In general, experts agreed with all the components that were proposed in the questionnaires. The components for the proposed structure include objectives, functions, governance structure, composition of the network structure, types of members, funding and financing sources, type of structure, and operational requirements of the network.     

Understanding Academic E-books Through the Diffusion of Innovations Theory as a Basis for Developing Effective Marketing and Educational Strategies

Academic libraries are choosing to purchase electronic books (e-books) rather than print more frequently for multiple reasons. Unfortunately, e-books are not being used as much as they should be. With increasing academic e-book collections, many studies have examined student and faculty use of and attitudes towards this innovation. This paper will analyze the results in this area of research and align them with the Diffusion of Innovations Theory that includes the Rogers Diffusion of Innovations Curve, innovation categories, and the factors affecting the diffusion process of an innovation. This analysis will give libraries a better understanding of who is using academic e-books, why academic e-books are being used, and how to influence the behaviour of the academic libraries' patrons to increase their use of academic e-books. An analysis of these three areas will help libraries to develop effective marketing and education strategies aimed at increasing e-book usage.     

基于网络分析法的高校图书馆电子资源服务绩效评价模型及实证研究

在确定高校图书馆电子资源服务绩效评价的22个指标的基础上,运用网络分析法构建了高校图书馆电子资源服务绩效评价的网络结构模型,阐述了控制层维度指标和网络层中各指标层指标之间相互影响的作用机理;然后通过构造超矩阵来计算电子资源服务绩效评价指标的相对重要性权重,并对指标权重分布测度的合理性进行了检验;最后使用样本数据库各评价指标原始数据的无量纲化值与各指标的权重,利用综合绩效计算模型实证分析了网络分析法在高校图书馆电子资源绩效评价中的应用结果。     

高校图书馆全员培训的实践与思考——以武汉大学图书馆为例

全员培训是图书馆应对信息社会的挑战以及图书馆机构改革的重要措施.文章以武汉大学图书馆为例,在需求调查的基础上,提出全员培训的五个原则,并对2009年全员培训的实施情况进行分析,针对存在的问题提出解决思路.     

Managing Bibliographic Data Quality in a Consortial Academic Library: A Case Study

This article presents a case study of quality management for print and electronic resource metadata, summarizing problems and solutions encountered by the Cataloging and Discovery Services Department in the George A. Smathers Libraries at the University of Florida. The authors discuss national, state, and local standards for cataloging, automated and manual record enhancements for data, user feedback, and statewide consortial factors. Findings show that adherence to standards, proactive cleanup of data via manual processes and automated tools, collaboration with vendors and stakeholders, and continual assessment of workflows are key to the management of biblio-graphic data quality in consortial academic libraries.     

Developing the Librarians' Role in Supporting Grant Applications and Reducing Waste in Research: Outcomes From a Literature Review and Survey in the NIHR Research Design Service

ABSTRACT

Librarians and information specialists' involvement during the development of grant applications for external funding can save researchers' time, provide specialist support, and contribute to reducing avoidable waste in research. This article presents a survey of information specialists working for the National Institute for Health Research's Research Design Service within English applied health services research and a scoping review to identify other examples of librarians supporting grant applications. The survey found that support included: verifying proposed research has not already been performed; searching literature to provide background for the project; and advising on or writing systematic review methods. The scoping review found three examples where librarians were involved: in writing sections of the application; conducting reviews, and becoming a co-applicant. We recommend librarians engage with researchers by checking whether search requests are to support an application and by becoming familiar with resources and techniques to support grant proposal development.     

Librarians and Mandatory Academic Advising at a Mid-sized Public University: A Case Study

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.