Acquiring Subject Knowledge to Provide Quality Reference Service

Abstract

A reference librarian frequently provides assistance in disciplines with which he is not well acquainted as to terminology or fundamental principles. Whether an advanced subject degree has been obtained or not, reference librarians have an obligation to themselves and the community they serve to broaden and expand their subject knowledge continually. This article outlines the justifications for gaining subject knowledge and the kinds of subject knowledge that reference librarians should possess, as well as offering practical suggestions for its acquisition.     

A New Approach to Thesis Subject Analysis: A Collaborative Success

ABSTRACT

The challenge of assigning subject headings to academic theses and dissertations in a timely and cost-effective manner is discussed. The paper describes a collaborative effort between cataloger and subject bibliographer at the University of Nevada, Reno. The project has proven effective in getting theses processed in a shorter amount of time, with less total time spent cataloging and analyzing the items. The authors believe that utilizing the knowledge of the subject specialist has also provided improved subject access, particularly in highly specialized theses and dissertations. The authors describe the steps taken and the resources utilized.     

Subject librarian as coauthor: A case study with recommendations

ABSTRACT

It can be challenging for subject librarians to participate in or lead Digital Humanities projects. This article presents a case study of a cataloging and digitization project that led to the creation of a Digital History website, both led by a subject librarian. Recommendations, such as leveraging your librarian skills and targeting graduate students, will be useful for other subject librarians who are looking for ways to become involved in the Digital Humanities.     

The Subject Specialist Librarian's Role in Providing Distance Learning Services

ABSTRACT

Subject specialist librarians play a role in providing resources and services to distance students. The authors surveyed subject librarians and distance librarians, examining how and to what extent subject librarians provide service to distance learners.     

Thinking Like a Student: Subject Guides in Small Academic Libraries

ABSTRACT

Small academic libraries must produce Web-based subject guides despite limited budgets. This practical communication describes how one such library in Australia used freely available wiki software and third-party hosting to create a set of Web-based subject guides. A subsequent redesign was then based around typical student tasks. This case demonstrates that it is possible to produce high-quality guides that meet student needs with minimal costs.     

Dealing with False Friends to Avoid Errors in Subject Analysis in Slavic Cataloging: An Overview of Resources and Strategies

ABSTRACT

This article discusses errors in subject analysis for Slavic materials due to “false friends,” words similar in form but different in meaning. An overview of false friends in Slavic languages is presented, followed by case studies demonstrating how false friends in book titles can lead to errors in subject analysis. We also review the resources that can assist Slavic catalogers in identifying false friends: print dictionaries, online lists, online translation tools, and records from the catalogs by the national libraries of countries of publication. Finally, implications for workflow in dealing with Slavic false friends in cataloging practice are discussed.     

Web Subject Guides: Virtual Connections across the University Community

ABSTRACT

A year ago, West Chester University Libraries began using the LibGuides library content management system. In the 1st year since implementing LibGuides (http://subjectguides.wcupa.edu/), our subject librarians have developed numerous subject guides, replacing outmoded and outdated Web pages with new guides that have a more appealing format. We have also found that Web guides can be used for projects beyond the traditional library subject guide. One of the best features of the LibGuides software is that it allows our subject librarians to easily repackage information and resources in multiple ways that suit different audiences. In this article, the authors describe how they have used these guides to respond to the needs of their university community and how they hope to expand the potential uses of the Web guides.     

Accessing Locally Created Subject Guides via the Library's Catalog

Abstract

For decades libraries have created subject guides to assist users in navigating their collections. These guides are universally accepted as a core library product of high value across all user groups. No longer confined to paper stashed in kiosks and on counter tops, subject guides are now available online from library Web sites and often emphasize and link to other Web resources. Typically, a link on the library's home page directs users to a Subject Guide List which offers active links to the topical guides. But are these links and listings sufficient to attract users? This article describes the results of a study to catalog selected subject guides on U.S. and British History and analyze usage statistics before and after cataloging. It appears that the library catalog is effective at exposing subject guides and should be considered an additional point of access amidst a growing number of discovery mechanisms.     

Subject citation bibliographies for social science material in the Caribbean

Abstract

Libraries in Latvia, as in other Eastern European countries, have begun implementing automated systems. This article outlines the state of automation in Latvian libraries and discusses the problems associated with providing subject access in their computerized catalogues. Issues relating to subject searching and retrieval in Latvian online catalogues (MARC, keyword vs controlled vocabulary search, stemming and truncation, subject headings and thesauri, retrieval mechanisms, use-system interfaces) are discussed. Recommendations are made for further progress in Latvian online catalogues in general and for subject access in particular. User education and general library concerns (classification, retrospective conversion, data exchange and networking) are also considered.     

An Historical Look at the Studies on the Subject Authority File in Turkey

Abstract

Libraries are bridges between information and the library user in the context of information retrieval. Library users want to access information resources according to their topic. Therefore, it is important to create subject entries in bibliographic records. If subject added entries and their redirects are done correctly, it will make it easier for users to access the information they are looking for. In this article the collaborative studies and projects made in Turkey are being discussed.     

基于CNKI的学科知识服务平台构建与学科化服务研究

利用CNKI机构数字图书馆的机构学科子馆构建学科知识服务平台。论述该平台与其他学科化服务系统相比,具有全面整合学科资源与服务、互动性强等优点;指出该平台可以整合包括馆藏学科资源、CNKI数据库资源、学科导航、定题服务、投稿指南、参考咨询在内的资源及服务,为图书馆开展优质学科化服务奠定良好的基础,有利于提高高校图书馆学科化服务的水平。     

Keeping modern amid changing times: The bobbsey twins—1904, 1950, 1961

Three early Bobbsey twins books were revised in 1950 and again in the early 1960s. Some of the changes made over the years merely substitute more up-to-date objects for those that contemporary children would not recognize. Others, however, reflect attitudinal changes toward racial differences, religion, government, community, and lifestyles. Deidre Johnson is a graduate student in American Studies at the University of Minnesota, where she is completing a dissertation on Edward Stratemeyer's boys' fiction. She has published several articles on dime novels and series books and is the author ofStratemeyer Pseudonyms and Series Books: An Annotated Checklist of Stratemeyer & Stratemeyer Syndicate Publications (Greenwood, 1983).     

Classification and Subject Indexing Issues at a Mexican Library Specializing in Law Research

Abstract

Subject indexing and classification of law resources is a complex issue due to several factors: specialized meanings of legal terms, meanings across different branches of law, terms in legal systems from diverse countries, and terms in different languages. These issues led to the development of a classification and subject indexing system which will help answer the major challenges of indexing and classifying law resources in the Research Institute Library at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Adopting its own classification required interdisciplinary work between law and information organization specialists, constant updating by legal specialists and others beyond the Legal Research Institute; and the sharing of this classification system with other institutions. Now, this classification system is used by important institutions that specialize in law, such as the network of Libraries of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation of Mexico. The purpose of this article is to show why and how this law classification and subject system was developed and is continuously being updated by libarians and law scholars in order for it to meet their specific needs.     

Building a Better M.I.C.E. Trap: Using Virtual Focus Groups to Assess Subject Guides for Distance Education Students

ABSTRACT

Subject guides are often used as an alternative to in-person library instruction for distance education students. However, when students are not on-campus, it can be difficult to assess if they are getting all of the relevant information they need. In an organization that serves students located across the United States and even outside of the country, a method was needed to assess the effectiveness of library information provided to distance learners on specific topics. The William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration (Hotel College) at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), offers a number of on-campus and distance education courses, including classes taught at a satellite campus in Singapore. With diverse course offerings via distance education, the conventions and exhibitions subject area was chosen as a case study. Often referred to as M.I.C.E., the study of meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions in a hospitality context is a major subdiscipline within the Hotel College. After researching different approaches to studying the effectiveness of subject guides, a virtual focus group was chosen to gather feedback from students. This paper will demonstrate how focus groups can be created and how the information gathered can be used to increase effectiveness of subject guides. Readers will discover effective techniques and pitfalls for using virtual focus groups in conjunction with subject guides assessment.     

Potential and Challenges of Subject Access in Libraries Today on the Example of Swedish Libraries

Column Editor's Notes

The “Advances in Library Data and Access” column examines technological advances internal and external to libraries. The focus is on how library data is created and used. The strength of the column is its broad, international focus, and contributors are encouraged to explore issues and recent advances in information technology relevant to their geographical region, as well as the larger, global audience. Interested authors are invited to submit proposals and articles to the column editor at moulaisonhe@missouri.edu. Please include “IILR Submission” in the subject line of the e-mail.     

Three Decades Since Prejudices and Antipathies: A Study of Changes in the Library of Congress Subject Headings

ABSTRACT

The Library of Congress Subject Headings have been criticized for containing biased subject headings. One leading critic has been Sanford Berman, whose 1971 monograph Prejudices and Antipathies: A Tract on the LC Subject Heads Concerning People (P&A), listed a number of objectionable headings and proposed remedies. In the decades since P&A was first published, many of Berman's suggestions have been implemented, while other headings remain unchanged. This paper compiles all of Berman's suggestions and tracks the changes that have occurred; a brief analysis of the remaining areas of bias is included.     

Comic Cons and Libraries: Opportunities for Patron Outreach

ABSTRACT

Comic books and graphic novels are a common part of public library collections. This research used quantitative survey methodologies to investigate the library-based behaviors and attitudes of attendees of a large metropolitan comic book convention. The intent is to provide context for librarians interested in patron outreach through comic cons. Results found that comic con attendees are library patrons, and provided clues for other types of outreach to related populations.