Building a Library Collection on Ethical Vegetarianism

SUMMARY

This article discusses six interrelated categories of resources on ethical vegetarianism, and reviews titles for each of the six essential categories for libraries.     

Information Literacy Programs

Summary

With the rapid advances in information technology, the proliferation of information resources and formats, and the increasing complexities of access and evaluation, libraries recognize the necessity for a dynamic information literacy program that will address the needs of all categories of users. University faculty constitute one group of users to which the systemic college library increasingly endeavors to extend and market its services and programs, including its information literacy training workshops. A consideration of this library/classroom faculty relationship in the context of the adult education literature, as well as successful models that have been employed in this effort, provide insight on ways in which the library can successfully accomplish its information literacy training objectives among this group.     

From the media of the periphery to peripheral media: The changing priorities of Brazil’s alternative ecology

ABSTRACT

This article proposes a new appraisal of Brazil’s alternative media. By investing in the concept of the periphery, this study draws on past literature, semistructured interviews, and data collected from across the country (n = 50) to propose a repertoire analysis of media producers’ views of the country’s popular notion of the periphery. Evidence shows that they have shown nuanced views of the periphery as a site of purpose, pluralism, and authorship. Despite crisis and turmoil, this study presents some paths that could help reorientate the priorities of alternative media research toward a closer consideration of the periphery as entity that appears much more in line with local realities and expectations than previous international debates.     

Masonry mortars in the Castillo de San Felipe del Morro,San Juan,Puerto Rico: a method for categorization

Abstract

This paper describes the study made of mortars used in the Castillo de San Felipe del Morro in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Through a multi-disciplinary approach, combining examination of materials in situ and in the laboratory with a study of archival documents, a relatively simple system of categories was devised. Mortars were grouped into three categories based on overall color and composition: red/beige, white, and brick-dust. The information gleaned in this study served as a basis for a condition assessment and will be used for developing replacement mortars.     

DS/DH Start-Ups: A Library Model for Advancing Scholarship through Collaboration

ABSTRACT

Not all digital scholarship or digital humanities centers are created equal. Some focus on service, while others conduct research and analysis or are more experimental with research and development applications. All of these usually claim an important component of collaboration, whether that is the sharing of ideas, resources, tools, or staff expertise. However, collaboration is often talked about but not practiced, whether in the library or across campus. This article highlights how cross-campus collaboration is not just a phrase but an underlying foundation for the development and success of a digital scholarship lab at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). The start-up framework includes defining digital scholarship, leadership roles, steps to success, investing in partnerships, and the foundational documentation that has led to the successful establishment of the library as the digital scholarship hub of the university.     

Reference Sources on the Internet in United States History

Abstract

This article is a selective guide to some of the best Internet sites for obtaining reference information in the area of United States History. The categories covered include historical documents, archival directories, bibliographies, book reviews, statistics, discussion groups, biographical information, and online guides to the Internet.     

Welfare economics and media performance

The author focuses on criteria for assessing the economic performance of media markets using three concepts from the field of welfare economics: efficiency, equity, and externalities. He argues that the ultimate purposes of media economics research are to identify market structure and conduct elements that harm or help these three criteria, and to suggest policy changes that would improve media market performance.     

Same Questions,Different Venue

Abstract

This study applied traditional categories used for classifying questions presented at reference desks to online reference services. Questions presented at Penn State's subject libraries were classified as ‘Where Is,’ ‘Troubleshooting,’ ‘Policy and Service,’ and ‘Reference.’ Definitions and examples were provided to the librarians and staff covering thirteen reference desks. These categories were then applied to Penn State's e-mail and chat reference transactions for the Fall 2002 semester. Although the types of questions were similar across the three services, there were differences in the proportion of questions by categories. This suggests that services have similar, yet distinct, functions and that the type of questions submitted differ between in-person and online and also between e-mail and chat.     

Making Sense of Researcher Services

ABSTRACT

Researcher services have proliferated in recent years and numerous free or fee-based sites now promise increased visibility and impact for authors or contributors of publications and other research products. Not all services have the same goals, however, and it can be difficult to know with which services researchers should engage. In this article we establish three categories (author/researcher identification, academic/professional networking, and reference/citation management) and examine nineteen services that fit into those categories.

Column Editor's Note This JLA column posits that academic libraries and their services are dominated by information technologies, and that the success of librarians and professional staff is contingent on their ability to thrive in this technology-rich environment. The column will appear in odd-numbered issues of the journal, and will delve into all aspects of library-related information technologies and knowledge management used to connect users to information resources, including data preparation, discovery, delivery and preservation. Prospective authors are invited to submit articles for this column to the editor at kenning.arlitsch@montana.edu     

Perspectives on Librarian Collaborations

Abstract

Ms. Broms begins by defining the nature of collaboration and then describing the various elements that affect the process. The bulk of her paper is devoted to surveying the type of collaborative projects undertaken by AALL chapters from around the country. She divides these endeavors into a number of categories and discusses the rewards and problems of each.     

Constitution

The Doctor of Arts and extern‐internship program in Speech Communication is a viable alternative to the present Ph.D. program particularly in light of the existing job market. This article explores many of the advantages and considerations surrounding such a program.     

Part I: Columns and Blogs: Making Sense of Merging Worlds

Abstract

Intellectual property rights are threatened by current trends in publishing and by the changing market. In this presentation, Patricia S. Schroeder, an advocate for intellectual property rights, describes the need for understanding and cooperation and for support for legislation to protect authors' rights.     

Object lessons: Using trans porn in class to explore gender fluidity

Gender categories and gender fluidity can be explicitly performed and demonstrated in sexually explicit media such as pornography. In this class lesson, a rhetoric/performance studies class on pornography focuses on trans* performers in scenes. A critical communication pedagogical approach is used to encourage dialogue and intersectional analyses of trans* identities and erotics in the scenes.

Courses: Media Studies, Porn Studies, Popular Culture, Critical/Cultural Communication, Gender in Communication, LGBTQ Studies in Communication, Sex Communication

Objectives: Students will (1) gain knowledge about gender identity, sexuality, and sex work; (2) increase their skills in critical thinking on the fluidity of gender and sexuality; and (3) demonstrate the capacity to be more attentive to trans issues in conversation.     

Antitrust and horizontal mergers in the cable industry

This study explores the large horizontal mergers in the cable industry that have catapulted some large multiple system operators toward substantial market power in the exhibition stage of the industry without much response from antitrust authorities. It reviews the mergers and analyzes the antitrust implications for the industry.     

Availability of Works Cited in Recent Law Review Articles on LEXIS,Westlaw, the Internet,and Other Databases

SUMMARY

In this study, a group of recent law articles was examined to determine the proportion of cited resources that are easily findable online. Searches were conducted in databases such as LEXIS and Westlaw, and on the Internet, for full-text versions of every source cited in seven articles. The results have been broken down into 13 categories, including “federal cases,” “books,” “foreign law,” and “legal periodicals pre-1990.” Not surprisingly, coverage differs widely between the categories. Overall, the study found that 77% of the 1,984 citations in the articles reviewed are available online. The article concludes with a general discussion of why the percentage is likely to increase in the future.     

The big breach: An experiential learning exercise in mindful crisis communication

Courses: Advanced organizational communication, crisis communication, public relations.

Objectives: The objectives for this unit activity are to define and explain mindfulness, reflect on the relationship between mindfulness and crisis communication, and evaluate the effectiveness of crisis responses according to students’ generation of new categories and different routines, and consideration of multiple perspectives.     

Telephone Calls Received at an Academic Library's Reference Desk: A New Analysis

ABSTRACT

It has been established that much of the assistance provided to library patrons at reference desks does not require the knowledge and expertise of a professional librarian. Is the same thing true of the telephone calls received at reference desks in academic libraries? This article reports the results of one academic librarian's reference desk transaction log analysis which focuses on the categories of assistance provided to patrons who called the library's reference desk.     

A TO ZOO

Abstract

In response to the University of Calgary librarians' concerns regarding access policies for atypical items, the relevant literature was examined and Canadian universities surveyed. Operating within the specific university context and the general principle of maximization of access and availability, guiding principles and specific criteria were developed for four categories of atypical items (controversial and desirable; items that need special handling; costly items; and collections of special significance). Recommendations are made for controlled access for each category.     

Animal Rights and Animal Welfare: Historical Resources

SUMMARY

Although literature of the animal rights movement can be traced back to ancient philosophers, the animal rights movement as we know it today has a relatively brief history. This article identifies some of the key works in recent literature in the history of animal rights. Included are reviews intended to aid librarians in selecting titles in animal rights and animal welfare history. Works are divided into two categories: bibliographies and general historical works.