The relative impact of violation type and lie severity on judgments of message deceitfulness

This paper is part of a larger program of research assessing variables that underlie quantitative deceptiveness ratings. Several recent theoretical approaches, including Information Manipulation Theory (IMT), propose that deceptive messages are best understood as varying along two or more dimensions. At the same time, researchers have increasingly moved from dichotomous deception judgments to continuous deception ratings. This paper questions the validity of scaling degrees of deceptiveness along a single dimension, and argues that gradations in perceived deceptiveness reflect both the type of information manipulated and the severity of the consequences of the deception. This reasoning was tested with alxl experiment (N = 236) in which both the type of information manipulated and the severity of the consequences were systematically varied. As predicted, the results suggest that false messages (i.e., quality violations) are rated as more deceptive than lies of omission (i.e., quantity violations) when lie severity is low, but this difference diminishes as lie severity increases. In other words, false messages were rated as deceptive regardless of severity, but messages omitting information were rated as deceptive as false messages only when the consequences were serious. The implications for measuring deception are discussed.     

Monitoring the implementation of scientific and technical programs in Kazakhstan

This paper presents the experience of the National Center for Scientific and Technological Information in providing information and analytical support to scientific and technological programs in Kazakhstan. This paper also describes key methods and mechanisms for such support. Statistical data related to scientific and technological programs that were registered in the National Center for Scientific and Technological Information in the period between 1995 and 2012 are presented. An in-depth analysis of programs that were implemented in 2011, as well as of their effectiveness, and the financial and staff resources involved, is performed. Sectoral programs are more effective in terms of patents filed and the use of the end results. Basic-research programs are more effective in terms of publication activity. The ranking of programs by effectiveness is correlated with their ranking by total volume of funding, as well as by the number and qualifications of the staff involved in the implementation of the programs.     

契约文书描述元数据规范设计与应用

[目的/意义]图书馆界开展以契约文书为代表的民间历史文献的保存、整理、组织,各机构分别制定自建元数据方案,缺少统一规范与标准,在资源互操作与关联方面也较为薄弱。为此,设计易于使用与关联的契约文书描述元数据规范,为该类型资源的组织与互操作提供解决方案。[方法/过程]针对兼具文献与档案特征的资源特点,结合契约文书描述元数据功能及原则,复用已有元数据规范,设计契约文书描述元数据方案。[结果/结论]结合上海交通大学图书馆应用实例,解析图书馆应用描述元数据开展契约文书组织的方法与工作重点。     

Privacy issues in relational embarrassment: Impact on relational quality and communication satisfaction

Past theorizing on causes for embarrassing situations has not taken the context of the relationship into account. This study takes exception to that oversight and examines embarrassment within the context of romantic relationships. Respondents (n = 199) were asked to identify embarrassing situations caused by romantic partners. Responses were content analyzed and three major categories were found: revealing relational secrets, inappropriate actions and awkward situations. All of these situations were considered to be breaches of relational privacy, where the partner made something public that was expected to be kept private between the couple. Respondents were also asked to assess the impact frequency of embarrassment has on feelings of relational quality and relational communication satisfaction. Gender, length of relationship, and currency of relationship were also considered. Using canonical correlations, the findings show that current relationships are longer, have less embarrassment and have higher levels of relational quality as well as satisfaction with relational communication. While past relationships are perceived to be shorter, have more embarrassment and have lower levels of relational quality as well as satisfaction with relational communication. Interpretations of these results are offered, in light of relational privacy issues.     

The Portrayal of Race and Crime on Television Network News

A content analysis of television network news was conducted to assess the portrayal of race and criminal behavior. Findings revealed that Whites were more likely than African Americans to appear as perpetrators, victims, and officers. Both African Americans and Whites were more likely to appear as perpetrators than as victims and officers. African American and White law-breakers were represented in a way consistent with their perpetration rates. However, Whites were overrepresented while African Americans were underrepresented as victims of violent crime. Furthermore, Whites were over represented and African Americans were under-represented as police officers. The implications of these findings are discussed.     

Predicting Success: Revisiting Assumptions about Family Political Socialization

This study, guided by family communication patterns theory, examined the role of family communication in political socialization. We tested whether certain communication styles were associated with higher levels of political similarity within the family. Additionally, the independent influences of the mother and father, as well as the direction of these influences, were considered. Results suggest that different communication styles are associated with higher levels of political similarity. Additionally, it was found that children were more likely to share their mothers' political attitudes than their fathers'. Explanations for these findings are discussed and implications focusing on the role of communication in the socialization literature are considered.     

Library and learning experiences turned mobile: A comparative study between LIS and non-LIS students

The rapid developments of wireless telecommunication networks and the widespread increase of smartphone ownership around the world have created tremendous impacts on the services provided by institutions of higher education worldwide on several dimensions. Unarguably, mobile technologies have created new and unforeseen opportunities for educators, information services providers and students to experience the new horizon of teaching, learning, as well as knowledge transfer and creation. Taking into consideration that since Library and Information Science (LIS) students are training to become future LIS professionals, they are expected to be ready as well as active in integrating mobile technology into their daily learning practices.This study was set up to examine two groups of students (namely: LIS versus non-LIS students) at Peking University – their attitudes and level of activeness in adopting mobile technology in their daily life, as well as in their learning practices. Quantitative questionnaire survey was used for data collection, and a total number of 319 responses (i.e., LIS, 63 and non-LIS, 256) were collected from this study. Findings of this study reveal that no significant differences were found between the two student groups (LIS versus non-LIS) in many areas. In fact, both LIS and non-LIS student groups were using their smartphones to engage in different learning, research, social networking, pastimes, and recreational activities on similar level. However, it was concerning to note that the LIS student group was slightly less active in accessing the online services and resources provided by their university library. This was a particular finding that went against the researchers' original anticipation. However, such unexpected finding did not mean that these LIS students were necessarily less active or ‘open’ as mobile learners. For the reason that in comparison to their non-LIS counterparts, they were equally as active as in terms of using their mobile devices for other learning (particularly collaborative learning) and research purposes. Further studies are recommended to determine various factors that are hindering these LIS students from using the university library's online resources and services on a more active level.     

When Is It Acceptable to Lie? Interpersonal and Intergroup Perspectives on Deception

While deception is generally viewed as an undesirable and unethical action, people evaluate some lies as more detrimental than others. This study examined factors influencing deception assessments, including the seriousness of the lie and whom it benefits. The effect of an intergroup versus an interpersonal context for the lie was examined. Utilizing 24 vignettes varying in terms of these conditions, 259 participants evaluated a lie’s appropriateness, deceptiveness, and complexity. Altruistic and white lies were viewed as less deceptive and more acceptable than self-serving and more consequential lies. Lies evaluated as least acceptable were interpersonal, serious, and self-serving compared to altruistic lies and those embedded in an intergroup context. Intergroup and interpersonal deceptions are recognized as distinct forms of lying and are evaluated differently.     

The Professional Career and Life of Valerie Bross

ABSTRACT

The career path and significant professional accomplishments of librarian Valerie Bross (1954–2016) are described in this article. The awards and recognition she received are recounted and the influence of outside activities on her career is assessed. An attempt is made to capture what she was like as a professional, as well as what her unique characteristics were. A bibliography of her writings and a photograph are included.     

Public Library Services For Wheelchair-Bound Young People In Singapore

This is an exploratory study of public library services in Singapore for young people (defined as those people between thirteen to nineteen years of age) who are wheelchair bound. The research was carried out originally in 2000, but the study still informs policy makers in the Singapore system. Three main research questions are explored:

• What are the information needs of wheelchair-bound young people?

• What are their perceptions of libraries and library services?

• What are the problems they face in using library facilities and services?

The study involves eleven wheelchair-bound people between the ages of twelve and twenty who were selected by means of a purposive sample.

Findings indicate that most participants enjoyed reading books but did not read newspapers. The computer was used primarily as a recreational tool, and the convenience of the Internet appealed to them. There were, however, problems in using computer equipment in the libraries. School libraries were generally inaccessible. There were also problems in using public library services and facilities as well as being in public places. Their use of public libraries was infrequent. They were unaware of the full range of library facilities and services.

The study concluded that there was a need and demand for library services by wheelchair-bound young people. Their information needs and reading habits were no different from those of any young person. Current library promotions were inadequate in stimulating or sustaining their awareness and interest. Transportation was the main obstacle in getting to libraries. The problems faced in using libraries were mainly related to architectural and physical access to library facilities and services.     

Fund allocation formula analysis: Determining elements for best practices in libraries

The purpose of this study was to determine whether common elements in fund allocation formulas could be used to articulate “best practices” for fund allocations in academic libraries. Methodology involved a meta-analysis of published articles and Internet sites in which 75 fund allocation formulas were presented. Of the 75 formulas, 28 usable examples were analyzed to determine if there were any statistically significant elements within these formulas that could be identified, as well as to determine the degree of correlation for each component identified in the usable set. Findings are presented in this article, as well as implications for further research.     

Information needs of practicing dentists

Dentists, as health professionals, need access to information. As in other health sciences, the increase in the rate and volume of published information has made it more difficult for them to keep up with new developments. Five hundred randomly selected dentists in Louisiana were surveyed to determine what information dentists seek and what sources they prefer. Responses indicated that dentists need information on new techniques in dentistry and that preferred sources are professional colleagues and personal journal collections. Libraries were found to be used only infrequently as sources for information. Implications for planning libraries for applications- and technique-oriented professions are discussed.     

Model Licenses and License Templates: Present and Future

This presentation reviewed the standard model licenses that are available, including models such as LicensingModels.org and LibLicense, plus institution-specific licenses available online. The licenses’ strengths and weaknesses as templates were discussed. Best practices for creating a license template at one’s own institution were modeled, with standard language that one can use in negotiation. Problems and gaps in model licenses were raised, including formats or kinds of purchases that require new language that has not yet been standardized (such as e-books and streaming media). Suggestions for developing a new model license through community action were discussed.     

Visualizing Academic Librarians: An Arts-informed Inquiry

This research was undertaken by five librarians from Deakin University Library Australia as part of a professional development project. The objective was to collect qualitative data on the perceptions of librarians by academics and library colleagues from Deakin University. The ways in which academics perceive librarians, as well as how other library staff perceive librarians, are relatively under-explored areas. This study investigates the topic through an analysis of drawing and other visual representations, based on a study design that applied a visual, arts-based methodological approach. Participants were invited to focus groups where they were provided with a variety of craft materials, asked to create a visual representation of liaison librarians, then discuss their artifact. The data consists of twenty-eight artifacts, which were content analyzed, and semi-structured interview recordings, which were transcribed and analyzed for themes. Participants expressed liaison librarians positively, as helpers and connectors, as a gateway to knowledge, with complex and varied roles, as trusted sources, and as relationship builders. By drawing attention to these themes, the participants highlighted that liaison librarians are invaluable to Deakin University.     

Librarians Do It Differently: Comparative Usability Testing with Students and Library Staff

Usability testing on library search tools was conducted with ten students and eighteen library staff members at Syracuse University. The study addressed three research questions: (1) Do the ways in which librarians carry out search tasks on the library Web site vary from those of student users?; (2) Are those variations indicative of different mental models, i.e. different experience with and knowledge about the content and search tools on the Web site?; and (3) If there are differences, what are the implications of those different models for the usability of the site by students? Participants were tasked by using the library's Web site to locate both known items and items about a subject in the library's collection. The two groups differed in the success with which they were able to complete the tasks, as well as the time used. There were differences in the selection of search tools, the syntax used within the search box, the expectations of how library resources are organized, and the level of persistence as tasks were performed. Students’ behavior is characteristic of different mental models for how search tools work. The results are applicable to the design of the library's Web site and have implications for how library staff conduct reference and instruction services.     

An Evaluation of Online Reference Services Through Social Networking Sites in Selected Nigerian University Libraries

The study evaluated online reference services through social networking sites in selected university libraries in Nigeria. A survey approach was adopted to ascertain patrons’ level of awareness, their preferences, and the sources from which they were informed of the existence of the service. Findings revealed that patrons are aware that their university libraries are on social networks but are still not familiar with reference services. Facebook, Twitter, and Ask-a-Librarian were ranked as the most preferred methods for delivering online reference services, and online reference service was indicated as more convenient than traditional desk reference service because communication is available anywhere and anytime with a reference librarian and is easily accessible.     

The U.S. monthly catalog and the publications reference file as collection development tools

The 1991 Monthly Catalog of United States Government Publications was examined using a random sample of 668 publications in order to determine what percentage of materials produced at the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) were available through the depository library system, and how many of those were offered through the Sales Division via the Publications Reference File (PRF). It was found that 98 percent of publications (655 titles) in the Monthly Catalog were depository items. The remaining two percent (13 titles) are discussed as an indicator of what was not available through the depository system. It was also found that only nine percent of the publications (62 titles) in the Monthly Catalog were listed as available through the Sales Division. Of that nine percent, only 60 percent (37 titles), were listed in the PRF after one year. The nature of these publications and their average prices are examined. Also discussed are the publications dropped from the PRF. A total of 293 publications were identified as available through either GPO or agency distribution, representing 44 percent of the original sample.     

Asking and sharing information in the blogosphere: The case of slimming blogs

The study examines the extent to which blogs are used as interactive forums in which people can ask and share information. These activities were investigated as constituents of interaction taking place in blogs. The study draws on the analysis of the postings and comments submitted to eight Finnish blogs on slimming issues. The data were examined using the category system of Interaction Process Analysis. The findings indicate that blogs provide emotionally supportive forums that mainly serve the ends of sharing information and opinion. In contrast, blogs are seldom used for articulating information needs and seeking for information.