Old Problem for New Reasons

Summary

Evening staff members of the Research and Information Services Department (RISD) at the North Carolina State University (NCSU) Libraries have recently noticed an apparent increase in the use of the library by people perceived to be mentally ill. RISD staff members have found themselves in some ways unpreparedtorespond comfortably to this change. This paper, a case study, proposes reasons for this increased visibility of mentally ill people, and describes the challenges the staff members faced and how they overcame them. The RISD staff members acquired the knowledge and confidence they need to work with mentally ill people through communication among colleagues, review of the literature, and staff training.     

Are Reference Desks Dying Out? Librarians Struggle to Redefine–and in Some Cases Eliminate–the Venerable Institution

ABSTRACT

This article describes ways in which reference service is changing, including an evolution away from desk-based service, appointment-based reference, the use of social-networking tools, and physical presence outside of library buildings at alternate service sites; summarizes divergent views toward the future of reference service as expressed at the 2007 ACRL National Conference.     

Net Neutrality and Libraries: Conflicts of Access

The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit recently heard a suit brought against the Federal Communications Commission by Verizon concerning the 2010 Open Internet Rules. These rules were meant to protect consumers and ensure net neutrality by Internet service providers (ISPs). The Court struck down these rules, and now ISPs will have more power about how content is delivered to users. Librarians should be knowledgeable of net neutrality and this ruling, as it potentially affects abilities of users to exercise intellectual freedoms and could impact the library’s ability to provide services to its users.     

Business perceptions and satisfaction with e-government: Findings from a Canadian survey

This paper examines business perceptions and satisfaction with e-government. Survey data is analyzed from businesses across Canada to determine their use of e-government and their perceived satisfaction with this technology for public service delivery. There are three research questions of this paper: 1) Are there significant differences for businesses that use the internet to contact government compared to those that do not? 2) Is there is a relationship between having a more positive perception overall by business of government and e-government satisfaction? and 3) Is there a relationship between businesses having input into regulatory changes, essentially being inclusive of business in the regulatory process, and e-government satisfaction? The results from the statistical models indicated that all three questions were confirmed. The findings of this study imply that governments should try to understand the business environment. A more positive attitude by business towards government, and being more inclusive of business in regulatory changes, leads to greater e-government satisfaction.     

Organization involvement expressed through pronoun use in computer mediated communication

Significant differences are reported in the use of the personal pronouns — “I”, “WE”, “YOU”, and “THEY” — in the electronic mail sent among members within an organization, and the mail sent into the organization from other offices. The communication function of the mail also had a significant effect on pronoun use.     

Factors affecting the adoption of social network sites: examining four adopter categories of Singapore's working adults

Adapted from Chang et al.'s (2006) models, this study examines factors that influence adoption and non-adoption of social network sites (SNS) in adopters (Continuers, Discontinuers) and non-adopters (Potentials, Resistors). Chi-square and t-test were used to analyze the survey data of Singapore's working adults and Internet users (N =222). The findings reveal innovation characteristics (relative advantage, compatibility, complexity) and perceived popularity differ significantly in three pairs of adopter categories. Results show Continuers and Potentials are concerned more about image than Discontinuers and Resistors, while technology cluster differs between adopter vs. non-adopter and Continuers vs. Discontinuers. Moreover, the study suggests younger people tend to adopt SNSs, females continue to use SNSs more, and potential SNS users are more innovative. Lastly, a regression model to forecast the adoption of SNSs is proposed in which age, compatibility, technology cluster, and perceived popularity are predictors.     

Fresh Start at a Neighborhood Library

Patron use of the Internet may appear to overwhelm the public library's traditional role. This is often the case at the Colonial Heights Branch of the Sacramento Public Library. Fortunately the services which are required to support Internet use complement those required to assist patrons with the print and media collections. This essay recounts the important, primarily personal ways in which a branch library in a low socio‐economic neighborhood reinforces its traditional informational and instructional role.     

Are Information Seekers and Users Among the General Public at a Crossroads?

Abstract

Presently, eating disorders affect millions of people. Today, the media and the Internet are major publishing channels for consumer health information. Much research has found that the media may offer insufficient information on eating disorders. This research examines the quantity of adult consumer health publications on eating disorders in magazine articles and on the Internet in 1998 and investigates the effectiveness of Internet search engines. The results indicate that the resources found in popular magazines and on the Internet are not adequate, and that the Internet search engines are not effective in searching for information.     

The Impact of Internet Information Resources on Research Strategies

ABSTRACT

In 1996 a team of researchers at the Alcohol Research Group (ARG) in Berkeley and the Addiction Research Foundation (ARF) in Toronto began a three year study of U.S. federal alcohol control policy. This paper draws on anecdotal evidence from the Policy Project to make a case study of the impact of Internet information resources on the development and adaptation of research strategies. We consider how Internet access affects utilization of information services within an organization; prospects and pitfalls in adapting research strategies to Internet resource availability; critical Internet resources for substance abuse policy analysis; and measures of utilization and effectiveness applicable to assessing the impact of Internet resources.     

French Fiction:

The cataloging of music sound recordings is both challenging and interesting. As the technologies used to produce sound recordings change, these changes must be reflected in both cataloging theory and practice. Three formats: analog disc, cassette tape, and compact disk, all of which are readily available on the market, present special challenges to catalogers who must consider what might be the most effective way of handling these materials following the AACR2 cataloging rules and interpretations from Library of Congress. This paper examines the actual cataloging of those formats as done by several institutions and raises questions such as how to handle these materials in ways which will eliminate redundancy and increase efficiency in the practice of cataloging. Finally, an alternative approach, drawing on AACR2 practice in other areas, is suggested.