Slavic and East European Collections at the University of Toronto Library: From the Great Fire to the Deep Freeze, 1890−1948

ABSTRACT

This article explores the history of the Slavic and East European collection at the University of Toronto Libraries from the great fire of 1890 to the beginning of the Cold War. The author contextualizes the history in relation to the development of Russian studies at the University, and the creation of a formal program of Slavic studies in 1949. Particular emphasis is placed on gifts and bequests of library material.     

高校图书馆读者感知服务质量评估模式研究【涉嫌严重学术不端撤稿】

[目的/意义]结合我国实际分析读者对高校图书馆服务的感知情况。[方法/过程]在目前学术界普遍认同的"LibQUAL+"评价模式基础上增加评价人背景这一维度，升级以往三维空间上的评价指数和参数，从而使图书馆的评价指数更加全面。基于新增的评价人信息这一维度，根据选取参数设计调查问卷，以笔者所在学校师生为样本，运用SPSS软件对四维模型及其分级参数进行定量测度，并依据测度结果对图书馆的组织机构管理提出建设性意见。[结果/结论]高校图书馆应提升服务质量，加强对硕、博、理工科和教师类专业资源的建设，多引进口碑良好、读者评价排名靠前的书籍资源，此外，还应提高资源的更新频率，从而对使用图书馆频率较低的群体产生持续吸引力。在信息建设方面，应敏锐捕捉读者需求，不断优化图书馆网站页面的排版和内容设置。     

Resource Constraints and Quality Public Library Service Delivery in Ghana

Abstract

The availability and quantum of resources at the disposal of libraries greatly influence service delivery. This study seeks to assess the adequacy and effect of attenuating resources on the quality of public library services and the barriers to accessing sufficient resources for the provision of quality services. Based on a qualitative approach, the study interviewed 32 participants drawn from three regional libraries, using purposive and convenience sampling methods. Data were analyzed using interpretative techniques. The results showed that all three regional libraries were highly under resourced in terms of qualified personnel, physical resources, and current library materials which ultimately resulted in low patronage of the library facilities. A major concern was the absence of a National Library and Public Library Policy guiding the establishment of public libraries in Ghana. We strongly suggest that the new public library service bill should include a statutory formula for resource allocation to public libraries. Though our research concentrated on Ghana, the implications of the study are of great value to similar contexts.     

Framework for Change: Creating a Diversity Strategic Plan within an Academic Library

Abstract

In December 2017, Clemson University’s administration via the Assistant Vice President for Strategic Diversity Leadership charged each college and the University Libraries with creating and implementing a diversity strategic plan to align with the ClemsonForward institutional strategic plan and assessment system. Clemson University Libraries answered this charge by creating a Libraries Diversity Plan Working Group (LDPWG), which applied a provided institutional framework to conduct an inventory of current diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and obtain input, feedback, and support from all the Libraries’ faculty and staff as well as the organization and institution administration to create an ambitious diversity strategic plan. The LDPWG worked for sixteen months to create an updated organization mission statement, a sustainable diversity statement, and an accountable roadmap, furthering Clemson University Libraries’ DEI initiatives and impact regarding six strategic priority areas: climate and infrastructure, recruitment and retention, education and training, research and scholarship, leadership support and development, and strategic partnerships.     

高校图书馆微信服务项目共现关联及信息传播影响力研究——以“C9联盟”高校图书馆微信公众号为例

[目的/意义] 分析高校图书馆微信公众号信息服务项目的共现关系及其对信息传播影响力的影响。[方法/过程] 首先，总结归纳高校图书馆微信公众号的信息服务与信息传播影响的相关研究。然后，选取"C9联盟"高校图书馆微信公众号为研究对象，参考已有研究将其服务项目予以分类，根据服务项目在下拉菜单的共现关系构建关联网络，通过接近中心性的计算确定节点的相对重要性。最后，采用WCI指数分析测度各公众号信息传播影响力，并结合高阅读量文章的数量及所属服务类型，分析其对信息传播影响力的影响。[结果/结论] 高校图书馆微信公众号所提供的服务中，用户信息、资源检索、信息快递3类服务在关联网络中的相对重要性较高，但信息快递类服务内容对信息传播影响力的影响最大，资源检索、用户信息、互动咨询、其他类服务的影响较小。     

Assessing the Accessibility of Library Tools & Services When You Aren’t an Accessibility Expert: Part 2

Abstract

There are a few studies in library literature that explore accessibility issues from the perspective of students who use assistive technologies for accessibility. As we shared in part one of this two-part series in our column, librarians have extensively explored through usability studies with WAVE and other audit tools how accessible library websites and databases are when using assistive technologies like JAWS. In this column, we asked our blind student worker to journal his experiences navigating our library’s databases. We found this student navigated the databases better than we anticipated. While his experiences regarding the accessibility of the libraries’ electronic services varied, common issues he experienced included navigational issues from menus with expanding capabilities, documents that were not scanned with OCR, and images without alternative text.     

Special Libraries and PCC: Adopting Community Standards at Focused Collections

Abstract

A reminiscence on the positive influence of the Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC) through the perspective of the author’s career as she moved from university libraries into the specialized realm of a research library within a museum. The author describes her service on the PCC Policy Committee, how The Frick Art Reference Library joined PCC, and how New York City art librarians facilitated best practices in partnership with PCC trainers and the ArtNACO Funnel. The mutual benefits of PCC and the unique contributions of special libraries are emphasized. Challenges to this community’s participation in PCC are outlined, with suggestions for going forward.     

Changing Models of Library Education to Benefit Rural Communities

ABSTRACT

Rural libraries whose librarians have expertise in digital literacy and a deep understanding of unique communities contribute to improving quality of life for residents. However, many library education programs do not include the development of students as future leaders of community growth. In this article we describe efforts to build on prior research in the Appalachian region. Offered by Texas Woman’s University School of Library and Information Studies (TWU SLIS), a designated Hispanic-serving institution in Texas, the program extends library roles by getting librarians out into their communities, working with community leaders and residents to facilitate needed and wanted change.     

Public Libraries in the Eyes of the LGBTIQ Community: The Case of Croatia

ABSTRACT

The achievement of social justice, which implies the development of collections and the design of services for different user groups, is an objective present in the mission of public libraries. Since the 1950s, Croatian public libraries have been continuously developing collections and services for different user communities. However, one user community has remained largely unrecognized – LGBTIQ people. Therefore, the aim of the research presented in this paper is to examine the importance of the role of public libraries in the life of the LGBTIQ community in the Republic of Croatia. With a sample of 259 respondents, information behaviors, attitudes and experiences of LGBTIQ people in relation to public libraries have been examined via an online survey. In particular, this study explored the extent to which members of public libraries differ from non-members. The obtained results should contribute to a better understanding of the information needs and behavior of members of sexual minorities and help bring this group of users closer to (Croatian) public libraries by ensuring that libraries more adequately respond to their needs.     

Commuter Students and the Academic Library: A Mixed-Method Study of Space

Abstract

This study discusses the library space assessment of the Stark Campus Library of Kent State University. The commuter student experience is underrepresented in the literature, which often focuses on residential campuses. A mixed-method research approach is used to understand commuter students’ experiences and preferences of an academic library. Researchers used photo-elicitation interviews, hourly floor sweeps, and unobtrusive observation to gather data on student use of the library. The study shares its findings on students study habits and how their commute affects time spent on-campus.