Reference Services Review

Extending liaison collaboration: partnering with faculty in support of a student learning community : Table of Contents

Onda Bennett, Karen Gilbert — Sun May 10 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this article is to describe the successful collaboration between faculty in Eastern Kentucky University Libraries and the University's Occupational Therapy Department in supporting a graduate student learning community, and the benefits of stepping outside of typical liaison activities to play an active role in this new educational paradigm. Design/methodology/approach – In 2006, graduate students and faculty in Occupational Therapy at Eastern Kentucky University, with a librarian and with the support of a national professional organization, facilitated the completion of a graduate thesis through the use of a topic-based learning community. This team completed an in-depth, evidence-based review of occupational therapy journal articles in the context of a regional university environment. This article focuses on the collaboration between faculty and librarian as they facilitated this new learning paradigm, the enhancement of the liaison partnership, and the results of the project especially in terms of student learning outcomes. Findings – Collaborating with faculty to support a student learning community, and supporting students in atypical ways, contribute in valuable ways to strengthening the relationship with academic departments, increasing the perceived value of library services, and promoting student success. Practical implications – Library liaison programs benefit from innovative partnerships with faculty, and from seeking opportunities to participate in new educational models. Originality/value – This paper addresses the benefits of participating in student learning communities.

Piloting an information commons at HKUST Library : Table of Contents

Gabrielle K.W. Wong — Sun May 10 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the experience of piloting an information commons at a major academic library in Hong Kong. Design/methodology/approach – At the pilot phase, assessment is crucial. The article reports how the HKUST Library monitors usage and conducted satisfaction surveys to identify users' needs, expose strengths and weaknesses of the service, and set direction for future development. Findings – The assessment data reveal users' needs and behaviors. Such information helps the Library to refine the existing service, and compose a sound proposal for expansion. The experience cumulated through the pilot also forms the basis of future planning. Originality/value – The experience that HKUST tested the concept of commons using a pilot phase, guided by its assessment program, may have reference value to other commons projects.

A decade of personalized research assistance : Table of Contents

Ramirose Attebury, Nancy Sprague, Nancy J. Young — Sun May 10 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The University of Idaho Library's Research Assistance Program has offered personalized research consultations to more than 1,150 students over ten years. This article aims to study the usage data compiled over the past decade to determine if the service still meets the needs of users effectively. Design/methodology/approach – Ten years' worth of quantitative and qualitative data were examined, using Excel to generate comparative figures/tables and to categorize user comments. Findings – Issues explored include consistencies in usage patterns (e.g. female to male ratio, undergraduate to graduate student ratio, on-campus to off-campus users), the average amount of librarian time spent in preparation for and in discussion with the RAP users, the point in the research process that RAP was requested, the types of assignments and sources, and challenges such as “no-shows” and communication problems. The assessment revealed that students from a wide range of departments and classes continue to benefit from this program, and it is sustainable. Practical implications – Other libraries can use this study to realistically estimate staff time and effort involved in individual appointments with a librarian in order to decide if they can offer such a service. Originality/value – No other study of individual research assistance programs in academic libraries has studied ten years' worth of continuous data.

The information and learning commons: a selective guide to sources : Table of Contents

Tim Held — Sun May 10 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – This bibliography aims to give citations and annotations for a core selection of sources on the information and learning commons trend in academic libraries. Design/methodology/approach – Articles, books, and web sites relevant to this topic were found in the Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts database; Library Literature Index; WorldCat; and on the internet. Sources were chosen that contribute to an overview of the concepts or cover practical considerations in implementation. Findings – Libraries are developing best practices as they experiment with learner-centered service models, but they apply these best practices differently according to their unique needs. Early implementations focus on technology and access, while later implementations focus on more collaborations surrounding learner-centered pedagogies. Research limitations/implications – This bibliography selects from English language books, web sites, and peer reviewed journals about US, British, Canadian, and Oceania academic libraries, large and small. Originality/value – This survey of the literature will help librarians and administrators understand the theoretical trends and collaboration that influence how libraries can change service, space, and technology to meet emerging needs.

Integrating information literacy skills into academic summer programs for precollege students : Table of Contents

Bobbie L. Collins — Sun May 10 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – This paper aims to describe the library instructional program that has been developed at the Z. Smith Reynolds Library at Wake Forest University to teach information literacy skills to elementary and high school students attending academic summer programs. Design/methodology/approach – Historical development of the instructional program is discussed and analyzed. This paper reflects on the importance of students who participate in summer programs having access to library resources including an orientation to the library. Findings – The academic librarian is a prime player in reaching out to university staff responsible for coordinating summer enrichment programs on a college campus. The paper highlights the successes and lessons learned in coordinating instructional activities for elementary and high-school students involved in summer camps and explores the benefits of these programs for students and librarians. Practical implications – Teaching elementary and high school students how to conduct research in an academic library can be challenging. This paper serves as a guide to offer suggestions to other librarians interested in implementing programs and services for students enrolled in summer programs. Originality/value – Academic libraries will find value in this paper's discussion on how to build effective partnerships with campus personnel to promote information literacy for school students who are involved in summer enrichment programs.

Guidelines for effective online instruction using multimedia screencasts : Table of Contents

Joanne Oud — Sun May 10 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – This paper aims to present guidelines for using streaming multimedia tutorials in academic library instruction. Design/methodology/approach – Research in cognitive psychology, education and librarianship is synthesized and its application to the design of library screencast or multimedia tutorials is discussed. Findings – Guidelines are presented on determining when multimedia is needed, how to make sure multimedia tutorials are clear and understandable, how to include interactivity effectively, how to promote critical thinking, and how to design interfaces and tutorial structure based on levels of student knowledge. Originality/value – Screencasts are a relatively new form of library instruction. Guidelines in this paper are summarized in a checklist that can be used when designing screencasts or multimedia tutorials.

Latino health: an annotated research guide : Table of Contents

Rachel Slough — Sun May 10 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – This paper seeks to provide a guide to significant primary and secondary resources relevant to the study of Latino health in the USA. It builds on prior scholarship to reflect the most valuable resources published from 1997 to 2007. Design/methodology/approach – Many materials were identified through bibliographies, online catalogs, and the worldwide web. Citation analysis, supported by book reviews published in professional and academic journals, was used to determine impact. All resources were annotated by the author after personal examination. Findings – The paper introduces each resource, describing its content and relevance to the study of Latino health. Originality/value – Latinos are among the fastest growing minorities in the USA. Although several guides address multicultural health care, few focus solely on the specific needs and issues of Latino health. Moreover, existing resource guides, both on multicultural health care and on Latinos, are at least 12 years old. This guide highlights the most recent developments about this topic.

Undergraduate research in the public domain: the evaluation of non-academic sources online : Table of Contents

Candice Dahl — Sun May 10 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – This paper seeks to suggest that criteria commonly used to teach undergraduates to evaluate online resources are inadequate when dealing with non-academic items in the public domain. It aims to argue that these resources should not be ignored by librarians or undergraduates, but that they must still be evaluated. An alternative method of evaluation, based on the concepts of comparison, corroboration, motivation and purpose is to be proposed. Design/methodology/approach – Inadequacies of current evaluative standards are revealed, specifically in relation to the current context of how and where undergraduates conduct research. Drawing on Meola's contextual framework for evaluation, as well as the thoughts of Metzger, ways to handle the evaluation of non-academic resources online emerge. Findings – Librarians must consider the place of non-academic public domain items in current undergraduate research projects, and the challenges these items pose to common guidelines for the evaluation of sources. Evaluation methods must be rethought and based on a more context-specific approach in order to be relevant when working with non-academic resources online. Originality/value – Librarians who focus mainly on the “peer-reviewed” designation or other standard evaluative criteria to help students determine what an appropriate research resource is, and who are unsure of how to guide students in their use of non-academic public domain items, will find here suggestions to guide their thinking and inform their practices.

A digital reference desk for the National Library of Iran: A prototype based on content analysis of the digital reference desks of the world's national libraries : Table of Contents

Farideh Osareh, Zahed Bigdeli, Ali Mansouri, Ali Akbar Khasseh — Sun May 10 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – This survey aims to provide an appropriate prototype for the Digital Reference Desk of the National Library of Iran. Design/methodology/approach – Using a content analysis method, 33 digital reference desks of the national libraries around the world which offer their services in English are examined. A checklist was used to gather data based on specialists' points of view. Findings – The findings show that specialists suggested 21 features were important and crucial to be included in the model. Originality/value – The results in the paper reveal that there is a considerable difference between the present situation of the digital reference desks studied and the optimum situation suggested by Iranian specialists.