Reference Services Review

Library participation in a campus-wide teaching program : Table of Contents

Amy Hoseth — Sat Nov 21 08:00:12 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to chronicle the participation of the Colorado State University Libraries in a campus-wide teaching program sponsored by the campus center for teaching and learning, and discusses the opportunities provided by such participation for academic librarians in general. Design/methodology/approach – The author uses a case study approach to explore one academic library's participation in a campus-wide teaching program sponsored by the institution's center for teaching and learning. The aim of the article is to demonstrate how the program works, and to discuss the potential for similar programs at other libraries. Findings – The library's participation in a campus-wide teaching program has strengthened ties with the campus center for teaching and learning; improved the instructional skills and knowledge of faculty and professional staff; and highlighted the importance of teaching and learning within the library. Practical implications – The author presents a blueprint for instructional collaboration with the campus center for teaching and learning, and suggests that such programs will greatly benefit reference and instruction librarians. Originality/value – This article will benefit reference and instruction librarians who seek to improve their teaching skills. Relatively few articles have investigated collaborative relationships between libraries and centers for teaching and learning in which librarians participate as students.

Blogging toward information literacy: engaging students and facilitating peer learning : Table of Contents

Christopher Chan, Dianne Cmor — Sat Nov 21 08:00:12 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe how a course-integrated blog is used to facilitate the learning of information literacy skills. It also reports on how the effectiveness of the blog is evaluated. Design/methodology/approach – The blog is made the centerpiece of library support offered to a first-year politics course. With the support of the faculty member involved, students are required to post answers to weekly library research skills questions posted to the blog. The quality of student responses is examined using a simple assessment rubric. Also, a survey is administered to students to determine perceived usefulness. Findings – The evaluation of blog posts shows that the quality of answers is generally very good. Students put effort into their responses and most give accurate and thorough answers. The results of the survey indicate that most students feel the blog is useful to their learning, both in terms of general information skills, and in terms of helping research the term paper for the course. Research limitations/implications – These results reflect just one course at a single university, therefore it is not possible to use the findings to make generalizations. The study could serve as a starting point for further inquiry into the evaluation of blogs as a support tool. Originality/value – While others have reported on using blogs in a similar manner, this study also attempts a thorough evaluation of the efficacy of the blog in helping students learn. Given the positive results of this evaluation, librarians could consider using blogs and other Web 2.0 tools to engage students in their own learning.

An information literacy program built for relevance and purpose : Table of Contents

Stephanie Simard — Sat Nov 21 08:00:12 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the design and implementation of an information literacy program for the Faculties of Science and Engineering at McGill University. Design/methodology/approach – Borrowing from the literature and Bloom's Taxonomy of Educational Objectives, a theoretical approach to audience characterization is used to generate learning outcomes aligned with American Library Association Information Literacy Standards for Science and Technology. Findings – Results suggest that a learner-centered program, addressing potential gaps between perceived and actual skills and needs, is well-received by the student population. Originality/value – This study, primarily focused on the description of a program, provides timely and useful information to academic librarians.

“I don't think it's harder, just that it's different”: Librarians' attitudes about instruction in the virtual reference environment : Table of Contents

Kate Gronemyer, Anne-Marie Deitering — Sat Nov 21 08:00:12 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate librarians' attitudes towards instruction in virtual reference transactions and to review relevant literature. Design/methodology/approach – Librarians who provide virtual reference services are surveyed about attitudes towards providing instruction via virtual reference software. In addition to gathering demographic information respondents are asked to rate agreement or disagreement with statements about virtual references using a six-point Likert scale. Findings – The librarians surveyed see value in providing instruction during the virtual reference encounter, but also identify concerns and barriers. Discussion of Marchionini's concept of exploratory search and Madell and Muncer's study on control in computer mediated communication is used to highlight some characteristics of the virtual reference environment that might require unique pedagogy and reference practices. Research limitations/implications – Most respondents are from academic libraries, potentially limiting its applicability to public or special library settings and the survey does not explore the attitudes of librarians who do not currently provide virtual reference. Practical implications – Findings will be useful for institutional or consortial virtual reference training as well as improving individual practice. Findings may also have policy and/or staffing implications for virtual reference programs. Originality/value – There is limited literature that focuses specifically on either information literacy instruction during the virtual reference transaction or on librarians' attitudes towards providing instruction in the virtual reference transaction.

Evidence-based research in the applied social sciences : Table of Contents

Robin A. Paynter — Sat Nov 21 08:00:12 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to outline increased use of evidence-based research strategies in the applied social sciences. Design/methodology/approach – The paper documents an ideal procedure for researchers to follow. It also provides resources from which to find evidence. Findings – Evidence-based practice is emerging as an influential field within academic and professional applied social science fields; as such, reference librarians across various library types should become familiar with the search strategies and tools their users need in order to be successful evidence-based practice researchers Originality/value – The Campbell Collaboration's motto, “What helps? What harms? Based on what evidence?” neatly sums up the field of evidence-based practice research

Library instruction and information literacy, 2008 : Table of Contents

Anna Marie Johnson, Claudene Sproles, Latisha Reynolds — Sat Nov 21 08:00:12 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a selected bibliography of recent resources on library instruction and information literacy. Design/methodology/approach – The paper introduces and annotates periodical articles, monographs, and audiovisual material examining library instruction and information literacy. Findings – The findings provide information about each source, discusses the characteristics of current scholarship, and describes sources that contain unique scholarly contributions and quality reproductions. Originality/value – The information may be used by librarians and interested parties as a quick reference to literature on library instruction and information literacy.

Connecting older adults to quality health information on the internet: a selective annotated bibliography : Table of Contents

Felicia A. Barrett — Sat Nov 21 08:00:12 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an annotated listing of studies that focus on older adults and, second, to describe methods by which librarians can provide the necessary tools needed to identify quality web sites that provide reliable health information found on the internet. Individuals are taking more interest in their own health care. The internet is becoming an increasingly important and influential source of health information for the public. Unlike some of the traditional approaches to acquiring health information in the past, the internet is accessible 24/7 to anyone who owns a computer and has an internet connection. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a review of the literature that examines how older adults search for health information on the internet and what assistance they need is conducted. Several criteria are used to identify the works that are included in this annotated bibliography. In total, 24 studies meet the criteria. Findings – Older adults are rapidly becoming the fastest growing group of users of the web. Librarians can play a major role in assisting older consumers locate health information on the internet. Originality/value – This annotated bibliography provides information about connecting the elderly to quality health information found on the web. Many projects and concepts are discussed. The studies included offer constructive assistance on how to provide programs that will help educate users to become more involved in the health care decision-making process.

“More than words”: screencasting as a reference tool : Table of Contents

Allison Carr, Pearl Ly — Sat Nov 21 08:00:12 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show how images and videos of search strategies can enhance student experiences in reference interactions by providing a visual and/or auditory explanation, rather than written step-by-step instructions. This paper explores how online screencasting tools, such as Jing, can be used to quickly create and share on-the-fly videos and images. Design/methodology/approach – A literature review briefly discusses uses of screencasting in higher education and the implications for Millennial students, followed by a discussion of how librarians at California State University, San Marcos are creating screencasting videos and images to enhance chat/instant messaging, e-mail, and in-person reference interactions. Findings – Based on chat transcripts and anecdotal evidence, students find librarians' use of screencasting helpful in illustrating complex search strategies to find information resources. Research limitations/implications – Further research is needed to determine if screencasting is an effective learning tool for Millennial students, as well as, other library users in both reference interactions and instructional settings. Practical implications – Online screencasting tools are easy-to-use, low-cost, and can be used in any type of library, specifically for reference services. In virtual reference, librarians can quickly create and share instructional videos rather than type detailed instructions for accessing library and information resources. Originality/value – While screencasting tools such as Captivate and Camtasia are widely used in library instruction, they are new to reference delivery. Since many reference interactions include instructional components, on-the-fly screencasting can be a useful tool to enhance the user's reference and learning experience.