Emerald | Library Review

Developing a collaborative faculty-librarian information literacy assessment project

Jackie Belanger, Rebecca Bliquez, Sharleen Mondal — 2012-02-24 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the process of developing an information literacy assessment project, and to discuss key findings from the project. Design/methodology/approach – A variety of assessment tools were used to gather information about student learning and information literacy instruction: pre- and post-surveys, student feedback surveys, faculty feedback to librarians, librarian self-reflection, library worksheets, student research journals, and citation analysis of students' final research paper bibliographies. Findings – It was found that the authors' initial suite of assessment tools did not provide the information wanted about students' research processes, so the authors' “assessment toolkit” was modified. It was found that more meaningful information could be gathered about students' research processes when the authors worked closely with faculty to embed information literacy assessments into course assignments. From the authors' analysis of student work, it was discovered that, for many students, library instruction was most valuable in helping them refine and explore research topics. Originality/value – This paper will be useful to librarians and faculty seeking to implement an information literacy assessment project. The authors provide ideas for ways for faculty and librarians to collaborate on information literacy assessment, as well as on assignment and course design.

Information behaviour meta-models

Andrew K. Shenton, Naomi V. Hay-Gibson — 2012-02-24 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore meta-models that pertain to information behaviour. It seeks to highlight the possibilities they offer to researchers wishing to develop their own and to readers more generally interested in information behaviour literature. Design/methodology/approach – Various frameworks that may be regarded as information behaviour meta-models were examined and three separate types were identified. These are discussed in turn, with particular characteristics of individual meta-models used to illustrate the types. Findings – A meta-model is considered here to be a model that has been derived from one or more existing models. Information behaviour meta-models fall into three categories: those that unify, within one framework, disparate models/theories from a number of areas; those that integrate the fundamentals of several models which share common strands; and those that recast an established model for a particular purpose. Research limitations/implications – The extent of the typology presented in the paper is bound by the limits of the authors' endeavours in uncovering relevant meta-models. Should further meta-models be traced, it is possible that other types would also come to light. Originality/value – The work will aid the reader's understanding of how theoretical frameworks in information behaviour are developed. It will help those who study the field's literature to grasp variations in the origin of the individual models they see, by demonstrating that models may be derived from others in different ways. It will also enable readers intent on constructing their own models to understand some of the courses of action open to them.

User perception on library services and information resources in Kenyan Public Libraries

Charles N. Nzivo — 2012-02-24 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide information on how public libraries and information services in Kenya National Library Service (KNLS) are perceived, by examining adult users, with a view of improving service delivery and enhancing the effective management of public library services. Design/methodology/approach – Survey methodology using questionnaires was adopted to solicit required information from 112 respondent adult users and data were analyzed using SPSS version 14. Findings – The paper shows that KNLS library services and information resources are very positively perceived by most respondents. KNLS libraries are: comparatively better off than universities and other public libraries; are predominantly focused on print documents (books) as preferred sources; readers' mostly begin their search for information on a particular topic; general reading and research purposes and information resources equip users with appropriate knowledge. Research limitations/implications – The study focused on adult users in internet-serviced libraries within the KNLS and thus may not be used to generalize about users of all public libraries in Kenya. Practical implications – This paper attempts to provide KNLS public libraries with fundamental information about adult users' perspectives of services and information resources. Though the services and information resources are positively perceived, the library management has room to improve and maintain current levels of perception. Originality/value – The paper is of value because understanding of users' perceptions is vital for services and information resource improvement.

The role of social networking sites (SNSs) in the January 25th Revolution in Egypt

Essam Mansour — 2012-02-24 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to asses the role of social networking sites (SNSs) in the 25 January 2011 Egyptian Revolution, also known as the “Arab Spring”. Design/methodology/approach – The research methods used were an adaptive form of snowball sampling of a heterogeneous demographic group of participants in the Revolution, used to select focus groups to explore a range of relevant issues. Findings – SNSs are shown to have played a central and pivotal role in the events known collectively as the Arab Spring. Their importance as a source of non-governmental information and as a means of informing the external and internal community of internal events is highlighted by all participants. Originality/value – The paper outlines research into contemporary events of global significance.

Personal Knowledge Management: Individual, Organizational and Social Perspectives

2012-02-24 00:00:00.0

Public Libraries and Social Justice

2012-02-24 00:00:00.0

Classification Made Simple: An Introduction to Knowledge Organisation and Information Retrieval

2012-02-24 00:00:00.0

Reference and Information Services in the 21st Century: An Introduction

2012-02-24 00:00:00.0