Walter A. Brown

Bio: Walter A. Brown is an academic researcher from George Washington University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Strategic human resource planning & Strategic financial management. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 53 citations.

Academic Libraries: Should Strategic Planning be Renewed?

Abstract: As strategic plans developed in the 1990s reach maturity, it is crucial to question the use and impact of strategic planning in academic libraries. This article reviews the origins of strategic planning and its various uses in academic libraries, and then discusses several positive and negative impacts of strategic planning on academic libraries and associations. The inclusion of fundraising, the acknowledgment of the political impact to strategic planning, the continued preparation in the use of technology and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the process may have a positive impact for academic libraries. Until empirical evidence of the strategic planning process in libraries is shared with the academic community, researchers must look to literature reviews, cited application of the strategic planning process, and the advice of the experienced for a renewed vision of the strategic planning process. Thirty-five years after strategic planning checked into the library, can strategic pla...

A Systematic Review of Research on Live Chat Service

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to synthesize the research literature that has investigated library-based chat reference service. We define library-based chat reference as a synchronous, computer-based question answering service where users of the service ask question(s) which are answered by library employees or contracted agents. Following the methods for conducting a systematic review, we developed inclusion criteria for our data set and collected data from research on chat service dating from 1995 to January 2010. We limited our data to empirical research using established qualitative or quantitative methods. The final data set included 59 documents. We used White's (2001) digital reference service framework to guide our data analysis and unitized the data to the level of the research question(s) asked in each of the studies, resulting in 146 research questions. We focused the bulk of our analysis on the six categories of the framework where the research emphasis was strongest: parameters of the service; clients; parameters of the service; questions; question-answering process; response guidelines; staffing and training; and mission, objectives, statement of purpose. Our aim is to analyze the literature on chat service from a broad perspective to uncover larger themes and streams of knowledge. We believe that this perspective is relevant to those who are currently engaged in chat service in some capacity—academics, librarians, managers, and IT developers. Our research presents the collective knowledge in this area and provides groundwork for researchers as they explore new questions related to chat service. It unifies for practitioners a collection of findings about chat service to enhance and improve their practice. The results suggest areas of opportunity for managers who wish to further develop chat as a library service, and the results synthesize current understandings about chat service which may be useful for IT developers to extend and innovate chat technology in libraries.

Convergence and professional identity in the academic library

Abstract: This paper discusses the effects of operational convergence, and the subsequent growth of the hybrid library model, upon the professional selfidentity of academic library staff. The role of professionalism as a concept and motivational driver within contemporary academic librarianship is examined. Main themes of investigation include the extent of work assimilation between the traditional library and computing disciplines and between professional/para-professional staff groupings. Following a review of the literature, case study research involving Learning and Information Services (LIS) departments at four British universities was undertaken, including interview and focus group work with LIS staff from across the organizational structure. Predominant challenges to professional identity include employer (rather than professional) allegiance, the growing status of the para-professional and the growth of a generic skills base as recognized by para-professional sectors such as business, finance and media.

The History of Academic Libraries in the United States: a Review of the Literature

Abstract: Introduction Academic libraries have a close relationship with learning and research and have influenced these things as well. Their history is one of evolution and change that parallels the history of their parent institutions. Leaders and innovators championed features of libraries that are now taken for granted. Responsiveness to student and faculty needs, quality of service, and resilience have been hallmarks of academic libraries in the US. A chronological review of the literature demonstrates these characteristics. This paper is divided into the major periods of the history of US academic libraries: the Colonial period, the Nineteenth Century, and the Twentieth Century.

Using Facebook Page Insights Data to Determine Posting Best Practices in an Academic Health Sciences Library.

Abstract: Tufts University Hirsh Health Sciences Library created a Facebook page and a corresponding managing committee in March 2010. Facebook Page Insights data collected from the library's Facebook page were statistically analyzed to investigate patterns of user engagement. The committee hoped to improve posting practices and increase user engagement with the page by studying trends uncovered from data analysis. The results showed that increased posting frequency correlated with more page likes and more user engagement. The type of post content also significantly increased user engagement with the library's Facebook page, with multimedia posts drawing the most interest from fans. Analysis showed that engagement did not significantly decrease during the summer semester compared to the rest of the academic year. Based on these and other findings, the committee created better posting guidelines and will be looking into ways to organize and time posts in order to collect better data and increase Facebook page fans. ...