Showing papers in "Journal of Library Administration in 2013"
TL;DR: A cultural informatics model of libraries and the digital humanities is presented, and digital humanities work is situated within the user-centered paradigm of library and information science.
Abstract: Though there has been much discussion of the connection between libraries and digital humanities (on both sides), a general model of the two has not been forthcoming. Such a model would provide lib...
94 citations
TL;DR: Some common sources of frustration for library professionals engaged in digital humanities work are outlined and sketches of some library-based digital humanities programs that are working to address these challenges are offered.
Abstract: While much work on libraries and digital humanities has focused on how to train and encourage individual librarians, we have not paid enough attention to the administrative and institutional factors required to help these professionals succeed. This article outlines some common sources of frustration for library professionals engaged in digital humanities work and offers sketches of some library-based digital humanities programs that are working to address these challenges.
84 citations
TL;DR: A study of NYU scholars’ needs and digital scholarship support at other research institutions is described, and a service model for supporting such services is introduced, which may include digitization, hosting of research data, digital publishing, the development of software for scholarly practices, and more.
Abstract: New York University Libraries and our partners in Information Technology Services offer effective enterprise-wide technology solutions for many academic practices, but we are still working to solve the “faculty Web site problem”—providing services for digital scholarship and publishing in a way that is both scalable and sustainable. This article describes our study of NYU scholars’ needs and digital scholarship support at other research institutions, and then introduces a service model we developed for supporting such services (which may include digitization, hosting of research data, digital publishing, the development of software for scholarly practices, and more). We then discuss the challenges to research libraries of implementing our service model in a scalable, sustainable way, by addressing project and tool selection, staffing, and organizational change.
84 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors lay out practical ways for libraries to involve themselves in this evolving area, especially focused on current strengths of many libraries including commitments to resource accessibility and project development and propose that the role of the research librarian is evolving in order to effectively integrate the library as a partner in the scholarship of digital humanities.
Abstract: The authors lay out practical ways for libraries to involve themselves in this evolving area, especially focused on current strengths of many libraries including commitments to resource accessibility and project development. Finally, this article proposes that the role of the research librarian is evolving in order to effectively integrate the library as a partner in the scholarship of digital humanities.
83 citations
TL;DR: The Scholars’ Lab at the University of Virginia Library is described and a critical role for library-embedded digital centers in forging new paths for knowledge work in the humanities is asserted.
Abstract: Library-based digital humanities “skunkworks” are semi-independent research-and-development labs staffed with librarians who act as scholar-practitioners. Their creation is an uncommon, yet uncommonly potent, organizational response to opportunities opened up by digital scholarship. This article describes the Scholars’ Lab at the University of Virginia Library and asserts a critical role for library-embedded digital centers in forging new paths for knowledge work in the humanities.
38 citations
TL;DR: The potential impact of Web-scale discovery tools on information literacy, focusing particularly on undergraduate research skills, is explored, including in mid-sized academic libraries that have adopted EBSCO Discovery Service as their library home page portal.
Abstract: Web-scale discovery services promise fast, easy searching from a single Google-like box, pleasing users and making library resources more discoverable. Some librarians embrace the concept of giving users what they have come to expect from Google, while others are concerned that this will “dumb down” searching and undermine information literacy. In this article we explore the potential impact of Web-scale discovery tools on information literacy, focusing particularly on undergraduate research skills. We review the existing literature and present findings and experiences from two mid-sized academic libraries that have adopted EBSCO Discovery Service as their library home page portal.
36 citations
TL;DR: The benefits of mentoring are detailed and include the benefits for mentors, mentees, and academic libraries, with a special focus on minorities and generational considerations now prevalent in libraries.
Abstract: This article offers statistical information about the future of our profession and the role that mentoring may play in retaining and promoting academic librarians into leadership positions within an organization. An overview of the history and definition of the word mentor and current terminology is offered to provide the reader with understanding of the complexity surrounding the concept of mentoring. Mentoring as process is explained, and both formal and informal mentoring processes are discussed and examples provided. The benefits of mentoring are detailed and include the benefits for mentors, mentees, and academic libraries, with a special focus on minorities and generational considerations now prevalent in libraries. Qualitative methodologies are examined to determine relationships, and the methods used include interviews, questionnaires, and print and online surveys. Case studies from across the nation are analyzed and offered as evidence that mentoring does in fact work well in many academ...
29 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on the closely related topics of strategic planning and assessment in all types of libraries and examine all aspects of planning and as well as assessing libraries' performance.
Abstract: Column Editor's Note. This new column will focus on the closely related topics of strategic planning and assessment in all types of libraries. The column will examine all aspects of planning and as...
26 citations
TL;DR: This JLA column posits that academic libraries and their services are dominated by information technologies, and that the success of librarians and professional staff is contingent on their ability to thrive in this technology-rich environment.
Abstract: Column Editor's Note. This JLA column posits that academic libraries and their services are dominated by information technologies, and that the success of librarians and professional staff is conti...
23 citations
TL;DR: The first three projects produced by NYPL Labs are examined, a trilogy of online experiments exploring methods of mining new humanities data sets from special collections material, and of translating the Library's public mission to the Web via user collaboration and crowdsourcing.
Abstract: Over the past couple of years, The New York Public Library has made significant strides in jumpstarting a digital humanities research program through the establishment of a curator-focused, R&D technology unit called NYPL Labs. This article will examine the first three projects produced by NYPL Labs, a trilogy of online experiments exploring methods of mining new humanities data sets from special collections material, and of translating the Library's public mission to the Web via user collaboration and crowdsourcing. In just two years, NYPL Labs has demonstrated how much can be accomplished when technical resources are focused and procedural constraints loosened, though the challenges of sustaining this work are already becoming apparent as the team must continue to innovate while maintaining a growing portfolio of projects.
18 citations
TL;DR: The current locations of digital humanities work are surveyed, a cultural informatics model of libraries and the digital humanities is presented, and digital humanitieswork is situated within the user-centered paradigm of library and information science.
Abstract: Though there has been much discussion of the connection between libraries and digital humanities (on both sides), a general model of the two has not been forthcoming. Such a model would provide librarians with an overview of the diverse work of digital humanities (some of which they may already perform) and help identify pockets of activity through which each side might engage the other. This paper surveys the current locations of digital humanities work, presents a cultural informatics model of libraries and the digital humanities, and situates digital humanities work within the user-centered paradigm of library and information science.
TL;DR: In this article, a new column focuses on the closely related topics of strategic planning and assessment in all types of libraries, examining all aspects of planning and assesing them in all kinds of libraries.
Abstract: Column Editor's Note. This new column focuses on the closely related topics of strategic planning and assessment in all types of libraries. The column will examine all aspects of planning and asses...
TL;DR: This article found that public library websites are not being used to their full potential to portray, include, and invite participation in early literacy learning opportunities for diverse families in urban communities, particularly those whose children may have disability labels as well as those who are new to the English language.
Abstract: . A critical analysis of 20 urban public library systems’ websites in English-speaking Canada, this study critiques the prevailing messages about early literacy found on these websites and pays particular attention to content aimed at parents of young children. By seeking examples of attention to both diversity and inclusion, the researcher concluded that public library websites are not being used to their full potential to portray, include, and invite participation in early literacy learning opportunities for diverse families in urban communities, particularly those whose children may have disability labels as well as those who are new to the English language.
TL;DR: “discovery” is explored as it assesses WSDS performance and results obtained from a request to WSDS vendors to showcase the search power of their system with actual reference questions are reported.
Abstract: “Discovery” is today's term for user-centered information searching and access. A growing number of libraries have embraced Web-scale discovery services (WSDS) featuring one-stop searching of libraries’ owned and licensed collections. Recognizing potential benefits to users of these systems, a mid-sized ARL library formed a discovery-tool committee in spring 2012 to explore selection of a WSDS in keeping with its values, vision, and institutional mission. This article explores “discovery” as it assesses WSDS performance and reports results obtained from a request to WSDS vendors to showcase the search power of their system with actual reference questions.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss the further evolution of the learning commons at each campus, based on a variety of assessment methods that were undertaken, including technology surveys, online space assessment surveys, focus groups, marketing surveys, and virtual focus groups.
Abstract: At the University of Connecticut, Learning Commons were created at each of the five regional campuses as was reported in the Journal of Library Administration (Dryden & Roseman, 2010). This article will discuss the further evolution of the commons at each campus, based on a variety of assessment methods that were undertaken. These included technology surveys, online space assessment surveys, focus groups, marketing surveys, and virtual focus groups. This article shares assessment models which may be useful for the evaluation of learning commons at other academic libraries.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors highlight the importance of leadership and management skills for every librarian in every type of library and highlight the need for librarians to have these skills as they transition to an electronic environment with reduced budgets.
Abstract: Column Editor's Note. Leadership and management skills are essential for every librarian in every type of library. As our libraries transition to an electronic environment with reduced budgets yet ...
TL;DR: The Journal of Library Administration (JNA) as discussed by the authors focuses on formal collaboration and networking among libraries through consortia, and provides in-depth analysis of the relationships among libraries.
Abstract: Column Editor's Note. This new column in the Journal of Library Administration will focus on formal collaboration and networking among libraries through consortia. The column will offer in-depth ex...
TL;DR: The challenges facing community college libraries are deeply underrepresented in the professional literature and organizations of academic librarianship, and the unique challenges facing these libr... as discussed by the authors,.
Abstract: Column Editor's Note. As community college libraries are deeply under-represented in the professional literature and organizations of academic librarianship, the unique challenges facing these libr...
TL;DR: One of the first ebook initiatives, Project Gutenberg (http://www.gutenberg.org/), was launched by Michael S. Hart (1947-2011) as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: In 1971, one of the first ebook initiatives, Project Gutenberg (http://www.gutenberg.org/), was launched by Michael S. Hart (1947–2011). This program enlisted volunteers to digitize public domain t...
TL;DR: This article details how librarians at Trinity University adapted the larger practice of curation to meet local data management needs.
Abstract: . Data curation is one way that libraries are extending traditional services to meet the changing needs of patrons. Requirements from research funders have placed increased pressure on grant recipients to create Data Management Plans and to securely store raw data. Research universities have stepped up to provide comprehensive data support services. Despite discrepancies in funding and staff, smaller institutions can similarly provide robust services by focusing on their strengths, such as interdepartmental collaboration, flexibility, and rapid turnaround time. This article details how librarians at Trinity University adapted the larger practice of curation to meet local data management needs.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the concept of service branding in the context of libraries and information organizations and discuss community perceptions of library brand value from the librarian's perspectives in a context of public and academic libraries.
Abstract: This article explores the concept of service branding in the context of libraries and information organizations. We discuss community perceptions of library brand value from the librarian's perspectives in the context of public and academic libraries. Librarians’ thoughts and viewpoints in improving the community's library experience are also discussed. The findings highlight the importance of improving the library's visibility, creating appealing ambience, and developing a strategic branding plan in order to provide robust, compelling, and meaningful experiences for their community.
TL;DR: In this paper, special libraries share concerns with their more general academic, public, and school counterparts, but they also have unique characteristics which merit separate considera cation, and they need to be considered separately.
Abstract: Column Editor's Note. Though special libraries share concerns with their more general academic, public, and school counterparts, they also have unique characteristics which merit separate considera...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe how librarians at Indiana University Kokomo designed a marketing campaign to promote its discovery tool to undergraduate students during the fall 2012 semester, and illustrate how, through the use of a coordinated marketing plan, Librarians applied marketing principles to select a target audience, create promotional designs, organize events, and assess campaign effectiveness.
Abstract: This case study aims to describe how librarians at Indiana University Kokomo designed a marketing campaign to promote its discovery tool to undergraduate students during the fall 2012 semester. The authors illustrate how, through the use of a coordinated marketing plan, librarians applied marketing principles to select a target audience, create promotional designs, organize events, and assess campaign effectiveness. The authors express how libraries can construct cost-effective yet comprehensive marketing campaigns, as well as learn from both unexpected successes and shortcomings of such projects. Ultimately, these takeaways can inform a library's future marketing endeavors.
TL;DR: In this paper, special libraries share concerns with their more general academic, public, and school counterparts, but they also have unique characteristics which merit separate considera cation, and they need to be considered separately.
Abstract: Column Editor's Note. Though special libraries share concerns with their more general academic, public, and school counterparts, they also have unique characteristics which merit separate considera...
TL;DR: This JLA column posits that academic libraries and their services are dominated by information technologies, and that the success of librarians and professional staff is contingent on their ability to thrive in this technology-rich environment.
Abstract: I've been coming down this week off that wired feeling that results from the stress of submitting a big grant proposal. It's the breathless, adrenaline-fueled kind of stress from the intensity of e...
TL;DR: Park et al. as discussed by the authors present the "In the Public Interest" column, which addresses issues of concern to the general public and the public library community, by bringing issues forward from the point of view of public libraries, large and small, wealthy and struggling, used and neglected, as well as those struggling to preserve practices that deserve respect, if not preservation.
Abstract: Column Editor’s Note. It is a privilege to be asked to edit and write a column addressing issues of concern to the general public and the public library community. I will attempt to bring issues forward from the point of view of public libraries, large and small, wealthy and struggling, used and neglected, and those facing the future, as well as those struggling to preserve practices that deserve respect, if not preservation. Although the Journal of Library Administration has peer-reviewed articles, this “In the Public Interest” column is intended to represent all of the perspectives of the public concerning public libraries, and those of persons who are delivering service to the public through public libraries. This column will appear on a rotation, in several issues each year. Submissions are not peer-reviewed, but are reviewed and selected by the column editor. Public library administrators, managers, anyone on the staff of a public library, and those serving in elected and appointed positions in local governments are invited to contribute to the column by contacting Josie Parker at josie@aadl.org email address. Manuscript guidelines and submission timelines will be sent with further instruction for authors.
TL;DR: The authors address the impact of academic restructuring on repositories and look to practices from archival arrangement and description to create repository organizational structures and community descriptions flexible enough to reflect university organization, despite changes arising from academic restructuring.
Abstract: . In the interest of providing access to and preserving scholarship produced by faculty, students and staff, many universities have developed and implemented institutional repositories. Repositories are often organized into communities that correspond to campus units, including departments, research centers and institutes, and administrative offices. Universities, however, frequently undergo academic restructuring, which can make repository organization out of sync with university organization. This article addresses the impact of academic restructuring on repositories and looks to practices from archival arrangement and description to create repository organizational structures and community descriptions flexible enough to reflect university organization, despite changes arising from academic restructuring.
TL;DR: In this paper, a user-focused marketing model and its implication in academic libraries is presented, which emphasizes the quality improvement and operational efficiencies are to be working together to achieve a competitive advantage.
Abstract: To design an outline of a user-focused marketing model and its implication in academic libraries is the goal of this article. The determinants for the proposed model were primarily derived from the success factors of customer-focused marketing noted in earlier research, and views and insights from a number of allied constituencies in Bangladesh. Doing this job, the study used exploratory investigation in the form of executive interview, focus group discussion, and questionnaire survey. To examine reliability of the determinants “item-total correlation” was applied. The proposed model shows quality service has been seen as a direct result of the quality of library products, services, and service providers that leads to ensure user satisfaction and loyalty. It also demonstrates how users are the central theme from all functional perspectives of library services. The model emphasizes the quality improvement and operational efficiencies are to be working together to achieve a competitive advantage. T...