Showing papers in "Partnership: The Canadian Journal of Library and Information Practice and Research in 2011"

Information Literacy Instruction: Theory and Practice

Abstract: Grassian, Esther S.; Kaplowitz, Joan R. Information Literacy Instruction: Theory and Practice. New York, NY: Neal-Schuman Publishers, 2009. 412 pp. 80.00 USD. ISBN-13: 978-1555706661. ∞ Instruction librarians have been working hard to find ways to deliver more effective instruction sessions since the days of bibliographic instruction, and as such have become pioneers of information literacy evolution. Through the years, countless information literacy instruction publications have appeared in the form of articles, books, etc., and Information Literacy Instruction: Theory and Practice is no exception. The book is divided into five themed sections and seventeen chapters. Part one covers the background and history of information literacy. The introduction examines the librarian's role in information literacy instruction and how the characteristics of students and the classroom have changed in terms of technology use by both students and instruction librarians. This section also looks at the history of the definition of information literacy from the 1960s, when information literacy was called bibliographic instruction, to the 1980s when Patricia S. Breivik first came up with the definition of information literacy which was later endorsed by the American Library Association. Part two looks at information literacy instruction building blocks covering learning theories. Chapter three provides a basic overview of the concepts, terminology and prominent figures in the areas of psychological learning theories. As information literacy is concerned with students' critical thinking and active learning skills, chapter six defines critical thinking and how these skills can be applied to student learning. This chapter also looks at the history and definition of active learning and provides tips on when, where and how active learning can be applied to information literacy instruction. Some useful active learning techniques which librarians can apply in the classroom, such as role playing and scavenger hunts, have been provided. While Parts one and two look at the theoretical aspects of information literacy, parts three and four cover practical aspects such as planning, development and delivery of information literacy instruction. The authors describe the planning stages in chapter seven as recognizing the learner's need, analyzing the situation, developing goals, designing assessment methods, implementing the plan and reviewing assessment data. The 'Instructional Menu', which is chapter eight, looks at different forms of instruction, i.e., synchronous or asynchronous, remote or face-to-face, paper and online instruction. The authors also give advice on when to use which form of instruction, and points to consider when making your decision, including time, budget, staffing etc. As effective teaching cannot occur without some form of assessment, the most important chapter in this section is chapter eleven which is about assessment. This chapter has a detailed section on why librarians should include assessment in their instruction while the rest of the chapter covers different levels and types of assessment tools. …

Indigenous Knowledge Organization: A Study of Concepts, Terminology, Structure and (Mostly) Indigenous Voices

Abstract: Due to the lack of published information (especially in Canada) on modified classification systems and thesauri for describing and organizing Aboriginal materials, I set out to conduct a survey on this topic. The surveys were distributed at five Indigenous-related conferences and gatherings in Canada and the United States between the Fall, 2009, and the Fall, 2010, and more than 50 completed surveys were collected. Research findings included preferred changes in terminology from Library of Congress subject headings (which were seen to be outdated and inappropriate) but there was no resounding consensus on a “one-size fits all” terminology for thesauri terminology. However, this was not seen to be problematic given the diverse range of participants who took part in the survey. Respondents also commented on a survey question inquiring about the use of the “Medicine Wheel” concept as a way to organize Aboriginal-related materials, as well as other possible structures that might prove more culturally relevant for organizing these materials. There was both support for and strong opposition to the use of the Medicine Wheel for this purpose, for a variety of reasons. Participants indicated a preference for non-hierarchical and less linear structures than what current mainstream classification systems provide. There also seemed to be support for “landscape-based” structures. Although research findings were not conclusive, some valuable insights were gained from this study. The exploratory nature of this research project suggests more research (and more in-depth research) in this area is required.

Eprints Institutional Repository Software: A Review

Abstract: Setting up an institutional repository (IR) can be a daunting task. There are many software packages out there, some commercial, some open source, all of which offer different features and functionality. This article will provide some thoughts about one of these software packages: Eprints. Eprints was one of the first IR software packages to appear and has been available for 10 years. It is under continual development by its creators at the University of Southampton and the current version is v3.2.3. Eprints is open-source, meaning that anyone can download and make use of the software for free and the software can be modified however the user likes. This presents clear advantages for institutions will smaller budgets and also for institutions that have programmers on staff. Eprints requires some additional software to run: Linux, Apache, MySQL, and Perl. This software is all open-source and already present on the servers of many institutions. There is now a version of Eprints that will run on Windows servers as well, which will make the adoption of Eprints even easier for some. In brief, Eprints is an excellent choice for any institution looking to get an IR up and running quickly and easily. Installation is straightforward as is the initial configuration. Once the IR is up and running, users may upload documents and provide the necessary metadata for the records by filling out a simple web form. Embargoes on published documents are handled elegantly by the software, and the software links to the SHERPA/RoMEO database so authors can easily verify their rights regarding IR submissions. Eprints has some drawbacks, which will be discussed later in the review, but on the whole it is easy to recommend to anyone looking to start an IR. However, It is less clear that an institution with an existing IR based on another software package should migrate to Eprints.

Open Access Funds: A Canadian Library Survey

Abstract: A survey of Canadian research libraries was conducted to determine the extent of funding support for open access publications in these institutions. Results indicate that there is substantial support for open access publishing, and a diversity of approaches is being used to fund open access resources. The reasons for funding support along with policy and promotional issues are explored. The broader implications of funding open access are discussed in the context of a changing scholarly publishing landscape. This paper will be especially relevant to Canadian academic libraries that are exploring options for funding open access publications.

Roaming Reference: Reinvigorating Reference through Point of Need Service

Abstract: Roaming reference service was pursued as a way to address declining reference statistics. The service was staffed by librarians armed with iPads over a period of six months during the 2010-2011 academic year. Transactional statistics were collected in relation to query type (Research, Facilitative or Technology), location and approach (librarian to patron, patron to librarian or via chat widget). Overall, roaming reference resulted in an additional 228 reference questions, 67% (n=153) of which were research related. Two iterations of the service were implemented, roaming reference as a standalone service (Fall 2010) and roaming reference integrated with traditional reference desk duties (Winter 2011). The results demonstrate that although the Weller Library’s reference transactions are declining annually, they are not disappearing. For a roaming reference service to succeed, it must be a standalone service provided in addition to traditional reference services. The integration of the two reference models (roaming reference and reference desk) resulted in a 56% decline in the total number of roaming reference questions from the previous term. The simple act of roaming has the potential to reinvigorate reference services as a whole, forcing librarians outside their comfort zones, allowing them to reach patrons at their point of need.

Reaching First-Year Students During Orientation Week

Abstract: At the University of Waterloo, librarians have been expanding their outreach to first-year students during orientation week dramatically over the past three years. Efforts have included involvement in department and faculty orientation events, as well as in a campus-wide orientation initiative called “Jumpstart Friday,” which aims to educate new students about the different services on campus that can help them to “jumpstart” their success. Librarians’ increasing participation in varied orientation events has necessitated that librarians streamline their outreach efforts for new students. Most recently, librarians have been designing their communication pieces and presentations with a focus on eliciting interest and positive first impressions about the library. To spark students’ interest in the library they aim to 1) create clear and concise messaging for delivering essential information, 2) demonstrate how the library will fit into students’ lives, and 3) deliver content in a high-energy and upbeat way. In this article, the authors outline the specific outreach approaches that librarians at Waterloo are currently taking in their communications and presentations to first-year students during orientation week.

Testing the Usability of Two Online Research Guides

Abstract: This article describes usability testing of two online research guides. One guide was in the area of applied human sciences and the other was geared toward the discipline of psychology. Six undergraduate students were given several tasks to complete by using the guides. The participants also completed two questionnaires. One described the participants’ demographics and how much time they spent on the Internet on a daily basis. On the other questionnaire, filled out after the usability test, the participants rated the online research guides. Overall, the online research guides were found to be difficult to use. By observing how the participants interacted with the online research guides, the author has identified several problem areas that need to be addressed.

Bibliotherapy in a Library Setting: Reaching out to Vulnerable Youth

Abstract: Bibliotherapy, as a part of expressive therapy, involves the systematic use of books to help people cope with mental, physical, emotional, or social problems. It has been widely recognized as an approach that holds great promise in helping librarians to better address emotional, behavioural and socials concerns of various groups of people. The benefits of bibliotherapeutic services such as reading groups, expanded readers’ advisory, books-on-prescription and information-on-prescription services as well as various outreach programs are well documented in the library literature. On the other hand, health professionals who work in cooperation with educators and librarians share medical records on the healing and consoling power of books. The paper will explore the role of bibliotherapy in a library setting and identify particular bibliotherapeutic schemes to be used when serving people affected by HIV/AIDS. The paper will provide an overview of the library project developed to address educational and recreational needs of the African people living with HIV/AIDS. The project was successfully implemented at the Nkosi’s Haven Library in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2010. Although the project targeted all the residents of Nkosi’s Haven, the paper will focus mostly on the part of the program developed for children and young adults. The paper will identify psychological and social factors that affect the targeted group of children within the African environment. Particularly, it will highlight a negative effect that stigmatization around the disease has on the lives of the HIV-infected individuals and their families. Within this context, bibliotherapy is seen as an effective way of reaching out and breaking the isolation of people, especially children living with HIV/AIDS. The paper will describe specific activities strategically chosen for the bibliotherapy sessions to provide a channel through which the participants of the program could analyze their behaviours or situations and address their concerns. It will also provide a list of books selected for the targeted group of children and young adults. The paper will highlight the great potential of bibliotherapy in addressing the needs of vulnerable people and thus justify the importance of implementing bibliotherapy within the library setting.

Optimizing Our Teaching: Hybrid Mode of Instruction

Abstract: The digital revolution changes the way we teach and learn. This paper introduces a concept of a Hybrid course structure. It aims to show the benefits of blended learning and describes the course design used at the Bibliotheque Saint-Jean (BSJ), University of Alberta (U of A). We seek to assist other librarians in their choice of instructional model by providing a rational for combining onsite and online instruction, and by giving recommendations for the development and implementation of a hybrid course.

Creating and Hosting Student-Run Research Journals: A Case Study

Abstract: This case study aims to examine an academic library’s roles in facilitating the creation and hosting of open access student-run research journals. In addition to providing an online platform to host the journals, the library acquaints students with scholarly publishing, assists them in securing various resources available on campus, and offers support for content management. There are challenges and opportunities for the library as it undertakes the responsibility of hosting student journals. The article concludes with a discussion of possible topics for future research.

A "Coach Approach" to Staff Engagement

Abstract: The speed of change is challenging libraries to redevelop themselves in ways we have never seen before. Rising costs and changing customer expectations are forcing staff to continuously learn new skills, adapt to new technologies and work more closely in collaboration with others in response to this unpredictable environment. At the same time library leaders need to communicate regularly with staff and to motivate them to dialogue with each other about the value of the library service that they provide to the community. A creative approach to building flexibility, resilience and staff engagement has become essential for survival. Coaching is a creative, innovative and effective communications tool that is now considered to be one of the most important ways to encourage employees to continue to learn and develop. Its greatest impact is in building leadership and staff engagement. Communicating with “a coach approach” or coaching mindset is a powerful way for library leaders to connect with others where the flow and exchange is positive and there is a mutual benefit of contribution and collaboration, expanded knowledge and innovation. The basics of fostering “a coach approach” with library staff requires an understanding of the importance of “reframing” one’s personal attitudes and perspectives, appreciating the art of focused listening and the impact of positive acknowledgement, learning to ask the right questions and formulating action plans for continued success. It is a learned skill that requires a commitment to practice but is one that will ultimately demonstrate positive results.

Something to Talk About: Re-thinking Conversations on Research Culture in Canadian Academic Libraries

Abstract: As Canadian academic librarians have experienced an increasing presence in faculty associations and unions, expectations of librarian scholarship and research have increased as well. However, literature from the past several decades on academic librarianship and scholarship focuses heavily on obstacles faced by librarians in their research endeavours, which suggests that the research environment at many academic libraries has stalled. Though many have called for the development of a research culture, little has been said regarding how the profession might go about encouraging this development, and conversations often become mired in the contemplation of obstacles. As a way to move forward, we suggest building upon pre-existing strengths by adopting the model of “intellectual communities” put forward by Walker et al. They describe four qualities necessary for strong “intellectual communities”: shared purpose; diverse and multigenerational community; flexible and forgiving community; and respectful and generous community. Although these qualities are often embedded within our libraries, they need to be made a conscious part of our research environment through reflection and conversation. Working toward strong research cultures requires that we focus less on obstacles and more on reflective and productive activities that build on our strengths.

Seeing Double at Memorial University: Two WorldCat Local Usability Studies

Abstract: Obtaining user feedback is valuable yet often overlooked, so when Memorial University Libraries launched OCLC’s WorldCat Local discovery tool for Fall 2010, usability testing was a logical next step. Two branches, each with distinct user groups, the Ferriss Hodgett Library in Corner Brook, and the Health Sciences Library in St. John’s, conducted unique usability studies to gain evidence into how WorldCat Local performed common research tasks. The Health Sciences Library was inspired by the information seeking habits of Memorial University’s Faculty of Medicine, School of Nursing, and School of Pharmacy. This demographic’s heavy reliance on journal literature, and known item searching made these users an interesting test group. The Ferriss Hodgett Library, serving an undergraduate Liberal Arts and Sciences population, was interested in the information seeking behavior of new students with little to no experience using library resources. At the local level, evidence obtained as a result of this usability testing will provide guidance into future use of WCL at Memorial University Libraries. On a broader scale, the usability findings are relevant to any library considering the shift to a new discovery tool.

Mobile Access to Audio and Video Collections in Libraries and Other Cultural Institutions

Abstract: Mobile devices have become commonplace, and are increasingly capable of accessing multi-media resources such as audio and video. Many libraries maintain multi-media digital collections that could be accessed on mobile devices. Mobile devices, however, offer unique display and technical challenges that need to be addressed. The benefits of mobile access to library collections include the promise of increased use and an enhanced user experience. In this article we provide a detailed discussion of the issues related to mobile delivery of digital media, including a literature review, an overview of significant technical issues, and three case studies.

DO Get Technical! Using Technology in Library Instruction WILU 2011, Regina, SK

Abstract: Today’s post-secondary students are digital natives. Much has been said and written about how to reach this generation, and the consensus seems to be that we need to meet them on their turf. In this session, presented at WILU 2011 in Regina, SK, two librarians from the University of Lethbridge shared their experiences with using technology to engage students in library instruction. The hands-on session introduced some simple tools librarians can learn quickly and apply to spice up their instruction with technology. These include creating online animated videos using Xtranormal, a lowcost way to create polished and humorous videos to introduce or summarize key information literacy concepts; and adding interactive polling to PowerPoint presentations using a tool called Poll Everywhere, which is an effective way to instantly engage students in instruction using the web or web-enabled devices. Interactive polling eliminates many of the challenges of using clickers which are prevalent in many postsecondary library instruction environments. The presenters also discussed how they have experimented with wikis to encourage active learning and student collaboration in a series of library instruction sessions. Wikis allow for free and paperless student participation in knowledge creation in an online forum. Finally, they demonstrated how they have used Skype to deliver library instruction at a distance, including the use of the screen sharing feature. The presenters stressed the ease of use of these free or lowcost tools to improve classroom engagement and add interest to sessions.

Neal-Schuman Library Technology Companion: A Basic Guide for Library Staff

Abstract: Burke, John J Neal-Schuman Library Technology Companion: A Basic Guide for Library Staff 3rd Edition New York, NY: Neal-Schuman Publishers, 2010 279 pp 6500 USD ISBN- 13: 978-155570-676-0 *The contemporary library is a technologically intense environment where new technologies are frequently adapted to enhance key services or to establish novel services Library collections have become increasingly available online, at first as journals were displaced by ejournals and now by a nascent e-book market poised to supplant much more of the library's print collections As these collections have moved online, so to have services like Reference and Information Literacy These services are now frequently performed virtually using synchronous or asynchronous communication technologies such as Instant Messaging applications, VoIP, SMS, web forms, email and discussion boards in Course Management Systems or Virtual Learning Environments Indeed, all aspects of library service have undergone a remarkable technological transformation in recent years and have been refocused to accommodate a growing number of users who seldom pass through the library's gatesThese technological shifts in collections and services can be quite bewildering to staff who fill specialized positions which require the use of only a small subset of the technologies otherwise supported and understood by the 'experts' However, the need for library staff to have a basic understanding of the 'big picture', how various technologies are used, developed and implemented in libraries today to complement sophisticated and modern services, is apparent Staff lacking a holistic understanding of this modern service environment may find themselves unable to adequately participate in discussions pertaining to future directions in services and collections or meet many of their community's evolving information needsNeal-Schuman Library Technology Companion: A Basic Guide for Library Staff by John J Burke begins to address some of the aforementioned gaps in staff knowledge by providing a current and concise overview of most technologies used within libraries today While there are many other more specialized library technology texts on the market, Burke's guide should prove a useful prerequisite to these more advanced works for readers with modest technical competencies This introductory work provides clear, detailed and suitably contextualized discussion of libraries and technology, chapter review questions, and ample sources for further readingLibrary Technology Companion is organized into five parts: "Library Technology Basics", "Technology Tools for Libraries", "How Libraries Put Technology to Work", "Building and Maintaining the Technology Environment in Libraries", and "Where Library Technology is Going, and How to Get There" The five parts of this work consist of 19 chapters logically arranged from the more familiar and easily understood to emergent and less-transparent technologies …

Transaction Analysis of Interactions at the Reference Desk of a Small Academic Library

Abstract: As discussions continue about the changing nature of reference service in academic libraries, the Geoffrey R. Weller Library determined that more detailed information on what was happening at the Reference Desk was needed. During the 2006/07 academic year, transactions at the Reference Desk were analyzed to determine when they occurred (both during the week and during the academic year), the length of time the transactions took, the categories of the transactions, what sources were used and whether or not instruction was provided as part of the transaction. Another round of data was gathered in September 2009 to determine if use patterns had changed. Transactions at the Reference Desk were generally conducted in person, took either <1 min. or between 1-5 min. to answer, and occurred most often on Mon-Thurs between 11am-5pm. Between September 2006 and September 2009, specific title and research categories of questions decreased by 6% and directional and technical help categories of questions increased by 9%. There was also a decrease in the level of instruction being given. As a result of this research, service hours have been reduced and the on-going data collection at the Reference Desk has become more detailed to allow for ongoing analysis.

DO Get Technical! Using Technology in Library Instruction

Abstract: Today’s post-secondary students are digital natives. Much has been said and written about how to reach this generation, and the consensus seems to be that we need to meet them on their turf. In this session presented at WILU 2011 in Regina, SK, two librarians from the University of Lethbridge shared their experiences with using technology to engage students in library instruction. The hands-on session introduced some simple tools librarians can learn quickly and apply to spice up their instruction with technology. These include creating online animated videos using Xtranormal, a low-cost tool way to create polished and humourous videos to introduce or summarize key information literacy concepts; and adding interactive polling to PowerPoint presentations using a tool called Poll Everywhere, which is an effective way to instantly engage students in instruction using the web or web-enabled devices. Interactive polling eliminates many of the challenges of using clickers which are prevalent in many post-secondary library instruction environments. The presenters also discussed how they have experimented with wikis to encourage active learning and student collaboration in a series of library instruction sessions. Wikis allow for free and paperless student participation in knowledge creation in an online forum. Finally, they demonstrated how they have used Skype to deliver library instruction at a distance, including the use of the screen sharing feature. The presenters stressed the ease of use of these free or low-cost tools to improve classroom engagement and add interest to sessions.

Search Behaviours of Image Users: A Pilot Study on Museum Objects

Abstract: Many factors can overwhelm the image searcher who is trying to retrieve images. Consequently, retrieving images is still a problem for the majority of individuals, especially for images associated with text written in different languages, unknown to users. The purpose of this exploratory study is to investigate the factors affecting search behaviours of image users and to examine how individuals formulate their queries to retrieve museum object images indexed in different languages, using different search engines. This study also compared the search behaviours using different types of search engines to retrieve specific museum object images. It also highlighted how multilingual search functionalities are perceived and used when performing an image search task in a multilingual retrieval context. Thirty participants randomly divided into three independent groups assigned to one different search engine was used for this study. Each participant was asked to retrieve three mages using an all-purpose search engine and a specialized search engine. Once the retrieval of the images was completed, the participants filled out a questionnaire to gather comments on the retrieval tasks they performed and information on their search behaviours of Web images indexed in different languages. Multilingualism plays a strategic role in the quality and effectiveness of communication services offered on the Internet. Consequently, it is of significant importance to make information available to the largest audience possible and to overcome language barriers by providing tools suited to the real and current needs of image searchers. The main contribution of this pilot study is to enhance the knowledge and understanding of image searching behaviour, in order to provide a basis for the modelling of a new search interface that takes into account the needs and expectations of real users.

Reflecting the Lives of Aboriginal Women in Canadian Public Library Collection Development

Abstract: This paper suggests some, but not all, the core titles needed for developing a public library collection that would reflect the diversity and complexity of the lives of Aboriginal women in Canada. The titles include major authors, essential titles, journals, magazines, indexes, databases, reference books, websites, film, music, and spoken word as well as some recommended collection sources. The works reveal an emerging literature and cultural production for, by, and about Aboriginal women that steers away from pathologizing their lives as discussed in the l998 Status of Women in Canada report Aboriginal Women in Canada: Strategic Research Directions for Policy Development. Library customers who are seeking a better understanding of the lives of Aboriginal women in Canada, or Aboriginal women who are seeking materials that reflect the strengths, challenges, reality, and dreams of their lives, should be able to expect a core collection in the public libraries of the communities in which they live. This paper will outline some of the arguments for developing a core collection of work for, and about, Aboriginal women in Canada, and will suggest some criteria and selection sources critical for this collection. For this paper, Aboriginal women in Canada include women who identify themselves as First Nation, Inuit and Metis.

Teaming Up Without Selling Out: The Scopus™ Student Ambassador Program at the University of Waterloo

Abstract: The University of Waterloo Library recently experimented with an opportunity to collaborate with Elsevier Inc. to promote a single database Scopus™ through the creation of a Scopus™ Student Ambassador (SAm) program during the fall 2009 and winter 2010 terms. This program involved hiring a student each term to help raise awareness and usage of this database on campus. This article evaluates the impact of focused e-resource promotion to students, faculty, and library staff. It addresses how the program affected Scopus™ usage statistics, the opportunities it created for user outreach and learning, the effectiveness of its peer-to-peer training approach, and the dynamics of working with vendors on such initiatives.

Can I Make A Suggestion? Your Library's Suggestion Box as an Assessment and Marketing Tool

Abstract: Libraries are increasingly using quantitative and qualitative research methods to assess the quality of their resources and services. This can include collecting survey data and conducting focus groups and patron interviews. While these forms of data collection are considered standard assessment tools, libraries already have a rich collection of data available to them through their suggestion boxes – one of the most longstanding methods to determine how well your library is doing. A survey of Canadian academic libraries was conducted to gain some insight into the prevalence of the suggestion box, how libraries were managing them in their day to day operations, and whether the collected data was mined for any decision-making purposes. The authors provide recommendations on how libraries can analyze their suggestion box data to improve services and engage more effectively with their users.

Academic Librarianship: A Crisis or an Opportunity?

Abstract: “Academic Librarianship: A Crisis or an Opportunity?” was a one day symposium held at the University of Toronto on November 18, 2011. The symposium provided a forum for stakeholders to consider recent troubling events and developments in the academic library community. The hiring of postdoctoral fellows at McMaster University to replace librarians, the strike by professional librarians at University of Western Ontario in 2011 and threats to the academic freedom of librarians at McGill University have all served as bellwethers and have been rich locations for debate of late. The symposium was intended to provide an opportunity to bring more coherence to the discourse and to consider further initiatives, increased activism, and to begin a process for providing greater leadership around issues relating to academic librarians and academic librarianship. The day was organized around a series of panels. A number of key stakeholders spoke to specific themes: 1) the role of national and provincial labour organizations and local faculty associations; 2) trends and challenges in education and curriculum at library schools; 3) the role of library associations and professional accreditation; and 4) librarians on the front lines. The Symposium emerged with a clear call to action, that it was time to become more pro-active in a collective manner, and to use the tremendous interest generated by this event as an opportunity to seek solutions to the crisis threatening academic librarianship in Canada. There was overwhelmingly support for the creation of a virtual forum to continue the discourse, and also to bring in those who are interested and willing to become engaged but who were unable to participate in the Symposium.

Can I Make A Suggestion? Your Library Suggestion Box as an Assessment Tool

Abstract: Libraries are increasingly using quantitative and qualitative research methods to assess the quality of their resources and services. This can include collecting survey data and conducting focus groups and patron interviews. While these forms of data collection are considered standard assessment tools, libraries already have a rich collection of data available to them through their suggestion boxes – one of the most longstanding methods to determine how well your library is doing. A survey of Canadian academic libraries was conducted to gain some insight into the prevalence of the suggestion box, how libraries were managing them in their day to day operations, and whether the collected data was mined for any decision-making purposes. The authors provide recommendations on how libraries can analyze their suggestion box data to improve services and engage more effectively with their users.

University Biology Patrons in the Library Literature 2000-2010: A Content Analysis & Literature Review

Abstract: The researcher conducted a content analysis and literature review of papers written from 2000-2010 that focused on university biology students, faculty, and their papers. Scholarly articles were divided into the library research domains. The largest number of papers was from the Education domain, followed closely by Collections. Only two papers were categorized as Reference/Enquiries, and no papers were found in Management and Professional Issues. This research will enable science librarians to better understand what evidence was already written about biology subjects in a university setting. Gaps in the literature can help inform other librarians who are interested in pursuing more research with biology subjects.

Developing a Conference Presentation: A Primer for New Library Professionals

Abstract: A step-by-step guide that leads new professionals through the process of creating a conference proposal and developing a successful presentation.

Northern Alberta Health Libraries Association News

Abstract: This year has been a busy and fulfilling one for the Northern Alberta Health Libraries Association. The NAHLA Annual General Meeting was held on September 21, 2010. The following new officers were appointed to the executive: Thane Chambers, President; Xurong (Rachel) Zhao, Vice-President; Dagmara Chojecki, Past President; Morgan Truax, Treasurer; and Linda Slater, Secretary. The executive is sad to see Dale Storie, Treasurer, and Trish Chatterley, Past President, leave.

Characterizing Journal Access at a Canadian University Using the Journal Citation Reports Database

Abstract: This article outlines a simple approach to characterizing the level of access to the scholarly journal literature in the physical sciences and engineering offered by a research library, particularly within the Canadian university system. The method utilizes the “Journal Citation Reports” (JCR) database to produce lists of journals, ranked based on total citations, in the subject areas of interest. Details of the approach are illustrated using data from the University of Guelph. The examples cover chemistry, physics, mathematics and statistics, as well as engineering. In assessing the level of access both the Library’s current journal subscriptions and backfiles are considered. To gain greater perspective, data from both 2003 and 2008 is analyzed. In addition, the number of document delivery requests, received from University of Guelph Library users in recent years, are also reviewed. The approach taken in characterizing access to the journal literature is found to be simple and easy to implement, but time consuming. The University of Guelph Library is shown to provide excellent access to the current journal literature in the subject areas examined. Access to the historical literature in those areas is also strong. In making these assessments, a broad and comprehensive array of journals is considered in each case. Document delivery traffic (i.e. Guelph requests) is found to have decreased markedly in recent years. This is attributed, at least in part, to improving access to the scholarly literature. For the University of Guelph, collection assessment is an ongoing process that must balance the needs of a diverse group of users. The results of analyses of the kind discussed in this article can be of practical significance and value to that process.

The Handbook of Art and Design Librarianship

Abstract: The Handbook of Art and Design Librarianship. Edited by Amanda Gluibizzi and Paul Glassman. London: Facet Publishing, 2010. 330 pp. 115.48 CDN. ISBN: 978-1-85604- 702-9 As Editor Amanda Gluibizzi states in the Introduction to The Handbook of Art and Design Librarianship, art and design students differ from other types of academic library users, and meeting the information needs of these creative researchers poses unique challenges for librarians. This work brings together essays on a wide range of topics that are intended to guide art librarians in their day to day work, including carrying out their administrative responsibilities, developing and maintaining collections, designing innovative and relevant programming, and creating usable space. While the focus is on American libraries, the work is intended to have an "international purview" and seeks to maintain a "global focus" through its inclusion of chapters dealing with libraries in the UK, Qatar and Canada. Although not explicitly stated, this book is intended for art and design librarians at all stages of their careers, from recent graduates to experienced professionals. Authors come from a range of institutions and hold a wide variety of positions. Most chapters include useful bibliographies for further research. The book is divided into four sections. Part I, "Roles and Responsibilities," includes chapters on governance and administration of art and design libraries, trends in art librarianship based on an international survey, accreditation for art and design libraries, and the evolving role of visual arts liaison librarians. This section exemplifies what is perhaps one of the greatest weaknesses of the Handbook: while serving as a good starting point, many chapters are just too general to be very useful for the more experienced art and design information professional. For example, Judy Dyki's chapter "Accreditation and Visual Arts Libraries" fails to provide sufficient detail with respect to the unique requirements and challenges of accreditation reports relating to art and design libraries to assist librarians who are charged with preparing such "formal self- study" reports. In addition, surveys are alluded to in a number of chapters throughout the book, including in this section, but the methodology is not described in detail and the actual survey is neither included nor referenced in the bibliography at the end of the chapter. The chapters in Part II, "Materials and Collections Management," focus on "the opportunities and difficulties art libraries face in the current collections environment and include discussions about art library special collections; working simultaneously with print and digital collections and strategies for de-accessioning; the risks and possibilities of digital prospects; scholarly communication and art publications; and cataloguing with the visual user in mind" (p. 49). Included in this section is one of the strongest essays in the volume, "Beyond the Monograph: Transformations in Scholarly Communication and Their Impact on Art Librarianship" by Patrick Tomlin. It provides an overview and examination of the "changing nature of scholarly communication and the burgeoning impact of those changes on the art and design library" (p. 92). As Tomlin points out, up to this point art librarianship has not been actively engaged with issues of open access and scholarship in the arts. In Part III, "Teaching and Learning," the chapters explore "the notion of visual literacy as an essential part of an art librarian's position; methods for weaving information literacy instruction into a studio class; working with image databases as sources of information; culturally sensitive art information literacy in societies with religious restrictions on image and media consumption; targeting multiple literacies - including visual and tactile learners - in art library instruction; and the art history student's special research and information needs" (p. …