Showing papers in "Reference Services Review in 2006"

Using rubrics to assess information literacy

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report the results of an assessment study of undergraduate students' achievement of information literacy learning outcomes in a first‐year research and writing course.Design/methodology/approach – The object of the assessment was a group of bibliographies compiled by the students. The librarian and other faculty members created a scoring rubric based on course learning objectives and the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education. The rubric was used to score the bibliographies to determine the students' levels of mastery of the objectives, their use of library‐licensed vs freely available web sources, and differences among the classroom learning environments.Findings – The paper finds that students' academic work is a useful gauge of their achievement of information literacy‐based learning outcomes. A rubric is a valuable assessment tool that provides a reliable and objective method for anal...

Focus group interviewing in the library literature: A selective annotated bibliography 1996‐2005

Abstract: Purpose – Focus group interviewing, an important social science research methodology dating to the 1920s, is currently experiencing renewed popularity worldwide. This paper aims to review the implementation of this qualitative assessment tool as it relates to the library environment. The article is designed to stimulate the use of focus groups in librarianship and to demonstrate the range of positive applications across various activities within this field, such as administration, cataloging, reference, internet, and other areas. The goal is to bolster recognition that this data‐gathering technique can be utilized to achieve a variety of goals.Design/methodology/approach – A comprehensive search of online databases was conducted in library science and in numerous other social sciences, given the interdisciplinary nature of the topic. The salient monographic and journal literature was selected and annotated. A number of standard handbooks, textbooks, references sources, and scholarly articles were consulte...

The one‐minute paper and the one‐hour class: Outcomes assessment for one‐shot library instruction

Abstract: Purpose – To describe the design and use of an outcomes assessment tool for one‐shot library instruction classes that is objective, quantitative, easy to use, and flexible.Design/methodology/approach – An “outcomes” assessment tool was created based on the ideas of the one‐minute paper and student reflection papers. The tool was administered to classes in Spanish and Biology that had one shot library sessions.Findings – The assessment tool was helpful in pointing out areas where librarians need to improve instruction in their one shot classes. The tool was useful, easy to use, and fulfilled our objectives.Research limitations/implications – The tool's use may be limited to institutions where there is excellent rapport between librarians and course instructors or to libraries with a staff large enough to find volunteers to grade the papers outside of the course librarian.Practical implications – The tool developed provides one more weapon for the outcomes assessment arsenal.Originality/value – This contrib...

Teaching faculty's perspectives on business information literacy

Abstract: Purpose – Effective integration of information literacy skills into the business curriculum requires the development of collaborative partnerships between teaching faculty and librarians. Developing a good partnership requires an understanding of the teaching faculty's perspectives. This paper aims to address these issues.Design/methodology/approach – A survey was sent to business teaching faculty at California State Universities to determine their expectations in regards to student information literacy skills.Findings – Writing a report or project that required in‐depth research is one of the major expectations. All faculty surveyed expect students to use library research for their assignments.Originality/value – Business faculty and librarians will be able to use these findings in developing guidelines to integrate information literacy into coursework, assignments and research tools.

Using interactive technology to teach information literacy concepts to undergraduate students

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to measure the effectiveness of a highly interactive animated tutorial that aims to teach basic information literacy concepts to undergraduates and to determine which factors enhance online learning.Design/methodology/approach – The tutorial was evaluated using 30 undergraduate students. Each test consisted of a pre‐tutorial questionnaire and a post‐tutorial questionnaire.Findings – Data from the evaluative testing of the tutorial shows that the tutorial is effective in imparting information literacy concepts to undergraduate students. Students responded positively to the interactivity and game‐like nature of the tutorial.Originality/value – The high degree of interactivity and the game‐like quality of the tutorial are key factors in its success. Thus, developers should aim to incorporate these elements into future online tutorials for undergraduate students.

Towards information fluency: applying a different model to an information literacy credit course

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this article is to examine information literacy, critical thinking, and computer literacy in higher education and discuss the application of the information fluency model, created by the Associated Colleges of the South, to the Purdue University Libraries one‐credit information literacy course, GS 175 Information Strategies.Design/methodology/approach – The case study has a two‐part focus. The first examines information literacy, critical thinking, and computer literacy in higher education through a review of the literature. The second part discusses the pilot GS 175 Information Strategies course, shows how the information fluency model was applied, and analyzes the overall success of the pilot.Findings – Today, employers and professors expect graduates and students to exhibit critical thinking, analysis, research, and technology skills at a fairly high level. Universities are responding with a more rapid integration and adoption of technology and creating a higher emphasis on inf...

Collaborations for success: high school to college transitions

Abstract: Purpose – The paper seeks to provide an overview of innovative high school to college collaborations and initiatives at Kent State University Library. These collaborations and initiatives may serve as models and resources for future academic library high school to college programs.Design/methodology/approach – New and innovative collaborations and initiatives aimed at fostering successful high school to college student transitions are discussed.Findings – Provides overview of the K‐12 educational environment in Ohio, the collaborative environment, and opportunities for outreach and collaborative information literacy programming with high schools. Discusses new and innovative initiatives, lessons learned and provides practical considerations.Practical implications – This paper may serve as a guide and point out considerations and resources to both academic and high school libraries interested in exploring, expanding or establishing high school to college transition programming.Originality/value – Academic ...

Communication in academic libraries: an East Asian perspective

Abstract: Purpose – To discuss library services with attention to effective communication between public service professionals and East Asian library clientele.Design/methodology/approach – A wide range of library literature (1984‐2001) about serving international students is reviewed to provide a portrait of efforts made by librarians and researchers. This article then focuses on East Asian students as a unique group based on shared cultural values, applies literature of East Asian/Western communication styles to library reference services, and discusses how cultural‐specific communication styles can cause misunderstandings in information delivery processes. Recommendations are made to assist information professionals in their efforts to communicate effectively with international students and meet their information needs.Findings – Differences in communication styles can often create barriers to having messages understood correctly. As a result, the information conveyed does not necessarily reflect the intention a...

Evolving a new model: the information commons

Abstract: Purpose – The article aims to provide a historical context for the information commons model in college and university libraries, reviewing trends in reference services, user expectations, technology and facilities planning. It suggests future directions for expansion of the information commons model and provides URLs for academic libraries with information commons of note.Design/methodology/approach – The article serves as a frame for three other articles in this issue on information commons.Findings – In the 1990s, the move to “rethink reference” services intersected with the “library as place” movement. This collision, combined with changes in technology and users' expectations, resulted in the information commons model.Research limitations/implications – The literature review is not exhaustive.Practical implications – The article provides a succinct review of recent historical trends in academic libraries as well as an overview of recent technological changes that have affected our users.Originality/v...

Letting the grass grow: grassroots information on blogs and wikis

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to illustrate some of the major uses and limiting factors of blogs and wikis, as well as the ways that these resources can be used by librarians and educators.Design/methodology/approach – This paper analyses blog and wiki use from set‐up to practice in real‐world events including citizen journalism, disaster response and education.Findings – The paper highlights the many ways that socially mediated, group‐edited web pages add value to research, information sharing, and collaborative, asynchronous modes of education.Originality/value – This paper provides insights for educators and librarians about the ways that blogs and wikis can be used in classrooms and as primary sources of information.

Do libraries matter

Abstract: Purpose – This editorial considers the question “do libraries matter?” from a variety of perspectives and angles.Design/methodology/approach – Four recent documents are examined – Chad and Miller's, 2005 white paper, “Do libraries matter? The rise of Library 2.0.” from Talis; the Bibliographic Services Task Force (BSTF) final report (December 2005) from the University of California, Rethinking How We Provide Bibliographic Services for the University of California; OCLC's 2005, Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources; and the Horizon Report, 2006, a collaboration between The New Media Consortium and the EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative, an EDUCAUSE program.Findings – Several themes surface again and again in the documents examined. These include: the increasing impact of emerging technologies on our users and on our libraries; changing attitudes toward technology and communication; and changing interests, behaviors, habits and expectations of our modern users. The article concludes that while librar...

Collaborative Reference Work in the Blogosphere

Abstract: Purpose – This paper explores the use of blogs as a platform for providing reference service, and discusses Lyceum, an open source software project from ibiblio.org, for this purpose.Design/methodology/approach – The following topics are explored: the evolution of libraries' uses of blogs, the advantages of conducting the reference transaction as a collaborative effort, and the use of blogs as an environment that fosters collaboration. The argument is made that blogs may be used to good effect in reference servicesFindings – It is argued that blogs may be used to good effect in reference services. Lyceum, an open source blogosphere application, is discussed as an environment for blog‐based reference service.Originality/value – To date, blogs are not being used by a library reference services, and by few online reference service unaffiliated with libraries. This paper will be useful to libraries and other reference services interested in conducting the reference transaction as a community effort.

Collaborating to connect global citizenship, information literacy, and lifelong learning in the global studies classroom

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the concepts of lifelong learning, information literacy, and global citizenship, making explicit connections among them via theories of social capital. It then presents a model of librarian‐faculty collaboration that relies upon information literacy as a framework for fostering lifelong learning and global citizenship.Design/methodology/approach – The paper begins with a theoretical analysis of lifelong learning, information literacy, global citizenship, and social capital in order to provide a conceptual framework for the case study that follows. The case study describes the librarian‐faculty collaboration, which included the development of course goals, the syllabus, learning outcomes and objectives, assignments, course‐integrated library instruction sessions, and assessment tools.Findings – Social capital is a useful theoretical tool for conceptualizing pedagogical strategies for promoting information literacy and global citizenship. Pre‐ and...

The information commons as a collaborative workspace

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the evolving concept of “Information Commons” through the documentation of one library's renovation and the comparison of that library's experience with the earlier theoretical and case study literature.Design/methodology/approach – The paper cites gate counts, a user‐satisfaction survey, and examples of emerging collaboration between library and information technology staff as evidence of substantial changes in how the library is used by both staff and students following its transformation into an information commons.Findings – This paper finds that the library's transformation into an information commons has resulted in dramatically high gate counts, indications of user satisfaction, and anecdotal evidence that demand for reference service is increasing. The author also finds that, perhaps equally as important, the blending of information technology and library staffs as the information commons was implemented has led to a number of collaborative p...

The benefits of buy‐in: integrating information literacy into each year of an academic program

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the integration of information literacy into each year of a Bachelor of Arts and Science (BAS) program at the University of Guelph, Ontario, and to explain the role of librarian mentors in this program.Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews the literature related to mentoring and librarians, explains the BAS program, and outlines the library's integration into the BAS curriculum. It discusses mentoring, assessment, and future goals, and provides some librarians' observations and advice.Findings – The paper demonstrates the benefits of librarian‐student mentoring and of integrating information literacy into each year of an undergraduate degree program.Practical implications – Since the mentoring of students by librarians is rarely mentioned in the literature, this description of our mentoring program may inspire other librarians to set up librarian‐student partnerships at their institutions. Our successful application of information literacy into ...

A blended method for integrating information literacy instruction into English composition classes

Abstract: Purpose – During Spring semester 2005, budgetary constraints, personnel reductions, and questions of efficacy challenged librarians at the University of Arizona to develop more integrated methods for assisting faculty, instructors, and students in teaching and learning information literacy skills. In order to meet this challenge, University of Arizona librarians collaborated with the University's English Composition Program to develop an instructor‐led, librarian facilitated approach to integrating information literacy instruction into the English Composition curriculum. This was a natural fit because there are fundamental similarities between the educational goals of the English Composition Program and the outcomes espoused by the Association of College and Research Libraries Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education. The approach that the University of Arizona Library has developed is described in the following pages in the hopes that it can serve to assist librarians elsewhere in d...

Information commons at Brigham Young University: Past, present, and future

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show that the idea and implementation of information commons' is becoming more prevalent in the academic library community. Many of these have been implemented in what were once General Reference areas of libraries. This paper discusses the process and experience of the Harold B. Lee Library at Brigham Young University, including concept development, acceptance and implementation. In addition, the first 18 months of operation and our visions for the future of our implementation are contained herein. One of the major themes of the paper is that change in an information commons is inevitable.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is a case study of the information commons implementation done at Brigham Young University.Findings – The paper shows the implementation of the information commons at Brigham Young University has been very successful and it will continue to adapt as higher education practice at the University continues to change.Practical implications – Th...

Net cred: evaluating the internet as a research source

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show how web sites can be a valuable research source for students if approached with due caution.Design/methodology/approach – This article is the product of collaboration between a sociology professor and a librarian. The authors discuss the nature of their collaboration and present their views on web evaluation in the context of an extensive literature review.Findings – Reputable print sources have numerous mechanisms to help ensure reliability: proven authors and editors, track record, and (sometimes) peer review. Obviously, the vast majority of web sites lack these features. Accordingly, the paper offers a critical look at the standard criteria of web evaluation with illustrations from two sites, one credible, one not.Originality/value – Healthy skepticism regarding the internet is urged. It is suggested that web evaluation has costs and benefits. The chief benefit of careful web site evaluation is that the process makes it more likely than otherwise that one ...

Research guides as library instruction tools

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine how guidelines for information literacy and library instruction can be incorporated into online research guides and provide examples from guides that have done this.Design/methodology/approach – Online research guides in forestry were identified and examined using the ACRL's “Information literacy competency standards for higher education” and guidelines for library instruction set forth in LaGuardia and Oka's Becoming a Library Teacher.Findings – While some research guides simply provide unannotated links to online resources, others seek to engage the user by incorporating features that correspond directly to elements of a library instruction session.Originality/value – The study presents practical ways in which online research guides can serve as library instruction tools.

From failure to success: working with under‐prepared transfer students

Abstract: Purpose – To present a successful collaboration between an instruction librarian and the director of a campus‐writing center for the benefit of some under prepared transfer students in an urban setting at a research university.Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative. Librarian and writing instructor reflect on the pedagogy used and their collaboration.Findings – Intensive librarian‐faculty collaboration using theoretical concepts and models from general education, writing pedagogy, and librarianship can create a successful learning space for under prepared students.Originality/value – The actual voice of the teaching faculty is rarely heard in the library literature, but it is an integral part of this article.

Using humor in library instruction

Abstract: Purpose – To demonstrate that humor can be used as a teaching technique by instruction librarians.Design/methodology/approach – Since some students have what Constance Mellon refers to as library anxiety, humor can be used as a teaching tool to help reduce this feeling. Using the literature of higher education, this article seeks to provide practical advice on ways to use humor in the library instruction setting.Findings – The use of real‐life humorous examples demonstrates that teaching librarians can reap the benefits of using humor in the classroom. The article dispels the myth that one must be a comedian to use humor in the classroom.Practical implications – The teaching librarian can add the use of humor as a teaching tool along with other techniques to assist in reducing library anxiety, promote classroom environment and help students to get more comfortable with the library's many resources.Originality/value – This paper adds to the discussion on the use of humor in library instruction as one metho...

Reference services in the commons environment

Abstract: Purpose – This paper describes the services offered in an information commons that primarily serves undergraduate students at a large research university This paper provides background information on the implementation of a learning or information commons and describes the effect of the commons environment on reference services and environment and highlights the importance of a strong relationship between libraries and information technology providers in developing successful public services in an information commonsDesign/methodology/approach – This article describes the transformation of an Undergraduate Library into the Information Commons and describes the implications for library services in a public services partnershipFindings – The information commons environment is one part of a library system that is evolving in response to and in anticipation of user needsPractical implications – This paper documents a successful partnership in creating an information commons that primarily serves undergrad

The buzz and the reality: when the rubber hits the bibliographic services road in the University of California and what that means for the rest of us ...: Rethinking how we provide bibliographic services for the University of California

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the “buzz” about the University of California's Bibliographic Services Task Force report Rethinking How We Provide Bibliographic Services for the University of California and begins to explore Task Force findings from a public service perspective.Design/methodology/approach – Members of the University of California's Bibliographic Services Task Force were interviewed about their report published in December 2005, Rethinking How We Provide Bibliographic Services for the University of California.Findings – Establishes that “search and retrieval” are of primary importance to today's library users, and that the design and delivery of bibliographic services are of equal import to public services librarians.Practical implications – Informs and stimulates discussion about the value of “search” as service, and reinforces the importance of bibliographic services in today's information marketplace.Originality/value – Challenges librarians and library workers to think about t...

Visual information literacy via visual means: three heuristics

Abstract: Purpose – This paper offers definitions and application scenarios for three interdisciplinary heuristics designed to encourage a more holistic view of texts with the objective of raising awareness and enhancing the information literacy of student researchers.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on the thesis that visual texts and images should be considered in information literacy theory and practice, a selection of three visual heuristics found to be useful in instruction session situations are explained and described in a practical teaching situation.Findings – These three heuristics can be used in a number of ways for different audiences to encourage critical thinking about the context, components, and the communication process involved in presenting texts used by students (from books, to journal and newspaper articles, and web sites).Research limitations/implications – There are other useful heuristics that have not been considered within the scope of this study. Other readers and research...

Ill-structured problems and the reference consultation The librarian's role in developing student expertise

Abstract: Purpose – To apply the concept of ill‐structured problems and learner expertise to the reference consultation.Design/methodology/approach – Research literature from the 1960s forward regarding ill‐structured problems and learner expertise in a variety of disciplines was surveyed. Resulting characteristics of expert problem‐solvers were used to suggest applications to the reference consultation.Findings – Librarians can structure the reference consultation to better meet students' needs as information problem solvers.Research limitations/implications – The method described appears to have sound basis in research into cognitive development and reflective thinking, but it has not been empirically demonstrated in the reference environment. Empirical research with reference librarians and students would be a logical next step.Originality/value – Research into ill‐structured problems and learner expertise is ongoing in information retrieval systems. It has not been applied to the reference consultation.

Footholds and foundations: setting freshmen on the path to lifelong learning

Abstract: Purpose – The paper seeks to provide an empirical study demonstrating the value of one‐shot instruction assessment, and student learning, with the software, LISA.Design/methodology/approach – This is an outcome‐based quantitative study, using performance‐based software for assessment.Findings – The University of North Texas librarians developed Library Instruction Software for Assessment (LISA) to assess one‐shot library instruction sessions. The study used a pre‐test, post‐test and post‐post‐test to test freshmen in English classes. The pre‐test revealed that students had more difficultly using some tools more than others, namely the catalog. The post‐test showed that student performance searching the catalog and Academic Search Premier improved with library instruction. However, students' ability to find the “Help page” decreased. This decreased number was attributed to the importance of teaching navigation skills in library instruction sessions. The post‐post‐test taken at the end of the semester demon...

Evaluating public web site information: a process and an instrument

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the attempt to find an evaluation instrument for undergraduate students to use to evaluate public web sites, the analysis of the variety of instruments discovered, the subsequent development of an appropriate instrument, and the application of the instrument in workshops with students.Design/methodology/approach – The instrument was created based on the following criteria that the authors determined would meet the students' needs. It focuses exclusively on the information aspect of a web site, has some basis in theory or is based on an accepted model, is parsimonious, is quantitative, with both absolute and relative measures, and indicates whether or not the information should be accepted or rejected. The instrument was also developed with the goal of focusing on the process rather than the outcome.Findings – Although a number of diverse evaluation instruments from the literature and from web‐based sources were examined, none was deemed suitable for studen...

Instruction via chat reference: does co‐browse help?

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this research is to determine whether instruction would be welcomed by instant messaging (IM)/chat users, whether instruction is possible in this medium, whether it can be effectively provided, and if the use of co‐browsing enhances learning.Design/methodology/approach – Two studies were conducted in which IM/chat reference transcripts were analyzed and patron surveys collected. This research paper compares results from these studies, the first based on use of text‐only IM software, the second using commercial chat software with a co‐browse feature.Findings – Findings indicate that patrons welcome instruction, whether they ask for it or not, and are satisfied with chat/IM as an instructional medium. Librarians usually provide instruction, though they are more likely to do so if patrons ask for it, directly or indirectly. Co‐browsing was used little and did not increase the amount of instruction provided. Patron question format had an impact on the likelihood of co‐browsing. Despit...

Using best practices: librarians, graduate students and instruction

Abstract: Purpose – To test the belief that only experienced librarians can effectively teach bibliographic instruction, and compare the effectiveness of active learning methods versus usual practice.Design/methodology/approach – Undergraduate learning was quantitatively measured using a pre‐ and post‐assessment instrument. Two groups of library instructors, degreed librarians and graduate Library Science students participated, reporting the percentage of scripted, active‐learning instruction techniques used in classes.Findings – There was no significant difference in undergraduate learning gains, regardless of instructor type. However, all library instructors using at least 80 percent of the scripted, active‐learning techniques showed more undergraduate learning than those instructors who did not use as many active learning techniques. In addition, undergraduate assessment showed few learning gains after participation in two library instruction sessions.Research limitations/implications – An exclusively female und...

Creating collaborative partnerships: building the framework

Abstract: Purpose – The paper seeks to explore the nature of a collaborative relationship among school and academic librarians in order to enhance the information literacy skills of students as they matriculate to college.Design/methodology/approach – The paper discusses collaboration among school librarians in Madison County, Illinois and one academic library. The major reasons for creating these partnerships and the critical success factors of the project are also discussed.Findings – The academic library's role in facilitating collaboration may be challenging but building partnerships with local school libraries is mutually beneficial.Originality/value – Extracts the valuable lessons learned which will help others to effectively build similar relationships between school and academic librarians.