ACRL 08th National Conference, "Choosing Our Futures"

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/11213/15618

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Open Access
Who? Whom? Or, Who's Teaching What to Whom and What Information Services Will They Need
(Association of College & Research Libraries, 1997) de Jesus Ayala Schueneman, Maria; Schueneman, Bruce C.
This paper examines the university in the context of postmodernism. The integrated ideal of the past is contrasted with the fragmentary reality of the present, both in terms of educational institutions and individual students. To further examine students' postmodern beliefs, the results of two studies are briefly presented. One examines general student beliefs around the world, the other is a preliminary report of a similar study focusing on information and libraries that the authors commenced in January 1997. Though students are described as traditional and modern in some respects, postmodernism also informs student values, especially in the area of the radical equality of ideas. A postmodern age may well find less value in the traditional library and especially in the hierarchical ordering of materials that has been the chief intellectual endeavor of the library professional.
Open Access
Waiting for the Electrician or Someone Like Him: Client-Centered Technical Services
(Association of College & Research Libraries, 1997) Bolin, Mary K.
Academics are being admonished to be "client-centered"--generally used to mean consumer or customer-oriented. This paper looks at the origins of "client-centeredness" in mental health care, and explores the idea of "client-centered" academic institutions, specifically the technical services functions of academic libraries. Philosophical and practical recommendations for a client-centered technical services operation conclude the paper.
Open Access
The Virtual Librarian: Using Desktop Videoconferencing to Provide Interactive Reference Assistance
(Association of College & Research Libraries, 1997) Folger, Kathleen
Recent technological innovations have made videoconferencing much more affordable and accessible than in the past. Room-based systems that cost thousands of dollars are now being replaced by software programs that work on standard desktop computers. In a joint project at the University of Michigan, the Shapiro Undergraduate Library and the Residence Hall Libraries collaborated to use a desktop videoconferencing program to provide reference service to students located in residence halls across the campus. This paper provides an overview of desktop videoconferencing technology, discusses the University of Michigan project, and considers the future of this technology in libraries.
Open Access
Undergraduate Students and the Digital Library: Information-Seeking Behavior in a Heterogenous Environment
(Association of College & Research Libraries, 1997) Seiden, Peggy; Szymborski, Kris; Norelli, Barbara
There is a paucity of research on general undergraduate user behavior particularly in the emerging digital library environment. This paper presents the results of a preliminary study of information seeking among sixty undergraduates at Skidmore College. The study was designed to 1) assess students' information seeking behavior in general; 2) elicit information about the search process; and 3) discern how students had acquired their knowledge of online searching and their level of expertise with online searching, computer applications and libraries. Our results indicate that most undergraduates have a relatively poor understanding of the information environment and that the "digital library" exaggerates and magnifies these problems.
Open Access
Thinking Boldly! College and University Library Mission Statements as Roadsigns to the Future
(Association of College & Research Libraries, 1997) Bangert, Stephanie R.
The future of libraries as both a physical and a virtual place is integral to the success of academic institutions. While speculation about the future viability of libraries is evident, it has been difficult to identify the directions libraries intend to go. New roles for academic librarians have been suggested in the literature, however, it has not been clear if these roles connect with expressed library mission and vision. In this study of California academic library mission statements, a content analysis of language reveals that the future academic library will blend traditional professional practice with an increased external response to the larger institution and community. Roadsigns for the future are suggested by a close examination of fifty-eight formal statements of purpose. These academic libraries describe through expressed language how multidimensional and complex the future is being defined. While boldness and imagination is evident, the research suggests that continuous revision and refinement of focus is needed.
Open Access
Televideo Reference: The UC Irvine Experience
(Association of College & Research Libraries, 1997) Lessick, Susan; Kjaer, Kathryn; Clancy, Steve
Desktop videoconferencing technology has the potential of bridging the physical barriers that prevent the ready transfer of information between users and reference providers. Because of this potential, the Science Library librarians at the University of California, Irvine implemented a pilot "telereference" project in January 1997 designed to generate needed information about the use of real-time, face-to-face, desktop videoconferencing to conduct reference interviews with student users at a remote location. The new interactive videoconferencing pilot program, called Interactive Reference Service (IRS), is available to medical students who are working in a computer lab located 1/2 mile away at the College of Medicine complex. This project is testing the feasibility, costs, and benefits of implementing such a service on an on-going basis. The paper will describe various planning, implementation, and service considerations, explain sample interactive sessions, and present preliminary observations.
Open Access
Small-College Library Directors: Getting in the Door and Surviving on the Job
(Association of College & Research Libraries, 1997) O'Keeffe, Julie
This paper reports findings from a 1996 survey which examined job preparedness of library directors at four-year colleges in twelve Midwest states. The survey measured: a) qualifications possessed at the time each person obtained his or her first director's position; and b) the skills and abilities directors felt were essential to surviving and doing well in their positions. One hundred fifty-eight directors returned questionnaires for a response rate of 84 percent. Participants in the 1995-96 College Library Director Mentor Program also supplied a list of essential skills for the first year in a new position.
Open Access
The Role of Recruitment in Achieving Goals Related to Diversity
(Association of College & Research Libraries, 1997) Winston, Mark
One of our diversity-related goals is to broaden the number of perspectives represented in academic library decisionmaking, administration and library services. The literature related to recruitment theory addresses the factors which impact the choices of individuals to choose a profession and will help us to develop recruitment strategies that will lead to increasing the number of minority academic librarians.
Open Access
The Productivity Paradox: Implications for Libraries
(Association of College & Research Libraries, 1997) Greer, Gary; Hare, Chris
For more than a decade, business and economics researchers have written and discussed the term "productivity paradox." Economist Robert Solow's often quoted remark "we see computers everywhere but in the productivity statistics," neatly summarizes the issue. Despite the promises of computer companies and technology advocates, many researchers believe that companies investing large amounts of capital in computers and information technology are not seeing a payoff in productivity. Productivity is a measure of the efficiency of production and is generally expressed as a ratio of input (labor and capital) to output (a product or service). Writers in many fields have discussed possible reasons for the paradox. Poor software design, underdeveloped computer skills among workers, and poor administrative management of information technology are some often given causes. Recently some economists have been predicting a boom in productivity directly related to computers. These predictions center on four major shifts: 1) improved computer technology, 2) redesigned work activities that make better use of computers, 3) increased knowledge of computers among workers, and 4) modified productivity measures to better account for computers. The debate over productivity and computers is important for libraries. Libraries have invested great amounts of money in computers. Governments and funding agencies are increasingly calling upon libraries and educational institutions to be accountable or to demonstrate positive "outcomes" for their investments. Libraries also have a special stake in demonstrating effective use of computers and information technology. As information specialists, librarians are skilled at managing and evaluating information technology. As a measure of computer effectiveness in libraries, productivity is a useful model, though not a familiar one. Many library services appear to defy measurement in productivity terms. More common measures are effectiveness and quality of service. Productivity, however, can account for labor, capital investment, and services. The challenge for libraries will be to develop productivity measures that adequately account for important library services. These measures cannot be limited to traditional productivity definitions if libraries are to be successful in demonstrating positive effects of computers.
Open Access
Philosophical Shift: Teach the Faculty to Teach Information Literacy
(Association of College & Research Libraries, 1997) Smith, Rise L.
Integrating information literacy throughout the undergraduate curriculum is limited as long as librarians insist on doing the instruction themselves, because staffing is inadequate to support full-fledged, integrated instruction programs. Instead, librarians should train and assist the faculty to teach information literacy in their courses. Essential elements which will enable faculty to embrace and teach information literacy include: faculty recognition of information literacy as a core component of undergraduate instruction; adequate training for faculty in the use of information systems and services; adequate education of faculty in techniques and activities that can be used to develop student information literacy; librarian committment to a focus on faculty development and collaboration; and development of the library as a physical and virtual learning environment. A "teach the teacher" approach provides a realistic way of reaching more students in more courses.
Open Access
A New Model of Librarian Education for the Networked Environment
(Association of College & Research Libraries, 1997) Rapple, Brendan
With the advent of the electronic library, the teaching function of librarians is becoming more and more crucial. However, though library schools are facing the challenge of preparing librarians to utilize the technological and electronic tools of the modern library, they are inadequately training them in the complexities of teaching such tools. Consequently, I propose the creation of new M.L.S. programs that contain a significant element of training in pedagogy, particularly pedagogy adapted for the networked environment. I also argue that the length of all M.L.S. programs be increased to two years.
Open Access
The Nature of the Electronic Journal: Structure and Use of Information in Scholarly Electronic Journals
(Association of College & Research Libraries, 1997) DeFelice, Barbara
The nature of the information in scholarly electronic journals and the use made of that information needs to be better understood by academic librarians seeking to serve faculty and students effectively. This paper is based on the results of an investigation of web accessible scholarly journals undertaken at Dartmouth College, and emphasizes the challenges to library user services. Scholarly electronic journals are different from print journals in form and access mode, and vary far more than print journals. However, the role of the scholarly journal has not changed with the form. User requirements for ease of access and reliability of content are still important considerations. By actively working with the providers of electronic journals, librarians have the opportunity to influence the development of this mode of scholarly communication in a direction that is beneficial to scholarship.
Open Access
A Method of Measuring the Reach of a Bibliographic Instruction Program
(Association of College & Research Libraries, 1997) Kirk, Thomas G. Jr.; Taylor, Nancy; Penhale, Sara
Bibliographic instruction at Earlham College has developed over the last thirty years into a program of course-integrated instruction extending throughout the college curriculum. We have developed a method for measuring the effectiveness of our program in reaching all students. This method is based on data available to most librarians at their home institutions: student transcripts for graduates, the college catalog, and library records of bibliographic instruction. We will illustrate how this data can be used to reveal patterns of bibliographic instruction received by members of a graduating class and how this type of analysis can suggest strategies for improving an instruction program.
Open Access
Maps and Legends: Plotting a Course for Geographic Information Systems
(Association of College & Research Libraries, 1997) Herold, Philip
Many academic institutions are experiencing explosive growth in the use of geospatial data and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). As GIS gain widespread acceptance as a research tool, the scholarly community looks to the library as the institution with both the skills to provide intellectual access to data and the technological expertise to guide them in their use. Librarians must be proactive in developing support and service mechanisms for geospatial data and GIS. This paper defines and discusses academic library support issues surrounding GIS and geospatial data. It proposes a model for levels of GIS support and decision-making.
Open Access
The Library and Academic Computing Center: Cultural Perspectives and Recommendations for Improved Interaction
(Association of College & Research Libraries, 1997) Favini, Robert
Technology has become a dominant factor in the daily operation of academic libraries. In small-to-medium-sized institutions the introduction of technology could not have happened with out the assistance of the academic computing services department (ACS). It has become apparent that major cultural differences exist between the library and ACS. In many institutions, these differences have led to unproductive relationships. This paper looks at the roles of the library and the ACS on campus, their level of interaction, and their differing organizational cultures. Recommendations to improve the working relationship between the library and ACS are also offered.
Open Access
Libraries and the Post-Job Organization
(Association of College & Research Libraries, 1997) Goetsch, Lori A.
Technology has had a profound impact on libraries, and they have responded by adopting various organizational strategies. However, many libraries continue to organize by functional units, and job responsibilities remain closely tied to these functions. William Bridges suggests that this work environment is eroding. We have entered a "new post-job world" which requires a "post-job organization." Is there a place for the post-job organization in libraries? This position paper describes the post-job organization, examines factors that are moving libraries toward it, and explores barriers to achieving a post-job library. The paper concludes with a discussion of changes libraries will need to make to succeed as post-job organizations.
Open Access
Journals Under Attack: Faculty and Researchers' Creative Solutions to Access Problems (or, Theft Is the Answer. What Was the Question?)
(Association of College & Research Libraries, 1997) Johnson, Judith R.; Rozum, Betty
Escalating journal subscription costs and concurrent library and institutional budget cuts have precipitated the cancellation of journal subscriptions by many research and academic libraries. How does the faculty and research community obtain the information no longer provided for them by their university libraries? Resource sharing among libraries has been a traditional solution to this dilemma, but is not the only solution employed by researchers and faculty. Part of a study conducted at Utah State University (USU) examines the methods faculty and researchers use to obtain access to materials not held by the University Libraries, focusing on identifying unique or unconventional methods of access already in place that might be developed for broader, more efficient use of institutional resources.
Open Access
Help-Seeking Behavior in the Research Process of College Students
(Association of College & Research Libraries, 1997) Bailey, Edgar C. Jr.
Studies by Carol Kuhlthau and Constance Mellon of the research process of college students indicate that librarians are less frequently used as sources of help than might be expected. Neither researcher, however, has extensively explored the reasons for this failure to seek assistance. The findings of some recent studies by Stuart Karabenick of the help seeking behavior of college students may be usefully applied to students needing help with library research assignments. This paper describes a study of 326 undergraduates in twenty-two courses which required a library research project. Students were surveyed to determine the extent of their need for help, the sources from which they sought assistance, and the reasons for any reluctance to approach librarians or professors. Results confirm some previous findings but also reveal considerable willingness to seek help from librarians.
Open Access
Government Information in an Electronic Age
(Association of College & Research Libraries, 1997) Andrews, Judy
The United States has long had a tradition of free access to government information. How is that changing with the advent of putting information into electronic format? What changes must academic libraries make in order to provide access to government information? Is it all a matter of funding and/or philosophy? In choosing a future for access to government information how will academic libraries help to close the gap between the 'information rich' and the 'information poor'?
Open Access
The Gods Never Had It So Good: Partnerships, Standards, and Navigational Tools for Access to Images
(Association of College & Research Libraries, 1997) Austin, David L.; Hodson, James