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Descriptors:
Educational Technology; Electronic Learning; Learning Processes; Learning Activities; Data Collection; Study Habits; Cognitive Style; Student Behavior; Behavioral Science Research; Social Networks; Population Groups; Incidence; Time Perspective; Time on Task; Geographic Location; Library Research

Abstract:
The migration from traditional classrooms to online learning environments is in full effect. In the midst of these changes, a new approach to learning analytics needs to be considered. Learning analytics refers to the process of collecting and studying usage data in order to make instructional decisions that will support student success. In learning analytics, "usage data" can refer to a wide range of information being produced by the observed population. The necessary tools and technology used to study learning analytics are starting to become simplified, allowing librarians to develop a better understanding of their students learning habits. Rather than analyzing college students' general learning behavior, learning analytics can provide insight into the learning styles or patterns of a specific subset of students. Within learning analytics, the "learning process is assessed more so than final learning outcomes." Therefore, learning analytics involves a redesign of assessment that traditionally focuses on outcomes. This in-process assessment draws its data from the daily learning activity of students within their social and informational networks. The author discusses three interactive components to be studied when collecting data for learning analytics: (1) timing; (2) location; and (3) population. It is important to note that there is a sense of immediacy to these components; current data are very valuable in regard to learning analytics and in-process assessment. The first step in collecting data is to investigate these components as they relate to a group of students. Ultimately, a big picture will begin to develop about the daily learning activity of students within their network of courses. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Females; Information Literacy; Library Instruction; Case Studies; Health Programs; Information Services; Information Sources; Advocacy; Information Management; Critical Literacy; Educational Opportunities; Formative Evaluation; Library Research; Institutional Characteristics; Operations Research; Scientific and Technical Information

Abstract:
Library instruction methods most frequently focus on teaching students searching skills to navigate the maze of library databases to locate appropriate research materials. The current theory of critical information literacy instruction calls on librarians to spend more of their time in the classroom focused on understanding the social, political, and cultural construction of knowledge. In this article, the author provides a case study of the information environment in the National Women's Health Network, a women's health interest group, to help librarians facilitate nuanced discussions with students on the applicability of interest group literature inside and outside of the university classroom. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Public Libraries; Foreign Countries; Reference Services; Electronic Mail; Computer Mediated Communication; Library Research; User Needs (Information); Questioning Techniques; Content Analysis; Investigations; Classification; Cluster Grouping; Information Seeking; Problem Sets; Qualitative Research

Abstract:
In Japan, only a few public libraries provide e-mail reference services. To help public libraries start e-mail reference services, the authors investigated reference questions received by libraries via e-mail and traditional face-to-face services. The authors found that research questions are more frequently observed among e-mail questions and questions about the local area are slightly more frequently observed. Librarians who are planning to start e-mail reference services should be aware of these tendencies. (Contains 10 tables.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Academic Libraries; Foreign Countries; Reference Services; Librarians; Minimum Competencies; Skill Analysis; Librarian Attitudes; Knowledge Level; Library Research; Professional Education; Online Surveys; Educational Needs; Needs Assessment; Job Skills

Abstract:
A survey of New Zealand academic subject/reference librarians was conducted in mid-2011 to identify the most highly valued knowledge, skills and competencies of reference librarians working in libraries in the tertiary sector. The project was part of an international collaborative project involving 13 countries. The results from New Zealand show that serving academic library customers requires not only traditional "reference" skills, but also skills in customer service, technology support, and training. Good communication skills were also rated highly by respondents, and the high value placed on adaptability/flexibility shows that most respondents expect their roles to continue to change in the next decade. Software troubleshooting skills were also considered important. The results also suggest that traditional paper-based reference sources are expected to become much less important than online ones. There is also a shift towards using social media to interact with customers, and a focus on building sustainable relationships. (Contains 3 figures and 3 tables.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Academic Libraries; Foreign Countries; Periodicals; Printed Materials; Electronic Libraries; Electronic Publishing; Library Materials; Library Research; Comparative Analysis; Layout (Publications); Intermode Differences; Library Development; Sample Size; Use Studies

Abstract:
The increasing availability and prominence of e-books has led to a perception in some quarters that the requirement for physical books is decreasing, as most, or all scholarly material is openly available in digital form. Some academic administrators and librarians have suggested that it may be possible or desirable to have a solely, or predominantly electronic academic library. This study tests that assumption by randomly selecting a sample of titles from a mid-size Australian academic library and searching for suitable electronic copies. The conclusion of the paper is that a maximum of 33% of titles held by the case study library are available as e-books, and on a practical basis about 26% of titles held by the case study library could be readily obtained as e-books. (Contains 3 figures.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Academic Libraries; Library Development; Library Research; Library Services; Library Materials; Evaluation Criteria; Self Evaluation (Groups); Organizational Effectiveness; Institutional Research; Library Administration; Information Management; Access to Information

Abstract:
This article examines multiple inventory methods and findings from the inventory processes at the University of Mississippi Libraries. In an attempt to reduce user frustration from not being able to locate materials, the University of Mississippi Libraries conducted an inventory process beginning with a pilot inventory of a branch library and a sample inventory at the Main Library followed by full inventory of sections of the Main Library's one-million-plus collection. The benefits of inventories, including cost effective, efficient workflows, are discussed. (Contains 4 tables and 1 figure.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Academic Libraries; Library Services; Foreign Countries; Social Networks; Network Analysis; Library Materials; Library Networks; Consortia; Library Research; Geographic Location; Correlation; Institutional Characteristics; Statistical Analysis; Shared Resources and Services

Abstract:
An analysis of Quebec academic libraries' direct reciprocal borrowing statistics from 2005 to 2010 reveals that the physical distance separating universities plays an important role in determining the amount of direct reciprocal borrowing activity conducted between institutions. Significant statistical correlations were also seen between the amount of direct reciprocal borrowing/lending as well as institution size and library collection size. Given their proximity, Montreal-area libraries have a higher ratio of direct reciprocal borrowing activity compared to interlibrary loan consortial borrowing activity, whereas libraries located outside of Montreal have higher interlibrary loan activity compared to direct reciprocal borrowing. It was found that institutions' net lender and borrower status can shift depending on whether one is looking at direct reciprocal borrowing versus interlibrary loan activity. An exploratory social network analysis of direct reciprocal borrowing among Quebec academic libraries was performed, and it affirmed the important role of physical distance in determining direct reciprocal borrowing activity. Language may also play a role in affecting the amount of direct reciprocal borrowing. (Contains 2 tables and 5 figures.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Information Policy; Public Libraries; Information Science; Information Science Education; Library Role; Library Science; Users (Information); Federal Legislation; Children; Child Safety; Internet; Access to Information; Librarians; Copyrights; Intellectual Property; Information Technology; Library Research

Abstract:
Public libraries are heavily affected by political and policy-making processes that shape the funding, activities, and roles of libraries in society, with the explosion of information policy decisions in the past two decades significantly increasing the responsibilities of libraries while also increasing limitations on their activities. Research in library and information science, however, has paid scant attention to these issues over time. If libraries are to be able to effectively advocate for the interests of their institutions, patrons, and communities, researchers need to more strongly engage problems of politics and policy making that impact libraries. With greater amounts of data and analysis in this area, libraries will be better situated to advocate for their needs in political and policy-making processes, as well as better able to articulate their positions to members of the public. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Library Services; Graduate Students; Institutional Research; Library Research; Use Studies; Users (Information); Data Collection; Undergraduate Students; Demography; Data Analysis

Abstract:
In Fall 2011, staff at the University of Minnesota Libraries-Twin Cities undertook a project to measure how often, and in what ways, students used the Libraries' services. Partnering with the University's Office of Institutional Research, the team investigated ways to match library service usage to individual accounts while retaining patron privacy to determine who was--and was not--using the library. With complete data sets, the group was able to determine overall usage rates for undergraduate and graduate students and compare how students in different colleges used library services. This article discusses data gathering techniques, analysis, and initial findings. (Contains 2 tables, 2 figures and 15 notes.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Academic Achievement; Academic Libraries; Grade Point Average; Library Services; Research Universities; Users (Information); Use Studies; Library Research; Audits (Verification); College Outcomes Assessment; Academic Persistence; College Freshmen; Value Judgment; Evidence; Statistical Analysis

Abstract:
Academic libraries, like other university departments, are being asked to demonstrate their value to the institution. This study discusses the impact library usage has on the retention and academic success of first-time, first-year undergraduate students at a large, public research university. Usage statistics were gathered at the University of Minnesota during the Fall 2011 semester for thirteen library access points. Analysis of the data suggests first-time, first-year undergraduate students who use the library have a higher GPA for their first semester and higher retention from fall to spring than non-library users. (Contains 6 tables and 27 notes.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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