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Descriptors:
Evaluation; Research Libraries; Information Literacy; Interdisciplinary Approach; Feedback (Response); Research Methodology; Communication Research; Research Skills; Case Studies; Outcomes of Education; Scores; Partnerships in Education; Cooperation; Higher Education; Librarians

Abstract:
This report offers an interdisciplinary approach for conducting assessment on learning outcomes in undergraduate communication research skills where information literacy is embedded in the expected outcome. A Communication Studies department and the University Library piloted a two-year program to develop strategies for coordinated assessment that give feedback to both the Department and the Library. This collaborative model could be applied to any type of communication learning outcome that is related to information literacy. (Contains 2 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; Research Libraries; Library Materials; Storage; Library Services

Abstract:
This article presents an analysis of the feasibility of a bookless library in a research setting. As spaces for collections are being converted for increased study and community spaces, many libraries have been moving low-use collections to off-site storage. Issues regarding the types of storage spaces available are addressed. Concerns and solutions addressed include electronic availability, virtual browsing, and efficient interlibrary loan services. The article concludes that although moving all materials off site could be adequate for research needs on a short-term basis, the permanent removal of all materials would be undesirable due to a loss of discovery by browsing. 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:
Usability; Web Sites; Electronic Publishing; Electronic Libraries; Research Libraries; Academic Libraries; Information Seeking; Documentation; Online Searching; Graduate Students

Abstract:
This article reports results from an empirical usability evaluation of Human-Animal Bond Research Initiative Central as part of the effort to develop an open access research repository and collaboration platform for human-animal bond researchers. By repurposing and altering key features of the original HUBzero system, Human-Animal Bond Research Initiative Central hosts previously published materials from related disciplines and an extensive bibliography, in addition to traditional hub materials such as tools and datasets. Seven graduate students in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University participated in the usability evaluation. Tasks included exploring the system, finding an article in the repository, submitting an article to the repository, adding bibliographic information of an article to the repository, and using interaction features such as user groups. Participants also answered open questions regarding their overall experience and rated Human-Animal Bond Research Initiative Central's usability using the System Usability Scale. Response measures included task successfulness, navigational steps, task time, participant comments, and behavior notes recorded by the researcher. Results of the evaluation showed that the overall user experience of Human-Animal Bond Research Initiative Central was satisfactory but also indicated a number of usability issues. Participants had difficulty inputting metadata such as resource type and author information when submitting an article to the repository. There were also interface design issues regarding layout and consistency. It is expected that findings from this study and the evaluation methodology can be extended to the development and evaluation of similar research repository systems. (Contains 4 tables and 12 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; Research Libraries; Management Systems; Higher Education; Computer Software; Open Source Technology; Databases; Electronic Libraries; Web Sites

Abstract:
In 2010, after two previous unsuccessful attempts at electronic resources management system (ERMS) implementation, Texas A&M University (TAMU) Libraries set out once again to find an ERMS that would fit its needs. After surveying the field, TAMU Libraries selected the University of Notre Dame Hesburgh Libraries-developed, open-source ERMS, CORAL (Centralized Online Resources Acquisitions and Licensing). This article documents the selection, planning, and implementation of CORAL at the Texas A&M University Libraries as well as future plans for the system. (Contains 8 figures and 1 footnote.) 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:
Research Libraries; Library Services; Feedback (Response); Usability; User Satisfaction (Information); User Needs (Information); Library Research; Research Projects; Student Surveys; Case Studies; Foreign Countries; Questionnaires; Online Surveys; Search Engines; Online Searching

Abstract:
In September 2011, Flinders University Library launched FindIt@Flinders, the Primo discovery layer search to provide simultaneous results from the Library's collections and subscription databases. This research project was an exploratory case study which aimed to show whether students were finding relevant information for their course learning and research. The Library staff ran usability sessions and an online survey with students. These two methods identified the Primo elements participants were finding useful or not useful, and any problems they encountered. The results of the study provided mostly positive feedback and informed the Library about aspects of Primo that could be modified to create a better user experience. The feedback has also been incorporated into student training plans to ensure the most useful approaches to FindIt@Flinders are communicated to students. (Contains 4 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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Research Libraries; Foreign Countries; Library Research; Institutional Research; Organizational Change; Library Services; Library Administration; Institutional Characteristics; Organizational Objectives; Organizational Theories; Academic Libraries; Educational Practices; Research Methodology

Abstract:
University libraries worldwide are reconceptualising the ways in which they support the research agenda in their respective institutions. This paper is based on a survey completed by member libraries of the Queensland University Libraries Office of Cooperation (QULOC), the findings of which may be informative for other university libraries. After briefly examining major emerging trends in research support, the paper discusses the results of the survey specifically focussing on support for researchers and the research agenda in their institutions. All responding libraries offer a high level of research support, however, eResearch support, in general, and research data management support, in particular, have the highest variance among the libraries, and signal possible areas for growth. Areas for follow-up, benchmarking and development are suggested. (Contains 2 figures and 1 table.) 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:
Research Universities; Research Libraries; Library Administration; Educational Innovation; Library Development; Library Services; Entrepreneurship; Librarians; Administrators; Educational Finance; Educational Facilities Improvement; Library Role; Outreach Programs; Technology Uses in Education; Social Influences; Leadership Styles; Interior Space; Physical Environment; Space Utilization

Abstract:
This case explores various entrepreneurial initiatives introduced by Dr. Ron Dow, dean of libraries, at a private, research-extensive institution in the northeastern United States. The case serves as an example of how entrepreneurial ideas can be applied within educational contexts, specifically, the academic support context of the university library. The accompanying teaching notes facilitate analysis of the potential and limits of entrepreneurial practice for educational leaders who operate within the ever-changing fiscal landscape of academe. 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:
Educational Environment; Academic Libraries; Research Libraries; Foreign Countries; Library Services; Books; Electronic Publishing; Case Studies; Comparative Analysis; Higher Education; Models; Statistical Distributions; Statistics; Virtual Classrooms

Abstract:
From a fledgling technology with no proven business models, electronic books (e-books) have grown in importance usurping traditional formats as an acquisitions budget line in many academic library contexts. Business models include purchase, subscription, and pay per use. In academic and research libraries, web based e-book delivery is the dominant platform involving desktop, Netbook and iPad user agents. E-books are the hot property of today's academic library, forming the new wave in information services along with web scale discovery and institutional repositories. This paper reports the results of a preliminary analysis of transactional e-log data describing academic and student use of Ebook Library (EBL) titles at Edith Cowan University (ECU) Library, Perth, Western Australia. The data mined and analysed encompassing Semesters One and Two of the 2010 academic year. Analysis includes descriptive statistics and other metrics describing e-book usage patterns and user behaviour. The paper compares usage patterns observed with earlier studies and reports on the phenomenon of the "power user". (Contains 11 tables and 8 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:
Higher Education; Research Libraries; School Holding Power; Foreign Countries; Partnerships in Education; Participation; Socioeconomic Background; Outcomes of Education; Correlation; Helping Relationship; Help Seeking

Abstract:
The Australian Government's Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program aims to encourage greater participation of students from low socioeconomic backgrounds in higher education. Historically, participation and retention rates of students from underrepresented groups have been less than for the majority of school leavers. Universities are now intensifying their efforts to improve retention, and expect all parts of their institutions, including the university library, to contribute. Through a review of conceptual and empirical literature, this paper identifies five potential means by which a library may contribute to student retention and concludes by outlining one library's approach to investigating its contribution. (Contains 1 table.) 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:
Research Libraries; Library Services; Foreign Countries; Library Materials; Library Research; Academic Libraries; Evaluation Methods; Outcome Measures; Value Judgment; Measurement Techniques; Consortia; Use Studies; Information Services

Abstract:
Demonstrating the value of library and information services has been a theme in library discussions in recent years. The application of many different approaches to evaluation has waxed and waned together with the development of theories of evaluation across the humanities and social sciences. Over the past two decades research and activity on library value has seen the adoption of new approaches and an increase in the number of studies. There has been a new enthusiasm for harnessing increasingly sophisticated methods and a great range of metrics has resulted from these approaches. The development of more complex means of valuing library services has taken the road from simple output measures to calculating broad social value measures. This paper provides a summary of a report by Outsell commissioned by the Group of 8 University libraries in Australia which was led by Vic Elliott, then University Librarian, Australian National University (Elliott 2010). (Contains 9 tables and 4 graphs.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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