Copyright (c) 2013 Roger Williams University All rights reserved. http://docs.rwu.edu/librarypub Recent documents in Librarian Publications en-us Mon, 11 Feb 2013 16:57:35 PST 3600 http://docs.rwu.edu/librarypub/13 http://docs.rwu.edu/librarypub/13 Thu, 19 Feb 2009 05:46:20 PST Problem-based learning (PBL) provides the theoretical framework for a learner-centered active instructional experience that relies on collaboration, critical thinking, and hands-on interaction with resources. When used in a one-shot session, PBL challenges the instruction librarian to strengthen and renew their pedagogical skills. Sessions are lively and provide the opportunity for students and faculty to experience library instruction in a new and dynamic way. PBL and information literacy are ideal partners with limitless possibilities for enhanced library instruction.

]]> Barbara Kenney http://docs.rwu.edu/librarypub/12 http://docs.rwu.edu/librarypub/12 Mon, 26 Jan 2009 08:12:25 PST Librarians from Roger Williams University developed a model of best practices for planning library space projects while planning the first phase of the Learning Commons. They visited and gathered data from 18 libraries with recently-reconfigured spaces, tapped into their collective wisdom, and distilled it to a list of pragmatic, universally applicable best practices. Using examples from their own project and those of the libraries they visited, the presentation describes how to lay the groundwork for planning, incorporate the lessons learned, and achieve buy-in for the project.

]]> Susan McMullen et al. Information technology Learning Library science http://docs.rwu.edu/librarypub/11 http://docs.rwu.edu/librarypub/11 Thu, 11 Dec 2008 07:03:19 PST Librarians and administrators are often looking for better ways to measure and promote library services. This article reviews the literature on statistics in libraries to identify statistical models and applications that are useful. The paper examines the use of statistical models in the context of service operations management and makes specific recommendations for future research.

]]> Tim Spindler Information technology Library science Management science http://docs.rwu.edu/librarypub/10 http://docs.rwu.edu/librarypub/10 Wed, 07 May 2008 10:44:17 PDT This sabbatical report studied various models in order to determine best practices for design, implementation and service of Leaning Commons, a library service model which functionally and spatially integrates library services, information technology services, and media services to provide a continuum of services to the user.

]]> Susan McMullen Library science http://docs.rwu.edu/librarypub/9 http://docs.rwu.edu/librarypub/9 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 10:30:56 PST This article describes how cataloging staff at the Roger Williams University Library established, managed, and planned to preserve an online NEASC Evidence Center for the University’s reaccreditation process. It highlights use of MARC and AACR2rev for effective organization of the Center’s records and the continuing importance of professional cataloging skills.

]]> Mary J. Wu Information technology Library science http://docs.rwu.edu/librarypub/8 http://docs.rwu.edu/librarypub/8 Tue, 29 Jan 2008 08:17:21 PST In 1998 the Study Group on the Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records from IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions) released its final report of Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR). Since then cataloging experts as well as library system developers across the world have conducted numerous extensive researches in respect to the application of the FRBR model and its impact on bibliographic control and cataloging practices. The United States, in particular, and several European countries such as France, Italy, Denmark and Australia have recently experimented with FRBR in the creation of bibliographic database. FRBR Display Tool for Online Public Catalog has also been developed to test the model for its practical uses. Will FRBR ultimately resolve issues confronting the cataloging community, and therefore be adopted as an applicable model world wide? This article will introduce new developments in the application of the FRBR model. It is hoped that the article will inspire more discussion among Chinese cataloging colleagues with regard to the application of FRBR in Chinese cataloging.

]]> Mary J. Wu Information technology Library science http://docs.rwu.edu/librarypub/7 http://docs.rwu.edu/librarypub/7 Tue, 29 Jan 2008 07:50:35 PST The International Conference on Dublin Core and Metadata Applications took place on October 11-14, 2004 in Shanghai, China. It was the fourth in a series of expanded Dublin Core conferences that included a conference, tutorials and workshops. Prior to the first in this series of conferences held in Tokyo in 2001, eight Dublin Core workshop series had been held in various North American and European countries starting in 1995. These workshops and conferences have provided a forum where researchers and practitioners can exchange new ideas and demonstrate the development of metadata standards and applications from practical aspects.

]]> Mary J. Wu Information technology Library science http://docs.rwu.edu/librarypub/6 http://docs.rwu.edu/librarypub/6 Thu, 09 Nov 2006 05:47:30 PST Before 1990 few library materials were available in electronic format. Most libraries did not have Collection Development Policies specific to the electronic format, simply because they were not needed. Today, it is common to find electronic materials in library collections. The exponential growth in the number of items available in electronic format, and the acquisition of those materials in libraries has created a need for collection policies that address both the format and the contents of electronic materials. Creating policies for some of these materials has been problematic. Some types of materials have become less popular due to changes in available technology. Some types of materials present difficulties due to the changing nature of their contents. One type of electronic information that has proven troublesome for Collection Development interests is online aggregated databases. Content of aggregated databases may change without notice. Titles included in the aggregation may or may not be suitable to every collection. Publishers are driven by the market value of the product, rather than its research value for scholars. Yet aggregated databases are a reality for the foreseeable future and libraries must plan a strategy for their collection. Evaluation of this type of material should consider: breadth and depth of coverage, quality of indexing, usability—including screen design and ease of searching, ability to customize, delivery options, accessibility, availability of statistical data, value added features such as cross-linking, and quality of support. Methodology for evaluation should include an analysis of user needs, analysis of vendor policies and standards, and analysis of the content quality and quantity of the database. It is helpful to use worksheets and checklists that allow easy visual comparisons to be made among competing products, and to insure that all vital concerns are addressed. In 1999 members of Rhode Island’s HELIN consortium created and used such worksheets and checklists to conduct in an in-depth study and comparison of selected aggregated databases. The HELIN project, and a comparable project conducted at the University of Hawaii-Monoa, are described as examples of a methodology that can be adapted by other libraries.

]]> Susan McMullen et al. http://docs.rwu.edu/librarypub/5 http://docs.rwu.edu/librarypub/5 Wed, 08 Nov 2006 08:25:49 PST An intuitive library information gateway is critical to meeting the information needs of library users in the digital age. This article describes the process involved in redesigning a library Web site. In addition to first determining the goals and requirements for the library Web site, a user and task analysis was conducted for defining the library's user base and types of tasks which users might be performing at the site. Usability testing methods, such as observational interviews, provided fresh insights about how users are interacting with the library Web interface as they approach various information seeking tasks. These usability studies uncovered problems related to unclear terminology, proper use of color, size and location of navigational links, and the need for context sensitive help, built-in redundancy, and clear and consistent navigation.

]]> Susan McMullen http://docs.rwu.edu/librarypub/2 http://docs.rwu.edu/librarypub/2 Tue, 30 May 2006 05:48:44 PDT Web information systems are having a profound effect on the way information is being disseminated today. Current technological advances have caused many government agencies to re-evaluate their practice of contracting with private sector vendors who have traditionally repackaged and marketed the agency's raw data. These new opportunities for government agencies wishing to make information publicly accessible have blurred the traditional distinctions between public and private dissemination activities. Low-cost public dissemination of information has resulted in private sector vendors arguing that public electronic distribution and publication creates unfair competition. New partnerships, such as the recent venture between the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) and the commercial search engine, Northern Light, in developing the ``usgovsearch'' product are also being explored. From another viewpoint, library associations are strongly supporting legislation that would broaden,strengthen, and enhance public access to electronic government information. Key issues to be discussed are: (1) the debate concerning public vs. private access to government information; (2) Does electronic access to government information eliminate the need for printed documents? and (3) Joint efforts -- when should the government team up with private sector allies to charge for information services and access?

]]> Susan McMullen http://docs.rwu.edu/librarypub/1 http://docs.rwu.edu/librarypub/1 Thu, 25 May 2006 06:05:22 PDT The home pages of college and university libraries in the United States with a student population between five and ten thousand were analyzed for accessibility by people with disabilities. The category 190 schools and 188 could be analyzed. Of the 188, 79 were found to be accessible. Recommendations for future areas of research are included.

]]> Tim Spindler