Research data services from the perspective of academic librarians

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Soohyung Joo ◽  
Gisela M. Schmidt
Keyword(s):  
Research Universities ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Research Data ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Data Services ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Consultation Services ◽  
Technical Services

Purpose This study aims to investigate the perceptions of academic librarians regarding research data services (RDS) in academic library environments. This study also examines a range of challenges in RDS from the perspectives of academic librarians. Design/methodology/approach A nationwide online survey was administered to academic librarians engaged in data services at research universities around the USA. The collected survey responses were analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistics, hierarchical clustering and multidimensional scaling. Findings Academic librarians perceived that consultation services would be more valuable to users than technical services in offering RDS. Accordingly, skills associated with consultation services such as instructional skills and data management planning were perceived by participants to be more important. The results revealed that academic libraries would need to seek collaboration opportunities with other units on campus to develop and offer RDS, especially technical services. Originality/value This study contributes to the existing body of research on the topic of data services in research universities. The study investigated various types of specific professional competencies and used clustering analysis to identify closely associated groups of service types. In addition, this study comprehensively examined both relevant resources for and barriers to RDS.

Effective techniques for the segmentation of academic library users

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 454-464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhixian Yi
Keyword(s):  
Influencing Factors ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Content Analysis Method ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Australian Universities

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how Australian academic librarians perceived effective techniques used to segment library users into smaller groups and the influencing factors for their perceptions of the used techniques. Design/methodology/approach An online survey was sent to 400 academic librarians in 37 Australian universities and 230 (57.5 per cent) respondents completed and returned surveys. The descriptive and inferential statistics and content analysis method were used to analyse the collected data. Findings A variety of effective techniques were utilised to segment library users. Library variables such as number of staff and number of library branches and human capital variables such as education level, years of present position, formally studying marketing and attending a workshop on marketing in the last five years were significant predictors of perceptions of the effective segmentation techniques used, but this study indicates that other predictors such as number of different library professional positions and years involved in all library services and demographical variables made no difference. Practical implications This paper provides a useful overview of the effective techniques used to segment library users. Originality/value The value of this study is that librarians may utilise the results to better understand different techniques, to reflect on the effectiveness of the used techniques, and to balance the weight of the influencing factors. This will enable them to segment library users more effectively in the future.

The emerging roles of academic librarians in Kenya: apomediaries or infomediaries?

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 339-353
Author(s):  
Joel Nakitare ◽  
Emily Sawe ◽  
Joyce Nyambala ◽  
Tom Kwanya
Keyword(s):  
Information Seeking ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Information Giving ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
Private And Public

PurposeThe main purpose of this study was to investigate the emerging roles of academic librarians in Kenya, with a view to determining whether they perform better as apomediaries or infomediaries. The specific objectives were to: examine the characteristics of the changing information universe in which academic librarians in Kenya currently operate; analyse the information-seeking behaviour of academic library users in the new information universe and examine the emerging roles of academic librarians in Kenya.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted a descriptive research design and used an online survey research technique to collect data from practising academic librarians. This study targeted senior librarians from all the 67 private and public universities in Kenya. One senior librarian per university was purposefully selected to fill the questionnaire owing to their experience and expertise. 33 out of the 67 senior librarians responded to the survey. The collected data were descriptively analysed using SPSS, and as per the study objectives.FindingsThis study established that most library users are digital independent and access library resources remotely. Nonetheless, many users still borrow and utilize print books despite the ubiquity of digital platforms. The findings revealed that academic librarians to a great extent now play the role of apomediaries, going beyond information giving to empowering their users.Practical implicationsThere is need for academic librarians in Kenya to not only be aware of the characteristics of their current users but also to continuously develop professionally so as to be able to adequately cater for the needs of their clients.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the scholarship on librarians' roles in Kenya by demonstrating that most of them are transitioning to the apomediary roles.

The finals stretch: exams week library outreach surveyed

2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 510-532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Coleen Meyers-Martin ◽  
Laurie Borchard
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Arts And Crafts ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Therapy Animals ◽  
Final Exams ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Survey Results

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to explore the outreach programming and support services offered at academic libraries during final exams week. The article discusses the need to provide this specialized programming, and its impact on the role of the librarian, and the use of library space. Design/methodology/approach – A 21-question online survey was sent to nine library listservs. Respondents were asked about their library’s planning, implementation and assessment of their programming. Participants described their library’s final exams week outreach activities and offerings. Findings – The survey garnered 279 responses. Nearly 40 per cent of respondents collaborate with campus and non-campus partners to provide programming. Most common offerings include extended library hours; therapy animals; as well as games; and arts and crafts. Nearly 90 per cent of respondents reported utilizing virtual media outlets for communication of final exams week events. Most common challenges included lack of funding and staffing issues. Practical implications – The survey results reflect the efforts of librarians and library staff members who are addressing the study break needs of students during the most stressful time in the semester. Originality/value – This paper provides an overview of academic library final exams week outreach initiatives and activities at institutions located in the USA and Canada.

scholarly journals European Academic Libraries Offer or Plan to Offer Research Data Services

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-108
Author(s):  
Jennifer Kaari
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Survey Instrument ◽  
Research Data ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Library Directors ◽  
Data Services ◽  
Research Libraries ◽  
Technical Services

A Review of: Tenopir, C., Talja, S., Horstmann, W., Late, E., Hughes, D., Pollock, D., … Allard, S. (2017). Research data services in European academic research libraries. LIBER Quarterly, 27(1), 23-44. https://doi.org/10.18352/lq.10180 Abstract Objective – To investigate the current state of research data services (RDS) in European academic libraries by determining the types of RDS being currently implemented and planned by these institutions. Design – Email survey. Setting – European academic research libraries. Subjects – 333 directors of the Association of European Research Libraries (LIBER) academic member libraries. Methods – The researchers revised a survey instrument previously used for the DataONE survey of North American research libraries and conducted pilot testing with European academic library directors. The survey instrument was created using the Qualtrics software. The revised survey was distributed by email to LIBER institutions identified as academic libraries by the researchers and remained open for 6 weeks. Question topics included demographics, RDS currently offered, RDS planned, staffing considerations, and the director’s opinions on RDS. Libraries from 22 countries participated and libraries were grouped into 4 regions in order to compare regional differences. Data analysis was conducted using Excel, SPSS or R software University of Tennessee, University of Tampere, and University of Göttingen. Main Results – 119 library directors responded to more than one question beyond basic demographics, for a response rate of 35.7%. Among the libraries surveyed, more libraries offer consultative services than offered technical support for RDS, although a majority planned to offer technical services in the future. Geographically, libraries in western Europe offer more RDS compared with other regions. More libraries have reassigned or plan to reassign current staff to support RDS services, rather than hire new staff for these roles. Regardless of whether or not they currently offer RDS, library directors surveyed strongly agree that libraries need to offer RDS to remain relevant. Conclusion – The authors determine that a majority of library directors recognize that data management is increasingly important and many libraries are responding to this by implementing RDS and collaborating across their institutions and beyond to help meet these needs. Future research is suggested to track how these services develop over time, how libraries respond to the staffing challenges of RDS, and whether consultative rather than technical services continue to be primary forms of RDS offered.

No-show at the reference desk: perceptions of appointments

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 319-332
Author(s):  
Maggie Clarke ◽  
Carolyn Caffrey Gardner
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Missed Appointments ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reference Models ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Reference Librarians ◽  
Stratified Sample ◽  
The Usa

Purpose This study aims to explore the prevalence and librarian perceptions of no-show research appointments in academic libraries. These findings are examined in light of the literature within academic libraries and other industries (health, hospitality) with appointment models. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses an exploratory survey of reference librarians across a stratified sample of academic libraries in the USA. The findings are considered through the lens of critical theory in academic libraries. Findings Academic libraries lack consistent understanding and language used to describe appointment-based reference models. Librarians do not gather much reliable data on the percentage of no-show appointments and further research is needed on this topic. Research limitations/implications Study results are limited to academic librarians in the sample who responded to the survey and indicated the availability of research appointments at their institution. The implications of this paper suggest ideas for gathering appointment statistics and evaluating the rhetoric used to advertise appointments to college students. Originality/value This research is unique in that it is the first exploratory study on the prevalence and perception of missed appointments in academic library reference models.

Extended and experimenting: library learning commons service strategy and sustainability

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 265-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Gunter King
Keyword(s):  
Planning Process ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Historical Review ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Engagement ◽  
Learning Commons ◽  
Library Research ◽  
The Commons

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to share a compelling example of a library’s willingness to develop and design itself as an open-ended process. Design/methodology/approach – The case study provides a historical review of the library’s founding design, and an overview of the process and approach to redesign. The study contextualizes the library within current academic library research and literature. Findings – This paper explores the research, engagement and planning process behind the library’s exploration of new models and service configurations. The project was an engaged, inclusive, transparent, library-led process. The commons reestablishes the library as the “nerve center” of the campus. Originality/value – The paper offers an update to a 1969 report, and later book by Robert Taylor on the Harold F. Johnson Library at Hampshire College, designed as a prototype of an academic library. This paper will be of value to academic librarians, administrators, and historians.

scholarly journals User agreements and makerspaces: a content analysis

2015 ◽  
Vol 116 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 358-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather Michele Moorefield-Lang
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
The Body ◽  
Library Science ◽  
Learning Space ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Qualitative Data Analysis Software

Abstract – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the user agreements of makerspaces in public and academic libraries. User agreements, also known as maker agreements, user forms and liability forms, can be very important documents between library patrons, staff and faculty. User agreements are similar to the earlier creation of acceptable use policies for technology use in libraries. The author of this study will delve into the user agreements created for public and academic libraries across the USA. Design/methodology/approach – The researcher used content analysis to investigate 24 different user agreements written for public and academic library makerspaces. NVivo qualitative data analysis software was integrated into this research to aid in the breakdown of commonalities across terms, themes and purpose within the user agreements. Findings – Although makerspaces are a very exciting topic in the field of library science at this time, the implementation of a maker learning space is still new to many libraries. Creating a user agreement for a makerspace is newer still. Most user agreements in this study were six months to a year old. Some consistencies found across makerspace user agreements include liability waivers, permissions for minors, safety, copyright and technology replacement costs. Originality/value – At this time, most publications on makerspaces are held in the realm of popular publications (blogs, magazines, zines, etc.). The body of peer-reviewed and scholarly research on makerspaces is growing. Makerspace user agreements are new to this growing field of interest, and a content analysis of these documents will pave the way for the writing of future forms.

Academic librarians and research data services: preparation and attitudes

IFLA Journal ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol Tenopir ◽  
Robert J. Sandusky ◽  
Suzie Allard ◽  
Ben Birch
Keyword(s):  
Research Data ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Data Services

Burnout in emergency medical technicians and paramedics in the USA

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Celia Sporer
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Maslach Burnout Inventory ◽  
Personal Accomplishment ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Emergency Medical ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Individual Variables ◽  
Use Of Social Media

PurposeThis study was designed to examine burnout in US emergency medical services (EMS) providers. It examined burnout scores measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) on a convince sample of US EMS providers as well individual variables associated of burnout in this population.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a convince sample, recruited using social media, of EMTs and paramedics and engaged them in an online survey to obtain information on burnout in this population. The responses were analyzed using stand statistical approached in order to determine MBI burnout scores, as well as which individual variables were influential in contributing to burnout in EMS.FindingsThis study found that most EMS providers had high levels of depersonalization and medium levels of personal accomplishment and emotional exhaustion. Gender differences were found as they were differences based on agency type and response area.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation is the nature of sample recruitment. The use of social media for the recruitment of this type of study has not been done before. Furthermore, it is a convince sample. This issue has limited impact on the results and the ability to apply them more generally because despite the convince nature of this sample, the sample is similar to those used in other studies as well as reflect that national statistics on the make of this population. The second major limitation of this study is that it does not include job specific and organization specific factors that may contribute to burnout. The findings for the variables used in this study suggest that future works should encompass these variables as well.Practical implicationsThis study sets a clear foundation for further examination of US EMS providers and burnout. It helps to establish key ideas that can be followed up. Difference and key issues among US EMS providers need to be understood on a more comprehensive level before the assertion that they are similar to EMS providers worldwide. Ultimately, there is a need to develop better screening tools to assess burnout in EMS as well as to develop prevention and intervention programs based on clear empirical data.Social implicationsBurnout EMS provides are a harm to themselves as well as the organization that employ them. The cost of burnout EMS provider crosses over to patient care and provision of care.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first to examine such a large US-based sample of EMS providers using the MBI. Other studies have used smaller sample or other tools to assess burnout in providers

Utilization of a forensic accountant to investigate financial exploitation of older adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 141-152
Author(s):  
Jason Dauenhauer ◽  
Kristin Heffernan ◽  
Karen Webber ◽  
Kari Smoker ◽  
Paul Caccamise ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Analysis Data ◽  
Multidisciplinary Teams ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Response Options ◽  
Financial Exploitation ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Criminal Charges ◽  
Sheer Number

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the results of an online program evaluation survey conducted in the USA in 2018 which was designed to understand how members of an enhanced multidisciplinary team (E-MDT) use the expertise of a forensic accountant (FA) in suspected cases of elder financial exploitation. Design/methodology/approach This paper analyzes responses to an online survey from 54 E-MDT members. Narrative responses to open-ended questions were analyzed by using cross-case thematic analysis. Data from demographic questions and those with nominal response options were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings Overwhelmingly, the E-MDT members described how useful the FA’s expertise and subsequent detailed reports are in helping determine whether financial exploitation is taking place and providing information needed to continue an investigation and pursue criminal charges. Practical implications The increasing longevity and sheer number of older adults present ongoing challenges in the fight to address financial exploitation. Findings suggest that FAs working with E-MDTs can help identify signs, collect evidence and help investigate cases of suspected financial abuse of older adults. The development of training programs focused on educating accountants to fill a need in a growing area of forensic accounting may be needed. Originality/value This paper adds to the growing evidence of multidisciplinary teams as an effective model for investigating cases of financial elder exploitation by focusing specifically on the expertise of an FA.

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