scholarly journals Adult education and academic libraries

2018 ◽  
Vol 119 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 422-431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Bordonaro
Keyword(s):  
Adult Education ◽  
Adult Learners ◽  
Adult Learning ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Learning Theories ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Users

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to offer practicing academic librarians an overview of adult education theories as a way to more deeply understand and further foster adult learning in academic libraries. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a literature review. Findings This review introduces academic librarians to a range of specific adult education learning theories; it offers examples of academic library users engaging in these types of adult learning; it considers how academic libraries can further foster adult learning; and it identifies major characteristics of adult learners. Originality/value This literature review offers a summative overview of adult education in a way that has not appeared in the library literature to date, along with explicit connections between adult education theories and academic library practices.

The challenges and opportunities of marketing academic libraries in the USA

2006 ◽  
Vol 27 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 494-504 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen H. Spalding ◽  
Jian Wang
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Goals ◽  
Innovative Methods ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Value Of Marketing ◽  
Library Marketing

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the value of marketing in academic libraries and how the marketing concept is applied in practice to marketing academic library services through the experiences of academic libraries across the USA.Design/methodology/approachThe paper focuses on using marketing as a managerial tool to accomplish strategic organizational goals and objectives, discusses challenges and opportunities in academic library marketing, presents examples demonstrating innovative methods that academic libraries have used to market their images and services, and offers suggestions for developing marketing plans and strategies.FindingsThe paper finds that market research allows libraries to understand better the points of view of their student and faculty library users, as well as the perspectives of campus administrations and the community external to the college. The result is that the library is more successful in gaining visibility and support for its efforts, and library users are more successful in making the best use of the services available to them to meet their academic and research goals.Originality/valueThe paper offers practical solutions for academic libraries in the global community.

Academic librarians as change champions: a framework for managing change

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 294-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennine A. Knight
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Anticipate Change ◽  
Academic Librarianship ◽  
Decision Making Processes ◽  
Future Direction

Purpose As is the case of all organizations, the academic library is a body reflecting the contribution of its core employees. As such, the roles performed by academic librarians are crucial to its development and existence. The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of academic librarians as change champions in an information age that has been, still is, and is expected to be continuously pervaded by varying and widespread changes in librarianship and scholarship coupled with the ever changing and expanding user needs and expectations. The paper also identifies a framework to perform this role. Design/methodology/approach This paper is informed by opinion and draws on relevant literature to highlight the current climate and what is being perceived as valuable to the future direction of academic libraries in order to bring credence to its trajectory. Findings Academic librarians must readily accept, be responsive to, and anticipate change to maintain and justify their relevance to stakeholders. Yet, anecdotal evidence suggests that not all librarians are prepared to embrace change. Practical implications Academic librarians must understand how their roles influence the decision-making processes of the stakeholders and vice versa. Originality/value The paper advances five principles or 5As to guide the change process in academic libraries: alignment, accountability, agility, accessibility, and assessment. Very briefly, it discusses the relevance of a concept referred to as the competition-collaboration continuum to further academic librarianship. These notions serve to assist academic librarians in determining the appropriate actions to be taken now.

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.

Why are bathrooms inclusive if the stacks exclude?

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 159-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Travis L. Wagner ◽  
Archie Crowley
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Gender Nonconforming ◽  
Exclusionary Practices ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to deploy a critical discourse analysis (CDA) to consider exclusionary practices enacted by academic libraries as evidenced through resource provision. Specifically, this paper looks at the inclusion of trans and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) individuals in library guides, TGNC naming practices in abstracts and the physical shelving of transgender studies texts. This paper concludes with a discussion of methods to overcome such exclusionary practices in the future. Design/methodology/approach This paper deploys CDA as informed by queer theory, affording a lens to consider how language and information are structured such that particular power dynamics emerge placing symbolic value on discursively normal identities. CDA helps illuminate when, how and why TGNC individuals remain excluded within academic librarianship practices. Findings Findings show continued investments in heteronormative and cisnormative structures concerning information provision and access for TGNC patrons. TGNC patrons using library guides consistently fail to see any mentioned made of their respective identities aside from research about their identities. Patrons seeking information of personal value (i.e. coming out resources) find few resources. Further, library stacks and databases enact consistent microaggressions such as fetishizing, deadnaming and misgendering. Research limitations/implications This project contains considerable social implications, as it pushes against a continued recalcitrance on the part of academic libraries to invest in neutrality by showing its failures regarding TGNC persons. Practical implications This study possesses a considerable set of practical implications and highlights tangible problems that could be addressed with relative ease by academic librarians through either systemic reorganization of information or TGNC patrons. Alternatively, this work also suggests that if such reformations are not possible, academic librarians can take it upon themselves to call attention to such issues and purposefully mark these failings, thus making it clear that it is a current limitation of how libraries function and invite patrons (both cisgender and transgender) to challenge and change these representations through research and advocacy. Social implications This project contains considerable social implications as it pushes against a continued recalcitrance on the part of academic libraries (and librarianship more broadly) to invest in neutrality. This study contests the idea that while possessing neutrality academic libraries also posit themselves as inherently good and inclusive. By showing the violence that remains enacted upon transgender and gender nonconforming folks through multiple venues within the academic library, this study makes clear that statements of negativity are thrust onto TGNC patrons and they remain excluded from an institution that purports to have their well-being as one of its core values. Originality/value The deployment of CDA within information science is still a relatively new one. While linguists have long understood the multiplicity of discourse beyond language, the application of this method to the academic library as a discursive institution proves generative. Furthermore, the relationship between academic libraries and their LGBTQ+ populations is both underrepresented and undervalued, a problem exacerbated when focusing on how transgender and gender nonconforming patrons see themselves and their relationships to the academic library. This paper shows the dire state of representation for these particular patrons and provides groundwork for positively changing such representations.

Collaborating Off Campus

2016 ◽  
pp. 245-274
Author(s):  
Adam T. Brisk ◽  
Kim Pittman ◽  
Matt Rosendahl
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Lake Superior ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Professional Development Needs ◽  
Effective Community ◽  
Compare And Contrast

This chapter describes how academic libraries can partner with public, school, and special libraries – despite differences in mission or size – to meet the professional development needs of librarians, support staff, administrators, trustees, and volunteers. Using Lake Superior Libraries Symposium as a model, the chapter will explore methods for initiating and sustaining an effective community of practice. By joining forces with colleagues off campus, academic library staff members can better meet the needs of increasingly technologically sophisticated students and faculty and provide the highest quality service. The chapter will provide a literature review about communities of practice and look at how librarians can establish and nurturing a productive group of library professionals. Additional examples of academic librarians' involvement in regional, homegrown library networks and organizations is included to compare and contrast with LSLS.

Not a token! A discussion on racial capitalism and its impact on academic librarians and libraries

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Vong
Keyword(s):  
Critical Race Theory ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Cultural Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Racial Trauma ◽  
Racial Capitalism ◽  
And Training

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to introduce the concept of racial capitalism in the context of academic libraries.Design/methodology/approachThis paper draws on Leong's (2013) extended theory of racial capitalism and identifies how neoliberalism and racial capitalism are tied as well as how it is manifested in academic libraries through tokenism, racialized tasks, consuming racial trauma, cultural performance demands, workload demands and pay inequity.FindingsThe article ends with some suggestions in how to address these problematic practices though dismantling meritocratic systems, critical race theory in LIS education and training, and funding EDI work.Originality/valueThe article explores a concept in the academic library context and points to practices and structures that may commodify racialized identities.

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.

Adult education concepts in library professional development activities

2015 ◽  
Vol 116 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 302-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramirose Ilene Attebury
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Instructional Design ◽  
Adult Education ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Communities Of Practice ◽  
Learning Communities ◽  
Transformational Learning ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – The purpose of this review is to survey the literature addressing the professional development of academic librarians in the context of adult education principles. Design/methodology/approach – This article is a literature review. Findings – The review reveals that among those activities incorporating concepts from the adult education field andragogy, transformational learning, communities of practice and instructional design are most prevalent. Originality/value – To date, no other literature review considers adult education concepts in professional development of academic librarians.

scholarly journals Leveraging apps for research and learning: a survey of Canadian academic libraries

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin Canuel ◽  
Chad Crichton
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the response of Canadian academic libraries to the rapid proliferation of mobile application (apps), many of which are useful for research, teaching, and learning. Design/methodology/approach – A survey was conducted to identify existing initiatives that address the use of mobile apps to facilitate research, teaching, and learning at the libraries of the 97 member institutions of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC). Based on this survey, this paper describes how apps are promoted, curated, organized, and described by today’s academic libraries. A review of the literature places this survey in its broader context. Findings – In total, 37 per cent of AUCC member libraries include links to mobile apps in their web site. Larger, research-intensive universities, tend to leverage apps more frequently than smaller institutions. Examples of how academic libraries are promoting apps provide insight into how academic librarians are responding to the proliferation of mobile technology. Practical implications – The results of this survey highlight trends with regard to this emerging service opportunity, help to establish current best practices in the response of academic libraries to the emergence of mobile apps, and identify areas for potential future development. Originality/value – This is the first study of its kind to explore and describe how third-party apps are used and promoted within an academic library context.

Is the need for mediated reference service in academic libraries fading away in the digital environment?

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 596-626 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aditi Bandyopadhyay ◽  
Mary Kate Boyd-Byrnes
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Digital Environment ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reference Services ◽  
Current Trends ◽  
Reflective Questions

Purpose Academic libraries are experiencing numerous changes in their services due to high demands for digital resources and changes in users’ information needs and expectations. Many academic library users give preferences to Google, Google Scholar and other search engines on the internet when they search for information. As reference transactions are decreasing in many academic institutions, this paper aims to investigate the continuing need for mediated reference services in the technology-driven environment in academic libraries. Design/methodology/approach The authors have conducted a literature review to document and analyze the current trends in reference services in academic libraries. They have examined the relevant published literature through a series of reflective questions to determine whether the demise of mediated reference services is imminent in academic libraries. While this literature review is by no means an exhaustive one, the authors have provided a fairly comprehensive representation of articles to synthesize an overview of the history, evolution, and current trends of reference services in academic libraries. Findings This paper clearly demonstrates the importance of human-mediated reference services in academic libraries. It reinforces the need for skilled, knowledgeable professional librarians to provide effective and efficient reference services in a digital environment. Practical implications This paper provides a comprehensive overview of current trends in reference services in academic libraries and analyzes the merits and demerits of these trends to establish the need for mediated reference services in academic libraries. The arguments used in this paper will be useful for library and informational professionals as validation for the need to hire skilled, knowledgeable reference librarians to provide reference services in a digital environment. Originality/value This paper critically looks at the current trends and practices in reference services through the published literature to determine the future need for mediated reference services in academic libraries. It offers important insights to demonstrate why professional librarians’ skills, knowledge and expertise are essential to provide efficient reference services in the digital age.

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