Visual literacy: academic libraries address 21st century challenges

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 479-499 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith Schwartz
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Visual Literacy ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Libraries ◽  
Academic Communities

Purpose This paper aims to explore a study that examines the role of academic librarians who teach visual literacy within their information literacy curricula. Design/methodology/approach The author developed a survey that was distributed to five listservs during a three-week period, generating 118 responses from academic libraries. The author subsequently interviewed 16 participants. Findings The findings reveal that visual literacy is important across all disciplines. However, a majority of academic librarians who replied to the survey stated that they do not teach visual literacy. Only 37.3 per cent of the respondents indicated that they or their institutions include a visual literacy component in their sessions. Practical implications The paper identifies the most relevant visual literacy trends, and it includes examples of visual literacy skills and concepts being taught in academic libraries. It provides ideas to develop marketing strategies to increase student enrollment in library workshops. Originality/value This study has expanded librarians’ awareness of the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Visual Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education. In addition, it explores the teaching of multiliteracies such as visual literacy within the information literacy framework in the academic library. The survey data demonstrate that academic librarians are slowly embracing visual literacy and including it in their information literacy instruction across all disciplines. The study recommends that librarians work on their professional development to become multiliterate to remain relevant within their academic communities.

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.

scholarly journals Information literacy and open access in Croatian academic libraries

2016 ◽  
Vol 65 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 255-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivana Hebrang Grgic
Keyword(s):  
Open Access ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Almost All ◽  
User Education

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present results of a survey of Croatian academic libraries’ user education about open access (OA)-related issues. The concept of OA literacy will be explained, and the term will be put in the context of information literacy (IL) and scholarly communication. Design/methodology/approach An anonymous online questionnaire was sent to all the Croatian academic libraries with the aim to find out if libraries are involved in OA and to learn about plans for user education about the aspect of IL that is important for using OA information. Findings Almost all the libraries are involved in OA publishing, either through OA repositories or through OA journals. However, 22 per cent of the libraries do not educate their users about OA. Two most important IL skills in the context of OA are finding OA information and understanding OA citation advantage. Academic libraries in Croatia mostly recognize the questionable publishers as a threat for OA. However, 40 per cent of libraries do not plan any form of education about OA literacy. Practical implications The results of this research can be a basis for creating programmes of user education in academic libraries. Some problems are recognized, some skills are identified and further steps could be undertaken to improve academic library users’ OA literacy skills. Originality/value The research results contribute to understanding the importance of academic libraries in developing OA literacy of their users. The paper gives results of a survey of Croatian academic libraries and some new perspectives for authors, readers and libraries on how to evaluate OA sources using OA literacy skills.

At the Intersection of Learning

2012 ◽  
pp. 1481-1492
Author(s):  
Nita J. Matzen ◽  
Louisa Ochoa ◽  
Geraldine Purpur
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Virtual Learning Environment ◽  
Research Libraries ◽  
3D Environment ◽  
Library As Place

Academic libraries face challenges in meeting the information literacy needs of their off-campus students and providing comparable experiences as recommended by the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL). One approach to this dilemma is for the academic library to be an integral component of a 3D immersive virtual learning environment. This chapter proposes a conceptual framework that portrays the interplay of the key elements to consider when understanding the role of a 3D immersive virtual academic library. These key elements, including “library as place,” presence/co-presence, the 3D environment, Presence Pedagogy (P2), and planned and serendipitous interactions intersect to enable the development of communities of practice and further learning. Examples from a 3D immersive virtual academic library are provided to demonstrate application of the framework.

At the Intersection of Learning

2011 ◽  
pp. 99-111
Author(s):  
Nita J. Matzen ◽  
Louisa Ochoa ◽  
Geraldine Purpur
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Virtual Learning Environment ◽  
Research Libraries ◽  
3D Environment ◽  
Library As Place

Academic libraries face challenges in meeting the information literacy needs of their off-campus students and providing comparable experiences as recommended by the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL). One approach to this dilemma is for the academic library to be an integral component of a 3D immersive virtual learning environment. This chapter proposes a conceptual framework that portrays the interplay of the key elements to consider when understanding the role of a 3D immersive virtual academic library. These key elements, including “library as place,” presence/co-presence, the 3D environment, Presence Pedagogy (P2), and planned and serendipitous interactions intersect to enable the development of communities of practice and further learning. Examples from a 3D immersive virtual academic library are provided to demonstrate application of the framework.

Examining digital information literacy as a determinant of women's online shopping behavior

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Munazza Mahmood ◽  
Syeda Hina Batool ◽  
Muhammad Rafiq ◽  
Muhammad Safdar
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Online Shopping ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Shopping Behavior ◽  
Digital Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Literacy Skills ◽  
Information Professionals ◽  
Online Shopping Behavior

PurposeThe present study aims to examine the current digital information literacy (DIL) skills of female online shoppers in Lahore city of Pakistan. Data were gathered from a purposive sampling of women, aged between 20–50 years who were buying products online, not from the traditional retail stores. Out of 309 received questionnaires, 269 responses were useable and were utilized for data analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to deduce inferences.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative research approach was employed for this study, and a survey was conducted to collect the data from the study's respondents. For data analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics were used.FindingsResults revealed that the digital information literacy skills of women were good to a moderate level. However, they were not confident in applying advanced searching options. In accordance with what was hypothesized in a directional hypothesis, DIL was found to be a strong predictor of online shopping behavior of women, consequently highlighting the importance of such competencies in modern life. Other findings illustrate that participating women rarely engaged in online shopping and felt hesitation in using credit/debit card for online transactions.Research limitations/implicationsThese observations highlight the important role of information professionals in creating digital literacy among different population groups, specifically women, by planning digital information instruction through courses, workshops and trainings. This could eventually be possible with the dynamic role of librarians or information professionals in the society.Originality/valueThe present study adopts the unique approach of measuring online shopping behavior of female shoppers in connection with their digital information literacy skills.

Assessment committees: good practices from ARL libraries

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 224-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle H. Brannen ◽  
Sojourna J. Cunningham ◽  
Regina Mays
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Good Practices ◽  
Research Libraries ◽  
Association Of Research Libraries ◽  
Library Assessment ◽  
Current State ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Assessment Activities

Purpose Assessment activities in academic libraries continue to grow as libraries explore assessment endeavors. Ranging from basic stats gathering and reporting to surveys, focus groups, and usability studies and beyond. Many practitioners are finding it necessary to create new processes and programs, with little guidance. The purpose of this paper is to paint a broad picture of assessment activities in Association of Research Libraries (ARL) university libraries with the goal of creating a resource for libraries developing or improving their assessment programs. Design/methodology/approach A survey was developed that asked questions about assessment personnel, activities, mission, and website. A total of 113 surveys were sent to academic library members of ARL. Survey results were analyzed to compile a list of recommended good practices for assessment and working with assessment committees in academic libraries. Findings The investigators had a response rate of 43 percent. The open-ended nature of the survey questions allowed for the respondents to specifically narrow down the problems and opportunities inherent in library assessment committees. Originality/value This study takes the temperature of the current state of assessment programs in ARL libraries, demonstrating the growth of assessment programs. It begins to document the practices of these libraries, particularly in regards to the sometimes informal and hard to track use of committees and other in-house collaborations, as a first step toward developing best practices for the field. The results illuminate productive areas for further study, including investigating how to measure a culture of assessment and maximizing impact of assessment information presented on assessment websites.

Readiness of academic libraries in South Africa to research, teaching and learning support in the Fourth Industrial Revolution

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 355-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennis N. Ocholla ◽  
Lyudmila Ocholla
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution

PurposeIn this paper, we refer to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in 2016, where the concept of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) was coined by Klaus Schwab, with the reference that it would be building on “the Third, the digital revolution” and would be “characterized by a fusion of technologies that is blurring the lines between the physical, digital, and biological spheres”. While acknowledging that the 4IR will impact on everything, everywhere, including research and libraries, we conceptualize 4IR, and we compare current academic library services/trends in South Africa with 4IR requirements, through the analysis of 26 public university library websites.Design/methodology/approachBesides conceptualization of 4IR, a content analysis of websites of 26 public universities’ libraries in South Africa was achieved followed up with verification of the data by respective libraries through a preliminary research report circulated to them by email. 23 areas were identified as the trends in academic libraries, which included free Wi-Fi in the libraries; 24/7 study areas and access to library resources on and off campus; research commons; makerspace; borrowing ICTs (e.g. laptops); e-resources; e-catalogues; research data services (RDS; RDM, IR); open scholarship; information literacy and reference/bibliographic tools, library as a publisher, among others. Data obtained were captured in Excel and analyzed by the research questions.FindingsThe 4IR concept does not occur often in literature, in relation to academic libraries, but it is implied. The findings show that the libraries are responding well to the revolution through their services, with remarkable innovation and creativity on display. There was a 64% presence of the analyzed trends/services in the libraries, with emerging trends/services such as library as a publisher (4%), robotics/AI (4%), makerspace (8%), RDS (27%), borrowing of ICTs/devices (19%) and user experience (19%) scoring low, while information literacy and digital scholarship (e.g. IR) (88%), e-catalogue and e-resources (92%), group study area (85%) and off campus access (77%) scoring above 75%. The scatter of the trends/services among the university libraries is noted for knowledge sharing of best practice.Research limitations/implicationsIn order to improve accordance with trends, academic libraries have to be better resourced, accessed and used, as well as improve web visibility. The study expects library services to be responsive, resourced and accessible anytime and anywhere, and it provides a conceptual framework and a benchmark for further research and exploration in the country, region and perhaps elsewhere.Practical implicationsThe study can be used for benchmarking current and future academic library services in Africa. The conceptual framework provides an agenda for theoretical discussions and deliberations.Social implicationsThe trends, framework and 4IR representations in the study can inform theory and practice in LIS, particularly in Africa.Originality/valueLinking 4IR to current and future library services provides a tool for academic libraries services benchmarking and development and provides a conceptual framework for theoretical and practical debates and implementation. The study is quite current and appropriate for the ongoing discussions of 4IR implications to academic libraries.

Changing Technologies in Canadian Academic Library User Education

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heidi Julien ◽  
Gloria J. Leckie ◽  
Roma Harris
Keyword(s):  
Information Retrieval ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Information Literacy Skills ◽  
Electronic Technologies ◽  
Library User ◽  
Tremendous Impact ◽  
User Education

The traditional academic library is changing rapidly. The widespread use of electronic technologies has had a tremendous impact upon information retrieval within the library. As well, there is increasing awareness of the need to develop information literacy skills in graduates. This research was undertaken to determine how library user education in Canadian academic libraries. . . 

scholarly journals Beyond books: the concept of the academic library as learning space

2016 ◽  
Vol 117 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 308-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee Fallin
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
User Engagement ◽  
Learning Spaces ◽  
Learning Space ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Spatial Approach ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Conceptual Paper

Purpose The paper aims to explore the issues surrounding the user conceptualisation of academic libraries. The paper will solidify the role of academic libraries as learning spaces and problematise how libraries are conceptualised by users. Design/methodology/approach The paper is a literature-based conceptual paper and draws on a wide range of literature to challenge the concept of academic libraries and presents how they are becoming reframed as different spaces. Findings The paper argues that the concept of a library is at risk. While libraries have undergone substantial changes, the concept of a library has lingered. This paper demonstrated that libraries need to proactively engage users in this debate. Originality/value The spatial approach taken by this paper demonstrates the complicity behind the user conceptualisation of libraries. Developing an understanding of this process is an important foundation for libraries to develop their user engagement.

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.

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