scholarly journals A Survey of Electronic Serials Managers Reveals Diversity in Practice

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 92
Author(s):  
Laura Costello
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Technology Support ◽  
Significant Development ◽  
Industry Standards ◽  
Survey Monkey ◽  
Management Groups ◽  
Question Survey

A Review of: Branscome, B. A. (2013). Management of electronic serials in academic libraries: The results of an online survey. Serials Review, 39(4), 216-226. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.serrev.2013.10.004 Abstract Objective – To examine industry standards for the management of electronic serials and measure the adoption of electronic serials over print. Design – Survey questionnaire. Setting – Email lists aimed at academic librarians working in serials management. Subjects – 195 self-selected subscribers to serials email lists. Methods – The author created a 20 question survey that consisted primarily of closed-ended questions pertaining to the collection demographics, staff, budget, and tools of serials management groups in academic libraries. The survey was conducted via Survey Monkey and examined using the analytical features of the tool. Participants remained anonymous and the survey questions did not ask them to reveal identifiable information about their libraries. Main Results – Collection demographics questions revealed that 78% of surveyed librarians estimated that print-only collections represented 40% or fewer of their serials holdings. The author observed diversity in the factors that influence print to digital transitions in academic libraries. However 71.5% of participants indicated that publisher technology support like IP authentication was required before adopting digital subscriptions. A lack of standardization also marked serials workflows, department responsibilities, and department titles. The author did not find a correlation between serials budget and the enrollment size of the institution. Participants reported that they used tools from popular serials management vendors like Serials Solutions, Innovative Interfaces, EBSCO, and Ex Libris, but most indicated that they used more than one tool for serials management. Participants specified 52 unique serials management products used in their libraries. Conclusion – In surveying academic librarians engaged in serials management, the author sought to identify trends and standards in the field, but instead found significant variation in serials budgets and processes amongst the responding libraries. While it is clear that electronic subscriptions are a significant development and now a permanent feature of serials management, decisions to move from print to digital are complex and definitive conclusions about best practices for serials transitions could not be drawn from this study. The survey revealed that institutions have invested in staff and tools for the management of electronic serials, but staffing configurations and tool combinations are also extremely diverse. The author concluded that the lack of standardization in these areas and the disconnect between institution and serials budget size indicated a serials landscape that was highly individualized and customized to each institution’s unique needs.

scholarly journals Retention Initiatives are Employed in Academic Libraries, Although not Necessarily for this Purpose

2011 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 56
Author(s):  
Laura Newton Miller
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Electronic Mail ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Professional Experience ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Retention Initiatives ◽  
Retention Programs ◽  
Flexible Schedules

Objective – To study methods that support retention of academic librarians. Design – Exploratory research using an online survey; non-random sample. Setting – Academic libraries, nearly all located within the U.S. (97.2%). Subjects – A total of 895 professional academic librarians. Methods – The researchers sent an online survey link to professional electronic mail lists and directly to heads of Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member libraries. The 23-item survey was available from February 19, 2007, through March 9, 2007, and contained questions about the professional experience of respondents, their libraries, and their universities. Subjects were asked to identify retention activities that were currently offered at their workplaces (both library-specific and university-wide) and to rate their satisfaction for each available initiative. The list contained fifteen initiatives based on the researchers’ literature review. Main Results – Almost half (46.3%) of respondents were 50 or older and 7.5% under 30 years old, leaving 46.2% between the ages of 30-50 years old (although this percentage is not explicitly stated in the paper except in a table). Nearly half of the subjects were in the first ten years of their careers. 80.2% had held between one and four professional positions in their careers, and even when length of professional experience was factored out, age had no effect on the number of positions held. Most job turnover within the past three years (3 or fewer open positions) was in public service, while other areas of the library (i.e., technical services, systems, and administration) reported zero open positions. Only 11.3% of respondents noted that their libraries have deliberate, formal retention programs in place. Despite this, there are several library- and university-based initiatives that can be considered to help with retention. The most reported available library-based retention initiative was the provision of funding to attend conferences (86.8%). Librarians also frequently reported flexible schedules, support and funding for professional development and access to leadership programs. University-based retention programs included continuing education funding, new employee orientations, faculty status, and the chance to teach credit-bearing courses. Only 22.2% of subjects reported formal mentoring programs as a retention strategy. Librarians were very or somewhat satisfied with schedule flexibility (79.6%). They were generally satisfied with other initiatives reported. In response to 22 five-point Likert scale descriptions of positive library work environments, subjects most agreed with statements that allowed librarians to have control of their professional duties, that allowed for personal or family obligations, and that supported professional development. Librarians agreed less often regarding statements about salaries, research support, and opportunities for advancement. Conclusion – Academic librarians are involved in and are benefitting from some library and university-based retention initiatives, even though retention may not be the primary strategic goal.

scholarly journals Fostering Research and Publication in Academic Libraries

2014 ◽  
Vol 75 (4) ◽  
pp. 458-491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Sassen ◽  
Diane Wahl
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Administrative Support ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Research Libraries ◽  
Association Of Research Libraries ◽  
Support Measures ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Faculty Status ◽  
Over Time

This study concerns administrative support provided to encourage the research and publishing activities of academic librarians working in Association of Research Libraries member libraries. Deans and directors of these libraries were asked to respond to an online survey concerning the support measures that their libraries provide, as well as their thoughts on support measures that academic libraries should provide. When compared to earlier studies, the survey results indicate that most support measures have grown over time. Results also suggest increases in the requirements for publication in academic libraries, as well as in the number of libraries at which librarians have faculty status.

scholarly journals Academic Uses of Google Earth and Google Maps in a Library Setting

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Dodworth ◽  
Andrew Nicholson
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
The United States ◽  
Google Earth ◽  
Instructional Materials ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Google Maps ◽  
Survey Results

Over the last several years, Google Earth and Google Maps have become increasingly utilized in academic libraries for promoting and delivering a variety of library services. These have included instructional collaborations with faculty to promoting student engagement across programs and campuses. Seeking to find out exactly how academic libraries were using Google Maps and Google Earth (if at all), the authors launched a online survey in December 2010 to see just what kind of impact the Google mapping products were having in the academic library setting. Receiving over 80 responses from academic librarians and staff from across Canada and the United States, the results showed that over 90% of the respondents use Google Earth and Google Maps for some area of their professional duties in a academic library. These included answering research questions, developing instructional materials for courses, and building tools to promotion and marketing. This presentation will discuss the survey results and summarize the way academic libraries are utilizing Google Earth and Google Maps for instruction, research, and student engagement.Depuis les dernières années, Google Earth et Google Maps sont de plus en plus utilisés en bibliothèque universitaire pour promouvoir et offrir une variété de services en bibliothèque, y compris l’enseignement collaboratif avec les professeurs afin d’accroître l’engagement étudiant, de tous les programmes et campus. Afin de déterminer exactement la mesure dans laquelle les bibliothèques universitaires utilisent Google Maps et Google Earth (le cas échéant), les auteurs ont lancé un sondage en ligne en décembre 2010 pour évaluer l’impact des produits de cartographie de Google dans les bibliothèques universitaires. Plus de 80 sondages ont rempli par des bibliothécaires et du personnel en bibliothèque d’universités au Canada et aux États-Unis. Les résultats démontrent que plus de 90 % des répondants utilisent Google Earth et Google Maps pour certaines de leurs activités professionnelles, y compris répondre à des questions de recherche, développer du matériel pédagogique et élaborer des outils de promotion et de marketing. Cette communication abordera les résultats de la recherche et résumera les modes d’utilisation de Google Earth et de Google Maps dans l’enseignement, la recherche et l’engagement étudiant.

Survey of information literacy instructional practices in academic libraries

2019 ◽  
Vol 52 (4) ◽  
pp. 964-971 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noa Aharony ◽  
Heidi Julien ◽  
Noa Nadel-Kritz
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
United States ◽  
Instructional Practices ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The United States ◽  
Shared Responsibility ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Multiple Challenges

This paper reports a study of information literacy instructional practices in Israeli academic libraries, conducted to understand the methods and approaches used by academic librarians in their instructional work, and to explore whether their practices have been influenced by the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education. The study used an online survey to gather data, an instrument based on one used successfully in similar surveys in Canada and the United States. The survey was completed by Israeli academic librarians with instructional responsibilities. Findings show that respondents believe that information literacy instruction is a shared responsibility, and that one-on-one instruction is the most-used approach. Results reveal multiple challenges faced by respondents, as well as opportunities for improvement in their instruction.

scholarly journals Significant Value Found in Mentoring Programs for Novice Tenure-Track Academic Librarians

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saori Wendy Herman
Keyword(s):  
Survey Data ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The United States ◽  
Interview Data ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Mentoring Programs ◽  
Mentoring Program ◽  
Survey Questionnaire ◽  
Tenure Track

A Review of: Goodsett, M., & Walsh, A. (2015). Building a strong foundation: Mentoring programs for novice tenure-track librarians in academic libraries. College & Research Libraries, 76(7), 914-933. http://dx.doi.org/10.5860/crl.76.7.914 Objective – To examine the effectiveness of mentoring programs for novice tenure-track academic librarians, and to identify critical elements that define a successful mentoring program in various academic library settings. Design – Survey questionnaire with a voluntary phone interview. Setting – Academic libraries in the United States of America. Subjects – 283 librarians participated in a survey questionnaire. Researchers conducted additional interviews with 6 out of the 12 librarians who had volunteered on the survey questionnaire and who met the inclusion criteria. Methods – Researchers recruited participants through two professional e-mail lists: the Information Literacy Instruction Discussion List (ILI-L) listserv and the American Library Association’s New Members Round Table (NMRT) listserv. Interested participants completed a secured online survey that was hosted using SurveyMonkey. The researchers then coded and analyzed the collected survey data using the same software. At the end of the online survey, participants were given the opportunity to volunteer for an additional interview. Potential interviewees were selected if mentoring programs were available for tenure- track librarians at their institutions. Once selected, researchers contacted potential interviewees and conducted interviews. The interviews were transcribed, the data anonymized, and original recordings deleted. Researchers coded the anonymized interview data to identify common themes. Main Results – Researchers identified six themes from the survey data and interview transcripts: traits of an effective mentor; configuration of mentoring programs; elements of effective mentoring programs; mentoring partnerships within or beyond the library; role and training of mentors and mentees; and the mentor/mentee relationship. Overall, the survey and interview data suggest that mentoring programs provide valuable assistance with professional tenure-related activities, and facilitate less-tangible effects such as an increased understanding of an institution’s culture and an improvement of communication and time-management skills. The data also provides insight into effective program elements and areas for improvement. Conclusion – This study suggests that there is significant value in implementing a mentoring program. The results from this study can be used by academic libraries that are considering implementation of a mentoring program or improving an existing one.

Finding Your Voice

2019 ◽  
pp. 37-54
Author(s):  
Karen L. Yacobucci ◽  
Stephen Maher
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Social Media Marketing ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Marketing Practice ◽  
Media Messages ◽  
Content Marketing ◽  
Social Media Strategy

This chapter aims to provide an indispensable introduction to content marketing based on industry best-practices and help academic libraries navigate this essential but often overlooked marketing practice. The chapter will begin by addressing some of the consistent challenges organizations have starting their social media marketing campaigns and developing a social media strategy. Next, the chapter will focus on defining the tone and voice of their social media messages. Then, it will discuss sustaining the campaign by curating content and avoiding “content fatigue.” Finally, the authors share an example of how an academic library but them into practice. They are confident this chapter will give academic librarians the vocabulary and techniques they need to talk and walk their way through meaningful and engaging marketing campaigns for their libraries using social media.

scholarly journals Academic Librarians’ Attitudes about Advanced-Subject Degrees

2005 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Mayer ◽  
Lori J. Terrill
Keyword(s):  
Job Performance ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Institutional Culture ◽  
Library Science ◽  
Career Goals ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Research Skills ◽  
Terminal Degree

Academic librarians have various opinions on the importance of advanced-subject degrees in addition to a master’s in library science (MLS). The authors conducted an online survey to collect opinions from academic librarians on this topic. Arguments in favor of having advanced-subject degrees include development of research skills, credibility, and overall improved job performance. Arguments against it include the fact that the MLS is—and should continue to be—our terminal degree, inadequate salaries, and the validity of developing subject expertise via other means. The need for advanced-subject degrees may vary by many factors, including individual career goals and local institutional culture.

Managing and accessing indigenous knowledge for national development: The role of academic libraries in Ghana

2021 ◽  
pp. 026666692110099
Author(s):  
Paulina Afful-Arthur ◽  
Paulina Nana Yaa Kwafoa ◽  
Matilda Ampah-Johnston ◽  
Vida Mensah
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
National Development ◽  
Target Audience ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Effective Management ◽  
Collaborative Efforts

This paper is to examine the role academic libraries can play to organize and make indigenous knowledge accessible for national development. The target audience for the paper are academic librarians in Ghana, researchers of African studies in Ghana and other stakeholders. This is a qualitative study with data from interviews with the librarians and a desk-top literature review. Academic librarians in Ghana recognize the importance of indigenous knowledge organization, but little has been done by way of research. Most academic libraries in Ghana have the basic resources to manage indigenous knowledge. Academic librarians need to be proactive in their collaborative efforts to manage indigenous knowledge. Academic librarians in Ghana should be proactive towards effective management of indigenous knowledge, for easy accessibility. Again, academic libraries need to be well resourced to manage indigenous knowledge. Finally, academic libraries need to create awareness about the importance of indigenous knowledge using different media platforms to all stakeholders.

Academic libraries national conference program evaluation : meeting learner needs in a changing profession

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Julia Katherine Hart
Keyword(s):  
Learning Style ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Comprehensive Evaluation ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
University Of Missouri ◽  
National Conference ◽  
Conference Organization ◽  
Quantitative Results ◽  
The University

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] The Academic Libraries National conference is a professional development opportunity for academic librarians. This study analyzed differences in preferred learning style of conference attendees based on years of library experience and the ability of the conference to meet the stated mission. Quantitative results indicated insignificant differences between preferred learning style and years of library experience. Qualitative results revealed support for meeting two of three mission components. Recommendations support modifications in practice for conference organization at the overarching, survey design, and future areas of study. These recommendations support efforts to create comprehensive evaluation of the conference.

Assessing Entrepreneurial Competencies and Innovative Behaviour in Academic Libraries

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 131-139
Author(s):  
Haziah Sa’ari
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Research Universities ◽  
Idea Generation ◽  
Strategic Thinking ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Academic Librarian ◽  
Innovative Behaviour ◽  
Entrepreneurial Competencies

Objective - This paper identifies entrepreneurial competencies and the outcomes measured as innovative behaviour demonstrated by academic librarians. Methodology/Technique - – we sought through interviews the interpretation and viewpoints of the academic librarians which we consider vital data when exploring entrepreneurial competencies and innovative behaviour in the three academic libraries. Findings - we discovered that the antecedents of entrepreneurial competencies include recognizing opportunities, initiating innovation and strategic thinking. These antecedents influence academic librarians' innovative behaviour which was evaluated based on idea generation, idea championing and idea implementation. Novelty - This study explores entrepreneurial competencies and innovative behaviour in Malaysian research universities. Type of Paper - Conceptual Keywords: Entrepreneurial competencies, Innovative behaviour, Academic librarian, Malaysian universities.

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