Embedded Librarians

2012 ◽  
pp. 326-339
Author(s):  
Sheila Bonnand ◽  
Mary Anne Hansen
Keyword(s):  
Academic Library ◽  
Library Instruction ◽  
Online Students ◽  
Web Conferencing ◽  
Online Programs ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
Integral Role ◽  
Instructional Services

This chapter reports on one academic library’s experiences with expanding instructional services by adding synchronous library instruction to better serve its online students and faculty located across the globe. Web conferencing software allows librarians to provide interactive, high-touch library instruction for online students equivalent to the experience of students in traditional face-to-face courses. While providing this real-time instruction on library resources and research skills, librarians are embedding themselves in online programs, becoming more readily accessible to online and distance students. By meeting the changing needs of academic library users wherever they are, librarians are reaffirming their integral role and relevance as partners in the educational endeavor.

Empowering LIS Professionals and Academic Library Users in a Networked and Digital Environment

2013 ◽  
pp. 251-283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manoj Kumar Sinha
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Education Programme ◽  
End Users ◽  
Digital Era ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
User Education

The aim of this chapter is to give an overview of the modernisation of academic libraries in the ICT era, changing format of the library resources and types of computer-based services being offered by the academic libraries. In view of this, the present chapter discusses various aspects of LIS training and user education, emphasising the need to empower our LIS professionals and library users so that they benefit from the new technologies by using new ICTs for exploring the world of knowledge for their academic pursuit and excellence in higher education and research. The first part of the chapter discusses the recent development in the areas of application of ICT in academic libraries, availability, and usage of electronic resources by the library users, new services provided by the academic libraries to their end users. The second part of the chapter highlights the need for empowering LIS professionals working in academic libraries and their end users in electronic / digital era, enumerates the role of various agencies that are engaged in making library users aware of printed as well as e-resources, and explains the role of Web 2.0/Library 2.0 in making library users more interactive and well informed about the resources, products, and services of the academic libraries to their clientele. The third part of the chapter discusses the user education programme/user awareness programme being organised and offered to the students and research scholars by the Assam University Library (Rabindra Library, Silchar) as a case study. While concluding the chapter, some suggestions and recommendations are also discussed in brief.

Technology and Instruction

2013 ◽  
pp. 110-127
Keyword(s):  
Information Technologies ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Library Instruction ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
User Expectations ◽  
People Search ◽  
Search For Information ◽  
Keyword Searching ◽  
The Way

Information technologies have changed the way people search for information inside and outside the library environment. As a result, one of the core functions of librarians—instruction—has changed. Initially, library instruction, also known as bibliographic instruction, focused on teaching patrons how to find library resources. Databases and the Internet with keyword searching abilities shifted the focus of library instruction away from library resources to search techniques that are applicable in a variety of information settings. Web 2.0 technologies have further impacted information literacy instruction as they have helped make the searching for, use of, and creation of information nearly seamless. These technologies have changed user expectations and librarians have adjusted the way they provide instruction services to patrons. This chapter examines the impact of new technologies on how librarians frame their relationship with patrons, specifically students and faculty in the academic library context. Librarians use new technologies to compliment their existing instruction sessions and as a tool to frame themselves as information experts.

Invisible Community?

2018 ◽  
pp. 931-945
Author(s):  
Sheila Bonnand ◽  
Mary Anne Hansen
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Students ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Graduate Program ◽  
Library Instruction ◽  
State University ◽  
Web Conferencing ◽  
Underserved Students ◽  
Montana State University ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
Equitable Instruction

In this chapter, Montana State University librarians share how they have expanded efforts to reach out to and provide equitable instruction services for its online graduate students, a population often underserved. After piloting a synchronous, online instruction program using web conferencing, librarians surveyed a targeted graduate program to determine if underserved students became more efficient researchers as a result of library instruction participation via web conferencing and if they are now taking fuller advantage of library resources and services. Students and faculty surveyed were positive about the newly created connection to the MSU community. However, findings revealed that many online graduate students work in research environments lacking the breadth and depth of resources they need. Further, many lack a connection to the MSU community and do not know that their institution's library resources are available to them. This discovery means that academic libraries should strengthen activities designed to build community among online students.

Factors Contributing to the Effectiveness of Online Students and Instructors

2018 ◽  
pp. 1451-1462
Author(s):  
Michelle Kilburn ◽  
Martha Henckell ◽  
David Starrett
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Teaching Experience ◽  
Online Environment ◽  
Online Students ◽  
Online Programs ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The Face

Identifying the positive attributes of students and instructors in the online environment will contribute to the understanding of how we can enhance the learning experience for the student and the teaching experience for the instructor. This article will assist students and instructors in understanding the differences that may be experienced in the online environment versus the face-to-face environment and provide the opportunity to consider whether online learning and/or teaching is a “good fit” for them. Understanding why students and/or instructors might choose the online environment will also assist administrators in developing successful, quality online programs that enrich the experiences for both students and instructors.

Impact of Library Orientation Programme on the Academic Performance of the Students of PSGR Krishnammal College for Women: A Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 12-15
Author(s):  
L. Santhi
Keyword(s):  
Academic Performance ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Library Instruction ◽  
Research Activity ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
User Assessment ◽  
College Library ◽  
Library User

This paper evaluates the library user assessment based on the instruction which is provided to the users. Basically Library instruction is a core activity of any college library that entails educating, enlightening, and guiding the library users to identify the desired information and resources effectively. This paper deals about the outcome of the library orientation programme conducted at PSGR Krishnammal College for Women. Survey method was used for conducting the research activity. The primary objective of this research is to educate the students about the Library resources and to study its impact on their academic performance as well.

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.

scholarly journals Studying the Night Shift: A Multi-method Analysis of Overnight Academic Library Users

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 2
Author(s):  
David Schwieder ◽  
Laura I. Spears
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Methods ◽  
Night Shift ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
User Preferences ◽  
Sample Survey ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
And Behaviors ◽  
Sampling Procedures ◽  
Future Work

Abstract Objective – This paper reports on a study which assessed the preferences and behaviors of overnight library users at a major state university. The findings were used to guide the design and improvement of overnight library resources and services, and the selection of a future overnight library site. Methods – A multi-method design used descriptive and correlational statistics to analyze data produced by a multi-sample survey of overnight library users. These statistical methods included rankings, percentages, and multiple regression. Results – Results showed a strong consistency across statistical methods and samples. Overnight library users consistently prioritized facilities like power outlets for electronic devices, and group and quiet study spaces, and placed far less emphasis on assistance from library staff. Conclusions – By employing more advanced statistical and sampling procedures than had been found in previous research, this paper strengthens the validity of findings on overnight user preferences and behaviors. The multi-method research design can also serve to guide future work in this area.

Empowering LIS Professionals and Academic Library Users in a Networked and Digital Environment

2015 ◽  
pp. 1788-1819
Author(s):  
Manoj Kumar Sinha
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Education Programme ◽  
End Users ◽  
Digital Era ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
User Education

The aim of this chapter is to give an overview of the modernisation of academic libraries in the ICT era, changing format of the library resources and types of computer-based services being offered by the academic libraries. In view of this, the present chapter discusses various aspects of LIS training and user education, emphasising the need to empower our LIS professionals and library users so that they benefit from the new technologies by using new ICTs for exploring the world of knowledge for their academic pursuit and excellence in higher education and research. The first part of the chapter discusses the recent development in the areas of application of ICT in academic libraries, availability, and usage of electronic resources by the library users, new services provided by the academic libraries to their end users. The second part of the chapter highlights the need for empowering LIS professionals working in academic libraries and their end users in electronic / digital era, enumerates the role of various agencies that are engaged in making library users aware of printed as well as e-resources, and explains the role of Web 2.0/Library 2.0 in making library users more interactive and well informed about the resources, products, and services of the academic libraries to their clientele. The third part of the chapter discusses the user education programme/user awareness programme being organised and offered to the students and research scholars by the Assam University Library (Rabindra Library, Silchar) as a case study. While concluding the chapter, some suggestions and recommendations are also discussed in brief.

Factors Contributing to the Effectiveness of Online Students and Instructors

2019 ◽  
pp. 38-51
Author(s):  
Michelle Kilburn ◽  
Martha Henckell ◽  
David Starrett
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Teaching Experience ◽  
Online Environment ◽  
Online Students ◽  
Online Programs ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The Face

Identifying the positive attributes of students and instructors in the online environment will contribute to the understanding of how we can enhance the learning experience for the student and the teaching experience for the instructor. This chapter will assist students and instructors in understanding the differences that may be experienced in the online environment versus the face-to-face environment and provide the opportunity to consider whether online learning and/or teaching is a “good fit” for them. Understanding why students and/or instructors might choose the online environment will also assist administrators in developing successful, quality online programs that enrich the experiences for both students and instructors.

When coming to campus is not an option: using web conferencing to deliver library instruction

2011 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne C. Barnhart ◽  
Andrea G. Stanfield
Keyword(s):  
Distance Education ◽  
Staff Development ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Library Instruction ◽  
Web Conferencing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Online Library ◽  
The University

PurposeOwing to the growing number of online and commuting students at the University of West Georgia, the Instructional Services department at Ingram Library experimented with offering online synchronous library instruction. This paper aims to describe how it approached this problem and the findings from the initial attempts.Design/methodology/approachThe authors wanted to provide library instruction to online graduate students at the university. They worked with the staff development department to develop a pilot program for an online library instruction course using WIMBA web‐conferencing software.FindingsIt was found that due to the limitations of technology, the authors had to reduce the amount of information they deliver in the same amount of time. It was also discovered that it is easy to be distracted by the technology and forget that clear communication with the users (students and faculty) are the key to any successful instruction program regardless of the delivery method.Originality/valueMost libraries offer face‐to‐face library instruction and rely on tutorials to reach their distance education and non‐traditional students. Few libraries are using distance education tools to teach information literacy skills. As librarians begin to explore this avenue, they need to re‐evaluate how and what they teach students to better leverage the technology while reaching the same information literacy objectives.

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