scholarly journals The perceived value of the academic library: a systematic review

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tove Frandsen ◽  
◽  
Kristian Sørensen ◽  
Keyword(s):  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Strategy Analysis ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Data Extraction Form ◽  
Comprehensive Search ◽  
The Impact

Introduction. Academic libraries increasingly need to justify their contributions to their funding institution. Data on the impact and value of the library serves to render libraries' value visible. This review explores how funding institutions, the public, users and staff perceive the value of the academic library. Method. Scopus, Library and Information Science Abstracts, and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global were used as data sources for the comprehensive search strategy. Analysis. Study selection was done independently by two reviewers. Risk of bias criteria as well as a data extraction form was developed. Evaluation and data extraction were done by the first author and confirmed by the second author. Results. The included studies use quantitative as well as qualitative methods. They focus on varying groups (e.g., international students, librarians, faculty members) from institutions all over the world (e.g., United States, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom). Conclusions. A number of facets of values are identified and they can be described as input (resources, space and staff) and services. Furthermore, a number of the facets indicate that the values of academic libraries are not solely understood by their input and services.

scholarly journals Impact of maternal supplementation with probiotics during pregnancy on atopic eczema in childhood – a meta-analysis

2011 ◽  
Vol 107 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katja Doege ◽  
Donata Grajecki ◽  
Birgit-Christiane Zyriax ◽  
Elena Detinkina ◽  
Christine zu Eulenburg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atopic Eczema ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Bacterial Strains ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
The Impact

In the present study, we sought to conduct a literature review of randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, which assessed the impact of probiotics intake during pregnancy on the development of eczema in children. A meta-analysis was conducted for comparison of the development of atopic eczema in children whose mothers took probiotics during pregnancyv.placebo. Study selection, quality appraisal and data extraction were performed independently and in duplicate. The studies were rated according to their size in order to calculate the influence of individual studies on the meta-analysis. A total of seven randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, published between 2001 and 2009, were selected from the PubMed and Ovid databases for the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis was performed with statistical software Stata/SE11.0. The completed meta-analysis of the seven studies shows a significant risk reduction for atopic eczema in children aged 2–7 years by the administration of probiotics during pregnancy (reduction 5·7 %;P = 0·022). However, this effect was only significant for lactobacilli (reduction 10·6 %;P = 0·045), but not for a mixture of various bacterial strains as probiotics (difference 3·06 %,P = 0·204). In conclusion, the meta-analysis shows that the administration of lactobacilli during pregnancy prevents atopic eczema in children aged from 2 to 7 years. However, a mixture of various bacterial strains does not affect the development of atopic eczema, independent of whether they contain lactobacilli or not.

scholarly journals The Internationalization of the Academic Library: A Systematic Review of 25 Years of Literature on International Students

2017 ◽  
Vol 78 (3) ◽  
pp. 328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda B. Click ◽  
Claire Walker Wiley ◽  
Meggan Houlihan
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
International Students ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
The United States ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Journal Articles ◽  
Conference Papers

This study is a systematic review of the library and information science (LIS) literature related to international students and academic libraries. A systematic review involves the methodical collection and analysis of a body of literature and is growing in popularity in the LIS field. Three well-known LIS databases were systematically searched for articles related to the topic, and manual bibliography searches were conducted to find additional publications. Journal articles, book chapters, and conference papers were included or excluded based on established criteria. Findings show that articles published about international students and academic libraries have increased steadily between 1990 and 2014. The majority of authors are affiliated with universities and institutions in the United States, although an increase in represented countries is apparent. Fewer than half of the articles can be considered original research, and surveys are the most popular method for data collection. The LIS field—and international students—would benefit from further exploration of this topic, particularly from original research with practical implications.

scholarly journals Individualized Research Consultations in Academic Libraries: A Scoping Review of Practice and Evaluation Methods

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karine Fournier ◽  
Lindsey Sikora
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Assessment Methods ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Qualitative Synthesis ◽  
Manual Search ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction – Librarians in academic institutions have been providing personalized services to the student population by offering individualized research consultations (IRC) for decades. These consultations usually consume many hours of librarians’ busy schedules, and yet the impact of these consultations is unknown. Therefore, it’s worth asking the question: what assessment methods have been used in academic libraries to evaluate the impact of IRC? Methods – A retrospective scoping review of the literature was performed using the following databases: Library and Information Science Abstracts (LISA), Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC), Library and Information Technology Abstracts (LISTA), Scopus, and Web of Science. Additionally, a manual search of the included papers reference lists was conducted to locate additional relevant papers. Articles that mentioned a format of evaluation or assessment and were based within a library setting were included. Articles that discussed group instruction that were not in a library setting, or that did not include any form of evaluation or assessment, were excluded. Results – Researchers located 578 articles and reviewed titles and abstracts. 523 titles were eliminated, while full text sources of the remaining 55 were examined to check inclusion and exclusion criteria. 20 articles remained for qualitative synthesis. Specific methods of assessment were reviewed and three overall assessment methods were identified: 1) usage statistics, 2) survey, and 3) objective quantitative methods. Conclusion – Many articles using a usage statistics method stated that they wanted to further their assessment of individual consultations. Several authors using a survey method described the value of the information gathered by surveying their users for improving their service, but also mentioned that this method is subjective in nature. They mentioned that objective assessment methods would provide a better understanding of the impact of IRCs. The few articles using objective quantitative methods obtained mixed results. Overall, more research in the assessment of IRCs is needed, particularly those with objective quantitative methods.

scholarly journals Cancer services during the COVID-19 pandemic: systematic review of patients' and caregivers' experiences

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Symran Dhada ◽  
Derek Stewart ◽  
Ejaz Cheema ◽  
Muhammed Abdul Hadi ◽  
Vibhu Paudyal
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
English Language ◽  
Resource Constraints ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Psychological Wellbeing ◽  
Cancer Services ◽  
Data Extraction Form ◽  
The Impact

Background Cancer patients have faced intersecting crises in the face of COVID-19 pandemic. This review aimed to examine patients' and caregivers' experiences of accessing cancer services during the COVID-19 pandemic and perceived impact of the pandemic on their psychological wellbeing. Methods A protocol-led (CRD42020214906) systematic review was conducted by searching six databases including EMBASE, MEDLINE and CINAHL for articles published in English-language between 1/2020-12/2020. Data were extracted using a pilot-tested, structured data extraction form. Thematic synthesis of data was undertaken and reported as per the PRISMA guideline. Results A total of 1110 articles were screened of which 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies originated from 10 different countries including the US, UK, India and China. Several themes were identified which were categorised into seven categories. Postponement and delays in cancer screening and treatment, drug shortages and inadequate nursing care were commonly experienced by patients. Hospital closures, resource constraints, national lockdowns and patient reluctance to use health services because of infection worries contributed to the delay. Financial and social distress, isolation; and spiritual distress due to the uncertainty of rites as well as fulfilment of last wishes were also commonly reported. Caregivers felt anxious about infecting cancer patients with COVID-19. Conclusions Patients and caregivers experienced extensive impact of COVID-19 on cancer screening, treatment and care, and their own psychological wellbeing. Patient and caregiver views and preferences should be incorporated in ensuring resilient cancer services that can minimise the impact of ongoing and future pandemic on cancer care and mitigate patient fears.

Core Competencies and Innovation for Library and Information Science Professional in 21st Century Digital-Based Environments

2021 ◽  
pp. 74-90
Author(s):  
Robert Akinade Awoyemi
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
21St Century ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Core Competencies ◽  
Global Environment ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Information Communication ◽  
Digital Revolution ◽  
The Impact

Academic libraries and information technology centres are under serious threat due to the increasing pressure to achieve higher level of performance in a competitive global environment. Most of these challenges are as result of information communication technology (ICT) and digital revolution. This chapter discusses the impact of digital revolution on academic libraries and the need to acquire core competencies and new skills to effectively the 21st century academic libraries and information technology centres. Further, the author examines the sets of skills required by Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals to survive in the digital-based environments.

scholarly journals There is a Relationship between Resource Expenditures and Reference Transactions in Academic Libraries

2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 87
Author(s):  
Annie M. Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Survey Data ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
The United States ◽  
Computer Hardware ◽  
Lower Amount ◽  
Linear Modeling ◽  
Electronic Resources ◽  
Electronic Resource ◽  
The Impact

A Review of: Dubnjakovic, A. (2012). Electronic resource expenditure and the decline in reference transaction statistics in academic libraries. Journal of Academic Librarianship, 38(2), 94-100. doi: 10.1016/j.acalib.2012.01.001 Objective – To provide an analysis of the impact of expenditures on electronic resources and gate counts on the increase or decrease in reference transactions. Design – Analysis of results of existing survey data from the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) 2006 Academic Library Survey (ALS). Setting – Academic libraries in the United States. Subjects – 3925 academic library respondents. Methods – The author chose to use survey data collected from the 2006 ALS conducted by the NCES. The survey included data on various topics related to academic libraries, but in the case of this study, the author chose to analyze three of the 193 variables included. The three variables: electronic books expenditure, computer hardware and software, and expenditures on bibliographic utilities, were combined into one variable called electronic resource expenditure. Gate counts were also considered as a variable. Electronic resource expenditure was also split as a variable into three groups: low, medium, and high. Multiple regression analysis and general linear modeling, along with tests of reliability, were employed. Main Results – The author determined that low, medium, and high spenders with regard to electronic resources exhibited differences in gate counts, and gate counts have an effect on reference transactions in any given week. Gate counts tend to not have much of an effect on reference transactions for the higher spenders, and higher spenders tend to have a higher number of reference transactions overall. Low spenders have lower gate counts and also a lower amount of reference transactions. Conclusion – The findings from this study show that academic libraries spending more on electronic resources also tend to have an increase with regard to reference transactions. The author also concludes that library spaces are no longer the determining factor with regard to number of reference transactions. Spending more on electronic resources is also important to increase both in-person and electronic reference transactions.

PP65 Methods Applied For Systematic Reviews Of Economic Evaluations In Health Technology Assessment

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (S1) ◽  
pp. 49-50
Author(s):  
Miriam Luhnen ◽  
Barbara Prediger ◽  
Edmund A.M. Neugebauer ◽  
Tim Mathes
Keyword(s):  
Health Technology Assessment ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Technology Assessment ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Reporting Quality ◽  
Health Technology ◽  
Economic Evaluations ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Data Extraction Form ◽  
Literature Search Strategy

IntroductionWhen making decisions in health care, it is essential to consider economic evidence about an intervention. The objective of this study was to analyze the methods applied for systematic reviews of economic evaluations in Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and to identify common challenges.MethodsWe manually searched the webpages of HTA organizations and included HTA-reports published since 2015. Prerequisites for inclusion were the conduct of a systematic review of economic evaluations in at least one electronic database and the use of the English, German, French, or Spanish language. Methodological features were extracted in standardized tables. We prepared descriptive statistical (e.g., median, range) measures to describe the applied methods. Data were synthesized in a structured narrative way.ResultsEighty-three reports were included in the analysis. We identified inexplicable heterogeneity, particularly concerning literature search strategy, data extraction, assessment of quality, and applicability. Furthermore, process steps were often missing or reported in a nontransparent way. The use of a standardized data extraction form was indicated in one-third of reports (32 percent). Fifty-four percent of authors systematically appraised included studies. In 10 percent of reports, the applicability of included studies was assessed. Involvement of two reviewers was rarely reported for the study selection (43 percent), data extraction (28 percent), and quality assessment (39 percent).ConclusionsThe methods applied for systematic reviews of economic evaluations in HTA and their reporting quality are very heterogeneous. Efforts toward a detailed, standardized guidance for the preparation of systematic reviews of economic evaluations definitely seem necessary. A general harmonization and improvement of the applied methodology would increase their value for decision makers.

scholarly journals Health Literacy Promotion: Contemporary Conceptualizations and Current Implementations in Canadian Health Librarianship

2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Dalmer
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Canadian Health

Research questions: What are the current conceptualizations of health literacy, and what strategies are Canadian health librarians in public, academic, and hospital libraries enacting to put health literacy promotion into practice? Data sources: Serving as the basis of this scoping review, library and information science, health sciences, and interdisciplinary databases were searched using key terms relating to health literacy promotion as it relates to services, programming, or resources used in a variety of library settings. A web searched allowed for the inclusion of grey literature sources. Study selection: Data sources were searched using a combination of subject headings and keywords relating to health literacy and librarians or libraries, which served as the inclusion criteria. Sources were also selected for their Canadian context or content and for health literacy promotion programs or services that took place in academic, public, or hospital library settings. Data extraction: Data sources included journal articles, government publications, library association reports, dissertations, grey literature, reviews, and newspaper articles. Data were extracted from selected Canadian data sources, identifying the type of library in which health literacy promotion-related programs were situated, the program's scope, topics covered, and the resources used or developed. Results: The established link between low health literacy and poor health outcomes allows librarians to play an active role in promoting the quality of life of their patrons. Summaries from research articles and publications from library associations provide descriptions of health literacy promotion efforts in public libraries, followed by an examination of the role librarians play in promoting health literacy skills or knowledge in academic and hospital libraries. Conclusion: Analyses of recent health literacy initiatives and programming, including educational programs, electronic or web resources, and cross-discipline committees reveal the diversity of innovative tactics implemented by librarians to promote health literacy. Health literacy awareness is a tool all librarians can incorporate into their interactions with patrons. Current barriers and sources for future inquiry surrounding health literacy promotion in libraries highlight the need for librarians to promote their skill set as a means to gain inclusion as key players in national action plans concerning health literacy promotion.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS OF ECONOMIC EVALUATIONS IN HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT: A REVIEW OF CHARACTERISTICS AND APPLIED METHODS

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 537-546 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miriam Luhnen ◽  
Barbara Prediger ◽  
Edmund A.M. Neugebauer ◽  
Tim Mathes
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Search Strategy ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Reporting Quality ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Economic Evaluations ◽  
Web Pages ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Data Extraction Form ◽  
Literature Search Strategy

Objectives:When making decisions in health care, it is essential to consider economic evidence about an intervention. The objective of this study was to analyze the methods applied for systematic reviews of health economic evaluations (SR-HEs) in HTA and to identify common challenges.Methods:We manually searched the Web pages of HTA organizations and included HTA-reports published since 2015. Prerequisites for inclusion were the conduct of an SR-HE in at least one electronic database and the use of the English, German, French, or Spanish language. Methodological features were extracted in standardized tables. We prepared descriptive statistical (e.g., median, range) measures to describe the applied methods. Data were synthesized in a structured narrative way.Results:Eighty-three reports were included in the analysis. We identified inexplicable heterogeneity, particularly concerning literature search strategy, data extraction, assessment of quality, and applicability. Furthermore, process steps were often missing or reported in a nontransparent way. The use of a standardized data extraction form was indicated in one-third of reports (32 percent). Fifty-four percent of authors systematically appraised included studies. In 10 percent of reports, the applicability of included studies was assessed. Involvement of two reviewers was rarely reported for the study selection (43 percent), data extraction (28 percent), and quality assessment (39 percent).Conclusions:The methods applied for SR-HEs in HTA and their reporting quality are very heterogeneous. Efforts toward a detailed, standardized guidance for the preparation of SR-HEs definitely seem necessary. A general harmonization and improvement of the applied methodology would increase the value of SR-HE for decision makers.

Vancomycin Dosing in Obese Patients: Special Considerations and Novel Dosing Strategies

2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (6) ◽  
pp. 580-590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheryl Durand ◽  
Mary Bylo ◽  
Brian Howard ◽  
Paul Belliveau
Keyword(s):  
Data Extraction ◽  
Population Data ◽  
Volume Of Distribution ◽  
Pharmacokinetic Parameters ◽  
Obese Patients ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Dosing Strategies ◽  
Primary Focus ◽  
Monitoring Protocols ◽  
The Impact

Objective: To review the literature regarding vancomycin pharmacokinetics in obese patients and strategies used to improve dosing in this population. Data Sources: PubMed, EMBASE (1974 to November 2017), and Google Scholar searches were conducted using the search terms vancomycin, obese, obesity, pharmacokinetics, strategy, and dosing. Additional articles were selected from reference lists of selected studies. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Included articles were those published in English with a primary focus on vancomycin pharmacokinetic parameters in obese patients and practical vancomycin dosing strategies, clinical experiences, or challenges of dosing vancomycin in this population. Data Synthesis: Volume of distribution and clearance are the pharmacokinetic parameters that most often affect vancomycin dosing in obese patients; both are increased in this population. Challenges with dosing in obese patients include inconsistent and inadequate dosing, observations that the obese population may not be homogeneous, and reports of an increased likelihood of supratherapeutic trough concentrations. Investigators have revised and developed dosing and monitoring protocols to address these challenges. These approaches improved target trough attainment to varying degrees. Conclusions: Some of the vancomycin dosing approaches provided promising results in obese patients, but there were notable differences in methods used to develop these approaches, and sample sizes were small. Although some approaches can be considered for validation in individual institutions, further research is warranted. This may include validating approaches in larger populations with narrower obesity severity ranges, investigating target attainment in indication-specific target ranges, and evaluating the impact of different dosing weights and methods of creatinine clearance calculation.

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