Visual Encounters with the Past: Teaching Visual Literacy to Enhance Historical and Cultural Understanding

At the University of Denver, the reference librarians and special collections curator have developed strategies to incorporate visual literacy into instructional sessions across multiple disciplines. In this chapter, we will discuss our collaborations with faculty in anthropology and in history to help students interpret tangible and digital archival visual information that will inform their understanding of historical contexts and meet learning outcomes in two classes: “Native American Resistance in the Digital Age” and “World War I.” Whenever we partner with faculty to include visual literacy in non-arts courses, we start with course outcomes and work with the faculty to determine how the incorporation of visual literacy can help reach those goals. Our process is iterative, practice based, flexible, and ever evolving. This chapter will provide practical strategies that educators can use to implement this type of collaboration at their own institutions.

COMPETÊNCIAS PROFISSIONAIS DOS BIBLIOTECÁRIOS DE REFERÊNCIA DAS BIBLIOTECAS UNIVERSITÁRIAS: uma revisão sistemática de literatura = PROFESSIONAL SKILLS OF REFERENCE LIBRARIANS OF THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES: a systematic literature review

O Serviço de Referência se caracteriza por ser uma função organizada que presta respostas personalizadas a uma consulta explícita em busca de informações bibliográficas ou documentais. O papel do profissional Bibliotecário é fundamental, para disponibilizar esse serviço, pois está em contato direto com os usuários. Para sua execução é necessário que o profissional tenha as competências que permitam trabalhar de modo mais ativo junto aos usuários. O objetivo deste trabalho é identificar na literatura, nacional e internacional, quais as habilidades requeridas para a atuação do Bibliotecário no Serviço de Referência das Bibliotecas Universitárias, com o intuito de aprimorar esse serviço. A fim de atingir esse objetivo, esta pesquisa faz uso da metodologia de Revisão Sistemática da Literatura (RSL). Ao aplicar os critérios de inclusão e exclusão, nas bases de dados selecionadas, houve um retorno de 191 documentos, reduzidos para uma amostra de 5, após uma segunda avaliação. A análise quantitativa é representada de forma objetiva por seis tópicos: o título, a autoria, o objetivo, o(s) método(s) utilizado(s), o principal resultado e o ano de publicação do trabalho. A análise qualitativa demonstra que o Bibliotecário de Referência pode ser classificado como: “mediador/tutor”, “mediador/aconselhador”, “mediador/tecnicista” e social/generalista. Os trabalhos analisados apresentaram, de acordo com o contexto e objetivo da pesquisa de cada um, as habilidades e competências requeridas para um Serviço de Referência ativo. Dessa forma, o objetivo proposto foi alcançado. Cada estudo, com sua particularidade apresentou as competências necessárias ao bibliotecário.ABSTRACTThe Reference Service is characterized by being an organized function that provides personalized answers to an explicit query in search of bibliographic or documentary information. The role of the professional Librarian is essential to provide this service, as they are in direct contact with users. For its implementation it is necessary that the professional has the skills to work more actively with users. The objective of this work is to identify, in the national and international literature, which skills are required for the Librarian's performance in the Reference Service of University Libraries, in order to improve this service. In order to achieve this goal, this research makes use of the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) methodology. By applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, in the selected databases, 191 documents were returned, reduced to a sample of 5, after a second evaluation. Quantitative analysis is objectively represented by six topics: title, authorship, objective, method(s) used, main result and year of publication of the work. Qualitative analysis demonstrates that the Reference Librarian can be classified as: “mediator/tutor”, “mediator/adviser”, “mediator/technicist” and social/generalist. The analyzed works presented, according to the context and objective of the research of each one, the skills and competences required for an active Reference Service. In this way, the proposed objective was achieved. Each study, with its particularity, presented the necessary skills to the librarian.

Transforming theory into practice: Creating student-centered instructional activities rooted in the Framework

During summer 2019, the four reference librarians at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), an HBCU in the nation’s capital, met weekly to review and discuss each part of the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education. With our student population in mind, we had two goals: establishing a team-wide shared analysis of each frame and developing a collection of student-centered active learning activities, rooted in the Framework’s concepts, that could be mixed and matched during one-shot and embedded library instruction. Prior to this project, the librarians were using a limited group of library instruction activities that were not necessarily related to the Framework. During the project, the librarians found the Framework to be highly theoretical, making it challenging to identify concrete learning activities. However, by deeply engaging with the Framework, it was possible to create student-centered instructional activities that were rooted in the theory, and we were able to expand our repertoire of activities used in library instruction. We were also able to provide faculty with firm examples of how library instruction engages their students in information literacy and lifelong learning.

Redefining the reference librarian in the university environment

The reference librarian and the services provided hold more than ever the attention of users at the “Dun?rea de Jos” University Library of Galati (DJULG). The Internet, technology and struggle for survival left a significant mark on both librarians' skills and reference services in the new context of the information society. In order to align with new trends in librarianship and to respond effectively to the increasingly complex demands of users, the reference librarians had to move beyond the traditional and reinvent themselves. As a result, new skills have been acquired and new services emerged in the information landscape of the university library. The paper examines the evolution of the reference services at DJULG over the last ten years, emphasizing the changes of the librarian profile in this area. The variety of information sources, the emergence of new information technologies, the movement on open access have been the main elements that contributed to the professional development of the reference librarian and the implementation of new models of services for users. The case of the university library in this study reveals different profiles of the reference librarian: researcher, educator in information literacy, bibliometrician, wikilibrarian, digital resources manager, reference manager etc. Not far from the truth, we can say that the reference librarian became a chameleon, from the perspective of information evolution and ensuring sustainable library services.

Praktik signifikasi atas transformasi pelayanan referensi di Perpustakaan Universitas Indonesia

The transformation of reference services in academic libraries in the era of information technology has a significant impact on librarians. Librarians need to address transformation properly to design the right services. The University of Indonesia (UI) library has undergone this transformation since a decade ago and continues to adapt to existing developments. Various service concepts were developed to suit users' demands, including by providing online-based services and utilizing social media to communicate with users. This study aimed to explore how reference librarians interpreted this transformation and what they should do. The research method used qualitative methods with the phenomenological method narrated descriptively. The research informants consisted of 13 librarians and seven reference librarians. Data analysis showed that librarians'significance for transforming reference services resulted in 4 important themes that were interpreted as influencing their work as reference librarians. The four themes were digital-based library services, expansion of access, policy, and promotion. This research concludes that users and librarians' practice of significance for the transformation of reference services results in the digital libraries' concept, which requires expansion of access, relevant policies, and social media optimization for service promotion. The practice of significance related to communication patterns with reference users in the digital era effectively uses email and chatting on the WhatsApp application.

PEMANFAATAN LAYANAN REFERENSI DI UPT PERPUSTAKAAN IAIN BATUSANGKAR

University libraries exist to support the teaching , learning and research needs of their institution. This is done by providing the latest information sources for the academic community as university library users. This mission can be achieved well through effective and periodic marketing of information and library services, one of which is through reference services. This article discusses the use of reference and information services in supporting distance learning as one of the impacts of the spread of the Covid 19 outbreak (current situation and the way forward). The research method is quantitative descriptive research, with 78 respondents and using literature related to the transformation of reference services in the digital era. Data collection is processed based on the results of observations, interviews of the IAIN Batusangkar library reference service and other college libraries in providing online reference services. The analysis explains the presence of a reference service for students, especially Library Science students at IAIN Batusangkar. Analyzing how the media can help reference librarians in providing optimal services to the academic community remotely. Describe the strategies that reference librarians can use in creating real time reference transactions in a technology environment while maintaining the main function of reference services. Introducing the idea of a ‘new face’ model of reference and information services for the IAIN Batusangkar library in the period of distance learning, especially the rapid change in learning systems as a result of the corona virus outbreak ( covid 19). Libraries need to improve the reference service system they provide, so that the academic community can meet their information needs through library services remotely, anytime and anywhere. At the end of this paper, it is intended that librarians, especially reference librarians. Continue to serve readers with different needs, librarians must walk across the library, access computer screens from all campus intranet systems, answer emails and explore other interactive tools to reach customers in an effective, practical and effective way. Efficient in order to always satisfy users and keep closer to them, as the main purpose of the presence of reference services.

Communication-based approaches to library reference services: anxiety-uncertainty management as a model for communication breakdowns

Purpose This paper aims to present an overview of the history of communication research and theory in reference services literature and to discuss the potential of one relatively recent-emerging theory of communication (anxiety-uncertainty management theory) to describe and mitigate breakdowns in reference communication. Design/methodology/approach An overview and discussion of existing literature and communication-based theories of library reference services is presented. Findings This paper identifies and describes anxiety-uncertainty management theory as a lens through which to view communication breakdowns during library reference transactions. The concepts behind the theory and articulated as well as its insights for reference librarians. Originality/value This is the first article to discuss the anxiety-uncertainty management theory to examine communication breakdowns in library reference transactions.

No-show at the reference desk: perceptions of appointments

Purpose This study aims to explore the prevalence and librarian perceptions of no-show research appointments in academic libraries. These findings are examined in light of the literature within academic libraries and other industries (health, hospitality) with appointment models. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses an exploratory survey of reference librarians across a stratified sample of academic libraries in the USA. The findings are considered through the lens of critical theory in academic libraries. Findings Academic libraries lack consistent understanding and language used to describe appointment-based reference models. Librarians do not gather much reliable data on the percentage of no-show appointments and further research is needed on this topic. Research limitations/implications Study results are limited to academic librarians in the sample who responded to the survey and indicated the availability of research appointments at their institution. The implications of this paper suggest ideas for gathering appointment statistics and evaluating the rhetoric used to advertise appointments to college students. Originality/value This research is unique in that it is the first exploratory study on the prevalence and perception of missed appointments in academic library reference models.

Engaging Students in Learning: Teaching the Reference Transaction

The purpose of the study was to explore the impact of applying a series of passive and active learning activities including a practice-based assignment when teaching the reference transaction to 43 students enrolled in a graduate program at Kuwait University. Students were asked to visit an academic library of their choice and approach the reference desk with a distinct information need. Based on the 2013 RUSA behavioral guidelines, students rated their perceptions of the behavioral attributes of reference librarians during the reference transaction encounter. In addition, two open-ended questions asked students for their opinions and feedback regarding their interaction with reference librarians. Finally, a three-hour class session was allocated for students’ reflection and discussion of their learning experience. All students participated in the study. Students found librarians approachable and exhibited interest in their inquiries. However, they showed less proficiency in their searching skills, managing and facilitating the use of results as well as applying follow-up activities. Students’ views and beliefs regarding their learning experience showed that the experiential nature of the assignment provided insight into the nuances of reference librarians, interviewing techniques, and the extent of subject knowledge and skills essential for a successful reference transaction. The results show that teaching students the reference transaction using a practice-based assignment coupled with having students assess the reference librarians’ performance provides a practical perspective that enhances student learning. Further, the benefits in using multiple methods and strategies in teaching the reference transaction that emerged from the study is deemed valuable for library and information science education in the design and development of course content.

Gaya Baru Pelayanan Referensi di Perpustakaan

Reference Service is seen as the heart of Libray Service. Reference Service is facilitated by reference librarians, who fulfill the user’s information need. Like other library services, Reference Service has also changed as a consequence of the impact of technology which is evolving in accordance with the changing need of the society. This article aims at discussing some new trends of library reference. This new style of service is broken into four main areas namely new trends of reference source; new trends of reference interview; collaborative efforts of reference service; library reference service.