Markers of emotionality in Russian news coverage of the 75-th anniversary of WWII Victory

The article explores how emotionality is manifested in the news texts covering politically sensitive topics, using as the case study coverage of the 75th anniversary of WWII Victory in news programmes of the Russian TV Channel One, Russia TV and RT. Proceeding from the key theoretical assumption of medialinguistics defining media texts as an integral unity of verbal and media components, the author singles out and analyzes markers of emotionality at both - language and media levels, paying special attention to lexis and the way it is supplemented by illustrations and video footing. The analysis of the news flow is based on the information model, which allows to structure the process of news formation according to the following stages - selection of events for news coverage, interpretation of facts, shaping images, forming stereotypes and cultural-ideological context. The goal of the study was to identify markers of emotionality and analyze how emotionality affects the interpretation and the perception of facts, paying special attention to realization of the category of broadcasting style defined as the tone of voice, or tonality news media use when addressing their audience. Conceiving emotionality as both explicitly manifested and implicitly present quality, the study singles out its three types as represented in the analyzed media texts - 1) specific pretentious style, used by newsreaders and commentators to stress the dignity and solemnity of the event; 2) deliberate affectation disguised as emotionality on the part of news anchors while presenting topically sensitive news items; 3) emotionality as spontaneous display of sincere emotions observed in interviews, dispatches of correspondents and commentaries of the participants of the events. The results of the study could serve as a basis for further analysis of emotionality markers in different types of media discourse, including news, commentary and debate on politically sensitive issues in traditional media and social networks.

The Saami webcommunities in the eyes of moderators (on the example of “VKontakte” social network)

The article discusses the problem of moderation of ethnic network communities on the example of the Sami virtual groups “VKontakte”. An expert survey was conducted with moderators of webcommunities, on the basis of which the goals of creating groups, their main functions and prospects for further development were determined. According to the interviewed moderators, the priority goal of creating these groups is to unite representatives of the Sami people on a single, albeit virtual platform, within which certain individual and collective interests can be realized (searching for like-minded people, gaining knowledge, a sense of common ethnicity, etc.). Among the main functions of the Sami webcommunities, the moderators single out those that are inherent in such virtual ethnic associations: communicative, integrative, information-cognitive, entertainment and a number of others. The moderators consider the most important topics for dissemination to such topics as the preservation of the Sami language and culture (including a significant part of the content related to material culture), environmental problems and traditional crafts. At the same time, it is noted that the greatest response from the audience of these groups is received by posts devoted to art, entertainment and everyday life topics. Moderators carefully monitor the thematic focus of the content and try to avoid various “sensitive” topics and discussions, especially those related to politics. The audience of the Sami online communities is assessed by the moderators as conflict-free, but at the same time not active enough. In general, the moderators highly appreciate the technological capabilities of social networks for disseminating relevant information, establishing contacts, self-presentation, socializing Sami youth, broadcasting their culture and expressing ethnic identity.

Overdue: The stories of rural Otago & Southland librarians and volunteers

<p>Research Problem: Rural librarians and library volunteers may be viewed as isolated and almost on the geographical fringes of the knowledge information profession. In New Zealand, rural librarians’ stories have not been heard and continue to be underrepresented. Therefore, in this report I have sought to answer the question: “What are the experiences of Otago and Southland rural librarians and library volunteers?” Methodology: I used an arts-based approach that utilised both textual and visual narrative methodologies. I recruited four rural Southland & Otago librarians and two rural Southland & Otago library volunteers through both previously established networks including closed community Facebook pages, and the LIANZA Otago/Southland committee representative. Results: The findings in this report are presented as stories. They explore the everyday experience of Zoe Heriot, The Volunteers, Alicia Hull, & Barbara Gordon (not their real names). Woven throughout are a series of collages representing the photo documentation of rural Southland and Otago libraries. These findings are then viewed through the key themes of connections, collections, and conditions. Implications: The methodology of narrative inquiry could have a big impact on LIS scholarship as the telling of stories have provided new understandings of the role that rural librarians and library volunteers play in their communities. Their stories can become vehicles of change. The evolution of librarians and volunteers can be seen through the promotion of inclusion and valuing diversity within rural communities including what may be perceived as sensitive topics like mental health and the LGBTQI+ community. This is critical if rural librarians and volunteers are to cater to their changing and evolving communities. Ultimately, the stories of librarians and library volunteers highlight the way the institutions of libraries are experienced by those who work in them.</p>

Overdue: The stories of rural Otago & Southland librarians and volunteers

<p>Research Problem: Rural librarians and library volunteers may be viewed as isolated and almost on the geographical fringes of the knowledge information profession. In New Zealand, rural librarians’ stories have not been heard and continue to be underrepresented. Therefore, in this report I have sought to answer the question: “What are the experiences of Otago and Southland rural librarians and library volunteers?” Methodology: I used an arts-based approach that utilised both textual and visual narrative methodologies. I recruited four rural Southland & Otago librarians and two rural Southland & Otago library volunteers through both previously established networks including closed community Facebook pages, and the LIANZA Otago/Southland committee representative. Results: The findings in this report are presented as stories. They explore the everyday experience of Zoe Heriot, The Volunteers, Alicia Hull, & Barbara Gordon (not their real names). Woven throughout are a series of collages representing the photo documentation of rural Southland and Otago libraries. These findings are then viewed through the key themes of connections, collections, and conditions. Implications: The methodology of narrative inquiry could have a big impact on LIS scholarship as the telling of stories have provided new understandings of the role that rural librarians and library volunteers play in their communities. Their stories can become vehicles of change. The evolution of librarians and volunteers can be seen through the promotion of inclusion and valuing diversity within rural communities including what may be perceived as sensitive topics like mental health and the LGBTQI+ community. This is critical if rural librarians and volunteers are to cater to their changing and evolving communities. Ultimately, the stories of librarians and library volunteers highlight the way the institutions of libraries are experienced by those who work in them.</p>

Provider Perceptions of Video Telehealth in Home-Based Primary Care During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of virtual care. In this qualitative study, we sought to determine provider perceptions of video telehealth during the first wave of COVID-19 in NYC to inform practice for home-based primary care providers nationwide. We conducted semi-structured interviews with clinical directors, program managers, nurse practitioners, nurse managers, and social workers at 6 NYC practices (N=13) in spring 2020. We used combined open and focused coding to identify themes. Participants employed both hospital-supported and commercial technological platforms to maintain care during COVID-19. Benefits of video telehealth included improved efficiency, capacity and collaboration between providers. Barriers included patients’ physical, cognitive or technological abilities, dependence on caregivers and aides to facilitate video visits, challenges establishing trust with new patients and addressing sensitive topics over video, and concerns over missing important patient information. Considering patient, clinical, and technological conditions can help optimize telehealth implementation among older homebound adults.

Feasibility and Considerations for Remote Interviewing of Persons Living With Dementia: Adaptations for COVID-19

The continuing COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated changes to research protocols and approaches to mitigate health risks to both study participants and researchers. This is particularly true of studies exploring the biopsychosocial well-being and personal perspectives of older adults and those at elevated risk of COVID-19 complications. While videoconferencing platforms have enabled remote work and social activities, reliance on them may potentially exclude some individuals (e.g., those without digital devices, access to high speed internet or proficiency with technology). Persons living with dementia (PLWD) may experience difficulties navigating videoconferencing systems and building rapport with interviewers, though the inclusion of PLWD in research is necessary to ensuring their equitable representation. This presentation disseminates promising practices and lessons learned from a longitudinal study conducting remote interviews on sensitive topics with PLWD and their care partners (CP). Findings are drawn from a case study of the Better Together Dementia Care Study, an 18-month longitudinal study of PLWD (N=8) and their CPs (N=13), which implemented remote interviewing in Summer 2020 to gather data on the quality-of-life, resilience, relationship quality, adverse childhood experiences, mistreatment, and health status of PLWD. Researchers were able to interview most enrolled PLWD (n=7) via videoconferencing. Paper surveys were mailed to phone-interviewed participants, enabling them to view questions and answer choices in concordance with verbal queries. Researchers also tested a protocol asking CPs to leave the room while PLWD answered questions on sensitive topics. Findings support the use of remote interviewing with PLWD and provide insights to guide replication of these approaches.

Description, digitisation and metadata applied for post-mortem photographs in New Zealand Heritage Institutions

<p>The intention of this study is to identify what criteria Photographic Curators/Pictorial Librarians in New Zealand Heritage Institutions use when cataloguing post-mortem photographs (mort photographs). In addition to the main intent, this study will endeavour to proffer theories about the popularity or lack of popularity of post-mortem photography in New Zealand during the years spanning 1870-1940. This time period, the late Victorian and Edwardian eras, heralded many cultural changes and saw post-mortem photography become a major part of mourning tradition in countries such as England, America and parts of Europe. Data will be gathered from the photographic cataloguing field on topics such as; the number of post-mortem photographs held in New Zealand collections; policies surrounding the collection and display of images of deceased people/animals (often under the policy umbrella of human remains, war and sensitive cultural topics) digitisation of these photographs and the style and processing of images available in New Zealand. By researching the institutional, historical and anthropological handling of mort photographs, the data will form theories as to how the tradition of mort photography was viewed in a New Zealand social context. The value in this study will be two fold. Looking at the decisions cataloguers make when working with sensitive topics will initiate a discussion on policy surrounding the most sensitive areas of our photographic collections. By using post-mortem photographs as an example, the researcher will hypothesis theories as to how difficult subjects may be researched and approached for discussion in the institution and with the general public by using educating them and dispelling a long held taboo. The second point of value will be enhancing the understanding of aspects of early New Zealand society and how our distinctive cultural backgrounds has have moulded our present day traditions, beliefs and national identity. The beneficial outcomes of this study are multi-faceted. In addition to the sociological insights, the researcher will endeavour to propose how an institution, such as the Auckland War Memorial Museum, can best catalogue, digitise and display items such as morts. The primary benefactor will be the Library at the Auckland War Memorial Museum as a case study based on this research will offer a series of guidelines on which a collections policy could be built for the acquisition, description and digitisation of a collection of post-mortem photographs. Another benefit of this study will be from undertaking research into the social history of New Zealand during its formative years. The topic of death and mourning in early New Zealand history has very little research at this point. Understanding death and how we have traditionally processed our grief will pose questions for further anthropological research such as traditions surrounding death and mourning, sociological studies into grief & loss, visual ethnological studies into the inclusion of photographs as extant documents in historical research and information studies into the cataloguing and digitising of sensitive items.</p>