Out-of-Print Books as e-Books: A Collection Analysis

In recent years, archival institutions have begun to digitally archive or preserve the items in their collections. This way, items are more accessible to those wanting to perform research but not necessarily handle the original documents and are not likely to be permanently damaged. One example of a digital preservation project is the one that forms the basis for this paper- the Oklahoma Historical Society's collection of out-of-print historical books that have been made available as e-books. Created over three years ago, this collection contains 22 books about Oklahoma and Texas history. The original publication dates of the books cover the years 1975 to 1986, and the conversion to e-books covers a period of nine years - 2010 to 2019. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the collection of out-of-print books on Oklahoma and Texas history that have recently been made available as e-books by the Oklahoma History Center.

Ethics and Cyber Libraries: Challenges Facing the Values and Ethics in LIS

Cyber libraries face many challenges when it comes to access. These challenges can lead to cyber libraries failing in following the guidelines for the values and ethics of the LIS professional. Some authors have argued that cyber libraries are the future of libraries. They argue that patrons want information immediately at their fingertips. The fact that library budgets are shrinking and electronic sources can be cheaper cause many libraries to lean more towards the idea of cyber libraries. However, while digital libraries do have their advantages, they are not perfect. We live in a time where librarians have their feet in two worlds; a world of technology and a world of paper.

Reaching Out: A Publication Trend Analysis of Scholarly Articles Discussing Graphic Novels and Reluctant or Struggling Readers

Graphic novels combine short text and pictures to tell a story or convey information while still engaging the reader visually. This is a potentially useful tool for reaching out to struggling and reluctant readers. Struggling readers have difficulty reading and understanding what it is they are reading. Pictures allow for more context clues than just text alone, allowing for the potential for greater success in comprehension for struggling readers. Reluctant readers, on the other hand, may have more of a distaste for reading. In some cases, they are capable of understanding what they read, but they do not enjoy the activity and tend to avoid it. Graphic novels allow for a more visual experience when reading and potentially grabbing and holding the reluctant readers' interest. The purpose of this study is to analyze the publication trends in library and information (LIS) journal articles as well as educational journal articles that discuss graphic novels and reluctant or struggling readers, specifically publication trend over time, authorship, core journals, and the number of articles that are based on surveys or interviews.

Spotlights: Faculty, Alumna, Kaigler Children's Book Festival

Spotlighting SLIS Faculty Dr. Laura Clark Hunt, SLIS alum Floyce Thomas, and the Fay B. Kaigler Children's Book Festival.

The History and Current Challenges of Libraries in Japan

Japan's libraries have many positive attributes and continue to evolve. However, many library sectors struggle with serving users because of staff outsourcing, library leadership, and a focus on circulation statistics that prevent them from developing into 21st-century information and community centers. This paper reviews the history and current status of each library sector, including their services and staffing. It then examines their current challenges and how professionalism, librarian education, and community engagement are the main challenges to their success and suggests recommendations to elevate them to compete in the global arena.

From the GAs: Congratulations, Publications, Presentations

News and congratulations from SLIS Director and Graduate Assistants for student, alumni, and faculty accomplishments, publications, and presentations.

Thriving Places, Thriving People: A Look at USM's Master of Library and Information Science

Article in Arete (Winter 2020/21, p. 9-11) featuring two recent MLIS graduates, Carrie Pennington Mastley and Laura Valliant. Reprinted with permission from USM Graduate School.

SLIS Director's Report

News and updates from Southern Miss School of Library and Information Science Director, Dr. Teresa Welsh.

Locating Banned Books: A Collection Analysis of Libraries in Arkansas and Tennessee

No library can make everything available to its patrons. However, libraries should adhere to the American Library Association (ALA) for guidance on what items are banned from the library's collections. Censorship and intellectual freedom have gained attention for how it affects libraries and the restraints it individualized for banned or forbidden items. Difficulties are characterized as formal, composed complaints recorded with a library or school asking for specific materials to be expelled from view because the substance may not be considered appropriate for the users. The purpose of this study is to compare a selected set of previously banned books or challenged titles in the collections of twelve public libraries within two southern states: Arkansas and Tennessee. The titles include: I Know Why the Cage Birds Sings by Maya Angelou; Beloved by Toni Morrison; Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison; and The Color Purple by Alice Walker.

Spotlights: Faculty, Alumna, and Courses

Spotlighting SLIS Faculty Dr. Jeff Hirschy, SLIS alum Michelle Finley, and asynchronous elective courses LIS 492 (H002)/LIS 692: Library Marketing & PR and LIS 691: LIS Research - Genealogy Research.