Playing games at the Library: Seriously?

an article by Cécile Swiatek (Université Paris II Panthéon Assas, France) and Myriam Gorsse (Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris) published in Liber Quarterly: The Journal of the Association of European Research Libraries Volume 26 Number 2 (2016)

Abstract

During the past ten years, libraries have been developing gaming activities from library board games to mystery games and immersive role-playing games. This article aims at giving a general overview of gaming issues in French academic libraries.

General gaming theories are quickly reviewed, basic keys are given about how and why to set up a gaming service and department at the academic library, concrete and recent initiatives are presented.

This article focuses on non-virtual and public-oriented games that were already organised in and by libraries. More generally, it underlines how to use gaming activities for promoting organisational innovation.

It concludes on the necessity to settle a strategy for gaming activities, to enforce management practices, and on the importance to publicise the initiatives by establishing a public gaming policy and programme, and by formalising communication plans, staff training and knowledge management. The results of this fact study highlight how gaming activities are becoming a new reality for libraries, which requires a proper management perspective.

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Outreach initiatives in academic libraries, 2009-2011

an article by Melissa Dennis, (University of Mississippi, USA) published in Reference Services Review Volume 40 Issue 3 (2012)

Abstract

Purpose
With outreach responsibilities on the rise in academic libraries and budgets declining or remaining stagnant, finding outreach initiatives that support the university in creative ways are on the rise. This study seeks to compare outreach initiatives by academic librarians to a project conducted by the author.
Design/methodology/approach
Academic librarians with responsibilities in outreach, marketing, and promotion were targeted in a survey sent to listervs in the Summer of 2011. A total of 21 academic librarians described successful outreach initiatives. A small response rate reflects the target audience.
Findings
The survey revealed a wide range of outreach initiatives that compare funding: library, university, grant, and other. The author’s project greatly exceeded the cost of all other initiatives.
Research limitations/implications
The research identifies survey flaws and a small reach to the targeted audience. Suggestions for future research include a modified survey to the Association of Library Communications and Outreach Professionals.
Practical implications
Technology advancements and budget restraints have put pressure on outreach librarians to provide successful programs with less funding. Many colleges and universities across the nation have inserted outreach into public services positions.
Originality/value
The literature produces limited research about successful outreach initiatives over the past five years where economic duress has been nationwide. Outreach librarians will find inspiration in the collected outreach projects undertaken at 21 colleges and universities across America to create projects with limited funding.

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Social media at the university: a demographic comparison

an article by Alice B. Ruleman, (James C. Kirkpatrick Library, University of Central Missouri, USA) published in New Library World Volume 113 Issuse 7/8 (2012)

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine faculty and student responses to questions regarding their use of social media and to determine possible demographic differences.
Design/methodology/approach
A web-based quantitative survey format utilizing multiple choice and matrix type questions was selected for this research.
Findings
Both faculty and students are active users of social media. Some distinct demographic differences were found but they did not always match expected results.
Research limitations/implications
The nature of a multiple-choice survey creates some limitations although it also makes it easier to obtain responses from a broad range of individuals. The responses to this survey indicate some interesting demographic results particularly related to gender differences (or lack of) with the students and faculty, as well as the differences between the two groups even when comparing the same ages. Additional research could help to explain these differences.
Practical implications
This environmental scan can aid the library in determining potential social media to use to provide service to the campus.
Originality/value
The paper confirms that students and faculty are avid users of some, but not all, social media and the study raises some interesting questions regarding the differences between faculty and students.

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Academic Uses of Google Earth and Google Maps in a Library Setting

an article by Eva Dodsworth (University of Waterloo Library, Canada) and Andrew Nicholson (University of Toronto Mississauga, Canada) published in Information Technology and Libraries Volume 31 Number 2 (June 2012)

Abstract

Over the last several years, Google Earth and Google Maps have been adopted by many academic institutions as an academic research and mapping tool. The authors were interested in discovering how popular the Google mapping products are in the academic library setting.

A survey was conducted to establish the mapping products’ popularity, and type of use in an academic library setting.

Results show that over 90% of the respondents use Google Earth and Google Maps either to help answer research questions, to create and access finding aids, for instructional purposes or for promotion and marketing.

The authors recommend expanding the mapping product’s user base to include all reference and liaison librarians.

Full text (PDF 16pp)

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Peter Drucker on marketing: application and implications for libraries

an article by Cynthia K. Robinson (George T. Harrell Health Sciences Library, Pennsylvania State University, USA) published in The Bottom Line: Managing Library Finances Volume 25 Issue 1 (2012)

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this article is to discuss Peter Drucker's theory of marketing in the context of strategic planning and change (innovation) in libraries. With the need for change and innovation accelerating within all types of libraries, it is increasingly important for libraries to adopt a marketing orientation, integrating a marketing plan into the overall strategic planning process.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper employs case study methodology to demonstrate one library's attempt to integrate a marketing plan into the library's overall strategic planning activity, using this process to move the library towards a marketing orientation. The paper also provides a viewpoint based on the author's experience and the teachings of Peter Drucker.
Findings
Libraries must adopt a marketing orientation in order to remain viable into the future. As Drucker stated, "it is the customer who determines what a business is". It is imperative libraries understand what their customer values and needs in order to develop services and provide resources to meet these needs.
Originality/value
This paper examines Peter Drucker's theory of business and marketing as it applies to libraries and highlights the systems framework called the Drucker Management System, described by Joseph Maciariello in his article "Marketing and innovation in the Drucker Management System".

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2012 top ten trends in academic libraries

A review of the trends and issues affecting academic libraries in higher education by the ACRL (Association of College and Research Libraries) Research Planning and Review Committee

The ACRL Research Planning and Review Committee is responsible for creating and updating a continuous and dynamic environmental scan for the association that encompasses trends in academic librarianship, higher education, and the broader environment, e.g., economic, demographic, political; providing an annual environmental scan “snapshot.” The committee also is responsible for identifying the ACRL “top ten trends” for release every two years.

The list of the ten most important trends perceived covers:

• communicating value
• data curation
• digital preservation
• higher education
• information technology
• mobile environments
• patron drive e-book acquisition
• scholarly communication
• staffing
• user behaviours and expectations

There is also an extensive bibliography.

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Full text (PDF 10pp)

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Individual title requests in PDA collections: A small university library’s experience

an article by Debbi Dinkins is (duPont-Ball Library, Stetson University) published in College and Research Libraries News Volume 73 Number 5 (May 2012)

Opening paragraph

Patron driven acquisition (PDA) is nothing new to academic libraries, especially for the print format. Libraries have been using patron requests to help drive collection building for years, through interlibrary loan (ILL) suggestions and requests for acquisition. More formalized PDA programs, such as that at the Purdue University library, fill ILL requests with purchased books. Librarians concluded that they could buy books for about the same cost as obtaining them through ILL and the books tended to circulate more than regularly acquired books.

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Cornering the information market: Metacognition and the library

an article by Michele Santamaría (Clifton Mill Library, Washington College) and Denise Petrik (University of Pittsburgh (MLIS student) published in College and Research Libraries News Volume 73 Number 5 (May 2012)

Opening paragraph

There we were, monitoring the Miller Library table at the Washington College Academic Resource Fair, coordinated annually as a preorientation activity for incoming freshmen. We had decided to try a new tactic in an attempt to appeal to the freshmen, which involved creating an interactive game to try to reach them at their own levels. We thought we had been fairly successful too, when a mother took one look at who we were and asked: “So. What do they need the library for, now that everything is on the Internet?”

If parents exhibit this skeptical resistance, how does the library successfully appeal to their children, a generation that’s been dubbed “the instant generation,” who have been said to “believe their unalienable rights include instant service, easy assignments . . . and straightforward answers,” all of which the Internet appears to provide?

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Mobile sites made simple: Solutions for smaller academic libraries

an article by Christopher Chan (information services librarian at Hong Kong Baptist University Library) published in College & Research Libraries News Volume 73 Number 5 (May 2012)

Introductory paragraph

Smartphones are fast becoming standard-issue equipment for university students. Regardless of whether they choose devices running Android, iOS, or one of the other operating systems vying for a piece of the mobile pie, students are increasingly accessing the Internet through mobile devices. The 2011 Horizon Report highlighted the rising importance of mobile technology in education, and predicted the mainstream adoption of mobiles for teaching and learning within a year.

A PDF of this article is available but is a 2-column A5 page – I suggest you use the HTML version.

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Ebook collection analysis: subject and publisher trends

an article by James Cory Tucker, (University of Nevada, Las Vegas) published in Collection Building Volume 31 Issue 2 (2012)

Abstract

Purpose
This paper aims to provide an assessment of an ebook collection in an academic library, and attempts to locate usage trends by subject and publisher.
Design/methodology/approach
The research was based on: three years of usage data from two e-book packages: NetLibrary and Ebrary; two methods of purchase: NetLibrary was a one-time purchase; Ebrary is purchased on a subscription basis. The research evaluated usage difference over time between the two packages and analysed subject and publisher usage.
Findings
The research found that Ebrary showed increased usage over time; NetLibrary demonstrated decreased usage; subject analysis showed ebooks in health sciences and hotel had highest usage; publisher analysis results illustrated the fact that five publishers had highest usage in both ebook collections.
Research limitations/implications
For circulation rate of each ebook package, two years of data were not available for Ebrary, resulting in incomplete comparison over three-year period between the two packages.
Practical implications
The paper assists in identifying usage patterns of ebooks across publishers and subjects; compares two different business models of obtaining ebooks; and helps with effective selection of ebooks to support teaching and learning.
Originality/value
Usage data over three years provided evidence to help libraries select a business model for acquiring ebooks; the research provides assessment of ebook collections to identify trends across publishers and subjects.

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Lost in the Cloud: Research Library Collections and Community in the Digital Age

an article by Dan Hazen (Associate Librarian for Collection Development, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts) published in Library Resources & Technical Services Volume 55(Number 4 (October 2011)

Abstract

Digital technologies, renewed attention to the purposes of higher education, and changing models for scholarship and learning challenge our historic understandings of research libraries and their collections. Common assumptions and goals are giving way to diverse local agendas, many of which also reflect increasingly limited budgets. Cooperative ventures are taking new forms as well, with straitened resources again the rule. Our adaptation to this uncertain environment requires research libraries to reconsider the elements that are now necessary for success.

Hazel’s comment:
I read this article in the hard copy at the British Library, and then, rather than copy-type the abstract, tried finding it online together with the author affiliation(s).
I hit the jackpot! 
A couple of very favourable article reviews and then, joy of joys, a PDF of the whole thing.
Before doing anything other than reading the piece please note the copyright conditions:

Copyright of Library Resources & Technical Services is the property of American Library Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder’s express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.

Read it here

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Developing a collaborative faculty-librarian information literacy assessment project

an article by Jackie Belanger and Rebecca Bliquez, (Campus Library, University of Washington Bothell and Cascadia Community College, USA) and Sharleen Mondal, (Department of English, Ashland University, Ohio) published in Library Review Volume 61 Issue 2 (2012)

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe the process of developing an information literacy assessment project, and to discuss key findings from the project.
Design/methodology/approach
A variety of assessment tools were used to gather information about student learning and information literacy instruction: pre- and post-surveys, student feedback surveys, faculty feedback to librarians, librarian self-reflection, library worksheets, student research journals, and citation analysis of students’ final research paper bibliographies.
Findings
It was found that the authors’ initial suite of assessment tools did not provide the information wanted about students’ research processes, so the authors’ “assessment toolkit” was modified. It was found that more meaningful information could be gathered about students’ research processes when the authors worked closely with faculty to embed information literacy assessments into course assignments. From the authors’ analysis of student work, it was discovered that, for many students, library instruction was most valuable in helping them refine and explore research topics.
Originality/value
This paper will be useful to librarians and faculty seeking to implement an information literacy assessment project. The authors provide ideas for ways for faculty and librarians to collaborate on information literacy assessment, as well as on assignment and course design.

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Roaming Reference: Reinvigorating Reference through Point of Need Service

an article by Kealin M. McCabe and James R.W. MacDonald (University of Northern British Columbia) published in Partnership: the Canadian Journal of Library and Information Practice and Research Volume 6 Number 2 (2011)

Abstract

Roaming reference service was pursued as a way to address declining reference statistics. The service was staffed by librarians armed with iPads over a period of six months during the 2010-2011 academic year. Transactional statistics were collected in relation to query type (Research, Facilitative or Technology), location and approach (librarian to patron, patron to librarian or via chat widget).

Overall, roaming reference resulted in an additional 228 reference questions, 67% (n=153) of which were research related. Two iterations of the service were implemented, roaming reference as a standalone service (Fall 2010) and roaming reference integrated with traditional reference desk duties (Winter 2011). The results demonstrate that although the Weller Library’s reference transactions are declining annually, they are not disappearing. For a roaming reference service to succeed, it must be a standalone service provided in addition to traditional reference services.

The integration of the two reference models (roaming reference and reference desk) resulted in a 56% decline in the total number of roaming reference questions from the previous term. The simple act of roaming has the potential to reinvigorate reference services as a whole, forcing librarians outside their comfort zones, allowing them to reach patrons at their point of need.

Full Text (PDF 15pp) HTML

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Viable or vital? Evaluation of IM services from patrons’ perspectives

an article by Jung-Jung Chang and Chyan Yang (National Chiao Tung University, Taiwan) published in The Electronic Library Volume 30 Issue 1 (2012)

Abstract

Purpose
The goal of this study is to gather information from library patrons to answer the questions of whether real-time reference services (instant messaging, IM) are beneficial to patrons and how valuable they are to fulfilling their task needs. The study was designed to elicit information about how patrons were dealing with the rapidly changing technological environment, and how helpful they felt IM reference services were to them.
Design/methodology/approach
The investigation uses the technology acceptance model (TAM) as the basic framework and extends it by the variable of perceived relevance (PR) which intends to extend understanding of the adoption of IM services. The sample consisted of three university libraries’ patrons on the basis of convenience, and 323 usable responses were obtained.
Findings
This research found general support for TAM. Specifically, the findings show that perceived ease of use of IM services is the key factor for the patrons’ attitudes about the IM service. Overall, the model explained 58 percent of the variance in behaviour intention. Thus, the results show that the proposed model does satisfactorily explain the adoption of the IM service.
Originality/value
The findings of this research provide some useful insights into a patron’s behavioural intention toward adoption of an IM service which will stimulate thought about real-time reference services that could be offered by other libraries. And it will be valuable for better understanding of factors affecting the determinants of IM acceptance, which allows libraries to devise more effective approaches to improving the patrons’ perceptions of a target system and thereby boost subsequent acceptance of the system.

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Customer service for academic library users on the web

an article by Kiran Kaur and Diljit Singh (University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur) published in The Electronic Library Volume 29 Issue 6 (2011)

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature of customer service in the academic library setting and ways in which its management can be best approached in the electronic environment.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopts a two-phase methodology. First is a content analysis of the literature on customer service in libraries, focusing on electronic services, to identify main issues and strategies being used to address customer issues. This is followed by a qualitative data-gathering approach to explore user perspectives on the quality of electronic services, focusing on customer service.
Findings
The findings reveal that the concerns of library customers in the web environment are similar to those in the traditional library environment. They are concerned about receiving online help for technical problems and also help to search and use information. Reference services are still highly in demand with an emphasis on the characteristics of the online librarian. Another major need is the ability to give feedback and receive a quick response from the library.
Research limitations/implications
The study is limited to web-based library customer service quality as perceived by postgraduate students at four research universities. Thus, it cannot be generalised to the whole academic library’s clientele views, though it is applicable to electronic library services at other institutions. The subjectivity of the researchers’ interpretations of qualitative data are also acknowledged.
Practical implications
This paper will be helpful to academic libraries in managing the quality of electronic library services by focusing on what the customers require and deem important. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on electronic customer services in academic libraries.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the shortage of studies on the perceived quality of library electronic library services, as is evident in the literature.

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Academic libraries – measuring up: …

assessment and collaboration for student success

 an article by Rachel Besara and Kirsten Kinsley (Florida State University Libraries) published in New Library World Volume 112 Issue 9/10 (2011)

Abstract

Purpose
This paper aims to describe how the Florida State University Libraries used assessment data with other campus partners to gain funding and resources for new initiatives. When general funding sources were threatened, alternative funding sources from these campus partners were used to jump-start new initiatives designed to enhance student success.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper is a case study of how assessment data fuelled the creation of a new late-night peer-tutoring program at the Florida State University Libraries. The three main data conduits that inspired a new tutoring program were: an ethnographic study of undergraduate students, undergraduate courses with high failure/high enrolment/high drop rates, and an environmental scan of existing campus tutoring.
Findings
Sharing assessment data with key partners can leverage funding and resources for new initiatives.
Social implications
In hard budgetary times, opportunities for funding and resources may arise when shared values between campus constituencies are met with assessment data. Libraries need to take a leadership role in gathering and sharing those data with other campus constituents in order to place libraries in a strategic position to receive alternative funding for shared initiatives.
Originality/value
Other libraries may use this case as a model, sharing their assessment results with the campus community, especially with those campus constituencies where there is a relationship already in place, to garner further support for piloting innovative services.

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Developing learning landscapes: …

academic libraries driving organisational change
an article by Leo Appleton and Valerie Stevenson (Liverpool John Moores University) and Debbi Boden (Glasgow Caledonian University) published in Reference Services Review Volume 39 Issue 3

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the reasons and drivers for academic libraries affecting university strategy with regards to shaping and developing learning spaces in response to changing pedagogic behaviours.
Design/methodology/approach
A review of available literature within the context of academic libraries and their position to influence and lead institutional strategic change. This theory and practice is addressed and evidenced by four case studies of university libraries in the UK.
Findings
Many UK academic libraries find themselves able to lead on and influence their institution’s strategic direction with regards to teaching, learning and research. This is particularly the case in the design and development of learning spaces within the university. Academic libraries are in a unique position within a university with a view to observing student behaviours, being responsive to ever changing demands from academics and students, spotting trends and benchmarking against comparative institutions. These practices make it possible for academic libraries to advise, guide and lead on teaching and learning strategy and lead on learning spaces developments within their institutions.
Practical implications
Academic libraries can use existing quality assurance, responsiveness and benchmarking frameworks to influence university strategy and decision making.
Originality/value
This paper focuses on the concept of academic libraries influencing change, rather than responding to change, within their university. The case studies provide examples of where this has been the case, and suggest ways and frameworks which can be adopted by other academic libraries.

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