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This project sought to better understand why course instructors request librarian involvement to teach information literacy skills. Librarians at two large institutions surveyed 29 instructors and then interviewed 11 about their experiences working with librarians, their motivations for involving librarians in their courses, and their goals for including information literacy instruction. The study found that instructors had many different levels of experience with the library. Motivations for inviting librarians to their classes included creating a support network and sharing librarian expertise with students. The researchers also discuss instructor participation in library instruction sessions, including commentary, where they reinforce points made by the librarian during class, and bookending, where they sandwich librarian involvement between preliminary or concluding remarks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compares health science librarian job postings in the MEDLIB-L listserv from 2018–2019 and 2021–2022 to assess whether there was an increase in remote or hybrid schedule arrangements listed in job advertisements after the pandemic's onset. Results indicated a notable increase in advertising remote/hybrid work arrangements rising from 1.2% of listings in 2018–2019 to 16% of listings in 2021–2022. Data from a 2022 survey of library directors, however, indicated that approximately 70% of respondents expressed confidence in the continuance of remote/hybrid work. Additionally, from a very limited sample size, salaries for remote/hybrid positions did not appear to be less than in-person postings. While current employees at many institutions may benefit from flexible scheduling, this study examines whether job postings, which are often the primary information available to applicants, included information about remote and hybrid work options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How do archivists who find themselves in dual librarian/archivist positions approach library instruction and reference services? This case study examines the instructional experiences of an archivist serving in an interim role as a liaison librarian to a public affairs college at a large, public university in the United States. Utilizing action research methodology to study and inform their instruction approach and philosophy, the archivist created an instructional model which incorporates archival principles and concepts into a landscape mapping exercise. Archivists can make material contributions to library instruction through their unique knowledge, skills, and perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: the reference service in university libraries specialized in health has certain singularities due to the characteristics of the scientific field of the field of Health Sciences, the interface between teaching practices and scientific research, as well as the general profile and demands for information /reliable evidence by academics, professors/researchers and practitioners. Objective: to present and discuss the singularities of the reference service in university libraries specialized in health, as well as the challenges/potentialities of librarianship in this context. Method: The study, of theoretical character, carried out exploratory research with bibliographic research in national and international literature in the area of Librarianship/Information Science. Results: The results obtained indicate that the singularities of the work process in university libraries are determined not only by the idiosyncrasies of health personnel, but, above all, by the fact that human health (physical and mental) is the object of study and practice of area. Conclusion: It is concluded that despite the challenges related to library training in Brazil and the development of desirable and/or required skills/skills for health care, these elements do not constitute an insurmountable obstacle to professional practice with excellence. However, the librarian needs to recognize that such variables are intervening in their professional practice and that the search for improvement/specialization is a pressing demand [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a literature survey on how reference collections have changed to accommodate patrons' webbased information-seeking behaviors, one notes a marked "us vs. them" mentality--a fear that the Internet might render reference irrelevant. These anxieties are oft-noted in articles urging libraries to embrace digital and online reference sources. Why all the ambivalence? Citing existing research and literature, this essay explores myths about the supposed superiority of physical reference collections and how patrons actually use them, potential challenges associated with electronic reference collections, and how providing vital e-reference collections benefits the library as well as its patrons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discussion on basic data literacy skills defined as data collection, calculation, analysis and interpretation, and communication correlating with the ability for assessing library performance and the MTAM being a useful assessment tool.

Delaney Daly is earning a Master of Library Science degree at the Texas Woman's University School of Library and Information Studies. She will graduate in December of 2020 and works at Vail Public Library in Vail, Colorado. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of a paper-based tally sheet systems for gathering reference statistics has been unchanged for decades. However, with new technology and data gathering tools being developed, libraries now have an alternative for gathering statistical data more efficiently. This paper will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of both paper-based tally sheet forms and electronic tracking systems being used in libraries and will encompass a variety of commercial, open source, and homegrown products. Preference for either tool will be explored and determine reasons for a libraries reluctance to embrace new technology and keeping with old methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A team of librarians developed and implemented a plan to create coordinated library access for all students through the Canvas learning management system. Partnering with campus information technology services, librarians developed a specialized role in Canvas. Librarians also used Springshare's LibApps LTI (learning tools interoperability) to integrate research guides in Canvas, using course metadata to map guides to the appropriate subject or course. Evaluation of the impact of adding a Librarian role and mapping research guides to the Canvas LMS is ongoing and indicates these changes have affected the way students are accessing library resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While working at a fast paced reference desk at a busy community college, a librarian may encounter many challenging questions and situations. One such problem that may exist on a community college level is that of the very needy student, who not only has issues with information literacy, but with reading competency and computer literacy. The question is: " on what on level is the librarian responsible for remediating the student in a the brief and confining limitations of the reference interview?" This paper seeks to explore the role of the librarian as he or she relates to remediation and reference assistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As virtual worlds continue to proliferate globally, libraries are faced with the question of whether to provide information services to virtual patrons. This study, utilizing a mixed-method approach of interviews, focus groups, and surveys, represents one of the largest studies of virtual libraries attempted to date. Taking a holistic perspective, the design and implementation of virtual library services and the information needs of 366 participants were examined with both traditional and virtual library users and librarians. Findings suggest that the information needs of traditional and virtual users differ significantly and the overall match between information provided and user needs of virtual branches are typically low. The study's impact centers on the findings that virtual library users represent a disparate group of first-time visitors whose primary information goals are exploratory; successful virtual libraries provide nontraditional information services utilizing the unique virtual reality context to emphasize and support social engagement and communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article takes an in-depth look at the Internet mega search engines and their influence on reference librarianship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies that examined virtual reference and its potential for collaboration have by and large represented experiences in western English-speaking countries. This article reports the results of a three-nation (Israel, Japan, and Lebanon) comparative analysis to bridge this research gap. Similarities and differences between these countries highlight elements that international collaborative initiatives should consider when implementing global virtual reference services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Royal Roads University (RRU) Library uses e-mail reference as its primary point of contact for reference services. Learners working off-site are encouraged to request reference help at a central e-mail address which routes questions to librarians. Questions are monitored cooperatively and answered via an informal protocol. RRU prides itself on excellent client service and the librarians endeavor to be responsive and helpful. Recent staff turnover and a need to orient new librarians led to the development of a set of best practices for e-mail reference. This paper examines the role of e-mail reference in the continuum of digital reference services and discusses best practices together with staff training and development issues that are particular to the conduct of e-mail reference in a distributed learning environment. To measure the success of this model, learners were surveyed for their satisfaction with responses to questions and for their preferred mode of contact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To what extent is the print reference collection being used? Use of the print collection at a small private university was tracked for a four-month period. The results suggest that the reference collection is too big and underused. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to local demand, the University of Calgary Library established a fee-based information service for non-university clientele. The benefits from this service have been both intangible and financial. This article reviews the planning and implementation of the service and its future directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes a think-aloud study conducted to identify factors that influence the decisions made by digital reference ‘triagers’ when performing triage on questions received by digital reference services. This study follows and expands on a Delphi study that identified factors that triagers agreed on after the fact of their performance of triage by identifying factors that triagers take into consideration during their performance of question triage. Thirty-eight factors that influence triage decisions were identified, in eight categories. Eight of these factors are intrinsic to the question itself; the remaining thirty factors are extrinsic to the question, situating it in a context for the user and the service. These factors must be taken into consideration by any future system for automated triage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to discuss the incorporation of reference services into a trending service point model called the Unified Service Point (USP). Driven by organizational shift, the model was recently adopted by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library of San Jose State University. An anonymous survey was conducted to understand student perspectives on reference services, including the USP. The survey also asked questions about student motivation for seeking help from a librarian, and their level of satisfaction with the reference services. The authors offer recommendations to improve reference services at the USP based on the results of the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the ever-increasing focus on user needs and experiences, librarians are compelled to reposition themselves as providers of services and support. With an increasingly service-oriented approach to the profession, librarians must view their work and services through lenses of critical inquiry, assessment, and thoughtful design. Above all libraries are increasingly expected to plan, deliver, and assess their services based on evidence and data, an approach to librarianship which demands greater attention in professional literature and best practices. This paper presents a literature review of reference data collection strategies and discussion of evidence-based practices in librarianship. A case study is then presented for one academic library's process of developing and implementing a new system to collect, classify, and analyse reference statistics. Named the TARP Model, this system allowed librarians at NYU Shanghai to understand user behaviours, train reference staff, assessing reference services and trends, and manage the logistics of providing reference services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As data skills are incorporated into academic curriculum and data becomes more widely available and used in everyday life, many librarians find themselves serving as 'accidental' data librarians in their subject areas, a phenomenon widely discussed at conferences (including IASSIST), in publications, and in the field at large. Due to this evolving landscape and growing data need, it is increasingly important for librarians to be familiar with data resources and able to answer secondary data reference questions. To learn more about this area of librarianship, this study uses survey responses from librarians who answer data questions to explore the challenges and frustrations that arise from data reference questions and interactions. Our key findings reveal that frustrations are ever present in data reference regardless of how much experience a librarian has, and many frustrations arise due to factors such as patron expectations, subject-specific and data-related jargon, and data formats and accessibility, some of which are beyond the data librarian's control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the types of questions asked in an academic online reference chat service to ascertain the level of library staff expertise needed to answer the questions. The transcripts from a large academic library were analyzed to determine both the type of questions asked, and the complexity of the reference questions asked. The data showed that 75% of the questions asked were non-reference, 17% of the questions asked were ready-reference, and 8.6% of the questions asked were in-depth or complex reference questions. Library staff with the capacity to answer both circulation and general reference questions would have the optimum level of expertise needed for staffing the types of questions asked through chat reference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on a project participated by librarians at two Canadian universities aimed at offering reference service to scientists in subject areas ranging from biotechnology to rural planning. Inception and objectives of the project; Participants; Reference services provided by a librarian from the McMaster University Health Sciences Library.

The article focuses on the evolving role of reference services in academic libraries, exploring diverse perspectives and models to determine the essential value of reference desks. Topics include the shift towards partnerships with faculty and students; the correlation between library use and Grade Point Average (GPA); the debate on the need for mediated reference services in the digital environment; and the ongoing importance of human-mediated reference services in academic libraries.

Reference instruction should also involve preparing library and information science students for working with international students. There are numerous options for embedding such content into courses. In addition, professional organizations offers students with many opportunities to launch their international experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The authors analyzed a set of virtual reference transactions from a cooperative chat service, comprising transcripts from 2014 and 2006. Chats were categorized by type of library, length of time, type of question, and type of resolution. The article looks at the changes seen over time and how a change in the type of questions asked may be causing further changes in average length of time and resolution. The authors discuss what these changes imply for the future of librarianship and how accuracy can be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In an effort to bridge the gap between the one-on-one attention that students receive when they come into the library and the attention given to online learners, the University of West Florida Libraries added an online learner component to its Personal Librarian Program. Personal librarian programs provide an opportunity for individualized outreach to students and can be particularly beneficial to online learners who may not receive it otherwise. While much of the literature on outreach to online students focuses on embedded librarianship, a personal librarian program emphasizes a direct connection and fosters an independent and strong relationship between the librarian and the student. The implementation of a personal librarian program for online learners by the University of West Florida has had successes and challenges that illuminate lessons for other institutions considering implementations of similar programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This column provides an ongoing series of insights into the relevance of educational psychology to the practice of librarianship, with an emphasis on reference service in academic libraries. Each column includes descriptions of major lines of research, a list of takeaways for librarians, and a selective annotated bibliography of relevant and readable articles and books. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Focuses on the status quo of librarianship amidst the elimination of traditional reference service. Justification of the existence of any library operation; Demise of traditional reference as a result of new technologies; History of reference service; Complications of the realization of electronic libraries.

Academic librarians have been engaged in embedded librarianship for nearly 15 years, yet there are few published research studies on the impact of physically embedded librarians, who work alongside departmental faculty. This study leveraged a change in reference service to analyze what happened when subject librarians moved from the library services desk to spending a significant part of their workday in the academic departments they serve. Reference and instructional transactions increased significantly, and novel instances of collaboration and integrations arose. Based on the results, this study proposed a developmental model for physically embedded librarianship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the results of an extensive review of reference transactions from multiple service points at the University of Utah's J. Willard Marriott Library. The review enabled us to better understand the types of questions asked at our service points and resulted in a new set of codes for categorizing reference transactions that focus on recording the kinds of expertise needed to answer each question. We describe the differences between our model and other scales for collecting reference questions. Our method for reviewing reference transactions and developing new codes may be useful to other libraries interested in updating how they collect reference statistics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on usability and relevance of ready reference at John C. Hodges Library assessed by researchers from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and mentions chat transcripts sampled by researchers over academic semester to determine section. Topics discussed include dictionaries, encyclopedias and style guides study analyzed by the ready reference collection, literature review of printed reference collections, and elements of libraries and librarianship.

In 2008, the University of Louisville’s (UofL) Ekstrom Library printed reference collection numbered almost 30,000 volumes. Copious collecting and sparse weeding built up the collection during the era before the Internet. There had been considerable reluctance to address its more outdated sections due to competing priorities and inertia. A change of leadership as well as the recognition of changing use patterns had lessened the need for such a large collection. In 2011, three librarians began a title-by-title review process that resulted in an 86% reduction of the reference collection by 2014. This article describes that process, summarizes the results, and discusses the benefits and disadvantages of this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Massive Open Online Courses, or MOOCs, have recently emerged as a disruptive pedagogy gaining rapid momentum in higher education. In some states, proposed legislations would accredit MOOCs to provide college-credit courses in the name of cost saving, efficiency and access. While debates rage regarding the place of MOOCs in higher education, some librarians are already tasked with supporting student learning within this untried context. Challenges faced by librarians seeking to support MOOCs span all traditional academic librarian roles: instruction, reference and collection development. To successfully serve these new communities of learners, librarians must apply existing best practices established by distance learning librarians as well as develop new skills and approaches. This paper offers a brief introduction to the current state of MOOCs in higher education, explores the needs of MOOC students and discusses possible best practices to be adapted and adopted as librarians prepare to serve this emerging student population. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Studies show that reaching beyond disciplinary boundaries can be an effective method for understanding complex research problems and enriching student learning. However, despite the increased attention given to interdisciplinary thinking in higher education, there is much that remains to be understood about the growing centrality of interdisciplinary practice and its assessment. This paper argues that a new, more robust conceptualization of nonsingular disciplinary thinking must be formulated around the philosophical foundation of synoptics. A critical point when this type of learning can take place is in reference services. The paper begins by outlining the emergence of interdisciplinary inquiry in higher education. After reviewing the literature on interdisciplinarity and noting the lack of scholarship concerning applied synoptics in current library literature, it discusses the ways is which synoptics establishes the foundation for a broader based understanding of knowledge that cultivates and encourages a polymathic perspective for the patron. The study concludes by describing how the concept of critical and integrative interdisciplinary thinking, rooted in the worldview philosophy of synoptics, can apply to the practice of reference services and inquiry-based transactions between the librarian and the learner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on methods of teaching reference in library schools in the U.S. Topics covered include the meeting among teachers of reference courses in Cleveland, Ohio in April 1962, change in the sex ratio of the faculty teaching reference, the administrative aspects of reference service and the features of the basic reference course.

With the advent of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the Internet there have been several innovative developments in librarianship that have had a tremendous impact on reference services. Reference services have become more dynamic, social and collaborative. Consequently, library users are no longer restricted to fulfilling their information needs face-toface or over the telephone as in previous decades, but now have the opportunity to liaise with librarians virtually and to have their queries answered immediately anytime, anywhere, and via current applications such as Instant Messaging (IM), Short Messaging Service (SMS) and commercial tools. The model in which libraries collaborate in the provision of reference services has drawn much attention in academia and is regarded as a viable option for libraries seeking innovative solutions to the problems of budgetary constraints, social exclusion and a lack of visibility. Notwithstanding the benefits associated with a collaborative reference service, the issues of cost, quality control and the commitment of member libraries are a few of the constraints that are yet to be overcome. By presenting a review of the scholarly literature supported by the views of an experienced practitioner, this paper seeks to explore the advantages and disadvantages of a collaborative virtual reference service (VRS) as well as the implications of implementing such a service at the national level in Jamaica. It is hoped that the paper will encourage librarians to participate in a collaborative VRS in Jamaica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[This column is a collection of reference interview stories within a number of diverse mediums (chat, phone, face-to-face, immersive environments) sharing one librarian's dialogues with a host of patrons. Some names, places, times, and events have been changed to preserve anonymity.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The State Library of New South Wales (SLNSW) has embarked on a significant project to identify and make accessible materials in its collection relating to Indigenous Australian languages. The projectRediscovering Indigenous Languagesseeks to reconnect Indigenous Australia people and the wider Australian community to word lists and vocabularies relating to the first languages of Australia. The various phases of the project – from research and curation, through to community engagement and collaboration – aim to connect with both Indigenous people and other language projects to assist with the process of language and cultural revitalisation. This paper will discuss principles and protocols guiding the work of theRediscovering Indigenous Languagesproject, in particular the importance of encouraging active discussion with communities and linguists in regards to the use and revitalisation of these historical documentary resources. As a case study, this project demonstrates the importance of designing library and archival systems that proactively connect Indigenous people with their knowledge sources held within library and archive collections. Community engagement and collaboration, led by Indigenous protocols, are vital components of designing and delivering projects that have maximum impact for language and cultural revitalisation. Measuring the impact of theRediscovering Indigenous Knowledgeproject requires new ways for libraries to consider the value of their engagement with communities. Approaching Indigenous library service development and services in these ways will ultimately lead to more sustainable and collaborative projects being developed to benefit the broader community. In addition, there is potential for archival collections to be enriched and revitalised in new and exciting ways. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper describes how library and information science education in New Zealand has evolved to include Māori cultural components into the content of the curriculum. It considers the influence that the wider library and information profession, including the professional associations, LIANZA and Te Rōpū Whakahau, have had on these developments. The inclusion of ‘indigenous knowledge paradigms’ within the profession registration programme is described as is its effect on library and information education and the continuing professional development of library and information professionals in New Zealand. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In 2010, Libraries ACT created a number of community engagement specialisations to be implemented at the Librarian or Professional Officer Class 1 level. The specialisations spanned existing core library activities, target groups already the focus of library programming, lifelong learning, and specific groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This paper describes the specialisations initiative from first implementation through a review to implementation of a modified approach. It focuses primarily on engagement with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities resulting from both implementations. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Protocols for library archives and information services (‘the ATSILIRN Protocols’ or ‘the Protocols’) have become a key tool to planning that engagement, although ideas for engagement and participation are increasingly being generated by community members themselves. The use of the Protocols is discussed and the relevance of cultural competence in libraries is introduced. The specialisation initiative, and related engagement activities, may provide the basis of formal study, which could address the transferability of the tentative findings of this overview or explore the development of cultural competence through engagement activities. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article discusses the factors behind an excellent evening or night reference experience. Topics covered include the use of normal outreach strategies by night librarians, the importance of interdisciplinarity to effective and creative library service, and the ability of librarians to provide encouragement.

Public libraries have been called the “first responders” to the specialized health information needs of the general public. The challenges inherent in consumer health information (CHI) service are centered around thePatron, theLibrarian, theInformation Resources, and theLibrary itself. The pilot study involved interviews with nine individual library workers in eight public libraries in four library systems: the District of Columbia, Montgomery and Prince George's Counties in Maryland, and Fairfax County in Virginia. Library workers were asked about common consumer health information requests, the nature of their collections, and the role of public libraries in meeting these information needs. The subjects were also presented with a hypothetical scenario, and their responses suggest knowledge gaps. The findings point to the increasing necessity and importance of training and support for public librarians, as well as the importance of understanding where the medical knowledge gaps exist. Public librarians need to commit to formal evaluation of their skill sets and knowledge gaps, in order to identify areas to which libraries can devote limited resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright compliance is a major issue in higher education, and academic librarians are being approached more frequently by students and instructors with questions as to how copyrighted works can be legally used for teaching and research. This article provides a brief orientation to U.S. Copyright Law and introduces print and online resources librarians can refer patrons to in order to make informed decisions regarding the use of copyrighted works. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Comprehensive assessments have shown that academic library users prefer a welcoming environment that provides the opportunity for self-sufficiency. Libraries need to meet these expectations and improve the quality of library reference by creating a comprehensive training program for librarians, staff, and students. This article will review standards for reference training in academic libraries with a focus on one-desk service points and consider best practices for planning, implementing, and assessing training programs for staff, students, and librarians. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents an overview of need and importance of marketing approach in different types of libraries based on existing studies and literature. International and national status of LIS (Library and Information Services) marketing has also been brought to light briefly. Selected studies, relevant to the current paper are mentioned. The results from these studies overwhelmingly show that most of the literature on LIS marketing is descriptive, and in Pakistan a small number of studies have been carried out, The findings of studies indicate that there is need to conduct extensive research in libraries to investigate the status of marketing applications with a purpose to meet the challenges of modern librarianship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]