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Purpose: In September 2015 protests erupted at the University of Missouri following a series of racist incidents on campus and culminating in the resignation of the university president in November 2015. In solidarity with the protests student activists at universities across the United States and Canada organized into the Black Liberation Collective and held the first #StudentBlackoutOut day of protests on university campuses on November 15 followed by the publication of lists of demands to over 80 colleges in 28 states, the District of Columbia and Canada in the hopes of creating more-equitable and inclusive institutions. These demands shared similarity in requests for equity as those put forth during the Black Campus Movement of the late 1960s which led to the establishment of Black studies and cultural centers at colleges and universities. Academic libraries in particular were included with several demands to better serve the Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) community. Design/methodology/approach: While librarianship has largely been a historically White profession, libraries have undertaken many diversity and inclusion initiatives over the years. This article will examine seven case studies concerning college and university libraries addressing demands collated by the Black Liberation Collective in 2015. Six years out from the publication of the lists, we will evaluate statements issued by the libraries and posted on their websites, the promises that have been made to address inequities and the ensuing actions the libraries have taken to create a welcoming, inclusive community. Findings: The authors examine seven institutions where demands from student activists speak directly to the library. We examine the library's response to make changes and subsequent actions. Originality/value: The authors take a journalist approach to their research and examination of library responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The authors' goal in writing this article was to provide background information and detailed considerations to assist those wishing to provide patent and trademark assistance at their libraries. The major considerations include staffing, spaces and resources, with the time commitment from the staff being the most significant. Design/methodology/approach: This paper combined the experiences of an author relatively new to patent and trademark librarianship with one who has years of experience. These were used in tandem with knowledge gained from a decade of attendance at annual week-long seminars at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as well as by way of a comprehensive literature review. Findings: The main commitment needed in providing patent and trademark services to the public is not money but the investment of time, which includes professional development, staffing, teaching classes and workshops, outreach and consultations. Originality/value: The information in this paper should serve as guidance to anyone new to providing patent and trademark services within their libraries, including those at Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs), Patent Information Centres (PATLIBs) and beyond. Although articles have been published on various aspects of intellectual property (IP) and libraries, a comprehensive guide to providing patent and trademark services has yet to be published. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The cost of course materials to the individual student has increased over the past decade, contributing to educational inequity. Open educational resources (OERs) may be a solution and research validates their positive impact on student success outcomes (Colvard et al., 2018; Feldstein et al., 2012). Few studies, however, examine the role that library collections play in addressing course materials cost and student success. This paper aims to investigate whether materials costs are a significant factor in course pass rate and whether the library has a positive impact on pass rates. Design/methodology/approach: Using required texts listed in syllabi for select undergraduate courses at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), the authors compare course materials costs for each course to the pass rate. The authors then measure the impact of course materials cost on the achievement gap between Pell Grant eligible and non-eligible students. Findings: This study confirms previous research indicating that reduced course materials costs have a measurable impact on student success, in that the total minimum cost of required materials has a statistically significant effect on the percentage of students who pass a course. However, course reserves slightly increase the disparity between high-income and low-income students, suggesting that course reserves are a less effective way of supporting the latter compared to OERs. Originality/value: This study is unique in examining the effect of the cost of course materials on students, regardless of the source of cost reductions. Most literature focuses on the qualitative efficacy of OERs instead of measured impact or the relationship between the cost of course materials and student success. The authors investigate the connection between OERs, library engagement and student success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe how an academic library at one of the most diverse universities in the country responded to the 2016 election through the newly formed Inclusion and Equity Committee and through student outreach. Design/methodology/approach: This paper details the context of the 2016 election and the role of social justice in librarianship. It offers ideas for how library diversity committees can address professional development, recruitment and retention efforts and cultural humility. It highlights student outreach efforts to support marginalized students, educate communities and promote student activism. Finally, it offers considerations and suggestions for librarians who want to engage in this work. Findings: This paper shows that incorporating social justice, diversity, equity and inclusion requires individuals taking action. If institutions want to focus on any of these issues, they need to formally include them in their mission, vision and values as well as in department goals and individual job descriptions. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas University Libraries fully supports this work, but most of the labor is done by a small number of people. Unsustainable practices can cause employee burnout and turnover resulting in less internal and external efforts to support diversity. Originality/value: Most of the previous literature focuses either on internal activities, such as professional development and committees, or on student-focused activities, such as outreach events, displays and instruction. This paper is one comprehensive review of both kinds of activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the awareness of library research services, the top desires for new services and overall satisfaction of undergraduate students to plan outreach and marketing efforts.Design/methodology/approach Researchers developed a survey which was administered both on an iPad and in paper copies. To gather feedback from a wide-variety of students, surveys were distributed outside campus buildings at four locations.Findings This study demonstrates the need to survey undergraduate students about their use of research services, to effectively plan outreach and marketing efforts. The differences between high-users’ and low-users’ expectations of the library inform and impact potential outreach and marketing efforts. Reaching both groups of students requires that not only awareness of library services increase but also that the knowledge of the value of the library increases, to convert simple awareness of services into use.Research limitations/implications Surveys were distributed at one institution, and results may be skewed based on local demographics.Originality/value While surveying undergraduate students is common, little research exists demonstrating how outreach and marketing can be informed by evaluating feedback from high and low-users of library services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of the study is to identify the information needs of patrons in a large Canadian academic library system by analyzing the types of questions asked through the Library’s “Ask A Librarian” system. The results provide information on specific areas of competencies and training for staff providing virtual reference services. Design/methodology/approach – This article looks at virtual reference data collected between January and April 2012 from a large Canadian academic library and provides an analysis of the types of questions asked by library users. The researchers developed a detailed coding scheme for the analysis of question type and referrals made, and used the qualitative analysis software NVivo™ to code and analyze the data. Findings – The results of this analysis found that patrons often tap into synchronous online library help when they encounter challenges with online library resources. Specific areas of patron training to be developed were also identified. Finally, areas for staff training were uncovered which will help the library provide a consistent level of service to patrons. Originality/value – This is the first study in the library community to conduct a detailed analysis of the virtual reference transcripts from a large Canadian university using the NVivo™ content analysis software. The study developed and employed more detailed coding categories then has been used in previous studies to provide more information about the questions that patrons are unable to complete on their own. The study also captures detailed information pertaining to referrals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Technology has transformed teaching and learning environments in tertiary education, introducing new collaborative library spaces and developing the roles and skills of library staff. Academic libraries need continually to re-examine their services to ensure they meet student needs. The current survey aimed to discover how students perceived staff in the Information Commons (IC) and whether their perceptions of staff attitudes and skills influenced their use of library resources. Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire containing closed and open questions was distributed electronically to undergraduate and postgraduate students at the University of Sheffield, obtaining 250 responses (around 1 per cent of the student population). Findings – The results showed that most students were unable to distinguish different groups of staff, were unaware of their departmental librarian and did not recognise the academic role of librarians. However, those who had sought assistance in the IC or attended classes delivered by librarians had positive views of their experiences. Research limitations/implications – The timing and fixed duration of the study limited the size and nature of the sample, the generalisability of the findings and depth of the investigation, but sufficient data were collected to establish patterns of behaviour and identify important factors. Practical implications – Low awareness among students of the expertise of librarians and their capacity to provide academic support indicates a need for more promotion to ensure library resources are properly utilised. Originality/value – The study is thought to be the first of its kind conducted in the UK and the only such survey carried out in an IC setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — This concurrent mixed methods study aims to collect quantitative data indicating current levels of podcast usage, demographics of those using podcasts, technologies used and perceptions of the podcasts. It also aims to collect qualitative data providing an expanded understanding on perceptions of the podcasts and suggestions for future enhancements. Design/methodology/approach — Six sample podcasts were recorded and made available via New Zealand's UCOL — Universal College of Learning — web site in MP3 format. The target population was staff and students of UCOL. A web-based survey instrument was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data with 86 complete responses received. Findings — Results showed that there were differences found between the groups surveyed in perceptions and use of the library instructional podcasts. The majority of respondents thought the podcasts were "very good" with 71.1 per cent in favour of them. The most helpful podcast topics were identified, suggestions for future podcast topics were made, device ownership and required technologies were investigated, preferred times and places for listening to podcasts was ascertained and advantages and disadvantages were determined. The conclusion reached was that podcasting for library instruction does provide benefits and should be pursued. Research limitations/implications — Participants were self-selected on a non-random basis. For these reasons and also due to the low response rate it was not possible to stratify the sample set or generalise results. This method of selection may also have caused a bias in answers towards those already interested in podcasting technology. Originality/value — As podcasting is a new phenomenon for libraries, little is known about its usage and perceived benefits especially in New Zealand. This research offered an opportunity to fill a small gap in the knowledge of the usage and perceptions of podcasting and future potential as a medium for library instruction. This study was intended as an intermediary step and further research is therefore needed to gain a full picture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to explore and emphasize the impact of academic computer game studies programs on library services and collections. -- Design/methodology/approach -- A review of the literature related to the relationship between gamers, game studies, and libraries, precedes discussion of the background of academic computer game studies programs. The potential challenges and opportunities concerning collection development, information literacy instruction, and reference within academic libraries are addressed along with highlights of emerging best practices. Findings -- The paper provides analysis of game studies as an emerging academic discipline and of the scholarly communication within this field. It also highlights emerging practices within academic librarians serving students and faculty in this field. Research limitations/implications -- Because game studies is a new discipline, best practices to meet users' needs are just beginning to be established for academic libraries. Further research is needed in the area of information-seeking behavior, perception of game studies' students and faculty, and their information literacy skills. Practical implications -- This is an opportunity for librarians who serve students and faculty in game studies to learn about the history of this discipline and what several academic librarians are currently doing to meet their needs in collection development, information literacy instruction, and reference services. Originality/value -- While discussing the history of game studies as an academic program, the paper also highlights the issues related to library services and collections for the emerging academic discipline of game studies in an effort to support academic librarians who work with game studies students and faculty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This study aims to look at the impact for users on university library and information technology services, present and future, following merger. Design/methodology/approach - The study examined user survey data from the early 1990s through the 2006 LibQUAL survey, collected information through interviews with faculty and Information Services, and examined the National Science Foundation and the American Council of Learned Societies reports on cyberinfrastructure. Findings - The paper finds that while the merged information services organization is not yet a resounding success from the perspectives of staff in information services or faculty, it is a brave attempt to respond to the future. Originality/value - This paper is useful to others thinking the organizational relationship between libraries and campus information technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this article is to identify opportunities for effective collaboration between academic libraries and student services offices dedicated to providing services to students of color. Design/methodology/approach - A survey research method was used to gather demographic information about students affiliated with one of four "cultural centers" at Washington State University and to generate descriptive statistics regarding their patterns of information use and the degree to which they made use of library resources and services. Findings - Findings are reported in five tables describing library use by students of color as well as their preferences for targeted library programming. Survey results were used to identify a number of potential service enhancements to encourage more effective use of library and information resources by students of color. Research limitations/implications - Survey dissemination was limited to those students either actively affiliated with one of four cultural centers sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Student Services, or involved in the Academic Enrichment programs sponsored by that office. Survey results suggest that additional inquiry is needed into the development of substantive and sustainable partnerships between academic libraries and student services offices dedicated to providing services to students of color. Practical implications - Provides a number of discrete approaches to providing more effective library resources and services to students of color within the framework both of liaison with academic departments and of co-curricular service frameworks. Originality/value - Builds a framework for service-based liaison with student communities of color that transcends the familiar discussions related to building library collections that reflect the history and experience of racial and ethnic minority groups. Insight into minority student use of libraries and into avenues for collaboration with multicultural student service programs may be useful to librarians on any college campus with a well-defined framework for minority student services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper aims to identify topics that are being addressed in the institutional repository (IR) literature, and to determine what the role of the librarian will be in IR projects. Design/methodology/approach - A thorough search was conducted to identify literature that has been published about IRs. A conceptual content analysis was conducted on the literature using eight category coding steps and a multicoder process including a review of intercoder agreement. Findings - The analysis of the 30 articles revealed that concepts found in the IR literature can be grouped into five major themes - definition, implementation, management, outcomes, and librarian's role. The analysis also indicated that there is only a limited discussion of the librarian's role particularly with regard to the relationship with self-archiving authors, which is a key characteristic of IRs. Research limitations/implications - The paper identifies areas in the literature that have not been addressed and suggests areas for future research. Its limitations are that: the cut-off date for literature was October 30, 2004; the literature review was comprehensive but not exhaustive; nine articles had a single coder but were included because of high levels of coder agreement; and coding was on general concepts at the most elemental level. Practical implications - The paper identifies six roles that are the responsibilities of librarians in the IR environment: understanding software, project planning and management, collection definition, metadata guidance, submission review, and author training. Originality/value - This paper makes an original contribution by identifying what is missing in the literature and by offering recommendations about the role of librarians in the IR environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – To describe an information literacy (IL) component for an undergraduate program, and to discuss the design and implementation of a faculty/librarian collaboration to teach first-year English students how to do appropriate and thorough research. Design/methodology/approach – The librarian was assigned to be a co-instructor in the course, taught a significant percentage of the research material, and participated in the assigning of students' grades. Findings – Each session taught by the librarian is described in detail, and the impact of the experiment on the students, the instructors and the college is addressed. Originality/value – The paper addresses the benefits and difficulties of adding an intensive IL component on a small college campus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Libraries supporting a forensic psychology undergraduate and/or graduate level college program need to collect materials from a range of disciplines - psychology, law, psychiatry and criminal justice. This guide identifies the major reference works, journals. databases and other resources that should be in a good forensic psychology collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the information competency (information literacy) program at the Glendale Community College (California) Library, and the findings of a longitudinal study which indicate that information competency instruction has significant impact on student success (defined as retention and grades). The Glendale Community College Library's information competency program consists of on-demand instruction sessions, a series of standardized workshops repeated weekly, two transferable credit courses (one of which is being experimentally paired with English composition), and infusion of discipline-related research skills into major courses. Quantitative data from the research study are included, as are anecdotal data regarding the paired Library-English courses and the infusion into the nursing curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the years, digitization has become an important part of libraries because it increases accessibility to the general public via the World Wide Web. Colorado State University Libraries (CSU Libraries) is currently working on a digitization project containing 19,537 wildlife slides. This project is unique because it was managed fully by undergraduate students, from the collection's donation to the launch of the final Web site containing 1,000 digital images. There were unanticipated set backs and minor problems, but in the end all the pieces fell into place. This paper addresses the process the students took in managing the project and the problems that can occur with such a large collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collaboration between librarians and faculty is a relative new trend in Mexican academic libraries. Therefore, experiences are scarce and not yet documented. University professors and librarians normally have the usual relationship of patron-information provider. Although librarians have assumed the role of user information educators, their work tends to occur in isolation. Teamwork is needed so that library instruction can become part of the learning process. Mexican information professionals probably face more library instruction challenges than their colleagues from the more advanced economies, because new students come to the library with hardly any library experience. In this article, the outstanding user education experience at Juarez University is described and assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in the US healthcare system in the past 20 years have meant increasing pressure on consumers to find their own healthcare information. Their search, amid an ever-widening array of information resources, has profound implications for library reference services. A recent study of 350 public librarians in Michigan is, to date, the only investigation of librarian practices in health information provision in a large region of the USA. Examines services, queries, problems, librarian training and health collection resources. The findings have special meaning for academic librarians as they delineate their unique role in the health information system and, with public librarians, seek to devise effective means for responsive library service in today's competitive health information resources environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The online worlds of education and business increasingly converge. Rather than fear competition for readers from the commercial sector, academic Internet authors can respect and learn from it. The principles behind successful commercial Web sites (clear mission, valuable content, clean design and canny publicity) can be applied by academics in establishing non-profit Web sites. The origin and progress of the Education Book Reviews Web site, providing brief reviews of current professional publications, illustrates successful applications of these effective techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]