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1 – 10 of over 3000Elizabeth DeZouche and Denise Santos
The authors seek to demonstrate, from a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI) perspective, the importance of utilizing High Impact Practices (HIPs) for not only more meaningful…
Abstract
Purpose
The authors seek to demonstrate, from a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI) perspective, the importance of utilizing High Impact Practices (HIPs) for not only more meaningful student employment initiatives, but to benefit the campus community and prepare Hispanic students for success post-graduation.
Design/methodology/approach
Evaluation of current practices in academic libraries aided the design of the new staffing model, location and name. A survey of research desk student assistants was designed and implemented approximately one academic year after changes were executed. Survey data combined with follow-up interviews summarized the qualitative-focused assessment of the research desk's evolution and verified the validity of maintaining HIPs in libraries for Hispanic student success.
Findings
The transition of the reference desk to a student-staffed research desk was successful in that librarians were able to dedicate more time to other endeavors, such as campus outreach and collection development. The High Impact Practice (HIP)-focused desk model, along with new, customized onboarding and training materials, fulfilled their goals of giving student assistants meaningful employment on campus while also bridging the gap between the library and the mostly Hispanic, first-generation student population. An assessment from the student assistants' point of view helped them further analyze the new research desk model. They found that student assistants noticed the ease with which their peers approached the desk and how their skills learned on the research desk transferred to their classes and future careers.
Research limitations/implications
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the restructuring of library personnel the authors were unable to implement library patron surveys to evaluate the new desk model.
Originality/value
Many academic libraries and partners have made the transition to student-staffed help desks or offer peer-to-peer tutoring or mentoring services. HIPs positively impact marginalized student populations scholastically, but no current studies discuss the effect on the Hispanic student population from an HSI perspective. This study illuminates the wholistic influence HIPs have on Hispanic student assistants, not only their work and peers, but the affect on their academic and personal lives.
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This paper describes the process of developing training for student employees at a reference desk in which students assist peers and others in the community with research help.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper describes the process of developing training for student employees at a reference desk in which students assist peers and others in the community with research help.
Design/methodology/approach
This case study details the process as well as the challenges in developing training that is helpful for student employees in performing day-to-day tasks at a reference desk and incorporates diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) and high-impact practices (HIPs).
Findings
Training for student employees that prepares them for library work and incorporates DEIA and HIPs can be developed. These ideas can be incorporated into training for all library employees, not just students.
Practical implications
This article aims to assist others in developing training for front-line student employees that incorporates DEIA and recognizes the importance of HIPs.
Originality/value
DEIA and HIPs are considered throughout the development and implementation of training for student employees. Librarians have been training student employees to assist their peers with research for many years. This approach goes beyond the training that is needed to do a job and takes DEIA and student development through HIPs into account.
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This paper presents a case study for the pilot of a peer-led service model that is centered on fostering student leadership, collaboration and advocacy. The authors, who serve as…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper presents a case study for the pilot of a peer-led service model that is centered on fostering student leadership, collaboration and advocacy. The authors, who serve as advisors to the program, discuss the Library's transition to this peer-led model for reference support, outreach, programming and campus engagement.
Design/methodology/approach
This case study examines the development and implementation of a new peer-led service at a mid-size public university aimed at centering student success, belonging and empowerment. Authors share practices, strategies and goals for training, onboarding and professional development with emphasis on student advocacy, leadership and retention in the program.
Findings
The authors found that developing the structures and opportunities to foster student-led initiatives and efforts for student success, belonging and engagement has helped the library better connect and engage with diverse student communities on campus.
Research limitations/implications
Findings of this study may be limited at the time this case study is written due to it being a new and developing library student program for reference, outreach and programming.
Practical implications
The peer-led service model for reference and student engagement presented in this article serves as a case study that may be applicable for those who wish to imagine and develop a student-centered library program at their institution.
Social implications
This case study may provide an alternative approach useful to those who wish to reimagine and innovate library student programs at their institutions.
Originality/value
Although there are many peer-led initiatives in academic libraries for outreach and programming, this program explores the approach of fostering student leadership and advocacy within library student roles to lead and facilitate library efforts for campus engagement with structured guidance and support from librarian advisors.
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Emily Sawe, Naomi Mwai and Lilian Oyieke
The purpose of this study is to examine approaches used by university libraries to enhance the visibility and utilization of research support services (RSSs) among doctoral…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine approaches used by university libraries to enhance the visibility and utilization of research support services (RSSs) among doctoral students and to assess the competencies of library staff in delivering research support services.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used qualitative design approach, purposively sampled 40 librarians (8 university librarians and 32 librarians) in charge of RSSs and use of structured interview.
Findings
The findings of this study revealed three major themes: offline and online strategies, the need for upskilling and professional development programs and proactive empowerment.
Research limitations/implications
This study focused on research support services in chartered public universities in Kenya; private universities were not included.
Practical implications
The need to enhance library staff's ongoing professional development programs, increasing funding to university libraries and proactivity by the libraries to improve the provision and promotion of RSSs to doctoral students in Kenya.
Originality/value
There are limited existing literature in the Kenyan context. This study will fill a knowledge gap and contribute to the literature on academic libraries support and doctoral students experience in Kenyan context.
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The purpose of this study is to examine the importance of libraries in higher education institutes located in Azerbaijan, mainly in the capital city of Baku. Various university…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the importance of libraries in higher education institutes located in Azerbaijan, mainly in the capital city of Baku. Various university libraries have been examined in terms of information services, physical environments and technical equipment support issues.
Design/methodology/approach
Questionnaires were completed by students and staff at several universities in Azerbaijan to examine how libraries affect people's academic achievement. The results of this study were comparatively described using multiple tables and graphs.
Findings
University library usage is positively associated with academic achievement. Studies have shown that students who use libraries are more likely to succeed academically, as measured by their responses. The role of libraries in academic achievement is not limited to traditional academic tasks such as research and writing.
Research limitations/implications
The results of this study suggest that there is a positive relationship between library usage and academic achievement in some universities in Azerbaijan, and it is necessary to continue the topic in further studies in a wide range to develop relationships between academic library services and success in higher education, either personal or student.
Originality/value
This study is the first to examine the significance of academic libraries in higher education in Azerbaijan, providing a general overview and analysis of the separate correlations among these variables. Researchers interested in Azerbaijani education and libraries may find this to be practical.
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Aditi Gupta, Ying Liu, Tsung-Cheng Lin, Qichen Zhong and Tad Suzuki
The purpose of this paper is to summarize the findings from focus group interviews conducted with librarians and library staff, faculty and students. It highlights the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to summarize the findings from focus group interviews conducted with librarians and library staff, faculty and students. It highlights the significance of implementing inclusive teaching and culturally responsive strategies in instructional settings and interactions with library patrons and seeks to emphasize the importance of developing guidelines, best practices and effective strategies.
Design/methodology/approach
Using focus groups, this study interviewed librarians and library staff, faculty and students. This research approach identified, reviewed and assessed existing programs and practices in instruction and library interactions.
Findings
The findings from this paper indicate that while faculty and librarians are making individual efforts to promote inclusivity in teaching and interacting with patrons, many participants expressed the necessity for institutional-level training, guidelines and good practices on how to achieve and implement culturally responsive and inclusive teaching strategies.
Originality/value
The methodology utilized in this study can be adapted by other libraries or institutions aiming to explore the practice of inclusive pedagogy and culturally responsive teaching within their own context. The insights from the study inform the development of strategies that librarians, faculty and staff can employ to integrate inclusive and culturally responsive teaching into their instruction and services for the wider academic community.
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Jessie Yao Foli, Fred Awaah and Yeboah Solomon
Corporate governance and its training in universities have become an essential addition to the educational curriculum. Despite its expansion, students still need help to grasp…
Abstract
Purpose
Corporate governance and its training in universities have become an essential addition to the educational curriculum. Despite its expansion, students still need help to grasp some concepts, affecting their academic performance. This paper examines the expected influence of gender and school libraries on comprehending corporate governance concepts in Ghanaian universities.
Design/methodology/approach
With the culturo-techno-contextual approach (CTCA) as the underlying theory, the study sampled 1050 undergraduate students from the selected Ghanaian public universities. The study adopted a quantitative approach, and the data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA.
Findings
The results show a statistically significant difference between male and female Ghanaian students in their understanding of corporate governance concepts, with the mean figures suggesting that males slightly understand corporate governance concepts more than females. The results also show a statistically significant difference among Ghanaian students studying using school libraries of varying quality in their understanding of corporate governance.
Originality/value
This study's novelty stems from examining the corporate governance curriculum in a developing country from the perspectives of gender and school library. Adopting the CTCA components in analysing school libraries and gender further evidences the study's novelty.
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The Open University (OU) in the UK has been providing distance learning since 1969. The purpose of this case study is to outline the impact that The OU Library in the UK has had…
Abstract
Purpose
The Open University (OU) in the UK has been providing distance learning since 1969. The purpose of this case study is to outline the impact that The OU Library in the UK has had on student learning outcomes by embedding academic literature and digital and information literacy (DIL) skills materials in the curriculum.
Design/methodology/approach
The case study presents an overview of the university context, including how the curriculum is developed. It discusses the role of the library in this process, outlining how librarians work with academic staff to embed skills and literature in the curriculum. Unique in-house technical solutions are presented to aid future approaches to providing distance library services.
Findings
The impact of the library on university education is discussed. Findings from qualitative research are presented, outlining the value the university places on the role of the library as an educational partner. Quantitative research studies are also presented, outlining the positive relationships between library content access and training attendance with student success.
Practical implications
As universities are considering their distance-learning offerings post-COVID-19, it is hoped that this case study will help both library and university administrators examine the role of their libraries in this strategy.
Originality/value
A case study on the approach The OU Library takes to support education in its broadest sense has not been published before.
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Allison Scripa and Mary Ellen Spencer
The authors discuss the challenges and successes in implementing a peer reference service model in a community college library.
Abstract
Purpose
The authors discuss the challenges and successes in implementing a peer reference service model in a community college library.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors present a case study about the development of a peer reference service at a community college library. The article includes a chronological overview of the program, a brief literature review, the authors’ own observations, interviews with student employees, comments from librarians working with the students and reference service data. They reviewed local reference service data, conducted a limited review of the literature, interviewed librarians at a university with a peer reference assistance program and incorporated their own observations to create the Pellissippi Ambassadors for Library Success program.
Findings
Findings suggest that peer reference services benefit student employees, student researchers and librarians.
Research limitations/implications
The article does not include a comprehensive literature review.
Originality/value
The study discusses peer reference services in a community college library setting and can be of use to librarians implementing peer reference services.
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Megan Graewingholt, Jonathan Cornforth and Sarah Parramore
Implementing peer-to-peer learning models within an academic library environment presents several benefits and challenges. This study explores the effectiveness of integrating…
Abstract
Purpose
Implementing peer-to-peer learning models within an academic library environment presents several benefits and challenges. This study explores the effectiveness of integrating peer-assisted learning in research services and considers the impact on those providing support and those seeking assistance. A more comprehensive understanding of peer education approaches in research support services will benefit academic libraries interested in incorporating this model.
Design/methodology/approach
This article showcases case study data from the reference and instruction peer-led learning programs at California State University Fullerton's Pollak Library, incorporating library interns and student assistants trained to provide front line research support to fellow students from 2019 to 2022. Feedback was collected across the learning experience from student facilitators, patrons assisted and participating library supervisors.
Findings
Project data demonstrates that incorporating students in traditional academic library research services nurtures experiential learning and serves as an effective high-impact practice. Additionally, peer-led programs contribute to a helpful, welcoming atmosphere for library users and help connect libraries to the communities they serve.
Originality/value
Exploring survey data and student reflections, this combined study highlights advantages and implications of incorporating peer learning programs in research services in both formal and informal instruction environments. Results also reveal promising methods for recruitment, training and sustainable program development for libraries considering this approach.
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