Pub Date : 2023-11-09DOI: 10.1080/02763877.2023.2276934
Christina J. Steffy, Bradley A. Long
ABSTRACTSociety is in the midst of an infodemic – an overwhelming amount of inaccurate health information is circulating online. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the infodemic which was already fueled by the general mistrust of traditional credible sources, particularly the media and health professionals. ChatGPT is further upending the information landscape. Librarians are trusted professionals who can help ease the impacts of the infodemic, however we need a simple yet not overly simplified consumer health evaluation tool to help us teach people how to evaluate health information in their daily lives. The authors present the “PAUSE for Your Health” tool designed specifically for this purpose. The tool combines the simplicity of a checklist with the robust critical thinking of a framework to encourage end-users to pause, consider attributes of the source, and then decide if this source is beneficial to their health before following the advice or sharing the information.KEYWORDS: Information literacyconsumer health newswebsite evaluationreferencemisinformation management Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
{"title":"PAUSE for Your Health: A New End-User Tool for Evaluating Consumer Health News and Online Resources","authors":"Christina J. Steffy, Bradley A. Long","doi":"10.1080/02763877.2023.2276934","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/02763877.2023.2276934","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACTSociety is in the midst of an infodemic – an overwhelming amount of inaccurate health information is circulating online. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the infodemic which was already fueled by the general mistrust of traditional credible sources, particularly the media and health professionals. ChatGPT is further upending the information landscape. Librarians are trusted professionals who can help ease the impacts of the infodemic, however we need a simple yet not overly simplified consumer health evaluation tool to help us teach people how to evaluate health information in their daily lives. The authors present the “PAUSE for Your Health” tool designed specifically for this purpose. The tool combines the simplicity of a checklist with the robust critical thinking of a framework to encourage end-users to pause, consider attributes of the source, and then decide if this source is beneficial to their health before following the advice or sharing the information.KEYWORDS: Information literacyconsumer health newswebsite evaluationreferencemisinformation management Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).","PeriodicalId":35386,"journal":{"name":"Reference Librarian","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135286555","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-08-09DOI: 10.1080/02763877.2023.2244934
Christine Bombaro
{"title":"The Future of Libraries Did Not Happen–But Don’t Let History Repeat Itself","authors":"Christine Bombaro","doi":"10.1080/02763877.2023.2244934","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/02763877.2023.2244934","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":35386,"journal":{"name":"Reference Librarian","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44771699","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-05-16DOI: 10.1080/02763877.2023.2211059
Joe Kohlburn
{"title":"At What Cost? : Missouri Librarians and the Struggle for Intellectual Freedom","authors":"Joe Kohlburn","doi":"10.1080/02763877.2023.2211059","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/02763877.2023.2211059","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":35386,"journal":{"name":"Reference Librarian","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42101569","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-03-05DOI: 10.1080/02763877.2023.2183303
Adebowale Jeremy Adetayo, Kabiru Abwage, Tolulope Odunola
{"title":"Robots and Human Librarians for Delivering Library Services to Patrons","authors":"Adebowale Jeremy Adetayo, Kabiru Abwage, Tolulope Odunola","doi":"10.1080/02763877.2023.2183303","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/02763877.2023.2183303","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":35386,"journal":{"name":"Reference Librarian","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43134084","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-01-02DOI: 10.1080/02763877.2023.2170949
F. Babalola, Sina J. Fakoyede, Folasade B. Ojobola, Foluke G. Abiona
ABSTRACT This study explores high school libraries and science literacy in South West Nigeria. Availability of human and material resources, attitudes of science students toward the use of libraries, and possible suggestions for improvement of school libraries were examined. Data were collected from six high schools in two states in the south-western part of Nigeria. Quantitative surveys were carried out with three hundred (300) science students. Qualitative data were gathered from student focus groups and semi-structured interviews with thirty (30) students. Illustrative quotes are reported extensively in the paper. The comments were transcribed and coded to identify common themes and factors. The study confirms that there is a wide gap between policy and implementation. This gap is attributable to; lack of resource, inadequate reading space, limited reading time, non-digitization of the libraries etc. The study shows that there is a need for effective implementation of government policies to achieve improved scientific literacy rates.
{"title":"Fostering library usage among science students towards Sustainable Development Goals","authors":"F. Babalola, Sina J. Fakoyede, Folasade B. Ojobola, Foluke G. Abiona","doi":"10.1080/02763877.2023.2170949","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/02763877.2023.2170949","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT This study explores high school libraries and science literacy in South West Nigeria. Availability of human and material resources, attitudes of science students toward the use of libraries, and possible suggestions for improvement of school libraries were examined. Data were collected from six high schools in two states in the south-western part of Nigeria. Quantitative surveys were carried out with three hundred (300) science students. Qualitative data were gathered from student focus groups and semi-structured interviews with thirty (30) students. Illustrative quotes are reported extensively in the paper. The comments were transcribed and coded to identify common themes and factors. The study confirms that there is a wide gap between policy and implementation. This gap is attributable to; lack of resource, inadequate reading space, limited reading time, non-digitization of the libraries etc. The study shows that there is a need for effective implementation of government policies to achieve improved scientific literacy rates.","PeriodicalId":35386,"journal":{"name":"Reference Librarian","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48593817","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-01-02DOI: 10.1080/02763877.2023.2167898
Vanessa Arce, Michelle Ehrenpreis
ABSTRACT In 2020, the Leonard Lief Library created a searchable online knowledge base (FAQs) as a complement to virtual reference during the library’s pandemic-related closure. One year of search query data was used to assess the online knowledge base. This paper discusses the assessment’s findings and planned improvements to the FAQs. A content analysis of user queries revealed what users are seeking in the knowledge base. The study examined the actions taken by users after conducting a search to determine the knowledge base’s success rate. The knowledge base was successful in answering user questions almost half of the time. The top three query categories were access, non-library, and instructional. The frequency of access-related queries was expected, due to COVID-19 library building closure. The prevalence of questions about other campus units was unexpected. This finding suggests a perception of the academic library as a source of campus information and supports including this type of information in the library FAQs. This study adds to the body of assessment research within reference services, an area not well represented in the LIS literature. The methodology employed provides a model for assessment of online FAQs that can be adopted by other libraries.
{"title":"Improving a Library FAQ: Assessment and Reflection of the First Year’s Use","authors":"Vanessa Arce, Michelle Ehrenpreis","doi":"10.1080/02763877.2023.2167898","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/02763877.2023.2167898","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT In 2020, the Leonard Lief Library created a searchable online knowledge base (FAQs) as a complement to virtual reference during the library’s pandemic-related closure. One year of search query data was used to assess the online knowledge base. This paper discusses the assessment’s findings and planned improvements to the FAQs. A content analysis of user queries revealed what users are seeking in the knowledge base. The study examined the actions taken by users after conducting a search to determine the knowledge base’s success rate. The knowledge base was successful in answering user questions almost half of the time. The top three query categories were access, non-library, and instructional. The frequency of access-related queries was expected, due to COVID-19 library building closure. The prevalence of questions about other campus units was unexpected. This finding suggests a perception of the academic library as a source of campus information and supports including this type of information in the library FAQs. This study adds to the body of assessment research within reference services, an area not well represented in the LIS literature. The methodology employed provides a model for assessment of online FAQs that can be adopted by other libraries.","PeriodicalId":35386,"journal":{"name":"Reference Librarian","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42868289","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ABSTRACT The study investigated whether students would prefer mobile instant messaging versus in-person enquiries for reference queries post-COVID-19. A descriptive survey research design was utilized in the study. The population consisted of 245 Adeleke University undergraduates that partook in library orientation programme. A descriptive statistic was employed to analyze the data. Findings indicated that the most preferred mobile instant messaging for reference queries by students are WhatsApp, Instagram, Telegram, default text messenger and Facebook Messenger. However, the most significant problem of using mobile instant messaging for reference queries were discovered to be internet access issues. The study concluded that Adeleke University undergraduate students prefer to utilize mobile instant messaging to make reference queries rather than in-person reference queries post-COVID-19, hence reference librarians should enhance their use of mobile instant messaging to receive reference queries.
{"title":"Mobile Instant Messaging for Reference Queries Post COVID-19","authors":"Adebowale Jeremy Adetayo, Mutiat Yewande Salvador, Wosilat Omolara Oyeniyi, Yetunde Omodele Oladipo","doi":"10.1080/02763877.2022.2158993","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/02763877.2022.2158993","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT The study investigated whether students would prefer mobile instant messaging versus in-person enquiries for reference queries post-COVID-19. A descriptive survey research design was utilized in the study. The population consisted of 245 Adeleke University undergraduates that partook in library orientation programme. A descriptive statistic was employed to analyze the data. Findings indicated that the most preferred mobile instant messaging for reference queries by students are WhatsApp, Instagram, Telegram, default text messenger and Facebook Messenger. However, the most significant problem of using mobile instant messaging for reference queries were discovered to be internet access issues. The study concluded that Adeleke University undergraduate students prefer to utilize mobile instant messaging to make reference queries rather than in-person reference queries post-COVID-19, hence reference librarians should enhance their use of mobile instant messaging to receive reference queries.","PeriodicalId":35386,"journal":{"name":"Reference Librarian","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45085478","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-12-17DOI: 10.1080/02763877.2022.2156968
P. Dewan
ABSTRACT According to a 2019 study, almost half of American college students know that they need help for an emotional or mental health problem (Eisenburg & Lipson). Colleges themselves are aware of the growing problem and are continually looking for ways to help their students. Many colleges are providing mindfulness sessions to support well-being. Librarians are also cognizant of the foundational role of mental health and are incorporating mindfulness into their reference, instruction, spatial planning, and programming. Reading for pleasure is another non-pharmaceutical intervention that enhances psychological health, but not all academic librarians are convinced of its place in college libraries. This article introduces the concept of leisure reading as a mindfulness activity, one that has implications for academic reference librarians.
{"title":"Leisure Reading as a Mindfulness Activity: The Implications for Academic Reference Librarians","authors":"P. Dewan","doi":"10.1080/02763877.2022.2156968","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/02763877.2022.2156968","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT According to a 2019 study, almost half of American college students know that they need help for an emotional or mental health problem (Eisenburg & Lipson). Colleges themselves are aware of the growing problem and are continually looking for ways to help their students. Many colleges are providing mindfulness sessions to support well-being. Librarians are also cognizant of the foundational role of mental health and are incorporating mindfulness into their reference, instruction, spatial planning, and programming. Reading for pleasure is another non-pharmaceutical intervention that enhances psychological health, but not all academic librarians are convinced of its place in college libraries. This article introduces the concept of leisure reading as a mindfulness activity, one that has implications for academic reference librarians.","PeriodicalId":35386,"journal":{"name":"Reference Librarian","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47386908","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-10-02DOI: 10.1080/02763877.2022.2140741
Harry E. Pence
ABSTRACT Commercial and research applications of artificial Intelligence (AI) are becoming increasingly important. AI is used to improve products, predict customer behavior, keep track of inventory, and analyze Big Data. AI agents are also employed to improve the performance of search engines and smartphones. There are a number of ways that AI is being considered for applications in the library, especially data analysis, supporting remote access to library services, and making the library a center for research using Big Data. AI has the potential to perform routine tasks that now require a human being, which will free up librarians to offer the in-depth expertise that is essential for advanced research.
{"title":"Future of Artificial Intelligence in Libraries","authors":"Harry E. Pence","doi":"10.1080/02763877.2022.2140741","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/02763877.2022.2140741","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Commercial and research applications of artificial Intelligence (AI) are becoming increasingly important. AI is used to improve products, predict customer behavior, keep track of inventory, and analyze Big Data. AI agents are also employed to improve the performance of search engines and smartphones. There are a number of ways that AI is being considered for applications in the library, especially data analysis, supporting remote access to library services, and making the library a center for research using Big Data. AI has the potential to perform routine tasks that now require a human being, which will free up librarians to offer the in-depth expertise that is essential for advanced research.","PeriodicalId":35386,"journal":{"name":"Reference Librarian","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43405090","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-10-02DOI: 10.1080/02763877.2022.2140742
G. Murphy, Brendan Plann-Curley, K. Bilello
ABSTRACT University faculty under consideration for tenure and promotion are expected to demonstrate to their committees the value of their scholarly output. This case study involves the creation of a citation analysis service at a midsized university and reviews many of the existing sources for metrics and journal rankings – both subscription-based and freely available. The aim is to offer a roadmap for budget-minded academic libraries that want to assist their faculty in compiling individualized portfolios that include bibliometrics. Many existing tools favor the hard science fields. This case study focuses on a pathway through the confusing subject of citation analysis with a focus on the social sciences and humanities while highlighting the benefits for academic institutions and libraries.
{"title":"High Impact at Low Cost: Initiating a Citation Analysis Program","authors":"G. Murphy, Brendan Plann-Curley, K. Bilello","doi":"10.1080/02763877.2022.2140742","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/02763877.2022.2140742","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT University faculty under consideration for tenure and promotion are expected to demonstrate to their committees the value of their scholarly output. This case study involves the creation of a citation analysis service at a midsized university and reviews many of the existing sources for metrics and journal rankings – both subscription-based and freely available. The aim is to offer a roadmap for budget-minded academic libraries that want to assist their faculty in compiling individualized portfolios that include bibliometrics. Many existing tools favor the hard science fields. This case study focuses on a pathway through the confusing subject of citation analysis with a focus on the social sciences and humanities while highlighting the benefits for academic institutions and libraries.","PeriodicalId":35386,"journal":{"name":"Reference Librarian","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46601453","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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