Libraries Without Walls 5

This edited collection is drawn from the sixth Libraries Without Walls Conference, held in 2005. From their beginnings in 1995, the Libraries Without Walls conferences have mapped a major change in the practice of librarianship. While library services are still concerned to provide users with physical access to their buildings, electronic access, often from remote locations, is becoming ever more dominant. Papers presented at previous LWW conferences have provided examples of how libraries are pushing out the frontiers of their services. In 2005 a different approach was taken. The question was asked, 'How do we know whether these new services are having a positive impact on our users?' In response, papers written by leading professionals worldwide followed these broad themes: theoretical approaches to the evaluation of the new services, with an emphasis on qualitative methods the user experience: what do we know about the users of these services? assessment of the usability, including the accessibility, of the services measuring the outcomes and impact. Readership: These state-of-the-art papers will enable library managers and information professionals in all sectors to keep abreast of the latest developments in this vital area. The book will also assist educational specialists and course developers in increasing their understanding of the role and importance of information in the learning process.

This edited collection is drawn from the seventh Libraries Without Walls Conference, held in 2007. From their beginnings in 1995, the Libraries Without Walls conferences have mapped a major change in the practice of librarianship. While library services are still concerned to provide users with physical access to their buildings, electronic access - often from remote locations - is becoming ever more dominant. Library services are being integrated into virtual learning, research and personal environments. In 2007 CERLIM wished to encourage the widest possible range of papers to reflect the diverse current developments in library service delivery. These covered: New kinds of service, especially those that open up new paradigms of 'library' - perhaps the library equivalent of YouTube or MySpace The library's role within new models of scholarly publishing, including experience of developing services based on institutional or other repositories, and the responsibility of the library for digital curation Service delivery in challenging environments, especially where the infrastructure may be sub-optimal, as in some developing countries, or where the user group represents particular challenges New technological solutions and the impact on users of the improved services they make possible Delivery and assessment of information skills/literacies, especially where this is achieved through electronic environments. These state-of-the-art papers are designed to increase understanding of the role and importance of information in the learning process, and to enable information professionals and course developers to keep abreast of the latest developments in this vital area.

This unique annotated bibliography is a complete, up-to-date guide to sources of information on library science, covering recent books, monographs, periodicals and websites, and selected works of historical importance.

Once considered the traditional approach to education, brick and mortar institutions are no longer the norm due to e-learning technologies. Populations are turning into ubiquitous human beings, and educational practices are reflecting this change. E-Learning 2.0 Technologies and Web Applications in Higher Education compiles the latest empirical research findings in the area of e-learning and knowledge management technologies assessment. Highlighting specific comparisons and practices of e-m-learning and knowledge management technologies, this book is an essential guide for professionals and academics who want to improve their understanding of the strategic role of e-learning at different levels of the information and knowledge society.

An essential tool for digital services for every campus library The Twelfth Off-Campus Library Services Proceedings is a selection of superb presentations from the twelfth annual conference on library services held in Savannah, Georgia in April 2006. Respected experts tackle the latest issues in library services, distance learning, and administration, focusing on theory, best practices, and practical digital applications using the most current research available at the time of the conference. Case studies provide a clear view of the challenges present in various types of campus libraries, and practical strategies are offered to more fully utilize electronic resources in the future. This comprehensive collection provides valuable advice on copyright issues, evaluating library services Web sites, best practices for distance learning instruction, Weblogs in instruction, collaborative efforts, and many other of the latest issues. Practical ideas consider budget and knowledge constraints, emphasizing strategies using the latest digital software. The future of electronic services in campus libraries is considered in detail. The book also contains workshop and poster abstracts, including full papers when provided by the author. The Twelfth Off-Campus Library Services Proceedings contains several helpful tables and appendixes to clearly illustrate surveys and data results. Each chapter is carefully referenced. Topics in The Twelfth Off-Campus Library Services Proceedings include: providing education on the key differences between copyright and plagiarism results of a survey from users to determine usefulness of content and services offered in an electronic environment findings of a survey on the form and function models within regional campus librarians comparison between (ARL/ACRL) SPEC Kit data and a selection of current library literature survey results on the professional development needs of distance librarians the use of blogs as a supplement to face-to-face instruction and as outreach the role of e-mail reference in electronic services virtual (real-time chat) reference collaborations recommendations for modifications to the process of adapting and testing an analytic rubric used with graduate literature reviews case study in statewide cooperation in the delivery of library services much, much more! The Twelfth Off-Campus Library Services Proceedings is an invaluable resource that explores present and future digital library services challenges for campus librarians of all types everywhere.

In these turbulent times, with the challenges of a constantly changing job market, shifting information-seeking behaviour and a vast array of new resources continually being produced, library and information services need to constantly keep one step, or more, ahead of their users. The benefits of analysing user behaviour are self-evident: better strategic planning, cost benefits and better use of budgets, better marketing, satisfied customers, satisfied management, and a library or information unit that is central to the needs of your parent organization. However, paradoxically, user needs and levels of expectation, including those of remote users, are often not fully explored. This accessible text goes back to the basics and investigates the following key issues: Why this book? Defining your users Understanding users: the what, why, where, when, how and who What is the current knowledge of user behaviour and needs: is it really predictable? Great expectations: how LIS professionals can manage and train users Using information about past user behaviour Making the most of knowing your users Keeping track of changes in what users want Tracking the future: electronic and social networking Future perfect? Readership: This book will help any library or information professional anywhere to take a fresh look at this important area and to tackle it in their organization, so as to ensure that their users will always obtain exactly what they want. Webmasters and knowledge managers will also find much to interest them.

Celebrates and acknowledges the contribution Professor Peter Brophy has made over a career spanning 37 years to the field of library and information studies. Reflecting on his work, this title offers strategies for the future direction of library and information services in the virtual era.