Getting pretty far behind on my reading list, but here are some recent titles that may also be of interest to you:
Personality traits of individuals in different specialties of librarianship DOI: 10.1108/00220410810858056
Journal of Documentation
Volume 64, Issue 2, 2008, Pages 273-286
Abstract
This paper aims to investigate whether academic reference librarians, archivists, catalogers, distance education librarians, public librarians, records managers, school librarians, special collections librarians, and systems librarians differ in personality traits measured by the Personal Style Inventory: i.e. adaptability, assertiveness, autonomy, conscientiousness, customer service orientation, emotional resilience, extraversion, openness, optimism, teamwork, tough-mindedness, visionary/operational work style, and work drive. It also aims to investigate whether personality traits of those in person-oriented library specialties differ from those in technique-oriented (technical) library specialties. Design/methodology/approach – A total of 2,075 librarians/information professionals were surveyed in non-random sample. The Personal Style Inventory is a normal personality inventory assessing important traits for the world of work. It was used in a two-step cluster analysis for the data analysis. Findings – The paper finds that distinct personality traits were associated with the different types of librarians. There was also a “unadaptive” cluster composed of individuals from all specialties. There were distinguishing traits associated with person-oriented and technique-oriented specialties. Research limitations/implications – Results were not generalizable due to the non-random sample. Gender was not collected. The research has implications for career counseling. Originality/value – There have been few studies of personality traits in library specialties, none measuring both narrow work trait and broad personality trait variables.
Effectiveness of Asynchronous Reference Services for Distance Learning Students Within Florida’ s Community College System.
Community & Junior College Libraries; 2007, Vol. 14 Issue 1, p35-61, 27p DOI: 10.1300/J107v14n0106
Abstract:
The provision of equitable library services to distance learning students emerged as a critical area during the 1990s. Library services available to distance learning students included digital reference and instructional services, remote access to online research tools, database and research tutorials, interlibrary loan, and document delivery. Digital reference services appeared to be one of the more significant services proffered by academic libraries although these services were developed often without forethought to goals and assessment. Previous studies evaluated traditional and telephone reference service; however, the literature lacked studies addressing asynchronous digital reference service.
Utilizing WebQuests for Information Literacy Instruction in Distance Education. DOI:10.1300/J106v14n03&#x201703
College & Undergraduate Libraries; 2007, Vol. 14 Issue 3, p45-62, 18p
Abstract:
The increasing use of problem-based learning in higher education affords librarians new avenues for promoting the development of information literacy skills among students. Information literacy instruction supports problem-based learning activities by providing students with skills to locate relevant resources for developing solutions to these exercises. The author created three WebQuests (together with tutorials) aimed at promoting faculty-librarian partnerships to deliver information literacy instruction through a problem-based learning approach in the context of course work in a distance learning environment. These problem-based learning WebQuests can be adapted to various disciplines as well as to traditional learning environments. Lastly, these WebQuests promote the development of information literacy skills in students as well as increase their exposure to problem-based learning.
Course Reserves: Using Blackboard for E-Reserves Delivery. DOI: 10.1300/J474v18n01-09
Journal of Interlibrary Loan, Document Delivery & Electronic Reserves; 2007, Vol. 18 Issue 1, p79-91, 13p
Abstract:
Jacksonville State University’s (JSU) Houston Cole (HCL) Library has always provided access to required course readings through a reserve system. In the past, this service was only available in print. Now, as JSU’s programs move to the online arena, the Library is making its presence felt strongly in this new online environment. Along with providing access to required course readings through an electronic reserve system, Docutek’s ERes, HCL also offers faculty the option of using their course-management software, such as Blackboard, to deliver the e-reserves to their students. This article details the technical implications of adding reserves to Blackboard courses.
U. of Houston Study: Students in ‘Hybrid’ Course Got Better Grades
Wired Campus
Students who took the hybrid class earned, on average, a letter grade higher than students in the traditional class. A report of Mr. McFarlin’s findings, collected over the course of six semesters, was published in Advances in Physiology Education.