Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Strategic Reinvestments Of Journal Packages At The Pennsylvania State University, Mihoko Hosoi

Charleston Library Conference

In the face of budget challenges, organizational strategy changes, and the new open access (OA) policy, the Pennsylvania State University Libraries (PSUL) are reevaluating negotiations and collections of ‘big deal’ journal packages. While a growing number of libraries are considering cancelling subscriptions to ‘big deals’, PSUL has been taking a careful approach in containing cost and making sure that faculty and students have access to resources that they need. Current efforts include: renegotiating ‘big deals’; cancelling low value titles in title-by-title agreements; obtaining single agreements for the entire Penn State; promoting green OA for future subscription negotiation purposes; and renegotiating …

Trot So Quick: Addressing Budgetary Changes, Star Holloway, Jeff Bailey

Charleston Library Conference

This session discussed the planning and implementation of strategies taken by the Dean B. Ellis Library to address a significant budget reduction that went into effect in FY19. Holloway and Bailey covered methods taken to optimize a reduced collection development budget and distribute funds to various subject areas in an equitable and justifiable manner. Presenters reviewed meetings conducted with faculty to clarify the new budget and resource alterations. Examples of data provided to stakeholders was shared. Topics covered include deadlines implemented for resource renewals and requests, methods used to track and disclose information regarding the process, and interactions with vendors …

Begin At The Beginning: Revamping Collection Development Workflows, Elyssa M. Gould, Jennifer Mezick

Charleston Library Conference

“Begin at the beginning,” the King said, very gravely, “and go on till you come to the end: then stop.” This paper describes how two librarians newer to the University of Tennessee Libraries refreshed collection development workflows at the Libraries after a reorganization. This reorganization distributed tasks across departments in a different manner due to the new departmental configurations. In this new matrix environment, more communication was required to achieve desired outcomes, but more buy-in was also needed from constituents such as the subject librarians. This paper describes how a new Collections Committee was formed to make decisions on high-dollar …

Tip Of The Iceberg: Part 2, Discovering What's Hidden, Rich Gause

Charleston Library Conference

Remote storage for large collections is becoming common, making those books inaccessible for physical browsing by researchers. The main libraries at Temple University and the University of Central Florida (UCF) each have approximately 1.3 million print items on-site. Both libraries are storing 90% of their collections in automated retrieval systems with 10% remaining available for browsing in open stacks. In Part 1, “Choosing What Shows,” Karen Kohn, Temple’s Collection Analysis Librarian, describes the decisions and processes used for the 10% left physically visible. This second part explores UCF’s efforts to improve discoverability of the items in storage. The visual aspects …

The Open Landscape Environment As The Expanse, Barbara I. Dewey

Charleston Library Conference

Building on the 2019 ACRL/SPARC Forum on Collective Reinvestment in Open Infrastructure, this program will explore how libraries can make different commitments to fund content created by open infrastructures. Library collections increasingly promote and reflect such open content and many have chosen to contribute to funding those products. There is not one formula or roadmap to underwrite the publishing and distribution costs of these open resources. There are many variables and considerations as some open content corresponds to serials and others are books or monographs. Open access content is increasingly found in nearly all subject areas, as scholarly publishing models …

Change – Watch For The Right Time Structuring Collections Budgets To Meet Current And Future Needs, John P. Blosser

Charleston Library Conference

Over the years Northwestern University Libraries has implemented various methods of allocating to the collections budgets, moving from traditional methods to ones that are more flexible and responsive to the needs of the times. The libraries have endeavored to keep the benefits of any previous allocation methods when thinking of new ways to allocate so that the important points of meeting the needs of the current research and teaching programs are still being met.

Something To Talk About: The Intersection Of Library Assessment And Collection Diversity, Roxanne Marie Backowski, Timothy Ryan Morton

Charleston Library Conference

Academic libraries have increasingly recognized the need to collect diverse materials. Simultaneously, academic libraries need to continue to develop additional measures to evaluate collections for diversity as well as connect to collections to their users and their campus initiatives and priorities. This paper features perspectives from two academic libraries and shares how both are grappling with not only assessing collections for the equity, diversity, and inclusivity, but also to place those collection efforts in the broader picture of institutional values and goals.

A New Synthesis: Research Resources To Research Experiences, H. Thomas Hickerson

Charleston Library Conference

Libraries should develop a new model for providing information resources and analytical tools for the use of scholars working in the current multidisciplinary research environment. This model, A New Synthesis, based on today’s research experience should replace the present concept of the “collection budget.”

Sources are proliferating and traditional scholarly resources are no longer at the core. Research itself has changed. Previously, finding information was primary, but now information is plentiful and today’s challenges are to understand, analyze, and extract insight from these vast resources.

To address this challenge, newly designed libraries are appearing that are radically different, reconceptualizing …

What Are Students Saying About Their Reference Needs?, Damon Zucca

Charleston Library Conference

Libraries and publishers rely on transactional data to support evidence-based decision making. However, by itself quantitative information does not provide a full picture. To anticipate the evolving needs of our audience we also need to hear from the individual users themselves. In this article, I will review the findings from several recent examples survey-based research into the question of how students use reference materials in and outside of their libraries. What are students actually saying about their needs and preferences when it comes to reference? While some uses cases for reference are moving out of the library into the open …

The Time Has Come For Ebooks, Or Has It?, Gabrielle Wiersma, Leigh Beauchamp

Charleston Library Conference

For many years, librarians and industry experts predicted that electronic books would surpass print books as the format of preference. The advantages that digital books provide seemed to all but guarantee the demise of print. But something happened along the way. Numerous studies during the last decade have demonstrated that print still has a place for libraries, vendors and most importantly, end users. So what’s happened – why hasn’t that time come like it has for journals? And will the “tipping point” for books ever arrive?

One explanation is that eBooks have not met user expectations, but optimizing user experience …

The Time Has Come... To Build, Reflect, And Analyze Connections Between Qualitative And Quantitative Data, Jordan S. Sly, Leigh Ann Depope, Cynthia G. Frank, Stephanie M. Ritchie

Charleston Library Conference

This paper will address the development process of a qualitative evaluation tool to aid in the thorough analysis of library resources at the University of Maryland. Specifically, our project looks at the use and added value of this tool for the building, reflecting, and analyzing the connections between qualitative and quantitative data. This will allow for more meaningful justifications of budgetary decisions compared to cost and use metrics alone. Given the necessity for meticulous review of continuing resources, our project addresses a request for enhanced transparency from the university faculty and library oversight bodies and serves as a useful tool …

Making Collection Management Manageable: A Three-Phase Approach To An Annual Subscription Review, Hannah Pearson

Charleston Library Conference

Annual subscription reviews are a normal part of many libraries’ operations, but this process is time consuming and can be particularly challenging for institutions with small e-resources staffs. The approach pursued by the Michael Schwartz Library at Cleveland State University includes strategies other libraries may find helpful in moving beyond cost per use in their reviews.

In early fiscal year 2019, the Michael Schwartz Library identified a need to systematically review all subscriptions annually. The library operates with a flat budget and cancellations are often required to manage inflation.

Previously, subscription reviews were in response to immediate needs (e.g. budget …

Communicating Collections: Strategies For Informing Library Stakeholders Of Collections, Budget, & Management Decisions, Laura Pascual, John Abresch, Anna Seiffert

Charleston Library Conference

A challenging aspect of the collection management process is effectively communicating with stakeholders about library resources.  Communication can range from obtaining patron feedback integral in collection planning to effective messaging elaborating on collection budgets and cancellation decisions.  It has also become increasingly necessary to explain the various acquisition models that affect the landscape of library content and use of electronic resources. In this paper, the University of South Florida will present the results of a survey of the approaches used in academic library websites to communicate collection policies along with related considerations, statistics and data, justifications, and factors affecting selection …

Collections Data, Tools, And Strategy: Applying R, Tableau, And Excel To Print Assessment, Lori M. Jahnke, Chris Palazzolo

Charleston Library Conference

As is the case at most academic libraries, collection assessment has become an essential component of collection management and development work. Although much of the assessment focus has disproportionately fallen on e-resources, print collections remain fruitful areas for evaluation and review. At Emory, print collections, including a complex approval plan, continue to be a significant component of our overarching collection strategy (in volume and expenditure). However, shifting priorities for library space and the growth of interdisciplinary programs and centers within the University are placing a higher demand on subject librarians for communication and coordinated decision-making regarding print acquisitions. As a …

New Usage Reports, New Insights! How To Use Your Counter Data In Decision Making Processes, Athena Hoeppner, Sonja Lendi, Kornelia Junge

Charleston Library Conference

Librarians have been receiving COUNTER Release 5 reports since February 2019 and are becoming familiar with the new robust usage data. In this paper three experts explain how the new usage reports provide greater clarity and how they give insight into users’ actions. Athena Hoeppner outlines the new reports and metrics and explains how to interpret book usage data and how to use the data effectively in decision making process. Sonja Lendi focuses on journal usage data and the differences between Release 4 and Release 5 of the COUNTER Code of Practice. She also explains Distributed Usage Logging (DUL). This …

Reference: Product Categories In The Digital Age, Kathryn Earle

Charleston Library Conference

In September of 2016, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc launched a new division charged with creating digital resources for the academic library market. A number of these have Reference at their core. This paper outlines in brief the logic for creating the new division and the role of Reference within the resources. It then summarizes research we have undertaken since the division’s inception to establish how ‘product categories’ (ie, encyclopedias, monographs, images etc) are valued by academics and librarians, the aim of which is to create products that are user-focused. And finally this paper provides a brief case study of our most …

Talking Of Many Things: Dashboards For Reference Services Decision Making, Hui Hua Chua, Rachel M. Minkin

Charleston Library Conference

Staffing challenges are well-documented in reference services, but the use of dashboards to support data-driven scheduling for in-person and virtual reference shifts are not often discussed. This poster examines how Michigan State University Libraries utilized data-influenced decision-making and dashboard design iterations to streamline reference staffing and adapt to evolving conditions over the course of three years. This required continuous communication between dashboard users and creators and constant iteration of visualizations and designs to ensure dashboards remained relevant and current. Limitations of a purely quantitative data-driven strategy are also discussed at the conclusion of the final year.

Social Media, Propaganda, & Public Opinion, Central Washington University, David Schwan

Brooks Library Events

Poster for a Virtual Webinar that explores the harms of disinformation and discusses manipulative algorithms, fake news, dehumanizing language in the media, and how to combat these harms.

Research, Technology And Emotions: How Political Marketing Plays A Critical Role In Government And Presidential Elections, University Marketing And Communications, Bruce Newman

DePaul Download

Elections have evolved the last few decades. From simply polling voters to using big data to sway voters’ decisions, DePaul Driehaus School of Business professor, former White House advisor and author, Bruce Newman, outlines political marketing’s growing influence in elections and, simply, within government. He also shares his analysis of the 2020 Presidential election and what the 2020 winner will need to accomplish before January’s Inauguration.

An Experimental Investigation Into Promoting Mental Health Service Use On Social Media: Effects Of Source And Comments, Zhaomeng Niu, Lun Hu, David C. Jeong, Jared Brickman, Jerod L. Stapleton

Health, Behavior & Society Faculty Publications

Mental health is an increasingly prevalent topic of public interest, but remains a complex area requiring focused research that must account for negative perceptions surrounding mental health issues. The current work explores the roles of social media information source credibility and valence of social media comments on health outcomes in such a mental health context. We used a 2 (message source: professional vs. layperson) × 3 (valence of comments: positive vs. negative vs. mixed) online experiment to examine the effects of source and valence of comments on trust, attitudes and intentions related to mental health information and services among 422 …

Nebraska Monthly Economic Indicators: October 28, 2020, Eric Thompson

Leading Economic Indicator Reports

The LEI-N rose slightly during September 2020, by 0.09%. While the pace of improvement has slowed, September marks the fifth consecutive increase in the leading indicator after sharp declines in March and April. The September result indicates that the Nebraska economy will grow at a modest pace over the next 6 months. Four of the components of the leading indicator improved during September. Airline passenger enplanements grew slowly after seasonal adjustment, but there was a drop in initial claims for unemployment insurance during the month. The value of the U.S. dollar also declined, which will improve competitive conditions for businesses …

Novels And The Neuroscience Of Memory Eng 355g, Jim Kinnie

Library Impact Statements

No abstract provided.

From Being To Doing: Anti-Racism As Action At Work, Ione T. Damasco

Roesch Library Faculty Presentations

Over the past few years, the conversation around equity in libraries has focused on thinking of the word ally as a verb, rather than as an identity. With recent events highlighting specific issues around race, the conversation has now shifted to many people wanting to be anti-racist. In this session, we will focus on anti-racism as action, rather than using the word anti-racist as identity. In particular, we will examine our notions of professionalism in libraries. Can changing how we define professionalism in library workplaces be an example of anti-racist action?

We will take a critical look at how certain …

Institute For Public Policy National Poll - October 2020, Institute For Public Policy

Public Policy Poll Results

The Sacred Heart University Institute for Public Policy leveraged a dual-methodology quantitative research approach to address the following areas of investigation:

• Thoughts on the quality of life in Connecticut
• Governor Ned Lamont’s job approval ratings
• President Donald Trump's job approval ratings
• Voting preference in the presidential election
• Thoughts on filling the supreme court vacancy
• The effect of COVID-19 on mental health and finances
• Plans to take the COVID-19 vaccine when available
• Demographic profiles of respondents

Human Rights And Social, Economic, & Environmental Justice: Ethics Of Samfundssind & Agape, Claire L. Dente

Sustainability Research & Practice Seminar Presentations

No abstract provided.

Ratepayer Perspectives On Mid- To Large-Scale Solar Development On Long Island, Ny: Lessons For Reducing Siting Conflict Through Supported Development Types, Chelsea Schelly, Emily Prehoda, Jessica Price, Aimee Delach, Rupak Thapaliya

Michigan Tech Publications

The state of New York has ambitious mandates for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing renewable energy generation. Solar energy will play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the electric energy sector. Concerns over solar installations’ impacts to host communities and the environment have led to growing conflicts over solar energy siting on Long Island, in other parts of New York, and throughout the US. Understanding community members’ perspectives is critical for reducing conflict. Solar energy can be deployed more quickly and at lower cost if projects are structured to address the concerns and meet the needs …

Developing And Evaluating An Asynchronous Online Library Microcredential: A Case-Study, Rebeca Peacock, Heather Grevatt, Ellie Dworak, Lindsay Marsh, Shelly Doty

Library Faculty Publications and Presentations

Purpose

This paper describes the evolution of an academic library’s approach to first-year student information literacy instruction from face-to-face instruction to a fully integrated online microcredential. The design considerations, motivation theory, and evaluation methods used to create and evaluate the course are also discussed, with implications for future library microcredential design, integration, and research in campus first-year seminar courses.

Design/methodology

In this paper, a multi-method approach is used to evaluate an undergraduate asynchronous online information literacy microcredential embedded in a first-year seminar. Two methods (Likert scale survey and coded reflection essays) were used in order to evaluate whether one method …

Spartan Daily, October 28, 2020, San Jose State University, School Of Journalism And Mass Communications

Spartan Daily, 2020

Volume 155, Issue 29

Rapidly Declining Body Temperature In A Tropical Human Population, Michael Gurven, Thomas Kraft, Sarah Alami, Juan Copajira Adrian, Edhitt Cortez Linares, Daniel Cummings, Daniel Eid Rodriguez, Paul L. Hooper, Adrian Jaeggi, Raul Quispe Gutierrez, Ivan Maldonado Suarez, Edmond Seabright, Hillard Kaplan, Jonathan Stieglitz, Benjamin C. Trumble

ESI Publications

Normal human body temperature (BT) has long been considered to be 37.0°C. Yet, BTs have declined over the past two centuries in the United States, coinciding with reductions in infection and increasing life expectancy. The generality of and reasons behind this phenomenon have not yet been well studied. Here, we show that Bolivian forager-farmers (n = 17,958 observations of 5481 adults age 15+ years) inhabiting a pathogen-rich environment exhibited higher BT when first examined in the early 21st century (~37.0°C). BT subsequently declined by ~0.05°C/year over 16 years of socioeconomic and epidemiological change to ~36.5°C by 2018. As predicted, …

Assessment Centers, Tara Myers, Megan Paul

Umbrella Summaries

What are assessment centers?

Assessment centers measure knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics by assessing participants’ responses to job-related simulations. Assessment centers can be used for hiring, placement, and career and skill development (Gaugler, Rosenthal, Thornton, and Bentson, 1987). Typically, participants complete a combination of in-basket, leaderless group discussion, role play, case analysis, and oral presentation exercises (Hoffman, Kennedy, LoPilato, Monahan, and Lance, 2015). Within each exercise, participants review job-relevant information and complete tasks. For the in-basket, participants are presented with documents (e.g., emails, memos, reports, requests—things that might be in an inbox) to which they provide responses and about …