Three-dimensional Doppler, polarization-gradient, and magneto-optical forces for atoms and molecules with dark states

We theoretically investigate the damping and trapping forces in a three-dimensional magneto-optical trap (MOT), by numerically solving the optical Bloch equations. We focus on the case where there are dark states because the atom is driven on a "type-II" system where the angular momentum of the excited state, $F'$, is less than or equal to that of the ground state, $F$. For these systems we find that the force in a three-dimensional light field has very different behaviour to its one dimensional counterpart. This differs from the more commonly used "type-I" systems ($F'=F+1$) where the 1D and 3D behaviours are similar. Unlike type-I systems where, for red-detuned light, both Doppler and sub-Doppler forces damp the atomic motion towards zero velocity, in type-II systems in 3D, the Doppler force and polarization gradient force have opposite signs. As a result, the atom is driven towards a non-zero equilibrium velocity, $v_{0}$, where the two forces cancel. We find that $v_{0}^{2}$ scales linearly with the intensity of the light and is fairly insensitive to the detuning from resonance. We also discover a new magneto-optical force that alters the normal MOT force at low magnetic fields and whose influence is greatest in the type-II systems. We discuss the implications of these findings for the laser cooling and magneto-optical trapping of molecules where type-II transitions are unavoidable in realising closed optical cycling transitions.Comment: 20 pages, 7 figures. Revised version to correct several small typographical errors and clarify the discussion on page 9. Labeling of figure 1 and colours in figure 5 also changed, and additional information provided for equations 13 and 1

Charting Future Directions for Reference Service

At the University of Kansas Libraries, daily reference interactions have been collected since 2007 via the open source software known as LibStats at the two largest campus libraries: Anschutz and Watson Libraries. Together, these libraries contain the central collections in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences. For the CULS conference, we propose to present information about the reference questions posed by users at these libraries, more specifically about the disciplines from which these questions emanate. Our proposal is based on a study done for the 2011 ACRL conference held in Philadelphia this past April. In that work, we presented information about the patterns, modes and disciplinary areas of patron interaction at these two reference desks. Reference questions were coded using a taxonomy based on subject headings used to organize databases into broad categories, in addition to corresponding to professional schools within the University. Using our earlier study as a point of departure, we will present additional information of a more detailed nature about questions asked in the areas of humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Based on our research, we will discuss how this information reveals trends in queries posed by users at our reference desks. We will also consider broader implications to assist the Libraries in addressing increasing complex questions regarding how faculty and staff time should best be relegated within reference services. In addition, our aim is to reflect on our reference-related work within the context of other assessment activities currently underway at the University of Kansas. This past summer, for example, the Libraries hosted two consultants charged with examining the position of the Libraries within the wider University context. Further, the University has engaged with an outside agency to conduct a broad-ranging self-study with the goal of improving efficiencies and effectiveness of certain administrative functions, including the University Libraries. These reviews raise questions regarding levels of staffing, the nature of our work, and may determine how we approach our profession in the future at the University of Kansas

Reference Transactions at the University of Kansas Libraries: An Analysis and Evaluation of Transcripts from 2008-2011.

Purpose: At the University of Kansas Libraries (KU Libraries), daily reference interactions have been collected since 2007 via the open source software known as LibStats at the two largest campus libraries: Anschutz and Watson Libraries. Together, these libraries contain the central collections in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences. We propose to present information that reveals trends about the patterns and modes of reference questions posed by users at these libraries, more specifically about the disciplines from which these questions emanate. Design/Methodology/Approach: Using the transcripts (~27,0000) recorded in LibStats from a three year period (2008-2010), we reviewed a sampling of reference questions (4,200 or 15%) and tagged them by subject and discipline. The code was developed using a taxonomy based on subject headings on the KU Libraries website to organize databases into broad categories, in addition to corresponding to professional schools within the University. Usage patterns were also examined to determine the busiest times and days of the week and which patron types most frequently used reference services. Findings: Using an earlier study (presented at the A2011 ACRL Conference) as a point of departure, we will present additional information of a more detailed nature about questions asked in the areas of humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Based on our research, we will present information revealing trends in queries posed by users at our reference desks. We will also consider broader implications to assist the Libraries in addressing increasingly complex questions regarding how faculty and staff time should best be relegated within reference services. Practical Implications/Value: Our aim is to reflect on reference-related work within the context of other assessment activities currently underway at the University of Kansas. The University has recently undertaken a wide-ranging strategic planning initiative which will have an impact on both administrative and academic functions, including the University Libraries. In 2011, for example, the Libraries hosted two consultants charged with examining the position of the Libraries within the wider University context. Further, the University has engaged with an outside agency to conduct a broad-ranging self-study with the goal of improving efficiencies and effectiveness of certain administrative functions, including the University Libraries. These reviews and other assessment activities will ultimately determine how we approach our profession, which includes reference and research assistance, in the future at the University of Kansas

An Assessment of e-Book Collection Development Practices among Romance Language Librarians

PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to describe the collection development practices regarding e-books among librarians who manage French, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish (Romance) materials. The authors aim to describe factors that influence acquisition of e-books for Romance language collections to confirm librarians’ perception that humanities researchers prefer print and library administrators’ attitudes toward e-books. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY APPROACH: This study collected data using a mixed-method approach of a survey and focus groups. FINDINGS: This study confirms that user preference is the primary consideration of Romance librarians in selecting e-books. Contrary to librarians’ perceptions, this study found that humanities faculty and students are not averse to using e-books for specific purposes such as searching, targeted reading and course materials. While restrictions on lending e-books are a concern, Romance librarians are focused primarily on serving the needs of their core constituencies. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: The practice of adding call numbers to individual e-books varies among institutions. Individual e-book titles in large packages do not necessarily get added to the catalog, thus making it very difficult to compare e-book collections between institutions. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This study endeavors to unify the anecdotal narratives and factors that influence the acquisition of e-books by Romance librarians

"No, no, we prefer print": Why do Romance language librarians buy eBooks?

While the literature on eBooks is extensive, there are only a handful of studies focused on the perspectives of librarians. To answer this question, two librarians distributed a survey to ARL member institutions in 2017 and followed up with a series of focus groups. This presentation will share preliminary results of a mixed-method approach to understand what factors librarians consider when purchasing eBooks for French, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish

Analyzing data in LibStats to reveal trends in academic library usage at the University of Kansas

In recent years, academic libraries have been increasingly challenged to offer newer, more sophisticated ways to engage their community of users that keep pace with rapid technological development. Research shows that faculty, students, and other academic users place increasing value on digital scholarship and may not always view the academic library as the best gateway to access such information. At the same time, academic libraries have continued to rise to the challenge presented by rapid technological evolution can changing information seeking behavior among primary constituents by offering new services, providing greater access to traditional and digital collections, and offering creative approaches in reference services in order to reach library patrons. Reference staff in particular have been challenged to define, develop and implement new methods for reaching those who seek research assistance as traditional measures of reference service have revealed declining activities at ‘traditional’ settings, such as a ‘reference desk.’ Several new approaches that have been launched over the last several years at various institutions have included the wholesale abandonment of ‘traditional’ reference desks, combining service points into large multi-purpose service desks, introducing “roving” reference staff, providing IM and texting capabilities or mobile connectivity, and embedding librarians in academic departments and buildings, among other things, all designed to reach beyond the walls of the library to provide service to users in as many ways as possible. While many of these different strategies are being employed today, numerous academic libraries still maintain vital and active service desks, or at least a semblance of such reference outposts, that continue to provide services to users. These services more often than not include a combination of ways to interact with patrons: in person, telephone, IM, email, and text message, for example. At the University of Kansas, such daily interaction has been collected via the open source software known as LibStats since 2007 at the two largest campus libraries: Anschutz and Watson Libraries, which together contain the central collections in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences. In light of continuing changes in patron information seeking behavior, and in an effort to understand more fully the patterns, modes, and disciplinary areas that can be uncovered by analysis of the data that has been collected, we propose to present a poster with the following aims: Who: To discover patterns of usage among patrons at the reference desks in Anschutz and Watson Libraries. What: To discover the kinds of research inquiries being asked at these libraries When: To discover the times when research assistance is being sought Where: To discover which locations and modes of communication (i.e., in-person, IM, etc.) are experiencing significantly greater volume than others Why: To try and help the KU Libraries organization answer increasing complex questions regarding how faculty and staff time should best be relegated within reference services