Developing a Data Narrative: Analyzing Trends in an Academic Interlibrary Loan Department

Between 2010 and 2015 interlibrary loan request rates at Albertsons Library at Boise State University were observed to be in decline. This study details the efforts to explore this trend and determine a cause using existing data available through the OCLC Atlas ILLiad Web Reports interface. A simple, but effective method to analyze these substantial reports is presented and practical examples of analysis conducted at Albertsons Library are discussed. By looking at factors such as usage patterns, new user registrations, and cancelation language, the decrease in borrowing and lending requests was confirmed and attributed primarily to decreases in graduate student ILLiad registrations and a lending ebook deflection implemented in 2015. Additional, focused qualitative assessment and updates to user interfaces were recommended as a result of the study

2017 Boise State Research Data Environmental Scan Report

In 2015, the Albertsons Library’s Research Data Management Group established a 2-year strategic agenda which focused on increasing library service capacity, establishing partnerships with other campus stakeholders, and creating the technical infrastructure needed to ensure proper management of university research data assets. To inform this work during the next two year period, the group conducted an environmental scan of campus data management needs and activities. The survey was also designed to help other university administrators and campus partners understand the current state of research data, identify unmet needs, and highlight opportunities for increasing institutional capacity. In general, Boise State has made good progress in the area of developing the technological infrastructure needed to manage research data. The efforts of the Office of Information Technology (OIT) and elements of the Library’s Research Data Management Group were seen as having made very positive contributions in this area. However, researcher knowledge and use of these services was perceived as very limited. Throughout the survey responses and confirmed through the supplemental research by the library group, it was determined that individual researchers had primary responsibility for all research activities, grant management tasks, and oversight for any technological resources needed. Although some researchers work in groups or have access to high quality support staff, the workload burden many researchers face is significant and limits their ability to properly manage their research outputs. These stressors are heightened by a growing expectation from federal funders and journal publishers that research data be made publicly available, requiring significate curation and management work. To continue to develop Boise State’s research data infrastructure it is recommended that efforts are made to inform and help researchers take advantage of existing services, policies, and support staff when working with and managing research data. This includes increased interdepartmental awareness of and referral to appropriate units when researcher needs fall outside of an individual service provider’s specific area. Additionally, service providers should identify issues of scalability or potential service gaps and determine the resources needed for continued growth. The university can then build upon existing successes in the area of technological and data curation infrastructure by allocating needed funding and staff resources

Critical Inquiry and the First-Year Experience

Though the perception is that they “know how to navigate the online information world,” research shows even students who might be labeled “digital natives” struggle with what critical inquiry is and how to do it. This workshop examines the current state of undergraduate students’ critical inquiry skills as demonstrated by the Albertsons Library micro-credential taken by all University Foundations students since Fall 2018. It will also include practical solutions for reinforcing these foundational critical inquiry skills in other first-year student classrooms. Participants are encouraged to have a syllabus or course assignment available to use with the accompanying worksheet to brainstorm critical inquiry integrations that create a coherent and connected flow to this essential aspect of student learning

Albertsons Library Data Management Strategic Agenda Summer 2017 - Spring 2019

Boise State University identifies research and creative activity as a Core Theme of its institutional mission. This concept is clarified through several objectives which outline the importance of transferring knowledge for “societal, economic, and cultural benefits”. The university expects to produce work that has “substantial disciplinary impact and contributes to the overall reputation of the university,” so that, “community members can connect with and benefit from our researchers, artists, and students.” This core theme of scholarly contribution is further confirmed in the university’s Goals and Strategies which detail specific activities Boise State will undertake. For example in goals 3 and 5, Boise State establishes its commitment to effective research and creative efforts by developing key competencies, building necessary infrastructures, and encouraging external funding and philanthropic support. In consideration of these university goals, Albertsons Library is actively advocating for Boise State’s research and creative activities through its own Strategic Plan. In Library Strategic Objective 4, Albertsons Library has committed to identifying “critical areas of needed Research Support then build expertise, capacity and services to meet these needs.” Over the past several years, the library has pursued this goal through the development of research data management services detailed in the 2015-2016 Data Management Strategic Agenda - Final Report. These services have been built upon four principles: Research data is an asset Data management is an ongoing activity that happens throughout the life of the research project Researchers need “Point-of-Need” services The library strives to serve the whole university The following Data Management Strategic Agenda continues this work by outlining activities Albertsons Library’s Research Data Management Group will engage in over the next two years

2015-2016 Data Management Strategic Agenda - Final Report

Between January 2015 - December 2016, the Albertsons Library’s Core Data Management Team, consisting of Michelle Armstrong, Megan Davis, Heather Grevatt (2016 - present), Margie Ruppel (2015 - 2016), and Amber Sherman, established a 2 year Strategic Agenda and engaged in a variety of activities to ensure the proactive management of Boise State’s data sets. During this period, the Team accomplished several key goals: Increased the library’s capacity to support Boise State researchers in managing and making publicly available data sets, and deliver services at key points throughout the research lifecycle including data management planning, data description, research dissemination, and researcher education. Developed relationships with faculty, research groups, and other university support services to identify and deliver needed services. Began the development of a technical and workflow infrastructure to ensure the permanent curation and accessibility of Boise State’s research data sets

Swimming with the Tide: Lending Mobile Technology in the Library

As e-content becomes the preferred format for many users and mobile learning becomes a priority for students and university administrators, Albertsons Library continues to support student learning by providing access to mobile devices. In 2008, Albertsons Library started lending library-use-only laptops to Boise State students. In 2011, iPads were added to the collection. The library continues to provide, laptops - PCs and Macs, laptop cords, iPads, iPad chargers, USB cords, iPhone 5 chargers, portable baMeries for mobile devices, and other pieces of technology and equipment. We will discuss the infrastructure required to support the use of multiple mobile devices, including wireless networks, IT support, budgeting, pre-loading apps onto devices, bulk app purchasing, iPad reimaging, and patron privacy. Join us in this session to discuss technology lending, loan limits, fines and fees, and practical feedback about our experiences. We will end the session with questions and answers and group discussion to learn about others’ technology lending experiences, and successes and challenges at other libraries

Our Revels Now Are Ended : Q and A

Opening remarks with Gwyn Hervochon, Heather Grevatt, and Stephanie Bacon of Boise State University

Developing and Evaluating an Asynchronous Online Library Microcredential: A Case-Study

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 may be more beneficial than the other in future iterations of evaluating microcredentials. Findings In looking at a complex cognitive process such as motivation, multiple approaches to analyzing student thoughts may be beneficial. In addition, the role of the first-year seminar instructor, to help students make a connection to library material, is reinforced as is the need to provide students with accurate expectations for time required to complete online asynchronous microcredential courses. Originality This paper addresses the evaluation of microcredentials in academic libraries and also has implications for other campus departments investigating the creation of microcourses which are integrated into campus programs. These implications can be addressed in the design and development phases of the microcredential using Keller’s ARCS model and in turn, can be improved through iterative evaluation cycles using collected student data

Our Revels Now Are Ended : Idaho Dance Theatre Performance

Opening remarks with Gwyn Hervochon, Heather Grevatt, and Stephanie Bacon of Boise State University. Dance performance by the Idaho Dance Theatre: Choreographer: Marla Hansen Spoken Word: Richard Klautsch and Carol Whiteleather Dancers: Zackary Anderson, Kateri Bilay, Rachel Chovanak, Taylorann Evans, Laura Haller, Yurek Hansen, Selby Jenkins, Taylor Munson, and Evan Steven