Insider and Outsider Perspective in Ethnographic Research

Emic and etic perspectives are consequential for research because they impact the research process, the findings of a study, and the argument made by the researcher about the implications of these findings. Moreover, because the nature of ethnographic work involves the interpretation of cultures (Geertz, 1973), there is a responsibility on the part of the researcher to the culture being studied because the perspective the researcher takes impacts the knowledge produced about the cultural group that is studied.Contributors to this discussion represent a variety of research areas including rhetoric, library studies, family, media, and intercultural communication. Recurrant themes include awareness, bias avoidance, personal distance, appreciation of one\u27s insider/ outsider status

Chat Reference in the Time of COVID-19: Transforming Essential User Services

Reference is an essential service for academic libraries, whether or not face-to-face communication is possible. This research explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on academic library virtual reference services, especially live chat. Through analysis of interviews and a national survey of librarians responsible for adapting their institution's response to physical service closures and reductions, this investigation aims to understand how COVID-19 transformed chat reference, and how users responded to new and evolving services

A “silver lining” for covid-19: accelerating online engagement and future reach of information literacy instruction

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted academic library operations including delivery of information literacy instruction (ILI). In addition to transitioning ILI services online, librarians faced many challenges in evolving pedagogical practices, experimenting with and implementing new technologies, and organizing digital ILI programs including managing changes in audience and volume. This paper explores ILI data from a two-part longitudinal survey conducted with 300 academic librarians and 28 semi-structured interviews with reference and user services leaders of academic libraries to understand how libraries transitioned ILI services and the implications for librarian education. Results suggest that this was a significant and challenging shift and qualitative analysis identifies themes for development including New Services, Organization and Adaptation to ILI Delivery Platforms, and ILI Volume Changes. The changes brought on by the shift to online ILI will continue to influence librarianship into the future and the discussion suggests areas of development for curricula in library education

Seeking Synchronicity: Revelations and Recommendations for Virtual Reference

A new membership report from OCLC Research, in partnership with Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Seeking Synchronicity distills more than five years of virtual reference (VR) research into a readable summary that features memorable quotes that vividly illustrate very specific and actionable suggestions. Taken from a multi-phase research project that included focus group interviews, surveys, transcript analysis, and phone interviews, with VR librarians, users, and non-users, these findings are meant to help practitioners develop and sustain VR services and systems. The report asserts that the "R" in "VR" needs to emphasize virtual "Relationships" as well as "Reference".Among the topics addressed are:The exaggerated death of ready referenceThe importance of query clarification in VRWays to boost accuracy and build better interpersonal relationships in VRWhat can be learned from VR transcriptsHow convenience is the "hook" that draws users into VR servicesGenerational differences in how people perceive reference interactions and determine successThe need for more and better marketingThe report is based on a multi-year study funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS); Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey; and OCLC. A rich resource for further exploration of this important topic, it includes valuable statistics, lists of references, additional readings, and specific recommendations for what libraries and librarians can do to move VR forward in local environments.Today's students, scholars and citizens are not just looking to libraries for answers to specific questions—they want partners and guides in a life long information-seeking journey. By transforming VR services into relationship-building opportunities, libraries can leverage the positive feelings people have for libraries in a crowded online space where the biggest players often don't have the unique experience and specific strengths that librarians offer

Service sea change: clicking with screenagers through virtual reference

Web-based reference services such as synchronous, (chat reference or \u27Ask-a-Librarian\u27 services) and asynchronous (email) virtual reference services (VRS) have become common features of academic library home pages. In the current economic and technological environment, evaluation to determine the sustainability of VRS is crucial. An international research project, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and OCLC Online Computer Library Center, Inc., investigates factors that influence the selection and use of synchronous VRS. This study, one of the first large-scale VRS studies to include both users and non-users of the Millennial Generation, innovatively addresses issues concerning the evaluation, sustainability, and relevance of VRS for academic libraries by soliciting screenagers\u27 perceptions. Three focus group interviews were conducted with "screenagers" - twelve to eighteen year-old non-users of VRS. These potential future academic library users are comfortable in a virtual environment, use instant messaging (IM) for socializing and collaborative homework yet perceive VRS differently than these other virtual encounters. The results of these focus group interviews provide new insights to why screenagers choose not to use VRS and what would make them try VRS. The study identifies ways to increase the visibility and use of VRS, and to improve service, which could help secure funding allocations, and the growth and improvement of services. These results can influence the development of academic library services and systems for the Millennial Generation

“Alexa, where do babies come from?” Investigating children’s practices with intelligent personal assistants

Intelligent Personal Assistants (IPAs) (including smart speakers like Alexa/Siri) are rapidly proliferating and are now available globally in ~80 countries. Library and Information Science (LIS) literature is only beginning to examine their impact, especially within the context of children and their learning, and to determine implications for LIS education. This paper reviews the current LIS literature on IPAs, presents results of an exploratory content analysis of customer reviews of Amazon’s Echo Dot Kids, and proposes a preliminary research agenda focused on children’s IPA use

“People Are Reading Your Work, : Scholarly Identity and Social Networking Sites

Scholarly identity refers to endeavors by scholars to promote their reputation, work, and networks using online platforms such as ResearchGate, Academia.edu, and Twitter. This exploratory research investigates benefits and drawbacks of Scholarly Identity efforts and avenues for potential library support. Data from 30 semi-structured phone interviews with faculty, doctoral students, and academic librarians were qualitatively analyzed using the constant comparisons method (Charmaz, 2014) and Goffman’s (1959, 1967) theoretical concept of impression management. Results reveal that use of online platforms enables academics to connect with others and disseminate their research. Scholarly Identity platforms have benefits, opportunities, and offer possibilities for developing academic library support. They are also fraught with drawbacks/concerns, especially related to confusion, for-profit models, and reputational risk. This exploratory study involves analysis of a small number of interviews (30) with self-selected social scientists from one discipline (communication) and librarians. It lacks gender, race/ethnicity, and geographical diversity and focuses exclusively on individuals who use social networking sites for their Scholarly Identity practices. Results highlight benefits and risks of Scholarly Identity work and the potential for adopting practices that consider ethical dilemmas inherent in maintaining an online social media presence. They suggest continuing to develop library support that provides strategic guidance and information on legal responsibilities regarding copyright. This research aims to understand the benefits and drawbacks of Scholarly Identity platforms and explore what support academic libraries might offer. It is among the first to investigate these topics comparing perspectives of faculty, doctoral students, and librarians

Re(Casting) Call: Sculpting Services & Strategies for Cultivating Online Scholarly Identity

Scholarly Identity (SI) encompasses scholars’ efforts to promote their reputation and impact (Brigham 2016) using digital tools and social networking sites (SNS) (e.g., ORCID). The need to cultivate an academic SNS presence is pressing, particularly for individuals who are in tenure-track positions, working towards promotion, etc. Managing SI is complex, and disciplinary standards differ for selecting SNS and establishing impact measurements. This panel provides diverse perspectives from academic librarians and researchers to address: a) How should/could academic librarians assist users who wish to build their SI? b) What services are currently offered? c) What opportunities, as well as concerns, surround SI work? The library and information science (LIS) literature has shed some light on academic libraries’ SI assistance (Ward et al. 2015). Reed et al. (2016) assert that academic libraries can build support services to help users craft and manage their SI. Academic librarians also use SNS to promote their own work (Brigham, 2016)

“People Need a Strategy:” Exploring Attitudes of and Support Roles for Scholarly Identity Work Among Academic Librarians

Exploring Attitudes of and Support Roles for … This study explores this challenge by investigating academic librarian practice and potential support for SI management and addresses the following research questions: RQ 1. What, if any, practices do...“People Need a Strategy:

How effective is study abroad as a pedagogical and experiential learning tool in LIS education?

As the conference theme implies, internationalization of LIS education is a critical part of preparing graduates for the fast-changing environments in which libraries and other cultural institutions operate. This session sponsored by the International Library Education SIG focuses on experiences and impact of study abroad programs on students and program coordinators. The fundamental question is how effective is study abroad as a pedagogical and experiential learning tool? Panelists will address that question through the lens of students and program coordinators that recently completed study abroad experiences. The panel brings together faculty coordinator of study abroad programs in selected LIS schools across the country. Where possible, faculty coordinators will bring students that completed a study abroad program to be part of the session. The panel represents diverse programs ranging from European to South American locations (Costa Rica; Italy, Ireland/United Kingdom; Germany, and South Korea). They also represent different LIS areas from archives to international LIS education. The goal of the session is to reflect on the programs, what has been learned and other lessons gleaned collectively and individually. The session will be chaired by the SIG chair who will do the introductions and provide background information to contextualize the goals of the program. Each panelist will be asked to share their experiences and what has been learned from the program and how it has enriched the learning environment in the LIS program