Evaluation of Social Impact of Traffic Noice in Amman, Jordan

Few road traffic studies were conducted in Jordan, but the issue is drawing an increasing attention due to its growing magnitude and various impacts as a result of the high increase in vehicular traffic. This study further investigates the issue with the aim of providing an understanding of its social impact on residents of Amman, the capital of Jordan. Traffic noise levels were measured at selected locations along urban arterials and a social survey was performed to examine the reactions and attitudes of the neighboring residents towards these levels of traffic noise. The survey included social characteristics of individuals, and their attitudes towards traffic noise, and how it impacted their daily activities. A predesigned questionnaire was used for this purpose which included questions to evaluate the awareness of respondents of the problem and its environmental and health impacts. The financial impact that residents perceive of noise and the need for attenuation measures were also addressed. The results of the study also revealed that the impact of traffic noise on people can cause annoyance while performing daily activities were 24% of respondents reported that they get annoyed by traffic while working, 49% while resting, 34% while talking to others, 31% while talking on the phone, 39% while reading, 38% while watching TV and 53% of respondents get annoyed while sleeping. The respondents have also pointed out the following effects of noise: twist in mood (53%), headache (36%), and difficulty in concentration (40%). About 57% of respondents think traffic noise reduces the value of their properties and a total of 31% are willing to sell their house at reduced cost. About 59% of respondents consider attenuation measures necessary, and in order to reduce the noise, about 54% of respondents were willing to pay for attenuation measures which reflects the public awareness of the issue magnitude

A Winning Combination: Gamification and Student Employee Training

Presented at the 2015 Access Services Conference, Georgia Tech Global Learning Center and the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center, November 11-13, 2015, Atlanta, Georgia.Kim Copenhaver serves as Reference, Instruction and Access Services Librarian at Eckerd College and faculty liaison to the Behavioral Sciences. Recently appointed to the Florida Association of College and Research Libraries, Kim enjoys collaborating with colleagues to advance public services in academic libraries throughout the state.Liz Pritchard serves as the Circulation Supervisor at the Eckerd College Library and is currently pursuing her graduate degree in Library and Information Science at the University of Washington's Information School.Julie Tanquary has served as a library student workscholar at the Eckerd College Library for the past 3 years. Julie recently was selected to receive the 2015 Hardesty Award for outstanding workscholar and was selected to serve as one of the first Library Student Supervisors.Engage student employees and revolutionize public services training using the principles of gamification! For the Eckerd College Library, gamification of the library student employee training program has served as a low cost initiative to assess and promote student employee skill development, track achievement, encourage professional development, and support library learning initiatives. With wide applicability and appeal, tiered entry points for multiple skill levels, and students serving as both producers and consumers of training components, gamification engages students beyond the initial training session and encourages advanced skill acquisition throughout a student’s tenure with the library. Three presenters providing the perspective of student, staff and faculty librarian will highlight the core competencies of compelling training modules designed to revolutionize the training experience for library student employees using the principles of gamification. An accompanying libguide will also be available to encourage reflection and extend the conversation post conference