Academic Library 2.0 Paper

I wanted to attach the PDF of my paper on Academic Library 2.0; unfortunately, it does not appear that blogger will allow me to do this. If anyone knows a way to circumvent this, please let me know. Anyway, here, at least, is my abstract:

As the World Wide Web develops, evolves, and becomes more integrated into the world culture, it must also become more integrated into the library world. Web 2.0 has been considered by some as the second generation of the World Wide Web that emphasizes certain characteristics, such as increased user participation, perpetual beta for software, and remixability of web applications and services. This term entered the libraries as Library 2.0, attempting to bring some of the same concepts identified with Web 2.0 into the library culture. This paper moves from these foundations to discuss Academic Library 2.0, the contributors, and the various forms it has taken. The paper concludes with some views on the future web development and academic libraries.

Hopefully, I will figure out a way to post the whole paper. I truly enjoyed researching for it and then synthesizing the plethora of information into this final term paper.

Where Few Have Trekked Before: Mathematicians and Info Literacy

On Friday, June 6, I participated in the San Jose State University King Library's Research Forum. I presented a poster on my survey research of the SJSU Mathematics Faculty. Here is the extended abstract:

Mathematicians are rarely researched by librarians. This poster presentation will consider mathematicians in light of the rising pervasiveness of information literacy and lifelong learning goals for undergraduate students in colleges and universities. Mathematics faculty at San Jose State University are surveyed to explore and develop an understanding of their perceptions of information literacy and how it relates to undergraduate students earning a bachelor’s degree in mathematics (hereafter, referred to as “math major”).

In Fall 2007, the survey questionnaires were distributed among the 33 SJSU math faculty (not including two faculty who participated in the instrument testing). The questionnaire was designed by the researcher to elicit several key issues relating to math faculty, math majors, and information literacy. Altogether 19 completed questionnaires were returned (57.6% response rate). A look at the qualitative portion of the faculty responses reveals that not only are very few math faculty currently (or in the past) collaborating with a librarian, but also many do not see a present need for information literacy within math courses. The poster will additionally include some illuminating and revealing comments made by the math faculty when they answered the open-ended questions. Possibilities for further research and study of mathematics faculty and students will conclude the poster presentation.

I learned in practical sense how to improve my poster-making skills. It was a challenge because I wanted to put so much more information on the board than could really fit. In the end, I could have done a better job making the essential information stand out and be eye-catching. I am quite proud of the color design for the poster, that looked good. Another SLIS student poster presenter took photos and said that she would send them to me. When I get these, I will post them here.

IT + Library + Media Services = Learning Commons

On Wednesday, June 4th, I went on an SLA tour of the Harrington Learning Commons, Sobrato Technology Center and Orradre Library at Santa Clara University. Wow! It was impressive. I guess it shouldn't be surprising given the money that private universities can spend (this particular building cost $82 million!). Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my camera (or SCU pictures), so I can only tell you about it. All the computers have wide screen monitors (perhaps 24-in.) For each room, there is a fancy electronic box with a digital screen for immediate room reservation. If the box lights are red, the room is currently in use or unavailable to the public. If the lights are green, anyone can use it or reserve it. AND in each room, there is a huge (perhaps 32-in.) TV screen that I guess is set up to be connected to students' computers. Apparently, also in these rooms are whiteboard wallpaper for floor-to-ceiling note-taking.

On the tour we were also taken to observe the Automated Retrieval System in action. This learning commons building has a room with windows where you can view the machines retrieving or putting away books. They say it takes only ten minutes to retrieve a book. My biggest concern with ARS is that patrons do not have the browsing retrieval option with this system. During my internship, I would frequently suggested to patrons that they browse the area near the book that I had recommended to them. Not having the capacity to do this hinders access to information. Of course, it does provide them with more space for seating and study rooms.

On the fourth floor, we were shown the terraces. Again, wow! They had huge cushioned couches and chairs plus additional plush pillows. These terraces also offered a great view of the Santa Clara County. It felt very resort-like, which makes me wonder if that would actually be conducive to studying.

As to service desks, they has several. There were two small desks (one near the main entrance and one on the lower floor), each staffed with a student to function as a greeter/help point. Farther in on the main floor were the information services desk and the circulation desk. At the information services desk, there three service personnel: 1) general questions, 2) reference librarian, and 3) info tech services. My main complaint with the set-up was that the reference librarian was not clearly labeled. In fact, I would not have known that was who she was had not our tour guide pointed her out to us. This is not good for marketing reference services to students and to the administration of a library.

So I think that is about it. I highly recommend if you are in the area, to stop by and visit the Learning Commons yourself. It is open to the public, as are the computer terminals.