bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Approach for Mapping Ambiguous Sequences of Transcriptomes
Authors: Aldwairi Tamer , Nanduri Bindu , Ramkumar Mahalingam , Perkins Andy
Published: March 2022

An organism’s transcriptome is the set of all transcripts within a cell at a certain time. We often analyze the transcriptome by quantifying gene expression and performing subsequent analyses such as a differential expression or a network analysis. Such analysis helps us in understanding and interpreting the functional elements of the genome. Many challenges limit the accuracy and ability to map all the RNA-Seq correctly into its genome sequence. Some of these challenges are exemplified when mapping sequences fall at exon junctions, sequences containing polymorphisms, multiple insertions or deletions, and reads falling partially or wholly within introns. One of the most significant problems is the loss of data occurring from the inability to map sequences when they align to multiple genomic locations, sometimes called ambiguous sequence mappings. In this paper, we present a novel method to increase the accuracy of gene expression estimation by relying on a statistical approach to increase the accuracy of mapping the ambiguous reads to their proper locations within the genome. This approach allows us to better identify significantly expressed genomic locations so we can accurately map ambiguous reads to their most likely accurate genomic locations and to define more precisely which genes are expressed throughout the genome. Due to its statical nature the approach can be easily combined with other existing mapping tools and mechanisms as well.
Transfer Learning Pre-training Dataset Effect Analysis for Breast Cancer Imaging
Authors: Bulathsinghalage Chanaka , Liu Lu
Published: March 2022

Comparing with natural imaging datasets used in transfer learning, the effects of med- ical pre-training datasets are underexplored. In this study, we carry out transfer learning pre-training dataset effect analysis in breast cancer imaging by evaluating three popular deep neural networks and one patch-based convolutional neural network on three target datasets under different fine-tuning configurations. Through a series of comparisons, we conclude that the pre-training dataset, DDSM, is effective on two other mammogram datasets. However, it is ineffective on an ultrasound dataset. What is more, fine-tuning may mask the inefficacy of a pre-training dataset. In addition, the efficacy/inefficacy of DDSM on the target datasets is corroborated by a representational analysis. At last, we show that hybrid transfer learning cannot mitigate the masking effect of fine-tuning.
Signed Rearrangement Distances Considering Repeated Genes and Intergenic Regions
Authors: Siqueira Gabriel , Oliveira Alexandrino Alexsandro , Dias Zanoni
Published: March 2022

Genome Rearrangement distance problems are used to infer the evolutionary distance between genomes. These problems look at the number of mutations called rearrangement events necessary to transform one genome into another. Two commonly studied rearrange- ments are the reversal, which inverts a sequence of genes, and the transposition, which exchanges two consecutive sequences of genes. Seminal works on that topic looked only at the sequence of genes and assumed that no gene has more than one copy. More realistic models have been assuming multiple copies of a gene or have been taking the number of nucleotides between intergenic regions into account. This work combines these two generalizations defining the Signed Intergenic Reversal Distance (SIRD) and the Signed Intergenic Reversal and Transposition Distance (SIRTD) problems. Using a relationship with a problem called Signed Minimum Common Intergenic String Partition, we show Θ(k)-approximation algorithms for the SIRD and the SIRTD problems, where k is the maximum number of copies of a gene in the genomes. Our experimental tests on simulated genomes show that the algorithms tend to find low distances despite the high theorical approximation factor.
Machine Learning Techniques in Structure-Property Optimization of Polymeric Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Wang Zigeng , Xiao Xia , Nukavarapu Syam , Kumbar Sangamesh , Rajasekaran Sanguthevar
Published: March 2022

Biomaterials and biomedical implants have revolutionized the way medicine is practiced. Technologies, such as 3D printing and electrospinning, are currently employed to create novel biomaterials. Most of the synthesis techniques are ad-hoc, time taking, and expensive. These shortcomings can be overcome greatly with the employment of computational techniques. In this paper we consider the problem of bone tissue engineering as an example and show the potentials of machine learning approaches in biomaterial construction, in which different models was built to predict the elastic modulus of the scaffold at given an arbitrary material composition. Likewise, the methodology was extended to cell-material interaction and prediction at an arbitrary process parameter.
A Deep Dimensionality Reduction method based on Variational Autoencoder for Antibody Complementarity Determining Region Sequences Analysis
Authors: Khalilian Saeed , Nasr Isfahani Mohammad , Moti Zahra , Baloochestani Arian , Chavosh Alireza , Hemmatian Zahra
Published: March 2022

An essential task in antibody/nanobody therapeutics discovery is to rapidly identify whether an antibody/nanobody has specificity and cross-reactivity to one or multiple tar- gets. Multiple target specificity and cross-reactivity of antibodies can be demonstrated by screening the third Complementarity Determining Region on the heavy chain (CDR-H3) of antibody sequences. However, the existing methods are costly and labor-intensive as repet- itive wet-lab experimentation is required to explore the sequences space. Here, we present a deep learning dimensionality reduction model based on Variational Autoencoder (VAE) and Residual Neural Network (Resnet), which we named VAEResDR. Our VAEResDR can efficiently learn the sequences’ key features while scaling down high-dimensional an- tibody sequences into a two-dimensional visualization representation for coherent analysis and rapid screening. We demonstrate that our VAEResDR can provide a tool to precisely analyze CDR-H3 sequences within the hidden patterns and effectively improve antibody/- nanobody CDR-H3 sequence clustering.
Genetic Variation, Heritability, Principal Component Analysis, Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis in the Fruit Samples of Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw. Genotypes
Authors: KUMAR Sanjay , KISO Asikho , ASENLA Lima
Published: March 2022

Genetic diversity, heritability, the genetic advance of yield, and associated traits are some important criteria to generate some basic information related to the genetic improvement of crops. Some characters of Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw. genotype fruits have been evaluated for their improvement purpose. Genotypes and fruit samples of Sechium were randomly collected for fruit traits such as length (FL), width (FW), circumference/girth (FC), and the number of ridges (FR) from the various parts of village Kigwema of Kohima district, Nagaland at a mean value of latitude (25.60690 N), longitude (94.34250 E) and altitude (1538 masl) for the purpose. Genotypes and fruit samples collection for trait study normally distributed in histogram plot and normality test. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) estimated significant differences in fruit sample traits. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was greater than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the traits. The phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation was recorded maximum for trait fruit length, while maximum heritability was recorded for trait fruit circumference. High heritability and high genetic advance estimates for fruit circumference suggest that it could be considered for further improvement through various breeding programs. Principle component analysis (PCA) showed that fruit length and fruit ridges numbers are responsible for most of the variations observed in the fruit morphology and could be considered for its improvement. Fruit width recorded maximum for correlation coefficient direct value indicated towards effect on the fruit circumference and direct selection of the trait for its improvement.
Effects of Different Growing Media on Growth Parameters of Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
Authors: ESRİNGÜ Aslıhan , EKİNCİ Melek , TURAN Metin
Published: March 2022

Growth media have important effects on the development of ornamental plants. Many organic and inorganic materials are used in the as growing media (GM) of plants. The present study was carried out in Atatürk University controlled greenhouses condition. In the study, 11 different media created with sand, soil, peat, perlite, and coconut peat and their different mixtures were used as growing media. Mixing medium on a volumetric basis (V:V), respectively: Mix 1: coconut peat+perlite+peat (1:1:1), mix 2: coconut peat + perlite+ soil (1:1:1), mix 3: coconut peat + peat + soil (1:1:1), mix 4: coconut peat + sand + soil (1:1:1), mix 5: perlite + sand + soil (1:1:1), mix 6: peat + sand+soil (1:1:1). Our results showed that GM had a positive effect on the plant growth and flower parameters (flower number, stem diameter, flower stem length, flower diameter, flower stem thickness, plant wet and dry weight, flower wet and dry weight, root length parameters), chlorophyll reading value (SPAD), and chemical properties of plant leaves. In the study, it was determined that the plant growth and development were better by using peat + sand + soil (1:1:1) mixtures that can be suggested as useful growth media for Zinnia elegans plants.
Identification and Pathogenicity of Neoscytalidium novaehollandiae, the Agent of Canker and Dieback in Almonds and In Vitro Activities of Some Fungicides
Authors: SAKÇI Nedim , KURT Şener , UYSAL Aysun , SOYLU Emine Mine , KARA Merve , SOYLU Soner
Published: March 2022

The objective of the present study is to identify the causal agents associated with cancer and dieback symptoms in almond production areas in Batman's Binatlı village, to determine the pathogenicity of the causal agent, and to determine the efficacy of some fungicides on the pathogen in vitro. As a result of the morphological and molecular characterization of fungal isolates obtained from diseased plant tissues, the fungus was identified as Neoscytalidium novaehollandiae. In the pathogenicity test of 5 isolates of N. novaehollandiae on almond seedlings cv Ferragnes, AlNnov79 was determined as the most virulent isolate. As a result of the efficacy trial of five different fungicides on N. novaehollandiae isolate AlNov79, highly effective fungicides were determined as fluazinam (EC50;0.002 µl ml-1), thiophanate–methyl (EC50;0.3 µl ml-1), tebuconazole (EC50;0.4 µl ml-1), boscalid + pyraclostrobin (EC50;2.2 µl ml-1). Trifloxystrobin (EC50;19.5 µl ml-1) was found as the lowest effective fungicide.
Determination of Resistance of Some Potato Clones to Alternaria solani
Authors: KOYUTURK Özge , POLAT İlker , YILMAZ Aslı , ÖZYILMAZ Başak , KARATAŞ Rahime , YAZİCİ Levent , YILMAZ Güngör , YANAR Yusuf , KANDEMİR Nejdet
Published: March 2022

One of the most important problems in the cultivation of potato plants is their susceptibility to diseases. There are many disease agents that cause significant loss in yield and limit cultivation. One of these agents is Alternaria solani (Ell. and G. Martin) Sor., a facultative saprophytic fungus. The pathogen fungus causes early blight disease in potatoes. In this study, which was carried out in the field and laboratory of the Central Black Sea Transition Zone Agricultural Research Institute in 2019, the reactions of 594 clones created by crosses between some commercially registered potato varieties, local potato varieties, and some clones with superior characteristics against A. solani were identified using the detached leaf method. In order to determine the disease reactions, 5 mm diameter fungus discs taken from the actively growing tips of the cultures of A. solani isolate under sterile conditions were placed on the leaflets in five replications, and only the PDA medium was placed on the leaflets used for control purposes. As a result of the research, of the clones belonging to the A3/15 x Bafana combination, 70 were immune, 2 were tolerant, 9 were susceptible, 18 were highly susceptible. 168 of the clones belonging to the Başçiftlik Beyazı x Lady Olympia combination were immune, 1 was resistant, 4 were tolerant, 5 were susceptible, 23 were highly susceptible. 209 of the clones belonging to T5/4 x Bafana combination were immune, 2 were tolerant, 7 were sensitive and 46 were highly susceptible. Thus, in order to contribute to the development of resistant varieties, the conditions of the breeding material were revealed and evaluated as selection criteria.
Interaction effect of Root Lesion Nematodes and Fusarium culmorum Sacc. on disease complex in some wheat cultivars
Authors: GÖZE ÖZDEMİR Fatma Gül , YAŞAR Bülent , ARICI Şerife Evrim , ELEKCİOĞLU İbrahim Halil
Published: March 2022

The study was conducted to assess a possible interaction between fungal pathogen of Fusarium culmorum Sacc. and Root lesion nematodes at sequentially and simultaneously inoculation. Fusarium culmorum spore suspension effect evaluated on plant disease severity and nematode density on moderate resistant wheat line to F. culmorum (2-49) and susceptible wheat variety (İkizce) under controlled condition. The disease severity was higher on İkizce cv. than 2-49. This indicates that there is a considerable important pathogen resistance. Simultaneous and sequential inoculation of Pratylenchus thornei and F. culmorum reduced the final nematode density and reproduction rate more than inoculation with only nematode on İkizce cv. The simultaneously P. penetrans and F.culmorum inoculation (N+F) affected the positively of final density on İkizce cv. The N+ F treatment affected the positively of P. neglectus density on İkizce cv., whereas negative effect was found in pre or post inoculation of F. culmorum treatments. No synergistic interactions were detected on 2-49 when plants were co-infected by the root lesion nematode and fungus. It was determined that P. thornei had a positive effect on disease severity when it entered the plant simultaneously and before the F. culmorum on İkizce cv.. The disease severity decreased in F. culmorum was applied four weeks after the P. neglectus treatment on 2-49 wheat line and İkizce cv. In the interaction with F. culmorum on İkizce cv., differences were determined between the species of root lesion nematodes.
Essential Oil Chemical Composition of Lavender Varieties Cultivated in an Untraditional Agro-Ecological Region
Authors: GEORGİEVA Rumyana , KIRCHEV Hristofor , DELIBALTOVA Vanya , MATEV Aleksandar , CHAVDAROV Petar , RAYCHEVA Tzvetanka
Published: March 2022

A field experiment has been conducted in the region of Dobrudja with the aim to investigate the essential oil yield and its chemical composition by four lavender varieties: Hemus, Sevtopolis, Yubileyna and Druzhba. The experiment has been arranged according to the Randomized Complete- Block Design in four replications and a plot size of 10 m2. The essential oil yields varied from 90 l ha-1 by the variety Hemus to 131 l ha-1 by the variety Sevtopolis. The major constituents of the essential oil were linalyl acetate (25.5-39.7%) and linalool (27.6- 38.9%). The content of linalyl acetate was the highest by the variety Hemus, as only by this variety the ratio between linalyl acetate and linalool is 1:0.7, which defined the essential oil as high qualitative.
Library Power: An International Perspective
Authors: Hannesdottir Sigrun Klara
Published: March 2022

The goals of the Library Power Program are generally applicable to any school library reform project aiming at increased awareness of the importance of school libraries in an educational setting. Many practical approaches to improving school libraries were tested and found effective during the Library Power program, and these approaches have international relevance. The ideas that were found to be productive and successful in the Library Power program can be imported into other types of schools and settings, even without additional or special funding. However, for this to occur, there must be a commitment from the educational authorities to make this kind of school library work possible and feasible. There also must be a commitment from school librarians to enhance their role in the educational setting through professional development.
An Introduction to the Library Power Program
Authors: Anonymous
Published: March 2022

Library Power is a school improvement initiative launched by the DeWitt Wallace-Reader's Digest Fund in 1988. Total investment in the program since its inception exceeds $45 million. Operating in approximately 700 schools and serving more than 1 million students annually, Library Power is the largest nongovernmental funding of school library services in over 30 years.
The cultured word: Cultural background. bilingualism, and the school library
Authors: Agosto Denise E
Published: March 2022

Research indicates that cultural background creates a framework through which people view, interpret, and assign meaning to texts. This article presents the major research related to, and the major issues underlying, cultural background as a framework for textual meaning-making, bilingualism, and literacy development. This article also considers why these issues are important to school librarians and offers suggestions for making multicultural materials central aspects of school library collections and curricula.
Editorial: Perspectives on information literacy
Authors: Ober Dianne
Published: March 2022

My interest in the topic of information literacy comes from nearly 30 years working with students as a classroom teacher, as a teacher-librarian, and as a university instructor. Although the ages of the students that I work with have changed and the topics they are interested in have changed, there seem to be some common themes related to information literacy-how learners decide they have a need for information, how learners experience the process of inquiry, and how library instruction can best support learners.
The Effects of Free Choice on Student Learning: A Study of Summer Reading
Authors: Lu Ya-Ling , Gordon Carol
Published: March 2022

This study examines the reading behaviors and attitudes of adolescents during the summer when they can exercise free choice. Does mandated reading during summer non-school months as it is currently practiced encourage students to read, or does it create barriers to reading? It takes place in a United States high school, grades 9-12. A stratified random sample of 288 students and 11 teachers ensured representation of students from each of three ability groupings. Data were collected through student surveys and teacher interviews. Findings show that students attributed varied types of cognitive, psychological, and social learning to their summer reading. Mixed responses from teachers point to the need for consensus about the purpose of a summer reading program.
Youth and their Virtual Networked Words: Research Findings and Implications for School Libraries
Authors: Todd Ross
Published: March 2022

Rapid changes in the information and technology landscape provide challenges that at times conflict with traditional notions of school libraries and their role in learning, literacy and living. They herald important opportunities for school librarians to rethink, reimagine and recreate a dynamic learning environment for school, libraries. This shifting information environment includes the publishing arena increasingly characterized by a movement away from a "hard copy paradigm" (Rowlands & Nicholas, 2008, p.8), the growth of a pervasive, integrated information environment characterized by vast quantities of digital content, open choice, collaborative and participatory digital spaces, and the transition of the Web environments from consumption of information to creation of information. This paper reviews recent literature focusing on young people's use of the Web environment, particularly their use of Web 2.0. It identifies emerging Internet use patterns, and presents a set of challenges for school library leaders as they engage developments and continue in their acknowledged leadership role in building information technology environments in schools.
Open Access and the Open Journal Systems: Making Sense All Over
Authors: Kapak  , Rick
Published: March 2022

At a time when students are increasingly turning to the Web as their primary source of information it is well worth continuing to consider ways and means of taking advantage of this trend, and to perhaps relocate attention to traditional information sources presented in new ways. This paper makes the case that Open Access to electronic scholarly journals creates an opportunity for schools and school libraries to benefit from use of these journals.
Building Relationships in the School Social Network: Science Teachers and School Library Media Specialists Report Key Dimensions
Authors: Schultz-Jones Barbara , Ledbetter Cynthia
Published: March 2022

This paper reports research results from a 2008 study of the social networks of school library media specialists (SLMS) in northTexas and a 2007/2008 survey of science teacherattitudes towards SLMS in north Texas. Analytic methodologies included: social network analysis, statistical analysis, and qualitative content analysis of interviews. Analyses of the results suggest that two key dimensions may provide a foundation for building relationships in the school social network: credibility and visibility. These dimensions may provide opportunities to strengthen the collaboration efforts between SLMS and science teachers.
Research Instruments for Measuring the Impact of School Libraries on Student Achievement and Motivation
Authors: Small Ruth , Snyder Jaime
Published: March 2022

A two-year study of public school library programs was conducted in one of the largest and most diverse states in the USA-New York. This three-phase study extends previous statewide library impact studies by using multiple research methods with multiple stakeholders to investigate the school library's impact on:(1) student achievement, (2) motivation for learning, and (3) technology use, as well as a range of other variables (e.g., principal-librarian relationship, librarian-teacher collaboration, library services and resources for students with disabilities). This article describes the design, development, testing and validation of online survey instruments used in the first two phases of this research. The article concludes with a number of recommendations for ways in which these instruments might be used by school library professionals to assess the impact of their programs and services on students in their schools and districts.
School Library Impact Studies and School Library Media Programs in the United States
Authors: Kaplan Allison
Published: March 2022

Since 1993, studies in the United States and Canada have reported a positive relationship between strong school library media programs and student achievement. These studies have been seen as useful tools for promoting the need for school library media programs and full time school library media specialists in K-12 schools if the information is disseminated to the decision makers in schools, districts, and government, such as school administrators, school board members, and local and federal legislators. This study was conducted to see how the information about school library impact studies was disseminated to decisions makers and whether that dissemination process has been effective.
Against the Flow: A Continuum for Evaluating and Revitalizing School Libraries
Authors: Elizabeth Lee , Klinger Don
Published: March 2022

School libraries face challenges as they strive to meet their changing roles in today's schools. To remain relevant in the school, the teacher librarian must enhance the presence of the library within the school's educational mission. Our research explored exemplary elementary school library programs, and we found that context was an essential component in determining the roles and relevance of the library in the school. Context was multifaceted and the interaction among factors facilitated or hindered the implementation of exemplary practices and explained variations. A continuum of school library structures and practices was developed to evaluate current school library programs in a more flexible manner than existing standards of practice.
Reflections on School Library as Space, School Library as Place
Authors: Mardis Marcia
Published: March 2022

As I read Nancy's Vision Tour blog and talk with her about her experiences on the road, I cannot help but be reminded of the School Library Journal Summit in Chicago, IL in November 2006. At that event, I had to amazing experience of hearing library consultant and writer Joan Frye Williams's keynote address about possible futures for school libraries. Students, she expressed, entered the school library with three questions in mind: is this my kind of place; can I be successful here; and does this fit into the rest of my life? Her elaboration of these questions has timeless implications for teacher librarians and, in my mind, speaks to the theme of this issue, "School library as space, school library as place."
The power of Web 2.0: Teacher-librarians become school technology leaders
Authors: Branch-Mueller Jennifer , DeGroot Joanne
Published: March 2022

This paper reports on a study that sought to understand the impact of a graduate level Web 2.0 course on the personal, teaching, and professional lives of teacher-librarians. An online survey asked teachers and teacher-librarians about their experiences before and after completing the course. After taking the course, participants were familiar with a variety of Web 2.0 technologies and were able to use these tools personally, for teaching and for professional development. Participants gained confidence and competence in their technology skills and have taken on leadership roles in terms of technology integration and are often the "go to" person in their school for Web 2.0 technologies.
Librarians and leadership: The change we seek
Authors: Dotson Kaye , Jones Jami
Published: March 2022

School librarian preparation programs must prepare the twenty-first century school librarian to confront the evolving changes that are facing our profession. The need for change in our traditional roles to meet demands of our profession is evident, and we have opportunity to shape the change we seek by developing emergent school library leaders during their pre-service library education programs. In this study, the researchers surveyed a sample group of school librarians about their perceptions of leadership development within their graduate education program. The results of the study suggested that increased emphasis on leadership development in graduate school library programs will more effectively prepare school librarians for service as educational leaders, change agents in the curriculum and instructional process, and partners at both the local school and wider global communities.
From human vending machines to lateral thinking: Helpful theories and models for school librarians
Authors: Shenton Andrew , Hay-Gibson Naomi , Shenton Ken
Published: March 2022

This paper provides a transdisciplinary perspective on the work of the school-based information professional. In particular, it explores various ideas originating outside LIS but which have special relevance to intermediaries operating in educational environments for young people. The material is discussed in relation to four key issues: the challenge of endowing information literacy instruction with credibility in the eyes of students and school staff, the problem of learners following formulaic patterns in their attempts to find information, interaction between the intermediary and youngsters using the library and priorities for the professional attempting to meet clients' information needs. The article concludes by briefly highlighting the overall value of each of the theories and models.
School Librarian Leadership around the World
Authors: Everhart Nancy
Published: March 2022

The concept of leadership is multi-dimensional. Adding a few more layers to this concept -- those of school librarianship and international cultures -- and there are endless possibilities for research and discussion. I'm delighted to serve as your guide in this exercise in the current issue of School Libraries Worldwide.
The Literacy Beliefs of Child Care Professionals: Prerequisite Knowledge for Teacher librarian Literacy Leaders
Authors: Cahill Maria
Published: March 2022

Teacher librarians can offer professional development, services, and programming to instructional leaders and care providers of young children; however, to optimize instruction, they should understand the general knowledge base of early care professionals. This study examined the literacy beliefs of the instructional leaders of child care facilities. Instructional leaders self-reported their beliefs through response to a survey that contained the Teacher Beliefs Questionnaire (Seefeldt, 2004). Results suggest that instructional leaders' beliefs are most consistent with research-based best literacy practice in the areas of book reading and writing and most contradictory in decoding knowledge.
Making Connections: Challenges and Benefits of Joint Use Libraries as Seen in One Community
Authors: Kluever Joanna , Finley Wayne
Published: March 2022

This paper explores research relating to the challenges and benefits of joint use libraries and places these issues in the context of one community's joint use library. In 2002, the Julia Hull District Library, located in rural Stillman Valley, Illinois, USA, entered into a contractual agreement with the village School District to move the library from a small family home, to a new facility which was built on to the Village high school. Originally, the partnership, as is common with joint library endeavors, was created for economic reasons: the school and library districts would share costs, materials, and resources for the benefit of local taxpayers to accommodate student and public patrons. While new opportunities to connect student and public library users through library programs and services have arisen, since the merger, the community has realized additional benefits and challenges foreshadowed by prior international research.
Digital Image Tagging: A Case Study with Seventh Grade Students
Authors: Ercegovac Zorana
Published: March 2022

Results of this exploratory study suggested engaging students in digital image tagging can have analytical and educational importance. The study was designed to gauge middle school students' capacities to describe digitalimages from two digital libraries that they used in an information literacy activity. When describing the image attributes, students (N=81) freely chose single words and multi-word phrases to describe the interpretations, feelings, and questions evoked by the images. These descriptors were used to derive conceptual categories for the seventeen digital images. Results demonstrated that students acknowledged the responsibility of indexers to choose index terms for objects in collections that enable identification, organization and retrieval. The study sheds light on the potential to improve age-appropriate access to images by means of offering a multi-tiered approach to image representation. It also introduces a transparent approach to teaching information literacy concepts through creative thinking about the meaning of resources and their relationship in a broader information cycle context.
The evolution of ePortfolios for school library education: A case study
Authors: Jones Stephanie , Downs Elizabeth , Repman Judi
Published: March 2022

This article presents a case study of the implementation of ePortfolios as authentic assessments in a school library preparation program at a mid-sized university located in the southeastern region of the United States. It documents how the use of ePortfolios evolved from show-and-tell PowerPoint presentations into powerful, reflective, Web 2.0-enhanced learning experiences that demonstrate school library candidates' mastery of professional standards. The case study focuses on the programmatic approach to process, product, and final assessment. Examination of the ePortfolio experience led to faculty interest in the concept of transparency in online learning, and to the decision for formal integration of peer review in the ePortfolio process.
Educating school librarians in the English-speaking Caribbean: The case of the department of library and information studies at the University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica
Authors: Stewart Paulette
Published: March 2022

School library education in the English-Speaking Caribbean is offered at the undergraduate level at the Department of Library and Information Studies (DLIS), University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica. This research describes the programme and the challenges faced by the Department in its delivery. A survey was conducted during the 2011 academic year and the results indicated that the DLIS needs to restructure its undergraduate B.Ed. School Librarianship programme to include recent trends in school library education. It was recommended that the DLIS develop a two tiered programme to be delivered using the blended-learning mode in order to increase its student in take. In addition to this, DLIS needs to include courses that will allow its graduates to possess the necessary knowledge and competencies to function effectively in school libraries in this Information Age.
Teacher-librarians leading change: Some stories from the margins
Authors: Hart Genevieve
Published: March 2022

This article comes out of a panel discussion of five teacher-librarians, all working in disadvantaged circumstances, which was broadcast to schools across the Western Cape Province, South Africa, with the purpose of motivating schools to set up libraries. Four of the panelists are students in the University of the Western Cape's school librarian education programme. The request for the broadcast came from two managers of the QIDS-Up school improvement project in the Western Cape Education Department, which has sent collections of books to over 400 historically disadvantaged schools across the Western Cape. The project's aim was to improve the prevailing low literacy levels with injections of attractive reading material.
School library education in thirteen countries in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Asselin Marlene , Baffour-Awuah Margaret , Batos Gloria , Boelens Helen , Conde Elsa , Dam Henk , Dike Virginia , Dlamini Busi , Doiron Ray , Hart Genevieve , Headlam Margaret , Henton Mary , Hoskins Ruth , Mathema Jerry , Niemand Moan , Zinn Sandy
Published: March 2022

This paper attempts to provide a comprehensive report on school libraries and the status of training of school / teacher librarians in thirteen African countries. A full report will be presented to the IASL Research Forum 2012 in November 2012. Recently, the IASL Research SIG, Royal Tropical Institute (KIT) Information & Library Services, the ENSIL Foundation (Stichting ENSIL) and a number of other international school library colleagues have been co-operating in an attempt to collect reliable research data on public school libraries. The provision of a new form of affordable online training for school librarians / teacher librarians is introduced.
Examining the Hidden Ideologies within Cultural Competence Discourses among Library and Information Science (LIS) Students: Implications for School Library Pedagogy
Authors: Kumasi Kafi , Hill Renee
Published: March 2022

In order to provide culturally responsive instruction to all students, school library professionals need to recognize the various discourses around cultural competence that exist in the field of library and information science (LIS) and understand the broader meanings that are attached to these discourses. This study presents an evaluation of the underlying ideologies that are embedded in the textual responses of a group of LIS students reporting on their perceived levels of cultural competence preparation. The results reveal that there are dominant and competing discourses around cultural competence in the LIS field, which are important to make visible.
Editorial "I Appreciate You in Advance": Outsiders, Outliers, and Safety in the School Library
Authors: Mardis Marcia
Published: March 2022

This issue of School Libraries Worldwide is based on the theme of Outliers: School Librarianship Enables Success in All Environments. Outliers are all around us-they are moguls, geniuses, pop stars, and everyday people who have made good for themselves. If an outlier is defined as a person who succeeds against the odds, how do school librarians throughout the world enable and ensure this success?
Teachers'/students' library use and reading habits in Ido local government area, Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Oyelude Adetoun
Published: March 2022

Reading is a skill which can be acquired in a library environment therefore educators need to get a general profile of reading habits of teachers and students and their use of library for effective educational planning. This study investigates the reading habits and use of library of teachers and students in primary and secondary schools. Using a purposive sampling technique, Questionnaire, Observation and Interview methods were used to gather information from122 respondents from five schools in the Ido Local Governm ent Area of Oyo State, Nigeria regarding general attitudes towards reading, reading habits, reading speed and general use of library. Parental interest in reading, teachers and governmental encouragement of students as well as organisation of reading programmes by Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), societies and clubs are some of the solutions proffered.
Shedding New Light on Graphic Novel Collections: A Circulation and Collection Analysis Study in Six Middle School Libraries
Authors: Gavigan Karen
Published: March 2022

Although there have been studies examining the circulation and use of graphic novels in public and academic libraries, there has yet to be a scientific study examining these variables in multiple school libraries. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of middle school graphic novel collections, through the analysis of circulation data and interviews with librarians. Quantitative results reveal that graphic novel circulation represents a larger proportion of total circulation for the libraries examined, than their percentage of the collection would suggest. Analysis of the survey results reveals commonalities and differences between these graphic novel collections.
Editorial: The Synergy of Making Connections
Authors: Oberg Dianne
Published: March 2022

"Making connections" was one of the themes that emerged during the doctoral defense of a student at the University of Alberta this week. It was the doctoral defense that brought Julie Tallman from the University of Georgia to Edmonton, and we are taking the opportunity of that event in our work as supervisors of graduate students to share our work as editors of School Libraries Worldwide. Most of our editorial work related to the journal is conducted over the Internet and the telephone lines. Rarely do we get the chance to work in the same office, to share conversations over meals, and to laugh and enjoy the company of old and new friends.
Reading and Use of Informational Material by South African Youth
Authors: Machet Myrna
Published: March 2022

Research on children's reading habits, preferences, and use of information provides useful insights for those working to motivate children and young people to read and use information. This study, conducted by the Children's Literature Research Unit (CLRU) in the Department of Information Science at the University of South Africa (Unisa), Pretoria, was modeled on a study of children's reading habits in England conducted by the Roehampton Institute in the 1990s. Findings reported in this article are related to the reading of informational material by children between the ages of 9 and 16 in South Africa. Although many learners in South Africa have limited access to school libraries or public libraries, the study participants had a positive attitude to reading and nonfiction texts. They were developing strategies to deal with information texts by using retrieval tools, and they were prepared to persevere with books even if they did not understand some words. The study shoiued that children's reading interests in South Africa are not radically different from those of children in England. However, because many young people in South Africa read in a second language, information books need to be written with this in mind.
A Theoretical Understanding of Teacher and Librarian Collaboration (TLC)
Authors: Montiel-Overall Patricia
Published: March 2022

Teacher and librarian collaboration (TLC) is considered essential to support the changing population of students, complexity of educational issues, and increased information. However, collaboration has yet to be clearly defined for teachers and librarians. This article discusses four models of teacher and librarian collaboration (TLC) previously proposed by the author (Model A: Coordination, Model B: Cooperation, Model C: Integrated Instruction and Model D: Integrated Curriculum) and identifies five constructs in the models that can be used to evaluate the effect of each model on students' academic achievement. This article argues that high levels of the five constructs (a) interest, (b) level of involvement, (c) improved learning, (d) innovation, and (e) integration in TLC may have the most effect on students' academic achievement.
Science-Related Topics in School Library Media Periodicals: An Analysis of Electronic Citation Content from 1998-2004
Authors: Mardis Marcia
Published: March 2022

Improving student achievement in science is a major thrust of current educational policy in the United States. Can US school library media specialists use articles in recommended school library publications to approach science-related topics in collection development, collaboration, professional learning, and curriculum integration and be effective partners in achieving this educational imperative? ... This study used citations in two major subscriptions periodical databases and analyzed them for selected aspects of frequency.
School Libraries and Evidence-based Practice: An Integrated Approach to Evidence
Authors: Todd Ross
Published: March 2022

A professional focus on evidence-based librarianship (EBL) has emerged over the last decade. It has been taken up by many sectors in library and information work, and even a cursory search of subscription and open databases will show scholarly interest in and effect of evidence-based practice in areas such as medical librarianship, law librarianship, public librarianship and special librarinship.
What Motivates a Lifelong Learner?
Authors: Crow Sherry
Published: March 2022

Lifelong learners are people who display an attitude and ability that prompts them to learn across their life spans. Even in the testing environment of United States schools today, a goal of library media specialists is to help children become lifelong learners. The Self-Determination Theory (SDT, Deci & Ryan, 1985) provides a framework for examining a positive disposition toward learning, or the motivation to learn: the key attribute of a lifelong learner. Additional areas explored include contributions of school library research toward an understanding of student motivation, suggestions for further areas of study, and implications for school libraries.
Norwegian Policy: Empowering School Libraries
Authors: Rafste Elisabeth , Sætre Tove Pemmer , Sundt Ellen
Published: March 2022

This article has two aims. The first is to describe and discuss how the political school and library systems in Norway interact to improve school libraries and reading. Empowerment is introduced as an overarching concept, and legal-based and legitimacy-based power as useful concepts to describe and discuss the interaction of the systems. The second aim is to present and discuss how the Norwegian plan Make Room for Reading! Norwegian strategy for stimulating a love of reading and reading skills, 2003-2007 focuses on empowering school libraries through selected strategic projects and financial support.
The School Library Policy: The Foundation for a Professional School Library Service
Authors: Turner Richard
Published: March 2022

This article stresses the importance of the school library policy for the management of secondary school libraries in England and Wales. It identifies the guidelines for best practice on producing a policy, key elements of the policy, and why the policy is so important for the management of an effective school library service. The theory of the school library policy is assessed against practice in individual school libraries using research carried out by the author as part of a master's thesis and other surveys of secondary school libraries that have addressed this issue. The article concludes that many schools in England and Wales have not embraced the guidelines on the school library policy as a key management tool in the operation of the library.
Policy Empowering School Libraries
Authors: Henri James
Published: March 2022

It could be argued that robust information policy underpins effective information practice and that it is, therefore, a suitable topic for investigation. Indeed this was the premise taken by the organizers of the Open Session conducted by the IFLA Section of School Libraries and Resource Centers at the IFLA conference in Oslo in August 2005. It was the success of this open session that led to the idea of making information policy the theme of this issue of School Libraries Worldwide. Originally, Anne Clyde, the then Chair of the IFLA Section of School Libraries and Resource Centers, was invited to edit the theme issue. Following her tragic and untimely death, the Editor asked me to step into the breach, a task I was delighted to take up.
Collaboration: Critical Success Factors for Student Learning
Authors: Haycock Ken
Published: March 2022

Several studies identify collaboration between classroom teachers and teacher-librarians as a key factor that affects student achievement. Studies in teacher-librarianship have established procedures and processes for effective collaboration. This study examines collaboration from a broader theoretical and research perspective, beginning with 20 factors that specifically influence successful collaborations. These are clustered in six areas: factors related to the environment, to membership characteristics, to process and structure, to communication, to purpose, and to resources. Research from teacher-librarianship is then applied to substantiate and reinforce the factors and provide context for successful collaboration and thus effect on students' learning in schools.