bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collection Usage Pre- and Post-Summon Implementation at the University of Manitoba Libraries
Authors: O'Hara Lisa
Published: February 2016

Objectives – This study examines the use of print and electronic collections both before and after implementation of Summon at the University of Manitoba Libraries. Summon is a web-scale discovery service which allows discovery of all of the materials the library owns or has access to from a simple search box on the library’s web page.

Methods – COUNTER statistics were used to determine database, e-journal, and e-book statistics, including database search statistics (DR1) from the COUNTER Database Report 1, full-text article downloads from the COUNTER Journal Report 1 (JR1), and successful section search requests from the COUNTER Book Report 2 (BR2) for electronic resources. Sirsi, the University of Manitoba’s integrated library system, provided statistics on checkouts for the libraries’ circulating print monograph and serial collections. The percentage change from the pre-Summon implementation period to the post-Summon implementation period was calculated and these numbers were used to determine whether usage had increased or decreased for both print and electronic collections.

Results – As expected, searches in citation databases decreased because searches were no longer being carried out in the native database as the metadata from the database is included in Summon. E-journal usage increased dramatically and e-book usage also increased for four of six providers examined. Print usage decreased, but the results were inconclusive.

Conclusions – Summon implementation had a favourable impact on collection usage.
LIRG Research Scan Award – Call for Proposals
Authors: . .
Published: February 2016

No abstract.
Renewal and Change
Authors: Koufogiannakis Denise
Published: February 2016

No abstract.
Looking Forwards and Looking Back
Authors: Brettle Alison
Published: February 2016

No abstract.
Marketing and Assessment in Academic Libraries: A Marriage of Convenience or True Love?
Authors: Porat Lynne
Published: February 2016

Objective – This paper describes the process of cooperation between the Marketing and Assessment Teams at the University of Haifa in Israel, from initial apprehension about working together to the successful marketing of a suite of user studies.

Methods – The first step was a formal meeting in which the leader of the assessment team explained the aims of assessment. For each assessment activity, the assessment team submitted a formal request for assistance to the marketing team, conducted team meetings on how to market each assessment, and met with the marketing team to explain the survey and receive their input on how it should be marketed. Over a 3-year period, 5 joint activities were undertaken: a 1-day, in-library use survey; a wayfinding study, in which 10 new students were filmed as they searched for 3 items in the library; 5 focus group sessions regarding upcoming library renovations; a LibQUAL+® survey measuring perceptions of service quality among the entire campus population; and an online survey of non-users of the library. The success of the assessment/marketing projects was measured by the response rates, the representativeness of the results, and the number of free-text comments with rectifiable issues.

Results – Although the response rates were not very high in any of the surveys, they were very representative of the university population. With over 40% or respondents filling in free-text comments, the information received was used and applied in making service changes, including the creation and marketing of additional group study rooms, improved signage, and the launch of a “quiet” campaign. In addition, a “You said – We did” document was compiled that outlines all of the changes that were implemented since the first four surveys were conducted; this document was published on the library’s blog, Facebook page, and website.

Conclusion – The number of issues that appear in the first “You said – We did” document is a testament to the close and ongoing collaboration between the two teams, from the planning stages of each survey until publication of results and notification of the changes that were implemented.
Barriers and Facilitators to Research Use Among Allied Health Practitioners: A Mixed-Method Approach to Assessment
Authors: Dunne Mary
Published: February 2016

Objectives – The disparity between what is known to be effective and what is done in practice points to barriers to research use among health practitioners. Library and information services (LIS) collect, organize and disseminate published research findings so they may be uniquely positioned to be of influence. This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to research use among allied health practitioners working in the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) field in Ireland, and to explore the services, strategies, and resources that may help alleviate these issues.

Methods – Three focus groups were held with AOD practitioners. A survey questionnaire was then sent by post to 175 counsellors. The survey included the Barriers to Research Utilization Scale (Barriers Scale) (Funk et al. 1991), which assessed potential barriers from four factors: practitioner, setting, qualities of the research, and communication.

Results – The number of responses was 71 (41%). All communication-related Barriers Scale items, and some items associated with the setting and practitioner, were perceived to be a moderate or great barrier by the majority of survey respondents. Similar issues were also raised in focus groups, where language, presentation, and time to engage with research were considered significant influences. Qualitative aspects of the study also revealed scepticism about research application and relevance. All proposed LIS were rated as moderate or great facilitators by the majority of respondents who expressed an opinion (those who choose “no opinion” or did not respond, 6–8%, were excluded).

Conclusions – The high incidence of communication-related issues among top barriers and the enthusiasm expressed about proposed library services and training reveals the key role that LIS personnel can play in enabling practitioners to use research in practice. The addition of setting and practitioner factors indicates that a holistic, collaborative approach to promoting the effective use of research collections and resources is required. Mixed-method data collection (focus group and survey) provided a rich source of information, and may offer a useful approach for future study.
Teenagers’ Public Library Needs are Difficult to Determine
Authors: Martin Jason
Published: February 2016

Abstract

Objective – To discover the attitudes of twelve to fifteen year-olds toward the public library.

Design – Mixed methodology consisting of a survey and focus groups.

Setting – An Eastern Canadian regional municipality.

Subjects – Twelve to fifteen year-old middle school students.

Methods – Using a disproportionate stratified sample and multistage clustering, the author mailed 900 surveys to middle school students; 249 surveys were completed and usable. Those students who completed the survey and who also indicated they would be willing to participate in a focus group were randomly selected to participate in nine focus groups with between 7 to 12 students in each group.

Main Results – Discrepancies exist between the teens’ level of satisfaction with the library indicated on the survey (high) and expressed in the focus groups (low). Teens seldom use the public library due to: their non-existent relationship with library staff, although teens who were “active readers” used the library more; lack of appealing programs and program promotion; no teen-focused website; poor teen facilities within the library; and an overall failure of the public libraries to include teenagers.

Conclusion – Public libraries need to be more responsive to teen needs to attract teens to use the library. To uncover these needs, libraries should use mixed methods of discovery.
Measuring the Extent of the Synonym Problem in Full-Text Searching
Authors: Beall Jeffrey , Kafadar Karen
Published: February 2016

Objective – This article measures the extent of the synonym problem in full-text searching. The synonym problem occurs when a search misses documents because the search was based on a synonym and not on a more familiar term.

Methods – We considered a sample of 90 single word synonym pairs and searched for each word in the pair, both singly and jointly, in the Yahoo! database. We determined the number of web sites that were missed when only one but not the other term was included in the search field.

Results – Depending upon how common the usage is of the synonym, the percentage of missed web sites can vary from almost 0% to almost 100%. When the search uses a very uncommon synonym ("diaconate"), a very high percentage of web pages can be missed (95%), versus the search using the more common term (only 9% are missed when searching web pages for the term "deacons"). If both terms in a word pair were nearly equal in usage ("cooks" and "chefs"), then a search on one term but not the other missed almost half the relevant web pages.

Conclusion – Our results indicate great value for search engines to incorporate automatic synonym searching not only for user-specified terms but also for high usage synonyms. Moreover, the results demonstrate the value of information retrieval systems that use controlled vocabularies and cross references to generate search results.
“Ask, Acquire, Appraise”: A Study of LIS Practitioners Participating in an EBLIP Continuing Education Course
Authors: Sutton Anthea , Booth Andrew , Evans Pippa
Published: February 2016

Objective – The project sought to examine the aspects of the question answering process in an evidence based library and information practice (EBLIP) context by presenting the questions asked, articles selected, and checklists used by an opportunistic sample of Australian and New Zealand library and information professionals from multiple library and information sectors participating in the “Evidence Based Library and Information Practice: Delivering Services That Shine” (EBLIP-Gloss) FOLIOz e-learning course.

Methods – The researchers analyzed the “ask,” “acquire,” and “appraise” tasks completed by twenty-nine library and information professionals working in Australia or New Zealand. Questions were categorized by EBLIP domain, articles were examined to identify any comparisons, and checklists were collated by frequency.

Results – Questions fell within each of the six EBLIP domains, with management being the most common. Timeliness, relevance, and accessibility were stronger determinants of article selection than rigour or study design. Relevance, domain, and applicability were the key determinants in selecting a checklist.

Conclusion – This small-scale study exemplifies the EBLIP process for a self-selecting group of library and information professionals working in Australia and New Zealand. It provides a snapshot of the types of questions that library and information practitioners ask, and the types of articles and checklists found to be useful. Participants demonstrated a preference for literature and checklists originating from within the library and information science (LIS) field, reinforcing the imperative for LIS professionals to contribute to EBLIP research.
Analyzing Public Library Service Interactions to Improve Public Library Customer Service and Technology Systems
Authors: Arnason Holly Kristin , Reimer Louise
Published: February 2016

Abstract

Objective – To explore the types and nature of assistance library customers are asking library staff for in a large Canadian urban public library system.

Methods – A qualitative study employing transaction logging combined with embedded observation occurred for three-day sample periods at a selection of nine branches over the course of eight months. Staff recorded questions and interactions at service desks (in person, by phone, and electronically), as well as questions received during scheduled and non-scheduled provision of mobile reference service. In addition to recording interaction details and interaction medium, staff members were also asked to indicate briefly the process or resources used to resolve the interaction. Survey data were entered and coded through thematic analysis.

Results – The survey collected 6,099 interactions between staff and library customers. Of those 6,099 interactions, 1,920 (31.48%) were coded as pertaining to technology help. Further analysis revealed significant library customer need for help with Internet workstations and printing.

Conclusions – Technology help is a core customer need for Edmonton Public Library, with requests varying in complexity and sometimes resolved with instruction. The library’s Internet workstations and printing system presented critical usability challenges that drove technology help requests.
Gertrude Lamb’s Pioneering Concept of the Clinical Medical Librarian
Authors: Van Kessel Karla
Published: February 2016

Abstract

Objective – To determine if “the medical librarian with special skills and training in tested methods for approaching medical literature serve a valuable interface between the professional who is taking care of patients and the knowledge explosion in medicine wherein lies the key to better patient care” (p. 78).

Design – Qualitative study involving the participant librarians keeping a reflective journal of all interactions with the subjects involved in the first 6 months of the study (September 1974 – March 1975).

Setting – Hartford Hospital, Connecticut.

Subjects – Teaching physicians, house staff, and medical students at Hartford Hospital.

Methods – This pilot project, funded by a two-year grant from the U.S. Public Health service and the National Library of Medicine, placed three medical librarians (two full-time and one part-time) on rounds with pediatrics, medicine, and surgery teams.

The librarians kept diaries to record “critical incidents” (p. 86), including the “acceptance of the program, its impact on patient care, its potential for changing the information seeking behavior of health professionals, and its usefulness for developing a core collection of clinical readings” (p. 86).

Main Results – Despite a few physicians’ initial apprehension, each of the three clinical librarians recorded indications of acceptance by clinical staff, including a dramatic increase in literature search requests; increased phone calls, drop-ins, pages, and requests for research assistance; and gestures of acceptance from house staff and students.

More broadly, the literature searches in Lamb’s report identifies direct patient care (including to “resolve a debate” (p. 84)), medical teaching/education, and searching techniques for clinicians. It is implied that these interactions resulted in a higher profile of the resources and services offered through the library; as one patron queried, “Would you show me how to find articles and where everything is in the library sometime?” (p. 83).

Conclusions – The authors state that while their conclusions are only preliminary and no firm conclusions can be drawn, there are four observations of note:

1. The clinical librarian can be accepted as part of a patient care teaching team by contributing to educational activities.

2. The clinical librarian provides quick and useful information to assist in the decisions and management of patient problems.

3. There is an opportunity to strengthen and modify the information seeking behavior of the health professional.

4. As patient care questions recur, there is a need for a “patient care information system” which can be initiated and supported through the provision of photocopied articles (p. 86).
Development and Testing of a Literature Search Protocol for Evidence Based Nursing: An Applied Student Learning Experience
Authors: Hickner Andy , Friese Christopher R. , Irwin Margaret
Published: February 2016

Objective – The study aimed to develop a search protocol and evaluate reviewers' satisfaction with an evidence-based practice (EBP) review by embedding a library science student in the process.

Methods – The student was embedded in one of four review teams overseen by a professional organization for oncology nurses (ONS). A literature search protocol was developed by the student following discussion and feedback from the review team. Organization staff provided process feedback. Reviewers from both case and control groups completed a questionnaire to assess satisfaction with the literature search phases of the review process.

Results – A protocol was developed and refined for use by future review teams. The collaboration and the resulting search protocol were beneficial for both the student and the review team members. The questionnaire results did not yield statistically significant differences regarding satisfaction with the search process between case and control groups.

Conclusions – Evidence-based reviewers' satisfaction with the literature searching process depends on multiple factors and it was not clear that embedding an LIS specialist in the review team improved satisfaction with the process. Future research with more respondents may elucidate specific factors that may impact reviewers' assessment.
Various Factors May Influence High School Student Use of Public Libraries
Authors: Miller Robin E.
Published: February 2016

Objective – To discover the factors that influence frequency of high school students’ usage of public libraries.

Design – Structural equation modeling (SEM) using the person-in-environment (PIE) framework to test latent variables and direct and indirect relationships between variables.

Setting – Public and school libraries in the United States.

Subjects – Three datasets: Educational Longitudinal Study of 2002, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), provides data about individual students; Public Libraries Survey of 2004, then conducted by NCES, provides data about public libraries in the United States; and Summary Files 1 and 3 of U.S. Census 2000, provide neighborhood-level demographic data.

Methods – Using ArcGIS, the researcher prepared and linked three datasets. Data were analyzed using factor analysis, regression, weighted least squares, and path analysis in order to test relationships between variables exposed in three large datasets.

Main Results – Frequency of public library use by high school students may be influenced by several factors, including race and/or ethnicity and access to resources like school libraries, home computers, and public libraries with adequate service levels.

Conclusion – Increased funding for public library spaces and resources may be warranted by the finding that high levels of public library service may increase high school students’ use of public libraries, particularly in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods.
Question, Find, Evaluate, Apply: Translating Evidence Based Practice into Library Instruction
Authors: Koufogiannakis Denise
Published: February 2016

No abstract.
Urban Public Libraries Do Not Yet Meet Benchmarks for Web Accessibility by Individuals with Disabilities
Authors: Glusker Ann
Published: February 2016

A Review of:
Maatta Smith, S. L. (2014). Web Accessibility Assessment of Urban Public Library Websites. Public Library Quarterly, 33(3), 187-204. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01616846.2014.937207

Abstract

Objective – To determine the extent to which urban public libraries in the United States of America provide web sites which are readily accessible to individuals with disabilities with reference to the Urban Library Council’s EDGE initiative (specifically Benchmark 11, “Technology Inclusiveness”).

Design – Web site evaluation.

Setting – Urban public libraries in the United States of America.

Subjects – The 127 library systems, which were both members of the Urban Libraries Council at the time of the study and located in the United States of America.

Methods – Using the “everyday life information seeking” conceptual framework, an assessment of each of the web sites of the purposive sample of public library systems was performed by an online evaluation tool as well as visually and physically to determine web accessibility and, by extension, technology inclusiveness.

Main Results – The results of the online accessibility evaluation tool revealed that not one of the sites surveyed was free of errors or alerts. Contrast errors (related to color combinations), missing alternative text (providing text alternatives for visual elements), and missing form labels (thereby preventing screen readers from performing searches and navigating to results) were the most common problems. Results of visual and physical scans revealed that many sites lacked specific links and/or resources for persons with disabilities, as well as noting that the resources available used oblique language and required many clicks to access. In addition, the vast majority neglected to feature links to national resources such as the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.

Conclusions – The web sites of urban public libraries are not yet completely accessible for persons with disabilities. At the very least they need coding fixes and ongoing maintenance to address the kinds of issues found by the online web evaluation tool used. In addition, resources for disabled persons should be prominently and clearly linked and promoted. Further research is called for, both in non-urban library systems and in testing a wider range of access technologies. Improvement efforts should acknowledge that web design that improves access for persons with disabilities serves the broader community as well.
Call for Expressions of Interest to Host the 7th International Evidence Based Library and Information Practice Conference in 2013
Authors: . .
Published: February 2016

No abstract.
Are Best Practices Really Best? A Review of the Best Practices Literature in Library and Information Studies
Authors: Druery Jackie , McCormack Nancy , Murphy Sharon
Published: February 2016

Objective - The term “best practice” appears often in library and information science literature, yet, despite the frequency with which the term is used, there is little discussion about what is meant by the term and how one can reliably identify a best practice.

Methods – This paper reviews 113 articles that identify and discuss best practices, in order to determine how “best practices” are distinguished from other practices, and whether these determinations are made on the basis of consistent and reliable evidence. The review also takes into account definitions of the term to discover if a common definition is used amongst authors.

Results – The “evidence” upon which papers on “best practices” are based falls into one of the following six categories: 1) opinion (n=18, 15%), 2) literature reviews (n=13, 12%), 3) practices in the library in which the author works (n=19, 17%), 4) formal and informal qualitative and quantitative approaches (n=16, 14%), 5) a combination of the aforementioned (i.e., combined approaches) (n=34, 30%), and 6) “other” sources or approaches which are largely one of a kind (n=13, 12%). There is no widely shared or common definition of “best practices” amongst the authors of these papers, and most papers (n=94, 83%) fail to define the term at all. The number of papers was, for the most part, split evenly amongst the six categories indicating that writers on the subject are basing “best practices” assertions on a wide variety of sources and evidence.

Conclusions – Library and information science literature on “best practices” is rarely based on rigorous empirical methods of research and therefore is generally unreliable. There is, in addition, no widely held understanding of what is meant by the use of the term.
Public Libraries Could Better Serve Older Adults by Having More Programming Specifically Directed Toward Them
Authors: Glusker Ann
Published: February 2016

A Review of:

Bennett-Kapusniak, R. (2013). Older Adults and the Public Library: The Impact of the Boomer Generation. Public Library Quarterly, 32(3), 204-222. doi: 10.1080/01616846.2013.818814

Abstract

Objective – To determine whether programming at public libraries in the United States is aimed at older adults, and whether the programs help older adults maintain their health and well-being.

Design – Web site evaluation.

Setting – Public libraries in the United States of America.

Subjects – The main library of each public library system located in the capital city of each of the 50 states in the United States of America.

Methods – A scan of each of the web sites of the selected public library branches was performed by the author, to determine the number of programs specifically directed towards older adults.

Main Results – The scan of sites indicated that there was very little programming specifically aimed at older adults and their needs. Mainly, offerings for older adults took the form of mixing in with adults of all ages. Computer technology class offerings were particularly lacking. The majority of libraries had programs to teach how to access library resources and electronic media (although not necessarily aimed at older adults), programs for those who are less mobile, as well as some adaptive

technology for those with sensory disabilities. In addition, the majority of libraries had adult literacy programs, and active collaboration with community organizations.

Conclusions – Public libraries can do more to develop programs specifically for older adults. They should take into account the wide diversity of older adults’ information and other needs. In particular, they should consider offering programs that focus on technological skills, and also should offer assistive technology for older patrons. There also needs to be more research on the needs of older adults, from the perspective of the patrons themselves and that of library staff.
Library Users Attempt to Access a Wide Range of Information Beyond Books and Articles through a Single Search Box
Authors: Sharun Sara
Published: February 2016

A Review of:
Lown, C., Sierra, T., & Boyer, J. (2013). How users search the library from a single search box. College & Research Libraries, 74(3), 227-241. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.5860/crl-321

Abstract

Objective – To identify how users use a single search box.

Design – Transaction log analysis.

Setting – A large research university in North Carolina, United States of America.

Subjects – Search results from a customized single search box on the library’s home page, consisting of 739,180 searches and 655,388 hyperlink selections.

Methods – The authors used custom logging software to generate transaction logs of all searches that took place over two semesters (August to December 2010 and January to May 2011) in QuickSearch, a custom-made, combined search application. The study tracked search queries and hyperlink selections, noting which modules in the discovery interface (articles, catalogue, databases, and others) were selected and, from these modules, which hyperlinks were clicked.

Main Results – Transaction log analysis was conducted on over 739,000 searches during the two semesters and over 655,000 hyperlink selections from the results interface. The 20 most frequent queries made in QuickSearch were primarily for specific resources (database titles or journal titles), administrative information, and library services. The 153 most popular searches made up 10% of all searches. Hyperlinks to full-text articles (41.5%) and the catalogue (35.2%) accounted for about 76% of the links selected. About 23% of links selected were for other modules (e.g., FAQs, “best bets,” and journal titles). Hyperlinks that led directly to specific items were selected more frequently than hyperlinks to a full list of results.

Conclusion – Analysis of user transaction logs suggests that users do not understand what is being searched in a combined search box and that search applications need to direct users more effectively to resources beyond the catalogue and article databases. Users attempt to access a wide range of information from a single search box, and the most commonly used modules in QuickSearch do not serve many of the most frequent queries. Many of the most common queries can be defined and addressed with a predefined list of results, improving the quality of results and the search experience for users. Ongoing evaluation and analysis of the search interface and subsequent optimization for the most frequent queries can improve user experience.
Registrations now open for EBLIP8
Authors: . .
Published: February 2016

No abstract.
The Potential of Generic Social Outcomes in Promoting the Positive Impact of the Public Library: Evidence from the National Year of Reading in Yorkshire
Authors: Rankin Carolynn
Published: February 2016

Abstract

Objective – To present the development, planning and implementation of a qualitative research project on the impact of National Year of Reading in Yorkshire.

Methods – Generic Social Outcomes (GSO) were used to develop a theoretical framework. Data were gathered via in-depth interviews and focus groups with National Year of Reading (NYR) steering group partners in Calderdale and North Lincolnshire, selected as the two case study authorities. The use of MAXQDA computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) enabled data and coding structures to be stored and facilitated comparison in this longitudinal study.

Results – The findings using the GSO framework show considerable evidence of NYR related activities in supporting the three first-tier social outcomes: ‘Stronger and Safer Communities’, ‘Health and Well-Being’ and ‘Strengthening Public Life.’

Conclusion – The GSO framework can be used by practitioners to help provide evidence for how public libraries contribute to diverse agendas and demonstrate their value to the community. Public library authorities can use this evidence for planning and for advocacy with a range of audiences including local and central government.
Evidence Based Library and Information Practice Preserves with the CLOCKSS Archive
Authors: . .
Published: February 2016

No abstract.
Development of Deal- and Journal-level Metrics and Methods Assists Librarians to Evaluate Big Deals
Authors: Reed Kathleen
Published: February 2016

A Review of:

Blecic, D.D., Wiberley, Jr., S.E., Fiscella, J.B., Bahnmaier-Blaszczak, S., & Lowery, R. (2013). Deal or no deal?: Evaluating Big Deals and their journals. College & Research Libraries, 74(2), 178-193.

Objective – To assess the value of aggregated journal packages (Big Deals) and to select individual journal titles for continued subscription should a deal be cancelled.

Design – Case study.

Setting – Doctoral research university library in the United States of America.

Subjects – Three anonymous Big Deals.

Methods – The authors define metrics at two levels (deal and journal) to evaluate Big Deal packages. The metrics rely heavily on the COUNTER JR1 metric Successful Full-Text Article Request (SFTAR).

Main Results – The authors found that while 30% of journals provide 80% of SFTARs, the cost of subscribing to these journals individually would not save significant sums of money. Additionally, they speculate that library users would increase the number of interlibrary loan requests to access the 20% of SFTARs that would be inaccessible if a Big Deal was cut, amounting to increased costs.

Conclusion – With no sign of publishers moving to change the price and conditions of Big Deals, these arrangements are becoming unsustainable for libraries. As this occurs, librarians require methods of assessing which deals to keep and which to cut, as well as evidence of to which individual journals they should subscribe. The authors of this paper set out one method of conducting these assessments that they have found to be useful at an academic library. They conclude by stating that even with SFTAR data, individuals must keep in mind the necessity of providing equitable access to all of a university community’s user groups.
Five-Month Print and Electronic Patron-Driven Acquisitions Trial at a Large University Shows Circulation Advantages
Authors: Costello Laura
Published: February 2016

A Review of:
Tynan, M. & McCarney, E. (2014). “Click here to order this book”: A case study of print and electronic patron-driven acquisition in University College Dublin. New Review of Academic Librarianship, 20(2), 233-250. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13614533.2014.906352

Abstract

Objective – To evaluate the effectiveness of the first patron-driven acquisitions program in the Republic of Ireland and determine the effects of this acquisitions strategy on circulation, budget, and collection development.

Design – Case study.

Setting – A large university on two campuses in the Republic of Ireland with a total of over 25,000 students.

Subjects – Patron-driven acquisitions including 1,128 electronic monographs and 1,044 print monographs.

Methods – The authors evaluated titles purchased during a five-month patron-driven acquisitions trial conducted in 2013. Patron-selected titles were compared to traditionally acquired (faculty and librarian-selected) titles acquired during the same time period based on subject area and circulation data. Results from the trial were also compared to a literature review of patron-driven acquisitions trials conducted at other institutions. Information on selectors was examined for patron-driven print acquisitions.

Main Results – The most frequently acquired subject areas included business, politics, English, drama and film, medicine, psychology, history, and law. These frequently acquired subject areas were consistent across print and electronic patron-driven acquisitions, traditionally acquired titles at the institution, and data from the patron-driven acquisitions trials of other institutions. Patron-selected titles in art history and architecture subjects showed a significant print preference over electronic. Patron-selected electronic titles were used 8.45 times compared to 3.27 uses for traditionally selected electronic titles. Patron-selected print titles circulated 1.32 times compared to 1.04 circulations for faculty-selected titles and 0.63 circulations for librarian-selected titles. For patron-driven print acquisitions, 63% of selectors were students and 37% were faculty and staff.

Conclusion – The trial was considered successful in circulation and subject area diversity. Subject breakdown for patron-selected titles was consistent with expectations and mirrored traditional acquisitions strategies and expected demand. Patron-selected titles showed a circulation advantage over traditionally selected titles, though this advantage was more significant for electronic titles. The library intends to continue with patron-driven acquisitions. Considerations for future trials, including higher quality and more selective discovery records for print titles, more informative marketing, and better timing, could improve results.
Patron Preferences for Folksonomy Tags: Research Findings When Both Hierarchial Subject Headings and Folksonomy Tags Are Used
Authors: Peterson Elaine
Published: February 2016

Objective: With the emergence of folksonomy as an option for subject tagging, discussions have ensued about the costs and benefits of continuing to construct and apply traditional subject headings, given that patrons now can generate their own tags. To date, there are very few databases that allow both systems to coexist.

Methods: Within the full text ETD (Electronic Theses and Dissertations) database at Montana State University, both traditional, hierarchical subject headings and patron applied tags are allowed. Patrons are encouraged to tag and the database even features a browse tag capability and a featured ETD. After 24 months of coexistence, data was gathered and analyzed to determine patron use and preferences when given the option of adding their own tags.

Results: Very few patrons take advantage of adding their own tags. After 2 years, only 2.5 percent of the ETDs have acquired folksonomy tags. A gradual replacement of LCSH headings by patron tags has not occurred.

Conclusions: The main preference for patron-generated tags can be characterized as very narrow in application and in general would have been disallowed under a traditional library subject heading scheme. Despite the low usage, the folksonomy tags are a positive focal point and have generated collaboration within the database.
Editorial Responsibilities
Authors: Koufoginakis Denise
Published: February 2016

No abstract.
Services in a Changing Academic Library: Patron Feedback and Library Response
Authors: Stoffel Bruce
Published: February 2016

No abstract.
Granice międzynarodowe i ich wpływ na krajobraz Granica Izrael-Egipt jako studium przypadku
Authors: Biger Gideon
Published: February 2016

Granice międzynarodowe, ich historia, położenie, spory dotyczące ich dokładnego wytyczenia, ich strategiczne znaczenie i inne fakty są tematem zainteresowań wielu badaczy. Należą do nich prawnicy międzynarodowi, geografowie, historycy, politolodzy, badacze stosunków międzynarodowych, kartografowie, wojskowi. Zajmują się oni problemami granicy w różnych aspektach: jej położenia, statusu prawnego, historii, znaczenia w obronności kraju itd. Jednakże wpływ granic międzynarodowych na kształtowanie się krajobrazu nie znalazł większego zainteresowania wśród badaczy. W artykule przedstawiono kilka przykładów wyznaczenia granicy politycznej, które przyniosło zmiany krajobrazu po obu jej stronach. Jako studium przypadku omówiono granicę między Izraelem i Egiptem.
Granice polityczne a turystyka
Authors: Kosmala Gerard
Published: February 2016

Granice polityczne są przedmiotem badań geografii politycznej. Pomimo globalizacji i innych procesów nie tracą one na znaczeniu. Mają wpływ na wiele dziedzin życia, w tym i turystykę. Celem tego opracowania jest próba uporządkowania wiedzy na temat wzajemnych relacji pomiędzy turystyką a granicami politycznymi. Problematyka ta była podejmowana przez wielu autorów na świecie, jednak w Polsce nie spotkała się dotychczas z większym zainteresowaniem. Omawiane relacje można umownie uprościć do wpływu granic politycznych na turystykę i turystyki na granice polityczne. W każdym przypadku wpływ ten może mieć charakter pozytywny bądź negatywny. Wpływ granic politycznych na turystykę widoczny jest w tym, że stanowią one barierę w podróży, służą kontroli ruchu turystycznego, wpływają na koszty i zróżnicowanie środowiska geograficznego oraz przyczyniają się do likwidacji pewnych zjawisk. Granice budzą zainteresowanie turystów ze względu na to, że istnieją oraz z powodu formy swojego istnienia. Samo pokonywanie granicy jest intrygujące, tak samo jak materialne i niematerialne elementy związane z granicą, zarówno obecne, jak i historyczne. Ponadto granica przyczynia się do powstania innych zjawisk, które budzą zainteresowanie turystów. Turystyka również ma wpływ na granice polityczne, jednak wydaje się, że ma to mniejsze znaczenie. Turystyka może wpływać na uproszczenie procedur granicznych i zmiany w infrastrukturze na granicy. Przyczynia się do zmian w krajobrazie, najczęściej z pozytywnymi efektami, oraz rozwoju różnorodnych zjawisk na pograniczu, co może prowadzić do powstania swoistej atmosfery pogranicza.
Associations Between Periodontitis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: The 2010 to 2012 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Chung Jae Ho , Hwang Hee‐Jin , Kim Sun‐Hyun , Kim Tae Ho
Published: February 2016

Background: The aim of this study is to examine whether oral hygiene and self‐care, particularly in periodontal health, are associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the Korean population.

Methods: Data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2010 to 2012 were used to assess the community periodontal index (CPI) of 5,878 participants (normal lung function: n = 5,181; obstructive spirometric pattern: n = 697) aged ≥40 years, who underwent spirometry.

Results: Participants with COPD brushed their teeth less frequently and used the following less frequently: 1) dental floss and/or interdental brush; 2) mouthwash; and 3) electric toothbrush (P <0.001). Prevalence of periodontitis in patients with COPD (58.1%) was significantly higher than in those without COPD (34.0%, P <0.001). Number of teeth was significantly lower in patients with COPD compared with controls. Decayed‐missing‐filled tooth index was significantly lower in patients with COPD. This study shows risk of COPD by periodontal severity. Periodontitis (CPI 3 and 4) was associated in males with COPD after adjustment for: 1) age; 2) income; 3) education; 4) smoking; 5) alcohol consumption; 6) exercise; 7) body mass index; 8) toothbrushing frequency; 9) diabetes mellitus; and 10) number of teeth (CPI 3: relative risk [RR] = 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.12 to 2.05; CPI 4: RR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.06 to 1.56).

Conclusion: Findings of this cross‐sectional study suggest that COPD in males may be associated with severe periodontitis and indicates the importance of promoting dental care in patients with COPD.
Reading And Evaluating Research Articles: A Set Of Guidelines
Authors: Barnes Keith
Published: February 2016

Reading And Evaluating Research Articles: A Set Of Guidelines
An Integrative Study Of Organizational Structure Influences On Information Utilization
Authors: Fandt Patricia M. , Lewis Pamela S.
Published: February 2016

The present study integrates organizational structure influences on managers use of information for decision making. While previous research supports the notion that managers use accessible rather quality information, the present study indicates that quality, more often than accessibility, determines the information used. Organizations that exhibit characteristics of an organic system appear to provide the rewards and motivation for using accurate and timely information sources. Implications of future research and managerial applications are provided.
A Reassessment Of The Excess Return Phenomenon For Initial Public Offerings Of Common Stock
Authors: Wolfe Glenn A. , Cooperman Elizabeth S.
Published: February 2016

This study examines the relationship between underpricing for new issues of common stock and issue size (offer price and number of shares) after controlling for an issues risk. Both risk and offer price are found to be significant factors in explaining underpricing. Offer price dominates as an explanatory variable in cold issue markets, while risk dominates in hot issue markets.
Information And Management: A Critical Success Factor Study
Authors: Dadashzadeh Mohammad
Published: February 2016

During four consecutive academic terms, working MBA students enrolled in the core course in management information systems were required to conduct a structured interview with a manager in their organizations. The principal objective of the interview was to ascertain whether or not the manager was being supported with the right information to monitor his or her critical success factors. This paper reports on the results of these interviews.
Selectivity, Information And The Return To Futures Trading
Authors: Trimble John L. , Marr M. Wayne
Published: February 2016

One of the more controversial issues in modern financial economics and in futures trading in particular is whether traders have the ability to earn returns above what they could with a buy-and-hold strategy. The weight of evidence in support of Martingale price movements generally has been considered to be evidence that the expected value of trading returns is zero. This paper shows, however, that, when the contingent claims in a futures contract are taken into account in defining return, expected trading returns may not be zero, even if prices follow the Martingale pattern. We also point out that, if a sample of trades is representative of some trading strategy with its corresponding trading information, the impact of that strategy on a traders expected return can be represented by a probability model of the strategys success. This results because, to be successful, a trading strategy must select trades nonrandomly. Using these results, the paper specifies a model of the expected return of an arbitrary trading strategy. As an illustration, the model is estimated for an artificially constructed strategy in gold futures that imitates what the industry claims is the epitome of futures trading performance many small losses more than offset by a few big gains. Statistical tests based on the estimation of this model support the characterization of returns being due to the trading strategy using information to nonrandomly select trades.
Job Search, Perceptions Of Alternative Employment And Turnover
Authors: Laker Dennis R.
Published: February 2016

After the seminal study of turnover, by Mobley (1977), others (Hom, Griffeth, & Sellaro, 1984, Hom & Griffeth, 1988; Steers & Mowday, 1981) have placed a major emphasis upon perceptions of the external labor market (expected utility of search and evaluation of alternatives), intentions to search, actual job search activities and the results of that search upon the turnover decision. Yet, empirical research has tended to ignore the role that the job search plays in turnover. The present study operationalized the concepts of: perceptions of the external labor market, the individuals job search and the results of the job search upon the individuals decision to quit. Subjects were 106 alumni of a branch campus of a large Midwestern university. Respondents were employed in a variety of managerial and professional positions. Data were collected through phone interviews and turnover was assessed over a thirteen-month period Turnover was accurately predicted by the evaluation of alternatives, the intention to search, the expected utility of the search and thoughts of quitting. Each accounted for unique variance in the prediction of the intention to search, the expected utility of search and quitting, and thoughts of quitting.
Policies To Promote Auditor Independence: More Evidence On The Perception Gap
Authors: Schleifer Lydia L. F. , Shockley Randolph A.
Published: February 2016

The extensive body of literature and research concerning auditor independence, the so-called cornerstone of the profession, has centered mainly on alleged threats to perceived independence or threats to actual independence. The objective of this study was to investigate accountants and financial statement users reactions to policies designed to enhance auditor independence. Multidimensional scaling techniques were used to measure the similarity or dissimilarity of the views of four separate groups: Big Eight auditors; non-Big Eight CPAs, bank loan officers, and certified financial analysis. Results showed that the four groups differed significantly in the extent of their support of fourteen policies discussed in the Cohen Communication Report as means to enhance auditor independence. The Cohen Commissions position on these policies was found to appear to be more aligned with financial statement users.
Statistical or Non-Statistical Sampling: Which Approach Is Best?
Authors: Colbert James L.
Published: February 2016

When planning sampling procedures, the auditor considers this question: should a non-statistical or a statistical approach be used? A statistical method provides an objective measure of risk, optimizes the sample size, and is best for a population of a large number of homogeneous transactions. If the population members are dissimilar or there are key items, a non-statistical approach is most suitable. Some practitioners believe a statistical sample is more defensible; others feel a non-statistical approach can be more readily justified.
The Expanded Role Of Financial Reporting In Global Markets
Authors: Farrelly Gail E.
Published: February 2016

Financial reporting in global economy is the subject matter of this essay. The present system provides information that is objective past-oriented, technically precise, and quantitative. What is needed for worldwide information demands in financial markets, however, is a system which recognizes the importance of a qualitative dimension and leans toward relevance in the reliability-relevance tradeoff. Long-term profit projections and plans should be highlighted; professional judgment should take precedence over technical precision.