08.EALC - 2020
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Item Open Access A Workshop on Collection Assessment(Nazarbayev University Library, 2020-09) Manabat, April; Yap, Joseph M.Item Open Access The Modern Academic Library: Changing Times, Evolving Roles(Nazarbayev University Library, 2020-09) Mamtora, JayshreeIn recent years, there have been significant changes in the role of the academic library that has had an impact on the teaching, learning and research of the university. The library has become engaged in new and innovative areas leading to a repositioning of their role and function. In this presentation, I will explore some of the trends and developments that have led to this paradigm shift. For example, providing more meaningful user experiences for our staff and students; enhancing the digital fluency of the user; incorporating new technologies such as artificial intelligence in processes; and partnering with researchers for improved scholarly communication, to name a few. I will seek to highlight some of these innovations and encourage participants to reflect on the needs of their own users and how, and in what way, changes could be brought about to improve practices in their own institutions.Item Open Access Developing a Competency Index for Librarians: Benchmark for Capacity Building, LIS Education, and Continuing Professional Development(Nazarbayev University Library, 2020-09) Alenzuela, Reysa; Cantel, Ana Mae; Peleña, Ma. CynthiaCompetence is always an evolving issue as it needs to adapt to the transformation in society. Library and information professionals are faced with the same societal changes in dealing with information, technology, and services. Knowledge and skills must also be aligned to the needs of the institution served. The development of a competency index has been a major task of library organizations. The American Library Association, Association of College and Research Libraries and Online Computer Library Center have created a competency index that will guide educators and employers on what to expect from information professionals. However, this may not be a one-size-fits-all considering the uniqueness of libraries based on geography, culture, language and other factors. Hence, this case study of two associations: the Vanuatu Library Association and Southeast Asia Theological Librarians was developed. The research describes how the competencies of two associations were created and explains the steps in developing a competency index that can be applied in a country or a region.Item Open Access Digital Humanities Studies in Academic Libraries(Nazarbayev University Library, 2020-09) Chen, Kuang-huaItem Open Access Azerbaijan Bibliography, Modern International Databases on Natural Sciences: Formation, Structure and Use in the Azerbaijan’s Library and Bibliography Practice(Nazarbayev University Library, 2020-09) Hajiyeva, Khayalaciences, the investigation of their methodological structure and usage issues of these databases in Azerbaijan and in the world. Methodology. The research examines two areas of bibliography on natural sciences: 1. The National bibliography of Azerbaijan, and 2. Modern library databases, and their benefits to structure methodology, and data modeling. The history of formation of libraries and information resources on natural sciences in Azerbaijan, and the improvement stages they have taken during this period have been highlighted. Findings. Results show that asides from the advantages of databases and the success of library databases in library practice in the world, there were also difficulties and problems of creating the local bibliographic database for the natural sciences. Originality. Examples and experiences of local libraries are discussed in the paper and compared with the world’s leading library and bibliography practices. It covers scientific research on the principles of creating global electronic bibliographic databases on natural sciences, the principles of structural formation and the use of information resources in this area. The article reports the development of modern electronic bibliographic databases and their perspectives in Azerbaijan and abroad.Item Open Access The Role of Academic Libraries in the Formation of Information Resources in the Field of Architecture and Construction in Azerbaijan(Nazarbayev University Library, 2020-09) Hajiyeva, GunelPurpose. The purpose of this paper is to describe the influence of academic libraries in the formation of information resources in the field of architecture and construction in Azerbaijan Republic. This paper will describe funds, electronic resources, bibliographic databases and also electron catalogs which are available in academic libraries about this field. Methodology. The article uses complex methods that complement each other. At the same time, documents in the field were analyzed, taking into account the method of systematic approach, attention was paid to the theoretical and practical analysis of the literature on the problem under study. Statistical and chronological methods were used for researching how many academic libraries are available in Azerbaijan and how they are working with the fields of architecture and construction science. Findings. Initial findings indicate that there are some important libraries that were established in the last century and their activities are at the level of modern requirements. They also work with huge international databases. Practical applications. As in the case in all areas, the study of document and information flow related to architecture and construction is directly related to libraries. Thus, the library is one of the main and historically original information institutions that provide public access to socially important document information, one of the producers of information products and services. Originality/value. Nowadays as the importance of architecture and construction science is increasing, there is no doubt that information resources in this field also become valuable. That is why we need to collect, organize, and create a repository so users will have access to these data. Academic libraries fulfill its mission.Item Open Access A Shared Future: Advancing Institutional Goals by Aligning Library, Unit, and Campus Strategic Plans(Nazarbayev University Library, 2020-09) Stark, AlexandraHigher education is undergoing radical change due to heightened competition, increased globalization, and changing student populations. Universities are using mission and vision statements to provide clarity for everyone in the institution during this period of change and uncertainty. Strategic plans are created to provide a pathway for the institution to reach a desired future which addresses the diverse challenges and opportunities impacting higher education. However, without collective commitment to the organizational goals and objectives by all units and departments, strategic work becomes siloed and serves to create a separation between campus administration and faculty and staff. This paper explores methods and strategies library units and departments can use to align themselves with organizational strategic plans in order to demonstrate value to campus leadership and advance institutional goals. To further examine institutional alignment, this paper will demonstrate alignment methodology in practice through the University of Wisconsin - Madison Libraries’ E-Learning Plan as a case study. The University of Wisconsin - Madison’s Chancellor launched an initiative to offer online undergraduate degrees starting Fall 2020. The Libraries’ created the E-Learning Plan to shift information literacy instruction and library services online and to be responsive and proactive to the changing campus landscape. Challenges, successes, and emerging best practices from the creation of the E-Learning Plan are considered. Librarians and professionals can apply observations and lessons learned from the development of a unit plan that aligns with campus initiatives and campus-level strategic plans to their own institutions and libraries.Item Open Access Just a Click Away: The Role of Available Mobile Technologies at NU Library(Nazarbayev University Library, 2020-09) Baidyussenova, Gulzhan; Manabat, AprilPurpose of the study. Libraries have a decent chance to broaden innovative library services to users. With the assistance of emerging mobile technologies, libraries can now provide speedier access to services with just a click away. Given the convenience provided by these mobile technologies, it is indeed material for libraries to not just explore the benefits of these technological innovations, but also to educate people how to maximize their use. The Nazarbayev University Library (NUL) has been exploring these technologies for quite some time now. As such this study aims to provide a review of the distinctive mobile technologies available at the NU Library. It also intends to identify the benefits of these technologies as perceived by students during the Library Road Show-2018. Moreover, the study seeks to determine possible ways to promote these mobile technologies to patrons to maximize its use. Methodology. A random survey was conducted among the participants during the “Library Road Show 2018” held at the atrium of the Nazarbayev University last 2018. The event showcased the different technologies available in the library. Ten questions were asked to random participants who visited the event and made use of the available mobile technologies available at the library such as Prestigio and Jet Book. The questions revolved around the use of these technologies and users’ perceptions about them. Based on these perceptions and other observations, the researchers were able to determine possible ways to promote these mobile technologies to maximize use. Findings. Based on the survey conducted, it was found out that not all participants knew how to make use of the available technologies available at NU Library. In addition, most of them were not aware that these mobile technologies were already available for use at the library. Moreover, the majority of the participants appreciated the value of these mobile technologies even without the knowledge that these mobile technologies are actually available at the library. Practical applications. This paper aims to describe the available mobile technologies at NU Library. Since an increasing number of services that help patrons in their research needs were provided by the library, this study will provide a glimpse of these technologies and its use. In addition, this study will help the library in coming up with possible ways to promote these technologies to the NU community. Conclusion. Libraries use several tools and techniques to disseminate information to their community. Marketing and promotion of these services to maximize its use is important. Based on the study, there were a number of mobile technologies available for use for the library patrons such as Overdrive and Prestigio among others. The use of technology as a tool in delivering services to patrons is essential to provide efficiency and convenience without sacrificing the quality of service. Promoting these technologies through exhibits and events like library roadshows, gamifications, and others will be a great help in increasing and maximizing its usage.Item Open Access Introduction of Information and Digital Literacy Workshops to Freshmen Students at Westminster International University in Tashkent(Nazarbayev University Library, 2020-09) Levinskaya, Victoria; Ibragimova, KamolaThis article examines the case of introducing Information and Digital Literacy (IDL) skills workshops to foundational level students in the format of an embedded session with a critical thinking module seminar (Strengthening Thinking and Problem Solving Skills - STaPSS) at Westminster International University in Tashkent. STaPSS mostly emphasized the content of the text and its meaning in terms of finding logical fallacies, biased opinions, etc. IDL concentrated on technical details of the source, credibility of education platforms where it could be accessed, and analyzing and evaluating the technical specifications attributed to the source. This document describes the usage of a diagnostic assessment tool by Rodney K.Marshall (Ph.D., University of Tennessee) which was applied before the workshop to discover freshmen information competency, and comparison of the results after the workshop. Additionally, a satisfaction survey was conducted to gather feedback about the content of the workshops, learning activities, teaching methods and suggestions for improvement. This paper analyzes the adoption of innovative information literacy programs, highlighting achievements and takeaways, and continuing questions that arise in the process of integration. In addition, it reveals the necessity of such a program into the curriculum, since extracurricular activities in this sphere were found to be ineffective. With results obtained from the study, this paper found that the introduction of IDL workshops increased the information competency of first year students and contributed to the development of their critical thinking skills. This paper may also serve as a guide for academic librarians and faculty who are attentive to 21 st century skills in today’s environment.Item Open Access Services design in academic libraries and its impact on university community(Nazarbayev University Library, 2020-09) Mammadova, VafaPurpose. The purpose of the paper is to study how service design is developed and implemented in academic libraries in order to meet the requirements of the university community in their educational, research and/or personal activities. Methodology. The author aims to bring clarification to modern concepts, such as design thinking principles, process and methods to make them more understandable for the readers, and describe planning stages of the services design in academic libraries. The paper was compiled based on related literature review, observations, and findings from case studies Findings. Detailed services design planning allows the libraries to foresee all possible difficulties and shortcomings of the planned library services, and thus sidestep these problems by considering all conditions in the initial stage. The primary goal of the services design activity in academic libraries is mostly connected to meeting library and information needs of the university community, and creating new library services for all situations (such as the current pandemic) that might be in great demand by library patrons, though they might not even realize it. Therefore, a special and in-depth study of the user behavior and feedback in certain library services is essential in terms of understanding patrons’ requirements, and developing more innovative user-centered services for them. Originality/value. The services design process and design thinking principles and methods are broadly discussed topics in modern librarianship, which make this paper competitive enough to analyze different points of views and find out one can be applicable in certain circumstances and/or environments. In this regard, the suggested tools and techniques can be practical for most young library specialists working in public services units of academic libraries.Item Restricted Book Donation: Ideas to Enrich your Collection and Community(Nazarbayev University Library, 2020-09) Shubina, IrinaPurpose. The purpose of this paper is to describe the efforts of the library to enrich the fund and to find the ways to develop library collection free of charge. This paper will describe how libraries can supply library users with the materials they need, offering students the chances to be better prepared for their research and lessons and to improve the educational process at the university. Methodology. The assessment used the quantity of the books received by the library free of charge and quantity of the partners, with whom are established good relationships. Findings. It is necessary to underline that the search of book donors is a very important direction in library activities and can be very fruitful for library users. Good library collection gives students an opportunity to receive better education, which would ultimately improve their lives and ensure a brighter future. However, it is not easy to find the book donors, also there are problems with ship customs and it needed to resolve them. Research limitations/implications. While one of the goals of the academic library is to support and enrich the resources and services the library provides to students and professors it is necessary to find novel ways of library collection development. Even in today’s high-tech world, traditional hard copy books still have the amazing ability to offer inspiration, insight and education. Originality. The extension of professional international book networks. To explore organizations which would be happy to donate gently used books to good use.Item Open Access Academic Libraries of the World: Exemplars, Educators, Enablers for Sustainable Development(Nazarbayev University Library, 2020-09) Hauke, PetraSustainable thinking and going green are undoubtedly on the agenda worldwide. The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) adopted the United Nations Agenda 2030 to demonstrate the key role of libraries as engines for sustainable development. The purpose of this study is to motivate and encourage academic libraries to take a leading role in their communities to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Agenda 2030 and to stimulate further research on the topic. This study identifies, for the first time, outstanding examples of sustainable libraries from all over the world. It focuses on academic libraries that took part in the IFLA Green Library Award competition or those that published their project as an SDG story on the Library Map of the World. The examples given depict how libraries and access to information address the demands across all SDGs. Tools such as a checklist, a short literature review and relevant websites complement the study. Academic libraries and librarians can learn by example and adopt strategies and solutions proven to be successful in other countries. By doing so, they can join a global movement to act as exemplars, educators, and enablers for sustainable development (IFLA, 2018).Item Open Access Digital Humanities and the Role of the Library: Experiences from the Sussex Humanities Lab(Nazarbayev University Library, 2020-09) Tatham, Suzanne