This case study details a semester-long research project using an embedded information literacy instruction (ILI) approach using a two-part library instruction series. This program helped students learn how to conduct marketing research using licensed and free business intelligence resources in an introduction to marketing course to complete a semester-long, two-part marketing plan. The goals of this project are to strengthen students’ information literacy within a business context and to conduct marketing research using secondary data in the creation of a marketing plan for a popular franchise business. The embedded librarian approach contributed to grade increases between parts one and two of the assignment.

Though collections are often identified as a core component for academic libraries, studies show that shifting priorities have taken some attention away from the traditional aspects of collections (ACRL Research Planning and Review Committee, 2024; Dempsey, 2020; Rieger, 2019). Data from this thematic analysis of Association of Research Libraries (ARL) academic library strategic plans presented the variety of terms and language being used to describe collection-related activities. Though evidence shows that most ARL libraries still highlight collections, the way collections are referenced has broadened. Current framing of collections often places emphasis on services and user needs. This analysis draws attention to how collections are featured within strategic plans from some of the leading academic research libraries. This research is relevant for library strategic planning discussions and for those who are following trends of library collection practices.

Tabletop role-playing games, such as Dungeons and Dragons, provide players with a safe and friendly atmosphere to develop their social skills and cognitive abilities in a recreational fashion. As libraries progressively begin to collect and provide programming for games, the need for knowledgeable and experienced staff on the topic of games becomes apparent. For librarians that are unfamiliar with Dungeons and Dragons, it can feel like a daunting task to decide what materials are necessary and how to run game programming. This article will provide some guidance on why Dungeons and Dragons is beneficial to library patrons, what products might be useful to begin your library programs, and where to find valuable resources to help you get started.

This study investigates the impact of information literacy digital badges on student course grades. Despite the growing popularity of digital badges in higher education, empirical evidence regarding their effect on academic performance remains limited. This research aims to fill that gap by analyzing the relationship between badge earning and student success, addressing the overarching question: What is the impact of badge earning on student course grades? The study utilizes data from over 900 students who participated in the digital badge program, which offered information literacy badges as co-curricular activities. The data analysis examined correlations between the number of badges earned and student grades, as well as differences based on gender and class standing. The findings indicate a significant positive correlation between earning at least one digital badge and higher course grades. The study’s findings support the potential of digital badges as a meaningful tool for enhancing student learning and success.

The purpose of this study is to examine the core journals used by graduate students in doctoral research in sociology at 16 institutions within the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA). Citation studies in dissertations are often limited to exploring core journals based on local or aggregate multi-institutional use and rarely provide metrics for comparing local use within a discipline. Our study explores the nuances of finding core journals based on local priorities and aggregate use in dissertations. It also examines how well each institution supports graduate research by examining the institutional holdings for these core lists.

An interview with Emily Reed