Library Resources Research Articles

Predictors of Engagement in Multiple Modalities of Digital Mental Health Treatments: Longitudinal Study

Background Technology-enhanced mental health platforms may serve as a pathway to accessible and scalable mental health care; specifically, those that leverage stepped care models have the potential to address many barriers to patient care, including low mental health literacy, mental health provider shortages, perceived acceptability of care, and equitable access to evidence-based treatment. Driving meaningful engagement in care through these platforms remains a challenge. Objective This study aimed to examine predictors of engagement in self-directed digital mental health services offered as part of an employer-based mental health benefit that uses a technology-enabled care platform. Methods Using a prospective, longitudinal design, we examined usage data from employees who had access to an employer-sponsored mental health care benefit. Participants had access to a digital library of mental health resources, which they could use at any time, including daily exercises, interactive programs, podcasts, and mindfulness exercises. Coaching and teletherapy were also available to. The outcome was engagement with the self-directed digital mental health resources, measured by the number of interactions. Poisson regression models included sociodemographic characteristics, patient activation, mental health literacy, well-being, PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores at baseline, primary concern for engaging in treatment, and the use of coaching or teletherapy sessions. Results In total 950 individuals enrolled in the study, with 38% using any self-directed digital mental health resources. Approximately 44% of the sample did not use the app during the study period. Those using both self-directed digital and 1:1 modalities made up about one-quarter of the sample (235/950, 24.7%). Those using only coaching or therapy (170/950, 17.9%) and those using only self-directed digital mental health resources (126/950, 13.3%) make up the rest. At baseline, these groups statistically significantly differed on age, PHQ-9, GAD-7, MHLS, and primary concern. Receipt of coaching and teletherapy was associated with the number of self-directed digital mental health resources interactions in adjusted Poisson regression modeling. Use of any coach visit was associated with 82% (rate ratio [RR] 1.82, 95% CI 1.63-2.03) more self-directed digital mental health resource interactions while use of any teletherapy session was associated with 80% (RR 1.80, 95% CI 1.55-2.07) more digital mental health resources interactions (both P<.001). Each additional year of age was associated with increased digital mental health resources interactions (RR 1.04, 95% CI (1.03-1.05), and women had 23% more self-directed digital resources interactions than men (RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.09-1.39). Conclusions Our key finding was that the use of coaching or teletherapy was associated with increased self-directed digital mental health resource use. Higher self-directed digital resource engagement among those receiving coaching or therapy may be a result of provider encouragement. On the other hand, when a participant engages with 1 modality in the platform, they may be more likely to begin engaging with others, becoming “super users” of all resources.

Board Performance of Fisheries Graduates: Logistic Regression Analysis for Curriculum Enhancement

This study investigates the factors affecting the board performance of Bachelor of Science in Fisheries (BSFi) graduates in the fisheries technologists licensure exams in a specific region of the Philippines. The impetus for this research arose from observed variations in exam performance among graduates, prompting an examination of educational and institutional influences on success. The study used a purposive sampling technique to gather data from 138 respondents across State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) who took their first licensure exam from October 2018 to October 2023. A validated online survey questionnaire assessed academic performance, teaching methods, curriculum, faculty qualifications, library resources, laboratory facilities, and student characteristics. Logistic regression analysis was employed to analyze the relationship between these independent variables and licensure exam performance. The findings of this study are of profound importance, as they reveal strong correlations between faculty qualifications and exam outcomes, emphasizing the need for continuous professional development. Moreover, the study identifies improved laboratory facilities and a robust curriculum as critical factors contributing to student success. These insights have the potential to significantly impact stakeholders, informing them about essential areas for intervention and improvement. Ultimately, they aim to elevate the educational experience and licensure performance of BSFi graduates, thus supporting their professional trajectories in the fisheries sector.

Assessing Employability: Tracing BA Sociology Graduates from MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology, Philippines

This study evaluated the employability of Bachelor of Arts in Sociology graduates from MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology, focusing on their demographic profile and employment characteristics. Using the Input, Process, Output (IPO) model and a sample of 153 graduates from 2016 to 2021, the research found that the majority of participants were female, with 78% employed primarily in government, private sectors, and NGOs, earning between 10,000 and 14,999 pesos monthly. Most graduates secured their first job within a year and found their degree relevant to their roles. Key skills such as work ethics, teamwork, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills were highlighted as valuable in the workplace. The study also noted high satisfaction with the program’s faculty,curriculum, facilities, and library resources, affirming the curriculum's relevance and competitiveness in the job market. Recommendations included enhancing internships, immersive activities, and faculty-student relations. However, the findings may not fully capture current job market conditions. Future research could investigate graduates' job satisfaction, the perceived relevance of their education, and their lived experiences in the workforce.

Manajemen Perpustakaan Sekolah/Madrasah: Strategi, Tantangan, dan Implementasi Teknologi

Library management is a crucial aspect to ensure efficient and effective access to information resources for users. It involves planning, organizing, directing, and controlling the library's information resources, including collections, staff, budget, and information technology. The main objective of library management is to support and enhance learning, research, and knowledge development by providing high-quality and relevant information services. The principles of library management include planning, organizing, leadership, control, collection development, user services, and technology utilization. Libraries play a significant role in supporting the learning process in schools and madrasas by providing various learning resources, facilitating independent learning, enhancing information literacy, supporting student research and projects, promoting a reading culture, collaborating with teachers, providing access to digital resources, and offering reference and consultation services. Collection development is a critical aspect of library management, involving the systematic selection and acquisition of library materials based on user needs, curriculum relevance, and the latest developments in various fields of knowledge. The maintenance and preservation of library collections are also essential to ensure their longevity and accessibility. Effective library management strategies, including the development, maintenance, and preservation of collections, are vital to providing diverse and high-quality resources that support learning, research, and knowledge development in educational environments.

Gauging growth in undergraduate information literacy: A case study in library-faculty collaboration

How do academic librarians and teaching faculty assess the impact we exert on students' capabilities as researchers? This paper describes the authors' unique six-week approach to incorporating library instruction into a research assignment for students in introductory Teacher Education and American Politics classes. We constructed a pre- and post- instruction survey that measured change in students' attitudes toward 1) their own level of information literacy, 2) their skills as researchers, and 3) the usefulness of the library's resources. The survey consisted of statements regarding students' attitudes toward the aforementioned categories, measuring agreement on a 6-point scale. We conducted this survey over three consecutive semesters (N = 208). We find that students began the project with high degrees of confidence in their own knowledge and abilities, but also increased their confidence in all categories. Moreover, the change between the pre- and post-project survey was statistically significant on all questions, as assessed by a difference of means test.

Efektivitas Kegiatan Pekan Library sebagai Sarana Promosi Perpustakaan di UPT Perpustakaan Universitas Andalas

A common problem that occurs in libraries is that some users do not know the function of the service and the use of collection materials. This can result in users being disinterested in using the library, unused collection materials piling up and taking up a lot of space and this is exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic which has caused a buildup of collection materials. This research uses quantitative research with descriptive methods with research instruments in the form of questionnaires. The sample studied was around 100 people with the Slovin formula. Data were analyzed through Respondent Achievement Target (TCR), normality test, linearity test, correlation test, hypothesis test, and coefficient of determination test carried out with SPSS 25. Respondent Achievement Target (TCR), normality test, linearity test, correlation test, hypothesis test , and the coefficient of determination test carried out with SPSS 25 from the research that has been carried out produces several conclusions that Effectiveness as variable x has an average TCR value of 76.9% which is categorized as Good and Library Promotion Facilities as variable y has an average TCR value amounting to 74.9% which is categorized as Fairly Good. Apart from the normality test which was not normally distributed, other tests succeeded in showing that Library Week activities were effective as a means of library promotion at the Andalas University Library. According to the coefficient of determination test, the value of the effectiveness of Library Week activities as a means of library promotion is 61.7%, which proves the effectiveness of Library Week activities to be used as a means of library promotion. The alternative hypothesis in this research is proven that there is an increase in the use of library resources at the Andalas University Library with the holding of Library Week activities.

«Слово на погребенïи честныя жены» Симеона Полоцкого в контексте «образцовых» погребальных проповедей XVII века

The study attempts to investigate sources and the so-called “library resource” or texts that were used by Simeon Polotskij for the funeral sample sermon “Slovo ma pogrebenii chestnyia zheny” (“Sermon for the funeral of an honourable woman”) from sermon’s collection “Vecherya Dushevnaia” (“Spiritual Evening Meal”), 1683. The study confirms existed in the literature disparate observations about the significant commonality of the sources of inspiration and factual material of Simeon’s sermon collections and his poetic encyclopaedia “Vertograd mnogotsvetnyi” (“A Garden of Many Flowers”; poetry sources identified by Anthony Hippisley); in particular, that in both cases Simeon used Latin collections of annual sermons by Bavarian Jesuit Matthias Faber (1586(87)–1653). The study analyses techniques of translation and transposition of the Latin text used by Simeon; notes errors made in the process of working with Faber's sermon that distort the attribution of certain quotations; identifies cases of Simeon's use of Latin winged phrases. The analysis of genry features of Simeon’ “Slova ma pogrebenii chestnyia zheny” in the context of the funeral sample sermons for women in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, 17th C. (homiletic collections by Protestant theologian Samuel Dambrowski, 1577–1625, and Polish Jesuit Aleksander Lorencowicz, 1609–1675) showed that the preachers’ funeral sample sermons were often universal and could be used for both “women’s” and “men’s” sermons, depending on the situation.

ShEO: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

The rise of digital technologies has revolutionized the business landscape, particularly in terms of accessibility and scalability for entrepreneurs. In India, the entrepreneurial ecosystem has historically been male-dominated, but recent trends indicate a significant increase in women-led startups. ShEO, a Flutter-based application, is designed to support and empower women entrepreneurs by providing a comprehensive platform for mentorship, funding, and resource access. The platform leverages matchmaking algorithms to offer a personalized feed, allowing users to connect directly with mentors and investors through short video pitches. This innovative approach not only bridges the gap between entrepreneurs and financial backers but also fosters a more inclusive and supportive ecosystem for women to scale their businesses. The app includes additional features such as a resource library, messaging system, and a dedicated section for funding opportunities, creating a holistic environment for business growth. This paper explores the impact of digital tools like ShEO in empowering women entrepreneurs, reducing barriers to entry, and promoting gender equity in the startup ecosystem.

A Comparative Analysis of the Student Preferences for Digital and Physical Books in Library Usage

The study investigates student preferences for digital and physical library resources at San Sebastian College-Recoletos de Cavite, Philippines, amidst the evolving landscape of educational technology integration. Through a comprehensive analysis of survey data collected from Senior High School and College students, the research identifies significant trends in resource utilization patterns and their impact on academic achievement. Results indicate a preference for digital resources, although some students still value physical materials. Statistical analyses reveal discipline-specific variations in resource utilization and a positive correlation between the frequency of accessing digital resources and academic performance. The study underscores the importance of aligning library services with student preferences to optimize learning outcomes and foster digital literacy. Recommendations are made for tailored interventions to enhance resource provision and promote equitable access across academic disciplines

Digital Media and EdTech-Based Instruction for Students and Teachers with Disabilities in Jordan

There is a need for evaluations to help us understand the associations found in research on special education and new media. The researcher in this study explores the role of digital media in public education, with a specific emphasis on the role of digital media in the education of students with special needs and other types of disabilities. We used qualitative studies for our investigation. Under this pedagogical framework, it will provide helpful materials for digital media teachers and students who may not be fully aware of the benefits and significance of special education in the context of digital media instruction and education. Because there aren't enough studies on the subject, the sample size for this article is 12. The special edition on digital media and educational technology-based education for children with impairments. Initially, the selected pieces were dispersed in 2020 and 2022. Information required for the review's assessment was assembled by classifying the collected data according to the review's rubric. The review is the most useful tool for this assessment since it provides the best method for arranging both large amounts of data and personal judgments. In addition to describing how instructors and library media workers may work together to address the needs of children with disabilities, this article gives an overview of both physical and digital access to the library's resources. Research conducted by specialists has shown a positive correlation between all of these biomarkers.

Advancing Sustainable Seawater Desalination in the Persian Gulf: Opportunities and Challenges under the Kuwait Convention 1978

Seawater desalination has emerged as a viable solution, notably utilized by many Persian Gulf littoral countries facing severe water shortages and aiming to achieve the targets of the sustainable development goal 6 regarding ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. However, desalination comes with costs and can adversely impact marine ecosystems. Conserving and sustainably using oceans, seas, and marine resources is one of the sustainable development goals (Goal 14), and unmanaged use of desalination plants in the Persian Gulf Coasts can threaten this goal. Therefore, moving towards a sustainable process of seawater desalination in this region requires the promotion of cooperation, including through the effective implementation of existing multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs). Based on this, the main question of this paper is: what are the opportunities and challenges of the Kuwait Convention (1978) in advancing sustainable seawater desalination in Persian Gulf? The results of descriptive and analytical studies based on library resources in this research indicate that the provisions concerning the prevention, control and combating of land-based pollution, as well as requirements for environmental impact assessments, are the most significant opportunities provided by this instrument. However, the lack of direct obligations regarding the management of seawater desalination and non-existence of effective compliance mechanisms are the challenges of this convention. To address these challenges, adopting a seawater desalination management guideline under ROPME, promoting international cooperation, sharing experiences and knowledge related to innovative technologies and empowering compliance mechanisms under this convention are the essential recommendations for the effective implementation of the Kuwait Convention towards sustainable seawater desalination in the region.

The Tech Core Curriculum: Teaching Technology as a Core Competence

This panel addresses the ALISE Call for Proposals’ “questions of mutual interest” about integrating professional competences into pedagogy by providing interpretations and strategies for including information and communications technology (ICT) core competences into teaching and curriculum at ALA-accredited programs of Library and Information Science. Through an informal roundtable discussion followed by semi-structured and open audience solicitation, four faculty members who teach courses and modules in information technology from two ALA-accredited programs that have recently undergone curricular audits will provide an overview of technology core competences from the American Library Association and the Society of American Archivists (SAA). Discussions will include… Interpretations and interpretive problems with the ALA technology competence and sub-competences. A comparative interpretation of the Graduate Program in Archival Studies (GPAS) Curriculum’s technology competence from the SAA. How instructors have adapted these competences in courses and curriculum. How instructors have addressed student skill gaps and technophobia. A survey of which ALA-accredited programs do and do not have a technology core requirement as well as the types of courses that count for such a requirement. The pros and cons of a technology core requirement for ALA-accredited programs. Strategies for intentionally embedding technology competences in other required courses. A technology competence for programs that prepare information professionals of the twenty-first century appears at once essential and assumed. Previous studies show that graduate programs in library and information science have cut ICT core requirements in favor of embedding technology instruction in other requirements that principally satisfy other competences. Partly this is a solution to economizing core requirements in order to facilitate flexible course paths for students, and partly this is a solution to the vagaries set forth in standardized core competences, which remain media-agnostic.That is, the principles set forth in ALA core competences do not specify the types of technologies to address in any one competence, including the technology competence, making ‘technology’ an overly fungible term that can be applied to almost any instruction or practice. While theoretically media-agnosticism creates continuity with past and present analog means of information practices, all means of information practices are, of course, mediated. The majority of programs seem to make the assumption that ICT competence necessarily implies digital mediation. For larger, digitally focused programs in the iSchool movement, the assumption that ICT competence means digital competence further means that demonstrations and assessments of that competence are already embedded in the majority of courses. Compounding the assumption that digital practice satisfies ICT competence is an assumption of student digital nativity. While research has dispelled the myth of the ‘digital native,’ such a mythos persists in programs’ imaginations of their own graduate students who must de facto navigate sophisticated digital environments in order to participate in graduate programs of the twenty-first century knowledge economy. This roundtable aims at the outset to lay bare the tenuous relationship between standardized competences’ media-agnosticism and curricular assumptions of media-embeddedness. Then, participants will address strategies for curricular demonstrations of technology competence that are intentional, media-situated, student-focused, and strategic. Intentional: Rather than assume technological competence from demonstrated digital, information practices, instructors and programs should produce Stated Learning Objectives (SLO) and aligned assessment mechanisms that ask students to do more than demonstrate technology use. Media-situated: Students should understand that barriers to information access vary not just according to social vectors like race, gender, and income, but also by medium of access, which requires on the part of the student or information professional a media-comparative approach to ICT. Student-focused: Instructors should not assume student digital nativity or proficiency and should instead meet students where they are within a multi-dimensional matrix of technological practices and attitudes. In addition to being good pedagogy, a student-relational approach to technology also models exemplary user services. Strategic: Moving from the myth of the ‘tech savvy librarian’ of the early 00s, which largely relied on assumptions of generational digital nativity, instructors and programs should refocus on a model of the ‘tech strategic librarian,’ one who is not necessarily a coding-multilingual early adopter, but one who understands the stakes and intersections of technocapitalism, information capitalism, library resources, and community users. The highly interactive 90-minute roundtable will begin with a ten-minute introduction from the chair followed by three five-minute, informal statements from the panelists touching on the above topics. Semi-structured discussion from the panel will proceed for the second 25-minute block followed by open-room discussion and audience solicitation for fifteen minutes. This will leave a final 25-minute block for guided audience small-group discussion and reporting mediated by panelists. In small groups, audience members will be asked to generate Stated Learning Outcomes and assessment mechanisms based on the ALA’s technology sub-competences.

Exploration on Classification Management of Digital Books in University Libraries

With the rapid development of information technology, the digital book resources of university libraries are increasingly abundant, and it is urgent to carry out scientific and effective classification management. This paper deeply explores the classification management of digital books in university libraries. Firstly, it expounds the importance of classification management of digital books, including improving the efficiency of book retrieval, optimizing the allocation of book resources and promoting knowledge sharing and academic exchange. Then, it analyzes the current situation and problems of digital book classification management in university libraries, mainly including inconsistent classification standards, single classification methods and insufficient technical support. Aiming at these problems, corresponding strategies are put forward, such as formulating a unified classification standard and establishing a dynamic update mechanism; Comprehensive use of a variety of classification methods, including classification based on user needs and knowledge graphs; Strengthen technical support, increase technical investment and train professional and technical personnel; Increase user engagement, encourage reader feedback and conduct user training activities. Through these explorations, it aims to provide a useful reference for the classification management of digital books in university libraries, so as to better meet the needs of college teachers and students for information resources.

Political Factors of Expansion and Stabilization of Imᾱmῑ Shiism in Mazandaran

The emergence of Shiism in the east of the Islamic caliphate occurred in the first centuries with the presence of the Shiite Alawites, and the area of the shores of the Caspian Sea was considered one of their main bases. Their actions in this region led to many developments in various fields, which, in addition to Mazandaran, affected large areas of Iran and the Islamic world. Although the expansion of the Shiite school in Mazandaran is the result of several factors, each of which can be discussed in its place - in terms of history and formation, the present research aims to investigate the political factors of the formation of Shiism in Mazandaran. It seeks to answer the question, "What did political factors cause the expansion and stabilization of Imᾱmῑ Shiism in Mazandaran?" The research method is descriptive-analytical, and data collection has been done using library resources. The results show that the formation of local governments such as Bavandians, Mar'ashians, etc., as well as the political relations of scholars and local rulers, such as the actions of Sayed Haider Amoli and Abdur Rahim bin Ma'rouf Rostamdari, are among the factors that play a major role in the expansion and consolidation of Imᾱmῑ Shiism in Mazandaran.

Editors-in-chief publishing in dental journals: Concerns in self-publishing.

Editors-in-chief (EICs) have a significant amount of control over the publications that are accepted in their journals, which may result in ethical predicaments. This study investigates the potential conflict of interest of EICs from various dental journals by quantifying the number of their self-published articles during their years as EIC. Based on representation across many dental disciplines and high impact factors, 67 EICs from 19 dental journals during 1990-2023 were studied. To keep anonymity, each journal was randomly assigned a letter A-S and each editor-in-chief (EIC) was given the same letter as their journal with a random number 1-67. After gathering the years each EIC served, online library resources were searched to enumerate each EIC's lifetime publications and total self-publications during their term, excluding editorials for both counts. Descriptive statistics were performed to evaluate the results. The results indicate that 16 EICs self-published more than the average of 23.27 articles during their term. When considering EIC tenure, a ratio of self-publications per year was calculated, averaging 2.12 publications. Twenty-two EICs authored more articles annually than the average ratio. After calculating the impact factors of each EIC from the years they serviced their journal, a total of 22 impact factors exceeded the established mean of 2.45. Lastly, when comparing the percentage of self-publications from total lifetime publications, 24 of 67 EICs were above the average. Overall, a significantly increased number of self-publications was detected, presenting potential conflicts of interest for EICs. Therefore, it remains essential to develop clear guidelines and international standards regarding the practice of EICs self-publishing in their journals during their service term.

An exploratory study on a comprehensive set of criteria for facade assessment

Purpose The presentation of all required criteria that a facade should fulfill needs to be revised, particularly considering novel perspectives on facade. This study aims to fill this need because leaving it unsolved leads the specialists to evaluate and design facades based on insufficient data resulting in imprecise decisions in both areas. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory study was conducted based on library resources to identify and extract the criteria, which were coded openly and axially, and categorized via a new standpoint. Shannon method was also used to analyze categories’ frequencies. Findings In total, 42 criteria were found and organized in five categories: “Environmental Aspects,” “Social Impacts,” “Economic Aspects,” “Efficiency and Effectiveness” and “Technical Issues.” This study adds 20 criteria, including “Natural Resource Depletion” and “Clients’ Preferences,” to facade assessment criteria compared to previous studies. Compared to similar research, “Technical Aspects” is augmented to this field's categorizations, whereas “Social Impacts” and “Environmental Aspects” are provided in a more extensive way. Research limitations/implications The research proceeded until theoretical saturation; therefore, there is no claim to be the most comprehensive. The findings are instrumental to professionals for making practical decisions. The concentration and frequency of the literature will offer an insight to academics about the pioneering fields of facade development. Originality/value This study presents a comprehensive and up-to-date set of facade assessment criteria based on new approaches that see facade as a multifunctional component that must address various requirements beyond aesthetics.

A mass spectrometry database for the identification of marine animal saponin-related metabolites.

Saponins encompass a diverse group of naturally occurring glycoside molecules exhibiting amphiphilic properties and a broad range of biological activities. There is a resurgence of interest in those saponins produced by marine organisms based on their potential therapeutic benefits, application in food products and most recently their potential involvement in intra- and inter-species chemical communication. The continual advancements in liquid chromatography techniques and mass spectrometry technologies have allowed for greater detection rates, as well as improved isolation and elucidation of saponins. These factors have significantly contributed to the expansion in the catalogue of known saponin structures isolated from marine invertebrates; however, there currently exists no specific chemical library resource to accelerate the discovery process. In this study, a Marine Animal Saponin Database (MASD v1.0) has been developed to serve as a valuable chemical repository for known marine saponin-related data, including chemical formula, molecular mass and biological origin of nearly 1000 secondary metabolites associated with saponins produced by marine invertebrates. We demonstrate its application with an exemplar asteroid extract (Acanthaster cf. solaris, also known as crown-of-thorns starfish; COTS), identifying saponins from the MASD v1.0 that have been previously reported from COTS, as well as 21 saponins isolated from multiple other related asteroid species. This database will help facilitate future research endeavours, aiding researchers in exploring the vast chemical diversity of saponins produced by marine organisms and providing ecological insights, and the realisation of their potential for various applications, including as pharmaceuticals.

A Case Study Analysis of Library Services for Adults Experiencing Chronic Homelessness in Harrison County, Mississippi

ABSTRACT The author partnered with the Harrison County Library System (HCLS) to create a multilevel program plan for expanding library services to the growing number of homeless people who seek refuge in the library’s facilities. The research for this program plan involved evaluating existing library resources such as collections, programming, and available staff resources; identifying the best practices for providing services to people experiencing homelessness; identifying staff perceptions of working with the homeless; and identifying potential partners for expanded service offerings. The author used document analysis to research data on the library system (IMLS 2021 and reviewed library policy to identify barriers to providing service for the homeless. The author applied qualitative and humanistic research methods involving personal narratives (scenarios) provided through two separate one-on-one interviews with the library director to discuss the library system in general, and one one-on-one interview with six library staff working in the three libraries with the highest use by people experiencing homelessness. This paper discusses the findings from this mixed methods research project and their application to expanding services for chronically homeless patrons who use the HCLS.

An Innovative, Collaborative, and Transformative Program to Enhance Off-Campus Clinical Faculty Engagement.

Off-campus (volunteer, community-based) clinical faculty, upon whom medical schools heavily depend, are an integral component of medical education. However, challenges hinder their involvement in medical school governance and other activities, including inadequate communication, lack of recognition, high clinical demands that may preclude teaching, and time-consuming non-clinical tasks. While faculty appointments offer benefits like free CME, access to library resources, and email communications, faculty often prioritize potential contributions to their teaching roles over these benefits. Our medical school launched a new initiative to tackle these issues head-on. We established an Office of Faculty Engagement (OFE) that leverages engagement strategies to enhance communication, broaden access to campus resources, and provide tailored rewards for clinicians. We rebranded volunteer clinical faculty as Off-Campus Faculty (OCF) to foster a more interactive relationship and innovative measures, including personalized welcome emails, a dedicated point of contact for OCF, a user-friendly website, regular orientations, faculty development programs, recognition and appreciation events, and exclusive awards. From August 2021 to December 2023, we contacted 587 OCF members; 85 faculty members experienced improved communication. This innovative approach streamlines and personalizes interactions with OCF, enhances their satisfaction, and represents a transformative opportunity to engage and involve OCF in medical education.

The Role of the Digital Library in the Development and Encouragement of Scientific Research During the Corona Pandemic

The study aimed to shed light on the impact of using the digital library in encouraging and developing scientific research from the point of view of graduate students at the College of Business at King Khalid University during the COVID-19 crisis. The descriptive analytical approach was used to achieve the objectives of the study. A questionnaire was used to collect data and information, and the SPSS program was used to analyze the data. The study reached several results, including the fact that the digital library helps detect plagiarism, forgery, copying, and imitation in scientific and technological research and facilitates communication between academic researchers from faculty members and students by logging in. The digital library and the exchange of ideas and information contribute to the development of scientific research. Graduate students use the resources in the digital library to efficiently complete their assignments and scientific research. The use of the digital library contributed to saving time and effort for graduate students. It was recommended that the culture of digital awareness be spread by preparing workshops for graduate students to introduce them to digital libraries and teach them how to use and activate them in the service of scientific research.