School Library Research Articles

User Experience Research Techniques Facilitate Improvements for Access and Discovery Tools Managed by Technical Services Librarians

A Review of: Hill, K. (2020). Usability beyond the home page: Bringing usability into the technical services workflow. The Serials Librarian, 78 (1–4), 173–180. https://doi.org/10.1080/0361526X.2020.1702857 Objective – To demonstrate how user experience research techniques can be incorporated into technical services work. As proof of this concept, the author describes a case wherein a team of librarians, including one in a technical services role, deployed a user experience study to determine if students were able to successfully use LibGuides and the A-Z Database List to find subject-specific resources. The study also aimed to gauge the potential for several A-Z Database List interface redesign options. Design – A case study of user experience techniques applied to technical services projects, including a classic usability test of existing tools and an A/B/C comparison of potential interface redesigns. Setting – The library at the University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG), a public R2 university (doctoral university with high research activity). Subjects – Eleven student participants recruited through convenience sampling. Methods – The research team recruited study participants who were in the library at the time of the study, deselecting students from UNCG’s library school and those who were not currently affiliated with the university through an initial questionnaire. Eleven student participants were ultimately selected and led through a series of tasks related to finding subject-specific databases using the A-Z Database List and LibGuides. After the tasks for the A-Z Database List were completed, students were asked for their impression of two additional database list interfaces. Students were recorded throughout the tasks using the “talk aloud” method to provide researchers with insights on their thought processes and preferences. Following the study, researchers listened to the recordings, coding them as successful or incomplete and noting their observations for use in generalized findings. Main Results – Eight of eleven participants used the library’s main search box to locate a general resource for their major on the library’s homepage. When shown the A-Z Database List, ten out of eleven participants used the list to find a database for their major, while one used the link to “Research guides by subject” from that page. Comparisons of three A-Z Database List interfaces showed that most students preferred the Springshare Content Management System that allowed for filtering by subject area. When asked to find a research guide for their subject or major from the library’s homepage, nine out of eleven students clicked on the link labeled “Research guides by subject.” Starting from their subject guide, ten out of eleven could find a tab listing article databases. Nine participants noted that the number of databases listed on the guides was daunting. Conclusion – Results from the user experience study were used to support a redesign of the A-Z Database List using the Springshare Content Management System. The author regarded the experience as a whole as demonstrating how technical services librarians can become involved in user experience work and incorporate findings from usability studies into their management and design of tools that promote access and discoverability.

Don Brown and Japanese librarianship during the occupation period

Japanese library policy during the post-war occupation was primarily driven by the Civil Information and Education Section (CIE) of the GHQ/SCAP. Donald B. Brown was a head of the Information Division of CIE, in charge of occupational media policy. He had experience as a journalist of The Japan Advertiser in 1930s and as an analyst in the Office of War Information (OWI) in early 1940s. He led the dissemination of democratic ideas in the media sector, publicizing the purpose of occupation to the general public, and eliminating militarism/non-democratic ideas. Branch Library Bulletin was published 45 times from 1948–1949 and conveyed a variety of cultural activities such as documentary films, exhibitions, listening to music records, debates, English conversation classes, etc.Don Brown also emphasized the role of the library for disseminating democratic ideas. He played an important role in the foundation of CIE libraries in the early occupational period and in the establishment of the Japan Library School (JLS) at Keio University in 1951. 23 CIE libraries were founded in the occupational Japan and showed democratic model for post-war Japanese public library. Open shelf and free use were not popular in Japanese public librarianship in pre-war period. In order to operate CIE libraries more effectively, it was necessary for the Japanese themselves to operate those libraries, and a new educational institution should be established to train such Japanese staff. At that time, main training method for Japanese librarians was short course and no graduate school existed specializing library economy/library science. The JLS, led by Robert L. Gitler, was a major epoch in considering the development of education and training for Japanese professional librarian.

K-12 trade books’ representation of earthquake safety and protective actions: A content analysis

Meaningful learning resources for earthquake safety and survival have become an increasingly important topic among geoscientists, especially educators and researchers. Various members of the public, especially K-12 (ages 5–18) learners, continue to depend on scientific trade books available at their local public and school libraries for information about earthquake concepts. To our knowledge, no research has empirically examined how trade books represent earthquake safety and survival actions. In this research, we combine an iterative qualitative inductive and deductive analysis to explore the representation of earthquake safety and protective actions in 50 trade books. We categorize these actions into time-based practices related to preparedness before an earthquake, protective actions during an earthquake, and recovery after an earthquake. These trade books emphasize preparedness by means of building earthquake-resistant structures and urban planning, and efforts toward community resilience and keeping home supplies. The recommended personal protective action during an earthquake in the United States (“Drop, Cover, and Hold On”) is emphasized in the majority of the trade books, as well as other protective actions related to emotional actions and current technological automated actions such as earthquake early warning systems. Finally, the books highlight actions such as damage evaluation and support as ways to recover after an earthquake. Our findings highlight the issues between accepted earthquake safety and survival actions and the limited and/or inaccurate knowledge represented in some trade books. We provide interpretations of how presentation of limited or inaccurate information may increase confusion about appropriate protective actions. The inclusion of accepted and recommended protective actions in future trade books and the use of earthquake drills in public libraries as a supplement for trade book users may improve understanding and implementation of appropriate actions. We further demonstrate the potential of trade book contents in fostering earthquake education through library-community partnerships.

School Age Programs and Services Committee: Challenges Are Escalating: How to Prepare for Program Challenges

Book bans have garnered national attention this past year with a surge of challenges in both school and public libraries. But books aren’t the only front in the so-called culture wars. Library staff increasingly need to respond to challenges to programming, as well.The number of program challenges reported to ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) has grown over the past ten years from one or none each year to a peak of sixty-nine challenges in 2019. And these are just the instances that have been reported to the OIF. Most challenges go unreported.Programs related to LGBTQ+ themes are the most likely to be challenged. Of the forty-two reported challenges in 2022, 81 percent were in response to LGBTQ+ events.

The construction of public policies for school libraries of the Municipal Education Network of Vitória/ES: perspectives and challenges

Apresenta um relato de experiência sobre a construção de políticas públicas para as bibliotecas escolares da rede de ensino do Município de Vitória/ES, demonstrando um panorama atual dela. Traduz a metodologia utilizada nesse processo e aponta conteúdos considerados de abordagem essencial e aplicadas à redação de documentos que atendessem às necessidades dos bibliotecários e da comunidade escolar. Destacam-se a Política do Livro, da Leitura e das Bibliotecas e as Diretrizes para Bibliotecas Escolares, que se convertem na primeira ação efetiva de institucionalização da Rede. Tais documentos foram desenvolvidos visando comunicar aos demais membros da comunidade escolar as potencialidades e desafios desse espaço frente às demandas sociais, educacionais e culturais. Conclui-se que as políticas públicas fortalecem as bibliotecas escolares e consolidam o trabalho do bibliotecário.

PEDAGOGICAL APPROACHES TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN SCHOOL LIBRARIES

The aim of this paper is to analyse some of the aspects of sustainable development in Croatian school libraries within three operational groups (direct educational activity, professional library activity, cultural and public activity) in order to improve the understanding of school librarianship. The new challenges brought by the digital maturity of school institutions (primary and secondary schools, dormitories) and the new Global Goals of Sustainable Development by 2030 have influenced the change in the work tasks and activities of school librarians, which are based on inclusiveness, visual identity and sustainability of schools/dormitories both within and outside the existing frameworks of action. The positive and negative effects of school library operations were also affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The research is quantitative, the method is an online questionnaire, and the data were statistically processed in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences - SPSS. The results show that a large number of library professionals are not empowered with the new professional skills of sustainable development, that they cooperate with colleagues from the school regarding the implementation of activities on sustainable development, that printed materials on environmentally friendly business operation and sustainable development are ahead of electronic and digital ones, that a smaller number of librarians are involved in projects, etc.

On the Issue of the Components of the Competency Model of a Teacher of a Higher Library School in the Conditions of Informatization

The special competencies of a teacher at a higher library school are differentiated into actual pedagogical (methodological) and knowledge of library technology. In recent decades, the technology of working with documents and readers has been reduced in favor of activities such as marketing and management. In recent years, theorists and practitioners of librarianship have been unanimous in the opinion that the lack of such qualifications in the nomenclature of library positions has a negative impact on the status of young specialists and their retention in the library. The purpose of the article is to theoretically substantiate the elements of the competency model of a teacher of a higher library school under informatization. The authors propose a model of teacher professional competence, which is a set of professionally significant competencies developed taking into account the integration processes of education and ensuring not only professional, but also personal growth of the teacher

What Can Student Theses Tell Us About the Educational Role of School Libraries in Croatia? A Thematic Content Analysis

This study examines Croatian LIS student theses, particularly those in school librarianship. These theses often discuss various educational interventions in school libraries. Using quantitative and qualitative methods, the research identifies prevalent themes, educational interventions, and the influence of non-LIS faculty departments on school librarianship. The findings show that most theses focus on school libraries during graduate studies, reflecting students' growing interest in the field. Since 2016, there has been a steady rise in the number of school library-related theses. Mentorship patterns indicate that mentors primarily come from theChair of Librarianship within the same department, and interdisciplinary collaborations are infrequent. Theses commonly emphasize presenting the work of school library institutions, but few detail specific educational interventions. Common methodologies include practice reviews and surveys, with prevalent themes focusing on information literacy, reading habits, and services for minorities. However, the study reveals limitations, with theses often lacking depth in reporting students' authentic experiences as teacher librarians. This underscores the need to improve reporting on educational interventions and encourage practical engagement. Enhancing the quality of reporting through narrative and reflective writing, qualitative research methods, and data analysis is recommended. In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into Croatian student theses related to school librarianship. The findings can inform future thesis topics and mentorship decisions in the school librarianship field.

Which Formal and Informal Structures Constrain and Enable Collaboration Between School Librarians and Teachers?

Collaboration between teachers and librarians is necessary to fulfil the intention of the regulations of the Norwegian Education Act. In-depth semi-structured interviews with 12 school librarians in upper secondary school (with students aged 15-19), reveal that library tasks, and especially collaboration with teachers, are not embedded in formal documents. The librarians’ teaching activities are to a small extent dependent on formal collaboration, but are often based on familiarity and acquaintance, and therefore person-dependent. Organizational placement varied among the librarians, and they were pragmatic about who they should report to. To be organized in sections together with teachers was considered to be a good position for collaboration, but on the other hand might hinder collaboration with teachers in other sections. The librarians appreciated the freedom they had to run the library, however many of them missed support from their leaders. Information channels like Teams and timetables are important sources for librarians to stayupdated and enable them to target requests to teachers.

Insights on first-generation students’ development of social capital for the rigours of college-level research

As a part of a larger study titled, First Years Meet the Frames, this work explores the perceptions of first-generation students (FGS) on their readiness for college-level research as well as their first-year college experience with libraries and librarians. Although, by definition, these students lack the cultural capital normally derived from parents who went to college in order to readily assimilate into higher education institutions, depending on their high school experiences, they may be able to build social capital. Accordingly, this article investigates such opportunities which lie in high schools with strong library programs that have a full-time certified librarian working in alignment with the national school library standards of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL). It addresses what aspects of this preparation facilitate the development of social capital and follows FGS into the first year of college to see how they continue to build it. It also compares FGS to their continuing generation student (CGS) counterparts from the same high schools. Findings show that FGS can build social capital via these high school library programs and continue to leverage their high school experiences and skill sets in order to create new networks and to tackle college-level research during the first year of college. FGS demonstrate similar preparedness and similar confidence in research abilities as their CGS counterparts.

Establishing Professional Pathways to Facilitate a Sustainable and Educated School Library Workforce in Australia

This paper presents an overview of a research project commissioned by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) in November 2021 to address the specialised needs of school libraries within the context of ALIA’s (2022) vision for developing aprofessional pathways framework. Recommendations are based on the findings and conclusions, while also takinginto consideration the ALIA Professional Pathways Board’s recommendations in response to the Professional Pathways Technical Report.

Professional Book Reviews

Richard Willis, visiting professor at the University of South Wales, reviews a book about technology in early childhood education. Meg Barclay, educational consultant and early years reviewer for the School Library Association, reviews seasonal picture books which introduce children to winter and Christmas, as well as how to cope with and understand anxiety in an age appropriate way.

Contemporary Challenges and Censorship in School Libraries in Canada

The purpose of this chapter is to familiarize readers with contemporary challenges and censorship in school libraries and learning commons in Canada. The informal narrative reflects the viewpoints of seasoned advocates for intellectual freedom and social responsibility in the Canadian library sector. Content concentrates on the main sources of challenges, four common types of challenges that can lead to censorship (content, curriculum, genre, and book leveling), an essential two step strategy and related resources for dealing with challenges and combating censorship, and a pointer for educators in library and information programs. The chapter closes with an expression of appreciation and concern for the individuals who take personal and professional risk in managing challenges and combating censorship in school libraries and learning commons in Canada and beyond.

You Don’t Want a Book Challenge, Do You?

This article includes a compilation of three personal stories from the author’s time as an elementary librarian at a K-12 private school in Atlanta, Georgia. While struggling with classroom management during her first year as a school librarian, she was surprised by anatomical language in a read-aloud that she had forgotten about after pre-reading the book. She had a split second to decide whether to read what was actually written. During her second year, she went through my library’s reconsideration process when a parent challenged a book of scary stories. The worst part? She had used that book in a lesson with the entire third grade. And finally, throughout her time with this school, she fought for a book that was not being officially challenged, but voluntarily censored by her colleague. The author shares these stories with honesty about how sh handled each situation, and with a little advice added.

Fighting Book Bans across the US

Organizations such as the American Library Association (ALA), EveryLibrary, and PEN America have been tracking the sharp escalation of book challenges since 2021. These challenges have centered on school and public libraries across the United States; the number of challenges and bans is higher than it’s been in more than twenty years.Often, books and materials with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) authors, themes, and protagonists are targeted for removal or restriction. Likewise, books that contain themes of social justice or institutional racial injustice (frequently written by or featuring Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color or BIPOC) are common targets.

교내 도서관 대출도서를 통해 살펴본 초등 저학년이 선호하는 그림책의 특성 연구

This study analyzes the characteristics of picture books preferred by first and second graders, focusing on in-school library loan books of five public elementary schools in Korea. There are four criteria for preference analysis: ‘author’, ‘publisher and publishing year',‘genre',‘theme', and‘painting style'. The subjects of the study were 1,485 lower grades from five elementary schools in four regions, and the data targeted the top 100 picture books that these students borrowed from the school library from 2023.03.02. to 2023.08.31. As a result of the study, the countries preferred by the lower grades were Korea, Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom in order, and the lower grades tended to prefer picture books with publication years after the 2000s. In addition, picture books with stories were preferred over verse picture books and information picture books, and fantasy stories were especially preferred. Next, the subjects of the lower grade's most preferred picture books were ‘growth’, ‘preference’, and ‘family’. Then 1st and 2nd graders preferred‘artist style' that shows well artist's personality. Research examining the preference for picture books of lower grades can provide a basis for future related research. First, it can be a starting point for research comparing parents and teachers' preferences for picture books with children's preferences within the concept of dual readers, and can provide clues to picture books that school teachers can use in the curriculum. It will also help you understand children's emotions through picture books and understand their level of understanding, emotions, and thoughts about picture books in depth.

Analisis Pengendalian dalam Fungsi Manajemen Perpustakaan pada Empat Jenis Perpustakaan di Indonesia

The presence of libraries is a familiar and common phenomenon in society, categorized into four types: public, special, school, and university libraries. However, in Indonesia, libraries face challenges, including financial resources, human resource issues, bureaucratic hurdles, physical resource problems, and information resource issues. These challenges have resulted in many libraries not meeting standards, despite guidelines set by the National Library of Indonesia. Libraries, integral to their management processes, often overlook a crucial function—control. This article delves into control as a key management function, addressing the problems encountered by Indonesian libraries. The focus is on control's role in overcoming issues, employing literature study methods and data analysis through observational literature techniques. The results indicate that all four types of libraries need to implement various techniques and analyses, including cost-benefit and return on investment analysis, benchmarking, leadership support, effective collaboration with librarians and technical staff, based on up-to-date information and corrective actions. Additionally, investments in infrastructure, facilities, information technology, digital resources, and information literacy training are essential.

NAVIGATING THE FUTURE: THE TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT OF EMERGING TRENDS IN B-SCHOOL LIBRARY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS ON LIBRARY USERS

Business school libraries, commonly referred to as B-School libraries, are experiencing a significant shift as they embrace digital transformations. Within this evolving landscape, the trends in library management systems are creating a profound impact on library users. This research article embarks on an exploration of how these emerging trends-automation, data analytics, accessibility, and technology integration-are shaping the experiences of students, faculty, and researchers. By delving into these aspects, we aim to underscore the evolving and pivotal role of libraries in enhancing the user experience and bolstering academic success in the realm of business education.

Artificial Intelligence and Multimedia Facilities in School Libraries: Possibilities for the Future

This paper discusses the role of latest technologies in present day school libraries,possibilities for the future and how to show the application of Artificial Intelligence along withef ective use of the latest multimedia facilities.

Challenges Faced by the Sri Lankan School Libraries in the Period of Covid and the Current Economic Crisis: Special Reference to the Western Province School Libraries

Sri Lanka is an island which has a school going population of 4.2 million students and23592 teachers, distributed among10155 schools throughout the nation. The main objective of thisstudy was to explore how the Sri Lankan school libraries, especially those in the western province,managed the challenges faced during the Covid phase and also during the years 2020-2022, owingto the prevailing economic crisis. By the year 2022 Sri Lanka was facing a severe economic crisisas a result of the depletion of the country's foreign reserves, which resulted in the shortages of food,fuel, medication, cement, and other essential items. The school libraries too faced manychallenging issues due to the economic crisis, with regard to the purchasing of books and readingmaterials and the training of staf . Therefore, a program was organized for a group of students inthe Western Province so as to encourage them to read and develop their skills in creative writingand critical thinking.