Waterloo Library

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OMG I can IM the QEII: Networking Through chat
(2007-05-22) Gordon, Shannon
Presentation slides as presented at the Newfoundland and Labrador Library Association (NLLA) Conference, 2007. Outlines virtual library reference program in the context of the QEII, a chat program offered at Memorial University. Provides outcomes and statistics on types of questions asked by patrons and discusses future applications and trends within virtual reference.
Evolution of a summer research/writing workshop for first‐year university students
(Emerald, 2008) Guise, Janneka L.; Goosney, Janet; Gordon, Shannon; Pretty, Heather
Purpose: To describe a framework for a summer research/writing workshop for new university students, and its evolution over time and across institutions. Design/Methodology/Approach: The University of Toronto at Scarborough (UTSC) has successfully offered its award-winning two-day Summer Learning Institute on Research, Writing and Presentation Skills for four years (2004-2007), to increasing enrollments. Memorial University of Newfoundland (Memorial) adapted the UTSC model and successfully piloted its four-day workshop, SPARC (Summer Program in Academic Research and Communication), in August 2006. Both programs were low-cost, non-credit summer workshops for new students to help them prepare for university-level research and writing. Memorial offered its program a second time in August 2007. This paper focuses on the Memorial experience. Findings: The success of these programs is attributed to a common framework used in each case: program planning, marketing, and delivery and assessment. Practical implications: The framework described in this paper could be adapted by other institutions wishing to implement such a program. In addition, the SPARC team will continually improve the program by reflecting on each part of the framework. Originality/value: Much research has been done to identify and address the specific needs of first-year university students. For example, some institutions offer “first year experience” courses for credit, while others place first year students into Interest Groups. Most academic libraries offer information literacy sessions to groups of undergraduate students during the regular semester. This paper presents a model for reaching first year students before they take their first class at university.
SPARC! Preparing First-Year Students for Information Overload
(2008-05-02) Goosney, Janet; Gordon, Shannon; Pretty, Heather
Presentation slides as presented at the Newfoundland and Labrador Library Association (NLLA) Conference, 2008. Outlines the SPARC (Summer Program in Academic Research & Communication) offered by Memorial University Libraries. Includes planning, marketing, delivery and assessment of the information literacy summer program designed for highschool students new to University.
One box to search them all: Implementing federated search at an academic library
(Emerald, 2009) Gibson, Ian; Goddard, Lisa; Gordon, Shannon
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present how, in May 2008, the Ad Hoc Committee on Federated Search was formed to prepare a preliminary report on federated searching for a special meeting of Librarians Academic Council at Memorial University Libraries. The primary purpose is to discuss current implementation of federated searching at this institution, explore what other institutions have done, examine federated search technologies, and offer recommendations for the future of this resource. Design/Methodology/Approach: Information was drawn from a recent usability study, an informal survey was created, and a literature/technology review was conducted. Findings: These four recommendations were proposed and unanimously accepted: actively develop the current federated search implementation by developing a web presence supporting “federated search in context”, re-evaluating the need for consortial purchase of a federated search tool, continuing to assess the current federated search marketplace with an eye to choosing a next-generation federated search tool that includes effective de-duping, sorting, relevancy, clustering and faceting, and that the selection, testing, and implementation of such a tool should involve broad participation from the Memorial University Libraries system. Originality/Value: Provided is an inside look at one institution’s experience with implementing a federated search tool. The paper should be of interest to anyone working in academic libraries, particularly the areas of administration, public services, and systems.
Preparing Catalogers for RDA Training
(Taylor & Francis, 2009-09) Hitchens, Alison; Symons, Ellen
This article prepares catalogers for the new cataloging standard Resource Description and Access (RDA) by giving trainers and Library and Information Science (LIS) educators the information they need to plan training for themselves and their staff or students. The theoretical principles of RDA are introduced as well as the corresponding vocabulary that trainers will need to use. This is followed by an overview of the structure of RDA as compared to the Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules, 2nd ed. (AACR2). Examples of rule changes and options are highlighted for trainers along with a reminder to review existing cheat-sheets and manuals that are based on AACR2. Finally, types of training formats are suggested.
Once you get them, how do you keep them? Millennial librarians at work
(Emerald, 2010) Gordon, Shannon
Purpose: To draw attention to the unique characteristics of Millennial librarians. These characteristics are related to larger issues having current and future relevance to Millennial librarians, colleagues of other generations, as well as library administration. Design/methodology/approach: This paper explores training, leadership and work-life balance in relation to Millennial librarians. Findings: Certain defining characteristics of the Millennial generation need to be recognized and discussed by library administration and librarians of all generations. Practical implications: Surveying the literature related to Millennial librarians’ possible implications can assist in creating increased awareness of this group. Originality/value: Much research focuses on engaging and teaching Millennials as library users. Infrequently discussed, however, is the concept of Millennials as librarians and this paper attempts to fill this gap.
Demystifying Open Access
(2010-06-01) Goddard, Lisa; Gordon, Shannon
The international Open Access (OA) movement is changing how journal literature is created, disseminated, and purchased. Individuals working in academic, public and special libraries are invited to this session for a demystifying look at “green” and “gold” journals, Open Data, Open Education, Open Government, Creative Commons, and information “harvesting”. We’ll explore cost models, intellectual property, OA infrastructure, and strategies for supporting this exciting change in the publishing world.
Selecting the Selection Tool
(2010-06-01) Fahey, Sue; Gordon, Shannon
Presentation slides as presented at the CHLA Conference, 2010, Kingston. Authors explain how the book ordering process at Memorial University works, discuss author experiences in evaluating electronic book selection tools, and demonstrate four examples of book ordering tools. Advantages and disadvantages of each tool are provided.
WorldCat Local in a Health Sciences Environment: One Library's Experience
(2010-06-07) Gordon, Shannon
In 2009, Memorial University Libraries embarked on a pilot project with WorldCat Local (WCL), an available discovery layer. As of May 2010, WCL remains in internal testing and will likely be released it in beta form in fall 2010. This poster will explore WCL in the context of: 1) Interface features & customization options 2) Access to health sciences information 3) Project timeline & next steps.
Why libraries aren’t dead: open access and the evolving liaison role
(The Editorial Board of the Journal of the Canadian Health Libraries Association, 2011) Gordon, Shannon
This is the second in a series of commentaries from members of the Open Access Interest Group of Canadian Health Libraries Association / Association des bibliothèques (CHLA / ABSC). Devon Greyson’s inaugural contribution ‘‘Open access and health librarians in 2011’’ concluded with a timely discussion of open access (OA) opportunities for health librarians. Where Greyson concluded is exactly where this article begins by exploring the liaison role that the international OA movement presents. Also to be discussed are the quintessential resources for the Canadian health librarian’s OA knowledge base or toolbox.
Seeing Double at Memorial University: Two WorldCat Local Usability Studies
(The Editorial Board of Partnership: The Canadian Journal of Library and Information Practice and Research, 2011) Fahey, Sue; Gordon, Shannon; Rose, Crystal
Obtaining user feedback is valuable yet often overlooked, so when Memorial University Libraries launched OCLC’s WorldCat Local discovery tool for Fall 2010, usability testing was a logical next step. Two branches, each with distinct user groups, the Ferriss Hodgett Library in Corner Brook, and the Health Sciences Library in St. John’s, conducted unique usability studies to gain evidence into how WorldCat Local performed common research tasks. The Health Sciences Library was inspired by the information seeking habits of Memorial University’s Faculty of Medicine, School of Nursing, and School of Pharmacy. This demographic’s heavy reliance on journal literature, and known item searching made these users an interesting test group. The Ferriss Hodgett Library, serving an undergraduate Liberal Arts and Sciences population, was interested in the information seeking behavior of new students with little to no experience using library resources. At the local level, evidence obtained as a result of this usability testing will provide guidance into future use of WCL at Memorial University Libraries. On a broader scale, the usability findings are relevant to any library considering the shift to a new discovery tool.
Seeing Double at Memorial University: Two WorldCat Local Usability Studies
(2011-05-01) Fahey, Sue; Gordon, Shannon; Rose, Crystal
Presentation slides as presented at the Atlantic Provinces Library Association (APLA) Conference, 2011, St John's Newfoundland. Provides an overview of a usability study conducted on WorldCat Local (WCL), a catalogue for Health Sciences research. Summarizes research question, methodology, participants, observations and conclusions, and offers a comparison between Classic catalogue and WCL.
Making Connections at the Personal & Curricular Levels
(2013-04-19) Gordon, Shannon; MacDonald, Kathy; Stapleton, Jackie
Making personal connections and building relationships. Connecting people to information at points of need is at the heart of what we do. As Health Sciences Liaison Librarians at the University of Waterloo, these Librarians will share practical approaches they have used to make connections at the personal & curricular levels in the Department of Kinesiology, and the Schools of Optometry, Pharmacy, and Public Health and Health Systems. Areas to be explored include the value of: - Making personal connections with students early in their academic career - Building meaningful and relevant relationships with researchers - Providing point of need support in the curriculum through assignment based instruction - Strategically marketing our expertise While these Liaison Librarians have their own success stories to share, they also want attendees to learn about innovative approaches taking place in the broader TUG environment. To accomplish this, there will be time for the audience to make personal connections with each other and engage in active discussion. This will provide an opportunity to learn from colleagues, gain insight into areas of interest, and ultimately leave with practical ideas that can be applied to their own liaison and outreach work at TUG libraries.
More Knowledge on the Go: A Survey of Mobile Device Usage in Pharmacy
(2013-05-23) Chatterley, Trish; Duncan, Vicky; Barrett, Ann; Dupont, Patrice; Gordon, Shannon; Hatch, Kelly; Helwig, Melissa; Vokey, Sherri
Although there are studies that explore the use of mobile devices by physicians and pharmacists, there has not been a study to date that examines the prevalence and usage patterns of mobile devices amongst pharmacy students and faculty. This is the first pan-Canadian study that examines the prevalence and patterns of use of mobile devices by pharmacy faculty and students at Anglophone and Francophone universities. Unlike previous studies, this study also included interviews with participants to collect richer data than can be gathered with an online survey alone.
Reflective Peer Mentoring: Evolution of a Professional Development Program for Academic Librarians
(The Editorial Board of Partnership: The Canadian Journal of Library and Information Practice and Research, 2014) Goosney, Janet; Smith, Becky; Gordon, Shannon
For librarians engaged in teaching and learning, reflection has the potential to create opportunities to examine one’s instructional practice, identify and address challenges, and find new instructional pathways. It can also lead to a deeper understanding of one’s teaching. As valuable as it is, it can be challenging for librarians to find time to deeply contemplate instruction experiences. In the fast-paced environment of academic libraries, reflection is too often passed over as we rush from one teaching experience to the next. Recognizing the value of reflective practice, a team of academic librarians at Memorial University created a peer mentoring program for librarians involved in information literacy and other forms of teaching. The goal was to create an inviting and collaborative environment for exploring and developing instructional self-awareness by working with librarian colleagues. The resulting Reflective Peer Mentoring (RPM) program requires minimal librarian time yet offers satisfying opportunities for brainstorming, problem solving, and reflection by bringing colleagues together into small co-mentored learning communities. This paper explores the successful evolution of this peer-based, collegial approach to reflection. It describes the inspiration and experimentation that led to the eventual creation of the RPM model, including Reflective Teaching & Observation (RTO), an earlier program founded on peer observation and collaborative exploration. It also describes the foundational principles that form the basis for the RPM program as well as the three-step framework on which it is structured. Finally, the article examines the information gathered and lessons learned from assessment of the program during the first year of implementation.
Systematic Reviews and the Evolving Role of Librarians
(2014-01-29) Davies, Marian; Gordon, Shannon; Hutchinson, Rebecca
The demand for systematic reviews (SR) in research intensive health related departments is rapidly increasing, and academic librarians have the expertise necessary to support these comprehensive reviews. In summer 2013, three University of Waterloo health librarians surveyed faculty on their current and future systematic review work. Through this process we determined researcher expectations of librarian support and identified multiple ways to meet their needs. Our poster illustrates possible librarian roles in the systematic review process, and how our expertise can be used towards knowledge creation.
Thinking Outside The Library: Being Embedded In A Professional Practice Lab
(2014-01-31) Gordon, Shannon; Mclean, Lisa; Nakhla, Nardine
Librarians need to strategically market their expertise, which often involves thinking outside of the library for meaningful collaborations. Partnering with a Pharmacist and Pharmacy Technician, a librarian provided on-site support at the lab's Drug Information Station, marking a unique collaboration.
The Evolving Role of Liaison Librarians: Supporting Researchers in the Systematic Review Process
(2014-06-16) Stapleton, Jackie; Gordon, Shannon; Davies, Marian; Hutchinson, Rebecca
From the summer of 2013 to early 2014, four University of Waterloo librarians surveyed Health Sciences faculty and PhD students to gather data on their current and future systematic review work. Data provided insight into expectations of librarian support, and identified multiple ways to meet the needs of the surveyed population. Findings also identified how librarian expertise can be used towards knowledge creation and synthesis, confirming that librarian work will continue to move from an advising, supportive role to being an integral part of the research process and a member of the research team.
Mobile Device Use in Pharmacy: A Multi-Institutional Study
(The Editorial Board of the Journal of the Canadian Health Libraries Association, 2015) Duncan, Vicky; Vokey, Sherri; Gordon, Shannon; Helwig, Melissa; Chatterley, Trish
Although there are studies that explore the use of mobile devices by physicians and pharmacists, there has not been a study to date that examines the prevalence and usage patterns of mobile devices amongst pharmacy students and faculty. This is the first pan-Canadian study that examines the prevalence and patterns of use of mobile devices by pharmacy faculty and students at Anglophone and Francophone universities. Unlike previous studies, this study also included interviews with participants to collect richer data than can be gathered with an online survey alone.
What is #LODLAM?! Understanding Linked Open Data in Libraries, Archives [and Museums]
(2015-01-29) Hitchens, Alison
This session provides an overview of linked data and then explains how it can be used in libraries and archives to share our unique data on the web and to enrich the user experience by using linked data ourselves. This session is a minor revision of the one offered at the OLITA Digital Odyssey 2014.

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