Libraries Without Walls 7: Speakers’ Abstracts and Biographies
Keynote Speaker: Professor Christine Borgman
Title: Disciplines, Documents, and Data: Emerging roles for libraries in the scholarly information infrastructure
Abstract:
Scholars in all fields are taking advantage of new sources of data and new means to publish and distribute their work online. Content in digital form, whether text from digitized books or data from embedded sensor networks or, can be mined to ask new questions, in new ways. Research is becoming increasingly interdisciplinary, distributed, collaborative, and information-intensive. However, the practices, products, and sources of data vary widely between disciplines. Some fields are more advantaged than others by the array of content now online and by the tools and services available to use it. As readers, scientists have access to the greatest depth of their literature online, but their use is most concentrated on recent publications. Conversely, humanists’ reading habits cover the longest time span of publications, yet they have the least depth of coverage online. As researchers, scientists generate most of the data they use, while humanists draw heavily on cultural artefacts and other sources that they neither own nor control. Social scientists occupy the midpoint on both of these dimensions.
Implicit in policy statements for e-Science, e-Social Science, e-Humanities, e-Research, and cyber infrastructure is the assumption that much of the content layer of the scholarly information infrastructure will be constructed through voluntary, and in some cases mandatory, contributions of documents and data by individual scholars. Self-archiving, institutional repositories, data repositories, and most forms of open access publishing rest on these assumptions. A close examination of scholarly practices reveals that more disincentives than incentives exist to contribute documents and data for the general good. This talk will compare developments in scholarly information infrastructure between disciplines and outline implications for library services in the next decade.
Biography:
Christine Borgman is Professor & Presidential Chair in Information Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She is the author of more than 150 publications in the fields of information studies, computer science, and communication. Prof.Borgman's research interests and teaching areas include digital libraries, information retrieval, electronic publishing, information-seeking behavior, scientific data use and policy, scholarly communication, bibliometrics, and information technology policy. Her book, From Gutenberg to the Global Information Infrastructure: Access to Information in a Networked World (MIT Press, 2000), won the Best Information Science Book of the Year Award from the American Society for Information Science and Technology. She will be speaking from her new book, Scholarship in the Digital Age: Information, Infrastructure, and the Internet, MIT Press (September, 2007). A full biography and list of publications is available on Prof. Borgman’s website http://polaris.gseis.ucla.edu/cborgman/
Current professional activities include membership on the U.S. National CODATA (Committee on Data for Science and Technology) and Advisory Board to the Electronic Privacy Information Center. Prior service includes membership on the Study Committee on Internet Navigation and the Domain Name System (National Academies), Advisory Committee to the Computer, Information Sciences, and Engineering Directorate of the National Science Foundation, the Board of Directors of the Council on Library and Information Resources, and the International Advisory Board to the Soros Foundation Open Society Institute Regional Library Program. She is an elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and served as Chair of Section T, Information, Computing, and Communication. Prof. Borgman was a visiting scholar at the Oxford Internet Institute (University of Oxford, U.K.), Visiting Professor in the Department of Information Science at Loughborough University, U.K., Fulbright Visiting Professor at the University of Economic Sciences and at Eotvos Lorand University in Budapest, Hungary, and a Scholar-in-Residence at the Rockefeller Foundation Study and Conference Center in Bellagio, Italy. She was Chair of the UCLA Department of Library and Information Science (1995-1997).
Presenter: Bo Öhrström
Title: Denmark's Electronic Research Library: implementation of user friendly integrated search systems in Denmark
Abstract:
Denmark's Electronic Research Library (DEFF in Danish) is a co-operative organisation for Danish research libraries. One of the important challenges for a research library is identified as the dissemination of foreign digital content, and one way to approach this is by implementing integrated search systems. These represent a new kind of service with promising results for the users, and they strengthen the library's role in the world of Google.
Biography:
Bo Öhrström has been Deputy Director of the Danish Library Agency since 1998 and is based in Copenhagen. Prior to this he was IT Manager at the Royal School of Library and Information Science, Denmark, and has worked in IT consultancy, with particular responsibility for research and development.
Presenter: Pauline Ngimwa
Title: An African experience in providing a digital library service: The African Virtual University (AVU) example
Abstract:
The paper will discuss the African Virtual University's efforts to overcome bandwidth challenges which oppose the effective access, utilization and usefulness of educational digital resources, through innovative technologies such as VSAT technology and local servers. The paper will discuss the nature of digital resources and their usefulness in the African Higher Educational context.
Biography:
Pauline Ngimwa holds a Master of Philosophy in Information Sciences. A Kenyan born, Pauline has worked in the field of information management for over ten years. Prior to joining the African Virtual University, she worked at the British Council in Kenya as Information Manager for six years. She is currently responsible for the digital library.
Presenter: Graham Pryor
Title: The impact and demands of technological solutions to data curation upon traditional intermediation and research publication
Abstract:
Traditionally, university libraries have provided safe custody and access to the wealth of published scholarship. In the twenty-first century this role has extended to the provision of digital resources, including repositories for research papers. It must now evolve again to embrace the curation of the key intellectual asset that is research data.
Biography:
Responsible for eScience liaison at the UK's Digital Curation Centre, Edinburgh, Graham was previously Manager of the JISC Source to Output Repositories project. Formerly Director of Information Systems & Services at the University of Aberdeen, his earlier career was as an information manager in the oil & gas sector.
Presenter: Margaret Markland
Title: Publishing, policy and people: three constraints upon institutional repository development.
Abstract:
This paper highlights some realities of the library’s role in developing an institutional repository. It is based on the authors’ research findings over the past four years, and on first hand experience of setting up a repository of research publications. Various factors which constrain the achievement of open access to full text research outputs and self-archiving by academic authors are elucidated, and the strategies adopted by repository managers to manage these constraints are reported.
Biography:
Margaret is a Research Associate with the Centre for Research in Library and Information Management (CERLIM) at Manchester Metropolitan University. Margaret has worked on a number of projects relating to digital libraries, information environments, online learning and open access institutional repositories. Her current project involves assessing the nature of the learning which occurs when children play an educational computer game, and how this learning differs from traditional pedagogic theory.
Presenters: Gwyneth Price and Jane Secker
Title: Libraries as a social space: enhancing the experience of distance learners using social networking tools.
Abstract:
This paper reports on how social software such as blogs, wikis and social bookmarking tools are being used to enhance distance learners' use of libraries and to supplement their traditional tools. It shows how these technologies can support the needs of distance learning students and encourage them to engage with electronic resources. It will review current uses of Library 2.0 technologies and present early results of a trial of appropriate tools with students in the University of London External Programme.
Biographies:
Dr Jane Secker is Learning Technology Librarian at the Centre for Learning Technology, based at the LSE, and author of "Electronic Resources in the Virtual Learning Environment" (Chandos, 2004).
Gwyneth Price is Student Services Librarian at the Institute of Education and a Fellow of the Centre for Distance Education, University of London.
With Debbi Boden, Jane and Gwyneth are co-editors of "The Information Literacy Cookbook" (Chandos, 2007).
Presenters: Kara Jones and Kate Robinson
Title: The rise of recommendation and review - a place in online library environments?
Abstract:
These days we often make our decisions to read/buy/visit something by more than just ‘what it says on the can’. Often our decisions are formed by information provided by our peers, colleagues, neighbours or fellow consumers. Some of the most successful internet websites are those in which communities can add personal opinions and reviews on a product or service, allowing us to be better informed on whether it meets our particular needs. Some libraries are experimenting by adding patron reviews or recommendations to the resources on their websites. Is this a trend that will improve services in our online library environments? This paper explores the possibilities for engaging online user communities in new ways and outlines the possible lessons, benefits and pitfalls of the trend in review and recommendation.
Biographies:
Until recently an Antipodean, Kara Jones is currently a science subject librarian at the University of Bath, UK. Over the last few years she has developed an interest in social technologies and sees weblogs, wikis and podcasts opening doors for those of us who don't really know our XHTML from our CSS but still want to develop resources that engage our online library communities.
Kate Robinson worked in most sectors of the profession (public, business, academic and even 'private') before moving to the University of Bath in 1998 as Head of Reader Services. Originally a theology graduate and currently a Magistrate, Kate has a particular interest in ethics and the ethical implications of the services we provide for library users.
Presenter: Nancy Graham
Title: Developing re-usable learning objects to deliver information skills training: are they practical?
Abstract:
This paper will focus on the BRUM (Birmingham Re-Usable Materials) project, funded by the Eduserv Foundation. This project explored the use and evaluation of 15 electronic re-usable learning objects (RLOs) to support students’ information literacy. This session will focus on key themes which emerged from the project including technology, academic liaison and promotion.
Biography:
Nancy Graham is a Subject Advisor at The University of Birmingham. She supports the Medical School undergraduate and taught postgraduate programmes as well as being the information literacy champion. Nancy is currently working with a group to roll out the University’s information literacy roadmap.
Presenter: Bob Glass
Title: The LearnHigher CETL and information literacy assessments
Abstract:
This paper will review the work of the Information Literacy Learning Area in the LearnHigher Centre for Excellence in Teaching & Learning (CETL) at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU). As well as focusing on recent achievements and outcomes there will be specific reference to the research being undertaken into Information Literacy assessments
Biography:
Bob Glass teaches on undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses for the Department of Information and Communications at MMU. Bob has worked as a librarian, and for bookshops, publishers, software houses, IT and management training companies. Whilst at MMU he has been involved in student support and guidance, web site development and course development and planning. He has extensive experience in teaching and training technical subjects and library based competencies. He is currently Learning Area Co-ordinator (Information Literacy) for the LearnHigher CETL. He has taught and presented extensively at Universities and Conferences in the UK, Europe, Africa and the USA.
Presenters: Cath Hunt and Maggie Smart
Title: Information skills through electronic environments: considerations, pitfalls and benefits
Abstract:
Live Classroom software provides a virtual classroom with audio, video, application sharing and content display, allowing instructors to demonstrate resources and encourage interaction. For the past three years we have used this virtual classroom software to talk to distance learning students around the world and provide information skills support. This paper will consider the challenges involved and the benefits of direct communication with the students from induction to completion of their studies.
Biography:
Cath Hunt has worked at the University of Salford since 1998, taking up her present post as IT Liaison Officer in 2003. Before moving to Salford, Cath worked at the University of Manchester, developing interactive courseware for use in Earth Science teaching and learning.
Maggie Smart has worked in academic libraries since 1994 and for the past four years has been the ISD Liaison Officer for the School of the Built Environment and the Salford Business School (Leisure Industries). Prior to this Maggie was ISD Information Officer for the School of Nursing.
Presenter: Sirje Virkus
Title: Development of information-related competencies in European ODL institutions
Abstract:
This paper reports the findings of a research project which focused on how information-related competencies were developed in European higher open and distance learning universities (ODL institutions). A mixed method research strategy was used; a survey provided a broad picture of a phenomenon, and case studies covered a more limited area of the same ground but in greater depth.
Biography:
Sirje Virkus has been a teacher in the field of Library and Information Science since 1985 and is currently Head of the Department of Information Studies at Tallinn University in Estonia. Her research interests focus on the development of IRC in European higher ODL institutions. She is completing her PhD at the Department of Information and Communications of the Manchester Metropolitan University.
Presenters: Virpi Palmgren and Jouni Nevalainen
Title: How to make information retrieval concepts and instruction better-defined with the help of mapping software: training university teachers to use new methods and integrate information searching exercises in their own instruction
Abstract:
The Library of Helsinki University of Technology (TKK) has almost 40 years’ experience in teaching information retrieval, but has recently revised its training methods. During autumn 2006 the library and the Department of Computer Science and Engineering started an interesting co-operation. New software for making mind maps, concept maps and dialogue maps are being used for structuring information retrieval. This project got a warm reception because it can be adapted throughout the university and will benefit several departments. Teachers can also update their knowledge of information searching and retrieval skills.
Biographies:
Virpi Palmgren is an Information Specialist with an MSc. in Engineering from Helsinki University of Technology, Department of Chemistry, Espoo. She also holds a postgraduate certificate in Information Management and Information Services, and has studied a program on Higher Education Pedagogy at the Helsinki University of Technology, Lifelong Learning Institute Dipoli, Espoo.
Jouni Nevalainen is an Information Specialist with an MSc in Engineering from Helsinki University of Technology, Department of Electrical and Communications Engineering.
Presenter: Maitrayee Ghosh
Title: KLL@IIT Kanpur - an ICT innovation centre: enhancing information literacy and empowerment in rural India
Abstract:
The Kanpur Lucknow Lab (KLL) at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, is a centre of ICT innovation, which aims to provide solutions and tools for rural masses. Access to new technologies and services is a priority in developing countries like India. Innovative ideas, enterprising minds combined with ICT can go a long way in empowering and enriching the vast majority of the underprivileged rural poor. In the developing world there are many hurdles to overcome, but creative ideas, cutting edge technologies and committed organizations can usher in the current ‘rural technology’ revolution in India.
Biography:
Maitrayee Ghosh is Assistant Librarian and Head of Documentation Division in P.K. Kelkar Library at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India. She was a Commonwealth Professional Fellow during 2005-2006, and an ACRC Research Fellow 2007
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Presenters: Robert Davies, Romana Krizova, Geoff Butters
Title: Public libraries, learning and the creative citizen
(Workshop)
Abstract:
Public libraries potentially have a vital role in delivering European learning and skills agendas for adults and children by becoming centres for informal learning and creativity, using ICT. The workshop will introduce the main agendas and the public library contribution. Two specific platforms will be demonstrated, followed by a practical exercise and discussion.
Biographies:
Robert Davies has worked on the development of ICT deployment in public library services for many years, having co-ordinated a number of major European initiatives. He has been a partner in eMapps.com and AITMES which have given rise to the platforms to be demonstrated
Romana Krizova is CEO of Cross Czech, a Prague-based company which provides training, evaluation services and consultancy to EU funded programmes and projects in the areas of culture, education and social policy. Romana is currently consortium coordinator for the eMapps.com project, among others.
Geoff Butters is a Research Associate in CERLIM, the Centre for Research in Library and
Information Management, at Manchester Metropolitan University. For more than a decade
he has researched the delivery of library and information services via the Internet and
World Wide Web. Other research areas have included a hybrid library system, electronic
current awareness service, portal development and a web-based citizens’ local Cultural
Heritage system.
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Presenter: Emmanouel Garoufallou
Title: A user-centred approach to the evaluation of digital cultural maps: the case of the VeriaGrid system
Abstract:
This paper reports on the findings of a usability test conducted to evaluate the usability of the VeriaGrid online system. VeriaGrid is a prototype virtual map that focuses on the provision of information related to the cultural heritage of the city of Veria, Greece. It was developed under the Light project by the Central Public Library of Veria. The findings of the usability test revealed that users had some difficulties in using novel features of the digital map such as the ‘Recommended Points’ and finding textual information about cultural heritage. However, they were satisfied with the overall usability of the system. In the light of these findings, recommendations for improving the usability of the system were made.
Biography:
Dr. Emmanouel Garoufallou is a lecturer at the Department of Library Science and Information Systems (LSIS) at the Technological Educational Institution (TEI) of Thessaloniki, and a visiting principal lecturer at theLSIS at TEI of Athens, Greece. He also works as a consultant in academic, public and special libraries, in museums and information centres. He is director of DELTOS Research Group and worked as an Evaluator Manager of the Light programme and VeriaGrid project. He holds a PhD and a MA in LIS from UK.
Presenter: Jillian Griffiths
Title: The process of assessment of the quality, usability and impact of electronic services and resources - a quality attributes approach
Abstract:
This paper will present a holistic method of assessment of library and information services and resources, from a user’s perspective. The Quality Attributes approach, originally developed from the work of Garvin (1987) has been adapted for use in libraries and information services by Marchand (1990), Brophy and Coulling (1996), Brophy (1998), and Griffiths and Brophy (2002, 2005). This last adaptation produced a set of ten attributes which can be used to assess the quality, usability and impact of services and resources.
Biography:
Jill Griffiths gained her MPhil at MMU (Development of a specification for a full text CD-ROM user interface) in 1996 and taught within the Department of Information and Communications until 2000 when she began working as Research Associate in CERLIM, Manchester Metropolitan University. Although her teaching continues she primarily works on funded research projects, the most current of which is the EC funded EIAO project -The European Internet Accessibility Observatory.
Presenter: Sangeeta Kaul
Title: Reaching the Unreachables in India: effective information delivery service models and the challenges ahead
Abstract:
India has a long tradition of academic, research, governmental and specialised libraries. It also has diverse socio-economic and cultural factors, varying levels of literacy, and uneven ICT infrastructure provision. Despite these constraints, pioneering work has been done to enhance library and information networking and to promote knowledge sharing at grass root level. This paper will highlight the work being done by DELNET-Developing Library Network, a non-profit making, resource sharing library network connecting more than 1070 libraries in 30 States and UTs in India and outside the country.
Biography:
Sangeeta Kaul has been worked for the past thirteen years as Network Manager with DELNET, a library network with nearly 1070 libraries as its members in and outside of India. She holds a Masters in Library and Information Sciences and is pursuing her PhD. from an Indian University. Sangeeta has contributed more than 20 articles to national and international Conferences and has edited two books. She has travelled widely, including visiting Germany, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Singapore.
Presenter: Kamani Perera
Title: Breaking through the walls: current developments in library service delivery
Abstract:
The application of knowledge organization systems in libraries is becoming essential and will eventually help in streamlining the systems and processes used by librarians in acquiring, organizing, storing, accessing and disseminating knowledge and information to users. Knowledge organization systems include traditional classification schemes, but also less traditional schemes, such as semantic network ontologies. Because knowledge organization systems are mechanisms for organizing information, they are at the heart of every library, museum and archive.
Biography:
Kamani Perera works as the Librarian/Research Officer of the Regional Centre for Strategic Studies, Colombo, Sri Lanka. She has over 20 years of library experience and has presented papers on automated library systems and conducted library user seminars regionally. She underwent training in computerized library systems in Thailand and the USA. She has also attended several national and international conferences and compiled several cumulative indexes and bibliographies.
Presenter: Susan Robbins
Title: Information Central: a service success case study:
Abstract:
Information Central is a single receipt and response point for all incoming queries (telephone, online and email) to the University of Western Sydney Library system (seven libraries across six campuses). It is staffed by a small dedicated team throughout the Library's extensive opening hours, including evenings and weekends. The success of the service has been proven through significant increases in recent client satisfaction surveys.
Biography:
Susan Robbins is the Research Services Librarian at the University of Western Sydney in Australia. Until recently she was a member of the Information Central team, a single receipt and response point for all incoming queries (telephone, online and email) to the Library. Susan participated in the development of the 2007 - 2009 strategic plan for the UWS Library. She regularly attends conferences and workshops to enhance her knowledge of current trends in library philosophy and practice.
Presenters: Moira Bent and Karen Senior
Title: Discrete library services for international students - how can exclusivity lead to inclusivity?
Abstract:
This paper examines the issues surrounding the debate over exclusivity versus inclusivity affecting provision of UK university library services for international students; issues such as where best libraries should position themselves to help international students, what techniques they currently employ, and what they can learn from experiences elsewhere. We report on the progress of research to date which has culminated in guidelines for practitioners which will be published by SCONUL (Society of College, National and University Libraries) towards the end of 2007.
Biographies:
Moira Bent is Science librarian at Newcastle University and a National Teaching Fellow. She chairs the UK Universities Science Librarian's group and is a member of the CILIP UC&R Northern Committee, the SCONUL Working Group on Information Literacy, the SCONUL Access group on International Students and the LIMES Information Literacy Community of Practice.
Karen Senior is Head of Learning Support Services (LSS) at the University of Bolton, and a member of the UK SCONUL Access Group. She is Chair of the Access sub-group which is researching library service support for international students. She is a Regional Assessor for CILIP, and a member of the CILIP LAMIT North West Committee.
Marie Scopes is Skills for Learning Consultant and Teacher Fellow at Leeds Metropolitan University, and is responsible for developing e-resources and providing workshops to support the teaching and learning of study skills. Her background is in academic libraries and she led an in-house project to improve library support for international students.
Presenters: Kay Johnson and Gill Needham
Title: Are we ethical? A workshop on the ethical challenges of providing library services to distance learners
Abstract:
Distance education institutions provide varying degrees of library support to their students, but ethical principles are rarely discussed. This is despite the obvious barriers to providing distance learners with an equivalent library experience to that offered to campus based students. Access to technology may significantly reduce these challenges, but can itself raise a further set of ethical issues. This workshop seeks to open a lively discussion around the formulation of an ethical framework for provision of library support to distance learners. Scenarios are presented to encourage participants to engage with and reflect upon the suggested principles in the context of their own practice.
Biographies:
Kay Johnson is Head of Reference and Circulation Services at Athabasca University in Alberta, Canada. She is co-author of “Exploring the Digital Library: A Guide for Online Teaching and Learning” and a contributing author to “Theory and Practice of Online Learning”.
Gill Needham is currently Head of Strategic and Service Development in the Open University Library where she is responsible for developments including digital services, information literacy and learning technologies. She is a National Teaching Fellow.
Presenter: Jenny Craven
Title: Involving users in a new technical solution to help assess the accessibility of websites.
Abstract:
The European Internet Accessibility Observatory project is developing a new technical solution to assess the accessibility of websites over time. The project has been informed by various user centred requirements and testing activities undertaken by the project team. This paper will describe the methods adopted for a user centred approach and will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of adopting such an approach to a technical development.
Biographies:
Jenny Craven is a Research Associate in CERLIM at Manchester Metropolitan University. She has worked on a number of research projects relating to accessibility and usability of web-based resources and information seeking by blind and visually impaired people. She is currently working on an EC funded project: the European Internet Accessibility Observatory. Jenny is a Trustee for Force Foundation UK and has facilitated workshops for them on improving the accessibility of library services for blind and visually impaired people.
Presenter: Caroline Williams
Title: The reality of managing change: tools, techniques and approaches
Abstract:
UK library services have faced a climate of continuous change over the last ten years; responding to the constantly shifting technical, social and educational environment. Library and information professionals are reshaping services for users. Based on the experience of Intute, this paper will explore change management tools, techniques and approaches.
Biography:
Caroline Williams MA MBA MSP (Practitioner) is the Executive Director of Intute which is a free service providing access to the best Web resources for UK education and research. She is responsible for the strategic development of Intute and its transition from the Resource Discovery Network (RDN). Caroline manages the Executive based at MIMAS, The University of Manchester.