2006 Poster Session

"Working outside of the box:
Science and Technology academic and corporate librarians interacting with non-traditional user groups, materials, spaces, and resources"
Monday, Jun 12, 2006 (11:30AM - 1:00PM)

Co-Sponsored by the Physics-Astronomy-Mathematics and Sci-Tech Divisions

I. Physical Spaces

1. Incorporating Learning Center Concepts into the Academic Library
Linda Shackle (linda.shackle@asu.edu) and Phil Konomos; Noble Science & Engineering Library, Arizona State University

Abstract:
Until recently, the primary role of an academic library has been to enable the discovery of information. Does the "sweatshop" approach to computing (desktop computers concentrated in public areas with limited surrounding work space) continue to be the best way to foster information discovery? How can we go beyond information discovery and catalyze learning as well? Now that digital natives have reached the college years, how do we adapt to their networking behaviors? The Noble Science and Engineering Library at Arizona State University is currently assessing the needs and behaviors of their student users to create an environment that is more than an information workspace - it would be a Leaning Center. Under consideration are:

• Going beyond access to library resources and Microsoft Office products; what other types of productivity software are needed?
• Putting computing resources within study areas rather than in one separate public area
• Adapting to growing number of students with laptops
• Accommodating many modes of study (individual/group, open/enclosed areas, formal instruction/tutoring/self-directed learning)
• Flexibility of space for multiple uses, different sized groups, and scheduled vs impromptu needs
• Adapting help services (information, reference, circulation, and computing) to better meet the needs of the changing environment

2. Transformation of Circulation, Reference, and Reserves Services - Converging library service desk functions into a shared service point
Elizabeth Brown (ebrown@binghamton.edu), Science Reference Librarian / Bibliographer; Angelique Jenks-Brown (ajbrown@binghamton.edu), Science Reference Librarian / Bibliographer; Binghamton University Libraries, Binghamton, NY

Abstract:
The Science Library at Binghamton University has planned and implemented a shared service desk to accommodate circulation, reserves, and reference transactions. This shared service point was chosen for several reasons. These were to eliminate confusion over which desk to approach, provide consistent service levels to all library users, and handle patron requests as efficiently as possible.

Science Library staff worked collaboratively to plan the shared service point. Before the planning process began preparations were taken to minimize staff stress. A self-check machine was installed, evening and weekend reference hours were implemented at the Circulation Desk, and library staff was cross-trained on reference and circulation practices. Subgroups were formed to address specific planning concerns. These covered training, desk scheduling, publicity and signage, physical space layout, impact on service, and job description analysis.

After implementing our Information Services Desk the benefits of combining services are apparent. Staff cross-training on library procedures creates an environment where more employees can respond to patron needs. Librarians meet more frequently with students and faculty and this gives them a better awareness of the Libraries' collections use. There is better communication among staff members, more consistent application of library policies and procedures, and a greater appreciation of each staff member's responsibilities and expertise within the library. Improvements to the new service model will be made through incorporating user feedback, through employee training sessions, and by reviewing staff job descriptions from changed responsibilities and work flow.

Abstract:
In an era of declining gate counts, how can an academic library draw its users in and help them make it a place of their own? This is a dilemma that faced the University of Minnesota Libraries. A series of focus groups and surveys of undergraduate and graduate students and faculty members in 2003 and 2004 indicated an overwhelming demand for coffee shops in campus libraries. The responses suggested that coffee shops could help "integrate the libraries into students' daily lives."

In response to changing patron needs and demands, the libraries closed a photocopy center in the Science and Engineering Library and used the space to create the Wise Owl Café. More than a place for a cup of coffee, the café is intended to be a "learning café," where collaborations, conversations, and new ideas can begin in a social environment. Exhibits and events, intended to generate discussion and primarily science-related, are an important feature of the café.

This poster will address the assessments that led to the development of the café, how the café is being integrated into the larger learning goals of the libraries, and the response of the university community to the café.

4. Academic Library Renovations: Main libraries compared to Science/Engineering Branch Libraries
Joseph Kraus (jokraus@du.edu), Science and Engineering Librarian, University of Denver Penrose Library

Abstract:
The presenter received over 35 survey responses from a wide variety of academic main and science/engineering branch libraries. The survey asked about their recent renovations or renovation plans. Questions covered the number of volumes in the library, type of facility project, when it was completed, cost of the project and why a renovation or a new building was needed. He visited some of those institutions during a sabbatical in the fall of 2005. Quantitative and qualitative responses to the survey and personal observations from the site visits are presented.

II. User Groups - Interactions

5. Reaching Out to Future Scientists | Handout
Mary Lou Baker Jones (Marylou.jones@wright.edu), University Libraries, Wright State University

Abstract:
As a Science & Math Librarian at Wright State University Libraries, I work with the traditional user groups of teaching faculty, research faculty, graduate students and undergraduate students. In recent years a new user group has been getting my attention: middle school science students who are guests of the College of Science & Mathematics’ outreach program. Each December, area middle school students participate in “Exploring Science” - a half-day of workshops intended to help “tomorrow’s scientists today.” Faculty and students from the college provide hands-on workshops in chemistry, biology, anatomy, mathematics, geology, environmental sciences, psychology, engineering, and neuroscience; the University Libraries offer a workshop in finding and evaluating information. Together with the Engineering Librarian, I developed a module which guides the young visitors to use electronic resources to create “Wanted” posters for deadly bacteria. Students find and evaluate information in order to identify a well-known pathogen whose scientific (Latin) name they have been given.

Our challenge is to adapt our academic resources and approaches to a 45-minute “detective” session during which middle school students can practice and learn some basic scientific information retrieval and evaluation skills at their own educational level. How do we do this? We dazzle the students with “cool” computer equipment. We develop colorful worksheets with a very limited number of tasks. We create a simple workshop-specific home page to cut down on navigation problems. And, we imbibe their enthusiasm and try to share it back with them. We have fun.

6. Focus Groups Measure Satisfaction of Interdisciplinary Customer Groups
Nancy Allmang (nancy.allmang@nist.gov) and Mylene Ouimette (mylene.ouimette@nist.gov); Research Library, National Institute of Standards and Technology

Abstract:
This poster describes a series of focus groups conducted by librarians at the Research Library at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to assess the information needs and satisfaction of three hard-to-identify, interdisciplinary groups of customers in three emerging, specialized research areas. An earlier comprehensive survey had highlighted a need for resources in these areas; collection development efforts had since addressed augmenting the gaps. The focus group format is one of a variety of assessment means used at the NIST Research Library to evaluate the needs of its customers. The focus group format was selected in this instance to permit librarian facilitators to drill down to obtain rich qualitative data about customer satisfaction with resources and services in the new specialized, cross-divisional areas. Participants were an amalgam of bench scientists, project leaders, scientific advisors, and technical managers whose work spanned multiple organizational units and experience levels. The poster includes sections on question development; identification and demographics of participants; group interview details, techniques, and dynamics; analysis; findings; and conclusions.

7. Eine neue Bruecke/A new bridge? (color poster also available)
F. Bartow Culp (bculp@purdue.edu), Mellon Library of Chemistry, Purdue University

Abstract:
The Information Divisions of the American Chemical Society (ACS) and the German Chemical Society (GDCh) have recently established a joint committee to promote mutual cooperation. Two major goals of the committee will be to further chemical information instruction (CII) and information literacy (IL). This presentation will highlight some of the committee's efforts in these areas and give some of the history of CII and IL in both countries, and of their current levels.

8. Triple Threat! Collaboration between Faculty, Librarians, and IT Makes Class Scheduling A Breeze!
Beth Bloom (BloomBet@shu.edu), Associate Professor/Reference Librarian, Seton Hall University

Abstract:
Seton Hall is a Catholic doctoral-level university located directly West of Newark NJ. Annually, 1100 entering students take a two-semester Freshman English course. Collaboration between library and English faculty has resulted in an information literacy component, necessitating one library orientation session per semester per class. Approximately ten librarians must be scheduled to work with as many as 72 Freshman English sections taught by 43 faculty members. In the past, teaching faculty filled out paper or individual on-line library instruction requests. The library instruction coordinator would then have to find a librarian whose schedule allowed him/her to honor the English faculty request.

This daunting task inspired the library instruction coordinator to meet with the heads of the TLTC (Teaching, Learning and Technology Center) and Freshman English, respectively, to solve this problem. They developed a scheduling database that looks like calendar in which English faculty can request the most desired library orientation date and also include specific class and assignment information. Each librarian is given access to the database and told to sign up for a specific amount of classes. This system allows for direct communication between librarian and faculty. The database generates statistical data as well as electronic receipts each time a librarian signs up to teach a session. The instruction coordinator has administrative access that allows her to monitor sign-ups and assign classes. No longer an intermediary, she is free to devote more time to analyzing database statistics and teaching quality.

The poster session will include images and statistical examples.

9. Outside of the Box: Non-traditional Interactions
Dana Roth (dzrlib@library.caltech.edu), California Institute of Technology

Abstract:
There are a wide variety of approaches that librarians and information specialists can use to develop new interactions with users to meet their information needs. This poster session will review some of the tools available to subject specialists in a research institute setting. Some uncommonly used approaches will be described, including:

• Reviewing research publications for database corrections.
• Attending classes - developing web pages for student assignments.
• Reaching out to users with e-mail/blog newsletters.
• Offering classes on databases and focused subjects.

10. How can I reach them?
Patricia T. Viele, (ptv1@cornell.edu), Physics & Astronomy Librarian, Edna McConnell Clark Physical Sciences Library, Cornell University Physics Laboratory

Abstract:
Traditionally, physicists have not been heavy library users. I have, by necessity, had to become creative about ways of spreading the word about what a librarian can do for them. Some techniques that seem to work for me:

• involvement with their professional organization
• involvement with the outreach coordinators at Cornell University
• using DSpace at Cornell to post some materials for physics (science) faculty at all levels
• publishing in journals of interest to physics faculty
• sending email messages with interesting web sites to various groups: faculty, grad students and undergrads
• monitoring listservs for faculty and contributing whenever possible

11. Outreach for Scientists and Engineers
Mary Frances Lembo (mf.lembo@pnl.gov), Karen A. Buxton, Cheryl A. Wiborg, and Beverly T. Hayes, Technical Library Specialists; Nancy Doran, Manager, Knowledge Management and Information Services; Annanaomi Sams, Director; Hanford Technical Library, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Abstract:
The Hanford Technical Library at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has an Outreach Program that combines methods for educating employees about staff capabilities, online research tools, and physical collections. This program is designed to raise awareness of library resources and teach scientists, engineers, and support staff to use online tools. Information Specialists teach product classes in the library building and in conference rooms around the PNNL campus. Classes are advertised widely in company newsletters and on web sites while e-mail announcements target research groups whose fields are covered by the products. Recently a new Traveling Librarian Service was instituted. Information Specialists visit employees in their own offices, spending about 15 minutes with each contact, to introduce them to library products or answer questions. Email messages target specific scientific and technical groups with information about new database, book and journal acquisitions. The outreach package of services gives the Information Specialist different ways to connect with their customers. Anecdotal and statistical data indicate that the researchers, with their individual learning styles and goals, are well served by the program. Other libraries can adapt this customized approach to pair customers with resource discovery tools.

12. Working to Make Communities Safer: The Toxics Use Reduction Institute Library
Jan Hutchins (jan@turi.org), Manager of the TURI Library, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Abstract:
How does a small, specialized research library expand its reach to a broader audience? The Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) Library, located at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, was founded in the early 1990s as a resource for a state-funded pollution prevention research center. In the first few years of its existence, the library was used primarily by in-house researchers and students. More recently, the Institute has re-defined and expanded the library’s mission: to provide information on alternatives to the use of hazardous chemicals to communities, businesses, agencies and individuals throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This poster will discuss the challenges a solo librarian faces in serving a diverse and geographically dispersed population of non-traditional users, and describe the strategies and tools that the TURI Library has implemented.

13. Tech Talk
Pamela Lee Enrici (penrici@d.umn.edu), Engineering & Medical Librarian, University of Minnesota, Duluth

Abstract:
TechTalk is sponsored by the UMD Instructional Development Services (IDS). IDS works with faculty members across all disciplines and in a variety of ways to improve teaching an enhance student learning. TechTalk is an informal group that meets 4-6 times a semester over lunch (provided!) to discuss what is happening in the classroom and faculty offices with technology. The group is composed of technophiles as well as Luddites!

This group has provided me an opportunity to learn what technologies are happening in the classroom so that I can incorporate this into my own teaching (as well as the rest of Reference). A recent example of new technology the campus is exploring is "zappers" or personal responder devices. Librarians need to know about this technology and how to use it! On the other side, I am able to tell what is happening in the library and plug for new databases.

The poster will incorporate a brief history of TechTalk, many of the issues it has covered and how I have incorporated this into my teaching or working knowledge as a librarian, and finally, ways in which I have passed on what the UMD library has been doing to those attending the meetings.

Hopefully others can either start a group similar to this or join one and so that we can learn from one another.

Abstract:
Calorimetry has been defined as “the science of measuring the heat of chemical reactions or physical changes,” whereas thermal analysis is “a branch of materials science where the properties of materials are studied as they change with temperature.”[1] The two subjects are closely linked at the international level by common peer-reviewed journals, common professional societies, and common instrumentation providers. Yet in the USA, there are two separate organizations whose main function is to run annual conferences: the Calorimetry Conference and the North American Thermal Analysis Society. In order better to understand the relationship between calorimetry and thermal analysis, we have analyzed the scientific literature of the past 18 years in the two subjects, using two bibliographic databases: Chemical Abstracts and the Web of Science. Results were presented at both conferences this summer, with the hope that the two organizations can explore cooperation at an appropriate level in order to realize economies of scale.

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/

III. Resources, Materials

15. Social Web & Communication Tools: Social bookmarking, Weblogs, RSS Feeds and Instant Messaging
Jennifer Lee (jennifer.lee@ucalgary.ca), University of Calgary Library

Abstract:
Tools for Web collaboration are increasing and range from one-to-many tools that allow sharing of personal links to one-to-one communications tools such as instant messaging. This poster shows how these tools can be applied to library settings and how they will impact reference and teaching.

Online “social bookmarking” and reference management services help researchers organize and share information. URLs or bibliographic information can be saved, “tagged” using descriptors, and commented upon. Ensuing list(s) are available to all registrants, enabling users with same or similar tags to discover the research that others are reading. These tools have implications on the information seeking behaviors of researchers.

Weblogs (“blogs”) can be used as communication space between instructor and student, within research/student groups, or between library and user. They are easy to set up and are an effective liaison tool.

Tables of contents, site content, and search alerts are increasingly available as RSS (Really Simple Syndication / Rich Site Summary) feeds. Libraries can also create feeds to announce new books, or for news distribution services via blogs.

Instant messaging (IM) is a communication method favored by university students. More immediate than email, yet less intrusive than phone, it offers clients and colleagues options for making contact. There are many free applications available; some aggregate the most popular ones (Yahoo!, MSN, ICQ, Google).

Tools to be covered include: Connotea, CiteULike, Blogger, Bloglines, Trillian, Meebo

Abstract:
The University of Pennsylvania Library has created a social bookmarking tool called PennTags (http://tags.library.upenn.edu/) Similar to popular social bookmarking tools such as Delicious and Furl, PennTags enables current members of the University community to create their own tagspace and use that to collect and maintain resources of interest and relevance. PennTags is designed to work with Penn Library resources so users can easily add catalog records, links to library databases and electronic journal articles as well as pages from the open web.

Social bookmarking has many potential implications for teaching and learning. The EDUCAUSE document “Seven things you should know about social bookmarking” (http://www.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI7001.pdf) states that “Tagging information with keywords has the potential to change how we store and find information” and that “Social bookmarking simplifies the distribution of reference lists, bibliographies, papers, and other resources among peers or students.” This poster will present how PennTags is currently being used and possible impacts and applications in the future.

17. Using Text Mining in a Software Engineering Library Setting (slide format; original poster here)
Sheila L. Rosenthal (slr@sei.cmu.edu), Manager of Library Services; Ira Monarch, Technical Staff; Software Engineering Institute; Pittsburgh, PA

Abstract:
Library Services at the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) Library, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) was asked to create subject bibliographies reflecting the evolution of specific software engineering domains over the past twenty years. Fortunately, we have access to many valuable bibliographic databases through licensing agreements with the CMU Libraries.

The INSPEC database was used for article retrieval and WORLDCAT for books. Recent studies used keyword phrases such as "software metrics" and "requirements engineering." Requesting copyright permission from these databases was required, since we planned to make information from the analysis of the bibliographies available on our web site.

Realizing that extensive analysis of titles, abstracts and key phrases would be required to identify the important subjects and their interrelationships and, once identified, to present the results in the most effective manner, we determined that a special tool was needed to accomplish this task. We decided to use the LexiQuest Mine, a text mining tool that is part of SPSS Inc.'s text mining products, though equally good products are available. Text mining enabled the exploration of "unstructured" information contained in text in much the same way that data mining explores tabular or "structured" data. Thousands of citations from these two databases were stored in HTML files in an online file system, processed using the text mining tool and interpreted by analysts to extract and present the results.

This project has been going on for several years and has included several publications and presentations. We plan to continue it for the foreseeable future.

Abstract:
The Gallagher Library of Geology and Geophysics at the University of Calgary set up a fee-based information service five years ago in response to growing demands for its collections and services from external clients. The Gallagher Library is uniquely positioned. It has one of the premier geology collections in Western Canada. Its strengths include regional, structural and petroleum geology, geophysics, geochemistry, sedimentology, and paleontology, with particular emphasis on the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin. The library is also one of the few local collections, in a city that boasts over 500 petroleum exploration companies, which is open to the public.

The University Library did offer a limited fee-based information service on an ad hoc basis, but it was not robust enough to handle the requests and complex service requirements of non-university clientele. The existing service itself was sporadic and unreliable. After reviewing the situation, it was clear that using the Gallagher Library and its staff to implement a fee-based information service, directed specifically at those clients who most wanted to use the associated resources had many advantages.

Instituting a fee-based information service was challenging. This poster will review the benefits of offering a fee-based information service and the lessons learned when planning and implementing such a service.

Abstract:
Librarians and knowledge management practitioners at Ford Motor Company envision the next stage in the overall seamless information experience to leverage learning, strategy and behavior expertise. The information and knowledge management domain at Ford Motor is a series of decentralized efforts. From informal Jam Clubs to executive-level Value Management efforts, creating and evolving to a seamless and global information environment requires change and transformation agents from all areas of the Company. Represented service groups are managed, funded, staffed and IT-supported independently across the enterprise/brands. Concomitantly, all are challenged locally to generate solutions that will improve: budget pressures, revenue generation, staff pressures, and knowledge sharing.

Key points of the study (next steps) include:

• Understanding the impacts of incentives and building competencies.
• Self-organizing efforts: Wednesday Afternoon Jam Club
• Identifying the 3Ps (principles, paradigms, and practicalities) of information services, learning, skill-building, and innovation.
• Linking the Domains of Information taxonomies within the efforts is essential to an overall seamless experience. It also keeps customer needs in focus as coordinated work streams deliver value and sustainability.
• Applying a Six-sigma mindset and inventive qualitative testing to problem-solve improves credibility and reliability of recommendations.
• Test Best Practices that increase the ROI of information and support the new-extended-libraries' role.

Successful change management and adaptive learning responses support the values driven outcomes.

20. Implementation of a Voucher System for Document Delivery of Electronic Journal Articles to Physics Researchers
Barbara Cox, Maria Hunt, April M. Love (april.love@library.utah.edu) and Daureen Nesdill; Marriott Library, University of Utah

Abstract:
Since before the introduction of the Los Alamos Laboratory preprint server, physics faculty and researchers prefer to use preprints rather than published journal articles for their research. More often than not, physicists check the final published version of research articles to verify information from the preprint editions in the process of the publication of their research. The University of Utah J. Willard Marriott Library has found that some expensive journals subscriptions, such as Nuclear Physics A or Nuclear Physics B, have very high cost per use statistics. Librarians at the University of Utah initiated a study to determine if it is more cost effective for the Marriott Library to subsidize faculty downloading full text articles from ScienceDirect on a “pay-per-view” basis at $30.00 per article, than it is to subscribe to those journals. This service includes access to backfiles of all titles in ScienceDirect, whether the Library subscribes or not. This voucher system for pay-per-view access to research articles permits the physics faculty to rapidly obtain the information they need 24/7. This is one possible method for the Marriott Library to stretch the serials subscription budget while increasing service to faculty.