http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/778 http://idea.library.drexel.edu/retrieve/4891 http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/778 Search the Channel search http://idea.library.drexel.edu/simple-search http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/2637 Title: The challenging and critical role of information professionals in combating AIDS in India <br/> <br/>Authors: Ghosh, Maitrayee; Bhatt, Jay <br/> <br/>Abstract: The nature of work for librarians/information professionals is undergoing a profound transformation, due to the arrival of deadly diseases like AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) and the change in information needs of the local community. This change necessitates much more professional expertise, updated knowledge, critical thinking and involvement in developing effective AIDS literacy programs. Information professionals serving in different libraries or potential information dissemination centers can provide dedicated services to society by helping to access AIDS information not only in urban settings but also in rural environments. This paper outlines strategies for effective collaboration in the context of AIDS literacy promotion efforts. It identifies a number of obstacles in the process of empowering the community and suitable measures essential for success. http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/1667 Title: Science and technology libraries partnering with Knovel <br/> <br/>Authors: Bhatt, Jay; Paulsen, W. Charles; Dunn, Lisa G.; Van Epps, Amy S. <br/> <br/>Abstract: The engineering library plays a critical role in initiating and maintaining the conduit between vendors of engineering information and the users of that information—faculty, students, and researchers. Likewise, vendors play a key role in supporting library and faculty efforts to promote science and engineering information resources, beyond just supplying content and interface. Science and engineering libraries and vendors can effectively work together to get the most from electronic resources for both large and small institutions. The case studies here show how Knovel Corporation, a sci-tech e-book vendor, has worked with librarians at large and small institutions and with faculty members to promote awareness and usage of Knovel’s interactive library of electronic books for science and engineering education. Librarians and Knovel partner at a large institution like Drexel University to give on-site workshops for faculty and students. At these workshops important features of Knovel’s content and software are discussed and demonstrated in a live format. Questions are encouraged to ensure participants understand the technology, and short assignments reinforce learning. Knovel works with librarians to promote these sessions and continues the dialogue with attendees afterward. On-site demonstrations are one of the most effective ways to educate users about new technologies and new content. Librarians at smaller institutions often do not have the time and resources to devote to a full-scale on-site workshop. They need an "out-of-the-box" solution that is quick to deploy with an interface that is self-evident to users. Complete integration of e-book titles into the institution’s information toolbox is the key here. Knovel provides resources to promote ready access to meet the needs of smaller institutions, including MARC records for the library's catalog. Finally, librarians and Knovel work directly with faculty to integrate Knovel's content into their courses. An example is Purdue University’s "treasure hunt" assignment given in the Mechanical Engineering Technology program which includes questions which leverage Knovel titles to answer. By supporting outreach and access strategies appropriate for institution size and need, librarians and Knovel illustrate how to create an effective partnership with engineering libraries to increase awareness, usage and, ultimately, cost-effectiveness of electronic resources. http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/1641 Title: What the user wants: Drexel engineering perspectives <br/> <br/>Authors: Papazoglou, Elisabeth S.; Gadkari, Siddharth B.; Sunkari, Chetana; Bhatt, Jay http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/1566 Title: Innovative approaches to information literacy instruction for engineering undergraduates at Drexel University <br/> <br/>Authors: Roberts, Joshua C.; Bhatt, Jay <br/> <br/>Abstract: As information professionals, engineering librarians have the primary responsibilities of providing access to engineering information resources and giving instruction in how to use these resources. In the case of undergraduate engineering students, this extends to building their information literacy skills, an important component in helping them become lifelong learners; to be curious and independent, and to take greater responsibility for their own learning. The challenge in building information literacy in engineering students is to acquaint the students with the array of library resources available to them and to help them intelligently navigate the systems that contain the information. Too often, information literacy instruction is presented as a set of procedures for locating a hypothetical resource in the library. However, students are not interested in finding some resource randomly chosen as an example; they want to find resources that they perceive as being important and useful. During the 2005-2006 academic year, the engineering librarians at Drexel University took this into consideration and employed a new methodology for information literacy instruction: combining an online tutorial covering basic library skills with face-to-face consultations between student design teams and the engineering librarians. By utilizing varied instruction techniques aimed at different learning styles, with a strong active learning component delivered at the student's point of need - when they have a concrete, perceived information need - information literacy instruction can be improved so that engineering students retain more and develop lifelong learning skills. <br/> <br/>Description: Preprint version http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/1260 Title: The Transition to an Electric Journal Collection: Measuring the Operational and Economic Implications <br/> <br/>Authors: Montgomery, Carol Hansen <br/> <br/>Abstract: The overall objective of this study is to evaluate the economic implications of converting the entire current journal collection of a university library to an all digital format. This is an applied research project, the results of which will be useful to those who fund and manage digital library collections as well as other library staff and persons involved in training the library workforce of the future. <br/> <br/>Description: Includes project overview, grant proposal, Interim Narrative Progress Reports 1-4, bibliography, and Carol Montgomery resume bound as a single PDF file. http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/1204 Title: E-repository at Drexel University: vision and evolution <br/> <br/>Authors: Bhatt, Jay; Martin, Kevin http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/1203 Title: Blogging as a tool: innovative approaches to information access <br/> <br/>Authors: Bhatt, Jay <br/> <br/>Abstract: Blogs and RSS (Real Simple Syndication/Rich Site Summary) feeds and their applications in libraries are increasing exponentially. These applications range from current awareness type of settings in keeping up-to-date with new information, table of contents alerts of journal articles, feeds based on a research query in electronic databases, and news alerts from different subject areas. Other library related use of blogs and RSS feeds may include availability of new books based on selected keywords, feeds based on new subject guides, creating simple blog entries for course related information, and announcing library related events. This paper provides information on these applications and recommendations on how they can be implemented in any library setting. A particular emphasis on the Engineering Resources blog created for the College of Engineering and the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems is to highlight a variety of resources and new publications in the field.. Future directions and visions of how blogs and RSS can be used in academic library settings are discussed. http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/940 Title: A Successful Collaborative Partnership Among the Faculty and Librarians at Drexel University with the IEEE <br/> <br/>Authors: Bhatt, Jay; Wheeler, Andrew; Wolfish, Ruth <br/> <br/>Abstract: This paper details a successful collaborative partnership among the faculty and librarians at Drexel University with the IEEE. The primary groups involved in the partnership were the IEEE liaisons and leaders, the Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Department of the Drexel University College of Engineering, the Drexel University Libraries, the Drexel Student Branch of IEEE, and IEEE personnel. This innovative collaborative relationship was based on the IEEE University Partnership Program (UPP). From 2000 to 2004, unique activities and events were held to attract new students to the IEEE and encourage students to use IEEE Xplore, a premier electronic resource providing full-text access to IEEE transactions, journals, magazines and conference proceedings. Additional benefits of these events and activities included: improved information awareness and information literacy among the event participants, improved teamwork and communication skills in the members of the Drexel IEEE Student Branch who had to plan, promote, coordinate, and moderate events for students from Drexel and surrounding institutions, and partial rebates to the library for their subscription to the IEEE information product (contingent on predetermined IEEE Student Branch membership goals). <br/> <br/>Description: This paper describes the collaboration among students, faculty, librarians and the IEEE that culminated into some unique and innovative approaches of information outreach to engineering students at Drexel University. http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/939 Title: Library experience for applied engineering technology students <br/> <br/>Authors: Bhatt, Jay; Genis, Vladimir; Roberts, Joshua C. <br/> <br/>Abstract: The full-time Applied Engineering Technology Program at Goodwin College of Drexel University was launched two years ago. This program clearly distinguishes itself from traditional engineering programs. The curriculum places emphasis on the application of theory rather than on derivations and proofs. The majority of courses are fully integrated with training and laboratory experience, extensive use of software and industrial case studies. The information literacy of students plays an important role in the education process. The primary goal of an academic library is to support the curriculum and provide a more successful library experience for students. The communication between the librarian with liaison responsibilities and the academic program is described in this work. During the class-session of the Introduction to Applied Engineering Technology Course, the librarian introduces students to library resources including databases and electronic products, services, programs and policies, as well as to proper communication links between the library and the various colleges and schools. The information skills learned during the process contribute to life-long learning among the students in this program. Several activities such as research skills workshops, informal consultations, electronic reference and virtual chat, and informal mentoring are used to provide informative library experiences to the students. The role of the communication and collaboration among the faculty and the librarian to develop the content for the library skills workshops and assignments to assess the information skills learned are considered crucial for providing enriching library experience. The core information skills that will enhance the knowledge fundamentals form the central theme of this collaboration between the faculty, students, and librarians. <br/> <br/>Description: Academic librarians and faculty members need to collaborate to provide effective library instruction to students in engineering programs. In this paper, a succesful collaborative approach is described that also demonstrates the importance of student interaction and engagement in their learning process. http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/938 Title: Vendor partnerships with engineering libraries: Partnering with knovel: Case studies in information outreach <br/> <br/>Authors: Bhatt, Jay; Paulsen, W. Charles; Dunn, Lisa; Van Epps, Amy S. <br/> <br/>Abstract: The engineering library plays a critical role in initiating and maintaining the conduit between vendors of engineering information and the users of that information—faculty, students, and researchers. Likewise, vendors play a key role in supporting library and faculty efforts to promote engineering information resources, beyond just supplying content and interface. Engineering libraries and vendors can effectively work together to get the most from electronic engineering resources for both large and small institutions. The case studies here show how Knovel Corporation, a sci-tech e-book vendor, has worked with engineering librarians at large and small institutions and with faculty members to promote awareness and usage of Knovel’s interactive library of electronic books for engineering education. Librarians and Knovel partner at a large institution like Drexel University to give on-site workshops for faculty and students. At these workshops important features of Knovel’s content and software are discussed and demonstrated in a live format. Questions are encouraged to ensure participants understand the technology, and short assignments reinforce learning. Knovel works with librarians to promote these sessions and continues the dialogue with attendees afterward. On-site demonstrations are one of the most effective ways to educate users about new technologies and new content. The Information Services Librarian for Engineering at Drexel University will discuss Knovel's use of on-site workshops to promote electronic engineering information awareness. Librarians at smaller institutions often do not have the time and resources to devote to a full-scale on-site workshop. They need an "out-of-the-box" solution that is quick to deploy with an interface that is self-evident to users. Complete integration of e-book titles into the institution’s information toolbox is the key here. Knovel provides resources to promote ready access to meet the needs of smaller institutions, including MARC records for the library's catalog. The Head of Reference at the Colorado School of Mines library will discuss how Knovel provides support for access and outreach at this institution. Finally, librarians and Knovel work directly with faculty to integrate Knovel's content into their courses. An example is Purdue University’s "treasure hunt" assignment given in the Mechanical Engineering Technology program which includes questions which leverage Knovel titles to answer. By supporting outreach and access strategies appropriate for institution size and need, librarians and Knovel illustrate how to create an effective partnership with engineering libraries to increase awareness, usage and, ultimately, cost-effectiveness of electronic resources. <br/> <br/>Description: Can libraries and database vendors collaborate to support information awareness of library users? If so, how? Are such collaborations effective in terms learning specialized features of a particular database?