Library: A building that houses books and much more
(An annotated bibliography on the Role of Libraries in
Education)
By: Deepti Dutta
INFO522: Information Access & Resources
Instructor: Dr Linda Marion
19th March 19, 2010
Introduction and Scope
A person engages in learning throughout his/her lifetime and
uses the acquired knowledge and skills for the success of his/her
living. The process of learning has evolved with time and
technology. The way we access information has changed. Libraries
are places of learning and provide the human race with never ending
resources of knowledge. With the changing face of information and
technology, libraries have also changed and adapted to the needs of
its users. They have expanded their roles from information
assimilators to information providers. This bibliography explores
the contribution of libraries to education. On one hand they
attempt to close the knowledge gap by providing resources to the
under privileged while on the other hand they take on the challenge
of providing library services to distant learners. The potential of
libraries to further expand its boundaries and provide education is
also explored.
Description of User Group
This bibliography covers studies published from 1999 – 2009 and
covers all age groups, in different parts of the world. Attempts to
expose children to better reading materials and technology
resources are made to give them a good start. Adults with limited
exposure to technology are taught to improve their skills and
seniors who lag behind in this age of electronic resources are
given training in how to use them to their advantage. Also included
is the vast community of students striving for higher education,
who are changing the way education is offered in universities,
challenging libraries to keep up with the modern technology to
fulfill their demands.
Literature Review
Literacy not only equips adults with employment skills but also
with developmental skills; to engage with health related issues
like nutrition, a healthy life-style and children's education and
also the ability to participate fully in democracy (Nassimbeni
2008). Illiteracy is a significant problem in South Africa. In a
speech in 2001, Professor Kader Asmal, Minister of Education at the
time, noted that
…6 million South Africans (were) barred from the written word,
from the whole universe of information and imagination that books
hold; and also from the more functional everyday empowerment that
written languages gives..(Nassimbeni 2006)
A study performed to get an idea of the frequency and range of
activities towards literacy, offered by the libraries at Cape Town,
South Africa found that the most frequently mentioned item was the
provision of accommodation for the classes (63 libraries). The
supply of library material through block loans to the literacy
organization was ranked equally with the arrangement of library
visits (40 libraries). This was followed by the promotion of
library membership, an important method of entrenching the reading
habit and ensuring a stable supply of suitable reading material, a
factor closely related to the retention of reading skills (25
libraries). Reading sessions were also organized in eight
libraries.
The libraries with direct participation in adult education
programs periodically offered a range of extramural activities to
the learners. The most frequently offered was a visit to cultural
institutions such as a museum, followed by visits to botanical
gardens, and then to sites of natural beauty, such as Cape Point.
Life skills expeditions such as visits to the fire fighting
department and health clinics were also offered. Adult learners
were also included in celebrations for marking literacy or reading
events. These were all important enrichment activities offering
enjoyment and learning opportunities and motivating the learners
(Nassimbeni 2006).
In another study featuring two Cape Town libraries, life skills
course was offered at one library while computer skills at the
other. Life skills course consisted of income generation skills
such as fabric painting, decorating candles, making greeting cards
and working with beads and candles. Computer skills course also
offered a business course focusing on business writing skills,
using banks and basic business concepts (Nassimbeni 2008).
Illiteracy plagues developed countries too but here the
libraries are equipped with comparatively better resources. Various
Literacy partnerships in UK have allowed public libraries to
benefit from: shared resources, costs, knowledge, skills and
experience; improve the chances of attracting the ‘hard to reach’;
avoid service duplication; enhance image and raise the profile of
library services; and improve the chances of goal achievement. Also
training courses are provided to equip library staff and basic
skills providers with the required skills and knowledge to deliver
adult literacy services.
A report on how the literacy issue was addressed at 8 public
libraries in UK revealed that Libraries had developed special
collection for emergent readers. Special efforts were made to label
and place the collection so they could be located easily.
Guidelines were circulated to libraries to identify new titles to
keep the collections well stocked and appealing.
Books centered around reader’s hobbies and interests were
identified, collections were built by suggestions of readers and
Audio-Visual loans and Internet usage was encouraged to make them a
habitual library users. Library tours were a key feature to
acquaint adults to the library. Investments were made in talking
books to facilitate participation in reading groups for those who
were still learning to read. A series of library events were
conducted to encourage adults to visit the library for the first
time (McLoughlin 2004)
Efforts are made to provide better literacy opportunities for
children of low income communities. During such an effort, 32
neighborhood branch libraries, in the city of Philadelphia were
transformed over a five year period into technological modern urban
library systems. An attempt was made to reduce the knowledge gap
between the children of low income and middle income families by
providing special after school programs, collections to match
patron’s native language and cultural interests and installing 9
computers in each of the libraries (Neuman 2006)
In another program called Book Aloud, five county library
systems and the Free Library of Philadelphia collaborated to
exposed economically disadvantaged children in 337 not-for-profit
childcare centers (serving 17, 675 children) to greater quantities
of print and meaningful language. Collaborative activities were
planned throughout the year, giving 102 local libraries over 54,
150 new titles similar to those in the childcare centers, along
with special events such as puppet shows, speakers and storytellers
to encourage increased attendance. Books Aloud program also
provided the 10 hours of training to childcare staff at their local
library branches on read-aloud strategies and thematic activities.
The program was supervised by two staff librarians in each county
who were also notified of the progress of the project. Comparing
the Book Aloud group with a controlled group, it was found that
Books Aloud Children outdistanced their counterparts (Neuman
1999).
Besides “leveling the field” for the illiterate, libraries are
obligated to keep up with the times and meet the demands of the
community which is striving for better education.
The popularity of distance learning has provided a challenge for
the Academic libraries. The libraries are responsible for providing
distance learners with the same services which are provided to an
on campus student. The very characteristic of distant locations of
students demands fresh ways to deliver services, based on
constantly evolving technologies, new program offerings, increasing
enrolments and learner needs. In most cases traditional on-campus
library services themselves cannot be stretched to meet the library
needs of distance students and faculty who face distinct and
different challenges in library access and information delivery.
(Kavulya 2004). The librarians need to consider how the library's
resources, services, and instruction programs should be altered to
meet the needs of the all of their user population, particularly
those students and faculty who are using the library building less
but still need assistance to use the library's resources, services,
and instructional capabilities effectively (Kelly 2003)
There is a need for reliable, rapid and secure access to
institutional and other data banks including print and
Internet-based resources. Providing information literacy
instruction to distance education students requires new methods of
delivery such as online courses, interactive web based tools, video
conferencing or other innovative methods of technology. This calls
for investments in information technology, reallocation of staff
resources and staff trained for new responsibilities. There is also
the need for preparing documentation for electronic tools to make
sure that it is specific to distance education students' needs.
(Kavulya 2004)
An online survey of librarians of 143 institutions offering
distance programs aimed to find how the instructions were provided
for their distant population. It was found from 97% of the
responses received that some sort of special support to distance
students was offered, 85% had a general Website or guide focused on
the need of the students, 72% offered online guides or tutorials
for particular resources or services and 68% had specific contact
person within the library who dealt with distant users’ needs. 51%
send print materials, 21% sent CD-ROMs or other electronic
materials to the distant students (Hines 2008). The survey of
graduate (1,961) and undergraduate (772) students enrolled in
University of Maryland University College (UMUC) revealed that over
71% students reported that Web-based tutorials or guides were the
most popular formats for receiving instruction in library resources
and services. (Kelley 2003)
The Internet has now become a marketing tool to meet customers,
to introduce products and provide individualized services. A study
of Web Pages of 13 University Libraries in Sri Lanka explored how
Web marketing could be used in the library context and to increase
lifelong learning. The library’s web page can be used as
communication channel to extend and retain relationship with users
(Arachchige 2007). In the survey of UMUC students, the most
effective means to reach them was, through the university library’s
home page (62.7%). This finding strongly suggested that the library
needs to ensure that its home page is current, is updated
regularly, and provides information in a format that is helpful to
students (Kelley 2003).
The UMUC survey further explored the student preferences and
trends in their use of libraries and libraries resources. While 66%
responded that they never or seldom visited the library, over 51%
indicated that off campus access to full-text materials in
library’s databases was the most useful service, followed by
off-campus access to library’s online catalog (51%). The top reason
students thought they would be more motivated to use libraries was
if there were more full-texts available online (71.7%) (Kelley
2003)
The electronic journal (e-journal) collections are changing the
nature of scholarship by increasing access to research materials
which might not have been otherwise found. Their demand among the
academic and research community has increased over the years.
University Grants Commission of India sponsors ‘‘UGC-Infonet
Digital Library Consortium” provides high speed internet access to
approximately 5,000 full text scholarly e-journal in the areas of
science, technology, the social sciences and humanities.
A survey of 100 doctoral students from University of Goa, India
(96 completed for analysis) found out that 73% of the participants
felt that they can get faster access to information using
e-journals; 69% could keep abreast of the latest information, 64%
could get easier access to information, 60% could access to a wider
range of information, 50% claimed that it expedited the research
process and improved professional competency for 29%. At the end of
the survey, majority (95 percent) of the respondents expressed the
need for more e-journals. (Chirra 2009)
Academic libraries are building strong e-Books collection to
support distance learners. These are equivalent of a print book in
digital format and can be read on a computer or other digital
reader. An e-book can be searched quickly and easily for specific
information and when owned or leased by a library can be available
24/7, whether a library is open or not.
A study performed at Central Michigan University (CMU) compared
the usage of e-books. It concluded that the percentage of e-book
use at CMU among off-campus students was much higher than their
usage of the general population (Grudzien 2008).
In addition to the above resources, subject librarians also
provide course or discipline specific Web pages, course specific
guides, wikis/web pages for distance learners, tutorials or
learning modules, print handouts and online FAQs. Reference via
chat, instant messaging, e-mail and telephone is also provided.
(Cassner 2008)
Various researches reveal that students overwhelmingly prefer to
have instruction delivered in a format that is accessible
off-campus and offers them flexibility in when they receive
instruction. The decrease in the usage of the physical library
indicates that, students are relying to a greater degree on online
resources available outside the library's walls (Kelly 2003)
As the new ways to share and access information are developed,
the information poor are becoming more impoverished. The libraries
can help bridge this digital divide. They have the potential to be
an ideal site for providing both Internet access and training for
those who are socially and economically disadvantaged because the
mission of public libraries is to provide free or low-cost services
to meet the information needs of the public and they are typically
located in every community and their locations are often accessible
using public transportations (Xie 2009).
As government sites and organizations continue in their attempts
to move their own information resources online, public libraries
can reduce barriers to access and use of networked information for
those most threatened by the digital divide (Bishop 1999). One such
collaborative program involved teaching seniors to access health
and medical information using government sites -
NIHSeniorHealth.gov and MedlinePlus.gov (Xie 2009). Another study
explored the community information needs, communication channels,
and computer experiences of people—predominantly African-American
women—living in low-income neighborhoods in Champaign-Urbana,
Illinois. The fact that majority of the participants in this study
used the libraries regularly but not computer resources, highlights
the fact that the libraries need to collaborate with other
community-based organizations so that together they can provide a
strong and resilient set of services (Bishop 1999).
References
Arachchige, J. J. G. (2007). Lifelong learning through
libraries: Use of web pages as a marketing channel in university
libraries of sri lanka. Information Studies, 13(3), 163-170.
Abstract: Objective of this paper is to identify the role of
libraries in Sri Lanka for the process of improving lifelong
learning and identify strategies applicable from the e-marketing
concept. Use of the web pages as a marketing tool among university
libraries were examined by logging onto the homepages of respective
libraries of government universities. Contents, strategic links,
and the accessibility of these homepages were explored. (Excerpt
from published abstract)
Annotation: The study evaluated the design and elements of the
web page of the University Libraries. It was a unique way to depict
the role of libraries in lifelong learning. The strategy of using
web pages as marketing tool and make them user oriented was
highlighted.
Search strategy: I found this article (by chance), by browsing.
A whole bunch of articles resulted when I was looking for the
article “Using the Internet to support lifelong learning By:
Newton, Robert; Marcella, Rita; MacLennan, Alan. 1998” in EBSCO
(LISTA) through my local library’s database. I did not restrict my
search to title and received false drops with the word ‘lifelong’.
This was one of them.
Search Method: Browsing
Search String: Referenced in
Newton, R., Marcella, R., & MacLennan, A., (1998). Using the
Internet to support lifelong learning.
Database: Library, Information Science & Technology
Abstracts
Bishop, A. P., Tidline, T. J., Shoemaker, S., & Salela, P.
(1999). Public libraries and networked information services in
low-income communities. Library & Information Science Research,
21(3), 361-390.
Abstract: This article presents findings from an empirical study
of community information exchange and computer access and use among
low-income, predominantly African-American residents in one locale.
Data were collected through household interviews, focus groups, and
surveys. A follow-up telephone survey of adult community members
who had received training and computers in summer 1998 was
conducted to gauge use and impact of CNI resources. Results
indicate that, while computer use is minimal, many low-income
community members are poised to participate in the local
development of networked information services. (modified
abstract).
Annotation: The research reported here was supported by the U.S.
Department of Commerce’s Telecommunications. This article has been
cited 18 times and the author has written many articles in the
field of Information and Library Science. The survey conducted was
very useful to understand how the role of libraries could be
expanded to meet the needs of the community.
Search Strategy: I was ending up with a lot of review articles
or descriptive reports, so I tried searching the foot notes for
actual research performed in the field.
Search Method: Foot note chasing and Author search in Dialog
I found the above article using footnote chasing an article I
found in dialog “Caidi, N., & Allard, D. (2005). Social
inclusion of newcomers to canada: An information problem? Library
& Information Science Research (07408188), 27(3), 302-324.”
Search Statement: I used the following search statement
? s au=bishop ap
Search String: Referenced in
Caidi, N., & Allard, D. (2005). Social inclusion of
newcomers to canada: An information problem? Library &
Information Science Research (07408188), 27(3), 302-324.
Database: Social SciSearch [Dialog File 7]
Cassner, M., & Adams, K. E. (2008). The subject specialist
librarian's role in providing distance learning services. Journal
of Library Administration, 48(3), 391-410.
Abstract: The authors’ research is based on two surveys. The
primary research question was, what is the role of subject
librarians in providing distance learning services? One study
population, subject librarian practitioners, was asked to respond
to the survey based on their level of activity with distance
learners. The other population, distance librarians, was asked to
report on the knowledge of subject librarians’ work with distance
learners at their institution. The survey population was reached
via electronic lists or e-mail LISTSERVS. Messages were sent to
librarians subscribing to electronic lists in social science,
humanities, and science/technology disciplines, as well as to a
list for distance librarians. (modified abstract)
Annotation: At times both the roles were performed by the same
librarian. The data was collected on a vast variety of technology
and support methods used at the libraries. The study also provides
an insight to what services are provided in the universities which
support distance learning.
Search Strategy: I wanted to find articles depicting the role of
libraries in distance learning.
Search Method: Descriptor search
I found the above article using Descriptor search in Dialog.
Search Statement:
ds
Set Items Description
S1 2921 LIBRAR? AND ROLE?
S2 0 DE "DISTANCE EDUCTION"
S3 1229 "DISTANCE EDUCATION"/DE
S4 29 S1 AND S3
Database: I used Library Literature and Information Science
database, which indexes more than 229 key library and information
science periodicals published in the United States and
elsewhere.
Library Literature and Information Science [Dialog File 438]
Chirra, R., & Madhusudhan, M. (2009). Use of electronic
journals by doctoral research scholars of goa university, india.
Library Hi Tech News, 26(10), 12-15.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to study the use of
electronic (e)-journals by doctoral research scholars of Goa
University, Goa (India). A survey is conducted through a structured
questionnaire circulated among 100 doctoral research scholars (PhD)
and the response rate is found to be 96 percent. The responses
received from the doctoral research scholars to 16 questions is
presented in the form of tables and figures and analyzed by using a
simple method of calculation (modified abstract).
Annotation: The scope of the study was restricted only to
students who were pursuing their doctor of philosophy. At a
graduate or undergraduate level, the usage or demand of e-journals
cannot be assumed using the survey performed in this study.
Search Strategy: I wanted to explore the usage of resources
provided by Universities hence used the keyword e-journal. I used
the database ECO and found a lot of good research article so
thought of sticking to it.
Search Method: Keyword searching
I found this article using keyword search in the FirstSearch,
which provides searching platform for a number of periodical
databases covering the Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Arts
& Humanities, and Social Sciences. I used the following
databases - ArticleFirst, ECO, ERIC , but narrowed down to ECO.
Search Statement: kw: librar? and kw: e-journal?
Database: I used ECO, which provides an OCLC collection of
scholarly journals.
Grudzien, P., & Casey, A. M. (2008). Do off-campus students
use E-books? Journal of Library Administration, 48(3), 455-466.
Abstract: This study looks at the usage of e-books by off-campus
students at Central Michigan University (CMU) to see if usage
patterns can assist librarians with e-book collection development
to support off-campus programs. First, the comparative size of the
off-campus to on-campus population was collected for the last three
years. Second, the e-book collection itself was evaluated by LC
call number to get a picture of the relative strengths and
weaknesses of the subject coverage in relation to CMU’s off-campus
degree programs. Third, usage statistics by user category for the
last 3 years were reviewed to provide a general picture of who was
actually accessing the e-books. (modified abstract)
Annotation: The study was conducted in 2007 and data for the
past three years was collected to evaluate the usage of e-books.
There was a limitation to the study as ‘use’ of e-books could not
be defined. A survey of the students could have provided a better
idea of their usage and also pattern of use among the on campus and
off campus students.
Search Strategy: I wanted to find the usage of resources –
e-books provided by the University.
Search Method: Browsing the Journal of library
Administration
Search Statement: N/A
Database: N/A
Hines, S. S. (2008). How it's done: Examining distance education
library instruction and assessment. Journal of Library
Administration, 48(3), 467-478.
Abstract: While articles on individual studies, surveys, and
programs abound, there is a lack of baseline data regarding what
and how libraries provide instruction for their distant
populations. Do libraries generally provide information literacy or
library instruction to students at a distance? How is instruction
usually provided? Is instruction generally assessed? If so, how is
instruction assessed? These questions were asked of librarians in
an online survey of 143 institutions offering distance programs,
randomly sampled from the College Blue Book (Excerpt from published
abstract)
Annotation: The expected results from the study that
institutions with more money and students would provide more and
better service were not received. The study suggests that level of
service provided depends on the individual effort of the
librarians. Statistics is used to interpret the results. Bar graphs
are used to compare different services provided.
Search Strategy: I wanted to look for a study which listed what
kind of sources were provided to the distance learners in the
universities. I used ECO a lot at the end of my project as it had
scholarly articles.
Search Method: Browsing the Journal of library
Administration
Using the ECO database in FirstSearch (which provides searching
platform for a number of periodical databases covering the
Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Humanities, and
Social Sciences.), I typed the keywords ‘(kw: librar? and kw:
distance w learning) or (kw: librar? and kw: distance w learner)”
and found an article “Creation, Management, and Assessment of
Library Screencasts: The Regis Libraries Animated Tutorials
Project”. While looking for this article in the Journal of library
administration, I found a couple of useful articles.
Search Statement: N/A
Database: N/A
Kavulya, J. M. (2004). Challenges in the provision of library
services for distance education: A case study of selected
universities in kenya. African Journal of Library, Archives &
Information Science, 14(1), 15-28.
Abstract: This paper examines the efforts being made by Kenyan
university libraries to fulfill the information needs of the
distance education students in their respective institutions. Data
for this study were collected through interviews with the chief
librarian of each of the four universities. In the case of the
African Virtual University, data were collected through a review of
the available documents and an interview with the chief librarian
of one of its partner institutions in Kenya, Kenyatta University
(modified abstract)
Annotation: It was interesting to find distance learning
services offered by universities outside of US and the popularity
of electronic resources is universal. The study was performed in
2002, when only 4 universities provided distance learning programs.
The author Joseph Muema Kavulya is Reference Librarian at the
Catholic University of Eastern Africa. He holds a BA (Sociology and
Literature) and MEd (Library Science) degrees. At the time the
study was published, he was studying at Humboldt University, Berlin
for a doctoral degree in Library Science.
Search Strategy: To find the role of libraries in distance
learning. I picked up the “distance learning” from descriptor field
in some other articles.
Search Method: I used dialog to look for keywords library and
learning. I further narrowed down my search using the word role and
distance.
Search Statement: I found the above article using dialog
? b438
? s library and learning
109960 LIBRARY
4098 LEARNING
S9 1621 LIBRARY AND LEARNING
? s s9 and role
1621 S9
3338 ROLE
S10 86 S9 AND ROLE
? s s10 and distance
86 S10
1518 DISTANCE
S11 15 S10 AND DISTANCE
Database: I used Library Literature and Information Science
database, which indexes more than 229 key library and information
science periodicals published in the United States and
elsewhere.
Library Literature and Information Science [Dialog File 438]
Kelley, K. B., & Orr, G. H. (2003). Trends in distant
student use of electronic resources: A survey. College &
Research Libraries, 64(3), 176.
Abstract: The survey by mail was conducted in 2001, of graduate
(1,961) and undergraduate (772) students enrolled in University of
Maryland University College (UMUC) observed the student preferences
and trends in their use of libraries and libraries resources. One
important element of the survey was to obtain in-depth information
on student usage patterns for electronic resources and services
(modified abstract)
Annotation: The study provided a very detailed and useful survey
of students and how they utilized the library services. The survey
performed in 2001 included both graduate and undergraduate
students, 21,121 in all. Similar surveys performed in 1996 showed
the trend shifting away from physical library to online resources.
Bar graphs show the usage of various library resources by different
categories of students.
Search Strategy: I wanted more research material to support my
sub topic – of how academic libraries are providing innovative
resources to help distance learners. I had a few articles which
showed surveys of the librarians. Now I wanted something from the
students’ end and how they utilized the various resources.
Search Method: Foot note chasing
This article was cited by another article I found using the ECO
database in FirstSearch (which provides searching platform for a
number of periodical databases covering the Sciences, Technology,
Engineering, Arts & Humanities, and Social Sciences.). “Use and
impact of electronic journals in the Indian Institute of
Technology, Delhi, India” which I found using the following search
statement “kw: librar? and kw: e-journal?” I found this article
using SFX in the LISTA Database.
Search Statement: N/A
Search String: Referenced in
Kaur, B., & Verma, R. (2009). Use and impact of electronic
journals in the indian institute of technology, delhi, india. The
Electronic Library, 27(4), 611-622.
Database: Library, Information Science & Technology
Abstracts
McLoughlin, C., & Morris, A. (2004). UK public libraries:
Roles in adult literacy provision. Journal of Librarianship &
Information Science, 36(1), 37-46.
Abstract: Reported here are the results of a research project
that examined the role of UK public libraries in addressing adult
literacy including approaches and issues. Eight public libraries
were selected as case studies and adult literacy provision was
investigated using staff interviews. The interviews provided
support for the role of public libraries in promoting the pleasure
of reading to adults with poor literacy (Excerpt from published
abstract)
Annotation: The study showed that the library staff was very
committed and innovative in their approach towards adult literacy
and were equipped with sufficient resources for the program which
is rarely seen in other studies.
Authors Carla McLoughlin is a library assistant at the
University of East Anglia. She has an MA in Information and Library
Studies in the Department of Information Science.
Dr Anne Morris is a Reader in Information Science and Director
of Teaching in the Department of Information Science at
Loughborough University. She has a background in research
encompassing ergonomics, ICT and information science.
Search Strategy: After I had a couple of articles about Cape
Town, South Africa, I wanted to diversify to other countries and
see if they were facing similar issues.
Search Method: Keyword searching
I found this article using FirstSearch (which provides searching
platform for a number of periodical databases covering the
Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Humanities, and
Social Sciences), searching the following databases -
ArticleFirst, ECO, WilsonSelectPlus
Search Statement:
(kw: librar? and kw: Adult w education) and ((kw: south and kw:
africa)) or (kw: librar? and kw: adult and kw: literacy)
Database: Article First - OCLC index of articles from the
contents pages of journals
Nassimbeni, M., & May, B. (2006). Adult education in south
african public libraries: A profile of activities. South African
Journal of Library & Information Science, 72(1), 12-26.
Abstract: This paper reports on the findings of a research
investigation into the role of South African public libraries in
adult education. A questionnaire was distributed to 1295 public
libraries for the collection of statistical and qualitative
information in an attempt to build national and provincial profiles
of adult education activities (Excerpt from published
abstract).
Annotation: The study showed that only 23 % of the libraries
participated in the Adult Literacy program. The libraries that
contribute to the fight against illiteracy by participating in
adult education are to be commended for working in a field that has
been experiencing setbacks, disappointments and slow progress in
the first decade of democracy. This study cannot be compared to
studies performed in developed countries which have comparatively
more resources, libraries and lower rate of illiteracy.
Search Strategy: When I had a case study for two South African
libraries, I wanted to see if there was more studies related to it,
may be by the same author.
Search Method: Keyword Searching
I used keywords in FirstSearch (which provides searching
platform for a number of periodical databases covering the
Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Humanities, and
Social Sciences.)
Search Statement: kw: librar? and kw: adult w education
Database: ArticleFirst
Nassimbeni, M., & Tandwa, N. (2008). Adult education in two
public libraries in cape town: A case study. South African Journal
of Library & Information Science 74(1), 83-92.
Abstract: The aim of the study was to investigate the role of
reading materials in adult education programs and their
availability and use in two public libraries in Cape Town. The
research questions of the study were as follows: (1) How available
are locally produced literacy materials for use in literacy
programs in public libraries? (2) What are the types and features
of these literacy materials? (3) How suitable are the literacy
materials in the adult learners' acquisition of literacy? Using the
case study approach the researcher made an in-depth study of the
program offerings from the perspective of the adult learners, and
tried to establish how and whether they made use of literacy
materials, since their availability is so important in literacy
instruction and the development of a reading habit. Respondents
were 54 adult learners, 2 librarians (one from each of the
libraries) and Facilitators at each of the sites.
Annotation: Different funding models in the two cases led to
different results. Even though one of the library received
government support from the Department of Education for the
library-based program and from the Department of Health for the
hospital-based program, their level of support was inadequate, and
could not sustain the minimum requirement of an adequate supply of
learning and teaching materials. From this research the author was
able to establish that literacy materials have an impact on
fighting illiteracy and changing the lives of the illiterates.
Search Strategy: I found this article while exploring the role
of libraries in Adult literacy.
Search Method: Keyword Searching in First Search
Search Statement: kw: librar? and kw: adult w education
Database: Article First - OCLC index of articles from the
contents pages of journals
Neuman, S. B. (1999). Books make a difference: A study of access
to literacy. Reading Research Quarterly, 34(3), 286.
Abstract: The study was designed as a formative experiment where
attempts were made to make explicit connections between theory and
field-based research. Systematic random sampling procedures were
used to select a sample from larger number of centers receiving the
intervention. Comparing the Book Aloud group with a controlled
group, it was found that Books Aloud Children outdistanced their
counterparts (modified abstract).
Annotation: Neuman is a professor in educational studies
specializing in early literacy development at the University of
Michigan. She served for two years as the U .S. Assistant Secretary
for Elementary and Secondary Education under President George W.
Bush. Her research and teaching interests include early literacy
for economically disadvantaged children and curriculum. The follow
up with the children entering kindergarten and their positive
performance makes this study a success.
Search Strategy: I wanted to find some positive results showing
the role of libraries in literacy and education.
Search Method: Footnote chasing
While looking for article in Library Trends (Volume 58, Number
1, Summer 2009), I came across an article titled “Solid
Foundations: A Primer on the Crucial, Critical, and Key Roles of
School and Public Libraries in Children’s Development”; by Joanne
de Groot and Jennifer Branch. “Books make a difference” was cited
in that article. I found the complete article using EBSCO.
Search Statement: N/A
Search String: Referenced in
DE GROOT, ,JOANNE, & BRANCH, J. (2009). Solid foundations: A
primer on the crucial, critical, and key roles of school and public
libraries in children's development. Library Trends, 58(1),
51-62.
Database: Education Research Complete
Neuman, S. B., & Celano, D. (2006). The knowledge gap:
Implications of leveling the playing field for low-income and
middle-income children. Reading Research Quarterly, 41(2),
176-201.
Abstract: This study examines children's uses of reading
resources in neighborhood public libraries that have been
transformed to "level the playing Field." Through Foundation
funding (US$20 million), the public library system of Philadelphia
converted neighborhood branch libraries into a technologized modern
urban library system, hoping to improve the lives of disadvantaged
children and their families by closing the achievement gap. Using a
mosaic Of ethnographic methodologies, four studies examined
children's uses of library, resources in low-income and
middle-income neighborhood libraries, prior to renovations and
technology, right after, and once the novelty had worn off a year
later, for preschoolers, elementary, and teens (Excerpt from
published abstract).
Annotation: Only the availability of resources would not be
enough to reduce the knowledge gap, more active and continuous
participation would be required at the end of the libraries and
other organizations to increase the level of reading for the
children in the low income families. This article was cited 6
times. SUSAN B. NEUMAN is a professor in educational studies
specializing in early literacy development at the University of
Michigan. She served for two years as the U .S. Assistant Secretary
for Elementary and Secondary Education under President George W.
Bush. Her research and teaching interests include early literacy
for economically disadvantaged children and curriculum.
Search Strategy: I wanted to explore the role of libraries in
spreading literacy and what had been done by them. Were they merely
stacking books for the readers or were they more proactively
involved to create readers.
Search Method: I found this article using Dialog
? b7
s librar? And (child? and teen?)
42925 LIBRAR? 288115 CHILD? 10603 TEEN? S9 10 LIBRAR? AND
(CHILD? AND TEEN?)
Search Statement: s librar? And (child? and teen?)
Database: Social SciSearch (Dialog File 7)
Xie, B., & Bugg, J. M. (2009). Public library computer
training for older adults to access high-quality internet health
information. Library & Information Science Research (07408188),
31(3), 155-162.
Abstract: An innovative experiment to develop and evaluate a
public library computer training program to teach older adults to
access and use high-quality Internet health information. One
hundred and thirty-one older adults aged 54–89 participated in the
study. The present study examined the following key research
questions using pre and post questionairs:
RQ1: What are older adults' perceptions of a public library
computer training program specifically designed for older
adults?
RQ2: To what extent do older adults use the two NIH websites
(http://nihseniorhealth.gov and http://medlineplus.gov) that they
have learned from the training to find health and medical
information and to guide their decision making regarding a health
or medically-related matter?
RQ3: Are there differences in older adults' attitudes toward
computers (including computer anxiety, interest, and self-efficacy)
before and after the training?
Annotation: The authors are affiliated to College of Information
Studies, University of Maryland, MD and the Psychology Department,
Washington University, MO. It is very impressive that a lot of
research about how the elderly learn, what training strategies
should be used, what time of the day is best for learning and
duration of the class, were taken into consider before starting
this innovative experiment. The positive outcome was very
encouraging and more programs like these should be made
available.
Search Strategy: Keeping with the theme of closing the digital
divide, I wanted to explore is anything was done for the
seniors?
Search Method: Citation searching and browsing and keyword
searching
I found the above article by foot note chasing the article--
Walter, V. A. (2003). Public library service to children and teens:
A research agenda. Library Trends, 51(4), 571.
which led me to McKechnie, L. E. E (2000).
Ethnographic observation of preschool children. Library and
Information Science Research, 22(1), 61-76
Searching 'All fields' in the journal- 'Library and information
Science research' for 'librar? and child?' I found the
following article. I picked up the full text by searching for the
article in EBSCO
Search Statement: 'librar? and child?
Search String: Referenced in
McKechnie, L. E. E (2000). Ethnographic observation of preschool
children. Library and Information Science Research, 22(1),
61-76
Database: Library, Information Science & Technology
Abstracts
Conclusion and Personal Statement
With all the budget cuts and loss of funding the libraries are
facing today, I wanted to pick a topic which would highlight their
importance in the field of education, because education is as
important to us as the air we breathe. The loss of resources would
impact this aspect of the library’s function too and might further
deprive the knowledge impoverished of a chance to live a better
life.
To find articles for this project I had to restrict my search to
specific databases which carried articles on education or library
literature. Special databases which had only scholarly articles
were also very helpful. It would not have been possible for me to
search the vast resources of e-journals if the information had not
been organized in a way I could search. Throughout this term we
were taught ways information was arranged, by subjects,
descriptors, author, publication and much more. If I knew what I
wanted to look for (which really helped when I was footnote
chasing), advanced searching by the Title of the article got me
exactly what I wanted, author’s name brought me more works by the
same author and browsing the publication also helped.
Writing the literature review was easier than I expected once I
had sketched a rough outline of the objective of my topic. When I
was looking for articles, I searched left and right with a broad
idea in my mind. But when I started writing a rough draft, and
tried to fit the pieces of the research articles into place, I
realized that there were gaps in my draft. And I had to go back to
my searching to find articles which would complete the picture. For
example while working on the topic of contribution of libraries to
distance education, I wanted to cover all the resources I use at my
university’s library and wanted to highlight their importance. Here
I had to use keyword searches to look for each and every resource,
like web pages, e-books and e-journals. I wanted supporting
research highlighting their uses and importance. Searching was much
easier once I had narrowed down my topic. Descriptors to most of
them resulted in far more hits than I could browse. Some of them
were very vague like ‘Library role’, ‘library resources’, ‘computer
users’, ‘web sites’.
Writing annotations was a bit tricky, as I am no expert at this
topic. I tried to evaluate various resources depending on how many
times it was cited or how many more articles the author had written
in the related fields or author’s affiliation. I could not find
most of the article I quoted in the WOS. So I analyzed them
according to the other articles I had used and how useful the
article was in supporting my bibliography.
This course and this project exposed me to a lot of new
resources which I wasn’t aware of and I am sure I will find them
very helpful in my other courses and my career.
