Library Learning

The latest issue of Reference Services Review has come out, and there are a few new papers that shed some new light on aspects of information literacy and library instruction.

“A LibGuides presence in a Blackboard environment” by Aaron Bowen

This article describes current practices for applying and assessing research guides in Blackboard online learning systems. Bowen found that students valued access to library resources from a convenient link, and were more inclined to use it before other information sources. Bowen concluded that the study supported placing library research guides in a permanently visible area in Blackboard.

“Post-graduate health promotion students assess their information literacy” by Catherine Hodgens, Marguerite Sendall, and Lynn Evans

This paper examines post-graduate health promotion students’ assessment of their own information literacy skills before and after completing an online tutorial. The researchers found that there were perceived improvements in information literacy skills, but that some students still had trouble locating authoritative and necessary information and in plagiarism.

“Relationship Building with Students and Instructors of ESL: Bridging the Gap for Library Instruction and Services” by Julia Martin, Kathleen Reaume, Elaine Reeves, and Ryan Wright

This paper examines how academic librarians are reaching out to an underserved group at many institutions – ESL students. The researchers found that building relationships between librarian teachers and ESL instructors helped the students feel more comfortable in seeking out the assistance of their institution’s librarians.