University Libraries

Students get excited about the research paper planner because it generates a personalized schedule of research and writing steps for papers. They also find the links to advice and tips for these steps and the email alerts helpful. We attempt to quantify this enthusiasm and use of the research paper planner through web page analytics and a user survey. These data will help us develop targeted marketing programs and other similar tools.

Creating an assessment plan for library liaison faculty relationships can be systematic. Using a business plan concept, liaisons can derive new information to enrich their contribution to their respective departments. This presentation discusses the template for such a plan.

The eTextbook wave is coming, driven by the promise of lower textbook costs, the clamor for market share, and improving technology. Higher education has witnessed the proliferation of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC’s), online classes and eTextbook promotion and delivery. However, few researchers have examined the implications of the use of eTextbooks on student learning or the student’s perception of their learning. This study used a quasi-experimental approach to compare parallel undergraduate classes, one using traditional print textbooks, and another using eTextbooks. The study survey asks students to what degree their textbook meets their learning needs.

Members of the Greater Western Library Alliance Interlibrary Loan Committee have spent more than two years developing a Best Practices model for Interlibrary Borrowing and Lending for consortia and local operations. The model includes the practices to be followed, a monitoring plan, and a process for regular evaluation. The GWLA Interlibrary Loan Committee has not yet determined the regular evaluation process, including the timeline. We anticipate that process being established in Spring 2003.

Thanks to the late Dr. K.M. Knittel, who, before I found my scholarly niche, advised me to take my time, to be sure to choose a topic that "you love so much that you can hate it and still love it." Dr. Knittel taught me, through her scholarship and early mentorship, that our work is the work of love and not obligation.