Applying Learning Style Theory to Web Page Design

ABSTRACT

Library Web sites can be instructional tools, especially for those patrons who utilize library resources from their homes. Many libraries are developing online tutorials, but there is an opportunity for Web instruction on another level. The organization and design of a Web site can act as an instructional tool in itself. This paper is a call to library Web designers to assess their work in terms of learning style preferences. Learning style theory is based on how people process information and learn new material. Applying these ideas to Web page design can make library resources more accessible and improve the patron's comprehension of how the library works.     

Using the World Wide Web for Art and Humanities Reference Services

Abstract

This paper describes what the World Wide Web is and what is needed in order to access its information. It discusses the future of art and humanities reference resources and presents criteria for evaluating Web sites. A review of the literature related to “Generation X” and their information expectations was done. There is an annotated list of specific World Wide Web resources related to African Diaspora, American Poetry, Comparative Literature, Gay and Lesbian Literature, and Outsider Art. This list provides examples for evaluation and is not meant to be exhaustive.     

Development of an Internal Web Site for a Law Firm

Abstract

The Information Services Department at the Washington, DC law firm, Dickstein Shapiro Morin & Oshinsky, decided in 1995 to provide firmwide access to the Internet. Two separate World Wide Web home pages would be created to meet the divergent needs of the Marketing Department and the information resource requirements of the attorneys, who would be using the Internet for research. In the course of developing Internet pages for the firm, the Library began working in conjunction with attorneys in various practice sections to locate and create Internet resources. The cooperation between attorneys and the Libraiy has led to Internet pages of hypertext linked resources for each specific practice section within the firm. Furthermore, some of the pages of resources have evolved into home pages for the various sections.     

Developing Faculty ICT Competencies Inside and Outside the Library

Despite all the financial resources that are directed to support and acquire learning technologies, the results have been generally disappointing. Faculty are eager to use technology but lack the technical skills, ability, and experience. Library staff includes a talent tool rich in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)/WEB 2.0 technical expertise and experience. In terms of content sourcing and procurement, library technical services and selection staff have broad knowledge of the marketplace for online information and content as well as experience in licensing access. They have a firm grasp of the transaction process, workflows, pricing, and licensing negotiations. Content development and sourcing inevitably involves access management, online storage, copyright, and licensing—things at which libraries are good. ICT deployment is changing teaching and learning on campuses, and the roles of those involved in teaching and learning are also changing. Whether formally through mandated library services, or informally through back channels, library staff are supporting faculty new technology use as well as faculty teaching materials content sourcing and procurement.     

Freeway or Tollway?

Abstract

Privatization and commercialization of the Internet is starting to pose challenges for academic librarians. The once government financed “network of networks” is metamorphosing from an information highway to an information toll road. The history, structure, and development of the Internet are reviewed, including the role of the U.S. Government. The rapid growth of commercial users of the Net, especially since 1991 when the National Science Foundation eased its limitations on business use, is noted. The trend toward privatization of Internet connectivity and certain information resources is pointed out. How these changes are coming about and how academic libraries and their administrators might deal with them is discussed.     

A Review of “What They Don’t Teach You in Library School”

SUMMARY

Distance learning students may not think of the “campus” library as the first place to fulfill their information needs and may not even be aware of the services available to them. One way to reach these students is to adopt and adapt marketing techniques from the business world. This article examines the findings of a survey conducted at Emporia State University concerning the awareness of distance learning services. It will also examine marketing techniques and illustrate how they can be applied to increase awareness of reference support services for distance learners.     

The Best Web Sites in Psychology and Sociology

Abstract

The World Wide Web offers a large and ever-expanding number of resources in the fields of psychology and sociology. Growth of the Web has been so fast that it has been difficult to keep track of all the new resources that are rapidly becoming available. With so many new Web sites cropping up, there is a growing need to sort through these resources and determine which sites are the most valuable for research in these subject areas. This study first discusses some criteria for assessing the quality of Web sites, and then applies these criteria to the Web sites currently available in an effort to determine which sites are the best for these two fields.     

The Buck Stops Where?

SUMMARY

University students-whether adult, distance learner, or traditional age-need access to university services and quick accurate answers to their questions beyond traditional “business” hours. Students' busy schedules and changing life patterns dictate that university services meet their needs. At DePaul University in Chicago, student focus groups repeatedly pointed to the need for one central place to get an answer or solve a problem. DePaul Central was created as an information and referral service to satisfy that student need, at the same capitalizing on the value of the librarian skill set.     

A Historical Overview of Internet Reference Services for Distance Learners

SUMMARY

The advent of library services and collections on the Internet revolutionized reference services to students enrolled in distance learning programs. Prior to the Internet, reference librarians who supported distance learning programs had few methods, and many of them costly, to provide the equivalent library services advocated by the ACRL Guidelines. Through the Internet, these librarians were able to approximate the services and resources that had always been available to students who came into the library. This article describes the development of reference services on the Internet in a variety of libraries that support distance learners.