Information Sources and Services - Assignment Example

? Information Sources and Services- Information Guide and Report PART Develop an Information Scenario Being the chief custodians of culture as well as heritage, libraries as well as museums have found to be enjoying a distinctive function and accountability within the societies of the world. However, the economic disruptions as well as rapid technological innovations have led to tremendous changes in the society. It has been noted that libraries and museums are also compelled to revisit their own roles as well as responsibilities within these changing societies. The modern times pose various challenges and also offer varied new opportunities for libraries as well as museums. It is a crucial moment for the management of libraries as well as museums to reflect ingeniously and strategically regarding the role and place of their institutions and to identify the opportunity for reorientation and reinvention (Salzburg Global Seminar, 2011). The various sub topics that the report is likely to address are mentioned below: Links between libraries and museums Impact evaluation of museum, archives and libraries Future of Libraries Problems and solutions for a neglected material in museum libraries Searching for library catalogue In the present times, there are huge bookstores that shower the readers with massive range of low-priced choices. Students and other groups of people can as well read the books online. The main reality is that shoppers in the present times can download audio books to their MP3 players and hence listen to them while they are jogging or driving to work. It has not been easier and cheaper for the consumers to read a book. If the public libraries and museums want to compete in this environment, it would be significant for the librarians to initiate welfare programs for middle class readers. Effectual utilisation of museums in lifelong learning is impacted by adequate mediation and positive participation or partnership with the professional teachers and youth workers among others. It has been recognised that there are 169 million library users in the United States who are over the age of 14 years. Furthermore, there are nearly 148 million people in the United States who tend to visit museum on a yearly basis. These users are generally over 18 years of age. Hence, in the context of this study, the people belonging to more than 14 years (library users) and more than 18 years (museum visitors) shall be considered as the target audience (Institute of Museum and Library Services, 2012). The main reason behind choosing the young adults is that they are in need of information search and hence libraries and museums can offer them with the adequate information. Libraries and museums have been serving greater number of people since long period of time by offering them with the right kind of information quite easily. Moreover, with the advent of online libraries and museums, it becomes quite easier for the users to avail the books and other related information. For the young children, story time can be offered with reading aloud, rhymes, and songs as well as craft projects. For older children as well as teens, a book talk, PowerPoint presentation that demonstrates easy to use online library resources available for teens, talks regarding teen programs taking place in the library can be beneficial (Newport Public Library, 2012). Language proficiency is one of the most required criteria, which needs to be considered when targeting the young and other age group people. English is considered to be one of the most used languages that can be easily read by the users. Semantic knowledge is required that demonstrates strong correlations between comprehension as well as size and level of passive-specific work knowledge or vocabulary (SEDL, 2012). In order to identify the needs of the libraries and museums in the United States, it is significant to prepare a questionnaire and hence ask the users of the library services numerous questions. The various questions that can be asked have been listed below. What is your age? What sorts of books do you favour reading? How often do you visit library? What are the changes in terms of technology that you would want in the libraries and museums? The information can be searched via library catalogues, indexes, trade bibliographies and national bibliographies among others. The various criteria to select the resources in relation to the target audience have been paid due attention in the paper. Google has been used as one of the most popular sites to assist the users in identifying knowledge regarding public libraries and museums. Furthermore, the study made use of only those websites that demonstrate the credibility of institutions or professional credentials of individuals. Credibility of the internet sites has also been paid due attention in the course of this paper. Journals and blogs have been used that demonstrate the data in the most comprehensive way. Only those papers have been taken into consideration, which have been written in English language so that the target audience can avail them easily. PART 2: Subject Guide/Pathfinder/Subject Portal Introduction The main objective of this section is to identify various sources that can be effectively utilised for the purpose of searching information regarding the library as well as the museum studies. This section intends to make the librarians as well as informational professionals familiar with variety of information sources. Various key words such as libraries and museums, role of libraries and museums, links between libraries and museums will be utilised in order to search for relevant information regarding libraries and museuems. Greater emphasis shall be placed upon searching for journal sources as they are considered to be authentic references and they tend to provide pertinent information regarding a particular topic. The information sources will cover a wide range of books, journals and online websites that would be effective for the users by a considerable extent. The main limitation of the study is that the subject guide is only limited to 20-25 information sites. However, it will aim at covering all the aspects of the subject area. Annotated Bibliography 1. Gibson, H., Morris, A., & Cleeve, M. (2007). Links between libraries and museums: investigating museum-library collaboration in England and the US. Libri, 57, pp. 53-64. This article discusses regarding the benefits and the drawbacks of library-museum collaboration. It discusses regarding the background as well as current position in relation to public library-museum association in both the US and England. The article offers a conclusion summarizing how library-museum collaboration can take place in a successful way. 2. Albert School Library Council. (2009). Literacies, learning &libraries. The Alberta Teachers Association. 2(1), pp. 1-15. The article aims at comprehending the ways in which libraries books and material collections have a role to play in libraries and for the users. It discusses regarding the collection development initiatives. The article further intends to discuss regarding the selection policy which is an essential tool for the school library. 3. ICOM. (2007). Re-evaluating the icon: definition of the museum. Icom news. 2, pp. 2-15. The report provides the definition of museums and is significant at offering the chief role of the museums. It explores the role of the museum as a non-profit organisation. The report is also effective at comprehending the challenges faced by the museums in their non-profit or tax exempt status. 4. Scrogham, R. E. (2006). The American public library and its fragile future. New Library World. 107(2), pp. 7-15. The primary motto of the scholarly paper is to argue regarding the future of the US public library which generally is dependent upon the commitment and devotion to a library as a place within the public space for the intellectuality development of the community via books. 5.Dierking, L. D. (1989). The family museum experience: implication from research. The Journal of Museum Education. 14(2), pp. 1-120. The journal article is quite significant in developing the idea regarding the reasons behind the families visiting museums and the various activities performed by the families while they are at the museums. The journal article demonstrates the nature of families impacting their informal learning setting visits. 6.Lamb, A., & Johnson, L. (2008). The virtual teacher-librarian: establishing and maintaining an effective web presence. Teacher Librarian. 35(4), pp. 69-71. The article has been effective at comprehending the creation and administration of virtual school libraries. It recommends initiating with the selection of services that can be offered digitally. The article also demonstrates technology considerations as well as practical considerations for the librarians as they tend to create web presences. 7. Institute of Museum and Library Services. (2012). Project profile. Retrieved from http://www.imls.gov/ The chief objective of Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is to encourage libraries as well as museums to focus upon innovation, lifelong learning and civic involvement. The website possesses a portal named as “resources” where the users are most likely to find information related to libraries as well as museums. The website is a huge database of information for those users seeking for facts or data related to library services. 8.San Francisco Public Library. (2012). Library highlights. Retrived from http://sfpl.org/index.php?pg=0400000001 The website source is quite beneficial for the users as it offers them with the scope to read innumerable number of books online. It can be considered as one of the most pertinent sources of information for the users of libraries and museums. Its various portals such as books & materials, e-library, services, kids, teens, calendars and libraries can be used by the users to search for useful information. 9. The Robert Gordon University. (2012). Impact evaluation of museums, archives and libraries: available evidence project. Retrieved from http://www4.rgu.ac.uk/files/imreport.pdf The prime objective of this report is to offer a vital overview related to impact assessment in the museums, libraries sectors as well as archives. The research paper is quite significant to comprehend an understanding of how the visitors involve with the learning environment that the museums tends to create. The report is quite crucial as it assists in understanding the factors that improve the impact on young people learning. 10.Wallis, M., Moore, N. & Marshall, A. (2001). Reading our future: evaluation of the dcms/wolfson public libraries challenge fund. Retrieved from http://www.cmis.brighton.ac.uk/research/siru/reading_our_future.pdf The main objective of this report is to improve public libraries’ conventional strengths in stimulating the reading as a skill as well as pleasure. It aims at identifying the various challenges that the librarians might face when targeting users. 11.Arlisna. (2008). Artist files revealed documentation and access. Retrieved from https://www.arlisna.org/resources/onlinepubs/artists_files_revealed.pdf Artist files have been one of the most valued as well as heavily utilised resources in the context of art research facilities. These files tend to offer important documentation regarding the well developed artists along with lesser identified artists. 12.UNESCO. (2012). Museums, libraries and cultural heritage: democratising culture, creating knowledge and building bridges. Retrieved from http://www.unesco.org/education/uie/confintea/pdf/7b.pdf The report presents the role of the libraries as well as museums in the individual and community lives. The report is crucial to demonstrate the role of the village libraries in developing countries where the learning opportunity tends to be scarce. 13. Docampo, J. (2000). Problems and solutions for a neglected material in museum libraries. ERIC. This article attempts to create a classification for distinct forms of ephemeral publications that are most used in the context of museums such as educational, trade related and internal. In order to serve this objective, the article creates a basic system of mechanical treatment thereby offering a secure system for storage, recovery as well as dispersion of data by using MARC format. 14. Greenhill, E. (2007). Museums and learning in the 21st century. United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis. The book has been effective enough at comprehending how museums and education relates to each other. The author states the fact that museums alone cannot be considered as a significant tool to educate. They are effective enough when they work collaboratively with other organisations. 15. Bowman, J. H. (2007). British librarianship and information work 2001-2005. United Kingdom: Ashgate Publishing. This book has been successful at identifying the role of public libraries for the users. It also demonstrates the ways in which the internet has convinced the library authorities to make their database available over the internet. The book also has been effective at explaining how the internet has eroded the role of library and the librarian. 16. Corsane, G. (2005). Issues in heritage, museums and gallaries: an introductory reader. United Kingdom: Routledge. The book aims at presenting an evaluation of the social impact related to museums, galleries as well as heritage. This book demonstrates the fact that the most vital educational contribution of museums is in informal learning. 17. Libraries and Museums. (2012). Museums and libraries. Retrived from http://librariesandmuseums.blogspot.in/ The blog has been effective enough at comprehending the association that exists between the museums and libraries and the emerging relationships as well. It focuses upon the identification of reasons behind the creation of association, its positive influence upon the society and the challenges faced by them. 18. Rossiter, P. (2012). Search the library catalogue. Retrieved from http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/library/ This blog offers information assistance to the museum staff as well as the researchers. It offers an online library catalogue through which the users are capable of searching for a wide range of information. 19. Twitter. (2012). Libraries and museums. Retrieved from http://twitter.com/#!/DNAConsultants/libraries-and-museums This social networking website has been helpful in demonstrating innumerable libraries and museums and the feedbacks of the users of the libraries and museums. 20. Octal. (2012). Library, archive and museum collaboration. Retrieved from http://www.oclc.org/research/activities/lamsurvey.html The article states the fact that libraries, archives and museums prevail in different organisational settings. They are found to confront challenges to offer integrated access to their collections. Hence, the article has been effective enough at comprehending the ways in which these three communities respond effectively to the economic as well as end users pressure for integration. 21. Martin, R. S. (2003). Cooperation and change: archives, libraries and museums in the United States. Retrieved from http://webdoc.sub.gwdg.de/ebook/aw/2003/ifla/vortraege/iv/ifla69/papers/066e-Martin.pdf The US Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is considered to be the autonomous federal agency that serves and works as the main source of federal grant endorsement for the countries’ museums and libraries. The paper has been effective enough at comprehending the various functions of IMLS. 22. NewYork Comprehensive Center. (2011). Informational brief: impact of school libraries on student achievement. Retrieved from http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/nyla/nycc_school_library_brief.pdf The article has been effective enough at comprehending the role played by the school libraries in the student’s attainment. It demonstrates the fact that those schools that have relied heavily on libraries to endorse the growth of the students essentially in the context of literacy and technological skills have viewed greater assessment scores of their individuals. 23. Digital Library for the Decorative Arts and Material Culture (2012). UW-Madison material culture program. Retrieved from http://decorativearts.library.wisc.edu/material.html#library The website has been useful enough at searching for information related to libraries and museums. It tends to offer the names of a few of the libraries and museums which the users can effectively utilise. 24. UCSF Library. (2012). Databases. Retrieved from http://www.library.ucsf.edu/db?apage=&filter0=&filter2=Public The UCSF Library tends to offer the users with online databases that can be effectively utilised by the users to search for various types of books. The website has various portals such as library database and online journal among others. It also comprises Quicksearch option that searches for information instantly from the database of UCSF library. 25. IPL. (2012). Special collections. Retrieved from http://www.ipl.org/div/pf/entry/76622#beforego The IPL library is quite significant for the users in order to search for various libraries and museums. The database is effective enough at making quick search regarding a particular library and museum. 26. Bristol City Council. (2012). Library services for older children and young people. Retrieved from http://www.bristol.gov.uk/page/library-services-older-children-and-young-people. Through the library facility of Bristol City Council, the young adults are capable of availing wider range of books, audio books as well as CDs. PART 3: Final Report Reference interview has played a vital role in guiding a search for the various sources of information. At the outset, the participants were interviewed and asked several questions that formed the basis of research (Robinson, 2010). On the basis of the questions developed, information was searched over various websites. Those databases were taken into consideration, which were related to museums and libraries. During the search process, it was kept into consideration that all the sources and the journals meet the requirement of the target audience. The sources have been useful enough at offering different information and materials that can be effectively utilised by the participants. The target participants will be capable of having round-the-clock access to information related to library services and museums. In the present times, traditional academic books and journals forming the bulk of the academic library collection may not seem to be appealing for the students. Hence, it becomes quite significant for the libraries and museums to make use of the modern technologies such as online public libraries that are used by most of the universities in the present times. Since the most lively and the most current discussions in the context of education and research such as libraries and museums are taking place over the blogs, twitter posts as well as other social media sites, these sources have also been considered as one of the search criteria (Johnson, Reid & Newton, 2011). During the course of the interview, participants reported browsing substantial shelves of books, collecting reading lists of probable materials during the database and catalogue searches, and making effective utilisation of the suggestions from peers as well as teachers in order to search for information. The main challenge confronted during the search was to identify ways to facilitate these preferred behaviours in online services. However, the sources offered have been quite beneficial at assisting both the traditional as well as modern i.e. public libraries users with all the required information about the various books and cultures. The cultural collections displayed in the study permit a focus upon areas of greater value in the collection and thus offer a starting point for exploration by generating interest as well as curiosity. It can be mentioned that all the search sources tend to offer the participants with a streamlined search experience with access to a wider range of library sources via a single search (Johnson, Reid & Newton, 2011). The study made use of Google as one of the most influential search engines. In addition to these, it made use of the subject i.e. library and museum appropriate databases, journal articles, example of catalogue searches, web resources, blogs, Twitter, books, organisations and institutions such as museums, gallaries, societies (University of Illinois, 2012). Since it is well known fact that anyone can create their own theory or publish materials over the internet, hence it is quite imperative for the users of the internet to be conscious enough to assess the credibility of the internet sources. It can be mentioned that those journal articles were taken into consideration that have International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) as that demonstrates greater authority. Many professional sites such as websites of universities and colleges online libraries services were availed. Pathfinders were also utilised in order to search for the information regarding libraries and museums (Vileno, 2007). However, only those sites were taken into account that demonstrated the credibility of the institution or professional credential of the individual offering the facts as it gave clues of the reliability of the information that it offered. The journals and blogs were read quite carefully in order to gauge the quality of the information offered by the authors related to the libraries and museums services. The sources were taken into account that offered a means to answer all the questions of interview. It is significant to create a keyword or phrase that will cover the topic of the research. In order to search for information related to libraries and museums, the study planned to make use of the adequate descriptor in the search phrases. The various search keywords that the study took into account were Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to libraries, links between libraries and museums, library catalogues, library institutions, museums organisation and institutions among others. The power of internet sources has been utilised properly in order to avail significant information related to the subject area that is ‘libraries and museum studies’ (Old Dominion University, 2012). Higher order thinking skills have been one of the most pertinent skills, which was reported as being one of the most necessary factors for successful searching and navigation over the internet. In addition to these, a sense of good judgement as well as common sense has been identified as significant to search for pertinent information. However, at times, it was noted that the question queries failed to offer the users with the information that they were looking for. At times, the study became less systematic in their query refinement process which can be considered as one of the most unsuccessful strategies for the study. The search failed to offer any results in the database and hence it was assumed that there are no articles on the subject matter. Unsuccessful searches failed to identify that the errors were because of logic error such as wrong use of punctuation, syntax and spelling. It was rather attempted to change the keywords or a complete new search was instead used altogether (Polio, 1997). At the outset of such a huge search for information database, it is significant to discuss and develop inclusion and exclusion criteria to fit in with the question. Only those websites, journals and blogs were taken into account, which have been written in English and hence the papers that are written in other languages have been excluded. The report took into consideration the linguistic accuracy and hence more emphasis has been placed upon error free sentences. Those websites, journals and blogs have been excluded from the study, which have not been focused upon offering vital information regarding libraries and museums. Those papers were also excluded from the study that did not contain the name of the author and did not comprise the date of publication of particular website. Technical requirements of a particular website were taken into consideration while accessing the website. For instance, those websites as well as journals have been excluded from the study that required passwords. In addition to these, those websites were taken into account, which are always accessible in its entirety. The study took into account whether the screen design has been easy to read and follow or not (College of Medicine, 2012). Those journals have been considered that offer relevant content, authorship and reliable along with well sourced data. Referenced journals as well as journals with high citation ranking have been offered greater priority in the paper (Deakin University, 2012). Furthermore, it can be mentioned that the study has made use of those resources that are likely to promote growth in factual knowledge as well as cultural appreciation. The resource needs to consider students with specific requirements taking into consideration the ethnic group, gender as well as physical and intellectual capacity (Department of Education, 2012). The paper also excluded information sources that consisted of incomplete or ambiguous methods and did not meet the predetermined threshold for quality. It was assured that the data from one study did not overlap the data offered by another study. Those websites, journals and blogs were taken into consideration that possessed the most comprehensive reporting in order to avoid overrepresentation of a particular set of data. Furthermore, those journals and books were taken into account that possessed full review of the relevant materials and excluded studies only possessing the abstract. Furthermore, the study made use of easy to use websites and journals that could be easily understood by the reader. Top quality journals and books have been gauged for the purpose of this study. In addition to these, the selected books have also been written by renowned authors (Deakin University, 2012). The study has been mainly concentrated in the United States. However, where required, it has also considered other countries in order to enhance the validity and the reliability of the study. The references and bibliography of various journals were reviewed thoroughly and included in the study in order to increase the trustworthiness of the study. Names of the participants have been kept anonymous in order to maintain greater confidentiality of the report (University of Illinois, 2012). References Albert School Library Council. (2009). Literacies, learning &libraries. The Alberta Teachers Association 2(1), pp. 1-15. Arlisna. (2008). Artist files revealed documentation and access. Retrieved from https://www.arlisna.org/resources/onlinepubs/artists_files_revealed.pdf Bowman, J. H. (2007). British librarianship and information work 2001-2005. United Kingdom: Ashgate Publishing. Corsane, G. (2005). Issues in heritage, museums and gallaries: an introductory reader. United Kingdom: Routledge. College of Medicine. (2012). Electronic resource selection criteria. Retrieved from http://com.ksauhs.edu.sa/library/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=183%3Aelectronic-resource-selection-criteria&catid=54%3Aelectronic-resource-policy&Itemid=23&lang=en Docampo, J. (2000). Problems and solutions for a neglected material in museum libraries. ERIC. Dierking, L. D. (1989). The family museum experience: implication from research. The Journal of Museum Education 14(2), pp. 1-120. Digital Library for the Decorative Arts and Material Culture (2012). UW-Madison material culture program. Retrieved from http://decorativearts.library.wisc.edu/material.html#library Department of Education. (2012). CMIS selection policy. Retrieved from http://www.det.wa.edu.au/education/cmis/eval/library/selection/sel22.htm Deakin University. (2012). Collection guidelines - collection development. Retrieved from http://deakin.edu.au/library/collection/inforesource.php Greenhill, E. (2007). Museums and learning in the 21st century. United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis. Gibson, H., Morris, A., & Cleeve, M. (2007). Links between libraries and museums: investigating museum-library collaboration in England and the US. Libri 57, pp. 53-64. ICOM. (2007). Reevaluating the ICOM: definition of the museum. Icom news 2, pp. 2-15. Institute of Museum and Library Services. (2012). About us. Retrieved from http://www.imls.gov/about/default.aspx IPL. (2012). Special collections. Retrieved from http://www.ipl.org/div/pf/entry/76622#beforego Institute of Museum and Library Services. (2012). Project profile. Retrieved from http://www.imls.gov/ Johnson, I. M., Reid, P. H., & Newton, R. (2011). Guidelines for e-reference library services for distance learners. Retrieved from http://www.unesco.org/new/fileadmin/MULTIMEDIA/HQ/CI/CI/pdf/mow/guidelines_ereference_library_services_distance_learners_en.pdf Libraries and Museums. (2012). Museums and libraries. Retrived from http://librariesandmuseums.blogspot.in/ Lamb, A. & Johnson, L. (2008). The virtual teacher-librarian: establishing and maintaining an effective web presence. Teacher librarian 35(4), pp. 69-71. Martin, R. S. (2003). Cooperation and change: archives, libraries and museums in the United States. Retrieved from http://webdoc.sub.gwdg.de/ebook/aw/2003/ifla/vortraege/iv/ifla69/papers/066e-Martin.pdf NewYork Comprehensive Center. (2011). Informational brief: impact of school libraries on student achievement. Retrieved from http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/nyla/nycc_school_library_brief.pdf Newport Public Library (2012). Arrange a visit with the children’s or young adult departments. Retrieved from http://www.newportlibraryri.org/npl/library-on-the-go/school-visits/ OTCl. (2012). Library, archive and museum collaboration. Retrieved from http://www.oclc.org/research/activities/lamsurvey.html Old Dominion University (2012). Research resources. Retrieved from http://www.lib.odu.edu/ Polio, C. G. (1997). Measures of linguistic accuracy on second language writing research. Language Learning. 41(7), pp. 101-143. Rossiter, P. (2012). Search the library catalogue. Retrieved from http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/library/ Robinson, W. C. (2010). Reference interview. Retrieved from http://www.people.vcu.edu/~jghapher/interview/ Salzburg Global Seminar. (2011). Libraries and museums in the era of participatory culture. Retrieved from http://www.salzburgglobal.org/current/Sessions-b.cfm?IDSPECIAL_EVENT=2961 Scrogham, R. E. (2006). The American public library and its fragile future. New Library World 107(2), pp. 7-15. San Francisco Public Library. (2012). Library highlights. Retrived from http://sfpl.org/index.php?pg=0400000001 SEDL. (2012). Building reading proficiency at the secondary level: a guide to resources. Retrieved from http://www.sedl.org/pubs/reading16/7.html The Robert Gordon University. (2012). Impact evaluation of museums, archives and libraries: available evidence project. Retrieved from http://www4.rgu.ac.uk/files/imreport.pdf Twitter. (2012). Libraries and museums. Retrieved from http://twitter.com/#!/DNAConsultants/libraries-and-museums UCSF Library. (2012). Databases. Retrieved from http://www.library.ucsf.edu/db?apage=&filter0=&filter2=Public University of Illinois. (2012). How databases and search engines differ. Retrieved from http://www.library.uiuc.edu/ugl/howdoi/compare1.html UNESCO. (2012). Museums, libraries and cultural heritage: democratising culture, creating knowledge and building bridges. Retrieved from http://www.unesco.org/education/uie/confintea/pdf/7b.pdf Vileno, L. (2007). From paper to electronic, the evolution of pathfinders: a review of the literature. Reference Services Review 35(3), pp. 434 - 451 Wallis, M., Moore, N., & Marshall, A. (2001). Reading our future: evaluation of the dcms/wolfson public libraries challenge fund. Retrieved from http://www.cmis.brighton.ac.uk/research/siru/reading_our_future.pdf Read More