Scenarios, case studies, and profiles throughout illustrate the successes that real "blended librarians" are having on campuses. This practical, hands-on guide expands the possibilities for academic librarians in public service, reference, instruction, information literacy, and even library and information science students.

With a firm foundation on best practices drawn from a variety of institutions, this book maps out a partnership between academic librarians and instructional designers that will lead to improved outcomes.

Gain access to the latest and most savvy research techniques for academic librarians with this robust guidebook written by industry leaders involved in setting national standards for the Institute of Research Design for Librarianship. Staying on top of professional trends in academic library research can help turn any librarian into an expert researcher. This practitioner's guide arms librarians with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively conduct research to enhance professional practice and perform successful inquiries. It discusses current practices of academic librarians; details the process of successfully planning, implementing, and publishing a study; and provides professional and personal development to improve research competency. Written by professionals at the upper echelon of their field, Enhancing Library and Information Research Skills comprises seven chapters that break down the research process and focus on individual steps in performing effective research. The book teaches academic librarians how to develop a research question based on a practical problem, determine the scope and objectives of a study, and select proper research design and methods. Readers will also understand how to identify resources to support the study, set a timeline for data collection and data analysis, write a dissertation, and identify the proper venue for publication/presentation.

This updated edition enables readers to understand how academic libraries deliver information, offer services, and provide learning spaces in new ways to better meet the needs of today's students, faculty, and other communities of academic library users.

"Fast-changing technology has turned academic libraries into gateways - to electronic resources both within and beyond library walls. This updated new edition is packed with photographs and practical, hands-on tools that will guide you through the process of planning and building an academic library space for the future. Learn how to create a space that: incorporates the latest innovations in academic library facility design: is flexible for changing information technology needs; and balances design, comfort, and physical space demands." "The authors have not only gone through the process, but have also studied libraries around the country in order to determine the best ways to streamline access to information. Make your library a high-tech gateway using the advice in this book."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Universal Design provides practitioners, graduate students, and other professionals interested in obtaining practical advice on how to effectively create and re-create interiors of academic libraries for teaching, learning, and research. The academic library ‘as place’ continues to evolve around the idea that the existing environment can have multiple uses. Partnerships with other college and university agencies, such as centers for teaching excellence and writing centers have compatible missions with those of academic libraries. Established within the building-proper these facilities will better serve students and faculty. The book fills the need for current information about how to effectively design and re-design academic library spaces to meet the ever-changing needs for today’s and tomorrow’s students, faculty, and researchers. Provides practical advice that can be applied immediately Includes brief and to-the-point explanations and information for the time-crunched reader Easy-to-locate references are provided if the reader seeks additional information

While much attention has been paid to art librarianship as it exists in museum settings, comparatively less notice has been taken of academic and art-and-design-school art librarianship as a distinct focus. However, the skills of subject specialists in the arts and their advocacy on behalf of their users are fundamental elements in vital art libraries that fully support and anticipate the needs of artists, designers, architects, and the historians who study these disciplines. Put together by an international team of contributors, this essential handbook examines methods of innovative librarianship in academic and art school libraries throughout the world. With a focus on the intersection of best practice and best opportunities, the book brings together the philosophies and realities of the most creative librarians working in the field of art librarianship today and serves as a field guide to academic art libraries in the twenty-first century. Key discussions include: the role of liaison to the visual arts visual literacy for highly literate viewers art history pedagogy and special collections technology in an art and design library collection management, renewal, and de-accession new forms of scholarly communication and their impact on art librarianship the making of the 21st century art library. Readership: This timely book is essential reading for all information professionals working in art and design environments. It will also be of interest to students of librarianship interested in the challenges currently facing professionals working in this specialized area.