Education

Atkinson, Joan L. Evaluation of the Journal of Youth Services in Libraries by Surveyed User Groups.

Journal of Youth Services in Libraries 9 no. 2 (Winter, 1996): 169-184.

Abstract : The Journal of Youth Services in Libraries became a refereed journal in 1989. In 1994 an ad hoc membership committee was formed from the boards of the Association of Library Service to Children and the Youth Adult Library Services Association to survey users of the journal. The purpose of the survey was to determine the level of success of JOYS as a refereed journal, particularly within the academic community, to examine concerns of submittors to the journal, referees, and editors, and to assess reader satisfaction with journal content. Deans and directors surveyed were unanimous in the opinion that articles published in refereed journals have greater scholarly credibility in their institutions than those published in non-refereed journals. Seventy-nine percent indicated that their institution values a publication in JOYS. Library educators also strongly agreed that the journal should remain refereed, particularly since JOYS is the only refereed journal in the Youth Services field whose focus is not school media. Fifty percent of authors submitting work to JOYS are positively influenced by its refereed status. Most authors felt that their work benefitted by the peer review process. Seventy-five percent of referees surveyed felt that the referee process has improved the quality of articles published in JOYS. A majority of referees want more training and feedback. Both editors and referees express concern over a drop in the number of submissions in the past two years. A majority of the members of ALSC and YALSA report reading or browsing most issues, and ordinarily reading half or more of each issue. They rate JOYS as being at least "moderately successful" in fulfilling its stated purposes and "very successful" in quality of writing and currency. The most frequent suggestion for improvement is that material be more practical. Other suggestions include coverage of technology, multiculturalism, and more emphasis on young adult work in public library settings. A major concern is whether the journal can be both scholarly and interesting, and simultaneously meet the needs of academics and practitioners.
Subject Category : Education and Research
Research Methods : Survey
Language : English
Keywords : Journal of Youth Services in Libraries
Identifier: School of Library and Information Science, University of Alabama, US

Harada, Violet H. Alternatives for Professional Renewal: A Critical Analysis of a Collegial Assistance Network in Hawaii.

School Library Media Quarterly 24 no. 2 (Winter, 1996): 77-83.

Abstract : Based on the premises that much significant adult learning occurs outside of formal educational settings, and that informal assistance among colleagues can be a useful part of this learning, the Hawaii Association of School Librarians have created HELP, a collegial assistance network. HELP was formed in 1988 to assist teacher-librarians make the transition to the new roles prescribed by Information Power and to assist the growing number of novice teacher-librarians meet the challenge of their first year of work. HELP co-ordinates a buddy system which pairs veteran and novice library media specialists in a co-mentoring relationship which includes phone support and may also include visits. An Idea Exchange Forum regularly allows members to engage in small group discussion on topics of current interest after the topic has been introduced by one or two formal speakers. A retired librarian group volunteers members to give assistance to novice librarians for short-term, labor-intensive tasks. A directory of media specialists who are willing to share their areas of experience with others with others has been developed. In 1994 the HELP committee members administered a survey to measure membership satisfaction. The survey showed that new library media specialists in particular felt that participation in network activities helped them expand their own contacts, and that they were being contacted by other colleagues more frequently as a reslut of membership in HELP. New and experienced library media specialists indicated almost equally that participation in HELP gave them opportunities for growth and empowerment. Both new and experienced media specialists voiced the need for future Idea Exchange Forums on automation, technological resources used in instruction, funding and grant-writing. Subjects requested by new media specialists only included curriculum integration, whole language in library media centers, evaluation of resources, and public relations, while experienced library media specialists requested a Forum on collaboration with teachers. Suggestions for improving the HELP program include expansion of publicity, encouragement of visits to library media centers using the directory, and exploration of new options to meet the needs of retired members.
Subject Category : Education and Research
Research Methods : Survey
Language : English
Keywords : School Library Media Specialist; Continuing Education; Professional Networks
Identifier: School of Library and Information Science, University of Hawaii, US