http://hdl.handle.net/10092/5722 2013-04-17T07:51:49Z http://hdl.handle.net/10092/5750 Title: E-readers: devices for passionate leisure readers or an empowering scholarly resource? Authors: Lund, P. Abstract: E-books are increasingly common in academic libraries and e-book reading devices such as the Kindle and iPad are achieving huge sales for leisure readers. The authors undertook a small study at Loughborough University Library to explore areas in which a variety of e-book readers might be applied. Areas included: e-books on reading lists, PDFs of journal articles, inter-library loans supplied from the British Library and teaching support for Shakespeare studies. Whilst the e-readers did not offer sufficient advantages to merit integrating them into a service, the study proved useful in developing library expertise in the use of and support for e-readers. 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10092/5686 Title: Library services without a library: post-earthquake use of virtual reference at University of Canterbury Authors: Roberts, S.F.; Fitchett, D.J.; Paterson, M.E. Abstract: Following the September 2010 earthquake and the closure of a number of campus libraries, library staff at the University of Canterbury was forced to rethink how they connected with their users. The established virtual reference service now meant library staff could be contacted regardless of their physical location. After the February earthquake, with University library closures ranging from 3 weeks to indefinite, this service came into its own as a vital communication tool. It facilitated contact between the library and both students and academics, as well as proving invaluable as a means for library staff to locate and communicate with each other. Transcripts from our post-earthquake interactions with users were analyzed using NVivo and will be presented in poster format showing the increase in usage of the service following the earthquakes, who used the service most, and the numbers and types of questions received. Our virtual reference tool was well used in the difficult post-earthquake periods and we can see this usage continuing as university life returns to normal. 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10092/4709 Title: Moving From Teaching to Learning: The Use of the Online Quiz in an Academic Legal Research Skills Programme Authors: Roberts, S.F. Abstract: This presentation provides an overview of the development and use of an online quiz as part of the University of Canterbury’s Legal Research Skills teaching programme. Each year around 500 students enrol in the 100 level Legal Systems paper at the University of Canterbury’s School of Law and the Library teaches them some very basic legal research skills as part of the tutorial programme. After attending a librarian-taught legal research skills class, the students are tested on their knowledge by completing quiz that is handed in and marked by the Information Librarians. This year for the first time, we have replaced this paper-based quiz with one that is completed online through our electronic teaching platform, Moodle. We were hoping that the online quiz would have better learning outcomes for the students and that it would lessen our workload by removing the hours spent marking. These rather conservative aims were fulfilled and in addition some unexpected benefits resulted. The presentation will cover: the background and history of UC’s legal research skills programme; why we moved to an online quiz what learning outcomes we are seeking; the limitations of the software and implications for quiz design; a demonstration of the quiz; how it was received and used by the students; and, future plans for this kind of learning. 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10092/2516 Title: Library on Location: Taking library services outside the library walls Authors: Upjohn, M.J.; Fitchett, D.J. Abstract: The community served by a library is often unaware of the range of resources and services its library provides. To address these issues, University of Canterbury librarians investigated a "Library on Location" service. After reviewing similar services elsewhere, the librarians conducted two term-long trials taking a wireless-enabled laptop and a selection of borrowable items out of the library to high-traffic student areas. Different configurations of equipment, location and time of day were tested to evaluate usage of the service in this environment. Library on Location proved to be an easy and effective way to provide outreach services and publicity about the Library beyond the library walls. 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z