IOPN Journals (Illinois Open Publishing Network)
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Exploring the link between reader sentiments and ratings of children’s multicultural literature
Get PDFMulticultural literature plays a vital role in helping children connect with their own culture and gain a better understanding of diversity and inclusiveness by encouraging openness to other cultures. Recognizing the importance of children seeing themselves reflected in multicultural collections curated by librarians, the selection of quality multicultural literature for children has become increasingly crucial. This study aims to explore how users discuss and recommend books in multicultural literature through analysis of reader reviews shared via GoodReads. The sample books were chosen from ALA Youth Media Honors and Awards for multicultural literature, including Pura Belpré, Coretta Scott King, Schneider, and Stonewall. The study selected 27 books and collected 2,640 reader reviews on Goodreads. The preliminary results indicated that review rating scores did not accurately capture readers’ perspectives in discussing books. To determine a statistical connection between sentiment values and Goodreads reader book ratings, a correlation analysis was conducted. Content analysis explored whether sentiments include factors influencing the selection of multicultural books for children. This study has significant implications for contributing to the appropriate selection of multicultural literature for children by understanding users’ perspectives and theirs expressed feelings on the books
Comparative Analysis of U.S. and Canadian Approaches to Copyright Policy in the Age of AI
Get PDFAs the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in everyday life (and particularly in education) increases in what seems to be an exponential way, lawmakers are racing to catch up with policy implications. This poster will present the results of an analysis of cases, legislation, and literature (widely defined) related to copyright concerns involved in the creation and use of AI. The review will take the form of a comparative analysis of approaches of the United States and Canada in crafting policy to address the incorporation of copyrighted materials in training generative AI systems such as ChatGPT and Midjourney and the use of such output in various settings such as education. The analysis will consider existing copyright laws (including user rights such as fair use/dealing and educational uses), and proposed changes to the current laws
Creative Pedagogy in Information Literacy
Get PDFCreative pedagogy is not well defined and has not yet received much attention in the field of library and information science. This research employed constructivist grounded theory, through semi-structured interviews conducted with library information literacy instructors, to better understand the role of creative pedagogy in information literacy. The aim of the research was to synthesize findings into a theory to better understand how and to what extent creative pedagogy is being applied in the teaching of information literacy.
The findings show that although they do not necessarily use the language of creativity, many library instructors are integrating elements of creative pedagogy into their teaching. Perceived challenges, such as being a guide or guest in someone else’s classroom and in connecting with students around information, as well as opportunities in both the physical and virtual classroom spaces, seem to require a shift in the way information literacy engagement takes place. Library instructors recognize the need for these shifts but many struggle to implement an alternative approach in the information classroom. At the same time, library instructors face several barriers, including a lack of preparation for their teaching role and the limitations of the one-shot instruction session
Privacy Policies in Public Libraries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries: Open Doors, Closed Windows
Get PDFIn an era dominated by digital technologies and the exponential growth of data, safeguarding personal privacy is more crucial than ever. This research investigates the privacy policies of public libraries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, aiming to understand the extent to which these policies protect patrons\u27 privacy rights regarding openness and restrictions. The study employs a qualitative method using structured content analysis of policy documents available through the official websites of the selected public libraries. This study will report coding results to indicate how public libraries in GCC countries address patron and user privacy, including exemptions to established laws and authorities’ protection. This research aims to contribute to the broader discussion on the region\u27s privacy rights and data protection. The findings of this study will provide insights into current privacy practices and identify areas for improvement. The implications of this research will support recommendations for policymakers and the Ministries of Culture in GCC countries.
The AI-empowered Researcher: Using AI-based Tools for Success in Ph.D. Programs
Get PDFGenerative artificial intelligence (AI) changes the picture of graduate education by providing personalized learning, automated feedback, intelligent research assistants, and automated content creation (George, 2023). AI tools will support doctoral students in text generation, language translation, responding to academic queries, and data collection and analysis and encourage self-learning and thinking development (Rasul et al., 2023; Zou & Huang, 2023). They also would be helpful for doctoral students working as teaching assistants and aiding in daily problems (Can et al., 2023; Parker et al., 2024). However, the rise of AI tools also leads to considerations of academic integrity, over-reliance on AI, misinformation, and the potential biases embedded in algorithms (George, 2023; Rasul et al., 2023).
Echoing the opportunities and challenges of AI applications in research and learning, the ALISE Doctoral Students SIG wants to encourage a discussion on how doctoral students can use AI tools to empower us in the Ph.D. journey. The panel invites a diverse group of doctoral students/candidates to share how AI tools can facilitate data collection and analysis and their critical understanding of AI systems.
Manar Alsaid will talk about using AI and machine learning to detect complex misinformation on social media. The talk aims to enhance our understanding of misinformation and reduce its negative impacts. This presentation will provide valuable insights for research on misinformation and information literacy.
Adam Eric Berkowitz will introduce the black-box tinkering method that experimentally discerns how AI systems operate. The method enhances the transparency of AI systems, challenging the technocratic paradigm. With three examples, Berkowitz encourages attendees to learn what black-box tinkering is, how to identify cases using it, and potential opportunities to incorporate it in research.
Anisah Herdiyanti will share insights from a study comparing transcripts generated by Otter.ai and Zoom Meetings. The presentation will highlight both the benefits and challenges of AI-based notes and transcription software, including technical concerns and the convenience of automated result delivery. The audience will enhance their understanding of AI tools in qualitative data transcribing and the ethical considerations in the process.
Rebecca Bryant Penrose will showcase the use of HeyGen, an AI-based video generator and translation tool, in an international interview project between students at California State University Bakersfield and a Ukrainian artist/author. The presentation will increase awareness of the potential use of AI-based video and help researchers overcome language barriers in data collection.
The panel will last 90 minutes, including a 5-minute introduction and a 5-minute wrap-up. Each panelist will have 10 minutes to present their topics, followed by 5-minute Q&As. A 25-minute moderated roundtable discussion will follow the panelists’ presentations to explore the potential use of different AI tools in research, including ChatGPT and AI-powered article summarizers. The panel’s learning outcomes include (1) Identifying challenges and opportunities to incorporate AI tools in research and study and (2) Explaining how to interact with AI tools to improve efficiency in research. It also provides a platform for doctoral students to share their knowledge of how AI changes research approaches and networks with each other
Re-imagining Librarianship: An Observation of Job Advertisements for Librarian Positions in the US
Get PDFIn the current artificial intelligence (AI) and post-pandemic era, libraries are compelled to accelerate digitalization and automation (Nugroho et al., 2023; Pressreader Team, 2023). Revisiting the core values of librarianship is critical to understanding the opportunities and challenges for libraries and librarians in this trend. Advertisements define, convey, and uphold ideologies by including specific ideas and excluding others (McIntosh & Cuklanz, 2014). Job advertisements for librarian positions, therefore, are designed to convey the values of librarianship in the United States. The study aims to identify the values by answering the following research questions: (1) How do libraries describe themselves in job advertisements? (2) How do libraries describe ideal librarians in job advertisements? Between February 15 and March 15, 2023, we collected job advertisements for librarian positions in the US on ALA JobLIST and Indeed. We will use a qualitative research design to analyze the data. The codes are generated from the core values of librarianship, including sustainability, service, intellectual freedom, literacy and learning, equity of access, privacy, democracy, and public good (American Library Association [ALA], 2024; Gorman, 2015). By investigating the values embedded in library job advertisements, we reflect on what core values of librarianship affirm professionalization in social transformation and whether new principles need to be added to the core values. The study also responds to the burnt-out among librarians by emphasizing the boundaries of librarianship. Additionally, it offers insights into Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) programs on how to prepare future librarians for the job market
Artificial intelligence (AI) and scholarly publishing ethics: A content analysis of journal policies
Get PDFArtificial intelligence (AI) technologies have received significant attention since the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022. People are experimenting with AI technologies in different aspects of daily life, including the use of AI tools in the scholarly writing process. Researchers and journal publishers are debating the impact of AI technologies on the quality and accountability of scholarly works. Indeed, scholarly journals play an important role in the dissemination of research and should be advising authors on the appropriate and acceptable use of AI technologies in scholarly publishing. Yet very few studies have examined how journals are providing AI-related guidance to authors.
This work-in-progress (WIP) research explores how scholarly journals advise authors about the use of AI in the scholarly writing process by conducting a content analysis of journal policies. Specifically, the study sample was comprised of the top 20 journals, identified using journal metrics provided by Google Scholar in the following subject areas: STEM, humanities, literature & arts, social sciences, and library and information sciences. Policies from these 80 journals were collected from publicly available websites and then examined in August 2024 to assess how journals are currently providing AI-related guidance to authors. The guiding research questions and content analysis focused on the following aspects: 1) The presence or absence of AI in the journal policy; 2) Definition / examples of AI; 3) Guidance on the use of AI for authors; 4) Guidelines about AI for peer reviewers. In this WIP poster, preliminary findings from the content analysis are presented
IMLS Early Career Research: A Dialogue with Program Officers and Awardees
Get PDFExternal funding presents an opportunity for early career scholars to jumpstart their research agenda post-PhD. One funding opportunity available in the library and information science (LIS) field is the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian (LB21) Early Career Research award. What is the IMLS LB21 Early Career Research (EC) award? Learn more in this 90-minute interactive session that will include five primary activities: IMLS Funding Overview, Panelist Presentations, Attendee Breakout Discussion, Panel Discussion, and Reporting Back. Attendees will gain a better understanding of the EC funding opportunity available at IMLS; learn about first-hand experiences from EC awardees; reflect on their own career trajectories with peers; and evaluate potential next steps for funding their research agenda
Perceptions of Annual Research Evaluations as Preparation for Future and Early Career Faculty
Get PDFThousands of university faculty complete annual evaluations to determine their yearly productivity. These assessments often determine the ability of a faculty member to continue in their current position (Zahneis, 2024). Evaluations play a crucial role in shaping the careers of early career tenure track professors.
Given the importance of annual reviews, this poster presents the preliminary results of a study designed to examine how departments assess faculty research productivity and to understand their perceptions of the processes used to evaluate them. Providing these results to doctoral students and new faculty can help prepare them for the annual review process.
Concerns emerged among the participants regarding the evaluation process. For instance, some participants noted that the quantity of publications was valued more than the quality, and there were no clear research quality standards. Another stated that some colleagues do little research and still receive positive evaluations.
Faculty members were more satisfied with reviews when policies clearly outlined expectations. They liked it when alternative publication methods were valued. Participants believed research with students should be equally important to solo or collaborative projects with other faculty. Additionally, the participants appreciated it when their deans and chairs understood and celebrated their research.
Participants shared factors that affect their research productivity. Time to complete research was a frequent response. Answers further indicated that support from research and teaching assistants saved them time. Funding to complete studies and research space was instrumental in their success.
Understanding Ourselves in Qualitative Research Through Collaborative Sense-making
Get PDFIn the fall of 2023, the iSchool at Syracuse University offered a new PhD course entitled IST 800 Information Studies Seminar: Qualitative Research Methods. This course was intended to teach students about various qualitative methods. A key part of the curriculum was centered on a discussion of how researchers are implicated by their epistemological and ontological positionality and how this awareness should inform their methodological decisions and analytical interpretations. As part of the course, students were asked to keep a weekly sense-making journal, which was intended as a routine medium through which students could reflectively engage with the various author claims, arguments, and philosophical perspectives that were raised in the course readings and shared class discussions. After the course ended, several of the students from the course embarked on a collaborative autoethnographic project to examine how their respective learnings about qualitative methodologies had shaped their individual research ontologies and epistemologies. This poster provides an overview of this collective analysis.
We argue that the reflexive nature of the course acted as a generative springboard for us (i.e., the students) to explore and question our values, sensitivities, and, ultimately, our worldviews; in tandem, the assigned sense-making memos gave us a chance to proactively develop our researcher positionalities. It is our hope that sharing the insights from this autoethnographic project will support other early career researchers in understanding how to critically engage their own positionality, and will provide information science educators inspiration for their own research methodology pedagogy.