Library and Information Research (LIR)
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Measure for measure: using statistics to monitor service take-up of the University of Leicester Library\u27s Distance Learning Unit
Get PDFThe new Distance Learning Unit at the University of Leicester Library needed to evaluate and measure take-up of services in order to secure funding beyond the initial three-year funding period. The Unit established a comprehensive procedure for recording transactions which included both manual and computer generated data. This data was presented in several different ways to different groups within the University. Statistics were collected to aid library management, provide information to academic departments and for broader University management. The quantitative data revealed a significant growth in all service areas and qualitative feedback has been very positive. Members of the team have experienced several positive outcomes as a result of collecting this information and are highly committed to this time consuming task
The information needs of informal carers: An analysis of the use of the Micro-Moment Time Line Interview
Get PDFInformal carers and the contribution that they make in caring for people in the community is now recognised by government. The publication of the National Strategy for Carers attests to this. This paper presents the findings of a study into informal carers in Leicestershire, commissioned by Leicestershire Social Services Department. Specifically, the paper focuses on the use of the Sense-Making approach to study the informal carers\u27 information needs. Sense-Making theory is explained and a discussion of the development and administration of the micro-timeline interview is given. Sample data derived form the interviews are reviewed followed by a discussion of the acceptability and appropriateness of the Sense-Making method in the context of understanding informal carers\u27 information needs. The paper concludes that the Sense making methodology is an appropriate technique to use with this population
\u27Books everywhere and always\u27: a history of London public libraries during the Second World War
No full textNorthumbria University: impact on improving students\u27 confidence and competence in information and IT skills
Get PDFThe University Library and Learning Service
(ULLS) already measure their performance by
the usual parameters - recording various usage
and performance indices, including a user
satisfaction survey. By endeavouring to
measure \u27impact\u27 however, this project offered
ULLS a different opportunity - to gain a deeper
understanding of the complex interaction
between library users and library services and
resources
Open University Library: impact and effectiveness of information literacy interventions
Get PDFThe Library\u27s Information Literacy Unit,
launched in 2002, has produced an IL Strategy
for the University and coordinates an ongoing
work programme, including face to face
training, the development of online materials,
input into courses throughout the curriculum
and stand alone online courses. The idea was to
develop a tool of some kind which would
enable us to measure the effectiveness of our
various interventions, to allow learners to
ascertain their level of skills and hence
understand their development needs in this area,
and also to help us to understand the needs of
our learners (students and staff). We were also
interested in possible research applications in
the future
The importance of evaluation and evidence-based skills to improving service delivery
Get PDFThe overall aim of the MLA-WM funded Developing Evaluation and Evidence-based Skills and Approaches to Service Delivery project is to improve the evaluation skills of staff within the museums, libraries and archives sectors and the focus of the project will be on evaluation of service provision. The partners in this project include museums, academic libraries and their archives, public libraries and their archives and health libraries. The first stage of the project, which is reported here, was to carry out an investigation of needs in terms of staff skills, focusing on evaluation, within the sector. The findings of this investigation will be used to inform the development of an approach to training which will be delivered in early 2006. The findings suggest that museums, archives and libraries need to streamline existing data collection exercises; dramatically improver the organisation and management of evaluation activities; and make stronger
links between evaluation and service development
Writing a research proposal: planning and communicating your research ideas effectively.
Get PDFThis article sets out and discusses the stages in writing an effective research proposal. It covers the when, why and how to aspects of research proposals, and uses examples to illustrate the most effective way to communicate research ideas. It is, in part, designed to support those seeking to submit a proposal for the LIRG Research award, and thus to complement the advice given on the LIRG website, but it also serves as general guidance for anyone wishing to prepare a research proposal for a range of contexts
WEAVER, M. (ed.) Transformative learning support models in HE: educating the whole student. London: Facet Press. 2008.
Get PDFWhy can\u27t every year be a National Year of Reading? An evaluation of the NYR in Yorkshire
Get PDFAn evaluation of the National Year of Reading in Yorkshire was conducted by Leeds Metropolitan University in response to a brief from Museums, Libraries and Archives, Yorkshire. This paper outlines the development and planning of phase one of this small scale qualitative research project and the analysis of the initial results which looks at the impact of NYR on the organisations that delivered the campaign and their work with target groups. The Generic Social Outcomes and the National Indicators were used to develop a theoretical framework. Data were gathered via in depth interviews and focus groups with NYR steering group partners in Calderdale and North Lincolnshire, selected as the two case study authorities. The use of MAXQDA computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) enabled data and coding structures to be stored and will facilitate comparison in this longitudinal study. This evaluation will provide material that local library authorities can use for advocacy with a range of audiences including local and central government
An analysis of patient information leaflets supplied with medicines sold by pharmacists in the United Kingdom
Get PDFThe primary aim of this exploratory study was to analyse the design factors contributing to the reading ease and comprehension of medicinal information leaflets. Good practice guidelines on general typography and layout were chosen from the literature and compared with European Commission guidelines on preparing package leaflets. The suitability of the guidelines for evaluating package inserts was investigated using leaflets accompanying thirteen different medicines available from pharmacies. With minor revision, the design recommendations were appropriate for developing over the counter medicinal leaflets. There was general agreement that simplicity is the key to good information design. It was concluded that the design of readable medicinal package inserts is a complex, process. Consumer participation is essential and advice from a professional designer highly desirable