Online Northwest 2019 took place at Portland State University in Portland, OR.
Keynote
Data Across the Curriculum
Presenters
- Gennifer Snipes, University of Oregon
- Kelly McElroy, Oregon State University
- Michelle Desilets, Portland State University
- Jonathan Cain, University of Oregon
Abstract
Data Across the Curriculum highlights the way that data and data literacy has become a fundamental part of university curriculums and is emerging as an essential area for librarian skill building.
Links
- Gennifer Snipes: Data Across the Curriculum (PDF)
- Kelly McElroy: Destroying data and technology in support of students (PDF)
- Michelle Desilets: Game-Based Learning in Online Information Literacy: Is it Accessible? (PDF)
- Jonathan Cain: Teaching as We Learn: Using digital research workshops to increase data services capacity (PDF)
Session 1
Assessment for Librarians: Online, In the Classroom, and at the Reference Desk
Presenters
- Lindsay Keevy, Lower Columbia College
Abstract
Instruction librarians often struggle to gather assessment data that is meaningful to both the library and the institution. The variety of settings in which we teach further complicates our ability to streamline how we analyze assessment data. How can we prove that students learn and can perform the concepts we teach at the reference desk or in a module in our learning management system just as well as they can after a one-shot instruction session in the classroom? Learn how to develop an assessment strategy that is unified across every library instruction moment.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will be able to:
- Develop program outcomes for an academic library
- Create lesson plans with assessable activities
- Assess student learning from face-to-face, online, and reference desk instruction using Google Forms
Links
Harnessing the Power of Campus-Wide Collaborations to Address College Affordability with OER
Presenters
- Karen Bjork, Portland State University
- Amy Stanforth, Portland State University
- Jaime Wood, Portland State University
- Scott Robison, Portland State University
Abstract
Portland State University (PSU) is working to reduce prohibitive textbook costs and improve access and equity. Through campus-wide collaborations with the Office of Academic Innovation (OAI), Student Government, and the Library we have undertaken an initiative that begins to define an institutional vision and strategies to promote the wider use of open educational resources (OER) across campus to meet our goal of $2 million in students savings and 200 hundred faculty adaptations/adoptions by 2020.
To that end, we’ll highlight our Open Education Week Symposium, Library’s OER Adopt / Adapt / Create grants, and OAI’s faculty support structure and relevant programming.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will walk away with a potential model for creating partnerships at their own institution.
Opportunities for attendees to envision how they may support OERs on their campus.
Best practices for student involvement in campus wide initiatives/promotion.
Links
Open Future: Assessing and Adopting Open Source Technologies for Your Library
Presenters
- Stewart C. Baker, Western Oregon University
Abstract
Open Source Software has many benefits for libraries: Compared to commercial products, it can reduce costs considerably and provide greater options for customization. Open Source products also often provide more niche, and more cutting-edge, technologies to libraries than slower-to-develop commercial products. To access these benefits, however, libraries need staff who can successfully assess and adopt relevant, up-to-date software, and have the skills necessary to customize and perform routine maintenance. This presentation will give attendees from all types of library the background and skills they need to understand, select, and maintain Open Source Software.
Learning Outcomes
Attendees will learn to
- Understand the differences between Open Source and commercial software
- Assess Open Source Software products for use in their library
- Understand common terms and workflows involved in installing and maintaining Open Source Software products
- Find and install tools to use in making Open Source Software more useful for their library
Links
Totally Online Digital Storytelling: A Workshop Developed By and For Grad Students
Presenters
- Rhoads Elliott Stevens, University of Washington Seattle
- Perry Yee, University of Washington Seattle
- Erika Bailey, University of Washington Seattle
- Dovi Patino, University of Washington Seattle
- Gabi Dahlin, University of Washington Seattle
Abstract
The University of Washington Libraries have been offering a totally online workshop in digital storytelling for graduate students. We developed this workshop because we believe grad students--especially ones in online, fee-based programs--are underserved on our campus. In putting together this workshop and revising it via iteration, we have relied on grad-student workers in our Libraries who have served on our teaching team to co-create course content, co-facilitate live sessions, and co-manage student engagement. In a presentation, we--along with grad students--would like to share the evolution of this program and speak about the value of student labor.
Learning Outcomes
By attending this presentation you will learn about the following:
- How to set up a totally online digital-storytelling workshop
- How to revise such a workshop through reflection, experimentation, and iteration
- The value of grad-student work in the development of such a workshop
Links
Session 2
Collaboration and Innovation: NNLM’s Nationwide Online Wikipedia Edit-a-Thon
Presenters
- Ann Glusker, University of Washington
Abstract
Many libraries are engaging their users by holding Wikipedia edit-a-thons. Participants learn about the culture of this widely used online resource through hands-on editing of articles. However, it is very unusual to have an event that is completely virtual and crosses time zones. The National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NNLM) has held two online, national, health-focused edit-a-thons, to encourage use of National Library of Medicine databases to edit content and citations. In this talk, we report on the NNLM’s ongoing edit-a-thon program, how we made the unusual format work for us, and tips for hosting an online edit-a-thon.
Learning Outcomes
Attendees will:
- Learn about Wikipedia's culture of openness
- Learn about what an edit-a-thon is, and how an online edit-a-thon is different than the usual in-person version
- Learn how the NLM and NNLM is using the online edit-a-thon format for outreach
- Gain some tips and tricks for holding an online edit-a-thon
Links
Government and Online Data: Creation, Access, Preservation
Presenters
- Richard M. Mikulski, Portland State University
Abstract
From the 1790 Census to the present, the US government has been a major user, producer, and distributor of data. Through its agencies and departments, it creates data; through funding, grants, and data sharing mandates, it makes research data accessible; through the FDLP and various agency platforms, it circulates and stores data online. This presentation discusses the implications of Government’s role in data creation, online access, and preservation. What are the potential strengths and weaknesses of this relationship, and how can librarians prepare for the future of data creation, preservation, and access? Special attention given to: Federal Data Mandates; Online Sources of Government Data; Challenges to Preservation and Access.
Links
HTML to MARC: Webscraping Using Googlesheets
Presenters
- Brianne N. Hagen, Humboldt State University
Abstract
When library information is messy and not easily indexed by discovery layers, it can be problematic to bring the data into a format for easy search and retrieval within our own information ecosystems. Thankfully, there are solutions available to help us get our data into a useful format that can be easily searched in our library catalogs with minimal effort.
With finding aids in html webpage for our example, we will use webscraping tools built into googlesheets to harvest the data. Using minimal coding skills, we will be able to create a CSV file and convert that file into MARC records in batch, ready to be used by any library system.
Learning Outcomes
- Learn about available tools for webscraping
- Apply some easy tricks to harvest html data
Links
Library DIY: Customizing Online Information Literacy Instruction for Program Needs
Presenters
- Stephanie Debner, University of Western States
- Janet Tapper, University of Western States
Abstract
This talk addresses how librarians at UWS embedded a customized Library DIY mini-course within a mandatory course that enrolls over 100 first-quarter students per cohort in an online master’s program. This process included: socializing the idea to program directors; gathering reference data to make a case for just-in-time instruction; identifying a program to start with; getting buy-in from key stakeholders; building and implementing the mini-course; evaluating the evidence of the impact of the mini-course on student performance, and identifying gaps for improvement in future iterations. We will also address lessons learned and next steps for the customized Library DIY model.
Learning Outcomes
- Identifying critical steps in building an embedded mini-course for online programs from the ground up.
- Leveraging on-the-ground reference data and stories to illustrate the gap in information literacy and research skills from where students are to where they need to be for program success.
- Nuts and bolts aspects of the mini-course that helped us “sell” the idea to program directors and faculty.
Links
Session 3
Addressing the Needs of Non-Traditional Online Students in a Credit-Bearing IL Course
Presenters
- Sarah Ralston, Eastern Oregon University
Abstract
LIB 307: Online Research Tools and Strategies is a two-credit upper division information literacy course serving an online-only student population at Eastern Oregon University (EOU). The course examines search strategies and techniques used in general and discipline-specific research tools such as databases, library discovery systems, and free online content. EOU's online student population is made up of primarily non-traditional transfer students, most of whom have been out of school for many years, and have cobbled together credits from multiple colleges and universities. Many readily admit they have not used the library since it had a card catalog, and they may have been overwhelmed, anxious, or intimidated about expectations for library research. The course eases them into academic library research by introducing them to online search tools and strategies, with an emphasis on critical thinking and evaluation. The course is highly recommended by academic advisors who serve online students, and regularly receives praise and positive feedback from students who have taken it. This presentation will provide context about the class, and its content and outcomes will be described.
Links
Building a Bento Box: COCC’s Federated Search
Presenters
- Tamara Marnell, Central Oregon Community College
Abstract
In 2018 Central Oregon Community College developed, tested, and launched a custom federated search interface, or "bento box" search, that queries several popular databases and displays the results by resource type. This presentation will cover COCC’s rationale for choosing the bento box model, the technology behind the tool, and the results of user testing and feedback.
Learning Outcomes
Attendees will learn about the pros and cons of federated searches versus unified discovery layers; the search APIs available from large database vendors; and usability considerations of the “bento box” model
Links
Practicing Community-Building Online
Presenters
- Reed Garber-Pearson, University of Washington
- Nicole Dettmar, University of Washington
- Perry Yee, University of Washington
Abstract
Professional development for library workers, meetings and communication, and teaching information literacy instruction are increasingly happening in online-only platforms, yet we rarely talk past the technical logistics of bringing people together in conversation across technologies. In this lightning talk we will present ideas and practices that we have been experimenting with in our Online Learning Community of Practice, including networking activities, facilitation strategies, and embodiment exercises, that attempt to build community in online only spaces.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify and recognize challenges relating to engaging in fully online communication
- Strategies and ideas for connecting genunielly with colleagues and users online
Links
Tracking Trouble: Managing Primo Bug Reports
Presenters
- Carin Yavorcik, Concordia University
Abstract
Like many academic library users, Concordia University students rely heavily on our Primo catalog to help them find peer-reviewed articles. Unfortunately, they often run into technical problems getting from the article record in the catalog to the full text of the article in a library database. Users were reporting so many bugs that we realized we needed to keep track of them in a more systematic way, both to make sure tickets were handled in a timely fashion and to track statistical information. This talk will explore the tool we developed to serve both needs.
Learning Outcomes
Attendees will learn how to develop their own template for a tracking spreadsheet that will allow them to:
- Monitor all reported technical problems
- Follow up on vendor tickets that have made no progress after a set amount of time
- Follow up on issues that require in-house testing after a certain date
- Easily link between different vendor reporting systems
- Track statistics on vendor response rates, which databases experience the most problems, how tickets get reported, and more
Links
Session 4
Promoting Equity with Virtual Library Service
Presenters
- Sandy Morgan, Multnomah County Library
- Bruce Jenks, Multnomah County Library
Abstract
At Multnomah County Library, virtual service help over 107,000 community members each year through email, text, and telephone, patrons are managing library accounts, using materials, asking reference questions, and receiving tech support. Two years ago, Multnomah County Library developed a centralized service model to gain efficiency and consistency in serving patrons virtually.
Virtual service provides convenience for some and breaks down barriers of access for others, especially vulnerable populations. Virtual services can present a challenging working environment. There are less social cues to read, for better of worse; direct communication is necessary. Monitoring behavior issues and collaborating with colleagues can difficult during busy hours. Small solutions are the way forward to serving the public and promoting equity in library work.
Learning Outcomes
- Strategies to interrupt microaggressions virtually
- Best practices for technology troubleshooting virtually
- Practical language to substitute for library jargon
Links
Skilling Up: Using Canvas to Teach Research Data Management
Presenters
- Jenny Muilenburg, University of Washington
Abstract
Many colleges and universities struggle with how to present research data management skills to students who aren’t getting the information as part of their formal education. Instruction methods can vary widely, as can content. This presentation will detail one university’s experience in developing an online class to teach research data management skills to upper-level students and new campus researchers. From the road to development, to the changing structure of the class over the past three years, we’ll talk about who took the class, how participation has varied, reviews and comments, and what next steps for the class will be.
Learning Outcomes
- Using Canvas for online, asynchronous short-course education
- Most important content to include in this type of class
- Department and units most interested in this class
Links
Video Games in One-Shot Library Instruction
Presenters
- Sergio A. Lopez, Mt. Hood Community College
Abstract
Video games can be an excellent conduit for delivering and retaining information literacy concepts. Their capacity to motivate the student to accomplish a particular goal, their ability to provide instant feedback to the student/player, and their capacity to grasp student's attention make them a unique tool for delivering information literacy concepts. The presenter will talk about the process of learning, developing, and implementing simple video game/quizzes in one-shot library instruction sessions, as well as the possibility of using them in online-only literacy instruction.
Learning Outcomes
- Integration of small video games in library instruction.
- Frameworks for video game development in the library.
- Use of video games as classroom activity.
- How to use these video games for online-only library instruction.