INFORMATION LITERACY AND TRANSITIONS: FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS

In a university, information literacy focuses on students learning how to find and use information for the papers, presentation, and projects that they create. This should begin in the first year of college and build progressively through their courses of study. To be effective in laying this foundation with new college students, we must understand what they learned about information literacy before they came to college — in their high schools.

Let’s look at some of the evidence. Dr. Alison Head reported in her recent national study of freshmen that many of these students found college libraries to be much larger and more complex than the libraries in their high schools. They found that searching for scholarly literature was “daunting." These first-years realized that the strategies they used to find and use information in high school were inadequate for what professors expected of them in college. Dr. Head stated that “it was not that they were not good at research — they were entirely new to library research....they had written so few high school research papers they had a very limited understanding of what the research process entails and how libraries could best help them." This surprising finding from her study leads us to question, how can this be?

Although there are information literacy-related standards for K-12 students, many students don’t seem to enter college with those abilities. What is happening in K-12 classrooms and libraries? The 2014 State of America’s Libraries reported related that school libraries “are at a critical point." There is a serious decline in the number of school libraries and of school librarians, despite the studies that show that they have an impact on student success. This implies that those of us who work with new college students can’t make assumptions about what first-year students know about library research when they come to college, despite existing standards. Our new students probably have no experience with many of the skills and concepts about the world of information that we take for granted. We shouldn’t even assume that they read books, which is in the K-12 standards and which many of us enjoy and value. Sadly, 43% of Purdue’s 2012 freshmen spent less than an hour during their last year in high school reading for pleasure in a typical week.

The transition from high school to college is a critical period for students. Having a strong grounding in academic fundamentals influences the success of students in persisting through college and in completing a degree. Some of those fundamentals are the ability to effectively find and use information for academic work. If college students had the benefits of adequately-supported school libraries and school librarians, they would have less difficulty in making the transition to college-level research. Since they don’t, those of us who work with information literacy in higher education need to consider how to address the need for basic competencies, as well as more advanced disciplinary aspects of information literacy.

Collaborations between K-12 teachers and teacher-librarians to teach information competencies should occur to ensure adequate preparation for students after they graduate from high school.

FULFILLMENT SERVICES WORKING GROUP: A NEW BEGINNING

In the next few weeks a new group, the Fulfillment Services Working Group, will form. The Fulfillment Services Working Group, or FSWG, is in direct response to staff requests to re-form the past circulation-related groups, with a new name and broader focus to reflect our implementation of Alma.

FSWG will certainly tackle circulation-related issues. FSWG’s purpose is to provide superior customer service by establishing consistency and best practices, identifying/resolving common issues/problems, recommending policy, and troubleshooting with internal libraries and departments. FSWG will meet monthly, with the possibility of broader forum meetings held as needed.

CELEBRATING OUR STAFF

Joseph M. Dagnese Memorial Award for Excellence in Service to the Libraries — Bonnie Douglas
“The Amnesty International Project in Digital Programs has been very challenging and has provided many opportunities for problem-solving and professional growth. I was very honored to receive the Joseph M. Dagnese Memorial Award for Excellence in Service to the Libraries and would like to thank everyone involved in that process!”

Joseph M. Dagnese Memorial Award for Excellence in Service to the Libraries — Matt Riehle
“I am honored to receive the Dagnese award! There are a lot of challenges and opportunities that present themselves when working within web development. This award would not have been possible without the support, mentoring and collaboration of the IT department’s student workers and staff! It is great to be able to work with a great team and to be able to provide support and a modern web experience for the Purdue University community.”

John H. Moriarty Award for Excellence in Library Service — Sue Ward
“Receiving the Moriarty Award for coordinating the work on rightsizing the Libraries collections was an unexpected surprise. Although everyone finds it at least a little painful to part with print material, my goal is to make the process as painless as possible. The whole project would not be possible without the prompt and generous help of everyone who creates lists and records holdings, reviews lists, moves material off shelves, updates holdings records and takes items to their final destinations. This task is truly a group effort.”

Dean’s Award for Individual Sustained and Outstanding Contribution to the Libraries — Teresa Balser
“Thank you everyone for the wonderful surprise of receiving the Dean’s award this year. I’m so thankful for the kind words of recognition; it is truly an honor and is very much appreciated.”

Dean’s Award for Individual Sustained and Outstanding Contribution to the Libraries — Sue Long
“What a surprise! I am truly honored to receive this recognition."

Dean’s Award for Significant Advancement of a Libraries Strategic Initiative — Jeremy Garritano
“I am grateful to have been part of the IMPACT program since nearly the beginning. Collaborating across units of the University (CIE, Provost’s office, ITaP and others) has allowed me to grow as a teacher and Libraries faculty member. Through this program I have been able to engage faculty in conversations about information literacy, open access and scholarship of teaching and learning. It has also been a pleasure working with faculty who are passionate about teaching and willing to take risks to improve their courses. I appreciate the honor and look forward to hearing about IMPACT’s progress in the future.”

Dean’s Award for Team Achievement — Business Office Work Group: Joette Hutchcraft, April Maybee, Amy Storms and Heather Oakley
"I am incredibly thankful to work with the Libraries Business Office Team. Amy, April and Joette have handled multiple new system implementations this past year with great energy and patience. They have maintained a positive attitude through significant change. On behalf of our entire business office, thank you to everyone in the Libraries who made these transitions with us. We appreciate the patience you had with us as we learned the new processes." – Heather Oakley

Purdue University Libraries Award for Excellence in Teaching — Catherine Fraser Riehle
“I am so honored to receive this year’s Teaching Award. Teaching is the most fun and challenging (in a good way!) part of my job. I’ve had truly amazing students and teaching partners over the years, and want to especially thank Charles Watkinson and Dennis Savaiano for being such fantastic, dedicated and creative co-instructors, and Matt, for reviewing and providing honest feedback on countless teaching ideas, assignments and presentations. Thank you!”

2014 Annual Staff Awards: Front row: Amy Storms, Joette Hutchcraft, Catherine Fraser Riehle, Jeremy Garritano, Sue Ward, Teresa Balser. Back row: April Maybee, Heather Oakley, Sue Long, Matt Riehle, Bonnie Douglas, Jim Mullins.

2014 LIBRARIES STUDENT AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

PULSE Award

Bradley Kidney is a junior majoring in Biology (Pre-Vet) is from Greenwood, Indiana. He has worked in the Information Technology and Resource Services, Digital Programs for six semesters. Patty Glasson, his supervisor said, “Bradley was originally hired and trained by Carl Snow before I became manager of the Digital Programs unit, so I can’t take a lot of credit for his success, but we have appreciated Bradley’s continuing contributions to a variety of successful digitization projects over the years. His knowledge of our scanning equipment and his flexibility allow us to quickly switch him from one project to another as our needs and resources change, which is just one reason we’re happy to have him as part of the unit.”

“I would like to thank the Purdue Libraries for the opportunities to work and learn and for the honor of the PULSE Award. This scholarship will help immensely in my dream of becoming a veterinarian. I have learned so much from working with our team and will continue to enjoy the friendships that I have created with both peers and supervisors,” said Bradley.

Jennifer Sickles is a junior majoring in Animal Science from Highland, Indiana. She has worked in the Veterinary Medical Library for two and a half years. Her supervisor, Tonya Wichterman said, “Jennifer has been an outstanding student assistant. She is extremely dependable and one of the first to volunteer for special projects which we have had a lot of this past year. When other students ask for time off Jennifer is frequently there to volunteer to pick up the extra shift. Her attitude is always helpful and courteous to patrons and coworkers as well as the library staff. Jennifer is an important asset to the VETM Library.”

"I am extremely honored that I was chosen as a recipient of the PULSE scholarship. I have loved working in Purdue Libraries for the past three years and I feel as if I've truly grown from my experiences at VETM. Working in VETM has given me a chance to develop my customer service and teamwork skills, as I've been blessed with wonderful coworkers who never hesitate to help,” said Jennifer.

Lauren Wagoner is junior majoring in Elementary Education and is from North Manchester, Indiana. Her supervisor, Angie Ewing said, “Lauren has been a great asset to the Math Sciences Library, I have never seen her without a smile on her face! She is always willing to go the extra mile when it comes to work. She volunteers for extra shifts for her fellow staff members and is always willing to take on a new project. She will be sorely missed when she leaves to student teach in the spring. The PULSE Award was conceived for students like her!”

“I am extremely honored and humbled to be a recipient of the PULSE Award. Through these past three years working with the Purdue Libraries I have gained experience that will be very beneficial to me in my future endeavors. I graciously accept this award knowing there were many other qualified candidates. I want to thank the Purdue University Libraries and my supervisor, Angie Ewing, for investing in my future,” said Lauren.

Michael West is a P4 graduate student in the College of Pharmacy and has worked for the Libraries since 2007. His plans following graduation on May 17 are to continuing working for Walmart in the Indianapolis area as a pharmacy graduate intern and prepare for his licensing examinations this summer to become a pharmacist. Once licensed he will continue adding to his fourteen years at Walmart as a pharmacist and hopefully serve as a reserve officer in the military. His supervisor, Cheryl Oliver said, “Michael has been an outstanding student employee who has helped out in so many ways. He was persistent in getting through Pharmacy school and I am so very proud of him for graduating this year but I will truly miss this young man.”

“Thanking the people who helped me achieve this honor is most important to me. Cheryl Oliver is not only a great advisor and manager, but 'good people.' This last part was told to me by a departing supervisor prior to my acceptance as a pharmacy library assistant. Those words couldn't be truer. She has taught me a lot about being 'good people' and I am thankful her previous student, Sheryl Dietrich, now a pharmacist, for telling me to apply for this job. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be where I am today. Thank you Miss Oliver and Miss Dietrich for all of your hard work and professionalism, you will always have a special place in my heart, and I hope my award exemplifies the people you are and who you have taught me to be,” said Michael.

Derek Williams is a senior majoring in Industrial Management and Chemistry from Richmond, Indiana. He has worked in the Hicks Repository for six semesters. His supervisor, Dot Lanzalotto said, “I consider myself very lucky to have Derek working in the Hicks Repository. When I read on his job resume that he had attained Eagle Scot, I knew he would be good. His resourceful talents have become exceptionally useful in HKRP and especially in the dark and mysterious reaches of the Lynn Repository!”

"I’m honored to be a PULSE Award recipient. My job in Hick’s Repository has been the best job I’ve ever had. I enjoy the job and plan to work as long as I can in HKRP. The staff and other student workers are great to work with and quite helpful. I enjoy being able to work on projects on my own and the variety of skills I’ve gained. I like being able to see the difference my work makes and to be recognized for my hard work in the Libraries,” said Derek.

Dorothy Newby McCaw Scholarship

Chloe Lindsay is a junior majoring in Actuarial Science and Applied Statistics from Greenfield, Indiana. She has worked in the Earth and Atmospheric Library for four semesters. Her upervisor, Terry Wade said, “I am pleased to have Chloe working for me. She is very dependable and works hard with little supervision.”

“I am greatly honored to have been awarded the Dorothy Newby McCaw Scholarship. The past four semesters working for Purdue Libraries has presented me with many projects and challenges that gave me the opportunity to be a leader and expand my knowledge, which was far beyond my initial expectations of working at the Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences Library (EAPS). I have learned so much from the staff at EAPS and it would be an understatement to say I am grateful for having such a positive experience working for Purdue Libraries. I am truly looking forward to working there this summer and next year. Thank you,” said Chloe.

Gisele Rawlins is a junior in the school of Materials Science Engineering and is from Indianapolis, Indiana. Her supervisor, Cindy Yeoman said, “Gisele believes in the need for communication and enjoys the extra commitments that we ask of her. She knows how to set goals and keeps her priorities on track. She has displayed a very strong work ethic. Her expectations for her own performance are very high. Gisele is intelligent and responds quickly when presented with any to-do tasks. She is willing to do more, she volunteers, she shows initiative and she knows when to use it. She has a lot of productive energy to see that her tasks get done. She is not afraid to ask about what she does not understand and she likes learning new things. She works equally well on her own, with the full-time staff, and with other part time staff. Her communication with patrons exhibits clarity, friendliness, and tact. Gisele pays attention to details, which is necessary when doing multiple tasks that involve patrons and their books.”

“Thank you for choosing me as the Dorothy Newby McCaw Scholarship I am greatly honored to receive this award. Working at the HSSE Library has been an extremely rewarding experience over these past couple years. While things have constantly changed in my life working at HSSE has remained a constant pleasure. Being a student worker is never short of great colleagues, patrons and supervisors. Again, thank you to every person involved in bestowing this honor on me,” said Gisele.

Dr. Albert Viton Scholarship

Rachel Borsa is a junior majoring in Professional Flight Technology from Erie, Pennsylvania. Rachel has worked the Aviation Technology (AVTE) Library for two years. Her supervisor, Dania Remaly said, “Rachel takes direction quickly and thoroughly the first time through and then responds ‘Okay, I can do this.’ She is an important asset to the library.”

“It is such an honor to receive the Albert Viton Scholarship. My first semester at school I did not work and I knew I needed to find a job that was flexible with my class schedule. Someone recommended applying to the Libraries and it has been one of my best decisions at school. The AVTE library is a wonderful place to work with interesting people always coming in. I love working here and receiving this scholarship has been a huge help with the financial burdens of being a student. Thank you so much for this award! It means a lot to me and my family,” said Rachel.

Eric Thompson is a junior in Professional Writing from Sunnyvale, California. Eric has worked in Purdue University Press for two years. His supervisor, Marcy Wilhelm-South said, “Eric’s a great asset to our Purdue e-Pubs team. He’s been working with us long enough to have a good understanding of what our processes are and knows the right questions to ask when new projects come up. He is also great when it comes to communicating with faculty and explaining to them the benefits of Purdue e-Pubs and how they can ensure that their scholarship can be made more accessible through the repository.” David Scherer said, “Eric has been a great asset in his two years with Purdue e-Pubs. He’s always professional when communicating with faculty, and is always eager to learn more about open access, institutional repositories and Purdue e-Pubs.”

“Last year when I received this honor I was extremely grateful that I was able to build an appreciation for the work Purdue e-Pubs has accomplished. At the end of my second year with Purdue e-Pubs it is amazing to see my work contribute to building awareness for Open Access, the institutional repository, and helping to publish the research and scholarship of the Purdue faculty. I look forward to my third year with Purdue e-Pubs and the new experiences I will be able to have throughout my senior year,” said Eric.

2014 Amelia Earhart Scholarship

The Amelia Earhart Scholarship is given annually in honor of Amelia Earhart, a remarkable and unique woman who demonstrated an exceptional desire to succeed in her chosen field. Earhart came to Purdue University in 1935 as a visiting faculty member to counsel women on careers and help inspire others with her love for aviation.

Recipients of this scholarship must exhibit exemplary leadership skills, determination and potential while possessing a minimum grade point average of 3.2 after 48 semester hours.

Calin Cochran is junior majoring in pre-professional Health Science/pre-physician assistant from Colfax, Indiana. Calin’s current activities include working as a teaching assistant for Biology 203/204, serving as a Health and Human Science Ambassador, a member of Delta Gamma sorority, is active in the Pre-Pa Club, Caduceus Club and Purdue Dance Marathon. She has served as an event organizer for Sole Hope, making footwear for children in Uganda, was a 10-year 4-H member and attends New Hope Church.

“Receiving the Amelia Earhart Scholarship has left me feeling honored, thankful and very blessed. Like Earhart, my self-motivation never dampens, but being a recent recipient only pushes me to strive for more. This outstanding gift will help me get that much closer to reaching my career goal and continuing to touch others. Earhart’s inspiration will always remind me that the sky is the limit!”

Elizabeth Hroma is a junior majoring in Nursing from Chicago, Illinois. Elizabeth is active in Boiler Gold Rush, Phi Mu fraternity and works at the Recreational Sports Center. She is a CPR instructor and participated in Boiler Steam, serves as a tutor for the Spanish Service Learning Program, works as a healthcare volunteer for the Central American Relief Efforts, and worked with the West Lafayette Junior High cross country team.

“I am so incredibly honored and grateful to be an Amelia Earhart Scholarship Award recipient. Amelia Earhart was a woman ahead of her time and even today continues to serve as an inspiring role model to all. Throughout my time here at Purdue and as I begin my career as a nurse, I strive to emulate Amelia Earhart’s passion, commitment and determination to my work and to my patients.”

Laura May is a junior majoring in Animal Sciences and is from West Lafayette, Indiana. Laura’s campus activities include secretary of Glenwood Cooperative, Purdue Dairy Club and Council representative, and panel coordinator for the Depart of Animal Sciences. She is a member of the Dean’s Scholars Program and the Ag Alumni Mentoring Program, National FFA Organization, Indiana Brown Swiss Association and is active in the intermural sports.

“I am so grateful to those who have made the Amelia Earhart Scholarship possible. To fulfill my goal of becoming a large animal veterinarian, I have a long academic road ahead of me, and this scholarship has thankfully lessened my financial burden. Just as Amelia cared for the wounded during World War I and became a role model for countless young women through her passion for flying, I hope to care for the livelihoods of dedicated Agriculturalists by caring for their livestock one day and act as a role model for other young women who hope to enter into the livestock industry.”

Samuel Rymer is a senior majoring in Building Construction Management and is from Carmel, Indiana. Sam’s Purdue activities include president of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, NAHB Student Competition, and co-chair of the BCMentors Student Tutoring Program. He is a member of Sigma Lambda Chi Honor Society, NAHB Student Chapter and participates in Pyoca Camp, Orchard Park Presbyterian Church Youth Bible Study Fellowship, Habitat for Humanity (Carmel, Indiana) and Handyman Club of America.

"I am very grateful and honored to have been selected as a recipient for the Amelia Earhart Scholarship. The opportunities that this scholarship provides are endless as its financial support will help me finish my degree and aide in my ability to make new connections professionally. As graduation nears closer for me every day, I am focusing on entering the field of real estate development and using my abilities to make the world a better place. I am excited to earn every inch of what I have been given so that one day I may come back and inspire students just as Amelia Earhart has done for me."

ONE BOOK HIGHER HIGHLIGHTS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

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Content analysis regarding faculty perceptions of data information literacy skill levels
By Megan Sapp Nelson

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IMPACT: MGMT 175
By Ilana Barnes, Mary Dugan and Hal Kirkwood

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The Best of Both Worlds: Creating a Continuum of Publishing Services for Purdue University
By David Scherer and Katherine Purple

Most Creative
IMPACT: MGMT 175
By Ilana Barnes, Mary Dugan and Hal Kirkwood

Best Furthers Strategic Plan
The Best of Both Worlds: Creating a Continuum of Publishing Services for Purdue University
By David Scherer and Katherine Purple

Most Innovative Idea
LCSSAC: A Link Between Worlds
By Allen Bol, Carolee McGill-Barker, Sharon Sturgeon, Connie Richards, Dan Rotello and Dan Yeoman

Viewer’s Choice
LCSSAC: A Link Between Worlds
By Allen Bol, Carolee McGill-Barker, Sharon Sturgeon, Connie Richards, Dan Rotello and Dan Yeoman

FROM GAS-LIT ROOMS TO TODAY'S CLASSROOM WITH IMPACT

You have probably heard the term many times, but have you wondered what exactly is an IMPACT classroom and were afraid to ask? Come visit the new display at the HSSE Library From Gas-Lit Rooms to Collaborative Work Stations: The Evolutions of Campus Classroom and learn the answer to your question. The display contains intriguing and sometimes surprising images of the variety of instructional spaces that have been part of Purdue’s campus over the years, culminating with photos of the new IMPACT classrooms. Learn what is innovative about the IMPACT redesigns and what is meant by the “flipped” instructional model that is often used in them. The display will be available until the middle of May.

Display created by Linda Rose and Patrick Whalen.