Ardis Hanson

Socially Constructing Library as Place and Space

Originality/valuenThis value of this review is to provide a social constructionist perspective (frame) on how we plan library space. This approach provides opportunities to truly engage our patrons and administration in the co-construction of what “our library” should be since it provides insight to group, place, and social dynamics.

Success strategies for thesis students: Creating a video toolbox

With an increase in our pool of users and a cap on hiring, the librarians in our shop needed a way to clone themselves in order to deliver the same good service on which we pride ourselves and on which our constituency has come to rely. Our proposed solution was to create video segments on how to use the library effectively. Funded by a grant, a project was undertaken to produce a series of fifteen videos designed to guide students through the research and writing skills that their program chairs deem essential for top-quality work. This paper presents the thought process that went into this project, the theoretical underpinnings, and our progress to date. Success Strategies for Thesis Students: Creating a Video Toolbox

Disaster Mental Health: Building a Research Level Collection

Disasters are not uncommon events, and take many forms. Disasters, in whatever form they take, rob us of our sense of well-being, our security, our community, our loved ones, and our homes. Disasters forever change ‘life as we know it’ and seriously impact our ability to function. The psychosocial effects of a natural or manmade disaster can be long lasting, and the resulting trauma can reverberate even with those not directly affected by the disaster. Mental, neurological, and behavioral disorders are common sequelae to natural and manmade disasters. People with these disorders endure social isolation, poor quality of life, and increased mortality. Further, these disorders are the cause of staggering economic and social costs. With the increase in natural and manmade disasters, the incidence of mental illnesses has grown exponentially, creating large at-risk and vulnerable populations.