Ilene F. Rockman

Information literacy, a worldwide priority for the twenty‐first century

Concentrates on information literacy, by way of attendance at an international symposium, which was a common theme by the speakers. Records that information literacy is a worldwide phenomenon and not just a movement in the USA. Concludes it is important that students build on a strong foundation of information literacy skills and abilities using the faculty‐librarian partnerships fully to do this.

The importance of assessment

States that assessment is a process for quality improvement and libraries, as administrative and academic units, have an important role to play in the continuous improvement of their parent organizations. Looks at how student performance can be assessed and concludes that this can help us to understand better why students fail or master certain courses, which will help in developing change and improvement in the area of student learning.

Establishing successful partnerships with university support units

University libraries are creating new opportunities by establishing a variety of partnerships, extending the library’s services and programs through alliances, relationships, and ventures. Libraries must work closely, creatively, and consistently with campus constituencies to achieve their goals and objectives successfully, and to remain a key campus resource. Partnerships with campus bookstores, architects, fund‐raisers, and others results in such endeavours as cultural performances in the library, campus author celebrations, cyber cafes, and collaborations with parents groups, athletics, musicians, artists, and writers. Partnerships improve the learning environment, enrich the cultural life of the campus, stimulate intellectual discourse, and help the library to stay visible as an indispensable component of the campus community.

Distinct and expanded roles for reference librarians

Purpose – Proposes advocating that reference librarians have a distinct and important role in the development, management, dissemination, and sustainability of institutional repositories.Design/methodology/approach – Suggests working with faculty and students to encourage them to share their research and instructional products, and to contribute to the extension of their disciplines knowledge base in new and meaningful ways.Findings – Notes that reference librarians are natural partners to be involved with institutional repositories because of their service orientation, subject experience as knowledge managers, and communication skills.Originality/value – Makes important recommendations about the role of the reference librarian in contributing to the success of institutional repositories.

End‐user services in academic libraries: a 1999 perspective

This article updates a national study undertaken in 1985 to assess the status of end‐user search services in academic libraries (results were presented at the fourteenth annual LOEX conference in Ypsilanti, MI). Although today’s academic libraries now include Internet accessible and Web‐based resources, many of the same challenges exist as in the past: user education, convenient and timely access to information from any place, consistent administrative support, recognition of technology as a change agent, and reaffirmation of the important teaching role that librarians have in an evolving information society.

Visionary pragmatism in an e‐library environment

Recent technological and organizational changes in library services and the book publishing industry have underscored the need for libraries to re‐examine their core values in an effort to remain true to their service principles.

Partnerships – yesterday, today and tomorrow

Academic libraries can advance their mission and goals by forging strategic alliances and partnerships with various key campus constituencies, such as faculty members, athletic coaches, and computing professionals. As libraries continue to experience changes in their services, collections and facilities, these partnerships become more important than ever.

Reflections on our work

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to reflect upon the journal, Reference Services Review, since the editorship of Ilene F. Rockman began in 1986.Design/methodology/approach – The paper describes how the journal has become one of the most respected in its profession, has encouraged new authors and published several ground‐breaking articles over the past two decades.Findings – The journals standard of excellence is high and continues to model a commitment to, and passion for, reference services and collections, utilization of technology to help users and innovation in library instruction and information library programs.Originality/value – The paper offers a reflection of RSR and its contribution toward equity and social responsibility.

Evaluate that information

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to raise awareness of the need to critically evaluate information, no matter what the source or origin.Design/methodology/approach – Examines how information is distributed to end users.Findings – This article notes that changes in business and marketing strategies have caused information to be communicated in more personal ways, yet evaluation criteria should still be applied.Originality/value – Reinforces the value of evaluating all types of information sources, especially newer forms such as blogs and podcasts.

Fun in the workplace

Explores the ways in which the working environment in libraries can be made to be more fun. Among the methods discussed are: sports tournaments, dress‐up days, award ceremonies, contests, recreational activities, food‐related events and learn‐at‐lunch sessions. Highlights the ways in which fun, and laughter in particular, can add to a sense of wellbeing, relaxation and a positive outlook in the workplace.