Nancy T. Lombardo

Rethinking Mobile Delivery: Using Quick Response Codes to Access Information at the Point of Need

This article covers the use of Quick Response (QR) codes to provide instant mobile access to information, digital collections, educational offerings, library website, subject guides, text messages, videos, and library personnel. The array of uses and the value of using QR codes to push customized information to patrons are explained. A case is developed for using QR codes for mobile delivery of customized information to patrons. Applications in use at the Libraries of the University of Utah will be reviewed to provide readers with ideas for use in their library.

Toward the virtual university: Collaborative development of a web-based course

Abstract In 1995 librarians from ten colleges and universities throughout Utah collaborated to develop Internet Navigator, a one credit-hour introductory course intended to emphasize information literacy rather than Internet mechanics. Since January 1996 this self-paced, independent study course has been offered simultaneously at all ten institutions, via the World Wide Web; 171 students completed it during the first six months. This article describes the development, purpose, and content of Internet Navigator, as well as student and faculty responses, the issues encountered in collaborative implementation, and future prospects for Web-based courses.

Putting Wikis to Work in Libraries

ABSTRACT Wikis are part of the suite of Web 2.0 technologies enhancing collaboration and communication. This article describes the ways in which one academic health sciences library has utilized wiki software. The Eccles Health Sciences Library has found wikis to be valuable collaboration tools. Case scenarios and software selection recommendations will be outlined. Examples of collaborations using wikis include grant writing, strategic planning, departmental documentation, and committee work. Comparisons are made between externally hosted and locally hosted wiki software.

One Tool for Many Tasks: Integrating Ipads into the Third-Year Learning Experience

Librarians worked with faculty in the School of Medicine to integrate iPad tablets into the third-year pediatric clerkship. The use of the technology allowed students instant access to information in the clinical setting and simplified the management of the course. In addition, a variety of tablet and e-reader devices were purchased for patron check-out. Library management of the devices is discussed. Use of the devices is described, and student reactions are presented.

Tablet PC Use Enhances Teaching and Student Learning

Abstract As the result of taking on the management of a health sciences education building, librarians developed a leadership role and working partnership with health sciences faculty. Librarians identified the Tablet PC (TPC) as an innovative teaching tool and initiated a TPC pilot project with the goal of training librarians and faculty to effectively use this tool to update presentations and to deliver course content. A TPC class was developed and taught as a result of the pilot project. After two years of TPC utilization, an assessment of faculty use and student response to faculty use of the TPC was conducted.

Assessing user preferences for e-readers and tablets.

Librarians purchased 12 e-readers and six tablets to provide patrons the opportunity to experiment with the latest mobile technologies. After several train-the-trainer sessions, librarians shared device information with the broader health sciences community. Devices were cataloged and made available for a two-week checkout. A limited number of books and applications (apps) were preloaded for all the devices, and patrons were allowed to download their own content. Each tablet has Google Books, iBooks, Kindle, and Nook apps available to allow choice in reading e-books. Upon return, patrons were asked to complete a ten-question survey to determine preferences for device use.

Evolving Technologies Support Mobile and Collaborative Curriculum: A Case Study

This case study describes the efforts of librarians to integrate mobile devices, collaboration tools, and resources into a School of Medicine third-year pediatric clerkship. Additional class emphasis is on evidence-based searching and journal article evaluation and presentation. The class objectives ensure that students are comfortable with mobile devices and collaboration tools. Over the eight-year history of the course, student acceptance of the mobile devices used diminished as the devices aged, necessitating the evaluation and selection of new technologies. Collaboration tools and mobile applications employed in the course evolved to accommodate curriculum changes.

Building Technology Services That Address Student Needs

A 16-question technology use survey was conducted to assess incoming health sciences students’ knowledge of and interest in current technologies, and to identify student device and tool preferences. Survey questions were developed by colleagues at a peer institution and then edited to match this librarys student population. Two years of student responses have been compiled, compared, and reviewed as a means for informing library decisions related to technology and resource purchases. Instruction and event programming have been revised to meet student preferences. Based on the number of students using Apple products, librarians are addressing the need to become more proficient with this platform.

The Neuro-Ophthalmology Virtual Educational Library (NOVEL)

Larry Frohman, MD New Jersey Medical School, New Jersey, USA on behalf of the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society (NANOS), USA The Neuro-Ophthalmology Virtual Education Library (NOVEL) developed out of a collaboration between the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society (NANOS) and the Spencer S. Eccles Health Science Library (EHSL) at the University of Utah and serves as a model for development of digital collections through academic library and professional society partnerships using electronic publishing technologies, resulting in an open access repository (library) of digital neuro-ophthalmology materials.1,2 The project was originally funded by a grant from the National Library of Medicine (NLM) and has just completed the final year of a three year funding cycle. The goals of NOVEL are to: produce a free, extensive, accessible Web-based collection of high quality digital materials (digital slides, video, audio, animations, and more) of neuro-ophthalmology for use by educators and students world wide and to create a database driven collection providing well described, clearly organized and searchable learning resources. These materials represent the best examples of the subject matter, and are organized both by individual collection and by linkages to a member created neuro-ophthalmology curriculum. Materials have been systematically digitized from their native formats, indexed using a standard set of descriptive fields (metadata) and are displayed in a meaningful way on a website (http://library.med.utah.edu/NOVEL). All technical support is located at the EHSL (See Fig. 1). Material selection and peer-review are completed by NANOS members. Users of the digital library can browse the materials using the subject outlines, or search the collection using keywords. Users can download and re-purpose the materials in their own lectures and presentations. All digital materials are copyrighted and owned by the content contributor, or by NANOS. The materials are available free for non-profit educational uses. The collection has been recognized by educators in neurology3 and ophthalmology4 as having great value for education. At this time, NOVEL includes almost 900 optic disc slides of William. F. Hoyt, MD. These focus on the optic disc and have been completely peerreviewed by members of the NANOS Web Education Committee. Dr. Hoyt is a pre-eminent Neuro-ophthalmologist and Emeritus Professor of the University of California at San Francisco. The collection is organized according the subject outline provided by Dr. Hoyt and the descriptions were provided for each individual slide by Dr. Hoyt (See Figure 2). Accepted 15 January 2007.

Streams of Consciousness: Streaming Video in Health Sciences Libraries

SUMMARY Streaming media delivery on the Web has become a ubiquitous service expected by many of todays library patrons. Libraries can offer selection, preservation, dissemination, and production of streaming media content. The Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library has offered its patrons streaming media and on-demand video services since 2000. A mobile video broadcasting unit was designed and implemented to deliver live broadcasts of lectures and special events. Educational video digitization, production, and cataloging services were offered. Challenges and successes with this service are reported.