Courses Completed

LIS 501 – Foundations of Library and Information Studies
LIS 502 – Organization of Information
LIS 503 – Reference and Information Services
LIS 504 – Leadership and Management Principles for Library and Information Services
LIS 505 – Introduction to Research
LIS 518 – Comic Books and Graphic Novels in Schools and Public Libraries
LIS 534 – Information Architecture: Web Design for Usability (IT)
LIS 536 – Digital Reference and Information Retrieval (IT)
LIS 538 – Digital Libraries (IT)
LIS 545 – Management of Human Resources
LIS 590 – Practicum (Rutherford Library – University of Alberta)
LIS 591 – Publishing
LIS 598 – Emerging and Evolving Technology (IT)
LIS 598 – Management of Financial Resources
LIS 598 – Principles & Concepts in Technology Management
LIS 598 – Project Management
LIS 598 – Systematic Review Searching
LIS 600 – Capping Exercise
EDES 545 – Information Technologies for Learning

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Notable Essays and Projects

Title: Building A Digital Library Using Greenstone
Class: LIS 538
Date: April 14, 2014Keywords: Greenstone, Digital Library, Collection, Metadata, Searching, Browsing, User Interface
Abstract: Using the open source software Greenstone (http://www.greenstone.org/), I created a small digital library. In this paper, I introduce Greenstone and discuss my library plan with a focus on audience and object selection. I discuss my collection, information organization and representation in my library, technology, user interface, and documentation. Lastly, I discuss problems and issues faced during the creation of my digital library. 

Title: Final Project
Class: LIS 598
Date: April 14, 2014
Keywords: Astronomy, Open Source Software, Evaluation
Abstract: In this paper I take on the role of an information professional hired by a local amateur astronomy group that wants to adopt astronomy planetarium software. Astronomy planetarium software allows one to see how stars appear on a given night and time, but also where planets, asteroids, comets, satellites, and countless other extraterrestrial objects are, how the skies appeared thousands of years ago, and how the skies will appear thousands of years in the future. I have been tasked with identifying organizational needs, products for implementation in the organization, evaluating products, and making a reasoned recommendation. In this assignment I discuss Open Source Software (OSS), provide some basic information on the organization, identify the organization’s needs and constraints, identify possible software to meet said needs, narrow down the results to three for further evaluation, discuss the evaluation process, evaluate the three selected results, and provide a reasoned recommendation. 

Title: Augmented Reality and Print Publishing: An Informative Resource for Librarians
Class: LIS 591
Date: April 7, 2014
Keywords: Augmented Reality, Print, Publishing, Libraries
Abstract: The world of augmented reality (AR) is exciting and the future seems bright. AR provides the world of publishing with a richer way to tell stories and could be very beneficial to libraries. In this paper I introduce AR, discuss benefits, and consider challenges. I describe real world examples of AR in print publishing. I discuss whether AR is likely to be revolutionary or remain a niche market. I discuss the implications of AR for libraries and librarians. Lastly, I discuss the future of AR. 

Title: Evaluation of an Operational Digital Library: CiteSeerXb
Class: LIS 538
Date: March 20, 2014
Keywords: Digital Library, Evaluation
Abstract: CiteSeerXb is a free online digital library and search engine with a primary focus on literature in the fields of computer and information science. In this paper I evaluate CiteSeer based on collection, information organization and representation, technology, standards, and documentation. I present what some other researchers have had to say about CiteSeer and sum up strengths and weaknesses. Lastly, I make some suggestions for improvement. 

Title: E-Reader Reflection
Class: LIS 591
Date: February 12, 2014
Keywords: Kobo Touch, eReader, Experience
Abstract: Kobo Touch is a popular eReader by Kobo Inc.. In this paper I describe and discuss my experience using the eReader. I consider the advantages and disadvantages of eReaders, provide tips and hints for other users, and discuss my overall impression. 

Title: Digital Libraries
Class: LIS 538
Date: February 6, 2014
Keywords: Digital Libraries, Definition
Abstract: What are digital libraries? Researchers, individuals, and groups have provided various definitions, views, and perspectives towards the concept of ‘digital libraries’. I claim the definition of digital library (DL) is fuzzy, but it is still possible to define DLs in such a way so as to generate a practically useful framework to keep top of mind when developing a DL. In this paper I discuss the history of the term DL. Then I present and discuss some definitions of DLs. Next I discuss what is clearly and what is clearly not a DL. Finally, I discuss attributes of the ideal DL and the value of DLs. 

Title: Assignment One: Social Media Selection
Class: LIS 598
Date: February 4, 2014
Keywords: Social Media, Library, Evaluation
Abstract: In this paper I take on the role of a recent MLIS graduate who has been hired as a social media expert by an average-sized public library. My supervisor has requested that I explore the social media world to recommend social media tools and technologies that the library should adopt. In this assignment I discuss social media, provide some basic information on the library, identify the library’s needs, identify the types of social media tools and technologies likely to meet the library’s needs, discuss the evaluation process, identify and recommend a minimum of four social media tools and technologies for implementation, provide rationale as to why recommended social media tools and technologies were selected, identify social media tools and technologies that were considered and rejected, provide rationale as to why the identified social media tools and technologies were rejected, and end with some concluding remarks and recommendations. 

Title: PressPausePlay Reflection
Class: LIS 591
Date: January 20, 2014
Keywords: Documentary, Reflection, Democratized Culture
Abstract: PressPausePlay is a documentary film featuring interviews from significant creators of the digital era who discuss the digital revolution of the last decade. This digital revolution has opened the floodgates of creativity and talent, but “does democratized culture mean better art or is true talent instead drowned out” (Bodstrom, Dworsky, Kohler, Marthinsen, & Svanell, 2011)? In this paper I argue this question represents a false dichotomy (i.e. the answer is not an either-or situation). Democratized culture leads to both better art and some to most true talent drowned out. I begin by explaining why democratized culture results in better art. Next I explain why democratized culture results in true talent being drowned out. Then I put these two results together and make a case for the positive effects of the digital era overall. Finally I explain a problem that results and how this problem presents an opportunity for Library and Information Studies (LIS) professionals. 

Title: A Message to Libraries Everywhere – The Benefits of Comics and Graphic Novels
Class: LIS 518
Date: December 2, 2013
Keywords: Libraries, Benefits, Comics, Graphic Novels, Message
Abstract: Comics and graphic novels are both popular and entertaining. In this paper I discuss the benefits of comics and encourage librarians to improve or develop a comic collection in their library. 

Title: Comics and Graphic Novels – Collection Development and Selection Policies
Class: LIS 518
Date: November 19, 2013
Keywords: Comics, Graphic Novels, Collection Development, Selection Policies, Acquisition, Cataloging, Shelving, Barriers, Challenges, Collection Management Cycle, Evaluation, Weeding, Readers’ Advisory, Resources
Abstract: A prezi presentation on collection development, selection policies and related topics for comics and graphic novels. 

Title: Vision of the Future: Libraries
Class: EDES 545
Date: July 26, 2013
Keywords: Future, Libraries, Trends, Librarian
Abstract: A prezi presentation on the future of libraries. 

Title: Assignment 4: Option 2 – Financial Management and Libraries
Class: LIS 598
Date: June 16, 2013
Keywords: Financial Management, Libraries, Budget, Internal Controls, Outsourcing, Present Value, Break Even, Cost-Benefit Analysis
Abstract: Financial management is vital to the success of libraries. While sometimes misunderstood or downplayed in importance by librarians, financial management is more important than ever. In this paper I provide an overview and short discussion of some elements of financial management I think are or ought to be most important to libraries, including budget type, internal controls, outsourcing, present value, break even, and cost-benefit analysis. Next I claim financial management is more relevant today than it has been in the past and discuss my reasons for this claim. I discuss what role or influence the quantifiable and objective financial aspects of any issue should have in the overall process. Lastly, I discuss how to optimally incorporate financial management in libraries. 

Title: Literature Review – 21st Century Reference Collections
Class: Practicum at the University of Alberta Rutherford Library
Date: April 30, 2013
Keywords: 21st Century Reference Collections, Weeding, Libraries
Abstract: Libraries often end up weeding and updating reference collections reactively when faced with the need to do so. Some needs that may lead to these overhauls include the need to find more study space, merge collections, or shrink expenditures. Regardless of the reason why updating is required it is important for libraries to update their reference collection to the 21st century. I begin this paper by providing a brief overview of reference collections and the literature. Next I discuss weeding and related processes through the consideration of case studies and scholarly articles. I discuss merging reference collections and electronic reference materials. Lastly, I provide some summary suggestions for updating a reference collection to the 21st century and reflect on the information gathered. 

Title: Determining the Scientific Literacy of Librarians – A proposal to investigate the scientific literacy of public and academic librarians
Class: LIS 505
Date: April 10, 2013
Keywords: Scientific Literacy, Public and Academic Librarians, Survey
Abstract: Studies have shown that 40% of librarians have no background in the sciences (e.g. one elective science course) and the majority of science librarians do not possess an undergraduate degree in science (Blair & Level, 2006). If scientific literacy often pairs with a scientific background, then librarians may possess low scientific literacy. The aim of this study is to investigate the scientific literacy of public and academic librarians. This will be accomplished by administering a multiple choice scientific literacy quiz to a select number of librarians from six academic libraries and two public libraries in Canada. Of the academic libraries, two will be mixed (i.e. libraries containing both science and non-science materials), two will be science only, and two will be non-science only. A basic questionnaire will be included with the quiz to collect information on science education, participation in science-related activities, and general interest in science. It is expected librarians will possess low scientific literacy on average as suggested by studies that show few librarians possess scientific backgrounds. It is expected that libraries with librarians with higher overall scientific literacy will correlate with librarians with higher overall science education, background, and interest. In addition, it is expected that science-only academic libraries will possess librarians of higher scientific literacy than other types of libraries. 

Title: Database Comparison – Scopus and Web of Science
Class: LIS 536
Date: April 6, 2013
Keywords: Database, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Effectiveness, Scope, Coverage, Search Functionality, User Interface, Record Display, Search History, Retrieval, Research
Abstract: Databases are an incredibly useful tool for navigating scholarly literature, researching into very specialized subfields, identifying citation patterns, and finding and retrieving relevant information online. On the Internet there are a large number of databases used by individuals and organizations with every level of reference experience. Due to the utility, number, and cost of databases it is important to be able to evaluate their effectiveness. This paper compares and evaluates the effectiveness of Scopus and Web of Science (WoS). First an explanation is given for the choice of databases. Next both databases will be evaluated and compared relative to scope and coverage, search functionality, user interface, record display and output and search history output options, documentation, and time. Then Google Scholar will be shortly discussed relative to Scopus and WoS. A final evaluation between Scopus and WoS will end the paper. 

Title: Evaluation of a Research Article
Class: LIS 505
Date: March 27, 2013
Keywords: Science Literacy, Evaluation, Research, Critique
Abstract: “Predictors of Students’ Attitudes Toward Science Literacy” is a thought-provoking research article by Irina I. Holden. In the article Holden reports on the results of a survey of student’s attitudes toward science literacy and their self-assessment of their science literacy. In this paper, I evaluate the article. I critique the title, abstract, research goals, research questions, research argument, literature review, sample, research design, qualitative findings, quantitative findings, discussions and conclusions. Lastly, I conclude with a statement and critique on the state of the work as a whole. 

Title: Internet Search Engine Comparison – Google, Yahoo, and MetaCrawler
Class: LIS 536
Date: February 4, 2013
Keywords: Search Engine, Google, Yahoo, MetaCrawler, Precision, Relative Recall, Reference, Retrieval, Features, Ease of Use, Algorithm Transparency, Usability, Privacy, Internet
Abstract: Search engines are an incredibly useful tool for finding and retrieving relevant information online. This paper compares the retrieval effectiveness and features of Google, Yahoo, and MetaCrawler. This comparison provides evidence that Google is able to provide better search results with greater precision and greater relative recall than Yahoo and MetaCrawler. Similarly, Yahoo provides better search results than MetaCrawler. Both Google and Yahoo compare similarly in relation to features, ease of use, algorithm transparency, usability and privacy. In general, Google and Yahoo exceed MetaCrawler in these same categories. This evidence provides some explanation for why Google is more widely used than Yahoo or MetaCrawler, and why Yahoo is more widely used than MetaCrawler. 

Title: Professional Development Paper – Science Librarian
Class: LIS 503
Date: December 4, 2012
Keywords: Science Librarian, Trends, Job Market, Qualifications
Abstract: To succeed as a science librarian one must be proficient with subject specific knowledge, have an assortment of skills, and be familiar with a range of information sources. In this report I detail how one goes about being an effective science librarian. I provide a short job characterization, discuss qualifications, discuss key journals and professional organizations, look at additional forms of communication used by science librarians, consider some major trends and issues, discuss the job market, and reflect on what is required to become a successful science librarian. 

Title: Free Versus Fee
Class: LIS 501
Date: November 21, 2012
Keywords: Public Library, Free, Fee, Values, Librarian, Debate, Alberta
Abstract: Should basic public library services be free, or is it acceptable to charge fees for some of them? The free versus fee debate surrounding library services has been raging for quite some time now with strong arguments both for and against. In this paper I provide a brief overview of the debate and discuss librarian values. Next I identify and explain “basic” services. I discuss the literature on the debate in greater detail by evaluating, organizing, and synthesizing the positions taken. Then I reflect on the arguments and positions given in the published literature. I conclude that “basic” services should be free. Further, I think it is permissible to offer and charge for advanced services so long as they are not subsidized by money meant for “basic” services. 

Title: Access and Ethical Issues Reflection – The Water Treatment Plant
Class: LIS 503
Date: November 6, 2012
Keywords: Reference, Librarian, Ethics, Policy
Abstract: As a librarian it is likely one will encounter different, potentially difficult reference requests that test one’s ethical views. In this paper I discuss ‘The Water Treatment Plant’, a hypothetical reference request. I begin by summarizing the reference request. Next I discuss how I would respond to the request and why. I discuss potential ramifications, how I would justify my actions to superiors, and how various codes of ethics and ethical frameworks would fit into my decision. Lastly, I discuss whether the library should implement new policy or leave these situations to the discretion of individual librarians. 

Title: Literature Search Assignment – ‘optimizing the utilization of Google for information retrieval, searching and as a reference tool for responding to patron queries’
Class: LIS 503
Date: October 23, 2012
Keywords: Literature Search, Google, Metadata, Keyword, Database
Abstract: In this paper I complete, record and analyze a literature search on ‘optimizing the utilization of Google for information retrieval, searching and as a reference tool for responding to patron queries’. I begin with a description of my search preparation. Next I describe my search process. Then I analyze the state of the literature, list my top 10 citations, and discuss my reasons for selection. Lastly, I include a concept map of my topic. 

Title: Shiyali Ramamrita Ranganathan – Historical Persons Paper
Class: LIS 501
Date: September 26, 2012
Keywords: Ranganathan, Five Laws, Colon Classification, Library
Abstract: It is safe to say that very few individuals have made such a wide-ranging contribution to the development of library and information services as Shiyali Ramamrita Ranganathan. This paper begins with a short biography, discusses two major contributions Raganathan made to library science, and discusses his significance to the history and development of library and information studies. 

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An Important Note

All papers linked are my intellectual property. You may share, but you do not have permission to modify them.