The rapidly evolving landscape of higher education demands not only changes in teaching approaches but also organizational transformation. This paper explores the potential of problem-based learning (PBL) as a lever for organizational change, particularly within higher education institutions. Based on a comprehensive organizational development…

As part of a broader information literacy agenda, academic libraries are interested in advancing algorithmic literacy. Folk theories of algorithmic decision-making systems, such as recommender systems, can provide insights into designing and delivering enhanced algorithmic literacy initiatives. Users of the Spotify music recommendation systems…

It is well demonstrated that service-learning positively impacts a variety of student outcomes. However, methodological limitations have contributed to a lack of clear understanding of the mechanisms through which these effects occur. Additionally, little research has connected information literacy instruction explicitly with outcomes in…

After three years of collecting electronic resources of troubleshooting tickets in Springhare's LibAnswers at University of Houston Libraries, the author conducted an analysis of over 300 tickets. The type of problem was identified for each ticket and then categorized into a functional area using an existing categorization schema developed at…

This article reports on the author's enrollment in the SuccessfUL Supervisor Series course. As a new distance education library coordinator the author sought out formal supervisor training to address staff misconduct and establish staff training initiatives for distance library service needs. Structured as a case study, the author discusses how…

This article describes the implementation of an interdisciplinary design studio as a means to teach creative problem-solving through project-based learning. "Learning and Innovation Skills" has been designated as a core skill that students need to be successful in today's world, and project-based learning is one approach to helping…

The purpose of this research was to determine how information synthesis skills can be taught effectively, and to discover how the level of synthesis in student writing can be effectively measured. The intervention was an information synthesis lesson that broke down the synthesis process into sequenced tasks. Researchers created a rubric which they…

Examines the problem resolution phase of a retrospective conversion project of monographic records at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst (UMass). The kinds of problems encountered are categorized and discussed. Suggestions for developing editing guidelines are offered, and the guidelines developed for standardization of problem resolution at…

Information Literacy (IL) competencies are defined as "the ability to locate, evaluate, and use information effectively" and are considered essential for students in their academic lives and future careers (ALA, 1989). IL plays an important role in developing critical thinking and problem solving skills, and improving academic…

Reports on an empirical study of how end-users utilize an online bibliographic information system available on the World Wide Web by analyzing the use of a union catalog of academic libraries in Norway. Discusses how hypertext links affect search behavior and considers individual differences in search behavior and problem solving. Interview…

Harvard University's president critically examines educational uses of new technology, urging cautious optimism and support for technological innovation combined with strategic planning. Topics discussed include computer assisted instruction, higher level cognitive skill development, educational value of technological innovations and their effects…

Drawing on management theory, this article explores the costs, benefits, and sources of organizational conflict in the academic library context. Five responses to conflict (using power, avoiding, accommodating, compromising, and problem solving) are described, and guidelines for using problem solving to manage conflict effectively are offered. (14…

Describes creative thinking as an underutilized problem-solving skill that can be learned and applied to any situation. Explains how academic librarians can understand, develop, and use their creative thinking abilities and skills in the workplace and discusses library organizational culture, institutional culture, and empowerment. (Author/LRW)

Discusses a framework for identifying organizational processes or models within the context of the organization's decision-making processes. Five organizational models appropriate to academic libraries are presented: rational, political bargaining, garbage can, bureaucratic, and participatory. Guidelines for managers include how to distinguish…

The University of Oklahoma librarians underwent a dramatic challenge to their faculty status in the 1990s. This article chronicles that challenge and documents the events that led to the retention of faculty status by the librarians. The event is analyzed in the context of conflict resolution research. (Author/AEF)