This exploratory mixed methods study describes skills required to be an effective peer reviewer as a member of review panels conducted for federal agencies that fund research, and examines how reviewer experience and the use of technology within such panels impacts reviewer skill development. Two specific review panel formats are considered: inperson face-to-face and virtual video conference. Data were collected through interviews with seven program officers and five expert peer review panelists, and surveys from 51 respondents. Results include the skills reviewers' consider necessary for effective review panel participation, their assessment of the relative importance of these skills, how they are learned, and how review format affects skill development and improvement. Results are discussed relative to the peer review literature and with consideration of the importance of professional skills needed by successful scientists and peer reviewers.
This article provides an overview of Volunteer Voices, Tennessee's statewide digitization program. The authors focus on the three-year Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) National Leadership Grant that provided the foundation for future growth of the digitization program. In addition to an overview of the content selection, metadata issues, software selection, digital preservation, and K-12 education emphasis of the grant project, the article includes a detailed description of the work done by the digitization and content specialists from across the state who selected and scanned items. The article concludes with a look at post-grant efforts to promote the sustainability of Volunteer Voices.
The University of Tennessee Libraries' Diversity Committee administered a climate assessment survey to determine the readiness of the libraries for a comprehensive diversity initiative. This article discusses the design and methodology of the survey and analyzes the results. The survey served as a valuable starting point in charting a successful inclusive future for the libraries and provided the libraries with benchmarks for measuringthe progressand successof its diversityprograms. The survey project continues to guide the committee in its planning and contributes to other library diversity climate assessment efforts, a few of which are being reported.
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