User-Centered Design and Reference Services in International Librarianship: A Case Study of Nazarbayev University Library

King, Elizabeth A.; Dowding, Heidi; Pflager, Julia

doi:10.1080/10875301.2013.856368

Cited by 4 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…They are also given the task to request and purchase library materials to build the collection specific to their areas. In an earlier study by King, Dowding, and Pflager (King et al, 2013), subject librarianship already exists in one Kazakh university where the main function is to deliver services as they were assigned into different schools. The students are aware and introduced to their own subject librarians so they may ask a consultation or help them with any subject-specific questions (Yap, 2020).…”

Section: Subject Librarianship In Kazakhstanmentioning

confidence: 99%

Subject Librarianship in Kazakhstan: Exploring Information Literacy Skills, Functions, and Practices

2022

International Journal of Media and Information Literacy

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Subject librarianship (SL) has long been practiced in academic libraries. But, with the transformation brought about by socio-cultural and technological factors, the roles have evolved. This article discussed the traditional role of Kazakh subject librarians, their current practices, and personal strategies in delivering services including information literacy in academic libraries. In Kazakhstan, subject librarians provide information literacy sessions and workshops dedicated for specific classes. A quantitative research method was adopted for this study using an online questionnaire for data gathering. It utilized purposive sampling to identify the competencies and performing tasks of subject librarians. It also analyzed how subject specialists promote their programs and relationship building strategies and investigates the differences and similarities with the available Western interpretations of subject librarianship. A total of 57 Kazakh university libraries and 80 librarians responded to the survey questions. Results of the research provides guidance for the implementation of subject librarianship practices of academic libraries in the region. To better serve their communities, subject librarians shall develop an excellent relationship, shared commitment, offer quality assistance, open communication, and always instils professionalism. Ultimately, the study reflects on the uniqueness of subject librarianship in Kazakhstan as well as its similarity in the practice of subject librarianship globally.

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Section: Subject Librarianship In Kazakhstanmentioning

confidence: 99%

Subject Librarianship in Kazakhstan: Exploring Information Literacy Skills, Functions, and Practices

2022

International Journal of Media and Information Literacy

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“…While many transformations are ongoing and happening simultaneously with regard to accreditation, curriculum design, and teaching methods, including library instruction and information literacy, students are confronted with obstacles as to how they will find, sort, and interpret research materials (Emmelhainz, 2019). Also foreign to the students are the use of library classification systems and the lack of experience using library catalogs and online databases (King et al, 2013). Just like any typical student, the first source they will consult in finding information is of course a search engine no other than Google.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Not all students are online: The case of business graduate students in Kazakhstan

Yap

2020

Business Information Review

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Graduate students who are on the go prefer to have research help virtually for convenience. But, not in the case of Kazakhstan. Our two-year data would show that almost half of the transactions we recorded are face-to-face encounters. While business graduate students use e-mail and chat for research help, they mostly prefer physical interaction. They visit the library on-site for multiple reasons. This study will provide us insights that despite the provision of technological enhancements for online communication and virtual reference, graduate students show up in the library to ask in-person research assistance. This article will describe the types of transactions received from graduate business students.

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“…As Johnson (2013) notes, the services provided by academic librarians are "crucial to developing the next generation of [postSoviet] leaders," such as those future leaders educated at a place like Atameken University. Prior expatriate librarians have noted the challenges of providing library services in Kazakhstan (Dowding, 2014;King et al, 2013), while commending the talented post-Soviet librarians who focus on students above books (Dowding, 2014). These interventions are recognized and appreciated by faculty and students at Kazakhstani universities (Emmelhainz and Bukhtoyarova, 2012: 13), and yet attrition among talented librarians in the region remains high, given their limited career prospects.…”

Section: Page 10mentioning

confidence: 99%

Supporting the expatriate social scientist: Faculty research and information access in post-Soviet Kazakhstan

Emmelhainz

2016

Journal of Librarianship and Information Science

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Librarians in America and Europe find that social scientists rely heavily on journal articles, specialized data, and feedback from colleagues in directing their research. This project uses 21 ethnographic interviews with librarians, students, and faculty at "Atameken University" in post-Soviet Kazakhstan to explore how social scientists adjust such research habits to a context of distant information sources and limited access. By developing technological adaptations to the local context, expatriate scholars can surmount most barriers to access-and yet librarians are then less able to effectively support research. Increased access to information and skilled librarians remains essential for Eurasian universities seeking to support world-class research in the developing world.

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User-Centered Design and Reference Services in International Librarianship: A Case Study of Nazarbayev University Library

Abstract: Major changes over the past decade have moved

Cited by 4 publications

References 14 publications

Subject Librarianship in Kazakhstan: Exploring Information Literacy Skills, Functions, and Practices

Subject Librarianship in Kazakhstan: Exploring Information Literacy Skills, Functions, and Practices

Not all students are online: The case of business graduate students in Kazakhstan

Supporting the expatriate social scientist: Faculty research and information access in post-Soviet Kazakhstan

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