Google Scholar and academic library discovery systems are both popular resources among academic users for finding scholarly information. By conducting an online survey with 975 users from more than 20 public research universities across the United States, this study comparatively investigates how and why academic users use these two resources.…

Web-scale discovery services such as Summon (Serial Solutions), WorldCat Local (OCLC), EDS (EBSCO), and Primo (Ex Libris) are often touted as a single search solution to connect users to library-owned and -licensed content, improving discoverability and retrieval of resources. Assessing how well these systems achieve this goal can be challenging,…

The thing about digital literacy is its inherent squishiness. Educators argue whether the tool or the purpose matters most. They debate whether something being "electronic" constitutes "digital." Does it need a screen? A keyboard? More than that, teachers must decide what it means to read and write digitally and how to assess…

In 2002, plans to merge Penn State's Physical Sciences Library and Mathematics Library provoked a controversy in the Eberly College of Science over the size of the library needed to support its departments. The College contended that a physical collection no more than 5 years old was adequate. A study of astronomy, chemistry, mathematics, physics,…

In various research areas, the availability of open datasets is considered as key for research and application purposes. These datasets are used as benchmarks to develop new algorithms and to compare them to other algorithms in given settings. Finding such available datasets for experimentation can be a challenging task in technology enhanced…

In today's world of instant everything, everyone has been exposed to some form of Web 2.0 technology, and higher education is not exempt from its long reach. Libraries of all types are incorporating Web 2.0 features to attract users as well as to showcase library services. The Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) has become more user-friendly with…

This article will discuss the issues concerning the storage, retrieval and use of multimedia technology in dance, and how semantic web technologies can support those requirements. It will identify the key aims and outcomes of four international telematic dance projects, and review the use of reflective practice to engage students in their learning…

A usability study was undertaken at Penn State University to explore how students search the library's online catalog after they have received library instruction. In 2004, eight first-year students received library instruction and were subsequently recruited for the study. Participants were recorded using the online catalog, and a think-aloud…

THE FEASIBILITY OF EMPLOYING ELECTRONIC COMPUTERS AS RESEARCH AND OPERATIONAL TOOLS IN THE AREA OF SCHOOL LAW WAS TESTED. TEXT MATERIAL WAS SELECTED, MARKED FOR TYPING BY AN ATTORNEY, AND TRANSFERRED TO MAGNETIC TAPE THROUGH THE INTERMEDIATE STEPS OF PUNCHED PAPER TAPE AND IBM PUNCH CARDS. A CONCORDANCE PROGRAM BROKE DOWN THE TEXT INTO ALPHABETIC…

This document is a list of approximately 450 mathematical concepts which are taught in grades K-8. The list is organized into eight major topics: (1) number systems, (2) numeration and notation, (3) sets, (4) geometry, (5) measurement, (6) number patterns and relationships, (7) other topics, and (8) summaries. The Content Authority List is used in…

This report has two major features. First it describes the Pennsylvania Retrieval of Information for Mathematics Education System (PRIMES). PRIMES is an information system in which curriculum materials are computer-stored and are retrieved to meet the specifications of local school districts. As of 1971 there are six regional centers which provide…

Three characteristics of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) make it suitable for individualizing instruction: adaptive response by the student, continual evaluation of the student's responses, and adaptability of instruction to the individual's responses and his achievement levels. CAI systems are being used for laboratory computing, record…

Activities of the final ten months of a 30-month project to establish a statewide information service network for Pennsylvania as a model for other states are reported and analyzed. Major objectives are said to have been accomplished with establishment of the network serving 468 local school districts through 24 intermediate units, and through…

OBJECTIVES OF THE PENNSYLVANIA RETRIEVAL OF INFORMATION FOR MATHEMATICS EDUCATION SYSTEM (PRIMES) PROJECT WERE TO DEVELOP AN INFORMATION STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEM FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM MATERIALS AND TO ESTABLISH PROCEDURES FOR LOCAL PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO USE THE SYSTEM FOR CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AND SELECTING…

This article explores the uses, practicality, and problems involved in creating online finding aids by state-funded university archivists across the nation. It examines various aspects of online finding aids such as financial considerations, its importance as a research tool, timelines, demographics, and use. The more technical side is also…