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Daily Archives: September 26, 2016

Library 2.0: The effectiveness of social media as a marketing tool for libraries in educational institutions

Library 2.0: The effectiveness of social media as a marketing tool for libraries in educational institutions. Journal of Librarianship and Information Science. Published online before print September 22, 2016, doi: 10.1177/0961000616668959

“In an attempt to market their services and connect with potential users, and particularly young people, many libraries are opening accounts on social media platforms. Research suggests a contradiction between the advice relating to marketing and that regarding the use of social media in libraries, with the former emphasising the importance of the user at the centre of all considerations and the latter placing library staff as central to decisions. In this work we attempt to re-address this imbalance by surveying the current state of library activity on Twitter and, by means of questionnaires, investigate the experiences and motivations of librarians (n=58) in using social media and whether students (n=498) are willing to engage with the library in this manner and why. Our findings confirm that libraries in the sector are indeed struggling to foster interest in their social media activities and go some way to understanding why this is so, leading to a number of conclusions and recommendations for practitioners.”

Looking Ahead: October Term 2016

Reynolds, Glenn Harlan, Looking Ahead: October Term 2016 (September 13, 2016). 2016 Cato Supreme Court Review 313 (2016). Available for download at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2838343 “This essay looks at leading cases set for the Supreme Court’s next term, at some cases the Supreme Court chose not to hear, and at other events, such as a possible recusal… Continue Reading

Paper – Discrimination is a Comparative Injustice: A Reply to Hellman

Simons, Kenneth W., Discrimination is a Comparative Injustice: A Reply to Hellman (September 26, 2016). Virginia Law Review Online, Vol. 102, July 2016, pp. 85-100; UC Irvine School of Law Research Paper No. 2016-48. Available for download at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2843759 “In Two Concepts of Discrimination, Professor Hellman lucidly and systematically explains the difference between comparative and… Continue Reading

Information on Designated Postal Operators and Universal Service in Selected Countries

International Mail: Information on Designated Postal Operators and Universal Service in Selected Countries, GAO-16-813R: Published: Sep 26, 2016. Publicly Released: Sep 26, 2016. “Based on the information GAO obtained about postal service in 10 selected countries, 9 of the 10 countries formally selected their current designated postal operator either directly or indirectly via statute. All 10 countries have… Continue Reading

Measuring Scientific Impact Beyond Citation Counts

D-Lib Magazine September/October 2016 Volume 22, Number 9/10. Measuring Scientific Impact Beyond Citation Counts. Robert M. Patton, Christopher G. Stahl and Jack C. Wells. Oak Ridge National Laboratory. DOI: 10.1045/september2016-patton. “The measurement of scientific progress remains a significant challenge exasperated by the use of multiple different types of metrics that are often incorrectly used, overused, or even explicitly abused. Several metrics… Continue Reading

CRS – Iran Sanctions

Iran Sanctions, Kenneth Katzman, Specialist in Middle Eastern Affairs. September 21, 2016. “The comprehensive nuclear accord (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA), finalized on July 14, 2015, provides Iran broad relief from U.S., U.N., and multilateral sanctions on Iran’s energy, financial, shipping, automotive, and other sectors. Sanctions were suspended or lifted upon the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) certification on… Continue Reading

Translating Research for Action: Ideas and Examples for Informing Digital Policy

“The Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society is pleased to release this series of papers, which aims to build a bridge between academic research and policymaking in the networked world by helping to identify opportunities in key areas related to digital technology and innovation. The series builds on the Center’s commitment to exploring new ways… Continue Reading

US Midterm Self-Assessment Report for the Open Government Partnership

Via FAS – United States of America Midterm Self-Assessment Report for the Open Government Partnership. Third Open Government National Action Plan 2015-2017. September 2016. “The United States released the Third Open Government National Action Plan (NAP) in October 2015. The third NAP was created keeping in mind the four open government principles: transparency, civic participation, public accountability, and technology and… Continue Reading