Information Access Patterns of Faculty in Arts and Sciences Colleges in Chidambaram

The term “user study” focuses on information use patterns, information needs, and information-seeking behaviour. Information- seeking behaviour and information access patterns are areas of active interest among librarians and information scientists. This article reports on a study of the information requirements, usefulness of library resources and services, and problems encountered by faculty members of two arts and science colleges, Government Arts & Science College and Sri Raghavendra Arts & Science College, Chidambaram.

CASNR Fall Faculty Meeting

I am so pleased to have this opportunity to speak with you today. There is something about the beginning of a semester that always strikes me as hopeful and exciting, and it is a treat to share in hopeful times just as we have shared in the very difficult economic times the Institute, the university, and our state have experienced in the past two years. We have dealt with budget crises and made some tremendously difficult decisions that are felt personally, as well as professionally. We know it often seems that "bad news" grabs the headlines, yet a tremendous number of good things have happened in the past year, as well, thanks to the talent, enthusiasm, and the professionalism of our faculty, staff, and students.

IANR Faculty Forum

1) How we got here - the budget situation 2) Our good work needed now, more than ever, by Nebraska - huge needs3) What can you do?

Student and Faculty Perceptions of Technology’s Usefulness in Community College General Education Courses

Educational institutions of all levels invest large amounts of time and resources into instructional technology, with the goal of enhancing the educational effectiveness of the learning environment. The decisions made by instructors and institutions regarding the implementation of technology are guided by perceptions of usefulness held by those who are in control. The primary objective of this mixed methods study was to examine the student and faculty perceptions of technology being used in general education courses at a community college. This study builds upon and challenges the assertions of writers such as Prensky (2001a, 2001b) and Tapscott (1998) who claim that a vast difference in technology perception exists between generational groups, resulting in a diminished usefulness of technology in instruction. In this study, data were gathered through student surveys and interviews, and through faculty surveys and interviews. Analysis of the data used Kendall’s Tau test for correlation between various student and faculty variables in various groupings, and also typological analysis of the transcribed interview data. The analysis of the quantitative data revealed no relationship between age and perception of technology’s usefulness. A positive relationship was found to exist between the perception of the frequency of technology use and the perception of technology’s effectiveness, suggesting that both faculty members and students believed that the more technology is used, the more useful it is in instruction. The analysis of the qualitative data revealed that both faculty and students perceive technology to be useful, and that the most significant barriers to technology’s usefulness include faulty hardware and software systems,lack of user support, and lack of training for faculty. The results of the study suggest that the differences in perception of technology between generations that are proposed by Prensky may not exist when comparing adults from the younger generation with adults from the older generation. Further, the study suggests that institutions continue to invest in instructional technology, with a focus on high levels of support and training for faculty, and more universal availability of specific technologies, including web access, in class video, and presentation software. Adviser: Ronald Joekel

IANR Recognition Luncheon, Dinsdale Family Faculty Awards, and IANR Team Award Presentations

What a pleasure it is to come together to recognize and celebrate Outstanding work of members of our IANR community. Today we celebrate excellence as we present two Dinsdale Family Faculty Awards, as well as our IANR Team Award.

New Faculty Orientation Welcome

It is a true pleasure to join Chancellor Perlman and Senior Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Couture in welcoming you to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Ianr Awards Luncheon: Dinsdale Family Faculty Awards

What a pleasure it is to come together here to recognize and celebrate outstanding work of members of our IANR community.

A Study of Interdisciplinary Research Needs: Results from Input of Faculty in Six Engineering Departments in Prioritizing Serial Subscriptions

Baldwin, Virginia (2003) "A Study of Interdisciplinary Research Needs: Results from Input of Faculty in Six Engineering Departments in Prioritizing Serial Subscriptions," American Society for Engineering Education Conference, June 23, 2003, Nashville, TN,

Reaffirm to Affirm: Enhancing Minority Faculty Development at the PWI

The objective of this roundtable discussion is to examine the preparation of minority faculty as it relates to succeeding in an academic career. Although substantial research has been conducted on faculty preparation (Gaff, 1997; Garcia, 2000, Tice, Gaff, and Pruitt-Logan, 1998), conversations fall short when it comes to ongoing success development of faculty. This discussion will focus primarily on initiatives/plans to encourage the expansion and success of minority faculty at PWI's. For the purposes of this discussion, minority faculty is defined in terms of race/ethnic and gender.

From Token, to Pioneer, to Crusader: Survival Strategies for Faculty of Color in PWI's

As the only person of color in your workplace you may experience feelings of isolation and hopelessness. However, it is possible to survive this situation. To do so, you must go .through an empowering developmental process. You no longer have to be a Token. Learn how you can become a Pioneer and a Crusader for social justice.

Black Faculty Recruitment and Retention in the Voices of Black Faculty

“Black faculty focus groups explored major issues and concerns, examined awareness levels of Black faculty, and identified factors that have positive impact on recruitment and retention efforts.”

TOWARD A "NEW DIVERSITY" AND THE REVITALIZATION OF THE "CAMPUS SPIRIT:" A "BANDUNG 2000" CONFERENCE FOR STUDENTS, STAFF AND FACULTY

In this session, "New Diversity" programs are designed and proposed, aimed at enabling minority staff, stu¬dents and faculty the kind of "cultural inoculation" needed to be able to address the concerns which plague most campuses.