For immediate release

14 September 2021

Annemaree Lloyd writes new expert guide to qualitative approaches within information literacy

Facet Publishing announce the publication of The Qualitative Landscape of Information Literacy Research by Annemaree Lloyd

The last 46 years have witnessed a deep and continued interest in information literacy. The Qualitative Landscape of Information Literacy Research is a landmark publication that will develop and support readers’ understanding of how information literacy research and teaching is framed, developed and produced. Written by a leading expert in the field, it introduces and describes the key approaches taken by qualitative researchers, identifying core and specialist methods, techniques and theories. In each chapter, examples will illustrate how theory, types of pedagogical frameworks, methods and tools have been used. This essential text also explores the critical potential of qualitative research to move information literacy research to deeper analytical levels, opening up new spaces for enquiry about the conditions that shape the practice itself.

Alison Hicks, Assistant Professor, at UCL, said, This is the book that information literacy researchers and practitioners have been waiting for – a clear yet fabulously comprehensive guide to information literacy research that has been written by one of the most influential scholars in the field…If you have ever been frustrated by superficial or checklist approaches to information literacy research, then this is the book for you: Lloyd has produced a real tour de force that will be influencing the field for many years to come.’

This book will be invaluable to researchers in information literacy, students who are developing or undertaking research in this field, and practitioners who want to investigate the practice of information literacy and create an evidence base to support information literacy in their workplaces or institutions.

The Qualitative Landscape of Information Literacy Research | September 2021 | 176pp | Paperback: 9781783304059 | £55 |

Annemaree Lloyd is an experienced researcher and leader in the information literacy field. She is a researcher based at the Swedish School of Library and Information Science, University of Boräs, Sweden and a visiting Professor in the School of Computing and Information Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Scotland She has written over 60 refereed articles, and published The Information Literacy Landscape in 2010.

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Press and review copies contact:
Laura Smith, Marketing & Sales Assistant, Facet Publishing
Tel: +44 (0)20 7255 0594
Email: laura.smith@facetpublishing.co.uk

The book is published by Facet Publishing and is available to order from NBN International | Tel: +44 (0)1572 202301| Fax: +44 (0)1752 202333 | Email: orders@nbninternational.com | Web: www.facetpublishing.co.uk | Mailing Address: NBN International, Airport Business Centre, Thornbury Road, Plymouth, PL6 7PP | It will be available in North America from the American Library Association.

Eight Academic Institutions From Around the World Adopt EBSCO FOLIO’s ERM for Electronic Resource Management
~ EBSCO FOLIO ERM Provides a Solution for Electronic Resource Management ~

IPSWICH, Mass. — September 14, 2021 — Eight universities in the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States have adopted EBSCO FOLIO ERM from EBSCO Information Services (EBSCO). The libraries either moved from existing electronic resource management (ERM) tools or instituted their first ever ERM.

The sites that have recently adopted the EBSCO FOLIO ERM include:

University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
MacEwan University, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Brandman University, Irvine, California
Chapman University, Orange, California
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Roseman University of Health Services, Henderson, Nevada
Truman State University, Kirksville, Missouri
Widener University, Chester, Pennsylvania

EBSCO FOLIO ERM manages the entire lifecycle of a library’s electronic resources. The ERM is powered by EBSCO’s Knowledge Base which allows library staff to avoid manual entry of data and eliminate duplicate work. With EBSCO FOLIO ERM, access rights and permissions are automatically updated saving reference and licensing staff time. Using EBSCO FOLIO ERM means link resolvers, discovery and catalogs are automatically updated so library users can immediately find and use e-resources.

The FOLIO Platform is a collaboration of libraries, vendors and developers, that have come together to build an open-source library services platform (LSP). Unlike a traditional integrated library system (ILS), FOLIO allows anyone to build on its core functionality or extend the platform through development of applications that deliver new services. FOLIO supports core library management functionality across domains including circulation, cataloging, acquisitions and electronic resource management.

For many sites, the move to a FOLIO-based ERM is the first step in the adoption of the FOLIO LSP while some libraries choose to adopt the EBSCO FOLIO ERM on its own. EBSCO Information Services Manager of FOLIO Consulting Anya Arnold says the services EBSCO provides are sophisticated enough to meet the needs of all libraries. “EBSCO FOLIO Services represents an array of services for libraries of all sizes. Some institutions are looking for a new LSP and want to leverage the full FOLIO open source solution. Other libraries are looking for a specific solution to better manage electronic resources.”

Regardless of where a library starts, EBSCO can leverage its experience developing the FOLIO platform, its expertise in hosting and supporting implementations, and FOLIO’s built-in interoperability to provide the right services to libraries. Customers benefit by having more choice to make the best decisions for their institution.

About EBSCO Information Services
EBSCO Information Services (EBSCO) is the preeminent provider of online research content and search technologies serving academic, school and public libraries; healthcare and medical institutions; corporations; and government agencies around the world. From research, acquisition management, subscription services and discovery to clinical decision support and patient care, learning, and research and development, EBSCO provides institutions with access to content and resources to serve the information and workflow needs of their users and organizations. EBSCO Information Services is a division of EBSCO Industries, Inc., a family owned company since 1944. For more information, visit the EBSCO website at: www.ebsco.com.

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For more information, please contact:
Kathleen McEvoy
Vice President of Communications
kmcevoy@ebsco.com
(978) 414–0443

Duluth, Ga., September 14, 2021: Equinox Open Library Initiative, an expert leader in open source technology, development, and support for libraries, is pleased to announce the migration of the James Memorial Public Library to Evergreen ILS as the newest member of the Missouri Evergreen Consortium.

The James Memorial Public Library was founded in 1938 by the James Foundation. In 2013 the foundation gifted the library, all of its contents, and the first year’s expenses to the City of Saint James. As a member of the Missouri Evergreen Consortium, James Memorial Public Library will use Evergreen ILS managed by Equinox on the Sequoia hosting platform. The Library now supports 2,105 patrons and 23,614 bibliographic records. Equinox provided project management, system configuration, staff training, and support during the migration.

“Switching to Missouri Evergreen has offered so much to our patrons,” said Michael Lewis, Library Director at the James Memorial Library. “They can renew their books, place holds for themselves, get books from different libraries - we have more options than our library knows what to do with and there is still more to discover.”
The Missouri Evergreen Consortium began as a resource-sharing initiative in 2012 in an effort to create an integrated library system for libraries in Missouri. The consortium is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provision of the Library Services and Technology Act as Administered by the Missouri State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.

“James Memorial Library's mission is to encourage reading and the use of technology for life-long learning and the enhancement of the individual’s quality of life,” said Jason Etheridge, Senior Developer at Equinox Open Library Initiative. “I am pleased to have played a part in promoting that mission.”
Follow Equinox Open Library Initiative on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Vimeo for the latest updates.
To receive news directly in your inbox: https://www.equinoxOLI.org/#signup

For more information:
Laura Barry
Communications Coordinator
Equinox Open Library Initiative, Inc.
EquinoxOLI.org
laura.barry@equinoxOLI.org
877.OPEN.ILS (877.673.6457)

About Equinox Open Library Initiative
Equinox Open Library Initiative provides innovative open source software for libraries of all types, delivering extraordinary service at exceptional value. As the successor to Equinox Software, Inc., Equinox Open Library Initiative celebrates fifteen years of providing trusted service and technical expertise to libraries, including consulting services, software development, hosting, training, and support for Evergreen ILS, Koha ILS, and other open source library software. To learn more, please visit https://www.equinoxOLI.org.

About Evergreen
Evergreen Integrated Library System is an award winning and trusted library solution used by more than 1,800 libraries worldwide. Evergreen ILS is a web-based and mobile-friendly system which provides attractive, easy to use interfaces for library acquisitions, administration, cataloging, circulation, OPAC, reports, course reserves, and serials functionality.

Evergreen ILS is an enterprise level system designed to manage a scalable catalog shared across libraries, including large public and academic library consortia. While designed for large collections, Evergreen is suitable for libraries of any size and type from government libraries to museum and special library collections. Its flexibility enables libraries to configure policies and settings that work best for their communities and to maintain ownership of their library and systems data.

For more information about Evergreen: https://www.equinoxoli.org/products/evergreen/.

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Facet Publishing announce the publication of Playing Games in the School Library by Sarah Pavey

At a time when even the youngest of children are digitally savvy multitaskers with short attention spans, Playing Games in the School Library is a comprehensive resource for those looking to diversify their pedagogical style by utilising game-based learning in the library setting. It illustrates how game play can be developed through applying learning theory to practice, exemplified by case studies taken from a variety of international contexts.

The book investigates the efficacy of prominent learning theories, in particular the use of games, for nurturing natural curiosity, problem solving and creativity. It explores the wide-ranging rewards of playful learning upon both individual students and groups, with chapters dedicated to motivation, engagement and the development of self-esteem, alongside social skills such as team working, oracy, communication, motor skills and emotional intelligence. Separate chapters outline the practical use of different types of games including digital, mixed media, physical and active learning and live games, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each within a teaching and learning context. More broadly, consideration is given to how game-based learning and gamification can be used to promote library services for impact, and the potential benefits of collaboration on this approach with subject teachers, senior leadership teams and the wider community.

Sarah Pavey said of the book: “Although this book includes many practical examples and case studies from around the world, it is intended to be more than a “how to” guide – it also considers the pedagogical evidence that leads to the success of the games. Readers will gain an understanding of game design and the impact this can have on teaching and learning and the perception of the school library”

Written in a comprehensive but accessible manner, Playing Games in the School Library will give readers a means of engaging with distance learning, as well as providing a more challenging environment within their physical space. It will equip them with both a practical and theoretical rationale for including the game-based approach in their work while supporting their school’s aims and objectives.

Playing Games in the School Library: Developing game-based lessons and using gamification concepts | September 2021 | 192pp | £45 | 9781783305339 |

Sarah Pavey has worked as a school librarian for over 20 years and now has her own education training and consultancy business SP4IL. She holds a fellowship at CILIP and the Royal Society of Arts and works with EPALE in the field of adult education. With degrees in both biochemistry and information science, her training courses, which run internationally on a range of topics including playful learning, are practical and acclaimed for their theory-based approach.

The book is published by Facet Publishing and is available to order from Ingram Publisher Services UK | Tel: +44 (0)1572 202301| Fax: +44 (0)1752 202333 | Email: IPSUK.Orders@ingramcontent.com | Web: www.facetpublishing.co.uk | Mailing Address: Ingram Publisher Services UK, 10 Thornbury Road, Plymouth, PL6 7PP | It will be available in North America from the American Library Association.

Gale Presents: Excel Adult High School Gives Adults a Second Chance at Earning a High School Education and College Credits for Free at Participating Public Libraries

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – September 8, 2021– Gale, part of Cengage Group, today announced the launch of Gale Presents: Excel Adult High School, a new online accredited diploma completion program available to public libraries. In partnership with Excel Education Systems, the program is designed to help adults obtain their high school diploma entirely online, as well as prepare them for college and the workplace. This new program comes as the nation’s economy is working to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling libraries to provide their communities with education services that create economic growth through the development of future workforces.

Currently, there are an estimated 30 million American adults without a high school diploma[i]. In addition, the pandemic created the highest jobless rate since the Great Recession and unemployment rates were highest for those workers without a high school diploma. With Gale Presents: Excel Adult High School, libraries are providing local economic value through workforce development by helping adult learners reach their education and career goals.

"We partnered with Excel Education Systems because they are a leader in adult learning and have an exceptional focus on supporting adults who wish to re-enter the education system," said Paul Gazzolo, senior vice president and general manager at Gale. “As a trusted partner to public libraries, Gale understands the importance of access to education, particularly for underserved and at-risk populations. With Gale Presents: Excel Adult High School, we are helping public libraries change lives. Earning a high school diploma leads to better jobs with larger salaries, attending college and most importantly, a feeling of pride that comes with achieving your dreams."

Missouri State Library is the first state agency to deliver Gale Presents: Excel Adult High School to its communities. The program will be available to all public libraries in Missouri this month. Each library will determine their participation in the program and purchase their own scholarships to offer to qualified adults. There is no cost to students for the program, but enrollment is limited and requires a library card.

“More than 600,000 adults in Missouri don’t have a high school diploma and the pandemic only exacerbated this need,” said Missouri’s State Librarian, Robin Westphal. “With Gale Presents: Excel Adult High School, we are implementing a program that gives Missourians an opportunity to advance their education and achieve their career goals, setting the stage for future workforces and economic growth, and we are excited to be the first state library system in the country to offer it.”

Gale Presents: Excel Adult High School features:

• 21.5-credit curriculum aligned to national standards that prepare adults for success in college or the workplace. Learners can select from more than 100 core academic, elective, and college-level courses entirely online. The program updates and launches new courses regularly.

• Regional accreditation by Cognia, the parent organization for the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI), Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC), and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). Additionally, Excel Adult High School is a candidate for accreditation the Middle States Association on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CES).

• Courses are available with built-in ELL tools. Non-native English speakers have access to courses in many languages. Students can view the content in English and see the chosen language translation alongside. There’s also an audio reader function for students that need or want the course content read aloud.

• Free College-level ACE (American Council on Education) courses are available. Students can choose to take up to seven college credit courses that can transfer to accredited colleges and universities.

• Flexible, self-paced schedule—finish in 12–18 months or less.

• Tuition-free. The library's subscription to the program covers the scholarship cost.

• Success coaching/counseling team will assist with course selection, college planning or career guidance. Students will have access to MyPlan software to help them uncover career interests. Additionally, students are provided with information on college admissions requirements, scholarships, federal student aid and more.

• Built-in, live one-on-one online tutoring program—Train the Brain — available for busy, students. Additionally, students work closely with their academic advisors and interact with their course instructors.

• Intuitive, anytime, anywhere online platform.

• Previously earned high school or GED®, HiSET®or TASC credits accepted.

“Libraries have never been more essential to their communities. COVID-19 created a deep need for trusted community information, education, and connection that libraries were conceived to provide," said Rod Clarkson, CEO at Excel Education Systems. "By offering Excel Adult High School through partnerships with public libraries, it not only adds to their decades-old legacy of being a trusted resource, but we're also increasing the value of libraries in the digital age."

For more information, visit the Gale Presents: Excel Adult High School webpage: https://bit.ly/3DXnQ7E.

About Excel
Gale partners with Excel Education Systems to deliver accredited high school diplomas through public libraries because of their long-standing commitment to providing high-quality, accredited education services to their students, including more than 20,000 adult learners. Excel High School is a nonpublic school headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, and has been in operation since 2005. Since then, Excel High School has helped thousands of high school–age and adult learners graduate and move on to higher education, employment, military enlistment and job advancement.

About Cengage Group and Gale
Cengage Group, an education technology company serving millions of learners in 165 countries, advances the way students learn through quality, digital experiences. The company currently serves the K-12, higher education, professional, library, English language teaching and workforce training markets worldwide. Gale, part of Cengage Group, provides libraries with original and curated content, as well as the modern research tools and technology that are crucial in connecting libraries to learning, and learners to libraries. For more than 60 years, Gale has partnered with libraries around the world to empower the discovery of knowledge and insights – where, when and how people need it. Gale has 500 employees globally with its main operations in Farmington Hills, Michigan. For more information, please visit www.gale.com.

Follow Gale on:
• Twitter - @galecengage
• Gale Blog - https://blog.gale.com/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GaleCengage/
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/gale/

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[i] U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, 2019