The library has so much online literature that is never utilized. This is quite a waste of resources.How can we make sure that this does not go on for ever?
Hi, I am a BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy student in Aberdeen, UK, just finished my second year. In our first and second year, we had a session with a librarian who explained how to use the online catalogue, the databases and RefWorks (a referencing tool), which made their subsequent use much easier. Besides that, it is compulsory that we use journal articles in our assignments (not just textbooks) which makes it necessary that we do use those resources. We also had to develop a portfolio for a module where we freely chose two journal articles and critically evaluated them - we were assessed on these so really had to put in the effort. Next year these research skills will be taken further with the continued use of online resources. I feel that by now it is becoming second nature to use online resources, journals and databases, however, i sometimes find the options overwhelming. In such cases, I would e-mail the librarians - there is a facility to do that on our online student portal and they have been always very quick and helpful in responding.
I've had success with a couple of marketing strategies.
1) to build awareness and usage of ebooks: I ran 3 week (6x email) interactive email campaign to all staff members
---- each email had a call to action i.e. send me the title of the 7th chapter in Harrison's; what book title appears first when you search "fibrous dysplasia", etc.
---- each staff member was entered into a drawing for a correct response
*** Drawing was for a Kindle + $25 gift care. 30% of the staff responded to at least 1 email.
2) to build usage of ebooks:
a) start with a "frequently used" book (I used ACLS) and only offer that online - tremendous usage and this builds tremendous awareness
b) email likely users of a particular title with a "this book now available...