Table of contents: issue58

Book Review: Presentation Zen - Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery

editor — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Marieke Guy gets in touch with her inner PowerPoint Zen.

Do you ever get the feeling that your slides aren't quite making the grade? Have you ever been to an event and seen someone really good present, someone who has slides that are a bit different, slides that made you sit up and listen? Have you wondered how you could make the transition from 'boring, run-of-the mill' presenter to 'exciting, inspiring' presenter?

Book Review: Integrating Geographic Information Systems Into Library Services

editor — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Sylvie Lafortune reviews a much needed work on offering GIS services in libraries.

No one will dispute that geographic information is an integral part of contemporary life. Who has not looked up driving directions on MapQuest or used Google Earth to look at a city of interest on their personal computer? And most cars manufactured in the last few years can come equipped with GPS technology. Interestingly enough, though, most users of these tools have only a vague idea that they are based on digital geospatial data such as satellite imagery and digital elevation models (DEM).

Book Review: Making Sense With Metadata

editor — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Emma Tonkin takes a look at an impressive new book on the topic of metadata design, implementation and evaluation in theory and practice.

The casual visitor to the area of digital library research could be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed by the sheer mass and complexity of the world of metadata, not to mention the speed at which things move on. It is in no sense a rare occurrence, even for those taking an active role in the field, to find that something else has changed and that one has, as they say in other walks of life, 'missed a memo'.

Book Review: Transformative Learning Support Models in Higher Education

editor — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Sarah Ward considers a work which brings together perspectives on learner support from academics, librarians and student support professionals.

At Sheffield Hallam University we are encouraged, and have the opportunity, to work with colleagues from other professional backgrounds. Learning and IT Services is about to merge with Student and Academic Services to form Student and Learning Services. This opens up exciting possibilities for cross-team working with the student experience at the centre of our remit; so I was very interested to read this book.