Librarians at the Pennsylvania State University are consistently among the most published in academic library journals. This study explored the factors contributing to research productivity among a cross section of Penn State librarians. Personal motivation, intellectual curiosity, and education were important factors in practice-, institutional-, and discipline-based research among the 38 librarians surveyed here. However, being part of an institution, where everyone is expected to participate in research, may be the most critical factor.

The scientific merit of the Ninth ACRL Conference is assessed by tracking the subsequent publication of its presentations. The results indicate that presentations in all formats-papers, panels, posters, and roundtables-achieved publication in refereed journals. Papers and panels were more likely to be published (18%) than posters and roundtables (8%). Overall, 13 percent of all presentations became refereed articles. In addition, eight percent of the presentations were based on prior publications. The rate of subsequent publication identified here is similar to that of a previous study of a library conference. However, it is much lower than rates reported for medical and scientific conferences. This may suggest that the ACRL conference resembles a technical, not a scientific, meeting with an emphasis on presenting best practices rather than disseminating research. This study should be replicated to determine if the publication of presentations is higher at other and future library conferences.he conferences of the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) provide librarians with opportunities to explore new research topics, report on research in progress, or share completed research. As is true of other professional meetings, its roundtables, posters, panels, and paper sessions provide feedback that can enhance the presenter's research and contribute to its subsequent publication. 1 Presentation is o en viewed as a preliminary step to publication, especially in a refereed journal. 2 Refereed journal publications are seen as "the foundation of scientific communication [and] broaden the research base upon which a scientific discipline is built." 3 In addition to being important for the profession, the publication of presentations reflects favorably on the conference. One measure of a conference's scientific merit is the subsequent appearance in print of its presentations. 4 As the "premier professional development experience" for librarians in academic and research institutions, the ACRL conference is a fine venue in which to examine the fate of presentations. 5 This study focuses on the presentations at

This study provides a profile of the authors of contributed papers at the first twelve ACRL conferences. It found that the conference presenters tend to be female academic librarians (administrators, reference librarians, and subject specialists) from Doctoral Research institutions in the Midwest. It also discovered several trends. During its 27-year history, there have been increases in the number of female authors, library school faculty giving papers, and authors from master's and baccalaureate institutions. In addition, the rate of collaboration has grown.The profile and its related trends were very similar to what has been reported in C&RL authorship studies-with one exception. Women are more likely to appear as conference presenters than journal authors. Further research should explore the role of gender in scholarly communication.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to triangulate qualitative and quantitative data with existing data to inform on the function and user experience of a newly created the “News Library,” and, further, to inform on the viability of “bring your own device spaces” (BYOD) in meeting the computing needs of Penn State University Park students through a multi-dimensional study. Design/methodology/approach This study leverages several methodologies for data collection, including observation, survey, flip chart prompts, interviews and focus groups. Findings Findings suggest that the News Library accommodates users’ social needs. However, it does not accommodate their communal needs well. The majority of students at the Penn State University Park campus, own laptops and bring them to the library when they intend to study. Personal device usage is preferable to library-provided computers per a familiarity with their personal device, access to personal files and independence of workspace. Research limitations/implications As this is a case study, the findings are not generalizable. This study was conducted in one library, on one campus at a 24-campus institution with over 30 libraries. Originality/value The mixed-methods study provides multiple views into user behaviors and expectations. The authors propose guidelines for informing the design of BYOD spaces.

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