Michele McNeal - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Michele McNeal

Rutgers University Press eBooks, Dec 31, 2019

An introduction is provided to the materials available on Scots-Irish Americans. It combines hist... more An introduction is provided to the materials available on Scots-Irish Americans. It combines historical and bibliographic research to create both a guide to sources, and a base list upon which collections on the Scots-Irish American experience can be created. The introduction provides a.survey of the Scots-Irish American experience in America. This section is followed by an annotated list of English language reference and other sources on this ethnic group. Sources are arranged in the following categories: (1) general reference works (8 sources); (2) special reference works (4 sources); (3) works devoted to Scots-Irish Americans (20 sources); (4) general works (24 sources); (5) periodical articles (15 sources); (6) audiovisual materials and unpublished manuscripts (8 sources); and (7) libraries, archives, museums, and organizations (15 sources). A subject index provides access to specific topics. (SLD)

Library Technology Reports, Nov 1, 2013

Abstract Chapter 6 of Library Technology Reports (vol 49, no. 8), "Streamlining Information ... more Abstract Chapter 6 of Library Technology Reports (vol 49, no. 8), "Streamlining Information Services Using Chatbots," shows how chatbots can enhance your information services in a variety of locations and implementations. Consider a text-only enhancement to the catalog interface, a fully animated and voiced help page for the library website, a stand-alone information kiosk to welcome customers inside (or outside) the library building, or a mobile phone information interface. Text Only The chatbots we've been discussing can be implemented in a variety of places within the library's virtual and physical environment. The ability to use the same bot code in a number of places and targeting a number of different user types is one of the ways chatbots provide efficiency and prove their value in a library environment. Let's start with the simplest, text-only interface. This is a great vehicle to enhance an existing online catalog. Placed in this location, the bot can provide instruction and explanation of simple tasks (renewing books or placing a hold) and give information about the library's policies and resources (lending periods, overdue charges, microform use, online bill payment, etc.). Figure 6.1 shows an online catalog search screen featuring text-only chatbot help. Web Help Screen In addition to the very simple interface shown in figure 6.1, the bot can be deployed on the library's help page as a fully functioning (speaking and moving) avatar. Here users can not only ask questions about the library's resources and services, but, if the bot is coded to the highest tier of functionality, address questions about other topics and receive information from other resources. Instructional and informational text on the page could identify the resources to which the bot can pass users and could give tips for most efficiently formulating searches to be thus passed. Here users could also be reminded to turn off their pop-up blocker software in order to allow the bot to provide results from those resources to which it passes inquiries. However, the primary goal of the chatbot's natural-language coding is to render such additional text unnecessary. Thus, the user should also be able to simply enter into a conversation, receiving access to connected resources and instructions about pop-up-blocking software in the natural progression of the conversation with the chatbot. Figure 6.2 shows a website help screen with a virtual avatar that speaks audibly. Home Page Mini-Avatar It is also possible to capitalize on the branding a virtual avatar can provide by using a small version on the library's home page. This can simply be a smaller version of the full avatar, or it can be a specially prerecorded message telling about the library's newest programs or highlighting particular resources or services. The text-to-speech capability provided by full subscription to an avatar site such as SitePal allows us to customize the message or embed pass-through links to pertinent resources. Figure 6.3 shows a mini-avatar used to advertise special programs or services. [FIGURE 6.1 OMITTED] [FIGURE 6.2 OMITTED] Mobile Web Page With the explosion of smartphone and tablet use, it is also wise to create a mobile access page for the library's chatbot. In order to minimize the data used to access this version of the hot, we've used the text-only interface with a simple thumbnail image to maintain the branding of the site. Users with smartphones that provide speech-to-text capability can simply speak their question into the phone to receive a response. Encourage use of the mobile site by adding a QR code to brochures and posters that smartphone and tablet users can scan to reach the interface. Figure 6.4 shows a mobile text-only implementation with a static image. The four implementations described above have focused on the needs of users who are outside the library. …