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Tests and Measures in the Social Sciences: Tests available in compilation volumes (T&M).
A Librarian P.O.V.Helen Hough, B.A., B.S., M.L.S.
University of Texas at Arlington
June 12, 2006 Univ Texas, Arlington
Some test directories include a copy of some instruments.
Usually topical volumesAssessing alcohol problemsHandbook of marketing scales Source book of geriatric assessment Handbook of Tests and Measurement in Education and so on
May have use, validity, reliability, contact info.
Often in many libraries.
What Are Compilation Directories?
June 12, 2006 Univ Texas, Arlington
Senario
Reference Desk statement:“My professor said I MUST have a copy of this assessment
tool in my paper.”Assumption: User performed appropriate lit search & knows
title & author of assessment tool.
No test bankMany finding resources:
indexes & journal databasesprint directories (may include copy)Mental Measurements Yearbook (publisher)
But these do not necessarily contain tool.
June 12, 2006 Univ Texas, Arlington
Problems
USER: Misinformation, Lack understanding of copyright or publishing, Anxiety, Time constraints
Library Staff:Each question = ~2 hours to confirm +, -, ?
Student frustration & staff melancholy
Appreciationof effort
Time for answer -->
June 12, 2006 Univ Texas, Arlington
Responses
1. Create list of directories, including those with full text instruments, “compilation volumes”
2. Annotated list with Directory, Tests
Frustration: User choosing volume by title rather than content.
Ex: depression tool, subjects = youth; avoiding gerontological works.
June 12, 2006 Univ Texas, Arlington
T & M
UT Arlington library has dozens of compilation directories & acquiring more.
Currently 107 print resources identified, containing ~10,000 instruments.
RESPONSE: Create a list!!!! (start small) Examine text, record:
instrument author & title, text’s author, title, pgs.
June 12, 2006 Univ Texas, Arlington
T & M DevelopmentPrint list by instrument title, author (DE access) Web based list (unwieldy, IRB)Javascript database (enduser load time)Access database (author loss of control)Back to Web based list (600+ pages)
Web Access Enhancements
Keyword lists (title words, authors, no analysis)
Google non-profit organization SiteSearch
CSA RefWorks RefShare
June 12, 2006 Univ Texas, Arlington
T & M Keyword Lists (author, title only)
User convenience 600+ pages Updating
Simple, based on print version
June 12, 2006 Univ Texas, Arlington
T & M SiteSearch (part of UT Arlington)
Enter keyword(s) & control phrase, Click through to info
Features:Worldwide accessFamiliar engineAuthor control
User convenience600+ pages, Updating
June 12, 2006 Univ Texas, Arlington
T & M RefShare(UT Arlington Subscription)
? User convenience 600+ pages, updating
Neat Feature: FIND IN A LIBRARY NEAR YOU (Open WorldCat pilot URL)
Features:User output, Off-site serverAuthor control, “Easy” annotation,
June 12, 2006 Univ Texas, Arlington
Just One More Resource
100+ print volumes, several Web sites
~ 20,000 records (instrument titles may duplicate)
Supplemental aid; 1 of many possibilities.
Originally unique (other databases now including this type of information).
Monographic content; not articles.
Interdisciplinary.
Assumption: seeking known instrument.
Assumption: willing/able to use as pointer to print.
June 12, 2006 Univ Texas, Arlington
Project aspects
Not recommended to use as instrument finding aid by “subject.”
Data gathered from various parts of text(s).
Years in development; recommendations welcome.
Contents institutionally copyrighted.
Reaches non-affiliates, world-wide; document delivery
Users want full text tool, not page numbers;minimal copyright concerns.
Instrument use ethics, instruction.
June 12, 2006 Univ Texas, Arlington
Tests & Measures in the Social Sciences
Useful, fast “Can We See It Now?” tool
Database URL: http://libraries.uta.edu/helen/test&meas/testmainframe.htm
PowerPoint: http://libraries.uta.edu/helen/T&M.ppt
Email, Helen Hough: [email protected]
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