Reports of Conferences, Institutes, and Seminars

Late winter and early spring of 2009 was a busy conference time for librarians. Some of the conferences held during that time are reported herein: the American Library Association Midwinter Conference, January 23–28; Electronic Resources and Libraries (E&RL), February 9–12; the North Carolina Serials Conference, March 27; the New England Technical Services Librarians' (NETSL) Spring Conference, April 17; and the Technical, Electronic and Digital Services Interest Group (TEDSIG) Spring Meeting, April 24.     

Procedure to identify outliers through cumulative distribution of extremes in a Gamma response model

This work aimed at proposing a procedure based on the cumulative distribution of maximums and minimums to identify outliers in generalized Gamma-response models. In order to validate such method, we used simulations scenarios defined by the combination of different samples, contamination rate and distributions with different degrees of asymmetry. In this context, probabilities related to errors in classification and accuracy were obtained by carrying by Monte Carlo simulations. Using cumulative distribution of extremes to identify outliers in a Gamma-response model is recommended, since it is not likely to present errors and was highly accurate in all assessed scenarios.     

Von der Gruppensupervisorin zum Einzelcoach

In this article a single supervisory process is presented during a period of five meetings. Starting point is the consultation of a teacher regarding decision making. In the future this teacher assumes the place of an acting head mistress. The author describes the influence of the changed role in the vocational field of the client on the way of the consultation and the role of the coach.     

Enhancing Learning and Learner Satisfaction Through the Use of WebCT in Social Work Education

Emerging technology has produced changes in the ways that social workers learn, practice, and interact. As communication and educational innovations have increasingly involved the use of ever-improving technologies for social work practice, so too has social work education evolved to incorporate these advances in the classroom setting. This article describes and evaluates various aspects of one particular type of web-based learning environment, WebCT, and its incorporation into five face-to-face foundation courses in a bachelor's and master's level social work program. The authors utilized an online survey to assess frequency of access of the web-based course management system and perceptions of the features. Results of this online survey assessing student use and perception of hybrid courses are shared along with implications and recommendations.     

Involuntary celibacy: A life course analysis

Using a life course perspective, we explored the development and maintenance of involuntary celibacy for 82 respondents recruited over the I'nternet. Data were collected using an open‐ended electronic questionnaire. Modified grounded theory analysis yielded three groups of involuntary celibates, persons desiring to have sex but unable to find partners. Virgins were those who had never had sex, singles had sex in the past but were unable to establish current sexual relationships, and part‐nereds were currently in sexless relationships. These groups differed on dating experiences, the circumstances surrounding their celibacy, barriers to sexual activity, and the perceived likelihood of becoming sexually active. They were similar, however, in their negative reactions to celibacy. Pervasive in our respondents’ accounts was the theme of becoming and remaining off time in making normative sexual transitions, which in turn perpetuated a celibate life course or trajectory.     

Associations of Alcohol and Marijuana Use With Condom Use Among Young Adults: The Moderating Role of Partner Type

This study used multiple levels of analysis to examine associations of alcohol and marijuana (AM) use with condom use, including the moderating role of partner type, in a general sample of 754 sexually active young adults (mean age = 18.6, SD = 0.63; 77% non-White). Multivariable models examined associations over the past 30 days (global) and at the most recent sexual event (event specific). Over the past 30 days, participants who had a recent casual partner and used both substances reported a higher proportion of condom-protected sexual events during this period compared to AM nonusers, whereas those who had a recent steady partner and used alcohol, marijuana, or both substances reported a lower proportion of condom-protected sexual events compared to AM nonusers. At the most recent sexual event, participants who used both substances were four times more likely than AM nonusers to have condom-protected sex if the event involved a casual partner; however, there were no significant associations if the event involved a steady partner. Marijuana use, particularly combined with alcohol use, deserves greater attention in the context of condom use. Future research should consider different levels of analysis and partner types to fully understand these complex associations.     

A Qualitative Look at the Perceived Strengths of Male Batterers: Implications for Intervention Programs

Currently, batterer intervention programs tend to focus on education and confrontation, with outcomes being less than promising. Limitations of current interventions have encouraged development of alternative treatment forms aimed at ending relationship violence. An emerging trend in the fields of social work and positive psychology is to build on strengths and competencies of offenders. The purpose of this qualitative study was to introduce an alternative position within the treatment field by identifying self-disclosed strengths of men who had been charged with a domestic violence offense and who were being evaluated for a voluntary batterer diversion program. A content analysis revealed competencies useful for helping men be accountable and end violence against their partners through redirecting negative behavior and identifying resources and strengths.     

Internet Addiction: Debating the Diagnosis

While the Internet has revolutionized the process of information gathering and communication in society, there has been mounting concern in the literature as to the effect of the medium on the individual. Researchers appear torn as to whether an individual can actually develop an addiction to the Internet. This report will review this controversy in detail, including proposed definitional criteria for problematic Internet use, explanatory theories of the manifestation of problematic Internet use, measures of problematic Internet use, and groups with a higher vulnerability of developing problematic Internet use. The report will conclude by identifying gaps in the literature, areas for future research, and implications for human service agencies and treatment providers.