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1 – 10 of over 16000Charles R. McClure, Lauren H. Mandel and Lynnsey K. Weissenberger
This paper aims to overview the development of a user and usage database, including multiple datasets that were combined to achieve multi‐faceted analysis of users and their usage…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to overview the development of a user and usage database, including multiple datasets that were combined to achieve multi‐faceted analysis of users and their usage of the Florida Electronic Library (a statewide, licensed database).
Design/methodology/approach
Because of the differences in the purposes and activities among the project's five phases, the research team employed a multi‐method approach to data collection, including content analysis of datasets, usability and functionality assessments of the beta database, and cross‐tab and descriptive statistical analyses of datasets in the final database.
Findings
Researchers found first that, although numerous potential datasets existed, not all could be collated into one interactive database due to variations in measurement levels, currency, and other factors. Ultimately, the database included usage and Census data, allowing the researchers to assess usage per capita and in the context of counties' demographic profiles. The research finds that creation of a multi‐dataset database can be complicated but is useful for developing data‐driving marketing recommendations.
Originality/value
Compiling various datasets describing users and usage of a consortial licensed database into one interactive database facilitates cross‐tabulation and comparison. This project will enhance digital library research, evaluation, and marketing by serving as an example of how to identify appropriate datasets for cross‐tabulation, develop a database that allows interactive searching, use the database to develop targeted marketing campaigns, and better describe impacts and value of these datasets.
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This study examines the effect of information literacy orientations on usage statistics in an academic library. The aim of the study is to show that library orientations increase…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the effect of information literacy orientations on usage statistics in an academic library. The aim of the study is to show that library orientations increase student usage of the library.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper analyzes student usage statistics at Cochise College Library.
Findings
Analysis of survey data collected at Cochise College Library revealed a significant increase in usage of the library by students who received an orientation.
Originality/value
This paper describes the study's design, the results and also lays the foundation for more empirical research into the subject.
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The purpose of this paper is to describe a project undertaken at SUNY Cortland to develop a system that would collect electronic resource usage data in a consistent manner and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe a project undertaken at SUNY Cortland to develop a system that would collect electronic resource usage data in a consistent manner and allow SUNY Cortland to assess this data over several years.
Design/methodology/approach
The project used data gathered from EZProxy server log files to examine usage of the library's electronic resources.
Findings
Through examining the usage data the library discovered that users were utilizing particular types of resources, from specific physical locations, and accessing those resources from specific pages in the library's web site.
Originality/value
By examining usage data for electronic resources, libraries can learn more than which resources are being used. Usage data can give libraries insight into where, when, how, and possibly why their users are accessing electronic resources.
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This paper aims to discuss the viability of web server statistics for library‐generated web pages as measures of public service activity. For years librarians have gathered…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to discuss the viability of web server statistics for library‐generated web pages as measures of public service activity. For years librarians have gathered, reported, and analyzed traditional measures such as reference transactions, patron visits, book and reserve item circulation, and interlibrary loan transactions. Since the advent of web‐based databases and services, some traditional usage statistics have declined. Such declines can have political and financial implications for libraries.
Design/methodology/approach
The author did a literature review, studied a suggested revision to the NISO Z39.7‐1995 Library Statistics standard that includes counting usage of library‐generated web pages, participated in a task force on web statistics, and analyzed library web site statistics at a university library.
Findings
The recommendations of a task force on reporting web page usage statistics in an academic library are discussed. The reporting of the usage of library‐generated web pages can be a useful indicator of increased patron contacts and provide a more complete picture of public service activities.
Research limitations/implications
This is a new area for library statistics, and its impact on the perceptions of libraries as sources of information in the digital age has yet to be proven.
Originality/value
This paper is useful to libraries which wish to integrate web page usage statistics into their output measures and reporting procedures.
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Mensah Prince Osiesi, Adebolu Folajimi Adekoya, Chigozie Celestina Oke, Adenike Lucia Aruleba and Adejimi Oluwatobi Busiyi
This study assessed students' intrinsic motivation (basic psychological needs) as predictor of their usage of library facilities in the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria.
Abstract
Purpose
This study assessed students' intrinsic motivation (basic psychological needs) as predictor of their usage of library facilities in the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted the quantitative case study approach. The population of this study consisted of all undergraduate students in the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria. The systematic random sampling was used in selecting a sample of 129 students. A research question and four hypotheses were raised in the study. Two instruments were adapted and used for data collection: the “Intrinsic Motivation Inventory” (IMI) and “Students' Usage of Library Facilities Scale,” with Cronbach’s alpha reliability indexes of 0.87 and 0.78, respectively. The collected data were analysed using descriptive (frequency counts and percentages) and inferential statistics (linear regression and correlation) at 0.05 alpha level.
Findings
Findings of this study revealed that the extent of usage of library facilities in the university is low; the three basic psychological needs—perceived competence, autonomy and relatedness—significantly predict students' usage of library facilities; significant relationship exist among gender, perceived autonomy and usage of library facilities.
Research limitations/implications
This study is limited to undergraduate usage of library facilities in the Federal University Oye-Ekiti. The quantitative case study research type was adopted, with a sample of 129 students. Data were collected using adapted questionnaires and analysed quantitatively using the SPSS.
Practical implications
The results of this study have implied that the three basic psychological needs influence students' usage of library facilities. Therefore, it is paramount that management of universities and university librarians foster students' intrinsic motivational variables for their enhanced academic performances. Also, faculties and academics by the outcome of this study are to maintain and sustain a functional social network, social interactions and collaborative works among students, while inculcating and improving the levels of students' competences, autonomy and relatedness. Further, the study has hinted the need for university management, librarians and academics to be professionally trained on promoting and sustaining students' competences, autonomy and relatedness. The universities are to continuously organise orientation and enlightenment programmes for both the old and the newly admitted students on the import, impact and usage of university libraries amidst its facilities.
Originality/value
Few studies have been carried out on students' usage of academic libraries especially with regard to their attitudes; however, the challenge of underutilisation of library facilities by students are yet unresolved. There is a dearth of literature regarding the influence of intrinsic motivation (the basic psychological needs) on usage of library facilities among tertiary learners, especially in Nigeria.
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This paper aims to identify patterns, trends and potential implications related to post-checkout non-usage (material that is checked out by a user, but subsequently never opened…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to identify patterns, trends and potential implications related to post-checkout non-usage (material that is checked out by a user, but subsequently never opened and/or downloaded) of library digital content.
Design/methodology/approach
A large urban Canadian public library’s data (2013-2017) from Rakuten OverDrive was analyzed. Pending items (items that are checked out, but neither opened nor downloaded) were compared with total checkouts to determine post-checkout non-usage rates.
Findings
Checkouts and overall rates of post-checkout non-usage of e-books and e-audiobooks have risen significantly and consistently. Juvenile and non-fiction e-books demonstrate higher post-checkout non-usage rates than adult and fiction e-books, respectively. The library spends up to US$10,700 per year on metered access e-books that are never opened by users. This number has grown significantly over the years.
Originality/value
E-materials in libraries have been growing rapidly, but their current lending models are still largely a direct application of concepts in traditional library services that have developed based on physical materials, such as checkouts, due dates, renewals, holds and wait times. However, e-materials do not have the limitation of physical materials that prevents other users from accessing a checked-out item, which makes many of the traditional concepts no longer applicable. New concepts and lending models should be developed that allow users to access any library e-materials at any time, and are financially functional and sustainable for both libraries and e-content providers.
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Lan Ye, Wei Yang and Weiming Lin
This paper aims to share some experiences and practical activities related to the use and management of usage data in the Digital Resource Acquisition Alliance of Chinese Academic…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to share some experiences and practical activities related to the use and management of usage data in the Digital Resource Acquisition Alliance of Chinese Academic Libraries (DRAA) as a reference for library consortia engaged in providing usage statistics services of e-resources to member libraries.
Design/methodology/approach
A literature review and online survey are used to analyze the research and practice of e-resources usage statistics conducted internationally. The case of DRAA is introduced to present how DRAA develops usage statistics services and promotes the implementation of the Standardized Usage Statistics Harvesting Initiative (SUSHI) to deliver usage statistics to member libraries. Future developments and enhancements are also described.
Findings
The main actions taken by DRAA to develop usage statistics services are as follows: development of the DRAA Usage Statistics Portal to provide a single point of access to usage statistics from participating publishers on behalf of member libraries; development of a SUSHI client, taking the lead in promoting SUSHI implementation to automatically obtain usage statistics in Chinese academic libraries; establishment of a working group on usage statistics and the China Academic Library and Information System/DRAA Standards and Recommended Practices Research Task Group to form a long-term mechanism for monitoring and gathering usage statistics; and strengthening of the understanding and application of standards and best practices for libraries and vendors in China. Scheduled enhancements in the future include a deep analysis and utilization of usage statistics, the promotion of Counting Online Usage of NeTworked Electronic Resources and SUSHI to Chinese academic resource publishers and raising awareness about normalizing usage statistics.
Originality/value
This paper has pertinence and wider implications for library consortia engaged in providing e-resources usage statistics services to member libraries.
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Tove Faber Frandsen, Dativa Tibyampansha, Glory R. Ibrahim and Megan von Isenburg
The purpose of this paper in information literacy assessment is to explore how library training can promote electronic resource usage. Increasing the usage of electronic resources…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper in information literacy assessment is to explore how library training can promote electronic resource usage. Increasing the usage of electronic resources is an issue of concern for many libraries all over the world. Several studies stress the importance of information literacy and instruction to increase the usage.
Design/methodology/approach
The present article presents the results of implementing training programmes to increase the use of the e-library.
Findings
Training sessions increase the usage of library e-resources significantly; however, the effect seems to be short-lived and training sessions alone may not increase the overall long-term usage.
Originality/value
The present paper presents a study of training sessions as means to increase awareness and usage of library e-resources. Implications for the planning of training are discussed.
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Manorama Tripathi and V.K.J. Jeevan
The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of quantitative and qualitative analysis of the usage of e‐resources in academic libraries. It also describes various…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of quantitative and qualitative analysis of the usage of e‐resources in academic libraries. It also describes various studies undertaken to study the users' behavior and attitude towards e‐journals.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper provides a comprehensive review of the recent published literature on the importance of the usage statistics of e‐resources subscribed to by the academic libraries.
Findings
The findings show that the usage statistics help in studying and evaluating the users' behavior in an online environment. The library services can be extended and modified, to reflect user interests suiting the users the most, in the light of the evaluation and analyses done.
Originality/value
The paper has pertinence and wider implications for library staff engaged in providing e‐resources' services to readers.
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Pankaj Misra, Gaurav Chopra and Preeti Bhaskar
This research work aims to study the continuous usage intention of students for digital library systems in higher learning institutions (HLI). Additionally, keeping in mind the…
Abstract
Purpose
This research work aims to study the continuous usage intention of students for digital library systems in higher learning institutions (HLI). Additionally, keeping in mind the lack of focus on academic involvement of students in existing studies, this research work attempts to examine the moderating role of academic involvement in making up the continuous usage intention for digital library systems among students at HLI.
Design/methodology/approach
Cross-sectional survey design is used in this study. Target population is students pursuing postgraduate studies and using digital library systems at private universities in the state of Uttarakhand, India. The Stratified random sampling method is used wherein each private university forms one stratum.
Findings
The results suggest that the students' continuous usage intention for digital library systems is significantly influenced by dimensions of digital library system quality, mediated by user satisfaction. Further, the level of academic involvement of students exerts moderating impact between dimensions of digital library system quality and user satisfaction; however, it d oes not exist between user satisfaction and their continuous usage intention.
Research limitations/implications
This study contributes to the literature on academic involvement of students by highlighting its importance in the process of continuous usage intention. It also proposes a holistic conceptual framework for continuous usage intention for digital library systems among students and moderating impact of academic involvement. Being cross-sectional survey-based research, this study has certain limitations. Since responses were obtained at a single point in time, variation in respondents' behaviour could not be captured.
Practical implications
The findings of the study can be helpful to the HLI, academic librarians, teachers, digital library systems service provider companies and government regulatory authorities. HLI need to put more effort into procuring subscriptions to reputed publications of e-books, e-research papers, e-magazines, e-reports, etc. for making digital library systems more beneficial for the students. Academic librarians need to be effortful towards building students' satisfaction through constantly upgrading software and systems and active interaction with students. Digital library systems service provider companies can also collaborate to customize their digital resources for different types of academic programs. The government can partnership with private companies for providing digital library systems in HLI.
Originality/value
This research work is the first of its kind in terms of studying the role of academic involvement of students for purpose of evaluating continuous usage intention for digital library systems among students studying in Indian HLI.
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