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Article
Publication date: 22 February 2024

Javaid Ahmad Wani and Shabir Ahmad Ganaie

The purpose of this study is to explore the association between select human resource management practices and employee performance in academic libraries in India.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the association between select human resource management practices and employee performance in academic libraries in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study uses the quantitative method of research. Partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyse the results. The current study uses a cross-sectional approach by using a convenient sampling method. The sample size of the study was 163, which was adequate for conducting PLS-SEM analysis.

Findings

The study found a significant positive correlation between human resource management practices and employee performance in academic libraries. This suggests that the implementation of effective human resource management practices has a beneficial impact on various aspects of employee performance.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s cross-sectional design may limit the ability to establish causality or determine the direction of the relationship between human resource management practices and employee performance. The study may have limitations regarding the sample size and its representativeness. If the sample is small or limited to specific academic libraries in India, it may not be possible to generalise the findings to a broader population of academic libraries in the country or to libraries in other regions or countries.

Practical implications

The study has practical implications for academic libraries in India. By recognising the significant correlation between human resource management practices and employee performance, libraries can prioritise the implementation of effective human resource management strategies. This includes aligning human resources practices with organisational goals, focusing on employee development and engagement and adopting best practices in recruitment, training and performance management.

Social implications

This study can have broader social implications by promoting a supportive and productive work culture that positively impacts the academic library community.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on a quite important and largely unexplored area of human resource management within the academic libraries sector.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9342

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 May 2023

Priyanka Sinha, Subaveerapandiyan A. and Manoj Kumar Sinha

This study aims to understand the research data management (RDM) services offered by academic libraries in South Asian and Southeast Asian countries. This study aims to evaluate…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to understand the research data management (RDM) services offered by academic libraries in South Asian and Southeast Asian countries. This study aims to evaluate the library and information science professionals’ required RDM skills and the challenges faced with providing RDM services.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology for this study used a survey method with purposive sampling. Data were collected through online structured questionnaires, which were used to examine the current state of RDM services offered in academic libraries in South Asia and Southeast Asia.

Findings

South Asian and Southeast Asian region major types of RDM services provided were data repository, data management training, maintaining Web resources, data study and analysis, and promoting awareness of reusable data sources. Little attention was given to advisory services on data analysis/mining/visualization and supporting reproducibility and workflow transparency. The results indicated that most respondents agreed that metadata standards and data management planning skills were required for RDM services in South Asia and Southeast Asia.

Originality/value

This study is significant because it offers a comprehensive assessment of ongoing RDM services in academic libraries of South Asia and Southeast Asia. Most current literature focuses on best practices in developed nations. This study highlights the need for more competent and dedicated academic staff for effective RDM services. Library professionals can use this study to identify the gaps in RDM services and suggest formative measures to overcome such challenges.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9342

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 February 2022

Asad Ullah Khan, Muhammad Rafi, Zhiqiang Zhang and Asad Khan

Dynamic technologies have revolutionized human socio-economic activities, including health care, higher education, business and improved customer service in academic sectors…

Abstract

Purpose

Dynamic technologies have revolutionized human socio-economic activities, including health care, higher education, business and improved customer service in academic sectors. Leveraging the latest technology leads to high productivity, confidence, improved management skills, satisfactory performance and innovative academic services. In the era of technocentrism, the purpose of this paper is to find out whether useful technologies and competent user managers support users in the use of resources, increasing research productivity and improving academic library services.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on primary data collected from students at universities in the provincial capital using a printed research questionnaire. The authors followed the Likert scale for instrument development and contacted service professionals prior to distribution to test the applicability. Based on the technology acceptance model, this study established a conceptual model with multiple associated hypotheses to test the suitability of the research model. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling software for path analysis and model development.

Findings

The results of this study show that technological advances greatly accelerate the use of library resources, strengthen management skills, improve user performance and ultimately enhance academic performance and services. In addition to deploying and leveraging technology, expert leadership has also had a positive impact on improving user productivity and maintaining proactive academic library services.

Practical implications

The TAM-based theoretical model will prove to be a useful tool in the future for delivering technology, improving management skills, promoting the use of library resources, increasing user productivity and providing advanced library services.

Originality/value

Based on primary data collected from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa degree students, this study provides an insight into the actual state of technology used to improve academic performance for the first time. In addition, the study also explores executive collaboration to improve employee and user efficiency and service reform in academic libraries.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. 72 no. 6/7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9342

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 April 2024

Mutairu Oyewale Akintunde and Halimah Odunayo Amuda

This study aimed to predict and understand the academic libraries' probability of successful adoption of blockchain within the lens of integrated technology acceptance model (TAM…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to predict and understand the academic libraries' probability of successful adoption of blockchain within the lens of integrated technology acceptance model (TAM) and technology organization and environment theory (TOE) framework.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed approach was employed to gather data from librarians (292) and system analysts (46) totaling 338 respondents. The total enumeration sampling technique was considered. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically, while quantitative data were analyzed using structural equation model (SEM).

Findings

Perceived usefulness and policy are the important factors that influence academic libraries' blockchain adoption intentions. Unlimited access to both print and electronic resources, security of users' information and easy collaboration between users and library staff were found to be the benefits of blockchain application to academic libraries' operations. Major challenges to the adoption of blockchain in academic libraries include the cost of infrastructure related to blockchain applications, privacy issues and a lack of understanding of blockchain technology among librarians.

Research limitations/implications

Future studies would need to include more relevant items to the observed variables of the independent variables that were found insignificant in this study.

Practical implications

The findings of this study will create a roadmap for government and polytechnic management on the factors that could strengthen the adoption of blockchain in the libraries.

Social implications

The outcome of this study came at a crucial moment when the majority of academic libraries in developing nations like Nigeria were skeptical about the deployment of blockchain technology in their libraries.

Originality/value

The study identified new factors that influence blockchain adoption intention.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 October 2022

Hsin-liang Chen, Tzu-Heng Chiu and Ellen Cline

The purpose of this study is to examine the development of Dataverse, a global research data management consortium. The authors examine specifically the institutional…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the development of Dataverse, a global research data management consortium. The authors examine specifically the institutional characteristics, the utilization of the associated data sets and the relevant research data management services at its participating university libraries. This evidence-based approach is essential for understanding the current state of research data management practices in the global context.

Design/methodology/approach

The data was collected from 67 participants’ data portals between December 1, 2020, and January 31, 2021.

Findings

Over 80% of its current participants joined the group in the past five years, 2016–2020. Thirty-three Dataverse portals have had less than 10,000 total downloads since their inception. Twenty-nine participating universities are included in three major global university ranking systems, and 18 of those university libraries offer research data services.

Originality/value

This project is an explorative study on Dataverse, an international research data management consortium. The findings contribute to the understanding of the current development of the Dataverse project as well as the practices at the participating institutions. Moreover, they offer insights to other global higher education institutions and research organizations regarding research data management. While this study is practical, its findings and observations could be of use to future researchers interested in developing a framework for data work in academic libraries.

Details

Information Discovery and Delivery, vol. 51 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-6247

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 August 2023

Quan Hoang Nguyen Tran

This study aims to inspect the organizational culture of academic libraries in Vietnam and China, and the objective was to investigate how the academic libraries in Vietnam and…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to inspect the organizational culture of academic libraries in Vietnam and China, and the objective was to investigate how the academic libraries in Vietnam and China differ in organizational culture’s task, unity and status orientations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study surveyed 546 academic library staff in China and Vietnam to fulfill this objective. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and paired t-tests are used to explore whether the organizational culture in the academic libraries in Vietnam and China is different in terms of task orientation, unity orientation and status orientation.

Findings

The results from the data concluded that academic libraries in Vietnam had a higher score on task and status orientations than their Chinese counterparts. In this study, there were no coherent factors regarding unity orientation.

Practical implications

This research expresses several solutions to address the problems in academic libraries in Vietnam and China. Scholars and practitioners can benefit from this research as it is a foundation to support them in understanding the organizational culture of libraries in two countries.

Originality/value

This research expands the scope of organizational culture literature in the Asian library sector. Given that no prior studies have compared the library cultures between the two countries, this study is a novelty. The findings of this research can support academic library staff, leaders and practitioners in Vietnam and China to understand their organizational culture. The research also identifies some recommendations to improve the academic library culture in Vietnam and China.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9342

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 March 2024

Yusuf Ayodeji Ajani, Emmanuel Kolawole Adefila, Shuaib Agboola Olarongbe, Rexwhite Tega Enakrire and Nafisa Rabiu

This study aims to examine Big Data and the management of libraries in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and its implications for policymakers in Nigeria.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine Big Data and the management of libraries in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and its implications for policymakers in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative methodology was used, involving the administration of open-ended questionnaires to librarians from six selected federal universities located in Southwest Nigeria.

Findings

The findings of this research highlight that a significant proportion of librarians are well-acquainted with the relevance of big data and its potential to positively revolutionize library services. Librarians generally express favorable opinions concerning the relevance of big data, acknowledging its capacity to enhance decision-making, optimize services and deliver personalized user experiences.

Research limitations/implications

This study exclusively focuses on the Nigerian context, overlooking insights from other African countries. As a result, it may not be possible to generalize the study’s findings to the broader African library community.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is unique because the paper reported that librarians generally express favorable opinions concerning the relevance of big data, acknowledging its capacity to enhance decision-making, optimize services and deliver personalized user experiences.

Details

Digital Library Perspectives, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-5816

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 14 March 2024

Niki Chatzipanagiotou, Anita Mirijamdotter and Christina Mörtberg

This paper aims to focus on academic library managers’ learning practices in the context of cooperative work supported by computational artefacts. Academic library managers’…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on academic library managers’ learning practices in the context of cooperative work supported by computational artefacts. Academic library managers’ everyday work is mainly cooperative. Their cooperation is supported predominantly by computational artefacts. Learning how to use the computational artefacts efficiently and effectively involves understanding the changes in everyday work that affect managers and, therefore, it requires deep understanding of their cooperative work practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Focused ethnography was conducted through participant observations, interviews and document analysis. Ten managers from a university library in Sweden participated in the research. A thematic method was used to analyse the empirical material. Computer supported cooperative work (CSCW) and work-integrated learning was used as the conceptual lens.

Findings

Five learning practices were identified: collaboration, communication, coordination, decision-making processes and computational artefacts’ use. The findings show that learning is embedded in managers’ cooperative work practices, which do not necessarily include sufficient training time. Furthermore, learning was intertwined with cooperating and was situational. Managers learned by reflecting together on their own experiences and through joint cooperation and information sharing while using the computational artefacts.

Originality/value

The main contribution lies in providing insights into how academic library managers learn and cooperate in their everyday work, emphasizing the role of computational artefacts, the importance of the work context and the collective nature of learning. It also highlights the need for continual workplace learning in contemporary knowledge work environments. Thus, the research generates contributions to the informatics field by extending the understanding of managers’ work-integrated learning in their everyday cooperative work practices supported by computational artefacts’ use. It also contributes to the intersection of CSCW and work-integrated learning.

Details

The Learning Organization, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-6474

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 February 2024

Abid Hussain, Amjid Khan and Pervaiz Ahmad

As a part of doctoral study, this study aims to analyze research on library management models (LMMs) by conducting a systematic literature review (SLR).

59

Abstract

Purpose

As a part of doctoral study, this study aims to analyze research on library management models (LMMs) by conducting a systematic literature review (SLR).

Design/methodology/approach

A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Mata-Analysis approach was used to search four databases. The search criteria included studies published in English until 2022, resulting 9,125 records. Out of these records, a total of 36 studies were selected for final analysis

Findings

The results show a positive attitude among researchers toward the development of LMM for libraries globally. The results depict that more than one-third (39%) of the target population was comprised of academic staff and students. The majority (91.76%) of studies were conducted using survey. Quantitative methods were predominant (89%) for LMMs. There were a significant number of studies conducted in 2016. The country-wise distribution shows the USA and China each contribute (20%) of the studies.

Practical implications

The findings of this research could assist policymakers and authorities in reconciling the LMMs applied in libraries for providing efficient access to information resources and services to end users.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is unique as no comprehensive study has been conducted on LMMs using the SLR method.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9342

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 2 April 2024

Anushie Moonasar

This article highlights the dynamic and evolving nature of libraries and the role of librarians within the changing landscape. It discusses how libraries have traditionally…

Abstract

Purpose

This article highlights the dynamic and evolving nature of libraries and the role of librarians within the changing landscape. It discusses how libraries have traditionally operated and how they have been impacted by 4IR and external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a mixed methods research approach, combining an online questionnaire to derive quantitative data and interviews to provide qualitative data. The follow-up interviews provided a comprehensive understanding of how academic librarians at the DUT library use Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to adapt to the evolving environment.

Findings

This paper reports that there was consensus that CPD empowers the librarians to adapt seamlessly to the dynamic library landscape. It equips them with the knowledge and skills to stay updated on the latest trends, technologies and best practices in their field.

Practical implications

The findings carry implications for the planning and executing of ongoing CPD programmes and activities across all academic libraries.

Originality/value

This study provides an insight into the results of the importance of CPD for librarians within a developing country in southern Africa.

Details

Library Management, vol. 45 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

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