Search results

1 – 10 of over 39000
Article
Publication date: 6 March 2023

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.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. 15 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1992

Ma Ziwei and Lester J. Pourciau

In China, libraries can be grouped into three major categories: (1) the public libraries, headed by the National Library of China and including the provincial, municipal…

Abstract

In China, libraries can be grouped into three major categories: (1) the public libraries, headed by the National Library of China and including the provincial, municipal, prefectural, and county libraries; (2) the academic libraries under the control of the Ministry of Education, including the university and college libraries and middle and elementary school libraries; and (3) the libraries of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Academic Sinica), including the science and research libraries. Academic libraries play a very special role in the country among these groups of libraries and are becoming increasingly important, as they are at the centre of information and education on each campus (Ma 1989).

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 10 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Article
Publication date: 30 August 2022

Yaming Fu, Elizabeth Lomas, Charles Inskip and Jenny Bunn

The purpose of this paper is to describe, analyze and understand international users' library experience in the Digital Age in order to inform library service design and ensure it…

1202

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe, analyze and understand international users' library experience in the Digital Age in order to inform library service design and ensure it provides an inclusive environment. In this study, the behavioral and experiential aspects of user library experience are merged to develop essential interconnections between information behavior (IB) and user experience (UX) in the context of the academic library with the goal of constructing a more holistic understanding of ‘library experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was built on the concept “library experience” through analyzing its essential components of IB and UX. It was developed through findings from mixed methods research, consisting of the quantitative investigation from a library log analysis, and qualitative investigations via cognitive mapping exercises and semi-structured interviews, both targeted on the largest single group of international students in United Kingdom – international Chinese students.

Findings

The findings demonstrated the complexity and multilayered characteristics of international Chinese students' library context, and three unique contexts emerged from the data shaping their library experience. Building on the previous findings on the connections between IB and UX, the work attempted to redefine “library experience” by joining both behavioral and experiential aspects. It is found that the key components of cultural library experience are the multilayered context, cultural group's perception needs, sense-making process and subjective evaluations.

Originality/value

This study joins the behavioral and experiential perspectives together to explore library experience in a more holistic way and proposes a systematic structure to understand and analyze library experience, especially that of international users in a cross-cultural context, which, in turn, will better serve their information needs and inform the design of a more equal and inclusive library system.

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1999

Hong Xu and Hsin‐liang Chen

An investigation of 133 job advertisements for systems librarians in American Libraries in 1996‐1997 was conducted to examine the increasingly important role that systems

Abstract

An investigation of 133 job advertisements for systems librarians in American Libraries in 1996‐1997 was conducted to examine the increasingly important role that systems librarians play in the ever‐changing information environment, and to identify the knowledge, skills and qualifications of systems librarians expected by employers in various types of libraries. The results show that although systems librarians in different types of libraries may play different roles and have different emphases in their duties, the responsibility and knowledge requirements for them are generally expanding. Systems librarians are not only technology experts but also managers and coordinators. Positions for systems librarians in most academic and public libraries require at least one year of work experience. Employers expect systems librarians to have a strong computer and network background. Over two‐thirds of the position in public and academic libraries and more than half of the openings in other libraries require MLIS/MLS degrees.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 April 2012

Nabhan Al‐Harrasi and Ali Al‐Aufi

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the attitudes and views of library directors and key librarians on issues related to library collaboration and its impact on the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the attitudes and views of library directors and key librarians on issues related to library collaboration and its impact on the welfare of advanced and cost‐effective systems of library and information services.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was utilized through the use of semi‐structured, face‐to‐face interviews for collecting needed data from library directors and key librarians in four major universities located in diverse regions in Oman. Collected data were transcribed and relevant themes and patterns were identified following an interpretive thematic approach.

Findings

Results show that participants indicated an overall positive attitude toward library collaboration in an academic setting. They believed in the desired individual and institutional benefits that they would gain if their libraries or parent organizations developed and enhanced a collaborative system. The three most important advantages of collaboration were emphasized. They are: to enlarge and improve the library services, including increasing users' access to inter‐library information resources; to reduce costs by sharing manpower and resources; and to share experience through communication and enhance skills and knowledge of staff through collaborative training.

Practical implications

The paper provides an overview and insights into demanding issues related to academic library collaboration in Oman. The result of this study helps propose a frame‐work or strategy for the purpose of initiating and developing a new system of academic library collaboration in Oman.

Originality/value

Library collaboration, overall, has hardly been studied in Oman, or at least in the context of academic librarianship. This paper highlights the importance of library collaboration and its impact on the changing environment of academic libraries.

Article
Publication date: 15 February 2022

Kun Zhang and Peixin Lu

WeChat official account (WCOA) is an emerging and important platform for academic library services, which greatly accelerates the development of this field. This article aims to…

Abstract

Purpose

WeChat official account (WCOA) is an emerging and important platform for academic library services, which greatly accelerates the development of this field. This article aims to identify key evaluation indicators for users' satisfaction of the Academic Library WeChat Official Account (ALWCOA) as a reference for future improvements.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the updated DeLone and McLean (D&M)’s model and Delphi method, an evaluation system of ALWCOA satisfaction was constructed. Then 212 university students were recruited to fill out a questionnaire on evaluation indicators. The grey relational analysis (GRA) and Pareto's principle were employed to analyze the questionnaire and select key evaluation indicators.

Findings

An ALWCOA service satisfaction evaluation system with three evaluation dimensions and 15 evaluation indicators was constructed, and three key evaluation indicators were identified, including service responsiveness, information timeliness and system security.

Practical implications

This article provides a strategy for assessing ALWCOA service satisfaction, as well as insights for improving of ALWCOA service. Specifically, academic libraries should pay more attention to improving service responsiveness, information timeliness and system security.

Originality/value

This article innovatively applied the updated D&M model in academic library service. Additionally, it facilitates the development of research fields, such as academic library services, microservices and user service evaluation, and provides a case study to better understand the WCOA.

Article
Publication date: 16 November 2010

Conghui Fang, Lin Cui and Heqing Lian

This paper aims to offer a comprehensive description and analysis of electronic reserve services in academic libraries in China. It also seeks to describe possible solutions for…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to offer a comprehensive description and analysis of electronic reserve services in academic libraries in China. It also seeks to describe possible solutions for libraries to build multi‐functional e‐reserve services in order to face the challenge of the vast expansion in both academia and the economy in modern China.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the recent literature on the practices of e‐reserve services, and analyses the results of the online surveys conducted in the 112 key university libraries in the China 211 Project, especially the top 15 university libraries.

Findings

The paper reveals that three‐level (national, regional, and campus‐wide) e‐reserve resource systems have been developed jointly or individually by Chinese academic libraries. Their development, implementation and implications are discussed; existing problems and possible solutions are identified.

Originality value

The paper provides insights into the recent development of e‐reserving services in Chinese academic libraries, offers useful information about e‐reserving resources for students and faculty, and recommends solutions to libraries for e‐reserve services.

Details

Interlending & Document Supply, vol. 38 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-1615

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 November 2010

Sajjad ur Rehman and Reham Al‐Huraiti

The purpose of this paper is to review the integrated systems applications in Kuwaiti academic libraries with a particular emphasis on their profiles, procurement, implementation…

1703

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the integrated systems applications in Kuwaiti academic libraries with a particular emphasis on their profiles, procurement, implementation, management and service aspects.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey method was employed for the study. Procedures used were as follows: identification of Kuwaiti academic libraries; preparation and testing of survey instrument; physical visits and administration of the instruments; interpreting the instruments and having them filled out in one‐to‐one encounters; analysis of data; and write‐up and reporting.

Findings

Three of the six Kuwaiti higher education institutions were established during the last decade. Five of the six academic libraries are using an integrated system. Cataloging applications are almost complete in all the surveyed libraries. The circulation module has not been in use in the largest university library. Serials management is not optimally utilized in the surveyed libraries. The library managers are mostly satisfied with hardware/software, vendor support, physical facilities, and funding opportunities. There are opportunities for networking, system‐integration, and full utilization of management reporting aspects of these systems.

Research limitations/implications

The study does not assess the technical aspects of automated systems. Portals and digital library initiatives have not been covered in this study.

Practical implications

Academic libraries in the region may take useful clues from these findings for developing and managing their automated systems.

Originality/value

Since no similar study has been conducted in Kuwait, it enhances the understanding of the prevailing situation about the use of integrated systems and their applications in the country.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 28 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 August 2008

Petros A. Kostagiolas and Maria B. Kitsiou

Quality has been defined in many different ways and it forms a complex and subjective concept, incorporating at any given time the true (expressed and implied) needs of all those…

1726

Abstract

Purpose

Quality has been defined in many different ways and it forms a complex and subjective concept, incorporating at any given time the true (expressed and implied) needs of all those involved. A possible approach in the context of library and information services is the implementation of a well‐known quality management system such as the ISO 9001:2000. This paper aims to investigate and empirically assess the current issues and the perceptions for quality management systems implementation in Greek academic libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical qualitative survey based on the development of a questionnaire for semi‐structured interviews with the directors of Greek academic libraries. The study was conducted during the third quarter of 2007 in regard to the effects of quality management system implementation.

Findings

The comparisons between approaches to, and perceptions of, quality management need to be balanced. An interest for ISO 9000:2000/ISO 9001:2000 has been observed in academic libraries in Greece.

Practical implications

The study of the current attempts for implementing quality management systems as well as evidence about perceptions regarding ISO 9000:2000 of libraries directors may aid in the development of policies for quality management in academic libraries in Greece.

Originality/value

This paper provides information for ISO 9001:2000 implementation in Greek academic libraries and empirical results about the perceptions of Greek academic library directors based on semi‐structured interviews.

Details

Library Management, vol. 29 no. 6/7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 August 2018

Masanori Koizumi and Michael Majewski Widdersheim

Professional work is becoming more specialized and diffused, with new specialties emerging on the boundaries of established professions. The purpose of this paper is to examine…

Abstract

Purpose

Professional work is becoming more specialized and diffused, with new specialties emerging on the boundaries of established professions. The purpose of this paper is to examine current specialties in academic librarianship in order to infer what strategies they employ.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a sample of 60 US research libraries to investigate current specialties in academic librarianship, in order to analyze and classify the specialties into groups based on similarities, and categorize academic libraries based on the staffing patterns identified, and illustrate the challenges and strategies of each classification. The sample was selected from the membership of the Association of Research Libraries, and designed to include both large and medium-sized research libraries. 888 different job titles were identified for 2,074 specialist positions extracted from staff directories containing information on 11,688 librarians. The positions were analyzed and classified using the framework provided by Cox and Corrall (2013), and the specialty composition of the libraries was investigated with Ward’s (1963) hierarchical method of cluster analysis, using 28 variables.

Findings

The cluster analysis identified subspecialties within the groups and revealed seven distinct staffing strategies of the libraries.

Originality/value

Describing specialties and strategies in academic libraries by cluster analysis based on huge data is a significantly novel and effective approach for capturing the concept of specialization.

Details

Library Management, vol. 40 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 39000