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1 – 10 of over 18000The purpose of this paper is to extend the principles of earlier print-based availability surveys to the context of today’s electronic library, and explores the question of an…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to extend the principles of earlier print-based availability surveys to the context of today’s electronic library, and explores the question of an appropriate methodology. The ability of clients to find what they want remains a central question, as does the library’s ability to identify and address the reasons that clients fail to find what they are looking for.
Design/methodology/approach
Catalogue users at Curtin University Library were invited to complete an online survey indicating whether they had found the electronic item they were looking for, and if not to nominate the reason why. Responses were then verified and analysed by library staff.
Findings
The survey attracted a low number of usable responses, though the proportion of respondents who stated they were able to find what they were looking for was consistent with the findings of earlier studies. It was possible to identify a small number of cases where the library did not hold the item required, though most failures were either due to technical reasons or could not be fully investigated because not enough information was provided by the respondent.
Research limitations/implications
The survey conducted was inconclusive, partly because the delivery method used was quite cumbersome, and also because it focussed on known item searches rather than topic searches. The paper includes suggestions on how the survey could be broadened and technically improved.
Originality/value
The paper shows the value and limitations of conducting a materials availability survey in the electronic library, and makes suggestions on how the effectiveness of such a survey can be maximised.
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This study was conducted to provide a detailed report concerning the impression of disabled users’ vis-à-vis satisfaction with the library and information services provided at…
Abstract
Purpose
This study was conducted to provide a detailed report concerning the impression of disabled users’ vis-à-vis satisfaction with the library and information services provided at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
Design/methodology/approach
To conduct the research study, 214 disabled students, the librarian and the in charge of the Braille section were surveyed using a bilateral approach, which included a questionnaire and structured interview. The data, thus, collected were analysed using the SPSS (version 23) tool.
Findings
The research data revealed that the library under study was providing adequate information resources and services to their disabled users, exclusive of subtitles digital versatile disc (DVD) and videos for deaf students. It also came to light that there is a necessity of skilled staff, proficient in sign language, interpretation and Braille reading, which the library should look into the near future. The results also highlighted that most of the users were satisfied with the resources, while least were satisfied with the services and facilities provided by the library; suggestions were listed to maximize the satisfaction level amongst users.
Research limitations/implications
The present study is confined to AMU and the disabled students enrolled in various courses of study. A suitably designed survey can be applied to reveal similar trends in different institutions as well.
Originality/value
This study is useful for professionals pursuing an understanding of the library and information services for disabled persons. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the opinions recorded and the services highlighted will not only be useful for the particular organization but also serve the purpose for the governing bodies where the policies for these users are framed as a result of which institutions can develop effective services to access knowledge without any barrier.
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This paper aims to examine how the internet both precipitated and facilitated significant shifts for academic libraries in the kinds of services they provide, and the ways in…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine how the internet both precipitated and facilitated significant shifts for academic libraries in the kinds of services they provide, and the ways in which they provide access to content. It aims to view this evolution from the perspective of one academic library in an institution that has been at the center of internet and technology development worldwide for over 30 years, the University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign.
Design/methodology/approach
The first 30 years of the internet in libraries are explored in decade time segments. Each of the three decades is characterized by significant and unique internet developments. Key internet‐based innovations in libraries are explored, in the areas of service, digital libraries, search and discovery. The reasons for the relative impact of these innovations are explored and discussed.
Findings
The internet is both foundation and incubator for myriad new social, technical, organizational and legal constructs, including policy and best practices, governance, intellectual property, whole new categories of services, industries, and areas of research. Since diverse stakeholders can participate with little or no investment, the pace of growth and innovation is unpredictable. This pace is sustained over time, occurring on multiple levels. For this reason, the internet does not “grow” simply in one direction, such as exponential user growth, or the systematic installation of infrastructure. In the University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign, the internet has fundamentally altered, and continues to enable significant shifts in the direction of the library's programs, services and resources.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to a group of invited papers that addresses the first 30 years of the internet in libraries.
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Sirje Virkus, Getaneh Agegn Alemu, Tsigereda Asfaw Demissie, Besim Jakup Kokollari, Liliana M. Melgar Estrada and Deepak Yadav
This paper aims to explore the literature on integration of digital libraries and virtual learning environments (VLEs).
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the literature on integration of digital libraries and virtual learning environments (VLEs).
Design/methodology/approach
Searches were carried out on Library and Information Science Abstracts (LISA), from 2000 to 2008 using the terms “digital libraries” and “virtual learning environments”. In addition, references of relevant articles found in LISA were used to identify additional sources. In total, this literature review analyses 23 articles.
Findings
Digital libraries and VLEs have been designed, developed and maintained rather separately. Integration is essential to provide seamless access to content and services to the academic community. The integration process is confronted with many challenges where technical, human and administrative challenges are central concerns. The integration would promote a collaborative approach to learning, re‐usability of resources, cross‐searching and time saving for academics, librarians and students. In addition, librarians have to rethink their profession and role in the digital age as well as provide the integration with conceptual and theoretical frameworks.
Research limitations/implications
LISA was used but other databases, including educational databases, such as ERIC, were not consulted for sources. The language of the documents was limited to English only.
Originality/value
This paper can help the academic and library community to understand the challenges, issues and implications of integration of digital libraries and VLEs. This literature review is also built upon previous literature reviews, and is one of the few of its kind in the topic.
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Pamella R. Lach and Brian Rosenblum
In the spring of 2016, the University of Kansas Libraries piloted Research Sprints: One Week, One Project, a program aimed at cultivating relationships with faculty through deep…
Abstract
Purpose
In the spring of 2016, the University of Kansas Libraries piloted Research Sprints: One Week, One Project, a program aimed at cultivating relationships with faculty through deep project-based engagement.
Methodology/approach
Three faculty members, matched with a team of library experts, worked intensively to complete a research or pedagogic project for one week in May. Critical to the program’s success was the use of project management methodologies and tools. These tools were essential to identifying task dependencies, developing workflows, and documenting work processes.
Findings
The overall success of the Sprints demonstrated to faculty that library staff can be more than one-shot consultants; faculty collaborators learned first hand that the library can be a true partner throughout the scholarly process. As an approach to user engagement, Sprints pose some considerations for library management, including the need for robust staff training in project management and teambuilding, internal resistance to utilizing project management tools, difficulty finding staff time and resources to commit for a short but high-concentrated period, and the need to align projects with staff expertise and availability.
Originality/value
This chapter provides an assessment of the Sprints pilot, addressing some of the implications, potential benefits, and challenges of adopting and adapting Research Sprints to support library work. It will be of interest to project managers and library staff who are considering integrating project management methods into their outreach and services, and provides examples of how project management can inform library efforts to more deeply collaborate in advancing the scholarly work of local research and teaching communities.
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The purpose of this paper is to report results of a formative usability study that investigated first-year student use of an optical character recognition (OCR) mobile application…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to report results of a formative usability study that investigated first-year student use of an optical character recognition (OCR) mobile application (app) designed to help students find resources for course assignments. The app uses textual content from the assignment sheet to suggest relevant library resources of which students may not be aware.
Design/methodology/approach
Formative evaluation data are collected to inform the production level version of the mobile application and to understand student use models and requirements for OCR software in mobile applications.
Findings
Mobile OCR apps are helpful for undergraduate students searching known titles of books, general subject areas or searching for help guide content developed by the library. The results section details how student feedback shaped the next iteration of the app for integration as a Minrva module.
Research limitations/implications
This usability paper is not a large-scale quantitative study, but seeks to provide deep qualitative research data for the specific mobile interface studied, the Text-shot prototype.
Practical implications
The OCR application is designed to help students learn about availability of library resources based on scanning (e.g. taking a picture, or “Text-shot”) of an assignment sheet, a course syllabus or other course-related handouts.
Originality/value
This study contributes a new area of application development for libraries, with research methods that are useful for other mobile development studies.
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Marcus Kieltyka and Christopher Mayer
The purpose of this paper is to explore how course informational needs are being satisfied by materials outside of traditional library resources.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore how course informational needs are being satisfied by materials outside of traditional library resources.
Design/methodology/approach
The design is based on the results of a survey of instructional faculty at Central Washington University during fall quarter 2008.
Findings
The findings show that course support materials available through publishers meet in many cases the immediate informational needs of students. Additionally, these materials are directly tied to specific course/research needs and activities. The paper also demonstrates that these materials permit students to bypass the initial and fundamental steps of the information literacy process.
Practical implications
The implications may be that libraries will continue to see stagnant funding as the informational needs of students are being met through other means. The lack of complaints regarding adequate material budgets will remain strong within the library but largely silent at the campus level. Another implication is that the cost of access is now being borne by the immediate user, the student, and that the library is repurchasing similar materials for the university as a whole.
Originality/value
The paper provides useful information on whether course informational needs are being satisfied by materials outside of traditional library resources.
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OCLC has grown since 1971 from 54 libraries to 17,000 libraries, from the state of Ohio to 47 countries around the world, and from revenues of $67,000 to almost $100 million. In…
Abstract
OCLC has grown since 1971 from 54 libraries to 17,000 libraries, from the state of Ohio to 47 countries around the world, and from revenues of $67,000 to almost $100 million. In addition to cataloging, OCLC now provides a broad range of products and services in resource sharing, reference, and electronic publishing. The Forest Press Division of OCLC publishes the Dewey Decimal Classification, the world's most widely used library classification system. OCLC also operates MAPS, The MicrogrAphic Preservation Service, a nonprofit corporation based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, that provides high‐quality preservation microfilming for libraries. Information Dimensions, Inc., a for‐profit subsidiary acquired in April 1993, develops and markets computer software products for managing electronic documents and text on leading mainframe computers, microcomputers, workstations, and PCs. IDI provides an exciting strategic fit for OCLC in full‐text electronic publishing, electronic archiving, and information management—three areas of growing importance in OCLC's future.
States that since 1980, UKOLN has been carrying out a survey to monitor the availability of bibliographic records in the BNB files on the British Library automated information…
Abstract
States that since 1980, UKOLN has been carrying out a survey to monitor the availability of bibliographic records in the BNB files on the British Library automated information service (Blaise). Work on the ordering stage sample is now to be extended by investigating the availability of records from other sources of bibliographic records. Looks at the survey and the new sources to be included in the extended survey. Divides the participant sources (BNB, BDS, Book Data, J. Whitaker & Sons, BLCMP, CURL, LASER, OCLC and SLS (Information Systems) Ltd into two groups and describes the survey methodology and sample structure. Presents a set of source profiles which have been prepared as background material to accompany the results for each source since straight comparisons would not be advisable, given the differences in objectives and set‐up of the sources. Gives some comparisons of the features of different sources.
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Faten Hamad, Suleiman Farajat and Amani Hamarsha
Mobile technologies (MT) have been attracting the attention of academic library stakeholders for some time, as it is considered a strong communication channel that can offer…
Abstract
Purpose
Mobile technologies (MT) have been attracting the attention of academic library stakeholders for some time, as it is considered a strong communication channel that can offer advanced library services. Furthermore, MT can offer a number of flexible options for library users. Accordingly, the overarching aim of this research is to investigate the potentials of implementing MT within academic libraries in public universities in Jordan from library staff viewpoint. Exploring library staff expectation of MT to enhance library services is another aim. It is also important to investigate the effects of external factors such age, job title, educational level and experience on library staff perception of MT use and role in academic libraries in Jordan.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a case study design, a questionnaire was developed and disseminated to all library staff (n = 174) within ten public universities. Some 121 responses were received.
Findings
The study indicates that there is a high level of awareness of the advantages of using MT in academic libraries in Jordan. However, the research also reveals that, although library staff are aware of the role and value of MT within the academic library environment, MT has not yet been fully exploited in these environments in Jordan for various reasons. These include incompatible information technology infrastructure and a lack of training. As a result, these libraries need to invest more in MT and enhance the use of technologies among their users to raise their performance and the quality of services that they offer. Such enhancements could lead to more meaningful interactions with users and a better overall user experience.
Research limitations/implications
This study investigated awareness levels among library staff of MT to provide library services. Users perspectives regarding receiving library services on mobile devices have not been explored. MT should be assessed from user perspective to understand how MT might enhance academic library services. Library staff could also be interviewed to explore these issues in closer detail. Library and Information Science departments might also upgrade their curricula and include MT application development in library courses.
Originality/value
This study fills a gap in MT research in the context of library services, as it is the first such attempt to conduct research into this topic in the Middle East in general, and in Jordan specifically.
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