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Article
Publication date: 18 April 2024

Fatemeh Sohani, Saeideh Valizadeh-Haghi, Hamed Nasibi-Sis, Sana Zandkarimi and Fatemeh Sheikhshoaei

The library is one of the critical foundations of informing and educating the public, and it should fulfil its function in the community, which is disseminating knowledge…

Abstract

Purpose

The library is one of the critical foundations of informing and educating the public, and it should fulfil its function in the community, which is disseminating knowledge effectively. The library must have a dynamic space and an appropriate atmosphere to do this. Also, librarians should assist clients outside of stressful work environments. This study aimed to examine the association between organizational climate and job burnout in the hospital and college libraries of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is a cross-sectional survey. The population includes all librarians working in the college and hospital libraries of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. Two questionnaires, including organizational climate “ClimateQUAL” and job burnout “Maslach and Jackson”, were applied to collect data. It was hypothesized that there is a correlation between the organizational climate and the burnout of librarians.

Findings

The findings revealed that the organizational climate and job burnout are not in a favourable situation, with average scores of 4.70 and 2.50, respectively. Furthermore, there is a significant statistical relationship between organizational climate and job burnout (p-value<0.001).

Originality/value

Knowledge of the significant relationship between the organizational climate and job burnout in medical libraries may encourage policymakers to make more efforts to provide their staff with a better climate and less burnout. Regarding that it is crucial to enhance the existing condition in medical libraries, the findings of the present study suggest that policymakers should be conscious of improving the current condition, which could lead to promoting patrons’ satisfaction and productivity in the mentioned libraries.

Details

Performance Measurement and Metrics, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-8047

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 April 2024

Andrew Dudash and Jacob E. Gordon

The purpose of this case study was to complement existing weeding and retention criteria beyond the most used methods in academic libraries and to consider citation counts in the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this case study was to complement existing weeding and retention criteria beyond the most used methods in academic libraries and to consider citation counts in the identification of important scholarly works.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a small sample of items chosen for withdrawal from a small liberal arts college library, this case study looks at the use of Google Scholar citation counts as a metric for identification of notable monographs in the social sciences and mathematics.

Findings

Google Scholar citation counts are a quick indicator of classic, foundational or discursive monographs in a particular field and should be given more consideration in weeding and retention analysis decisions that impact scholarly collections. Higher citation counts can be an indicator of higher circulation counts.

Originality/value

The authors found little indication in the literature that Google Scholar citation counts are being used as a metric for identification of notable works or for retention of monographs in academic libraries.

Details

Collection and Curation, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9326

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 December 2022

Angeliki Garoufali and Emmanouel Garoufallou

With the technological innovation dominating higher education, the university libraries, as physical spaces, continue to play a crucial role in connecting students with knowledge…

Abstract

Purpose

With the technological innovation dominating higher education, the university libraries, as physical spaces, continue to play a crucial role in connecting students with knowledge. The emergence of the “Learning Commons” serves as a catalyst in the design of library spaces, renewing libraries’ roles and missions and making them popular to Millennials for new reasons. This study aims to record Greek librarians' views on the current situation in Greek academic libraries regarding physical space design, services provided and the existence of the “Learning Commons” model characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted through an online survey structured questionnaire (closed-ended, five-point Likert scale, multiple-choice and statements questions). This study population comprised librarians working in 37 academic institutions and colleges. The collected data were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis. The research questions were answered using variables creation and the tests, t-test, ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis. The groups of questions were tested for their reliability using the Cronbach's alpha coefficient.

Findings

In total, 186 librarians responded to this study. The responses revealed that participants were willing and ready to accept and support a different approach to academic library physical spaces use, according to the shared learning spaces model. However, this requires changes in the organization's vision, further growth and evolution. Although recently most Greek academic libraries have made significant progress in developing their services to function as information and digital hubs, they do not function as learning collaborative hubs, since the “Learning Commons” model is not reflected in their buildings.

Originality/value

The creation of new academic libraries according to the “common” model is a rapidly evolving issue that affects Greek libraries. This paper highlights the characteristics of libraries that should be adopted in the modern era, the new roles of academic librarians and the importance of an appropriate design of the physical space to achieve optimal learning outcomes. At the same time, this paper is one of the few that illustrates librarians', and not users', perceptions of these changes. This paper is a good research example, and the methodology for measuring this type of context could be used by other future research approaches in other countries.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 September 2022

Tan Jiang, Guang Luo, Zikai Wang and Wenhui Yu

The purpose of this study is to analyse and discuss the influencing factors of user experience in university mobile libraries and the improvement path of user experience in the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyse and discuss the influencing factors of user experience in university mobile libraries and the improvement path of user experience in the context of mobile learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted the grounded theory research method, and the sample included 28 students from five universities, with mobile libraries as the research objects and semi-structured interview as data acquisition method. A step-by-step coding analysis of the original interview materials was conducted, which comprehensively identified the main concerns and problems encountered by users of the university mobile library apps especially in the mobile learning behaviour mode, and then a theoretical model of the influencing factors of the app user experience of the university mobile library was constructed.

Findings

A theoretical model of influencing factors was constructed, which determined that system quality, interaction quality, content quality, interface quality and function quality were the key elements of mobile library user experiences. Furthermore, based on the research results and user feedback obtained in the research process, the content and key points relating to the user experience can be elaborated in detail. In addition, this study was able to determine users' perspectives and their behavioural characteristics when engaging in mobile learning.

Originality/value

This study establishes a theoretical model of the factors influencing of the user experience of university mobile libraries based on mobile learning, which could provide a valuable reference for the design of other programs and strategies to promote user learning experiences of mobile library app in colleges and universities.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 January 2024

Muzamil Mushtaq, Basharat Ahmad Malik and Nida Khan

This study aims to provide insight into Library and Information Science (LIS) research in India using scientometric approaches. Web of Science (WoS) and SCOPUS databases were used…

129

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to provide insight into Library and Information Science (LIS) research in India using scientometric approaches. Web of Science (WoS) and SCOPUS databases were used for data retrieval. The study examines productivity in terms of source types, gender distribution, document formats, authorship and other factors. In addition, this study sought to identify trends or patterns in the research preferences of LIS scientists through text analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were downloaded from the WoS and Scopus databases over 22 years and analysed using VOSviewer, Orange, Biblioshiny and CRExplorer softwares.

Findings

The findings reveal that 5,692 out of the 9,384 documents in both databases underwent the final examination. In total, 466 different sources produced all of those papers. Author analysis revealed that 6,603 different authors authored 5,692 documents. There were 4,209 male and 1,063 female authors. Furthermore, India shares maximum collaborations with the USA and England. The spectrogram features nine significant peaks corresponding to Lotka’s, Bradford’s and similar laws. Text analysis revealed that Indian LIS researchers have consistently investigated open access and digital or open libraries.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study will provide readers with a better understanding of India’s contribution to LIS. In addition, the study will help academics identify research gaps and undiscovered areas in the Indian context that require further investigation.

Originality/value

Not many studies highlight Indian research trends and international collaboration in LIS. This study highlights research trends, collaboration and gender productivity in LIS. The most cited references and trending topics were also identified using reference publication year spectroscopy and text analysis techniques.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 July 2023

Bolaji David Oladokun and Panorea Gaitanou

Librarians play a critical role in curating, organizing and facilitating access to open data (OD) resources, supporting research, learning and information dissemination. This…

Abstract

Purpose

Librarians play a critical role in curating, organizing and facilitating access to open data (OD) resources, supporting research, learning and information dissemination. This study aims to explore the use of OD for reference services delivery in academic libraries. It is believed that the concept of OD in librarianship refers to the practice of making publicly available data freely accessible, usable and shareable by anyone.

Design/methodology/approach

This research examined how the utilization of OD may affect library services and operations. This paper used the systematic review of literature to answer the research questions; hence, it was a desk study.

Findings

Given that there has been recently a research shift in linking OD to library metadata, this study revealed some interesting findings. More specifically, it discovered that incorporating OD into reference services can provide several benefits and enhance the quality and relevance of the information provided to library users. In addition, this paper reported that OD enriches reference services by providing comprehensive, current and interdisciplinary information, supporting evidence-based research, enabling data visualization and analysis, fostering community engagement and promoting innovation.

Originality/value

This paper proposes that libraries that possess extensive collections are in a favorable position to embrace the shift toward becoming OD and open big data libraries. It is also believed that academic libraries, through reference services, meet the challenge of providing access to their institutional repositories by holding many sets of data in various formats and providing various interfaces, developing metadata systems for various data streams, supporting all ecosystems of software and data products for reformatting and reusing large and complex data, and support for data sets identifiers. By actively engaging with OD, librarians can play a vital role in facilitating access to information and promoting the use of open knowledge for academic pursuits.

Details

Library Hi Tech News, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0741-9058

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 August 2023

Debabrata Manna and Tanmay De Sarkar

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the sources of noise generation in a library and suggest the implementation of a sound masking system to provide acoustic comfort…

108

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the sources of noise generation in a library and suggest the implementation of a sound masking system to provide acoustic comfort, maintain speech privacy and create an environment more engaging for the users.

Design/methodology/approach

Analyzing the existing literature and exploring the existing practices as observed in different libraries, the study gives an overview of the sound masking initiatives in libraries.

Findings

With practical examples of libraries, the study demonstrates how a sound masking system has been implemented to invoke better acoustic design in the library. The expansion of various activities in the library and a gradual shift from individual attention to a collaborative approach necessitates a strong focus on the acoustic design architecture of the library. The study showcases how the libraries adopt sound masking with the introduction of acoustic panels, dual panel partitions, sound-absorbent false ceilings, sound insulation, sound isolation and noise-dampening measures, installing furniture with sound containment features, adopting vibration control mechanism, mounting of white noise machines, etc., keeping the aesthetic quotient of the library alive.

Originality/value

The study attempts to show the current practices of the adoption of the sound masking system in libraries and promotes collaborative reading with the creation of an acoustic design-influenced library environment to control noise and reverberation and provide a comfortable reading environment.

Details

Library Hi Tech News, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0741-9058

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 January 2024

Prihana Vasishta, Navjyoti Dhingra and Seema Vasishta

This research aims to analyse the current state of research on the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in libraries by examining document type, publication year, keywords…

Abstract

Purpose

This research aims to analyse the current state of research on the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in libraries by examining document type, publication year, keywords, country and research methods. The overarching aim is to enrich the existing knowledge of AI-powered libraries by identifying the prevailing research gaps, providing direction for future research and deepening the understanding needed for effective policy development.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used advanced tools such as bibliometric and network analysis, taking the existing literature from the SCOPUS database extending to the year 2022. This study analysed the application of AI in libraries by identifying and selecting relevant keywords, extracting the data from the database, processing the data using advanced bibliometric visualisation tools and presenting and discussing the results. For this comprehensive research, the search strategy was approved by a panel of computer scientists and librarians.

Findings

The majority of research concerning the application of AI in libraries has been conducted in the last three years, likely driven by the fourth industrial revolution. Results show that highly cited articles were published by Emerald Group Holdings Ltd. However, the application of AI in libraries is a developing field, and the study highlights the need for more research in areas such as Digital Humanities, Machine Learning, Robotics, Data Mining and Big Data in Academic Libraries.

Research limitations/implications

This study has excluded papers written in languages other than English that address domains beyond libraries, such as medicine, health, education, science and technology.

Practical implications

This article offers insight for managers and policymakers looking to implement AI in libraries. By identifying clusters and themes, the article would empower managers to plan ahead, mitigate potential drawbacks and seize opportunities for sustainable growth.

Originality/value

Previous studies on the application of AI in libraries have taken a broad approach, but this study narrows its focus to research published explicitly in Library and Information Science (LIS) journals. This makes it unique compared to previous research in the field.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 August 2022

Yiping Jiang, Yanhua Chen and Xiaobo Chi

The practice of renovation and construction of university libraries is flourishing, but how to attract readers to use the library is an issue that urgently needs to be explored…

Abstract

Purpose

The practice of renovation and construction of university libraries is flourishing, but how to attract readers to use the library is an issue that urgently needs to be explored. Spatial cognition is a subjective judgment of a person's tendency to take action in the future and implies behavioral intention. Based on the sensory–image–cognition relationship, a theoretical model of university library readers' spatial cognition is conducted, and the influencing factors and mechanisms of spatial cognition are explored based on empirical data to provide theoretical references for spatial practices in university libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

A visual and art-based mental map approach is introduced based on a questionnaire survey. The questionnaire is mainly used for the specific evaluation of spatial use and the breakdown of the detailed elements, while the mental map method is mainly used for the evaluation of readers' spatial cognition. Relevant empirical data are collected from the library of the Zhejiang University of Technology.

Findings

The results indicate that readers' spatial sensory experience and mental imagery have positive effects on readers' behavior via the mediator spatial cognition, readers' spatial sensory experience and mental imagery have a positive effect on readers' spatial cognition and spatial cognition has a significant effect on readers' behavior.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study is to construct a theoretical model of readers' spatial cognition and to explore the factors that have an impact on spatial cognition and the influence of cognition on behavior. This provides a more rational and in-depth thinking paradigm for the study of university library space and provides theoretical references for library practice.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2024

Ikhlaq ur Rehman, Uzma Majeed and Shabir Ahmad Ganaie

Continuous professional development (CPD) plays a crucial role in the library workplace by equipping library and information science (LIS) professionals with the skills and…

Abstract

Purpose

Continuous professional development (CPD) plays a crucial role in the library workplace by equipping library and information science (LIS) professionals with the skills and technical knowledge to bridge the theory-praxis gap, assuring that library practitioners and their organisations continue to innovate and stay successful and tailored to the requirement of their users. The aim of the study was to investigate the channels of CPD for LIS professionals working in the university libraries of Northern India. Also, it explored the motivations and barriers related to the LIS professionals’ CPD.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a quantitative research design followed by the survey research method. The study population included LIS professionals working in the university libraries of Northern India. Data was gathered from 177 respondents via the census sampling method.

Findings

LIS professionals engaged in CPD activities through multiple channels. Intrinsic factors primarily governed the motivation for CPD. Similarly, time and finance were significant challenges for LIS CPD. Lastly, most libraries were headed by in-charge librarians (non-professionals). De-professionalisation, or the deliberate de-skilling of professional roles, threatens the basis upon which librarians establish their credibility as professionals.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the study is the first of its kind from the perspective of a developing country, adding to the CPD literature in academic libraries.

Details

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

Keywords

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