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1 – 10 of over 4000
Article
Publication date: 1 March 2002

Weiling Liu and Fannie M. Cox

Tracking electronic journals to collect usage statistics is not an easy task. E‐journal publishers and aggregators are using various standards to create e‐journal usage reports…

Abstract

Tracking electronic journals to collect usage statistics is not an easy task. E‐journal publishers and aggregators are using various standards to create e‐journal usage reports. This situation has created many problems for libraries that use those reports. For e‐journal collection development, it is essential for libraries to know exactly who is using their e‐journals, how often their e‐journals are being used, and how their e‐journals are being accessed. Although several methods have been used in the library community, this article focuses on a method cooperatively developed by the cataloging department and the office of libraries technology at the University of Louisville to take control of collecting and generating e‐journal usage statistics. This method involves the use of a CGI script, AXS shareware. The success of this method in fact is built on cooperative efforts between the two departments.

Details

OCLC Systems & Services: International digital library perspectives, vol. 18 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1065-075X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 August 2009

Abdul Mannan Khan and Naved Ahmad

The purpose of this paper is to find out the level of awareness and use of e‐journals by the researchers of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and the Banaras Hindu University…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find out the level of awareness and use of e‐journals by the researchers of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) – both central universities funded by the University Grants Commission.

Design/methodology/approach

A well‐structured questionnaire is administered to the research scholars of the AMU and BHU to collect data regarding the use of e‐journals.

Findings

The survey reveals that most of the research scholars are aware of the availability of e‐journals and largely use them for reference purposes in their research work. They fully agree that with the usage of e‐journal the quality of research work improves with enrichment of appurtenant contents and materials leading to high‐quality manuscript. It is however found that lack of training is the obstacle in proper and full utilization of e‐journals.

Research limitations/implications

The present paper consists only of e‐journal users and the geographical area is restricted to AMU, Aligarh and BHU, Varanasi. The scope of the paper can be extended to additional centrally funded universities. An intra‐comparative study could also be made between some select central and state universities for users of e‐journal.

Originality/value

There are a number of studies on the use of e‐journals, but this is the first of its kind within Indian central universities. As such, it should pave the way for research in other Indian universities as well as elsewhere.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 27 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 November 2009

Rekha Chirra and Margam Madhusudhan

The purpose of this paper is to study the use of electronic (e)‐journals by doctoral research scholars of Goa University, Goa (India). The main aim is to know the use of e‐journals

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the use of electronic (e)‐journals by doctoral research scholars of Goa University, Goa (India). The main aim is to know the use of e‐journals for research work. Further, the study aims to highlight the problems in accessing e‐journals, degree of utilization, and influence of e‐journals on research work.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey is conducted through a structured questionnaire circulated among 100 doctoral research scholars (PhD) in Goa University and the response rate is found to be 96 percent. The responses received from the doctoral research scholars to 16 questions is presented in the form of tables and figures and analyzed by using a simple method of calculation. Stratified accidental random method is used for selection of respondents.

Findings

The paper arrives at the following conclusions: the e‐journals have become vital part of information for research work. This study helps in knowing the importance and use of e‐journals in comparison to printed journals particularly for the research community. Most of the respondents are accessing e‐journals from the Department Computer Labs for their research work and e‐journals meet the instant desire of users to have an access to information. Springer & Kluwer is the leading publisher. Boolean Search is the most popular advance search technique. The study shows that there is need for user orientation for efficient searching of e‐journals. The most common problem faced by the respondents is that there is difficulty in accessing full text and many of the respondents are not satisfied with the Internet facilities available in Goa University and they provide some constructive suggestions for improving the accessing of e‐journals.

Practical implications

The paper is confined to the use of e‐journals by the doctoral research scholars of Goa University, Goa.

Originality/value

This paper is an outcome of the study made in Goa University, Goa about the use of University Grants Commission (UGC)‐Infonet Digital Library Consortium's e‐journals by doctoral research scholars during the study period, i.e. 1‐28 June 2008.

Details

Library Hi Tech News, vol. 26 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0741-9058

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 February 2024

Azra Rafique, Kanwal Ameen and Alia Arshad

This study aims to explore the evidence-based usage patterns of higher education commission (HEC) subscribed e-journal databases in the university digital library used by the…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the evidence-based usage patterns of higher education commission (HEC) subscribed e-journal databases in the university digital library used by the scholarly community and the academics’ online searching behaviour at a higher education institution in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used an explanatory sequential mixed methods approach. Raw transaction log data were collected for quantitative analysis, and the interview technique was used for qualitative data collection and thematic analysis.

Findings

Log analysis revealed that HEC subscribed databases were used significantly, and among those, scholarly databases covering various subjects were more frequently used than subject-specific society-based databases. Furthermore, the users frequently accessed the needed e-journal articles through search engines like Google and Google Scholar, considering them sources of free material instead of the HEC subscribed databases.

Practical implications

It provides practical implications for examining the evidence-based use patterns of e-journal databases. It suggests the need for improving the access management of HEC databases, keeping in view the usage statistics and the demands of the scholars. The study may also help create market venues for the publishers of scholarly databases by offering attractive and economical packages for researchers of various disciplines in developing and underdeveloped countries. The study results also guide the information professionals to arrange orientation and information literacy programs to improve the searching behaviour of their less frequent users and enhance the utilization of these subscribed databases.

Originality/value

The study is part of a PhD project and, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, is the first such work in the context of a developing country like Pakistan.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2013

Faizul Nisha and Naushad Ali

The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of e‐journals by the users of IIT Delhi and Delhi University.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of e‐journals by the users of IIT Delhi and Delhi University.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey research was conducted to access e‐journal use among IIT Delhi and Delhi University users. A stratified random sample method was used for selection of respondents. The survey was conducted through a structured questionnaire taking a random sample of 300 users (PG and PhD) from different disciplines of IIT Delhi and Delhi University libraries and the response rate was 66.66 per cent. The questionnaires were administered personally among the users of IIT Delhi and Delhi University during the survey period (March‐May 2011).

Findings

From this survey it was found that most of the users are aware of e‐journals and they are not only using them for building and updating their knowledge but also for collecting relevant material for their study and research purposes as information can be acquired expeditiously through e‐journals. The main aim of consulting these journals is for retrieving information regarding research, publishing research papers and manuscripts, assignments, presentations, seminars, and largely to update their own knowledge. However, this study also reveals several inherent problems especially with the use of e‐journals e.g. slow downloading as revealed by maximum IIT Delhi and Delhi University users. Other mechanical deficits like non‐availability of a particular issue, lack of training and limited access to terminals are also present while using e‐journals.

Research limitations/implications

The present study consists only of e‐journal users of IIT Delhi and Delhi University. The geographical coverage is restricted to Delhi. The responses have been taken from users and the data have been collected during the months of March‐May 2011 only.

Practical implications

The problem is selected by the investigator to understand the use of e‐journals by IIT Delhi and Delhi University users so that libraries can make further improvement in their e‐journal services depending upon the results and suggestions.

Originality/value

The paper provides suggestions derived from the analysis of data which in turn will help to enhance the use of e‐journal services and fulfill the needs and requirements of users in the libraries of IIT Delhi and Delhi University.

Details

Collection Building, vol. 32 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0160-4953

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 September 2019

Azra Rafique, Kanwal Ameen and Alia Arshad

This study aims to explore the evidence-based patterns of e-journal usage, such as the most used and least used databases, at a public-sector university in Pakistan, by analysing…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the evidence-based patterns of e-journal usage, such as the most used and least used databases, at a public-sector university in Pakistan, by analysing scientists’ usage of databases over time.

Design/methodology/approach

Through transaction log analysis, the frequencies of page views, sessions, session duration and size of the used data were calculated through SAWMILL software and entered into MS Excel.

Findings

The results revealed that the broad databases of science and engineering were being used more by users as compared to the narrower e-journal databases. Furthermore, the users were mostly accessing the e-journal databases from the university’s central library and its various academic departments. Early morning hours, working days and start of the academic year were found to be the most active timings of e-journal database utilisation.

Practical implications

The results of the study will help the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan and information professionals in better access management of databases.

Originality/value

This study was conducted to check the feasibility of a PhD project’s first phase and presents the frequencies of HEC e-journal databases’ usage by using transaction log analysis method. The results will be used in preparing interview guide and sample selection for interview. Other Central Asian studies used COUNTER reports provided by publishers for log analysis instead of using raw log data.

Details

The Electronic Library , vol. 37 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 November 2006

Chandana Patra

This case study seeks to discuss the author's experience of providing e‐journal services to the scientists at the Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute – a centre of…

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Abstract

Purpose

This case study seeks to discuss the author's experience of providing e‐journal services to the scientists at the Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute – a centre of excellence in the field of glass and ceramics situated in Kolkata, India. It describes the developmental activities involved in providing user access to the e‐journals and its impact on library operations.

Design/methodology/approach

The article begins with background information on the Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute and its parent body, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, and then goes on to discuss the development of e‐journal services within the library of the Institute.

Findings

The author shows that providing training to the staff as well as library users and managing services of the e‐journals were the most important issues. The author also shows that e‐journals have added enormous resources to the collection and improved the service of the library, enhanced access to journal literature, and decreased the demand for photocopy services as well as document delivery of single articles.

Originality/value

This case study of the Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute experience should be useful to others for deciding their activities to access e‐journals as well as the library community in general

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 24 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 September 2008

Margam Madhusudhan

This paper focuses on the use of UGC‐Infonet e‐journals by research scholars and students. The main aim is to identify the needs and requirements of users in general and to know…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper focuses on the use of UGC‐Infonet e‐journals by research scholars and students. The main aim is to identify the needs and requirements of users in general and to know the use of UGC‐Infonet Library and Information Science e‐journals in the University of Delhi by research scholars and students of DLIS in particular.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted through a questionnaire circulated among 40 research scholars (PhD and MPhil) and 28 students (MLISc) studying in the DLIS, University of Delhi, Delhi, for the academic year 2006‐07. The response rate was 94 per cent.

Findings

The study shows that e‐journals perform an increasingly important role in research at DLIS. Not only current e‐journals are required, but research scholars and students need to be provided the use of significant electronic back runs as well. There is an ever increasing demand for subscriptions of more e‐journal titles in LIS. There appears to be some need for academics to be provided with training in using e‐journals. The area where the greatest need for training is around managing references.

Research limitations/implications

The study geographical area was restricted to research scholars and students of the DLIS, University of Delhi, Delhi.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the importance of e‐journals in research at DLIS, University of Delhi.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 26 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 August 2011

Richard Olorunsola and Akinniyi A. Adeleke

The purpose of this paper is to report on research that examined the issues of e‐journal subscription, subscription models and the future of print version of journals in Nigerian…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on research that examined the issues of e‐journal subscription, subscription models and the future of print version of journals in Nigerian universities.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey study was used to collect data from the selected 30 universities that covered the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The questionnaire contained questions that are pertinent to the issues being investigated. The 22 responses (73.3 percent) received were processed, analyzed and results presented.

Findings

The study reveals that Nigerian universities subscribe to e‐journals, i.e. full‐text journals. They employ acceptable models for subscriptions, however, they use consortium more than any other model. Most libraries want to retain print format.

Research limitations/implications

While the study is limited to 22 university libraries, it has applications to similar universities across Nigeria, be they public or private.

Practical implications

This research provides information on the status of subscription to e‐journals in Nigerian libraries methods, and policy issues. The data and findings may help provide ways to manage e‐journals better in Nigerian libraries to serve user needs.

Originality/value

At the time of the completion of this study no such work had been done before in Nigeria.

Details

Library Review, vol. 60 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0024-2535

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 October 2015

Jamal Qasim and Abdul Mannan Khan

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the use of electronic journals (e-journals) by the scientists of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Genomics and…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the use of electronic journals (e-journals) by the scientists of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB) – a center of excellence in the field of genomics and integrative biology situated in Delhi, India.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on the results of a well-structured questionnaire administered to all the scientists of the institute for the purpose of data collection.

Findings

The main findings are that the scientists are more attracted toward e-journals specially on those provided by CSIR-NISCAIR Consortia, NKRC than those available via direct subscription. From this survey, the investigator has been able to find out that almost all the scientists are consulting e-journals from their campus cabin, not only for research purposes but also to update their own knowledge. The infrastructure to use e-journals are superb and there is no technological problem specially hardware and software support with high bandwidth of Internet speed exists here, as CSIR-IGIB uses largest computing facility (four Tflop/s) in Asia outside Japan (ranked 158th among the World’s Top 500 Super Computers). Respondents also identified that there is dire need for training in using e-resources and retrieving pinpointed information from the databases.

Research limitations/implications

The present paper consists only of scientists and the geographical area is restricted to CSIR-IGIB, Delhi. The scope of the paper can be extended to additional CSIR libraries. A comparative study can also be made among some biological research libraries of CSIR Institutes.

Originality/value

There are a number of studies on the use of e-journals by CSIR scientists, but this is the first of its kind which covers scientists of IGIB that has the largest computing facility (four Tflop/s) in Asia outside Japan. As such, it should pave the way for research and lead a model role for other CSIR Institutes as well as elsewhere.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 33 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 4000