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1 – 10 of over 26000
Article
Publication date: 1 March 2005

Xiaoyin Zhang and Michaelyn Haslam

To address the UNLV Libraries movement toward a predominantly electronic journal collection including evaluation of library collection and reevaluation of organizational…

3415

Abstract

Purpose

To address the UNLV Libraries movement toward a predominantly electronic journal collection including evaluation of library collection and reevaluation of organizational structure, staff resources and workflow to find the best ways to provide library users with timely and reliable access to electronic resources.

Design/methodology/approach

A range of UNLV Libraries initiatives in building and managing electronic resources is described to demonstrate how the library moved from a predominantly print environment to a predominantly electronic environment. The paper consists of sections: development of the electronic resources collection, reengineering acquisitions/periodicals, new responsibilities and new skills, next steps, and conclusion.

Findings

Since 1999, the composition of the Libraries journal collection has been dramatically changed. The percentage of print‐only subscriptions decreased from 59 percent in 1990 to 20 percent in 2004, while electronic journals jumped from 35 percent to 75 percent. The percentage of Libraries materials acquisitions budget spent on electronic resources rose by at least 10 percent each year. The proliferation of electronic resources had a major impact on the acquisitions/serials activities from handling physical objects to initiating and ensuring ongoing access to electronic resources. It has resulted in a workflow that requires ongoing review and change to accommodate the constant technological developments that have impacted the management of information delivered electronically.

Originality/value

The focus of this paper on changing workflows in the implementation of electronic resources is unique. As Libraries incorporate electronic resources into their collections, the necessity to develop new workflows presents challenges at all levels from daily activities to long‐term planning. The experiences at Lied library offer other Libraries practical examples of ways the challenges have been met.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 23 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 January 2007

Wu Shuling

In recent years, electronic resources have become the library's important storage of a university library, and the fund purchased electronic resources also increased quickly, year…

4089

Abstract

Purpose

In recent years, electronic resources have become the library's important storage of a university library, and the fund purchased electronic resources also increased quickly, year after year. In order to find out the readers' present conditions, difficulties and requirement of using e‐recourses, The Library of Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, carried out sampling, questioning and investigating of all teachers and students at campus. The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of this investigation.

Design/methodology/approach

The investigation was carried out in 206.3 at the campus, and the investigative target involves teachers, scientific staff, gadre, graduate students, scientific staff, undergraduate students, and some training students, from 15 institutes in the whole university. It centers on seven subjects, deigns 24 question and 155 selective answers, and everyone is multilateral, 1,000 questionnaires were sent out, 909 reclaimed. The ratio is 90.9 percent.

Findings

The investigative result shows that: nearly half of the readers investigated are satisfied with e‐resources of our university. At present, the main way that reader's obtained rebases or literature is from traditional library storage. This illustrated that the printing literature obtained important functions. The e‐book does not substitute the traditional printed book. The construction of library storage should advocate the printed one. Readers selecting the printed and e‐book occupy the greatest majority. This shows that the two type of literature are not completely substituted, only mutually supple. The way readers liked obtaining information is to skim the homepage of the library. This indicated the homepage had become the important window to give publicity and serve the outside. It also shows the use of reading on screen, non‐familiarizing the structure and the retrieval method. Showing that the net condition and computer facilities are the main external factors.

Research limitations/implications

This paper analyses the consciousness of using e‐resources, and the ability of obtaining literature for university readers, by investigating some readers' utility of e‐resources at Shaanxi University of Science and Technology. Therefore the readers' range is limited.

Practical implications

In this paper the result from one side reflects every unit and layer personnel's utilizing condition and difficulty of e‐literature at the whole university. By investigating and analyzing, the work emphasis of the library is defined.

Originality/value

The investigating table does not only look into some teachers and students' utilizing condition, and readers' opinions and proposing to use the library's, but also obtains the disseminated fanfaron to all people using the library. By angling the result, it supplies theoretic foundation of e‐resources' order, storage's construction, readers' serve, etc.

Details

Library Management, vol. 28 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2004

Elizabeth Kiondo

This paper discusses emerging issues in selection and acquisition of electronic information resources in academic libraries of developing countries paying particular attention to…

2007

Abstract

This paper discusses emerging issues in selection and acquisition of electronic information resources in academic libraries of developing countries paying particular attention to the situation at the University of Dar es Salaam Library (www.udsm.ac.tz/library/). First, it discusses in historical perspective the application of information technology in provision of information services and specifically the provision of electronic information services at this university. Then it identifies emerging and challenging issues related to selection and acquisition of electronic information resources. The emerging issues include the information technology skills of staff and users, technology infrastructure, financial resources and collection development and management policy. In conclusion, the paper strategizes the way forward to make selection and acquisition of e‐resources contribute towards promotion of research, scholarly communication, teaching and learning at African universities.

Details

Library Hi Tech News, vol. 21 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0741-9058

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 June 2014

Xianjin Zha, Jinchao Zhang and Yalan Yan

Individual differences are critical in determining how individuals think and behave in different ways. The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of individual differences…

1903

Abstract

Purpose

Individual differences are critical in determining how individuals think and behave in different ways. The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of individual differences on users’ perceptions of print and electronic resources in terms of ease of use, usefulness and usage in the hopes that a better understanding of these effects can help Chinese university libraries to meet the diversified information needs of their users more specifically and appropriately so that the second-level capability divide and third-level outcome divide of library information resources can be much reduced.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collected from 273 library users were used for data analysis. The independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and two-way ANOVA were employed. Meanwhile, the quantitative analysis is supplemented by the qualitative interviews which present richer data about the use of specific types of print and electronic resources.

Findings

The effect of basic characteristics (gender, age, field) and experience (experience with library print resources, experience with library electronic resources, which library resources were used first) on users’ perceptions of print and electronic resources in terms of ease of use, usefulness and usage was explored and discussed. Meanwhile, the two-way interaction effect was examined and 13 significant interaction effects were presented.

Originality/value

Building on the digital divide, this study examines ease of use, usefulness and usage in terms of individual differences which cover not only basic characteristics but also experience and two-way interaction, which the authors think provides a new view for library information resources research and practice alike in China.

Article
Publication date: 16 August 2011

Sharon Premchand‐Mohammed

The purpose of this paper is to describe the challenges and examine the impact of the transition from print to electronic resources at a medium‐sized academic library at a

2063

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the challenges and examine the impact of the transition from print to electronic resources at a medium‐sized academic library at a multi‐campus Caribbean university, The University of the West Indies (UWI), with particular reference to the St Augustine campus.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a review of the literature on the shift from print to electronic resources, the paper uses the experiences of The UWI St Augustine to provide a model that can be used by other libraries.

Findings

Libraries have successfully built a “hybrid” collection of print and electronic resources despite challenges with information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, balancing costs, licencing model and strategies for selection, acquisition and management of electronic resources. There are some key steps which libraries can follow when transitioning from print to electronic resources.

Research limitations/implications

The paper focuses on the experiences and lessons learnt in moving a collection from print to a hybrid of print and electronic resources. However, this by no means encapsulates all the issues associated with any such undertaking.

Practical implications

The paper provides some key steps that a library can take in transitioning its collection from print to a print‐electronic hybrid.

Originality/value

Although the literature speaks to different aspects of implementing electronic resources, this paper provides a roadmap for similar libraries with the lessons learnt and simple steps that a library should take when considering to move its collection from print to some level of electronic resources.

Article
Publication date: 23 November 2012

Ming‐der Wu and Shih‐chuan Chen

This study aims to investigate graduate student perceptions of electronic resources, their search behaviour, and their usage patterns.

4192

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate graduate student perceptions of electronic resources, their search behaviour, and their usage patterns.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews were conducted in a research‐oriented university, and participants included 18 graduate students from three disciplines: humanities, social sciences, and science and technology.

Findings

Graduate students are frequent users of electronic resources, particularly during the thesis‐writing period. Graduate students of science and technology perceive electronic resources to be considerably more important to their research and studies than students of other disciplines do. Few students use the metasearch tool to retrieve heterogeneous electronic resources in the library. Very few students use alert services to obtain updated information.

Originality/value

The findings of the study could help university librarians acquire an enhanced understanding of the usage behaviour of graduate students on electronic resources.

Article
Publication date: 7 August 2009

Baljinder Kaur and Rama Verma

This paper aims to describe the use of electronic resources and services provided at the central library of Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. The paper is focused to know who…

2821

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the use of electronic resources and services provided at the central library of Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. The paper is focused to know who these electronic information services users are, how often they use the services and the place where the information is accessed. Also, the users are asked to give their preferences between an electronic and print journal format.

Design/methodology/approach

The questionnaire method is used for collecting the data from the users (i.e. undergraduate, postgraduate, research scholar and faculty), categories‐wise.

Findings

It has been found that usage of e‐journals is increasing; this is due to awareness among the users about the library e‐resources and services. Owing to an easy access available at various places in the institute, users are accessing these resources at hostels and departments more as compared to the library. The users coming to library have decreased.

Originality/value

The present paper will help other institutes understand the need for library electronic resources, and motivate them to update their resources in the larger interest of the students, faculty and research scholars. The paper also indicates how a suitably designed survey can show the awareness and use of types of information services, in this case e‐journals. There is a dearth of such studies in India and the methodology and findings can be applied to other libraries to reveal similar trends as well as comparisons.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 November 2013

Natalee Knight

The purpose of this paper was to examine the impact of the e-library on the usage of library resources at Northern Caribbean University. The objective was also to determine…

2140

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to examine the impact of the e-library on the usage of library resources at Northern Caribbean University. The objective was also to determine whether or not it is worthwhile to continue to invest in electronic resources in a period of declining library budgets and easy access to electronic resources via the internet.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from library statistical reports as well as from a survey administered to students and faculty on both the main and extension campuses over a four-week period. The population studied in the survey was 280 faculty members and 5,340 students. Of this number, a stratified random sample of 50 faculty members and 200 students was selected.

Findings

The study shows that the provision of e-library resources has increased overall usage of library materials as patrons continue to use print resources in tandem with electronic versions. The study also found that the electronic library resources are helpful to patrons and play an important role in enhancing access to library resources necessary for quality research papers and academic excellence on a whole.

Originality/value

It is hoped that the findings of this paper will serve to assist the librarians and faculty at Northern Caribbean University and other similar institutions in selecting and acquiring the most appropriate format of information resources that will both satisfy the needs of their library users and fit within their library budget. Recommendations for improving the e-library service include continuous collaboration between librarians and faculty in selecting and acquiring the most appropriate format of resources to support the curriculum and satisfy the users' needs, constant marketing of the resources and on-going training in their use, and periodic assessment of the collection to ensure quality and competitiveness in light of other readily available electronic resources on the internet.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 31 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 June 2023

Javaid Ahmad Wagay and Saurabh Dutta

This paper focuses on the use of e-resources by research scholars and post-graduate students at Kashmir University. The main aim is to determine the use of e-resources, users…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper focuses on the use of e-resources by research scholars and post-graduate students at Kashmir University. The main aim is to determine the use of e-resources, users skills in handling e-resources and the purpose of their use. Further, this paper aims to highlight the problems faced by research scholars and post-graduate students in accessing e-resources.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey was conducted through a structured questionnaire circulated among 250 research scholars, both (M.Phil./Ph.D.) and post-graduate students, from different departments of Kashmir University, and the response rate was 80%. Random sample method was used for the selection of respondents and interacting with them. The responses received from the research scholars to 14 questions are presented in the form of tables.

Findings

Major findings of the study reveal that the majority of the students reported using electronic journal resources for various purposes including working on assignments, research proposal writing, literature review writing, research report writing, current awareness and leisurely exploration of ongoing scientific debates through peer-reviewed papers. The challenges encountered in the use of electronic journal resources include a power outage, inadequate bandwidth, slow download speed, inability to access the resources from home, lack of training, lack of awareness, limited access to computers and difficulty in searching. The paper concludes that electronic resources have become an integral part of the information needs of research scholars’ post-graduate students at Kashmir University. Further, it finds that e-resources can be good substitutes for conventional resources, if the access is fast, and more computer terminals are installed to provide fast access to e-resources. Finally, recommendations for improving the use of electronic journal resources are provided.

Practical implications

The paper restrains the study exclusively to use of e-resources by the research scholars and post-graduate students of Kashmir University.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the use of e-resources by research scholars and post-graduate students of Kashmir University and makes some constructive suggestions for the improvement of electronic resources and services. This is the first time an effort has been made to assess the use of electronic resources by post-graduate students at Kashmir University. The study could be used to assess the post-graduate students’ needs for electronic resources at the Kashmir University and other users in higher learning institutions.

Details

Information Discovery and Delivery, vol. 52 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-6247

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2001

Roswitha Poll

The paper presents performance indicators for the library’s electronic services. Traditional performance indicators were meant for libraries with print collections and lending…

1606

Abstract

The paper presents performance indicators for the library’s electronic services. Traditional performance indicators were meant for libraries with print collections and lending services. In several projects and international cooperation indicators have been developed for library networked resources and services. The paper describes the problems of data collection and gives definitions for the electronic collection and the different steps of using electronic services.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 19 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

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