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1 – 10 of over 5000The aim of this paper is to discuss and analyze the efforts of Hong Kong Baptist University Library to create a virtual union catalog for dissertations and theses collections as a…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to discuss and analyze the efforts of Hong Kong Baptist University Library to create a virtual union catalog for dissertations and theses collections as a single search platform to retrieve the bibliographic records, abstracts and full‐texts of Hong Kong postgraduate students’ theses and dissertations from seven university library online public access catalogues (OPACs).
Design/methodology/approach
The paper examines the use of advanced keyword searching functionality in Innovative Interfaces’ Millennium system and Microsoft active server pages scripts to develop an original search engine to cross search the OPACs of Hong Kong university libraries.
Findings
Library searching is more than simply doing a Google search. Libraries do not need to depend on vendors of their library integration systems exclusively for enhancement in OPAC search functionality. Librarians can also take the initiative to maximize the searching capabilities and functionalities of their existing library integration systems, and design new search engines to facilitate patrons to use the OPACs more efficiently and effectively.
Originality/value
The paper discusses the creation of a unique platform, which is a free and valuable reference tool for scholars and researchers around the world to cross search the Hong Kong postgraduate students’ theses and dissertations. It also provides insights into how librarians can maximize the functionalities of library integration systems to enhance cross searching on OPACs.
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To discuss how Hong Kong university libraries can help young professors and PhD students publish their articles in SCI (Science Citation Index) and SSCI (Social Science Citation…
Abstract
Purpose
To discuss how Hong Kong university libraries can help young professors and PhD students publish their articles in SCI (Science Citation Index) and SSCI (Social Science Citation Index) journals.
Design/methodology/approach
With reference to the opinions of experts on how to publish work successfully, this paper provides practical advice for university libraries in Hong Kong.
Findings
After collecting the opinions of experts and browsing the web sites of many university libraries throughout the world, suggests that Hong Kong universities can offer a variety of services in supporting research. The university libraries may build up electronic resources to gather more research information and journals information for helping young professors and PhD students publish their works.
Practical implications
To provide very useful and practical advice for Hong Kong university libraries when facing the new challenge in support of research.
Originality/value
During recent years, the Hong Kong universities have been facing budget cuts from the government, and have been placed under the pressure of transforming into centers of excellence and establishing themselves among the best in the world. This paper offers practical help to Hong Kong university libraries such as how to play an active and important role in providing a greater support service for young professors and PhD students that will help in the development of their academic careers.
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Peter Sidorko, Ruth Wong, Alice Tai and Eva Wong
To describe the introduction of a collaborative, user‐initiated, unmediated, interlibrary loan service for returnables between initially three and then all eight universities in…
Abstract
Purpose
To describe the introduction of a collaborative, user‐initiated, unmediated, interlibrary loan service for returnables between initially three and then all eight universities in Hong Kong.
Design/methodology/approach
Historical narrative combined with user and staff evaluation.
Findings
The introduction of the service has been a great success.
Originality/value
This article describes in detail the introduction of a service that will be of interest and relevance to many other libraries facing declining budgets and the need to share resources in an efficient and effective way.
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The purpose of this paper is to describe the strategic efforts of the Hong Kong Baptist University Library to build institutional support for information literacy in an…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe the strategic efforts of the Hong Kong Baptist University Library to build institutional support for information literacy in an environment of major curriculum reform.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper outlines the current state of information literacy efforts in Hong Kong higher education, provides a context for renewed potential of these efforts, and describes a number of approaches that were undertaken to build institutional support. Further, a change agency approach is used to assess these efforts thus far and provide guidance for the future.
Findings
Campus‐wide information literacy programmes have been virtually non‐existent in Hong Kong. The current higher education environment and mindset is conducive to recognizing information literacy as a vital component in teaching and learning. Librarians can turn this opportunity into reality by gaining authority, credibility and visibility on campus, and by strategically aligning with institutional priorities such as outcomes‐based education, assessment, and lifelong learning.
Originality/value
This paper provides a Hong Kong perspective on integrating information literacy at the institutional level, and offers several specific strategies that have successfully been undertaken by librarians at one institution.
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Pui Yik Yu, Ernest Tak Hei Lam and Dickson K.W. Chiu
This research studies the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the operation management of Hong Kong academic libraries for understanding the difficulties and challenges for…
Abstract
Purpose
This research studies the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the operation management of Hong Kong academic libraries for understanding the difficulties and challenges for librarians to adapt to the special arrangements during the pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with librarians in major universities and higher education institutions of Hong Kong. Participants were interviewed either in the face-to-face format or text-based format.
Findings
Participants provided a broad scope about the actual library management and operation changes during the COVID-19. According to the respondents, the most challenging problem for librarians during COVID-19 was to strike a balance between concerns of library staff and users. While they described how these arrangements and changes affected the service quality of academic libraries from different perspectives, the pandemic situation also brought some opportunities, such as pushing the digitalization of all collections and using online resources for future development. A hybrid model for library service would be more common in the future with more demands toward online resources and digital collection, in which academic libraries should be prepared after the pandemic.
Originality/value
This paper provided broad insights into library management and the future development of academic libraries for the post-COVID-19 period. There are scant studies of this topic, especially in an Asian metropolis context with dense population, small campus and limited library physical spaces.
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Zvjezdana Dukic, Dickson K.W. Chiu and Patrick Lo
The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of higher education students’ experiences in using smartphones for learning purposes, and their perceptions of the suitability…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of higher education students’ experiences in using smartphones for learning purposes, and their perceptions of the suitability of smartphones for learning.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative research method is applied to data collection and analysis by following the grounded theory approach. Data were gathered by an online focus group involving Library and Information Science (LIS) students from University of Hong Kong and University of Tsukuba (Japan).
Findings
LIS students at both universities regularly use smartphones for communication, socializing, entertainment and other daily information needs. The findings show that LIS students commonly use smartphones for learning and consider smartphones to be very useful for their academic work. They use smartphones to access course materials, search library catalog, discuss course assignments with peers, take notes, etc. Although both academic libraries involved offer a variety of services for mobile devices, these services are still not used frequently. A major barrier to using smartphone for academic learning is the smartphone’s small screen.
Research limitations/implications
The study relies on a convenience sample, restricted to students from two universities, one from Hong Kong and the other from Japan. Further research on a larger sample is recommended.
Originality/value
The study adds to the knowledge of smartphone actual use for learning purposes and provides study participants’ insights on the usefulness of smartphones for learning.
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Catherine S.Y. Kwok, Diana L.H. Chan, Ada S.M. Cheung and Ming Kan Wong
This paper aims to evaluate the impact of three concurrent demand-driven acquisition (DDA) programs on e-book collection development at Hong Kong University of Science and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to evaluate the impact of three concurrent demand-driven acquisition (DDA) programs on e-book collection development at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Library.
Design/methodology/approach
Counter Book Report 2 reports of the Ebrary, Wiley and JSTOR were analyzed from the launch date of the respective program to June 30, 2014.
Findings
The value of two local DDA programs, Ebrary and Wiley, were seen. JSTOR program needs to be evaluated at local and consortial levels when the pilot is finished.
Originality/value
The experience of HKUST Library will provide a reference point for libraries that are yet to implement their DDA program.
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This paper is a study of the current trends and conditions of electronic resources for Chinese studies, based on a recent survey on the Internet of 29 Chinese libraries in North…
Abstract
This paper is a study of the current trends and conditions of electronic resources for Chinese studies, based on a recent survey on the Internet of 29 Chinese libraries in North America and eight Chinese libraries in China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. The survey discussed current electronic resources for Chinese studies, with a union list of major Chinese language databases currently used in libraries in Asia and the US. Current views on the use and development of electronic resources for Chinese studies were summarised.
Diana L.H. Chan and Samson C. Soong
The main purpose of this paper is to discuss the strategic repositioning of an academic library using the dynamic capability framework.
Abstract
Purpose
The main purpose of this paper is to discuss the strategic repositioning of an academic library using the dynamic capability framework.
Design/methodology/approach
The discussion is based on the re‐organizational process of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Library. Three stages are focused, illustrating how the library managed to be dynamically capable, including: sensing the environmental impacts; realigning and reconfiguring its resources; and implementing effective strategies to respond to these challenges.
Findings
The library adopted a multitude of channels and media in sensing environmental challenges. By going through a strategic reorganization, the library has realigned and redeployed its staff resources to better prepare for incoming changes. The reformed organization moved ahead with renewed culture and values, including better internal communication, team spirit, collective learning mechanisms, and effective user communication.
Research limitations/implications
Reorganization is complex and can be highly stressful. Participative culture and effective communication seem to be successful mechanisms.
Practical implications
Cross‐training on work procedures and routines in other units provided organizational learning mechanisms. This collective learning broadened staff's work knowledge, enlightened their understanding of complex processes, fostered good team spirit, and improved overall effectiveness, as more staff become aware of the overall performance implications of their actions.
Originality/value
The paper shares various reorganization concerns and how they were handled. The benefits of a large‐scale cross‐training program are outlined.
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