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1 – 10 of over 25000Daniel Jr Soriano Balbin and Elizabeth Allan Lascano
The study aims to determine the extent of COVID-19’s impact on the libraries and information centers within Benguet. It identified the key differences in the effect of the…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to determine the extent of COVID-19’s impact on the libraries and information centers within Benguet. It identified the key differences in the effect of the pandemic on each type of library: public, special, school and academic. It recalled and documented the challenges faced by libraries and librarians. It determined which aspects of their library were affected and how they were modified in terms of their policies, personnel, physical space, services, collection, infodemic response and marketing.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used the qualitative descriptive method approach, specifically narrative research design and conducted online focus group discussions in which 14 librarians with managerial or supervisory functions participated. This method was used to explore the topic holistically by using qualitative inquiry. It best suited the purpose of fully understanding the experiences of libraries during the pandemic. The recorded online focus group discussions conducted through Zoom were reviewed and analyzed to identify key themes and responses from the participants. The themes identified from the thematic analysis were further validated with the participants through correspondence, chats or e-mails.
Findings
The findings showed that libraries were faced with challenges brought on by the lack of a written policy for the pandemic response, a lack of information communication and technology skills and resources, strict requirements on physical setup for pandemic compliance, budget cuts or realignments and delayed procurement, misinformation and users’ lack of awareness of the new services offered by the library.
Research limitations/implications
The study focused on the pandemic experiences of libraries and information centers in Baguio-Benguet, which was hailed as a model for local pandemic response, through the lenses of librarians with supervisory roles or functions.
Practical implications
Libraries could reflect on their experiences in this pandemic to plan for future strategies that would be best implemented in situations where face-to-face services are not allowed.
Originality/value
This study presented various best practices from different library institutions that could be emulated in the future. Many of these are still relevant regardless library services are going back to normal.
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Siqi Han, John P. Ulhøi and Hua Song
The purpose of this study is to examine how existing supply chain finance challenges confronting SMEs are affected by the emergence of smart fintech providers. In so doing the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine how existing supply chain finance challenges confronting SMEs are affected by the emergence of smart fintech providers. In so doing the paper aims at uncovering critical role of fintech service provision in SCF and associated mechanisms that affect the SCF partners.
Design/methodology/approach
An in-depth case study approach has been applied in this study. The overall design is informed by a 5-stage-based case study approach developed in operation management, including the literature review and research question, followed by case selection and instrument development, the data gathering, the analysis and findings and dissemination.
Findings
The study shows that fintech service provider is capable of offering different digital technologies adapted to specific needs while concomitantly orchestrating the information flow across the partners. Key mechanisms that influence the establishment of trust-based relationships among the SCF partners, and related service processes and value creation based on the platform system architecture are explained.
Practical implications
Several practical implications for digital platform management and other key digital SCF partners are identified.
Originality/value
This paper contributes a novel perspective on the importance of digital trust in SCF and also contributes to the existing literature by filling up a gap with a new and fine-grained understanding of the role of fintech companies in SCF.
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Dinah Koteikor Baidoo and Williams E. Nwagwu
This study assessed the technology readiness of library commons in selected universities in Ghana from the perspectives of both clients and service providers.
Abstract
Purpose
This study assessed the technology readiness of library commons in selected universities in Ghana from the perspectives of both clients and service providers.
Design/methodology/approach
A sample survey research design was used to carry out the study, and the study consisted of quantitative and qualitative approaches. The data were collected from 157 of the 430 commons’ users and six library directors/commons librarians, using a questionnaire and an interview schedule respectively. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential analysis with SPSS Ver. 22, and structural equation modelling with AMOS Ver. 23.
Findings
The study found significant relationships between the availability of learning resources and users' experience, use and satisfaction with the commons. Additionally, there were significant relationships between the readiness of the commons, users' perceptions and their satisfaction levels. The library/commons managers identified key preparedness issues, including inadequate planning and poor space allocation. Furthermore, the study revealed negative feelings among library/commons managers, such as insecurity, resistance and low confidence.
Practical implications
The academic libraries in Ghana should evaluate their commons following the findings of this study, and use other readiness implementation tools to identify and address the gaps in their implementation of the commons.
Originality/value
This study was based on the opinions of the users and operators of the commons and focused primarily on technology-related factors. However, it is essential to evaluate other readiness factors, such as change and services, and institutional factors, using frameworks such as Hess and Ostrom’s (2005) Institutional Development Framework, to provide complementary results that can guide better implementation of the commons and improve the quality of services.
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Ji Fang, Vincent C.S. Lee and Haiyan Wang
This paper explores optimal service resource management strategy, a continuous challenge for health information service to enhance service performance, optimise service resource…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper explores optimal service resource management strategy, a continuous challenge for health information service to enhance service performance, optimise service resource utilisation and deliver interactive health information service.
Design/methodology/approach
An adaptive optimal service resource management strategy was developed considering a value co-creation model in health information service with a focus on collaborative and interactive with users. The deep reinforcement learning algorithm was embedded in the Internet of Things (IoT)-based health information service system (I-HISS) to allocate service resources by controlling service provision and service adaptation based on user engagement behaviour. The simulation experiments were conducted to evaluate the significance of the proposed algorithm under different user reactions to the health information service.
Findings
The results indicate that the proposed service resource management strategy, considering user co-creation in the service delivery, process improved both the service provider’s business revenue and users' individual benefits.
Practical implications
The findings may facilitate the design and implementation of health information services that can achieve a high user service experience with low service operation costs.
Originality/value
This study is amongst the first to propose a service resource management model in I-HISS, considering the value co-creation of the user in the service-dominant logic. The novel artificial intelligence algorithm is developed using the deep reinforcement learning method to learn the adaptive service resource management strategy. The results emphasise user engagement in the health information service process.
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Yizhi Liu, Yi Fu, Zihan Liang and Yu Liu
This study aims to investigate the factors that affect the intention to use public mobile libraries and enhance the quality of mobile library services to attract and retain users.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the factors that affect the intention to use public mobile libraries and enhance the quality of mobile library services to attract and retain users.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire survey was conducted with 391 valid users in China. Based on the stimulus–response theory and user individual characteristics, a model was developed to examine the factors influencing the intention to use public mobile libraries. The model was tested using statistical software, such as SPSS 25.0 and AMOS 24.0.
Findings
The results indicate that technological factors, content factors, individual factors and psychological factors significantly influence the intention to use public mobile libraries. The impact of system quality and perceived ease of use in technological factors is relatively balanced. Among content factors, information quality is the most significant, while information literacy has a greater influence compared to subjective norms in individual factors. In psychological factors, perceived matching and perceived pleasure both positively influence usage intention, while perceived cost has a negative impact.
Research limitations/implications
Firstly, this study only investigates users’ intention to use, but intention does not necessarily equate to actual usage behaviour (King and He,2006). Future research can introduce new variables to explore users’ adoption and continuous usage behaviours. Secondly, this study does not differentiate between different types of mobile library users. Future research can consider different user types, such as potential users and current users, to investigate the similarities and differences in their willingness to adopt mobile library services. Thirdly, this study is primarily cross-sectional. Future research can consider longitudinal studies to provide more in-depth insights into user behaviour.
Practical implications
This paper identifies external and internal stimulus factors and conducts a comprehensive investigation into the factors influencing the intention to use public mobile libraries, thus providing generalizable research findings. Unlike previous studies, this research introduces the information literacy variable, enriching the model of factors affecting users' intention to use mobile libraries and yielding more comprehensive conclusions. Consequently, the study aims to be grounded in the actual usage ideas and intentions of diverse user groups, constructing a model that highlights factors influencing the intention to use public mobile library services.
Social implications
From a social perspective, this study offers four implications for improving the utilization of public mobile libraries. Firstly, it is crucial to integrate digital resources, enhance information quality in public mobile libraries and improve platform usability. Secondly, adopting a user-oriented approach is essential to improve the service level of public mobile libraries and stimulate residents’ participation. Thirdly, efforts should be made to strengthen user information literacy and increase information utilization. Fourthly, top-level design improvements, effective promotion efforts and user behaviour guidance are essential for the success of public mobile libraries.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the improvement of public mobile library services and the advancement of modern public cultural services by identifying the key factors that drive the intention to use such services. The findings have practical implications for promoting high-quality development and enhancing the popularity of public mobile libraries.
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Faten Hamad, Maha Al-Fadel and Ahmed Maher Khafaga Shehata
Technological advancement has forced academic libraries to change their traditional services and routines by adopting emerging technologies to respond to the changing information…
Abstract
Purpose
Technological advancement has forced academic libraries to change their traditional services and routines by adopting emerging technologies to respond to the changing information needs of their users who are now more technologically inclined and prefer to access information remotely and in a timely manner. Smart technologies are the recent trends in academic libraries. This research aims to investigate the level of smart information service implementation at academic libraries in Jordan. It also aimed to investigate the correlation between the level of smart information services offered by the libraries and the level of digital competencies among the library staff.
Design/methodology/approach
This research is designed using survey design to collect comprehensive information from the study participants. A questionnaire was disseminated to 340 respondents, and 246 questionnaires were returned and were suitable for analysis with a response rate of 72.4%.
Findings
The results indicated a moderate level of smart information service offered by academic libraries, as well as a moderate level of digital skills associated with the advocacy of smart information services. The results also indicated a strong and positive relationship between the level of smart information services at the investigated libraries and the level of digital competencies among the librarians.
Practical implications
The findings will help other academic libraries understand how to respond to the emergent change in users’ information-seeking behavior by understanding their available human resources competencies and the requirement to undergo this emergent change.
Originality/value
This paper provides insights and practical solutions for academic libraries in response to global information trends based on users’ behaviors. This research was conducted in Jordan as one of the developing countries and hence it provides insights of the situation there. It will help academic libraries in Jordan and the region to handle and cope with the challenges associated with technology acceptance based on its staff level of digital competencies. The contribution of this research that it was done in a developing country where progress in the filed can be considered slow because of many factors, mainly economics, where institutions focus on essential library objectives, which are information resources development and databases subscriptions.
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Farzane Sahli, Sirous Alidousti and Nader Naghshineh
This study identifies factors affecting brand building for academic libraries affiliated with the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology (MSRT) in Iran.
Abstract
Purpose
This study identifies factors affecting brand building for academic libraries affiliated with the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology (MSRT) in Iran.
Design/methodology/approach
This research applied the grounded theory method based on the three open, axial and selective coding steps (Strauss and Corbin, 1998). The research tool was interviews conducted with 20 experts in librarianship, marketing and branding.
Findings
Library building architecture, library information resources and services, librarians' branding, marketing activities and library management are the causal conditions affecting brand building. The national economic situation, the digital publishing situation in the country and different characteristics of the new library community are the intervening conditions affecting brand building. The role of other libraries in society in the scientific education of the new generation provides contextual conditions for brand building. The higher education system and the library parent organization play a part in the operative actions/interactions for brand building. The consequences of brand building are brand image development, brand excellence and brand behavioral loyalty for libraries. Library brand identity is also a core category in brand building.
Originality/value
Facing steep challenges by emergent services, academic libraries are ill-prepared to meet the needs of the new information society solely with traditional services and functions. Academic libraries are required to rebrand themselves to be more successful at delivering a strong performance within a changing information environment by enhancing their brand image and establishing a more effective relationship with users.
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Birgit Schenk, Mateusz Dolata, Christiane Schwabe and Gerhard Schwabe
By increasing the digitalization of commercial services citizens' expect more from public services. First of all, this study will strive to identify which problems citizens…
Abstract
Purpose
By increasing the digitalization of commercial services citizens' expect more from public services. First of all, this study will strive to identify which problems citizens encounter when they use a complex public service: preparation of an application for a building permit. In the light of the popularity of omnichannel approaches, the study then explores how omni-channel could help to address the problems which have been identified.
Design/methodology/approach
We implement the first phases of an action design science research project. We collect data both from citizens and public agencies and frame them as transparency problems. These abstract problems are then addressed by an omnichannel service provision as an abstract solution. The abstract solution is then instantiated in a design in the form of a user scenario developed in collaboration with current and future public officials.
Findings
The analysis uncovers multiple transparency issues: it distinguishes between process, case, language, cross-channel and cost transparency. One root cause of the transparency issues observed is the lack of service transparency which defines the purpose and scope of a ser-vice. We therefore recommend defining a service-strategy before informational and technical aspects of an omnichannel approach can be implemented. Following this strategy, omnichannel offers public administrations unique opportunities to excel in citizens' service provision.
Originality/value
The study provides insights into how citizens view complex public services. For researchers, this study offers the conceptualization as transparency issues. Practitioners from the public administrations can also benefit from the concept and vision of omnichannel public services.
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Tetiana Hranchak, Nicholas Dease and Irene Lopatovska
This study aims to determine college/university students’ mobile phone practices to understand key user preferences and set a baseline understanding for the development of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to determine college/university students’ mobile phone practices to understand key user preferences and set a baseline understanding for the development of prospective library informational mobile services.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on the results of an online-survey method. The authors recruited students majoring in the Information Science program in School of Information at Pratt Institute (USA) (74 participants) and in Kyiv National University of Cultural and Arts (Ukraine) (89 participants).
Findings
The general trends in the use of mobile technologies by American and Ukrainian students were identified. Key components of library mobile services are offered. Such services may include information and reference service via messengers; development of library mobile applications of audio and video content; access to educational, scientific, popular science literature and fiction; and supplementing online services with library chatbots.
Research limitations/implications
This study was limited to only students majoring in information science at university; however, the data obtained helps outline several general trends common to student youth who are actively working with information.
Practical implications
The obtained results will be useful in the practical activities of libraries and other information institutions for the development of a comprehensive information service based on mobile technology.
Originality/value
This study contributes to understanding how to improve library informational service considering users habits and preferences. Libraries management and librarians can use the findings as a basis for prioritizing the improvement of library informational mobile service.
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Ricky Y.K. Chan, Jianfu Shen, Louis T.W. Cheng and Jennifer W.M. Lai
This study aims at proposing and testing a model delineating how and when the quality of a special B2B professional service, investment relations (IR), would drive corporate…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims at proposing and testing a model delineating how and when the quality of a special B2B professional service, investment relations (IR), would drive corporate intangible value.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employs a proprietary dataset on voting records of an annual investment relations (IR) awards event and the corresponding company-level archival data for analysis. Regression analysis is used to test hypotheses.
Findings
IR service quality not only directly enhances corporate intangible value, but also indirectly boosts it via information transparency. While competitive intensity does not moderate the relationship between IR service quality and corporate intangible value, its moderating effect on the relationship between information transparency and this value is negative.
Research limitations/implications
The findings advance academic understanding of the mechanism and boundary conditions underlying the complex and dynamic relationships among IR service quality, information transparency, corporate intangible value and competitive intensity. Future research endeavors to verify the present findings in other service and/or geographic settings would help establish their external validity.
Practical implications
The findings advise companies to expand the traditional role of IR by taking it as a powerful communication and relationship marketing tool to improve their visibility and attract investors.
Social implications
The findings suggest that superior IR service would strengthen the company’s social bonding with institutional investors and effectively signal to them its commitment to good corporate governance practices.
Originality/value
Matching a proprietary dataset on IR voting records with the corresponding company-level archival data over a five-year period to investigate the performance implications of IR service quality within the Hong Kong context rectifies methodological limitation and geographic confinement of prior IR research.
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