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1 – 10 of over 140000Sonia G. Patrickson Stewart and Nadine Newman
The purpose of this paper is to ascertain from literature, ways in which information technology is being utilized in the provision of user services in academic libraries…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to ascertain from literature, ways in which information technology is being utilized in the provision of user services in academic libraries in developed and developing countries; explore the implications of the under-utilization of information technology in offering user services to patrons in academic libraries in the English-speaking Caribbean; and offer suggestions regarding the acquisition of information technology to enhance user services in academic libraries in the English-speaking Caribbean. With the advent of new technology, user services in information-centered institutions must adapt and make changes in the way information is presented and accessed.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors have undertaken a review of literature from available scholarly papers to discover the expectations of modern library users, and how inventive academic libraries have to become to create a paradigm shift from the “antiquated” to “modern” user services to meet client expectations and to stay relevant in the information age.
Findings
The reviewed literature highlighted the various ways in which academic libraries, particularly those in developed countries, are employing information technology in their service offerings. The literature highlights the necessity for Academic Libraries in the English-speaking Caribbean to also utilize information technology for optimum user service if they are to attain international standard.
Originality value
This is one of the first attempts at examining and documenting the need for changes in user services in the English-speaking Caribbean. While the literature is replete with information on ways in which academic libraries are using information technology to serve their patrons, this paper offers a synopsis of the developments in this regard.
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Aim of the present monograph is the economic analysis of the role of MNEs regarding globalisation and digital economy and in parallel there is a reference and examination…
Abstract
Aim of the present monograph is the economic analysis of the role of MNEs regarding globalisation and digital economy and in parallel there is a reference and examination of some legal aspects concerning MNEs, cyberspace and e‐commerce as the means of expression of the digital economy. The whole effort of the author is focused on the examination of various aspects of MNEs and their impact upon globalisation and vice versa and how and if we are moving towards a global digital economy.
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The purpose of this paper is to explore key issues involved with opportunities, challenges, and future developing trends of delivering dynamic and distributed web‐based…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore key issues involved with opportunities, challenges, and future developing trends of delivering dynamic and distributed web‐based academic library information resources, services, and instructions for library users in the digital age.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the typical web‐based, three‐tier client/server architecture, this paper explores ten key issues how to leverage quality library user services in the digital age: roles of academic libraries; funding support; information resources; information access; information services; instructions and trainings; impacts of cutting‐edge technologies and emerging technologies; web contents management and knowledge base; assessment and evaluation; and Librarians. Also discussed are the next‐generation web‐based client/server library information architecture and services in the foreseeable future.
Findings
With the rapid development of the internet and the world wide web, information exchange and information distribution can be transformed either by disparate formats or by dynamic channels. Knowledge, competence, and skills cannot follow up with the rapid advances of science and technologies. Many library users need assistance to access, locate, convert, synthesize, and evaluate information effectively and efficiently. It is very imperative for libraries and librarians to design, develop, enhance, implement, and deliver high quality user‐centered information services, resources, and instruction at the fingertips of library users.
Originality/value
Target readers who include librarians, instructors, trainers, consultants, managers, IT specialists, executives, and other professionals who are involved with developing and delivering distributed library user services via the internet will find this article of value.
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This study seeks to examine the concepts of context, context‐awareness, and context‐awareness technology needed for applying context‐awareness technology to the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study seeks to examine the concepts of context, context‐awareness, and context‐awareness technology needed for applying context‐awareness technology to the next‐generation of digital libraries, and proposed context‐aware services that can be applied to any situation by illustrating some library contexts.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper investigated both theoretical research and case analysis studies before suggesting a service model for context‐awareness‐based libraries by examining the context, context‐awareness, and context‐awareness technology in depth.
Findings
This paper derived possible library services which could be provided if context‐awareness services are implemented by examining and analyzing case studies and systems constructed in other fields. A library‐applied context‐aware system could recognize users entering the library and provide optimal services tailored to each situation for both new and existing users. In addition, the context‐awareness‐based library could provide context‐awareness‐based reference services, context‐awareness‐based loan services, and cater to other user needs in the stacks, research space, and a variety of other information spaces. The context‐awareness‐based library could also recognize users in need of emergency assistance by detecting the user's behavior, movement path, and temperature, etc. Comfort or climate‐control services could provide the user with control of the temperature, humidity, illumination and other environmental elements to fit the circumstances of users, books, and instruments through context‐aware technology.
Practical implications
Next‐generation digital libraries apply new concepts such as semantic retrieval, real‐time web, cloud computing, mobile web, linked data, and context‐awareness. Context‐awareness‐based libraries can provide applied context‐awareness access service, reactive space according to the user's access, applied context‐awareness lobbies, applied context‐awareness reference services, and applied context‐awareness safety services, context‐awareness‐based comfort services and so on.
Originality/value
Real instances of libraries applying context‐aware technology are few, according to the investigative results of this study. The study finds that the next‐generation digital library using context‐awareness technology can provide the best possible service for the convenience of its users.
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Anna Marie Johnson, Claudene Sproles, Robert Detmering and Jessica English
The purpose of this paper is to provide a selected bibliography of recent resources on library instruction and information literacy.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a selected bibliography of recent resources on library instruction and information literacy.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper introduces and annotates periodical articles, monographs, and audiovisual material examining library instruction and information literacy.
Findings
Information is provided about each source, and the paper discusses the characteristics of current scholarship, and describes sources that contain unique scholarly contributions and quality reproductions.
Originality/value
The information may be used by librarians and interested parties as a quick reference to literature on library instruction and information literacy.
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The following is an introductory profile of the fastest growing firms over the three-year period of the study listed by corporate reputation ranking order. The business…
Abstract
The following is an introductory profile of the fastest growing firms over the three-year period of the study listed by corporate reputation ranking order. The business activities in which the firms are engaged are outlined to provide background information for the reader.
Developments in information technology have led to changes in the mode of delivery of library services, and in the perceptions of the role of librarians in the information…
Abstract
Developments in information technology have led to changes in the mode of delivery of library services, and in the perceptions of the role of librarians in the information‐seeking context. In particular, the proliferation of electronic resources has led to the emergence of new service paradigms and new roles for librarians. The Gateway Library at Penn State University (PSU) is an electronic library in transition, with new technology‐based services evolving to address the ever growing and changing needs of the academic community. It facilitates access to and navigation of electronic resources in an integrated technology environment.
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Rowena Cullen and Cheng Huanwen
New technologies in reference and information work place increasing demands on reference staff to acquire skills with the technology itself, to develop and evaluate new…
Abstract
New technologies in reference and information work place increasing demands on reference staff to acquire skills with the technology itself, to develop and evaluate new services and sources, and to train users in their optimal use. These demands for new skills create training needs among staff offering the services. This paper reports on a survey carried out in libraries in Guangzhou and Wellington that investigated the use of technology to provide information services in these libraries, the training that had been provided and areas where libraries felt there were still unmet needs for training. Although Chinese libraries were using a similar range of technologies, training programmes and needs varied between Chinese and New Zealand libraries.
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