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Short Message Service (SMS) is an application that is widely used by all types of mobile telephone users. Integration of these short messages for marketing different products and services has become a common practice in e‐commerce. This study aims to look at how SMS‐based mobile alerts can be effectively implemented in libraries for successfully marketing the library services and providing value‐added services. This study seeks to follow‐up an original pilot project conducted by the University of Swaziland and Emerald Group Publishing on SMS‐based alert services for a smaller group of users on Emerald's Intouch platform. In this new study the authors aim to try the same project with a combination of multiple databases and a heterogeneous user groups on an independent platform.

With the experiences gained from the UNISWA‐Emerald pilot project on SMS alerts a similar project with a wider scope was attempted at Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, India, where an attempt was made to see whether a similar content alert system, based on the prototype suggested in the pilot project, can be effectively implemented using the same technology on an independent platform with a semi‐automated system compared to the manual system of the pilot. The methodology, findings, data and the experience gained during the pilot project as well as the follow‐up project are predominantly used in this paper.

This study confirms that the prototype suggested in the pilot project can be implemented on an independent platform with multiple databases by using the same parameters. It proves that a successful SMS‐based alert service similar to a SDI service can be implemented using the SMS messaging and have the potential to successfully market library services to its patrons.

This project is a second in the sequence where the authors have tried a heterogeneous user group and mobile alerts consists of the different databases subscribed to by the university library. The alerts were dependent on the effective e‐mail‐based alerts provided by the publishers. The keywords used were generalized and the users provided the keyword based on their personal needs. The major limitation was the manual transmission of the SMS, which needs to be automated with a script. Another limitation was the maximum size of SMS texts. Whenever the texts exceeded 140 characters, only hyperlinks were sent with the actual content being kept as a webpage in the server.

This project can be implemented as it is since it generalizes the process of implementing a result‐oriented SMS‐based alert service.

This study presents a method for implementing an SMS‐based alert service in libraries. With the experiences gained in a series of practical environments the authors have attempted to document the practical experience, which can be implemented in its present form. With mobile alerts gaining prominence in library services and very little material are available on SMS‐based alert services in libraries this may serve as an important milestone in integrating such a service into the future integrated library services.

Short Message Service (SMS) is an application which is widely used in mobile telephony. SMS messaging through mobile phones is very popular among young and old. This study aims to look at how SMS technology can be very effectively used in library and information services with a glimpse into a pilot project conducted by University of Swaziland and Emerald Group Publishing Limited and the subsequent need for creating a prototype for the SMS‐based library alert services and marketing of library services.

Following the pilot project conducted by the University of Swaziland and Emerald Group Publishing Limited for a period of two months (March‐April 2009), the findings and the methodology used for the project prompted further research. Data and experience gained during the pilot project is predominantly used in the paper.

This study finds that the library users can be successfully motivated and engaged to use the resources through SMS messaging and have the potential to market library services. It also finds out that there is a need to have a prototype for essential services for the benefit of the users as well as to market the library resources.

The pilot project was a short project with specific user base. This project was not tested on heterogeneous user base. The prototype model also works on certain assumptions and limitations. At the prototype level different files are suggested and they are handled separately because of which an open ended script method is suggested. Longer SMSs, which cannot be sent by the SMS server, need to be either split up into several messages or stored in the server as a webpage and sent as a hyperlink in SMSs.

To implement the prototype, various steps highlighted in the paper are to be followed and since each action needs to be operated separately, it cannot be claimed as a single click SMS‐based alert service.

This study presents a method for implementing SMS‐based alert service in libraries. With the experience gained in a similar practical environment, an attempt has been made to create a prototype. This may serve as an important milestone in integrating such a service into the future integrated library services (ILS).

This paper seeks to provide an insight into the implementation of some of the innovative Web 2.0 applications at Jaypee University of Information Technology with the aim of exploring the expectations of the users and their awareness and usage of such applications.

The study was undertaken at the Learning Resource Centre (LRC), Jaypee University of Information Technology (JUIT), Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India. The LRC at JUIT serves its patrons in supplementing their research needs while creating an ambience for teaching, learning and research. The emergence of digital technologies and information and communications technology (ICT) tools in libraries has encouraged the implementation of a wide range of applications, such as digital libraries, video on demand, reference services and database services into library services. The advent of next‐generation web technologies, known as Web 2.0 applications, has prompted a number of other pertinent services to be implemented to enhance the information literacy skills of the existing services. A survey method was used to understand the basic awareness and expectations of library users, and the usability of resources.

The LRC has made a number of provisions to adopt some Web 2.0 applications in its library services to create information literacy. The users of the JUIT library still lack awareness about various Web 2.0 applications necessary for teaching and learning.

The paper suggests that Web 2.0 applications can be used effectively to create information literacy amongst users. Library and information science (LIS) educators should take advantage of advances in the field of ICT and consider the learning preferences of information natives as well as information immigrants. Web 2.0 supports a constructivist approach to information awareness tools, and has great potential to socialise learning and information delivery to a greater extent. Web 2.0 technologies should be implemented as a medium of information communication, taking into account the pedagogical perspectives.

The case study is a practical application at the Jaypee University of Information Technology. The LRC has implemented some Web 2.0 applications in the Library. The study was undertaken at the university to understand the basic awareness of Web 2.0 and to create information literacy amongst users through it.

The purpose of this study is to have a closer look at the awareness of referencing utilities among the library professionals in India. In a research environment, referencing and bibliography play an important role in the dissemination of research findings through scholarly writings. Citing references while writing scholarly articles has become more eloquent mainly due to the availability of a range of bibliography management utilities. Currently, there are various types of Bibliography Management Software (BMS) available for the management of the citation, referencing and compiling bibliographies. Librarians have a crucial role to play in helping the faculty, students and research scholars in the process of writing their scholarly articles and theses, especially in the area of referencing.

The study was conducted through an online survey with an aim to assess the perception, awareness and use of BMS by the Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals in India.

In the academic environment, published results of research findings are crucial for the advancement of knowledge. The published research findings are often supported and disputed using the citation of previous studies. There are a number of supporting technologies that are intended to help in procuring needed citations and streamlining them for better research output. The role of the librarian in this endeavor is undisputed. This study shows that there is a need for strengthening the awareness of BMS at the institutional level and also hands-on experience is needed for library professionals to help in the process of research writing and advocate for adopting correct referencing style (citation style) while writing scholarly articles.

The increased use of information and communication technology in the process of scholarly writing, especially in the search and retrieval of relevant articles and the availability of electronic journals and books, have resulted in an increased number of research articles being written by research scholars. The downside to this overflow of scholarly and creative writing is the incorrect way of using referencing style in the dissemination of research and the possibilities of malpractice and plagiarism. This study will help in creating awareness of the utility of citation and BMS in content writing, especially among library and information professionals, as they play an important role in facilitating research.

This study will be beneficial for the LIS professionals in understanding the effectiveness of their services when complemented by the use of technology-powered tools. Creating awareness of the use of BMS in content development in scholarly communication promises to create a flawless scholarly output as library professionals will help researchers in guiding research writings with correct referencing and citation.

Use of BMS helps in the development of content in an organized, methodical and scientific way. The role of library and information professionals working with different researchers and scholars in advocating and practicing the use of BMS will go a long way in creating more streamlined content.

The purpose of this paper is to provide a selected bibliography of recent resources on library instruction and information literacy.

The paper introduces and annotates periodical articles, monographs, and audiovisual material examining library instruction and information literacy.

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.

The information may be used by librarians and interested parties as a quick reference to literature on library instruction and information literacy.

The purpose of this paper is to explore the growth and development of periodical literature on Web 2.0 technologies and their other fields.

Bibliographic data of the articles published in the 13 leading peer‐reviewed journals are obtained from the Emerald database (www.emeraldinsight.com) directly using such keywords as “Web 2.0”, “blogs”, “wikis”, “RSS”, “social networking sites”, “podcasts”, “Mashup”, and multimedia sharing tools, i.e. YouTube and Flickr. The bibliographical surrogates such as author, title, subtitle, source, issue, volume, pages, etc. were recorded in MS‐Excel (2010) sheet for the analysis and interpretation of data. A bibliography of selected articles is provided.

The study found 206 research articles on the subject published in 13 leading library and information science journals of Emerald for period 2007‐2011. Further, the study found that 2009 was the most productive year with 69 articles. The study observed Online Information Review published 49 articles, and hence can be considered the core journal on the topic. Mike Thelwall from the UK was found to be the most prolific author, having authored or co‐authored five articles.

The study was based on 206 research articles published during the years 2007‐2011. The study was restricted to this period because the Web 2.0 concept was originated during 2004‐2005 and the undertaken period has sufficient published literature on the topic.

The paper provides reliable and authentic information on the subject. This is the first study on this topic.

The primary purpose of this study was to check the online information retrieval self-efficacy among library professionals in predicting the satisfaction of patrons within universities’ libraries.

The study was grounded on Bandura four sources of self-efficacy, encompassing mastery experience, vicarious experience, social persuasion and physiological states. To accomplish this, a meticulously designed questionnaire was administered to collect data from library professionals employed in universities libraries recognized by the Higher Education Commission in Punjab and capital city of Pakistan (Islamabad). Following by the validation of assumptions, researchers conducted a multiple linear regression test to predict the outcomes of the dependent variable by using the independents variables. Additionally, a comparative evaluation was carried out among all the independent variables to determine their respective contributions to satisfaction of library patrons.

The results emphasized the distinct and substantial significance of three variables, physiological states, social feedback and mastery experience in predicting the satisfaction of library patrons. Nevertheless, vicarious experience did not demonstrate a significant influence on the satisfaction of library patrons. Furthermore, influence of physiological states on the improvement of library patrons’ satisfaction was relatively higher compared to other three self-efficacy sources. In conclusion, research established the essential role of online information retrieval self-efficacy in enhancing the satisfaction of library patrons.

The findings of the study can form a solid basis for devising academic programs to train the library professionals for effective utilization of various information systems and databases. These programs play an important role in improving the self-efficacy of library professionals, ultimately refining their skills in online information retrieval.

In essence, this study provides insights into the factors which are pivotal in effective information searching process, ultimately leading to increase the satisfaction level of library patrons which has not been previously researched in Pakistan as well as the world context. Moreover, the study significance lies in contribute to academic discourse, its potential to transform and promote the library services and as well as empower library professionals in delivering the satisfying and efficient experience for library patrons in the current digital age.