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1 – 4 of 4Zoe Chao, Steve Borrelli, Bikalpa Neupane and Joseph Fennewald
The purpose of this paper is to triangulate qualitative and quantitative data with existing data to inform on the function and user experience of a newly created the “News…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to triangulate qualitative and quantitative data with existing data to inform on the function and user experience of a newly created the “News Library,” and, further, to inform on the viability of “bring your own device spaces” (BYOD) in meeting the computing needs of Penn State University Park students through a multi-dimensional study.
Design/methodology/approach
This study leverages several methodologies for data collection, including observation, survey, flip chart prompts, interviews and focus groups.
Findings
Findings suggest that the News Library accommodates users’ social needs. However, it does not accommodate their communal needs well. The majority of students at the Penn State University Park campus, own laptops and bring them to the library when they intend to study. Personal device usage is preferable to library-provided computers per a familiarity with their personal device, access to personal files and independence of workspace.
Research limitations/implications
As this is a case study, the findings are not generalizable. This study was conducted in one library, on one campus at a 24-campus institution with over 30 libraries.
Originality/value
The mixed-methods study provides multiple views into user behaviors and expectations. The authors propose guidelines for informing the design of BYOD spaces.
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Susan E. Thomas and Anne E. Leonard
The purpose of this paper is to interpret and discuss survey results of a study of academic librarians’ scholarship and creative work outside of library and information…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to interpret and discuss survey results of a study of academic librarians’ scholarship and creative work outside of library and information science in order to reveal some librarians’ motivations to perform such work as well as their perceptions of administrators’ attitudes toward it.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors published a link to a qualitative survey instrument on COLLIB-L and ULS-L, the e-mail lists for the college libraries section and the university libraries section of American Library Association, asking that only academic librarians engaged in scholarship and creative work outside of library and information science participate. This paper is an exploratory analysis of the survey results.
Findings
Librarians reported that they produce such work for many reasons, including personal satisfaction, dynamic and successful liaison work, and ongoing commitment to scholarship and creative work. Academic librarians who produce non-LIS work do so with varying levels of support, and the recognition of such work is inconsistent among institutions.
Originality/value
The authors are the first to query American academic librarians specifically about their scholarship or creative work outside of library and information science. Managers and administrators will glean much about academic librarians’ attitudes toward such work and how it adds value to the library operation and institution. Findings could affect criteria for reappointment, promotion, and tenure.
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Zahra Sarhadi, Mojtaba Kaffashan Kakhki and Hassan Behzadi
This study aims to assess the effect of knowledge management (KM) development and emotional intelligence (EI) on the productivity of librarians regarding the mediating…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to assess the effect of knowledge management (KM) development and emotional intelligence (EI) on the productivity of librarians regarding the mediating role of job motivation (JM) and job feedback (JF).
Design/methodology/approach
This study was carried out in two phases. First, the variables affecting the productivity of librarians were identified and selected through an explorative study and by surveying their opinions. Then, the theoretically designed model was administered to 312 librarians at Iranian public libraries. A questionnaire was used to collect data, and the structural equation modelling technique was used to analyse data.
Findings
The results of this study showed that KM and EI, mediated by JM and JF, had a positive and significant effect on developing the librarians’ productivity. The results also revealed that JF had a positive effect on JM and that JF was more effective on productivity than JM. This study marginally proved the direct effect of KM and EI on productivity where KM was more effective than EI on productivity. Knowing the effects of organizational and individual factors on the higher productivity of librarians in public libraries will help library managers make more efficient use of those factors in developing the capabilities of librarians and enhancing productivity.
Originality/value
This study is one of the few studies of its kind that facilitates the perception of the concept of productivity in public libraries and also the assessment of the effects of organizational and individual factors on the librarians’ productivity.
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