Search results
1 – 10 of over 1000Memoona Iqbal and Muhammad Rafiq
The purpose of this study is to execute the application of confirmatory factor analysis in structural equation modeling, to investigate the reliability and validity of the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to execute the application of confirmatory factor analysis in structural equation modeling, to investigate the reliability and validity of the proposed integrated digital library user success (IDLUS) scale in academic digital library computing information system in the area of information management and systems.
Design/methodology/approach
The study analyzed 355 valid responses (MPhil and PhD) from the largest and oldest public sector university in Pakistan. Sample selection was calculated through a stratified random sampling technique from the four faculties of the University of the Punjab. The instrument was constructed based on the available two digital library and information system success models. The first model is Jung’s (1997) digital library user success model that is further composed of flow model (1977), end user computing satisfaction model (1987) and Joshi’s overall user satisfaction model (1990). Similarly, the second model is DeLone and McLean’s reformulated information system success (2003) theory. The question items used a five-point Likert scale and executed regression weights, standardized regression weights, convergent validity, variance extracted, construct reliability and discriminant validity to infer results.
Findings
Findings show that the IDLUS scale has excellent validity and reliability estimates.
Research limitations/implications
The study has theoretical implications for researchers and practical implications for information system developers.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this scale is the first-ever effort to measure the digital library user success in the context of Higher Education Commission-National Digital Library of Pakistan. Therefore, there was a dire need to conduct the psychometric analysis of the scale to examine the model fit statistics on the current sample in the particular cultural norms. Scale is based upon human factors taken from various Web success and information system success models from the fields of human–computer interaction information systems and computer-mediated communication.
Details
Keywords
Yusuf Ayodeji Ajani, Emmanuel Kolawole Adefila, Shuaib Agboola Olarongbe, Rexwhite Tega Enakrire and Nafisa Rabiu
This study aims to examine Big Data and the management of libraries in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and its implications for policymakers in Nigeria.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine Big Data and the management of libraries in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and its implications for policymakers in Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative methodology was used, involving the administration of open-ended questionnaires to librarians from six selected federal universities located in Southwest Nigeria.
Findings
The findings of this research highlight that a significant proportion of librarians are well-acquainted with the relevance of big data and its potential to positively revolutionize library services. Librarians generally express favorable opinions concerning the relevance of big data, acknowledging its capacity to enhance decision-making, optimize services and deliver personalized user experiences.
Research limitations/implications
This study exclusively focuses on the Nigerian context, overlooking insights from other African countries. As a result, it may not be possible to generalize the study’s findings to the broader African library community.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is unique because the paper reported that librarians generally express favorable opinions concerning the relevance of big data, acknowledging its capacity to enhance decision-making, optimize services and deliver personalized user experiences.
Details
Keywords
Azra Rafique, Kanwal Ameen and Alia Arshad
This study aims to explore the evidence-based usage patterns of higher education commission (HEC) subscribed e-journal databases in the university digital library used by the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the evidence-based usage patterns of higher education commission (HEC) subscribed e-journal databases in the university digital library used by the scholarly community and the academics’ online searching behaviour at a higher education institution in Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used an explanatory sequential mixed methods approach. Raw transaction log data were collected for quantitative analysis, and the interview technique was used for qualitative data collection and thematic analysis.
Findings
Log analysis revealed that HEC subscribed databases were used significantly, and among those, scholarly databases covering various subjects were more frequently used than subject-specific society-based databases. Furthermore, the users frequently accessed the needed e-journal articles through search engines like Google and Google Scholar, considering them sources of free material instead of the HEC subscribed databases.
Practical implications
It provides practical implications for examining the evidence-based use patterns of e-journal databases. It suggests the need for improving the access management of HEC databases, keeping in view the usage statistics and the demands of the scholars. The study may also help create market venues for the publishers of scholarly databases by offering attractive and economical packages for researchers of various disciplines in developing and underdeveloped countries. The study results also guide the information professionals to arrange orientation and information literacy programs to improve the searching behaviour of their less frequent users and enhance the utilization of these subscribed databases.
Originality/value
The study is part of a PhD project and, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, is the first such work in the context of a developing country like Pakistan.
Details
Keywords
Abid Hussain, Amjid Khan and Pervaiz Ahmad
As a part of doctoral study, this study aims to analyze research on library management models (LMMs) by conducting a systematic literature review (SLR).
Abstract
Purpose
As a part of doctoral study, this study aims to analyze research on library management models (LMMs) by conducting a systematic literature review (SLR).
Design/methodology/approach
A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Mata-Analysis approach was used to search four databases. The search criteria included studies published in English until 2022, resulting 9,125 records. Out of these records, a total of 36 studies were selected for final analysis
Findings
The results show a positive attitude among researchers toward the development of LMM for libraries globally. The results depict that more than one-third (39%) of the target population was comprised of academic staff and students. The majority (91.76%) of studies were conducted using survey. Quantitative methods were predominant (89%) for LMMs. There were a significant number of studies conducted in 2016. The country-wise distribution shows the USA and China each contribute (20%) of the studies.
Practical implications
The findings of this research could assist policymakers and authorities in reconciling the LMMs applied in libraries for providing efficient access to information resources and services to end users.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is unique as no comprehensive study has been conducted on LMMs using the SLR method.
Details
Keywords
Qazi Imran Ahmad, Nosheen Fatima Warraich and Amara Malik
This study aims to investigate the everyday life information seeking behavior of transgender people in Pakistan.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the everyday life information seeking behavior of transgender people in Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative study, based on a survey design, was conducted to explore the everyday information needs of transgender people along with the types and frequency of using information sources. This study further explored the barriers to seeking everyday life information. Data were collected from 378 transgender people from Pakistan.
Findings
Music related information was the most important daily life information need and television appeared as one of the primary information sources frequently consulted by the transgender people. The respondents revealed a variety of challenges in accessing information including lack of education, lack of understanding about available information sources, biased treatment by the public and lack of technological skills. Furthermore, a statistically significant difference was found in everyday information needs and sources consulted on the basis of their age and education.
Originality/value
The findings provide a guideline to educate information providers, government agencies and other stakeholders about the information needs of this marginalized community in Pakistan. This study also suggests ways in which stakeholder may improve information systems and services to better assist transgender people.
Details
Keywords
Nazia Wahid, Usama Amin, Muhammad Ajmal Khan, Nadeem Siddique and Nosheen Fatima Warraich
This study aims to map the “Desktop Research” (DR) output in Pakistan, as part of the growing field of research globally. It also ascertains the productive institutions and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to map the “Desktop Research” (DR) output in Pakistan, as part of the growing field of research globally. It also ascertains the productive institutions and prolific authors along with their collaboration patterns.
Design/methodology/approach
Bibliometric techniques were used to quantitatively analyze the DR published in Pakistan. The publications from 1981 to 2021 were retrieved from Scopus. A total of 1,802 publications were retrieved and used for analysis.
Findings
Results indicated an unpredictable increase in DR output from approximately 100 to 400 records during the past five years. The year 2020 was most productive in DR research showing the excess use of secondary data by researchers in COVID-19. The focus of researchers towards DR was consistently rising. Medical journals were found to publish DR extensively. Majority of the publications were contributed by collaborative work and researchers of the USA were found as the most collaborative with Pakistani authors. Publications of single category journals, open access journals and international collaboration get more citations.
Research limitations/implications
The results of the analysis rely only on a single database, Scopus, for retrieving the publication data.
Practical implications
The study has practical implications for the policymakers and higher education development organizations to introduce the DR as a course in academic schools.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to review DR in the context of Pakistan through bibliometric analysis. This comprehensive overview provides a better understanding of the development of the field and possible practice implications.
Details
Keywords
Nina Mayesti, Chen Hao Huang, Aviazka Firdhaussi Azmir and Diah Melati Adzani
This study aims to determine the extent of virtual reality (VR)/augmented reality (AR) adoption in university libraries in Indonesia and identify librarians’ views of library…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to determine the extent of virtual reality (VR)/augmented reality (AR) adoption in university libraries in Indonesia and identify librarians’ views of library readiness. The assessment centers on two crucial dimensions: library readiness, gauged by commitment and efficacy, and librarian readiness, appraised through cognitive and affective aspects.
Design/methodology/approach
The research features a survey-based quantitative method. A sample of 259 librarians from university libraries, all members of the Indonesian Higher Education Library Forum, responded to the online survey.
Findings
Indonesian university libraries, especially in Central Java, express strong interest in VR/AR despite low current adoption. Librarians believe in their commitment and efficacy for adoption, with improvements needed in budget procurement and human resources. Librarians are optimistic about innovating academic activities with VR/AR, despite concerns about collaboration, data governance and human resource insecurity. The research underscores the simultaneous influence of librarians’ and libraries’ readiness on VR/AR adoption, emphasizing their interconnectedness and mutual support within library management.
Practical implications
There are practical implications for library institutions in Indonesia in terms of understanding the attendant opportunities and challenges when preparing organizational ecosystems. These findings provide a broad overview of VR/AR adoption in university libraries in Indonesia and contribute to understanding the specific needs and interests of universities in Indonesia considering adopting VR/AR. In addition to preparing adequate infrastructure, libraries should ensure the availability of adequate human resources.
Originality/value
In the Indonesian context, this study, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, makes the first attempt to examine the librarian’s view as part of library management to face the dilemmas that may arise during the adoption of VR/AR despite university libraries’ commitment and efficacy to enable this technology. This research also identifies librarians’ cognitive and affective readiness as individual characteristics and resources able to influence adequate adoption.
Details
Keywords
Ikhlaq ur Rehman, Uzma Majeed and Shabir Ahmad Ganaie
Continuous professional development (CPD) plays a crucial role in the library workplace by equipping library and information science (LIS) professionals with the skills and…
Abstract
Purpose
Continuous professional development (CPD) plays a crucial role in the library workplace by equipping library and information science (LIS) professionals with the skills and technical knowledge to bridge the theory-praxis gap, assuring that library practitioners and their organisations continue to innovate and stay successful and tailored to the requirement of their users. The aim of the study was to investigate the channels of CPD for LIS professionals working in the university libraries of Northern India. Also, it explored the motivations and barriers related to the LIS professionals’ CPD.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted a quantitative research design followed by the survey research method. The study population included LIS professionals working in the university libraries of Northern India. Data was gathered from 177 respondents via the census sampling method.
Findings
LIS professionals engaged in CPD activities through multiple channels. Intrinsic factors primarily governed the motivation for CPD. Similarly, time and finance were significant challenges for LIS CPD. Lastly, most libraries were headed by in-charge librarians (non-professionals). De-professionalisation, or the deliberate de-skilling of professional roles, threatens the basis upon which librarians establish their credibility as professionals.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the study is the first of its kind from the perspective of a developing country, adding to the CPD literature in academic libraries.
Details
Keywords
Md. Nurul Islam, Guangwei Hu, Murtaza Ashiq and Shakil Ahmad
This bibliometric study aims to analyze the latest trends and patterns of big data applications in librarianship from 2000 to 2022. By conducting a comprehensive examination of…
Abstract
Purpose
This bibliometric study aims to analyze the latest trends and patterns of big data applications in librarianship from 2000 to 2022. By conducting a comprehensive examination of the existing literature, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the emerging field of big data in librarianship and its potential impact on the future of libraries.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employed a rigorous four-stage process of identification, screening, eligibility and inclusion to filter and select the most relevant documents for analysis. The Scopus database was utilized to retrieve pertinent data related to big data applications in librarianship. The dataset comprised 430 documents, including journal articles, conference papers, book chapters, reviews and books. Through bibliometric analysis, the study examined the effectiveness of different publication types and identified the main topics and themes within the field.
Findings
The study found that the field of big data in librarianship is growing rapidly, with a significant increase in publications and citations over the past few years. China is the leading country in terms of publication output, followed by the United States of America. The most influential journals in the field are Library Hi Tech and the ACM International Conference Proceeding Series. The top authors in the field are Minami T, Wu J, Fox EA and Giles CL. The most common keywords in the literature are big data, librarianship, data mining, information retrieval, machine learning and webometrics.
Originality/value
This bibliometric study contributes to the existing body of literature by comprehensively analyzing the latest trends and patterns in big data applications within librarianship. It offers a systematic approach to understanding the state of the field and highlights the unique contributions made by various types of publications. The study’s findings and insights contribute to the originality of this research, providing a foundation for further exploration and advancement in the field of big data in librarianship.
Details
Keywords
Hoi Ching Cheung, Yan Yin Marco Lo, Dickson K.W. Chiu and Elaine W.S. Kong
This study examines academic librarians' perceptions and attitudes toward Internet of Things (IoT) applications in Hong Kong academic libraries and the problems and possible…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines academic librarians' perceptions and attitudes toward Internet of Things (IoT) applications in Hong Kong academic libraries and the problems and possible improvements in using IoT technologies to strengthen library services.
Design/methodology/approach
This qualitative research used video conferencing software for semi-structured, one-on-one interviews. Participants were given introductory material about the IoT and asked to complete an interview. The data were analyzed using inductive theme clustering for this study.
Findings
The analysis identified three themes: perception about applying IoT technology to the library, problems and improvements in using IoT. Participants were generally optimistic about the potential benefits of IoT for improving library operations and providing personalized services. However, they also expressed concerns about privacy and security, errors and extra efforts for information literacy training. They suggested improvements such as incorporating facial recognition technology, advanced RFID technology and collections identification technology to enhance user experience.
Originality/value
Most studies examined users' views rather than librarians' on IoT applications, which few studies cover, especially in East Asia.
Details