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1 – 10 of over 61000Sefan Kimlicka and Jaroslav Susol
Contends that information systems planning, development,maintenance and utilization in the area of libraries involve suchcomplicated procedures and techniques that good results…
Abstract
Contends that information systems planning, development, maintenance and utilization in the area of libraries involve such complicated procedures and techniques that good results cannot be expected without their knowledgeable management. The situation in the libraries and information centres in Slovakia is similar to that in other countries, especially after the socio‐political changes in 1989 when a shift towards a more market‐oriented approach appeared. The education of information systems managers is carried out in the framework of a five‐year Master′s programme in library and information science at the department of library and information science in Bratislava. The principal methodological course for the area of information systems management is the “Theory of library and information systems”. Outlines the content of the course and reflects the principal problem areas. Mentions other courses and programme orientations connected with library management.
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China has two separate systems engaged in library and information work. They have their own organizations, functions and tasks under their respective government departments. In…
Abstract
China has two separate systems engaged in library and information work. They have their own organizations, functions and tasks under their respective government departments. In China one of the major problems is that documents are not widely available. There is an obvious gap between the demands of users and their satisfaction. In view of China's present situation, interlending activities alone cannot cope completely with the problem of Chinese information needs. In the new situation following China's economic reformation, the structure of Chinese information users has greatly changed. To meet the increasing needs of the Chinese people, library and information systems must improve their methods of service and augment the scope of their service. Viewed as a whole, China needs to set up a nationwide document supply system in order to promote the supply of literature and the dissemination of information. The system may take a hierarchical form in which a number of regional systems are involved. Under the leadership of a central system, services would be provided not only to major scientific research and production and construction projects, but also to the general public at all levels of the country.
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the adoption of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in handling and supporting information services and activities in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the adoption of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in handling and supporting information services and activities in Kenyan university libraries.
Design/methodology/approach
The study utilized a survey research design to collect data, ideas, opinions, views and suggestions from the respondents drawn from various university libraries in Kenya. Collecting data and getting in‐depth information from the respondents was done using a web‐based structured questionnaire, document analysis and participant observation.
Findings
The findings from the study show that few university libraries in Kenya are using radio frequency identification technology to handle and support information services and activities. The study also found various problems hindering the adoption of the technology, such as a lack of information communication technology (ICT) policies, lack of a business approach, limited market opportunities, lack of lobbying or negotiating skills, inadequate funding and budgeting, and lack of ICT competencies and skills. The study recommends that library ICT professionals, information professionals and other stakeholders should make tireless efforts to implement and use RFID technology with the view to building, strengthening, improving and supporting information work and activities in university libraries.
Research limitations/implications
The study involved RFID technology, a relatively new and emerging innovation in university library and information systems, especially in the Kenyan context. The study also involved university libraries in Kenya that provide and support the fundamental functions of their respective universities.
Practical implications
Fundamentally, library ICT professionals, information professionals and other stakeholders need to take appropriate measures to address issues affecting the use of RFID solutions. There is a need to empower university libraries and information professionals with the right mix of ICT knowledge and skills necessary in the modern information environment.
Social implications
Across the world, university libraries are increasingly adopting and implementing RFID solutions in order to handle and support information work and activities. Of critical importance to the discussion is the extent to which university libraries in Kenya are using this technology to handle and support information work and activities effectively and efficiently. Proper management of library operations and services is necessary in university library and information systems.
Originality/value
The focus of the study was to assess the extent to which university libraries in Kenya are adopting and using RFID systems in information work and activities. This research is useful in providing a point of reference for university libraries and information professionals, increasingly going for similar solutions in Kenya and Africa in general.
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XiaoXia Yao, Ling Chen and LongJi Dai
China Academic Library and Information System (CALIS), funded primarily by the Chinese Government, is a nationwide academic library consortium in China. As one of the two public…
Abstract
China Academic Library and Information System (CALIS), funded primarily by the Chinese Government, is a nationwide academic library consortium in China. As one of the two public service systems in “Project 211”, in China's ninth five‐year plan, CALIS plays a multiple resource‐sharing role among the participating libraries. During past five years, CALIS has established a three‐tiered coordination and management network comprising national information centers, regional information centers and member libraries. In addition, a number of resources have been developed or imported which have made considerable improvements to the service to Chinese higher education and also accelerated the growth of CALIS. The target for CALIS is to build the China Academic Digital Library within the next five years. Currently, CALIS is doing research on the strategies and development of digital library systems, with cooperation and coordination from member libraries. With the development of “digital service environment”, “public service platform”, “imported and self‐built resources”, “service network”, etc. the digital library and information system will be established. The extension of digital library consortium resources and services will thus operate in a digital, networked environment. This paper provides information about the background, initiatives and the strategic plan of CALIS, illustrating how it operates and what it provides.
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Asefeh Asemi, Ali Akbari, Manouchehr Kheradmandnia and Abbas Farazi
The aim of this paper is to investigate the pros and cons of Iranian library management software, focusing on the usage of open source technology. It seeks to analyse the…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to investigate the pros and cons of Iranian library management software, focusing on the usage of open source technology. It seeks to analyse the viewpoints of librarians in the University of Isfahan as a sample to extend the findings to the Iranian Library management software community.
Design/methodology/approach
In order to get the opinions of librarians, the descriptive method is used. The required data are collected by literature review, questionnaire and open interview from university top managers, software technical staff, libraries managers, librarians, end users, and companies providing similar products. However, because of time limitations, the authors could only gather data by researcher‐made checklist of the librarians (informants) who directly have worked with University of Isfahan in the libraries.
Findings
The main problem of many library management software platforms in Iran is that the focus of development is mainly on technical issues rather than management, operational, and end‐user concerns. This is highlighted when open source software is used because it is common for an off‐the‐shelf product to be used with less consideration of the nontechnical issues. This is the reason that Iranian libraries are moving to replace their software with commercial versions.
Research limitations/implications
There was insufficient cooperation of some librarians in identifying capabilities and deficiencies of UILMS and limited cooperation of some technical experts in reviewing the software.
Originality/value
Considering the lack of standard checklists, this paper presents a relatively complete checklist to evaluate the library software.
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Shelagh Fisher and Tony Oulton
The DECIMAL project is a two‐year programme of research andtechnical investigation towards the development of a decision supportmodule for integrated library systems. Describes…
Abstract
The DECIMAL project is a two‐year programme of research and technical investigation towards the development of a decision support module for integrated library systems. Describes the results of the research phase of the project. Examines the significance of performance measurement and other non‐numeric information sources as input to the decision‐making process in a range of small to medium‐sized libraries.
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The paper aims to provide an overall methodology and case study for the innovation and extension of a digital library, especially the service system.
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to provide an overall methodology and case study for the innovation and extension of a digital library, especially the service system.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the three‐dimensional structure theory of the information service industry, this paper combines a comprehensive analysis with the practical experiences of Peking University Library as a case study.
Findings
The paper proposes three‐dimensional extensions of a digital library service system. It analyses the respective functions of organisations and librarians, information resources, services and methods and the interactions between them.
Originality/value
Innovatively, the theory of three‐dimensional structures is applied to the discussion of the development of the digital library service system. It is significant for the integrality of a digital library theoretical system, as well as for the practical developments, innovations and sustainability of the digital library.
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Micaela Chávez‐Villa and Abelardo Herrero Perezrul
This article aims to describe library automation development in Mexican universities, particularly the role of systems librarians in this process, together with the creation of…
Abstract
This article aims to describe library automation development in Mexican universities, particularly the role of systems librarians in this process, together with the creation of new services. Systems librarian positions in Mexico do not officially exist. The activities that comprise the role practiced in American libraries were analyzed to define the equivalent profile in Mexican institutions and contrast the different approaches. Background information on Mexican library and information science programs is included. The results and conclusions of a survey applied to 66 Mexican institutions examine the role of systems librarians. There is a brief case study of a Mexican library confronting complex technological change. Finally, some considerations about the relationship between systems administrators and librarians are included.
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The following bibliography focuses mainly on programs which can run on IBM microcomputers and compatibles under the operating system PC DOS/MS DOS, and which can be used in online…
Abstract
The following bibliography focuses mainly on programs which can run on IBM microcomputers and compatibles under the operating system PC DOS/MS DOS, and which can be used in online information and documentation work. They fall into the following categories: