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Article
Publication date: 27 June 2019

Ayoung Yoon and Devan Ray Donaldson

The purpose of this paper is to understand the landscape of data curation services among public and academic libraries in the USA, with a focus on library capacity for providing…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the landscape of data curation services among public and academic libraries in the USA, with a focus on library capacity for providing data curation services.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an online survey by employing stratified sampling from the American Library Directory. A total of 198 responses were analyzed.

Findings

The authors’ findings provide insight into the current landscape of libraries’ data curation services. The survey participants evaluated six capacity dimensions for both public and academic libraries – value, financial, administrative, technical infrastructure, human resources and network. The ratings the participants gave to these capacity dimensions were significantly different between academic and public libraries.

Practical implications

This study suggests several areas in which libraries will benefit from further developing their capacity to successfully run data curation services.

Originality/value

This is among the first research study to address the concept of capacity in the context of libraries’ data curation services.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 37 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 August 2023

Patrick Chijioke Igbokwe

The study examined capacity-building practices for librarians' effective library service delivery in Federal University Libraries in Nigeria.

Abstract

Purpose

The study examined capacity-building practices for librarians' effective library service delivery in Federal University Libraries in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The design for this paper was a descriptive survey research design. Data was collected using a questionnaire from a total number of 178 respondents. Collected data were analyzed using mean scores and standard deviation.

Findings

The findings reveal that learning capacity-building practices such as rotating members of staff for wider experience exist in these libraries. Learning capacity-building practices contributes to effective service delivery by enhancing various library services. Results also show that there are challenges confronting learning capacity-building practices which include inadequate funding. For these libraries to perform to their highest potentials, their learning capacity needs to be built and developed.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitation of this study is the tendency of the respondents to fake their responses which may arise from their personal biases.

Practical implications

Therefore, university library management and university administrators should as a matter of urgency develop policies that will ensure that capacities are built for better service delivery or risk users losing interest in the library.

Originality/value

The study examined a vital dimension of capacity build, which is learning capacity building. The findings will help university administrators and library management to know the different learning capacity-building practices that exist in the various libraries and the extent to which these practices are important and relevant for effective service delivery. This will assist them in adopting relevant and adequate learning capacity-building strategies and guiding them in formulating effective capacity-building policies.

Details

Library Management, vol. 44 no. 8/9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1987

Gloria Novak, Anders C. Dahlgren, David Kapp, Jay K. Lucker, David Kaser, Margaret Beckman and Donald G. Kelsey

The most serious barrier to achieving a “forgiving building” is the cost of its special building systems. The library is increasingly becoming a “hi tech” and “smart” building. A…

Abstract

The most serious barrier to achieving a “forgiving building” is the cost of its special building systems. The library is increasingly becoming a “hi tech” and “smart” building. A sophisticated facility is required to support current collections and the emerging electronic and optical technologies that will occupy (and perhaps dominate) the future library. It is far less expensive to provide the capacity to support future components at the time of initial construction than to subsequently renovate a building to provide needed capacities at a later date. The real challenge for librarians is to convince those who fund library construction that the “forgiving building” is the least expensive alternative in the long run.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 5 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1986

Chris Sugnet

Representatives of six prominent library system vendors—Joseph R. Matthews (Inlex), Mike Monahan (Geac), Kelvin Browne (Utlas), Carl Lee (VTLS), Michael J. Mellinger (Data…

48

Abstract

Representatives of six prominent library system vendors—Joseph R. Matthews (Inlex), Mike Monahan (Geac), Kelvin Browne (Utlas), Carl Lee (VTLS), Michael J. Mellinger (Data Research) and Stephen R. Salmon (Carlyle)—address the key issues related to system performance. From their experiences and perspectives as vendors, they address the issues of 1) designing, configuring and sizing systems, 2) the establishment of performance criteria, 3) the use of benchmark and acceptance tests, 4) the risks of miscalculations, 5) the roles of the vendor, consultant and library, and 6) related topics.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 4 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Article
Publication date: 15 August 2023

Daniel Jr Soriano Balbin and Elizabeth Allan Lascano

The study aims to determine the extent of COVID-19’s impact on the libraries and information centers within Benguet. It identified the key differences in the effect of the…

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to determine the extent of COVID-19’s impact on the libraries and information centers within Benguet. It identified the key differences in the effect of the pandemic on each type of library: public, special, school and academic. It recalled and documented the challenges faced by libraries and librarians. It determined which aspects of their library were affected and how they were modified in terms of their policies, personnel, physical space, services, collection, infodemic response and marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used the qualitative descriptive method approach, specifically narrative research design and conducted online focus group discussions in which 14 librarians with managerial or supervisory functions participated. This method was used to explore the topic holistically by using qualitative inquiry. It best suited the purpose of fully understanding the experiences of libraries during the pandemic. The recorded online focus group discussions conducted through Zoom were reviewed and analyzed to identify key themes and responses from the participants. The themes identified from the thematic analysis were further validated with the participants through correspondence, chats or e-mails.

Findings

The findings showed that libraries were faced with challenges brought on by the lack of a written policy for the pandemic response, a lack of information communication and technology skills and resources, strict requirements on physical setup for pandemic compliance, budget cuts or realignments and delayed procurement, misinformation and users’ lack of awareness of the new services offered by the library.

Research limitations/implications

The study focused on the pandemic experiences of libraries and information centers in Baguio-Benguet, which was hailed as a model for local pandemic response, through the lenses of librarians with supervisory roles or functions.

Practical implications

Libraries could reflect on their experiences in this pandemic to plan for future strategies that would be best implemented in situations where face-to-face services are not allowed.

Originality/value

This study presented various best practices from different library institutions that could be emulated in the future. Many of these are still relevant regardless library services are going back to normal.

Details

Digital Library Perspectives, vol. 39 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-5816

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 May 2019

Fu-Hsuan Chuang, Hui-Chuan Weng and Pao-Nuan Hsieh

The purpose of this paper is to explore innovation barriers in academic libraries. Through analysis of barriers to innovation, the authors can further elucidate the nature of…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore innovation barriers in academic libraries. Through analysis of barriers to innovation, the authors can further elucidate the nature of innovation in academic library settings, which can help remove factors that hamper innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a qualitative case study to explore the innovation processes for two academic libraries, this study includes interviews with 28 interviewees, from senior leadership positions to practical librarians, to analyze the barriers to innovation they have experienced.

Findings

Building on a literature review, this study proposes a barrier to innovation framework for academic libraries. The qualitative findings identified two specific barrier types that academic libraries face, environmental and organizational barriers, identifying 19 barrier factors that intertwine to yield seven dimensions across the two levels of analysis. It is advised that library leadership team should both encourage innovative behaviors and eliminate the innovation barriers to enhance library innovation capacities.

Originality/value

The insights from this study can help the library managers of academic libraries to develop preemptive actions for dealing with various barrier scenarios, and thereby enhance possibilities of successful innovations.

Details

Library Management, vol. 40 no. 6/7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2005

Leslie Chan and Sely Costa

This paper aims to provide a review of recent trends in the open access (OA) movement, as well as to discuss the significance of those trends for information access in developing…

4001

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a review of recent trends in the open access (OA) movement, as well as to discuss the significance of those trends for information access in developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis of the recent literature was carried out, focusing on the benefits of a greater information access in developing countries. The paper also brings together the diverse experiences from the authors on OA publishing and archiving with institutions in a number of developing countries.

Findings

Knowledge workers in developing countries are now getting access to scholarly and scientific publications and electronic resources at a level that is unmatched historically. This is highly significant, if developing countries are to meet the millennium development goals. The OA movement and the growing number of Open Archive Initiative‐compliant institutional repositories promise to provide even greater access to resources and publications that were previously inaccessible. These low cost technology and interoperability standards are providing great opportunities for libraries and publishers in developing countries to disseminate local research and to bridge the south‐north knowledge gap.

Originality/value

This paper therefore provides recommendations for knowledge workers on how to actively participate in and contribute to the global knowledge commons. The results and recommendations contained in the paper should be of interest to authors, policy makers, funding agencies and information professionals in both developing and developed countries.

Details

New Library World, vol. 106 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4803

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 June 2020

Christopher M. Owusu-Ansah

The purpose of this paper was to explore African conceptions of digital libraries from the perspective of the historical literature. This paper argues that the concept of digital…

1468

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to explore African conceptions of digital libraries from the perspective of the historical literature. This paper argues that the concept of digital libraries is a western creation and that there was a need for developing societies to develop their own conceptions to guide their own digital library development agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a literature review. The paper makes use of publicly-available literature on the theme of digital libraries from both the Western and African perspectives. The search terms used were “digital libraries”, “Africa digital libraries”, “electronic libraries”, “information communication technologies/libraries” and “institutional repositories”. A total of 89 publications were examined for this purpose.

Findings

The analysis revealed that most of the initial digital library initiatives in Africa emanated from the west with African countries benefiting from international initiatives to expand access to information resources to bridge the global digital divide. However, due to a number of contextual challenges such as lack of sustainable funding and inadequate capacity and strategy, the development of digital libraries was hampered. Thus, even though digital libraries enjoy considerable goodwill, there remain negative conceptions of digital libraries in Africa.

Practical implications

Information institutions in African countries must evolve a unified conception of digital libraries as this would largely drive the direction of digital library development towards achieving the developmental goals of the continent.

Originality/value

The study applies the attributes of innovation to explain contextual factors shaping African conceptions of digital libraries.

Details

Digital Library Perspectives, vol. 36 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-5816

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 May 2007

Lesley Pitman

The paper seeks to describe the processes involved in an academic library building project, from the choice of site and appointment of the architects to the move itself. The focus…

1007

Abstract

Purpose

The paper seeks to describe the processes involved in an academic library building project, from the choice of site and appointment of the architects to the move itself. The focus is on finding solutions to problems caused by limited space, fixed deadlines and innovative design, and ensuring that the Library needs are fully understood throughout a complex project involving other interest groups over a number of years.

Design/methodology/approach

The experience of the UCL School of Slavonic and East European Studies Library is used as a case study to describe various issues around library design, working with architects and project managers, and managing a library move. Reference is made to the impact of the 7 July bombings in London on library staff.

Findings

The case study outlines the importance of Library involvement in every aspect of the design, the impact of decisions about internal layout on library capacity, the adaptability of library staff to unusual and difficult working conditions, the possibility of providing a limited service in an incomplete building, the importance of balancing aesthetic and functional considerations in the final design, and the impact of those design decisions on the long‐term functioning and use of the Library.

Originality/value

The paper describes most of the processes and problems likely to be encountered in a major library building project and will be useful to any library setting out on such a project.

Details

New Library World, vol. 108 no. 5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4803

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 November 2003

Briony Train

This paper considers the capacity of the public library service to support adult basic skills education. Research and policy documents pertaining to this subject in the fields of…

1502

Abstract

This paper considers the capacity of the public library service to support adult basic skills education. Research and policy documents pertaining to this subject in the fields of librarianship and education are presented, from which issues are identified that can prevent the public library from being effective in its basic skills provision. The Vital Link project (2001‐2002) is introduced as an example of a recent initiative that attempted to create a sustainable link between adult literacy and public libraries. Findings of a key aspect of the qualitative evaluation of The Vital Link are presented, with a focus on recommended changes to the public library service. The paper concludes that although barriers preventing effective service delivery are complex, the key to removing them may be more straightforward.

Details

Library Review, vol. 52 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0024-2535

Keywords

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