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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 10 August 2023

Adeyinka Tella, Yusuf Ayodeji Ajani and Ugonna Vivian Ailaku

As the metaverse gains popularity, libraries have the potential to play a vital role in this virtual world. However, digital librarians and digital age library users need to…

2210

Abstract

Purpose

As the metaverse gains popularity, libraries have the potential to play a vital role in this virtual world. However, digital librarians and digital age library users need to develop metaliteracy skills to effectively navigate and evaluate digital information in the metaverse. The main purpose of this paper is to explore the link between libraries and the metaverse, define metaliteracy and highlight its importance for librarians and library users. The challenges of developing metaliteracy skills in the metaverse are discussed, as well as the need for ongoing training and support. This paper also explores the role of libraries and librarians in the metaverse and provides recommendations for enhancing metaliteracy skills.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a review of the literature, this paper analyzes various library websites and consulting literature relating to the link between libraries and the metaverse, metaliteracy and its importance for librarians and library users and the challenges of developing metaliteracy skills in the metaverse.

Findings

As the metaverse continues to evolve, libraries and librarians must adapt and develop the necessary skills to continue providing valuable resources and services to their communities in virtual environments.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, this paper is the original idea that highlights the importance of metaliteracy for librarians and library users. The challenges of developing metaliteracy skills in the metaverse.

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1993

Marthie de Kock

Networks allow different users from outside the library remote access to library catalogues. These remote users may face problems that differ from the OPAC users' in the library

Abstract

Networks allow different users from outside the library remote access to library catalogues. These remote users may face problems that differ from the OPAC users' in the library. They may not be comfortable with the computer technology and may not be familiar with the OPAC of the library. Libraries should offer different support services than they would provide to on‐site users. Libraries should be responsive to the needs of remote users. These users need technical advice as well as special instruction aids and guides to lead them to the information they want to retrieve.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 11 no. 4/5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Article
Publication date: 17 February 2012

Xinya Yang, Hui Yuan, Huanwen Cheng and Pak‐sing Andrew Liu

It is important for digital library to attract users to be reliant on the library. Besides providing research resources, the library still has many ways to achieve this goal. This…

Abstract

Purpose

It is important for digital library to attract users to be reliant on the library. Besides providing research resources, the library still has many ways to achieve this goal. This article aims to experiment on the library merit system which provides different ways to enhance users' viscosity on using library.

Design/methodology/approach

For the experiment, a merit system was developed and implemented; users' feedback was collected by a questionnaire survey for analysis.

Findings

The results showed that the degree of users' viscosity on the digital library was increased and several areas for a successful digital library portal should be paid more attention to.

Originality/value

The merit system can successfully increase users' viscosity with digital library.

Details

Library Management, vol. 33 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 September 2010

Shao Min and Yang Yi

The paper aims to provide an overview of the e‐resources and services in Tsinghua University Library, Beijing, and describe five campus‐wide user surveys. It states how these user

2062

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to provide an overview of the e‐resources and services in Tsinghua University Library, Beijing, and describe five campus‐wide user surveys. It states how these user surveys play an important role in service quality enhancement.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a brief history of Tsinghua University Library, a summary of the collections and services developed in recent years is given. The library has made a great effort to learn about users' needs and to improve service delivery through a series of user surveys. The paper describes these surveys, including the conclusions and the improvement measures adopted.

Findings

Feedback gathered from user surveys provides vital information for improving library services. Through these user surveys, the library received a large amount of data to be analysed and a lot of valuable information, it promoted communication with our users, and the librarian's service literacy has also improved.

Practical implications

An overview of user surveys, including methodology, content, organisation, and implementation process, as well as data analysis, might offer reference and practical experience for other university libraries.

Originality/value

User surveys play an important role in the library's service quality enhancement. The paper provides a useful overview and practical experience of the topic.

Details

Program, vol. 44 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0033-0337

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 April 2009

Qiaoying Zheng and Shaoping Wang

The aim of this paper is to focus on the formulation of a Library 2.0 program that will guide the realization of a “user‐centered” service pattern.

2373

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to focus on the formulation of a Library 2.0 program that will guide the realization of a “user‐centered” service pattern.

Design/methodology/approach

In‐depth user investigations are the first step toward a successful Library 2.0 program, which will reflect what users really hope to achieve through Library 2.0. Three user investigations were carried out with the purpose to get users' opinions and suggestions about Library 2.0 services. Then the target was formed on the basis of analysis and evaluation of users' needs. The Library 2.0 programming was analyzed in four tiers of management ideas, service patterns, technical support, and content development.

Findings

User investigations are of primary importance in programming Library 2.0, and a program formulated on such investigations will not miss its aim, and be more realistic.

Originality/value

The paper does not dwell on technical particularities of Library 2.0, but focuses on the key role of a program in realization of the concept of Library 2.0, and the methodology of programming.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 27 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2003

Esharenana E. Adomi

This article surveys university library users’ attitudes towards overdue fines. Users of the libraries of the University of Benin, Benin City, and Delta State University, Abraka…

994

Abstract

This article surveys university library users’ attitudes towards overdue fines. Users of the libraries of the University of Benin, Benin City, and Delta State University, Abraka, both in Nigeria, were used as subjects for the study. A total of 143 users who responded to a questionnaire participated in the study. Frequency counts, percentages and t‐test statistic were used to analyze data. Findings revealed the users’ opinions and feelings about overdue fines. No significant difference was found between either university library with respect to their users’ attitude toward overdue fines. Neither was any discovered in attitude between genders. This paper makes recommendations that can help libraries boost the collection of overdue fines.

Details

The Bottom Line, vol. 16 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0888-045X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 August 2010

Asefeh Asemi, Zahra Kazempour and Hasan Ashrafi Rizi

This paper aims to urge the new culture of assessment of the quality of library services among Iran academic libraries and to assess the overall services quality of libraries from…

2103

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to urge the new culture of assessment of the quality of library services among Iran academic libraries and to assess the overall services quality of libraries from the users' perspectives based on the LibQUAL model.

Design/methodology/approach

In this survey researchers used the LibQUAL model to assess service quality in the central libraries in engineering and technical governmental universities in Tehran city. For gathering data of libraries users, researchers used the LibQUAL questionnaire in a non‐electronic format and translated into Farsi.

Findings

It was found that library users were dissatisfied with their library building. But these libraries performed very well in the information control dimension. Furthermore, the examination of users' expectations showed that the proposition “Employees who are consistently courteous” was most important, and “Employees who instill confidence in users” had less importance.

Originality/value

Using the LibQUAL Survey has helped the university libraries in Iran to better serve their main user groups, and for the first time researchers used the non‐electronic format of LibQUAL questionnaire in the survey.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 28 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2006

LiLi Li

The purpose of this paper is to explore key issues involved with opportunities, challenges, and future developing trends of delivering dynamic and distributed web‐based academic…

3150

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore key issues involved with opportunities, challenges, and future developing trends of delivering dynamic and distributed web‐based academic library information resources, services, and instructions for library users in the digital age.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the typical web‐based, three‐tier client/server architecture, this paper explores ten key issues how to leverage quality library user services in the digital age: roles of academic libraries; funding support; information resources; information access; information services; instructions and trainings; impacts of cutting‐edge technologies and emerging technologies; web contents management and knowledge base; assessment and evaluation; and Librarians. Also discussed are the next‐generation web‐based client/server library information architecture and services in the foreseeable future.

Findings

With the rapid development of the internet and the world wide web, information exchange and information distribution can be transformed either by disparate formats or by dynamic channels. Knowledge, competence, and skills cannot follow up with the rapid advances of science and technologies. Many library users need assistance to access, locate, convert, synthesize, and evaluate information effectively and efficiently. It is very imperative for libraries and librarians to design, develop, enhance, implement, and deliver high quality user‐centered information services, resources, and instruction at the fingertips of library users.

Originality/value

Target readers who include librarians, instructors, trainers, consultants, managers, IT specialists, executives, and other professionals who are involved with developing and delivering distributed library user services via the internet will find this article of value.

Details

Library Management, vol. 27 no. 6/7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2002

Eun‐Ja Shin and Young‐Seok Kim

This article examines why Korean academic libraries embarked on restructuring their organization and identifies possible solutions to some problems that these libraries face. The…

2394

Abstract

This article examines why Korean academic libraries embarked on restructuring their organization and identifies possible solutions to some problems that these libraries face. The conclusion is drawn from the results of a case study on Sejong University Library that Korean academic librarians should become user‐centered professionals. After restructuring, the user service librarian’s job content has changed to concentrate on servicing users on specific subjects. The subject librarian will take care of reference services, SDI, DB instruction and book selection on the same subject.

Details

Aslib Proceedings, vol. 54 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0001-253X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2001

Aida Farha

The Saab Medical Library (SML) developed its virtual medical library site in 1997. The spread of the Internet prompted its development, in addition to continuous requests from…

961

Abstract

The Saab Medical Library (SML) developed its virtual medical library site in 1997. The spread of the Internet prompted its development, in addition to continuous requests from users to provide such a service for 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The virtual library is dynamic, growing and changing continuously, and the role of the traditional reference librarian and the end‐user education programs had to change to fit this borderless library. This paper discusses the aim, preparation, problems and lessons learned after three years of the user education program in a virtual library setting, and how reference work had to change to satisfy the needs of both the system and its users. The reference librarian has to carry out a smooth transition to a virtual library and help users cope with the technological changes. Training at the SML, as in any academic library, aims at teaching how to retrieve information rather than providing answers. This training is presented in different forms such as orientation sessions, seminars, and course‐related instruction, in addition to Web‐based instruction. In a virtual setting, reference librarians should act both as educators and consultants for end‐users, advising them on the search strategy as well as the software set‐up. The “Lebanese Corner” and an e‐reference service were added to complete the picture of this virtual library. This change had advantages and disadvantages for the users.

Details

Library Management, vol. 22 no. 8/9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

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