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1 – 10 of over 14000Emily Sawe, Naomi Mwai and Lilian Oyieke
The purpose of this study is to examine approaches used by university libraries to enhance the visibility and utilization of research support services (RSSs) among doctoral…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine approaches used by university libraries to enhance the visibility and utilization of research support services (RSSs) among doctoral students and to assess the competencies of library staff in delivering research support services.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used qualitative design approach, purposively sampled 40 librarians (8 university librarians and 32 librarians) in charge of RSSs and use of structured interview.
Findings
The findings of this study revealed three major themes: offline and online strategies, the need for upskilling and professional development programs and proactive empowerment.
Research limitations/implications
This study focused on research support services in chartered public universities in Kenya; private universities were not included.
Practical implications
The need to enhance library staff's ongoing professional development programs, increasing funding to university libraries and proactivity by the libraries to improve the provision and promotion of RSSs to doctoral students in Kenya.
Originality/value
There are limited existing literature in the Kenyan context. This study will fill a knowledge gap and contribute to the literature on academic libraries support and doctoral students experience in Kenyan context.
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Dinah Koteikor Baidoo and Williams E. Nwagwu
This study assessed the technology readiness of library commons in selected universities in Ghana from the perspectives of both clients and service providers.
Abstract
Purpose
This study assessed the technology readiness of library commons in selected universities in Ghana from the perspectives of both clients and service providers.
Design/methodology/approach
A sample survey research design was used to carry out the study, and the study consisted of quantitative and qualitative approaches. The data were collected from 157 of the 430 commons’ users and six library directors/commons librarians, using a questionnaire and an interview schedule respectively. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential analysis with SPSS Ver. 22, and structural equation modelling with AMOS Ver. 23.
Findings
The study found significant relationships between the availability of learning resources and users' experience, use and satisfaction with the commons. Additionally, there were significant relationships between the readiness of the commons, users' perceptions and their satisfaction levels. The library/commons managers identified key preparedness issues, including inadequate planning and poor space allocation. Furthermore, the study revealed negative feelings among library/commons managers, such as insecurity, resistance and low confidence.
Practical implications
The academic libraries in Ghana should evaluate their commons following the findings of this study, and use other readiness implementation tools to identify and address the gaps in their implementation of the commons.
Originality/value
This study was based on the opinions of the users and operators of the commons and focused primarily on technology-related factors. However, it is essential to evaluate other readiness factors, such as change and services, and institutional factors, using frameworks such as Hess and Ostrom’s (2005) Institutional Development Framework, to provide complementary results that can guide better implementation of the commons and improve the quality of services.
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Ngatindriatun Ngatindriatun, Muhammad Alfarizi and Rafialdo Arifian
This study aims to explore the empirical correlation between patient flow issues, quality of green health services and patient satisfaction in specialist medical department…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the empirical correlation between patient flow issues, quality of green health services and patient satisfaction in specialist medical department factors from patients’ perspectives as service consumers.
Design/methodology/approach
This research is a type of nonintervention empirical research that uses an open survey to explore the views and experiences of users of specialist medical department services. The targeted population is hospital patients included in the top five national PERSI (Indonesian Hospital Association) Award 2022 Green Hospital Category, with a total number of respondents of 572 people. This study uses the partial least square-structural equation modeling analysis method with the SmartPLS application.
Findings
Patient flow problems generally affect the quality of eco-friendly health services, except for the waiting time problem, which affects service quality. It should be understood as a top priority for patients to receive services from medical specialists without risking time as a core service aspect from the patient’s perspective. In addition, all variables in eco-friendly hospital services affect patient satisfaction, except in the case of visits to specialist medical departments, which do not affect medical support services and hospital practices that are responsive to the delivery of care services resulting from medical support services that are inseparable in integrated services as well as health care following medical ethics.
Originality/value
This study has a novelty in understanding the implications of green practice in determining patient satisfaction in medical specialist department as the epicenter of hospital services and the main object of assessment for the quality of hospital services.
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Murtaza Ashiq and Nosheen Fatima Warraich
Data librarianship, or data-driven librarianship, is the combination of information science, data science and e-science fields and is gaining gradual importance in the library…
Abstract
Purpose
Data librarianship, or data-driven librarianship, is the combination of information science, data science and e-science fields and is gaining gradual importance in the library and information science (LIS) profession. Hence, this study investigates the data librarianship core concepts (motivational factors, challenges, skills and appropriate training platforms) to learn and successfully launch data librarianship services.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey method was used and the data were collected through online questionnaire. Purposive sampling method was applied and 132 responses were received with 76 respondents from the public and 56 from the private sector universities of Pakistan. The statistical package for social sciences (SPSS version 25) was used, and descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to analyzed the data.
Findings
LIS professionals understand the importance of data-driven library services and perceive that such services are helpful in evolving the image of the library, helping with the establishment of institutional data repositories/data banks, developing data resources and services for library patrons and especially researchers, and receiving appreciation and acknowledgment from the higher authorities. The major challenges that emerged from the data were: missing data policies, limited training opportunities for data librarianship roles, no additional financial benefits, lack of infrastructure and systems, lack of organizational support for the initiation of data-driven services, and lack of skills, knowledge and expertise. Data librarianship is in its early stages in Pakistan, and consequently, the LIS professionals are lacking basic, advanced and technical data-driven skills.
Research limitations/implications
The policy, theoretical and practical implications describe an immediate need for framing data policies. Such policies will help the libraries or any other relevant entities to store the data and assign metadata and documentation in such a way that it is easy to retrieve and reusable for others.
Originality/value
This is the first study in Pakistan to investigate the perceptions of LIS professionals about data librarianship core concepts: motivational factors, challenges, skills and appropriate training platforms to grasp data-driven skills and successfully launch library services.
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Bolaji David Oladokun and Panorea Gaitanou
Librarians play a critical role in curating, organizing and facilitating access to open data (OD) resources, supporting research, learning and information dissemination. This…
Abstract
Purpose
Librarians play a critical role in curating, organizing and facilitating access to open data (OD) resources, supporting research, learning and information dissemination. This study aims to explore the use of OD for reference services delivery in academic libraries. It is believed that the concept of OD in librarianship refers to the practice of making publicly available data freely accessible, usable and shareable by anyone.
Design/methodology/approach
This research examined how the utilization of OD may affect library services and operations. This paper used the systematic review of literature to answer the research questions; hence, it was a desk study.
Findings
Given that there has been recently a research shift in linking OD to library metadata, this study revealed some interesting findings. More specifically, it discovered that incorporating OD into reference services can provide several benefits and enhance the quality and relevance of the information provided to library users. In addition, this paper reported that OD enriches reference services by providing comprehensive, current and interdisciplinary information, supporting evidence-based research, enabling data visualization and analysis, fostering community engagement and promoting innovation.
Originality/value
This paper proposes that libraries that possess extensive collections are in a favorable position to embrace the shift toward becoming OD and open big data libraries. It is also believed that academic libraries, through reference services, meet the challenge of providing access to their institutional repositories by holding many sets of data in various formats and providing various interfaces, developing metadata systems for various data streams, supporting all ecosystems of software and data products for reformatting and reusing large and complex data, and support for data sets identifiers. By actively engaging with OD, librarians can play a vital role in facilitating access to information and promoting the use of open knowledge for academic pursuits.
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This study surveyed the entrepreneurship community on a large university campus in 2016 and in 2020 to identify and understand its information habits and needs. User needs can…
Abstract
Purpose
This study surveyed the entrepreneurship community on a large university campus in 2016 and in 2020 to identify and understand its information habits and needs. User needs can inform service design and assessment, as well as inform approaches to reference interactions. Librarians are encouraged to conduct similar surveys to better understand this niche population.
Design/methodology/approach
Investigators employed repeated cross-sectional design, a longitudinal research approach that draws on samples of non-overlapping or minimally overlapping cases over time. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected using online survey instruments. Data collected included demographic information, venture characteristics, participation in institutional activities such as accelerator programs and credit courses, general startup research behaviors and needs, and details of a specific instance of business or market research as well as interaction with the library and access to training. Triangulation of semantic and episodic was applied to draw reliable conclusions about respondent behavior.
Findings
In both surveys, over half of respondents were students and 75% of respondents were engaged in startup activity, most at the early stages. While respondent demographics, type and purpose of information sought remained constant between the two surveys, awareness and use of the library rose on several metrics. Coding revealed insights into respondents’ attitudes toward and strategies for secondary business research. Information obtained during the research process had a moderate impact on their ventures. These findings informed the development of library research and instruction services, programs, and collections for entrepreneurs.
Originality/value
The repeated cross-sectional design of the study is unique and shows trends in the community over time. The mixed-methods approach provides a robust and nuanced portrait of the community. These findings informed the development and assessment of library research and instruction services, programs and collections for entrepreneurs.
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Dessy Harisanty, Nove E. Variant Anna, Tesa Eranti Putri, Aji Akbar Firdaus and Nurul Aida Noor Azizi
This study investigates the level of artificial intelligence (AI) awareness among library leaders, practitioners and scientists of Indonesian academic libraries to elucidate the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates the level of artificial intelligence (AI) awareness among library leaders, practitioners and scientists of Indonesian academic libraries to elucidate the benefits of AI implementation and its necessary infrastructure and challenges.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted a purposive sampling technique to select the 38 participants and thematic analysis to analyze the data, identifying eight themes: understanding of AI, AI adoption, benefits of AI, competencies needed to support AI, facilities to support AI, factors supporting AI adoption, AI-inhibiting factors and expectations of AI.
Findings
Different viewpoints provided full awareness among library stakeholders and sufficient information to begin AI initiatives in Indonesian libraries as leaders, practitioners and scientists had a favorable, open and encouraging outlook on AI.
Research limitations/implications
The study does not investigate variations in perspectives between the participants, but it examines their understanding of AI and elaborates the results into the concept of an intelligent library. Moreover, this study only uses samples from academic libraries.
Practical implications
Libraries can take these results into consideration before implementing AI, especially in technology and facilities, librarian competency with regard to AI and leadership roles in AI projects.
Social implications
Library boards and library associations can use this research as a source to create guidelines about AI implementation in academic libraries.
Originality/value
The study addresses the gap in the research on university libraries' readiness and awareness to implement AI, especially in developing countries.
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Soroush Dehghan Salmasi, Mohammadbashir Sedighi, Hossein Sharif and Mahmood Hussain Shah
Traditionally, the banking and financial sectors have pioneered adoption of new technologies and business models. One important digital banking model that has proven its efficacy…
Abstract
Purpose
Traditionally, the banking and financial sectors have pioneered adoption of new technologies and business models. One important digital banking model that has proven its efficacy in recent times, is Digital-Only Banking (DOB) where consumers interact with their banks through digital channels only. Having detailed knowledge of what actually happens at the consumer level during the adoption of new digital models and technologies is paramount to the success of these technological initiatives. The present study aims to investigate DOB adoption behavior and possible barriers using a quantitative approach at the consumer level. A conceptual model is developed by extending the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model, incorporating Trust (TR), Perceived Risk (PR) constructs and cultural moderators of Individualism (IDV) and Uncertainty Avoidance (UA).
Design/methodology/approach
For this study, an online survey instrument was created and administered in Iran. The research sample was selected through the application of purposive sampling. Data from 788 respondents were analyzed. The proposed model was tested using Partial Least Square.?.s Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM).
Findings
The results show that DOB adoption is positively influenced by Effort Expectancy (EE), Social Influence (SI), and Facilitating Conditions (FC), while PR negatively influences DOB adoption intention. Unexpectedly, the results indicate that TR has no significant impact on DOB usage intention. Additionally, this study demonstrates that with individuals having a low level of IDV, the relationship between PE and BI is stronger, and with individuals having a low level of UA, the impact of SI on BI is stronger. It also reveals that the impact of TR on BI is stronger in low individualistic cultures.
Practical implications
DOB providers should enhance support features of their services or provide facilities that make it simpler for users to accomplish online transactions. Here, in order to improve the UI/UX design of their apps, DOB product managers should carefully observe the technical guidelines of the operating systems of digital devices, such as the Human Interface Guidelines (HIG) for iOS and Material You for Android. Additionally, DOB providers should build partnerships with mega online retailers to provide hassle-free and easy to use payment solutions for consumers.
Originality/value
DOB, as a novel and business model, has been investigated in very few studies, especially regarding any which focus on its adoption. To fill this gap, this research investigates DOB adoption through a modified version of the UTAUT model. The findings of this study suggest that future research regarding DOB should consider sources of TR, types of non-adopters, and context. This study, as the first of its kind in DOB literature, also highlights the significant role played by cultural values in customer behavior regarding DOB adoption.
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Nanouk Verhulst, Hendrik Slabbinck, Kim Willems and Malaika Brengman
To date, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the use of implicit measures in the service research domain is limited. This paper aims to introduce implicit measures and explain…
Abstract
Purpose
To date, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the use of implicit measures in the service research domain is limited. This paper aims to introduce implicit measures and explain why, or for what purpose, they are worthwhile to consider; how these measures can be used; and when and where implicit measures merit the service researcher’s consideration.
Design/methodology/approach
To gain an understanding of how implicit measures could benefit service research, three promising implicit measures are discussed, namely, the implicit association test, the affect misattribution procedure and the propositional evaluation paradigm. More specifically, this paper delves into how implicit measures can support service research, focusing on three focal service topics, namely, technology, affective processes including customer experience and service employees.
Findings
This paper demonstrates how implicit measures can investigate paramount service-related subjects. Additionally, it provides essential methodological “need-to-knows” for assessing others’ work with implicit measures and/or for starting your own use of them.
Originality/value
This paper introduces when and why to consider integrating implicit measures in service research, along with a roadmap on how to get started.
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Khurram Shahzad, Shakeel Ahmad Khan and Abid Iqbal
This study aims to identify the effects of artificial intelligence (AI) on university libraries and to reveal challenges associated with the adoption of AI-powered applications in…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify the effects of artificial intelligence (AI) on university libraries and to reveal challenges associated with the adoption of AI-powered applications in libraries.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review (SLR) was applied to address the study’s objectives. The 25 most relevant seminal studies published in Scopus- and Web of Science-indexed journals were selected to conduct the study.
Findings
Findings revealed that AI has strong positive effects on university libraries. These effects included efficiency and promotion of library products, innovative library services, alignment of library services with the fourth industrial revolution (4IR), collection management and user services and transformation of library systems. Results also manifested that skills and knowledge barriers, financial and resource constraints and resistance to change created challenges to adopt AI-based services in university libraries.
Originality/value
This study has added valuable literature to the existing body of knowledge by conducting SLR on the basis of 25 most relevant research articles published in cite score and impact factor journals. It has provided practical implications by offering recommendations to adopt AI in university libraries. The study is a benchmark for policymakers, AI applications developers, higher education bodies, government representatives, university administration and library leadership to devise effective strategies and methods for the efficient adoption of AI in libraries. The study has also provided a framework to adopt AI applications in library settings.
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