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Magoi, Joshua Sani, MK Yanti Idaya Aspura, and A. Abrizah. "Social media engagement in developing countries." Information Development 35, no. 3 (December 21, 2017): 374–87. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0266666917748985.
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The progressiveness of social media in academic libraries is the gear to achieve the libraries’ objectives, particularly in term of facilities and services. In addition, academic librarians have been using social media as a key medium for marketing, communication, and collaboration. However, social media use in academic libraries, especially in developing countries, is not without controversy. Studies indicate that social networking by academic librarians is ineffective use of librarians’ time and effort. The usefulness of and the hindrances in social media engagement for academic libraries in developing countries have yet to be established. For this reason, this review aims to identify the boons and the banes of social media engagement for academic libraries in developing countries in two continents, Asia and Africa. A structured literature review was conducted using methods promulgated by the Center for Reviews and Disseminations but adapted to the particular needs of this review. Various online databases were used for the review. The keywords/phrases used for the search were: social media, web 2.0, social media engagement, academic libraries, and developing countries; and after a profound scrutiny, 50 articles were found useful for the review. The result shows that there is a continued increase of published literature on social media in academic libraries in the developing countries. A substantial amount of literature emphasises the benefits of social media usefulness in academic libraries under five major themes – marketing and promotion of library services; professional/self-development;, social interaction; media sharing; and communication. A few articles express the distress in implementing social media in academic library services. The usefulness of and the hindrances in social media engagement reported in the literature should inform practicing librarians contemplating implementation of social media and guide formal social media application in library services. More so, this study will shape Library and Information Science (LIS) researchers to scope out areas of needs for future research.
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Wexelbaum, Rachel S. "Do libraries save LGBT students?" Library Management 39, no. 1/2 (January 8, 2018): 31–58. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/lm-02-2017-0014.
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Purpose Multiple research studies show a positive correlation between library usage and student retention. At the same time, no formal research studies focusing on the effect of library usage on LGBT student persistence and retention exist. The purpose of this paper is to provide information about today’s LGBT undergraduates, their personal and academic needs, and how academic libraries may meet those needs. Design/methodology/approach The author will challenge the grand narrative perpetuated by LGBT librarians that “libraries save [LGBT] lives” through a review of existing research literature on LGBT undergraduates and their personal and academic needs, where libraries play a role in LGBT undergraduate life, and whether or not academic libraries actually meet those needs. Findings No formal research studies on how libraries play a role in the retention of LGBT undergraduates exist. While LGBT undergraduates share many similarities with their peers, they seek out resources and spaces that the library may be able to provide independently or through collaborations with other units on campus. The existence of campus LGBT resource centers may impact LGBT undergraduate use of libraries. Practical implications The author will provide suggestions for academic libraries to create appropriate resources, services, and spaces for LGBT undergraduates so that they persist at their institutions and graduate. Originality/value This is the first research paper to address the role that academic libraries play in LGBT student retention.
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Y. Antunez, Marilia, Sarah E. Toevs, and Melissa A. Gains. "Rejuvenating aging studies in academic libraries." Collection Building 33, no. 1 (December 20, 2013): 2–10. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/cb-09-2013-0034.
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Purpose – The aim of this paper is to identify resources essential gerontology (aging studies) resources and liaison strategies that provide guidance for academic librarians working with faculty and students in this highly interdisciplinary field. Design/methodology/approach – A convenience sample of gerontology faculty was surveyed to identify important materials, including preferred journals, databases, reference books, and sources of grey literature for gerontology research and teaching. Gerontology faculty information seeking behaviors, including faculty-librarian partnership, were also examined. Findings – Results confirm that faculty teaching in gerontology use a wide variety of resources in their teaching and research. Faculty identified frequently used journals, reference materials, databases as well as sources of grey literature produced by non-profits, special interest group/lobbying organizations, educational organizations, and/or government agencies. Research limitations/implications – Surveying faculty from undergraduate gerontology programs would have likely increased the number of participants completing the online questionnaire, presumably increasing the reliability of the results. Originality/value – Few studies identify the resources that faculty in gerontology graduate programs value and what services the library can provide or improve. This paper addresses these gaps and recognizes the need to support the growing number of interdisciplinary programs in gerontology.
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Henry, Jo. "Academic library liaison programs: four case studies." Library Review 61, no. 7 (August 10, 2012): 485–96. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/00242531211288236.
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PurposeThe purpose of this study is to compare and contrast four academic liaison programs.Design/methodology/approachAreas addressed include liaison subject specialization, communication methods, duties, and program evaluation.FindingsThis paper found similarities in areas of orientation meetings, library guides, and information literacy classes. Unique concepts among the four libraries studied include physical classroom embedment, use of specialized class web pages, faculty literacy classes, and concentrated faculty information literacy assistance.Originality/valueThe results presented provide insight into current academic library liaison practices and the faculty‐liaison relationship.
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Panahi, Sirous, Hossein Ghalavand, Shahram Sedghi, Abdolahad Nabiolahi, and Sedigheh Khani. "Exploring the common factors affecting the strategic plans in Iranian academic libraries." Library Management 41, no. 4/5 (April 14, 2020): 123–34. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/lm-08-2019-0054.
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PurposeOne of the important processes for success or failure of strategic plans in academic libraries is identifying different dimensions and factors affecting library activities and services. However, more previous studies focusing on strategic planning processes and few research have explored perspectives of academic library managers in factors affecting designed strategic plans. This article aims to identify the common factors affecting the strategic plans in Iranian academic libraries.Design/methodology/approachAfter adopting a qualitative survey design, 28 Iranian academic library managers were interviewed. Purposive snowball sampling method was used to select the libraries’ managers, and the data analysis was done using the thematic analysis method by MAXQDA 10.FindingsThe study revealed three main themes including personal, professional and organizational factors that effect on academic libraries’ strategic plans. Users' expectations and librarians' personality characteristics were identified as two sub-themes for personal factors. In term of professional factors, scientific achievement of libraries and communication skills are the most important factors. Academicals factors, managerial factors and budget alignment are most important organizational factors that affect the Iranian academic libraries’ strategic plans.Originality/valueIranian academic libraries use different approaches for developing their strategic plans. However, by revealing the common affecting factors by academic library managers, the study provides an opportunity for better controlling the academic libraries' strategic plans progresses.
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AlAwadhi, Suha, and Sultan M. Al-Daihani. "Marketing academic library information services using social media." Library Management 40, no. 3/4 (March 11, 2019): 228–39. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/lm-12-2017-0132.
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PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the use of social media in the marketing of academic library resources and services in Kuwait and identifies the factors related to the use of social media applications in marketing academic libraries.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative data-collection approach using a paper and online questionnaire has been employed to elicit the opinions of librarians working in academic libraries in Kuwait in both private and public institutions. In total, 89 valid questionnaires have been analyzed using descriptive (frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations) and inferential statistics (factor analysis, correlations, experimental analysis and regression).FindingsThe study shows that the academic librarians have a positive perception toward the use of social media. The identified factors relating to the use of social media for marketing library information resources and services are the usefulness of social media tools in raising awareness and in providing needs analysis and satisfaction assessments. However, management support for the use of social media for library marketing is poor.Practical implicationsThis study provides insights into the factors related to the use of modern social media platforms to promote information resources and services at academic libraries to provide outreach services to current and potential users.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the field of information studies as it highlights the importance of using social media platforms in marketing academic library information resources and services. Library administrators could use the results to develop social media marketing plans to effectively promote their library resources.
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Hoffman, Starr, and Samantha Godbey. "US academic libraries' staffing and expenditure trends (1996–2016)." Library Management 41, no. 4/5 (April 14, 2020): 247–68. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/lm-12-2019-0093.
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PurposeThis paper explores trends over time in library staffing and staffing expenditures among two- and four-year colleges and universities in the United States.Design/methodology/approachResearchers merged and analyzed data from 1996 to 2016 from the National Center for Education Statistics for over 3,500 libraries at postsecondary institutions. This study is primarily descriptive in nature and addresses the research questions: How do staffing trends in academic libraries over this period of time relate to Carnegie classification and institution size? How do trends in library staffing expenditures over this period of time correspond to these same variables?FindingsAcross all institutions, on average, total library staff decreased from 1998 to 2012. Numbers of librarians declined at master’s and doctoral institutions between 1998 and 2016. Numbers of students per librarian increased over time in each Carnegie and size category. Average inflation-adjusted staffing expenditures have remained steady for master's, baccalaureate and associate's institutions. Salaries as a percent of library budget decreased only among doctoral institutions and institutions with 20,000 or more students.Originality/valueThis is a valuable study of trends over time, which has been difficult without downloading and merging separate data sets from multiple government sources. As a result, few studies have taken such an approach to this data. Consequently, institutions and libraries are making decisions about resource allocation based on only a fraction of the available data. Academic libraries can use this study and the resulting data set to benchmark key staffing characteristics.
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Creaser, Claire, Susanne Cullen, Ruth Curtis, Nicola Darlington, Jane Maltby, Elizabeth Newall, and Valerie Spezi. "Working together: library value at the University of Nottingham." Performance Measurement and Metrics 15, no. 1/2 (July 8, 2014): 41–49. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/pmm-03-2014-0011.
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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to bring together the findings of two studies investigating the value of academic libraries to teaching and research staff in higher education institutions. The Working Together (WT) project was an international study, funded by SAGE Publishing, investigating the value of academic libraries for teaching and research staff in the USA, UK and Scandinavia. The Raising Academic Impact (RAI) project was an initiative of the University of Nottingham (UoN) aimed at increasing the impact of academic librarians in departments across the university by assessing perception and awareness of current library services and future needs of academic staff. Design/methodology/approach – The WT project was conducted during Spring 2012, comprising a series of eight case studies and an online survey exploring the case study experiences and findings within their wider regional and academic context. One was conducted at the UoN, and included the RAI project. The RAI project was originally a four-phase initiative conducted by academic librarians at the UoN. The first phase, which is reported in this paper, consisted of a survey of teaching and research staff, distributed in summer 2012, investigating awareness, uptake and value of existing services, as well as demand for new library services. Findings – Determining the value of academic libraries is a challenging task as very little evidence (beyond the anecdotal) is collected. Perceptions of library value vary greatly between what librarians think the value of their library is to academic staff and how academic staff actually value their library. Information literacy and study skills teaching are greatly valued by academic staff. Despite current efforts, research support is still limited, owing to a cultural barrier hampering greater collaboration between libraries and academic staff in this area. Communication and marketing are keys to increase the value of academic libraries to teaching and research staff. Originality/value – This paper presents the key findings from the two studies in parallel. It is anticipated that these discoveries will be of interest to the wider library community to help libraries develop services which are closely linked to the needs of teaching and academic staff.
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McKenna, Julie. "Danish Post-Secondary Students Use Public Libraries for Study Purposes." Evidence Based Library and Information Practice 2, no. 3 (September 5, 2007): 108. http://dx.doi.org/10.18438/b8m884.
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Objective – To determine whether and how Danish university and higher education students use public libraries for study purposes.
Design – Online survey.
Setting – Post-secondary students in Denmark.
Subjects – 1,575 students in university-level programs or other higher education programs (vocational three-to-four-year programs) in Denmark.
Methods – A sample of students was drawn from the national database of students by selecting every student born on the 15th of every month (approximately 4,900 students). A letter describing the study and with an invitation to fill out an online questionnaire was sent to all students in the sample. There were 1,694 valid responses (approximately 35% response rate). Students following short vocational programs were deemed to be under-represented and these subjects were omitted from the analysis of this report, which reflects the response of 1,575 students.
The online questionnaire gathered demographic details (gender, age, educational institution, study topic, study year, geographical location, access to the Internet, etc.) and used 110 questions or statements to gather information about student information-seeking behaviour related to study purposes. These included use of the physical library and satisfaction with services, use of search engines, awareness and use of library Web-based services, study behaviour, and participation in information literacy activities.
Main results – For the purposes of this study, “academic library is used as a generic term covering university libraries, research libraries, educational libraries and all other kind of libraries outside the field of public libraries” (p. 278).
The survey results confirmed many of the previous international reports of student information-seeking behaviour: 85% of students use the academic library for study purposes; fewer than 10% of all students are able to cope without any library use; students in technology and engineering, the sciences and arts, architecture and music have a higher rate of non-use of their academic libraries; a large percentage of students access the electronic resources from home; the physical library is still considered important to students; Google is used extensively and is nearly the exclusive choice for search engine.
The public library is used for study purposes by about 58 percent of all students with the highest use (76%) by students in higher education institutions (HEI); students of education, social topics and psychology are very frequent public library users. Female students in HEI were the most frequent users of the public library independent of study subject or year, or any other demographic variable. Seven per cent of students rely exclusively on the public library for study purposes and first-year HEI students in the subject areas of education, social topics and psychology are over-represented in this group (which additionally has less Internet access from home than the other students).
Students perceive nearly all aspects of service in the academic library as superior; HEI students rate ambience, electronic resources and speed of inter-library loan provision in the public library as higher than the academic.
University students give a low rating to the collections of public library, although the students use the public library principally to supplement the collections available in their academic libraries. Another high use of public libraries by HEI students is for inter-library loans placed through the national resource sharing system. Public library reference services are used often by only one per cent of students and only two per cent use the public library on a regular basis for “study related group activities.”
Conclusion – Students use physical libraries to a great extent to support their studies and students have embraced digital access to collections, especially access from home. Google is the most heavily used search engine and is used by nearly all students; use of Google complements and supplements library use.
Nearly 60% of all students use public libraries for study purposes and to supplement the collections of their academic library, but they find that the public library collections are insufficient to meet their needs. The inter-library loan policies of public libraries are more lenient and accommodating to student needs and may drive the high use of public libraries. Students form a large constituency of the public library user population and they generally rate most aspects of service as substandard to those of academic libraries. There is a call for review of the public library’s role in meeting the information needs of students, and in particular, those of HEI programs who are most dependent on the public library.
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Ibraheem, Abiodun I., and Christopher Devine. "Saudi students, american academic library: a survey." Library Review 65, no. 4/5 (July 4, 2016): 267–80. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/lr-11-2015-0112.
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Purpose This study aims to investigate the experiences, both academic and interpersonal, of a cohort of Saudi Arabian students in using the library of a medium-sized American university. It also examined how these experiences were similar to, or different from, those of other international students observed in earlier research studies conducted in American academic libraries. Design/methodology/approach This study used an online and paper survey that queried 169 Saudi Arabian students who were studying at Robert Morris University in 2015. Findings This study determined that many survey subjects struggled with language issues, the unfamiliar structure of American libraries and interpersonal communication with library staff. It also found that the respondents believed that formal instruction in the use of the library was helpful to them. Research limitations/implications The broad nature of the survey precluded comparison with a control group of students. The findings regarding the subjects’ interactions with library staff were, in some cases, ambiguous. An additional study will be necessary to clarify those experiences. Practical implications This study’s findings strongly support the value of formal library instruction programs for international students and the need for libraries to highly prioritize the importance of interpersonal communication in their services. Originality/value This is the first study to focus on the library experiences of Saudi Arabian students in an American academic library. It is of value to librarians and administrators, as well as to individuals who design and provide academic support services for international students.
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Siddaiah, Dinesh K. "Enriching library user’s experience with Evernote." Library Hi Tech News 35, no. 7 (September 3, 2018): 11–12. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/lhtn-06-2018-0035.
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Purpose Digital information management tools (DIMTs) are used widely for varieties of digital information management. In academics, these tools are being used for the advancement of student productivity, research data management, research consultation, etc. The libraries of universities and institutions use DIMTs for organizing and retrieving varieties of digital information. Design/methodology/approach The author studied the various emerging DIMTs and picked Evernote for further study based on the popularity and usage of the tool in the academic system. Findings This paper explains how and to what extent Evernote can be used as a DIMT in academics and in the digital library management. Evernote is one of the best options for implementation in the library, especially to train the students to use and enrich their academic and research experience. Evernote definitely adds value to the libraries. Originality/value It is found from the study that, Evernote is very handy in handling the research consultation service and manage research projects in libraries.
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Martell, Charles. "The Elusive User: Changing Use Patterns in Academic Libraries 1995 to 2004." College & Research Libraries 68, no. 5 (September 1, 2007): 435–45. http://dx.doi.org/10.5860/crl.68.5.435.
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This article documents changes in library use during the past decade. Data from professional organizations reveal that circulation use has declined slightly, with notable variations in health and law and at individual institutions, including the Ivy League. Reference use has declined more steeply. Electronic use has skyrocketed, but counting use remains problematic. The HOLLIS Plus counting results at Harvard University are highlighted. Electronic Serials expenditures at academic research libraries (ARL) suggest that electronic use will continue to expand unabated. Major studies profiling users are cited. Notable benefits are predicted as the shifted librarian and the elusive user interact in virtual space.
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Islam, Md Anwarul, Naresh Kumar Agarwal, and Mitsuru Ikeda. "Effect of knowledge management on service innovation in academic libraries." IFLA Journal 43, no. 3 (June 5, 2017): 266–81. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0340035217710538.
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Effective management of all knowledge in an organization is a key criterion for innovation. Academic libraries are beginning to realize the importance of knowledge management in this regard. However, there are no quantitative studies studying knowledge management and service innovation in the context of libraries. Islam, Agarwal and Ikeda arrived at a framework for knowledge management for service innovation in academic libraries (KMSIL). Through a survey of 107 librarians from 39 countries, this study investigates the effect of knowledge management (and knowledge management cycle phases) on service innovation. The study found that knowledge capture/creation and knowledge application/use both significantly impact service innovation in academic libraries. The effect of knowledge/sharing and transfer on innovation was found to be insignificant. The study also demonstrated the relationship between the knowledge management phases. The findings support the KMSIL framework. They should help academic libraries in the process of service innovation by utilizing phases of the knowledge management cycle.
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Al-Daihani, Sultan Muhaya, Mai R. Almutairi, Reem Alonaizi, and Samarkand Mubarak. "Perceptions toward academic library app implementation." Information and Learning Science 119, no. 5/6 (May 14, 2018): 330–41. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ils-02-2018-0007.
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceptions of Kuwait University students majoring in the social sciences, faculty members and academic librarians toward mobile library applications (apps), which are not currently available. These technologies are highly desirable for students, but many libraries struggle to properly implement them. Design/methodology/approach Quantitative survey questionnaires were distributed to 400 undergraduate students, of which 184 valid and completed questionnaires were collected. In addition, three focus groups were conducted with social sciences graduate students, academics and librarians to further explore attitudes and perspectives toward library apps. Findings A majority of respondents (62 per cent) visited the academic library less than five times per month or never, but a smaller majority (57 per cent) also preferred to use a combination of computers and mobile devices to access library information. The most desirable student uses for library apps involved access to basic information or services such as library hours, book renewal or catalog searches. Most potential barriers to student use of library apps received low scores; only slow internet speed was considered a significant problem. Focus group discussions clarified that major concerns regarding the implementation of library apps included the potential cost, knowledge, training and administrator support for these efforts. Originality/value This study highlights the unique interest in, and barriers to, library app implementation at Kuwait University, while providing an informative structure for similar studies and considerations elsewhere.
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Wójcik, Magdalena. "Internet of Things – potential for libraries." Library Hi Tech 34, no. 2 (June 20, 2016): 404–20. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/lht-10-2015-0100.
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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to subject the potential of Internet of Things (IoT) technology for libraries in terms of the possible scope and usage forms of this technology in public and academic library services. Design/methodology/approach – Based on analysis of the subject literature, the main areas of IoT applications in commercial institutions were identified, then an analysis of Library and Information Science English-language literature from the years 2010 to 2015 was conducted in order to create a profile of modern library services. The range of activities of commercial and non-commercial institutions were compared to ascertain if areas in which commercial entities using or planning to use IoT could also be an inspiration for libraries. In this way, a theoretical model of IoT use in library activities was developed. Findings – The research showed that IoT technology might have the potential to be used in library services and other activities, similar to how it is implemented in the commercial sector. Research limitations/implications – The aim of the paper is to determine the possible, not the actual, scope and forms of using this technology in public and academic libraries’ services. Practical implications – The results can be widely used in libraries as an inspiration for the use of IoT technology in modern library services. Social implications – The use of new technologies in libraries can help to improve the image of these institutions in the eyes of users, especially the younger generation. Originality/value – The use of IoT in libraries is a new issue that has not been studied much yet. The issue of using the potential of this technology for the needs of libraries has, in recent years, been raised at international conferences, become a subject of interest to librarian associations, and been widely discussed in the blogosphere, thus proving that this topic is important to practitioners. It is difficult, however, to find any scientific, comprehensive studies of this topic.
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Ossom Williamson, Peace. "Academic Medical Library Services Contribute to Scholarship in Medical Faculty and Residents." Evidence Based Library and Information Practice 12, no. 3 (September 18, 2017): 165. http://dx.doi.org/10.18438/b8337c.
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A Review of:
Quesenberry, A. C., Oelschlegel, S., Earl, M., Leonard, K., & Vaughn, C. J. (2016). The impact of library resources and services on the scholarly activity of medical faculty and residents. Medical Reference Services Quarterly, 35(3), 259-265. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02763869.2016.1189778
Abstract
Objective – To assess the impact of academic medical library services and resources on information-seeking behaviours during the academic efforts of medical faculty and residents.
Design – Value study derived from a 23-item survey.
Setting – Public medical residency program and training hospital in Tennessee, USA.
Subjects – 433 faculty and residents currently employed by or completing residency in an academic medical centre.
Methods – Respondents completed a 23-question survey about their use of library resources and services in preparation for publishing, presenting, and teaching. The library services in the survey included literature searches completed by librarians and document delivery for preparation of publications, presentations, and lecture material. The survey also included questions about how resources were being accessed in preparation for scholarship. The survey sought information on whether respondents published articles or chapters or presented papers or posters in the previous three years. If respondents answered in the affirmative to one of the aforementioned methods of scholarship, they were provided with further questions about how they access library resources and whether they sought mediated literature search and document delivery services in preparation for their recent presentations and publications. The survey also included questions concerning what types of scholarly activity prompt faculty and residents to use online library resources.
Main Results – The study was provided to 433 subjects, including 220 faculty and 213 residents, contacted through an email distribution list. The response rate to the survey was 15% (N=65). Residents comprised 35% of the respondents, and faculty at each of the three levels of tenure comprised 60%. The remaining 5% of respondents included PhD and non-clinical faculty within the graduate school. Over 50% of respondents reported use of library services in preparation for publishing and presenting. These library services were literature searches, document delivery, and accessing online resources. Faculty and residents reported use of PubMed first (71%) and most often, with 56% of respondents reporting weekly use, followed by Google or Google Scholar, with 20% of respondents reporting its use first and 23% of respondents reporting weekly use.
However, regarding responses to the question concerning how journal articles are accessed, “using a search engine” was chosen most often, at almost 65%, followed by (in order) clicking library links in a database, contacting the library directly, searching the list of library e-journals, clicking publisher links in a database, using personal subscriptions, searching the library catalog, and using bookmarks saved in a web browser. Based on survey responses, faculty reported higher use of library services and resources than residents; however, residents reported higher use of library services and resources when preparing posters and papers for conferences and professional meetings. In addition, several comments spoke to the importance of the library for scholarly activity, many indicating the critical role of library assistance or resources in their academic accomplishments.
Conclusion – This study provides evidence in support of library resources and services for medical faculty and residents, which contributes to discussions of the contributions of medical libraries. As hospital libraries close and academic medical libraries see reductions in budgets, this study contributes to the value of a library’s presence, as well as the role of the health sciences librarian in medical research and scholarly communication. This academic medical library was reported to be first and most often used, in comparison with other resources or none, in preparation for publication and presenting. The results of this and similar studies can contribute to the generalizability of its findings relating to the value of medical libraries. In addition, PubMed, UpToDate, and Google were the resources used most often by respondents, along with search engines and library links in databases. These findings can be incorporated into future outreach, marketing, and instructional curriculum for this library’s users. The survey results also provide additional support for the library’s role in the academic research lifecycle, and free-text comments about the critical role of library services furthered those findings. The authors state that further research is necessary for improving awareness of library resources and services in the role of scholarship at institutions.
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Balaji, B. Preedip, Vinay M.S., Shalini B.G., and Mohan Raju J.S. "Web 2.0 use in academic libraries of top ranked Asian universities." Electronic Library 37, no. 3 (June 3, 2019): 528–49. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/el-12-2018-0248.
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Purpose This paper aims to explore recent trends of how Web 2.0 applications were used in 75 academic libraries in Asia through their library websites. Design/methodology/approach The Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings 2016 was considered for this study and out of 200 top universities ranked, 75 universities were selected for data collection. Using a multi-method approach, this study evaluated key design elements, library service platforms and website content of each academic library website, examining their site features, Web 2.0 types and applications. The criteria for selecting the websites were first the website was in English and second had Web 2.0 applications integrated into the main website. For the ranking of websites, a library web service index was developed, benchmarking from these groups – resource discovery tools, Web 2.0 applications, e-resources, mobile applications, library guides, digital reference services and digital inclusion – as indicators. Findings The authors found that over two-thirds of Asian university libraries have deployed one or more Web 2.0 applications, though their popularity and implementation vary greatly. Most widely used Web 2.0 applications are Facebook (61.3 per cent), RSS (53.3 per cent), Twitter (46.7 per cent) and YouTube (37.3 per cent). Instant messaging (5.3 per cent) and podcasting (4 per cent) were least applied. With an average of 44 per cent, the diffusion rate of Web information is moderately high among the majority of the Asian university libraries. Originality/value Many studies explored Web 2.0 applications from developed countries. However, this study attempts evaluating the use of Web 2.0 applications through content, sites and features of academic libraries in Asia, from developing countries perspective.
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Calvert, Kristin. "Maximizing Academic Library Collections: Measuring Changes in Use Patterns Owing to EBSCO Discovery Service." College & Research Libraries 76, no. 1 (January 1, 2015): 81–99. http://dx.doi.org/10.5860/crl.76.1.81.
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Despite the prevalence of academic libraries adopting web-scale discovery tools, few studies have quantified their effect on the use of library collections. This study measures the impact that EBSCO Discovery Service has had on use of library resources through circulation statistics, use of electronic resources, and interlibrary loan requests. Additionally, the data were compared against data from similar academic libraries without discovery systems. Findings include a strong growth in e-journal use but a sharp decline in circulation statistics. Implications of discovery on use of the print collection are discussed along with suggestions for improving integration of book and article data.
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Sayre, F., and A. Riegelman. "Replicable services for reproducible research: a model for academic libraries." Bibliosphere, no. 4 (January 11, 2020): 33–45. http://dx.doi.org/10.20913/1815-3186-2019-4-33-45.
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Over the past decade, evidence from disciplines ranging from biology to economics has suggested that many scientific studies may not be reproducible. This has led to declarations in both the scientific and lay press that science is experiencing a “reproducibility crisis” and that this crisis has consequences for the extent to which students, faculty, and the public at large can trust research. Faculty build on these results with their own research, and students and the public use these results for everything from patient care to public policy. To build a model for how academic libraries can support reproducible research, the authors conducted a review of major guidelines from funders, publishers, and professional societies. Specific recommendations were extracted from guidelines and compared with existing academic library services and librarian expertise. The authors believe this review shows that many of the recommendations for improving reproducibility are core areas of academic librarianship, including data management, scholarly communication, and methodological support for systematic reviews and data-intensive research. By increasing our knowledge of disciplinary, journal, funder, and society perspectives on reproducibility, and reframing existing librarian expertise and services, academic librarians will be well positioned to be leaders in supporting reproducible research. Citation: Sayre F., Riegelman A. Replicable services for reproducible research: a model for academic libraries.
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Alexander, Stephanie, and Diana K. Wakimoto. "Exploration of reference models in a public university system." Reference Services Review 47, no. 1 (February 11, 2019): 21–36. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/rsr-08-2018-0062.
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Purpose This study aims to investigate the reference and public service models used at academic libraries in the California State University system. Design/methodology/approach This exploratory study used a qualitative mixed methods design with an online survey and follow-up interviews with public services librarians. Findings The majority of the libraries in this study continue to use a traditional reference model with a physical desk staffed by librarians. Some libraries have moved to tiered or on-call reference using students and staff to triage patron questions. The majority of libraries’ public service points also follow a traditional configuration with separate service points for reference and other library public services. Research limitations/implications As this research is limited to one public university system, the results may not be generalizable to all academic libraries. Replicating this research in other systems would increase the generalizability of the results and allow for the generation of potential best practices for reference models and public service point configurations. Practical implications Librarians who are considering changes to their reference models and service point layouts can use the results as a starting point for conversations about the benefits and challenges of various models as well provide support to create an environment where changes to the models can be successfully implemented. Originality/value This study is one of the few to investigate multiple academic libraries’ approaches to reference and public services in the research literature. As such, it addresses a gap in the literature that case studies alone cannot fill.
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Antell, Karen, and Debra Engel. "Conduciveness to Scholarship: The Essence of Academic Library as Place." College & Research Libraries 67, no. 6 (November 1, 2006): 536–60. http://dx.doi.org/10.5860/crl.67.6.536.
Full textAbstract:
The dawn of the Internet era has prompted many researchers to investigate changes in the use of academic libraries, but most studies explore student use, rather than faculty use, of library space. In contrast, this study surveys use of the academic library space among faculty and doctoral students and explores the phenomenological differences between using library space and using the library remotely. The authors hypothesized that older scholars (by age and by “scholarly age,” as measured by the year in which the scholar’s last academic degree was earned) would report greater use of the physical library and less use of the library’s electronic resources and would make more positive statements about the physical space than would younger scholars. In three of the four major themes that emerged from the qualitative survey data, this hypothesis is supported. However, in the fourth theme, “conduciveness to scholarship,” the opposite position was supported. Younger scholars were far more likely than older scholars to make statements reflecting the idea that the physical library is a unique place that facilitates the kind of concentration necessary for doing serious scholarly work.
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Zaugg, Holt, and Scott Rackham. "Identification and development of patron personas for an academic library." Performance Measurement and Metrics 17, no. 2 (July 11, 2016): 124–33. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/pmm-04-2016-0011.
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Purpose – Ranganathan’s Laws of Library Science and continued refinements place identification of patron’s needs and connection of those needs to library services of primary importance in libraries. Identifying and developing personas or user group descriptions helps to identify the unique nature of library patrons. Personas help librarians identify or create specific services for each patron persona. Understanding each library persona allows the library faculty and staff to prepare and to plan service delivery. The purpose of this paper is to develop personas for undergraduate students followed by the identification and development of personas for graduate students and faculty. Design/methodology/approach – The identification and development of undergraduate patron personas engaged communications students, as part of their course work, to use a review of previous studies to develop theories of library patron personas. Each of the three groups within the communications class verified their initial persona theories using surveys, focus groups, interviews, observations and ethnographic methods. All personas from each group was further developed and refined into a final list and description of ten library personas. A principal components analysis helped to provide interconnections between the personas and estimate the percent of patrons each persona comprised. Findings – The study identified ten personas (user groups) who use a wide variety of library services. Descriptions of personas enabled library faculty and staff to identify personas accessing their services, to further develop and refine current services and to create new services to meet the needs of patrons. A principle components analysis further facilitated the understanding of interrelations between the personas based on persona use of library services. Personas that had common needs or use patterns were grouped together to further understanding of patrons use patterns and needs. While an attempt was made to determine the percent of total patrons each persona was, evidence was found that indicated the fluid nature of personas in regards to library services. That is, as the patron needs shifted, so did their persona. Patrons moved from one persona to another to meet their shifting needs as the academic semester proceeded. Practical implications – Personas have several practical implications for librarians. First, they enable librarians to reflect on provided services in terms of personas. This reflection enables library services to be refined to meet patron needs. Second, the interconnection between personas enables librarians to market other services. As a patron uses one service, librarians can point out related services that may be of interest or help. This is particularly important for new student orientation tours. Finally, matching the personas with other library trends and patterns assists librarians with the development of the library as a space suited to meet the needs of its patrons. Originality/value – While the use of personas is common in communications, marketing and business, their development and use in academic libraries is quite unique. They become quite useful in associating library services to the patrons that use them. Strategic planning also uses personas as services are upgraded and improved or new services are created to meet more persona needs.
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Murray, Adam, Ashley Ireland, and Jana Hackathorn. "The Value of Academic Libraries: Library Services as a Predictor of Student Retention." College & Research Libraries 77, no. 5 (September 1, 2016): 631–42. http://dx.doi.org/10.5860/crl.77.5.631.
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This study examined the predictive relationship between library use by individual students and their retention status in university settings. The methodology builds on a small number of previous studies to examine library use at the individual level to determine if use of specific library services is predictive of retention for freshmen and sophomores. Binary logistic regression yielded results that indicate a strong positive predictive relationship between library use of any kind with both freshmen and sophomore retention. These results suggest that academic libraries add value to institutional retention efforts.
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Regazzi, John J. "Constrained? An Analysis of U.S. Academic Library Shifts in Spending, Staffing, and Utilization, 1998–2008." College & Research Libraries 73, no. 5 (September 1, 2012): 449–68. http://dx.doi.org/10.5860/crl-260.
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The study provides an analysis of U.S. academic library spending, staffing and utilization trends from data collected during the period between 1998 and 2008. Data used in this study are part of the NCES biennial survey of approximately 3,700 degree-granting postsecondary institutions. Confirming previous studies, there has been an order of magnitude change in the expenditure of e-books and e-serials; but, contrary to the view of being fiscally restrained, libraries have received investments and increases of approximately 12 percent above inflation over the period with significant increases in nearly every area of library operation. Library staffing is being diversified, while use of physical library assets are in decline for every metric in the study—gate count, reference service, general and reserve circulation. Academic libraries cannot be treated as a homogenous group of institutions, and the study analyzes shifts by type, size, and Carnegie class of institution, illustrating significant difference among these classes of academic libraries, particularly among large doctoral institutions and other academic libraries, with large public and doctoral private institutions driving growth, while small and medium-sized academic libraries have fallen behind in both collections and staff investments.
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Wijayaratne, Anusha Lakmini, and Diljit Singh. "Developing an academic library website model, a designer’s checklist, and an evaluative instrument." Electronic Library 33, no. 1 (February 2, 2015): 35–51. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/el-11-2012-0115.
Full textAbstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce a library website model. Further, the paper discusses a designer’s checklist and an evaluative instrument that were constructed based on the proposed model. Design/methodology/approach – The model was developed through a Delphi study that was participated by two panels of experts. The researcher communicated with the panel members via e-mail using two Delphi instruments designed out of two item pools that were developed based on the knowledge gained from surveying the literature, visiting the selected libraries and exploring the library websites. Then, a designer’s checklist and an evaluative instrument were derived from the proposed model through a series of brainstorming sessions. Findings – The proposed model consisted of altogether 140 items (60 web content elements and 80 web design features). The designer’s checklist comprises all 140 items, and the evaluative instrument comprises 60 content elements and 57 design features. Research limitations/implications – This study has developed an academic library website model and derived two instruments based on the proposed model. Further studies are needed to customize, particularly, the web content pillar of this conceptual model, to meet the specific needs of different types of libraries including public libraries, special libraries, school libraries, etc. Practical implications – The designer’s checklist and the evaluative instrument derived from the proposed model are useful tools for library professionals in designing, re-designing, maintaining and evaluating their library websites. The librarians may use these tools for both institutional and research purposes. Originality/value – The model and the two instruments proposed by this study are unique in focus, origin, content and presentation.
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Njoku, Lazarus C., and Eucharia Ken-Agbiriogu. "Awareness and Use of Cloud Computing: Its Implications in Selected Academic Libraries in Imo State, Nigeria." Information Impact: Journal of Information and Knowledge Management 12, no. 1 (September 8, 2021): 62–75. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/iijikm.v12i1.5.
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The study investigated awareness and use of cloud computing; its implications by libraries in selected academic libraries in Imo State, Nigeria. Four research questions were asked and answered. Also, three hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 significance level. Survey research design was adopted. The total population of the study was 53 librarians, comprising professional staff of the library in Imo State University, Owerri, Federal Polytechnic, Nekede and Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri. The sample size was the entire population; hence the census enumeration sampling technique was employed. Rating scale was used for data collection. Data collected were presented in tables and column charts, and analyzed using mean, standard deviation. Testing of hypotheses was done using F-ratio (ANOVA) at the significance level of 0.05. Findings reveal that there is certain level of awareness on cloud computing technologies and models in the libraries studied. It was also discovered that cloud computing technology were used by libraries in the institutions studied, and economy of resource cost effectiveness and file sharing are some of the major positive implications of librarians adoption cloud computing technologies. However security and privacy, multiple taxation were also identified as major negative implications of cloud computing adoption by the librarians in discharging their functions in the libraries. Based on these findings, recommendations were made.
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Sami, Abdus. "Measuring the Impact of Using Library Resources The Context of Secondary Students’ Academic Achievement." Journal of Educational Management & Social Sciences 1, no. 1 (June 29, 2020): 01–07. http://dx.doi.org/10.48112/jemss.v1i1.4.
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This study aims to explore the effect of libraries resources, in the light of the history and background, on the student’s academic performance. The reviewed literature states that students using library resources have greater efficiency and knowledge as compared to the students who do not use the libraries. Over the past twenty years, investigators all over the world have collected a significant amount of evidence pointing out the well-developed schools’ library results in better academic performance of students. By reviewing deeply analysis the review of the literature that effective libraries of any academic institution has deep effects on pupil academic performance and due to these effects, the student can improve their ability to get better academic results. Many numbers of investigations analysis these matters adopting qualitative and quantitative method has been used. Most research studies show the point of views that libraries have a good effect and impact on a pupil school’s performance.
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Kaba, Abdoulaye. "Online library job advertisement in United Arab Emirates: a content analysis of online sources." Library Management 38, no. 2/3 (March 14, 2017): 131–41. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/lm-07-2016-0058.
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate and analyze library jobs advertised by higher education institutions, newspapers and job market sites in United Arab Emirates (UAE). Design/methodology/approach The paper uses summative content analysis approach for data collection, data analysis, evaluation and assessment. It reports about the accuracy of advertisements, job titles, job categories, locations and types of libraries. Findings Higher education institutions demonstrate the highest accuracy level in advertising library jobs. Librarian emerged to be the highest advertised title by the sources. e-library executive, principal-publications and library, and primary librarian found to be the new titles in the market. The paper also found inconsistencies and lack of uniformities among the sources in using job categories to advertise library jobs. In fact, none of them used the term “library” in any category. Academic libraries recorded the highest advertised jobs compared to other types of libraries. Research limitations/implications The paper is based on library jobs advertised on the websites. Websites are only one source of library job advertisement. Practical implications The paper provides important information for librarians looking for library jobs in the Middle East as well as for library managers and decision makers who wish to recruit library professionals. Originality/value The paper represents one of the few studies conducted on library job marketing in UAE. Findings of the study may contribute to the improvement of library job marketing not only in UAE but also in the other gulf countries.
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Gariepy, Laura W. "Acceptable and Unacceptable Uses of Academic Library Search Data: An Interpretive Description of Undergraduate Student Perspectives." Evidence Based Library and Information Practice 16, no. 2 (June 15, 2021): 22–44. http://dx.doi.org/10.18438/eblip29923.
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Objective – This article presents findings about undergraduate student attitudes regarding search data privacy in academic libraries. Although the library literature includes many articles about librarian perceptions on this matter, this paper adds rich, qualitative evidence to the limited research available about student preferences for how libraries should handle information about what they search for, borrow, and download. This paper covers acceptable and unacceptable uses of student search data based on American undergraduate student perspectives. This is an important area of study due to the increasingly data-driven nature of evaluation, accountability, and improvement in higher education, which relies on individual-level student data for learning analytics. These practices are sometimes at odds with libraries’ longstanding commitment to user privacy, which has historically limited the amount of data collected about student use of materials. However, libraries’ use of student search data is increasing. Methods – This qualitative study was approached through interpretive description, a rigorous qualitative framework for answering practical research questions in an applied setting or discipline. I employed the constant comparative method of data collection and analysis to conduct semi-structured interviews with 27 undergraduate students at a large, American, urban public research institution. Interviews included questions as well as vignettes: short scenarios designed to elicit response. Through inductive coding, I organized the data into interpretive themes and subthemes to describe student attitudes. Results – Participants viewed academic library search data as less personally revealing than internet search data. As a result, students were generally comfortable with libraries collecting search data so long as it is used for their benefit. They were comfortable with data being used to improve library collections and services, but were more ambivalent about use of search data for personalized search results and for learning analytics-based assessment. Students had mixed feelings about using search data in investigations related to criminal activity or national security. Most students expressed a desire for de-identification and user control of data. Students who were not comfortable with their search data being collected or used often held their convictions more strongly than those who found the practice acceptable, and their concerns were often related to how data might be used in ways that harm members of vulnerable groups. Conclusion – The results of this study suggested that librarians should further explore student perspectives about search data collection in academic libraries to consider how and if they might adjust their data collection practices to be respectful of student preferences for privacy, while still meeting evaluation and improvement objectives. This study also introduces the qualitative framework of interpretive description to the library and information science literature, promoting use of this applied qualitative approach, which is well-suited to the practical questions often asked in library research studies.
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Engel, Debra, and Karen Antell. "The Life of the Mind: A Study of Faculty Spaces in Academic Libraries." College & Research Libraries 65, no. 1 (January 1, 2004): 8–26. http://dx.doi.org/10.5860/crl.65.1.8.
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The value of the academic library as “place” in the university community has recently been debated in the popular and scholarly library literature, but the debate centers on student use of library space rather than faculty use. This study addresses the issue of faculty use of library space by investigating the use of “faculty spaces”—individual, enclosed, lock-able carrels or studies—through a series of interviews with faculty space holders at the University of Oklahoma and a survey of ARL libraries. Both elements of the investigation show that faculty spaces are heavily used and highly valued by faculty members, especially those in the social sciences and humanities. The researchers present the results of the interviews and the survey, and explore the reasons for the continuing value of faculty spaces in the age of electronic information.
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Mokhnacheva, Yulia V., and Tatiana N. Kharybina. "Using Analysis of Quotations for Optimization of Research Studies (Case study of the Research Institute Library)." Bibliotekovedenie [Library and Information Science (Russia)], no. 2 (April 1, 2009): 125–28. http://dx.doi.org/10.25281/0869-608x-2009-0-2-125-128.
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The use of a citation-analysis method for optimization of information-bibliographic service at libraries in academic research institutes is considered in detail. The results of scientometric studies carried out in the Central library of Pushchino research center of the Russian Academy of sciences have been provided. In library science the citation-analysis method is used extremely rare, so the paper on the essence of this method and technology of its use may be used by library scientists.
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McKenna, Julie. "The Quality of Academic Library Building Improvements Has a Positive Impact on Library Usage." Evidence Based Library and Information Practice 1, no. 3 (September 14, 2006): 73. http://dx.doi.org/10.18438/b8qg6c.
Full textAbstract:
A review of:
Shill, Harold B. and Shawn Tonner. “Does the Building Still Matter? Usage Patterns in New, Expanded, and Renovated Libraries, 1995-2002.” College & Research Libraries 65.2 (Mar. 2004): 123-150.
Objective – To measure the impact of academic library facility improvements on physical library usage.
Design – The facility improvement data used for this study were previously collected through a 68-item Web survey for the companion article “Creating a Better Place: Physical Improvements in Academic Libraries, 1995-2002” (Shill and Tonner). The measurement of library usage was by exit gate counts before and after library improvements.
Setting – American academic libraries in which: facility improvement projects were completed between 1995 and 2002, the project space was not smaller than 20,000 square feet, the project space did not include off-site storage or non-public space, and gate-count statistics from before and after facility changes were available.
Subjects – Ninety of 384 identified academic libraries were able to provide usable data on: exit gate count, total circulation, in-house collection use, and reference transaction data.
Methods – The data collection was undertaken in 2003 for the companion study (Shill and Tonner). A population of 384 libraries potentially able to meet criteria for the study was gathered and each library was invited by e-mail to complete a Web-based survey. Through this initial contact, 357 libraries were confirmed as meeting the study criteria, and responses were received from 182 of those providing a 51% overall response rate.
Respondents were asked about institutional characteristics (public or private, Carnegie classification, etc.); project specific features (year of completion, nature of project, etc.); nature and extent of changes (seating, wiring, HVAC, etc.); presence of non-library services in the facility; collection arrangements; before and after quality changes in lighting, seating and a range of services (as assessed by the survey respondent); and before and after project completion gate count usage statistics. Respondents were asked a set of eleven questions each with a five-point scale about facility quality and librarian satisfaction with the former and the changed facility.
A further criteria requirement of the availability of pre- and post-project gate count was implemented, reducing the number of libraries to be studied to 90. Facility usage changes were calculated by subtracting the gate count total for the last complete year pre-project from the most recent year gate count post project.
Main results - Eighty percent of the 90 libraries reported increased gate count post-project, and 20 percent reported a decline in usage. The median increase across the libraries was 37.4 percent with 25.6 percent of libraries experiencing a post-project increase of 100 percent or more. Renovated facilities were more likely to see usage decline, but there was no statistically significant difference in usage change between renovated and new facilities. Libraries more recently upgraded saw greater usage growth than those renovations completed earlier in the study period, although 75 percent of the facilities continued to experience higher post-project usage levels. Nearly all of the private institutions (93.1%) experienced usage increases and almost half experienced growth of 100 percent or more.
No statistically significant relationship was found between changes in post project usage and:
The proportion of facility space allocated for library functions
The physical location of the library on campus
The size of the library facility
The level of degrees offered at the institution
The availability of wireless access
The number of computers in the instruction lab
The number of public access workstations
A larger number of seats
The number of group study rooms
The shelving capacity, the use of compact shelving or off-site storage
The presence of coffee or snack bars
The presence of any non-library facilities
There was a statistically significant correlation (Pearson’s r) between increased post project usage and:
The institution type (public or private) (p=.000)
The number of data ports in the facility (p=.005)
The percent of wired seats (p=.034)
Ten elements relating to improved quality emerged as statistically significant in relation to increased usage, although the correlation for quality of artificial lighting was not statistically significant (p=.162 n.s.). The statistically significant correlations (Pearson’s r) between quality and increased usage in order of strength of correlation were: the quality of the instruction lab (p=.000); layout (p=.001); public access workstations (p=.006); natural lighting (p=.007); user workspace (p=.008); telecommunications infrastructure (p=.014); overall ambience (p=.020); collection storage (p=.026); heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning system (p=.026); and service point locations (p=.038).
Conclusion – This study confirmed that 80 percent of libraries experience usage increase after a library improvement project. The study revealed those investments that cause increased use, and also found that a number of variables previously predicted to cause usage growth were not significant. The study also found that quality of the improvements, additions, and the building are a significant driver of increased use. The median 37.4 percent increase demonstrates that, contrary to reports in the literature (Shill and Tonner 460), overall library usage is increasing in these institutions.
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Fournier, Karine, and Lindsey Sikora. "How Canadian librarians practice and assess individualized research consultations in academic libraries." Performance Measurement and Metrics 18, no. 2 (July 10, 2017): 148–57. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/pmm-05-2017-0022.
Full textAbstract:
Purpose Though we live in a digital era, libraries offer significant hours of in-person reference services, in combination with online reference services. Nevertheless, an increase in requests for in-person, individualized research consultations (IRCs) over the last few years has been observed. IRCs between librarians and students are common practice in academic institutions. While these sessions can be deemed useful for patrons, as they are tailored to their specific needs, however, they can also be time consuming for the librarians. Therefore, it is important to evaluate this service, and assess its impact in order to ensure that the users are getting the most out of their sessions. The purpose of this paper is to gather information on the evaluation and assessment tools that Canadian institutions are using to obtain feedback, measure their impact and improve their consultation services. Design/methodology/approach A bilingual (French and English) web-based questionnaire was issued, with a generic definition of IRCs provided. The questionnaire included general demographics and background information on IRC practices among Canadian academic librarians, followed by reflective questions on the assessment process of such practices. The questionnaire was sent to Canadian academic librarians via e-mail, using professional librarian associations’ listservs, and Twitter was used for dissemination as well. Findings Major findings of the survey concluded that the disciplines of health sciences and medicine, as well as the arts and humanities are the heaviest users of the IRC service model. On average, these sessions are one hour in length, provided by librarians who often require advanced preparation time to adequately help the user, with infrequent follow-up appointments. It was not surprising that a lack of assessment methods for IRCs was identified among Canadian academic libraries. Most libraries have either no assessment in place for IRCs, or they rely heavily on informal feedback from users, comments from faculty members and so on. A small portion of libraries use usage statistics to assess their IRCs service, but other means of assessment are practically non-existent. Research limitations/implications The survey conducted was only distributed to Canadian academic libraries. Institutions across the USA and other countries that also perform IRCs may have methods for evaluating and assessing these sessions which the authors did not gather; therefore, the evidence is biased. As well, each discipline approaches IRCs very differently; therefore, it is challenging to compare the evaluation and assessment methods between each discipline. Furthermore, the study’s population is unknown, as the authors did not know the exact number of librarians or library staff providing IRCs by appointment in academic Canadian institution. While the response rate was reasonably good, it is impossible to know if the sample is representative of the population. Also, it needs to be acknowledged that the study is exploratory in nature as this is the first study solely dedicated at examining academic librarians’ IRC practices. Further research is needed. As future research is needed to evaluate and assess IRCs with an evidence-based approach, the authors will be conducting a pre-test and post-test to assess the impact of IRC on students’ search techniques. Originality/value Evidence-based practice for IRCs is limited. Very few studies have been conducted examining the evaluation and assessment methods of these sessions; therefore, it was believed that a “lay of the land,” so to speak, was needed. The study is exploratory in nature, as this is the first study solely dedicated at examining the evaluation and assessment methods of academic librarians’ IRC practices.
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Hook, David. "Use and access of grey literature in special libraries may be hindered by lack of visibility and cataloguing." Evidence Based Library and Information Practice 1, no. 1 (March 15, 2006): 98. http://dx.doi.org/10.18438/b8g597.
Full textAbstract:
A review of:
Ranger, Sara L. “Grey Literature in Special Libraries: Access in Use.” Publishing Research Quarterly 21.1 (Spring 2005): 53-63.
Objective – To examine the barriers to making grey literature (literature not controlled by commercial publishers) easier to access in special libraries.
Design – Interviews.
Setting – Variety of special libraries (government, corporate and specialized academic) in the United States.
Subjects – Sixteen librarians from fourteen organizations in Washington, Michigan and Texas were interviewed. Four of the organizations were government libraries, four were corporate libraries and five were specialized academic libraries. One of the interviews was not used because the organization did not maintain a collection of paper-based grey literature.
Methods – Librarians were selected as possible interview subjects via three methods: some were previously familiar with the author; some were referred to the author by friends, family and colleagues; two candidates volunteered in response to a presentation of the project at a professional meeting. Interviews were conducted between February 2002 and May 2003. A standard set of seven questions were used, but often followed with further questions. The interviews were conducted either in the library or the librarian’s office. The interviews were tape-recorded and the answers were written down. Interviews typically lasted between fifteen and thirty minutes and asked about the current state, holdings, access and use of grey literature in the special library.
Main Results – Results from the interviews suggest a wide variance in the percentage of users that access grey literature. Grey literature was used less in the corporate libraries than the academic and government libraries. The percentage of the collection made up of grey literature also varied widely between the different libraries. Reports were found to be the most popular form of grey literature, although most of the libraries reported owning conference proceedings and newsletters in addition to reports. One interesting observation found during the interviews was that most of the users of grey literature are also producers of grey literature. The librarians surveyed reported that some of the reasons for using grey literature included use in research, to write (often more grey literature), interest in the topic, for class assignments, as records of previous practices, for localized studies, and for creating models and practices. Results found that for the libraries surveyed, much of the grey literature remains uncatalogued and what has been catalogued was done using a variety of methods. Over half of the libraries surveyed had their grey literature accessible online.
Conclusion – Two main reasons were cited as explanations for why grey literature was not used as much as it should be: lack of cataloguing and visibility. In many of the libraries surveyed, much of the grey literature had not been catalogued, making it difficult to find and use the resources. Reasons cited for not cataloguing grey literature include lack of time, funds and/or knowledge. As well, in many of the libraries surveyed, it was found that the holdings of grey literature were not readily visible to the users, so users were not even aware that it existed.
To improve the awareness and accessibility of grey literature, the author recommends regional depositories for grey literature, international standards for cataloguing and more cooperation between special libraries.
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Uutoni, Wilhelm. "Providing digital reference services: a Namibian case study." Information and Learning Science 119, no. 5/6 (May 14, 2018): 342–56. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ils-11-2017-0122.
Full textAbstract:
Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate digital reference services at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and the University of Namibia (UNAM) library. Two aspects were evaluated, namely, “resources” and “elements of the general digital reference model”. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a descriptive case study approach and used qualitative research methods, which comprised interviews and an observation checklist. The population consisted of librarians working at NUST and UNAM Library. Findings The research findings showed that these libraries used the general digital reference model in providing responses to the library users. The study established that the two libraries did not follow the International Federation of Library Associations and Reference and User Services Association standards of staffing and training of librarians working with digital reference services. The study further found that a lack of ability to fully demonstrate to users how to access various library services was one of the major problems that the librarians experienced. Research limitations/implications The study was limited to two academic libraries: UNAM and NUST. Originality/value The study could contribute to a better understanding of digital reference services provided by NUST and the UNAM libraries and contribute to the body of knowledge on the subject of digital reference services, especially in an African context, where few studies have been conducted on this subject. The two libraries could use the findings to improve digital reference services, plan for intervention and develop the services.
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Chiware, Elisha R. T. "Data librarianship in South African academic and research libraries: a survey." Library Management 41, no. 6/7 (May 28, 2020): 401–16. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/lm-03-2020-0045.
Full textAbstract:
PurposeThe purpose of this study was to establish the current skills base of librarians working in research data management services in academic and research libraries in South Africa. The purpose was also to determine the relevance of courses and programmes that are currently being offered by library and information studies programmes in response to the needs of research data management services and make recommendations on curriculum improvement.Design/methodology/approachAbout 13 institutions which were considered early adopters of research data management services were identified as participants in an online survey. In addition, a review of Web pages of existing library and information studies schools was carried to establish courses that would support research data management services. Data collected through the two approaches were analysed and presented quantitatively and qualitatively.FindingsThe findings reveal an environment in a developmental stage, with limited skilled personnel to run research data management services. The findings also show an absence of specific data librarianship courses within existing library and information studies programmes and a very limited scope for the full range of data management courses within professional development programmes.Originality/valueThe paper provides information on approaches to further develop existing curriculum and contribute to the data management needs and support governments, funders and publishers' requirements for the discoverability and re-use of research data across research domains.
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Ayeni, Philips O., Blessed O. Agbaje, and Maria Tippler. "A Systematic Review of Library Services Provision in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic." Evidence Based Library and Information Practice 16, no. 3 (September 15, 2021): 67–104. http://dx.doi.org/10.18438/eblip29902.
Full textAbstract:
Objective – Libraries have had to temporarily shut their doors because of the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in the provision of online and remote services. This review analyzed services offered by libraries, the technological tools used, and the challenges facing libraries during the pandemic. Methods – This study employed a systematic literature review, following the PRISMA checklist (Moher at al., 2009). The Building Blocks search strategy was employed to search for keywords of concepts in Library and Information Science Abstract (LISA), Library and Information Science Technology Abstract (LISTA), Library Science Database, Web of Science (WoS) core collections, and Google Scholar. A set of inclusion and exclusion criteria was pre-determined by the authors prior to database searching. Quality assessment of included studies was performed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (Hong et al., 2018). A tabular approach was used to provide a summary of each article allowing the synthesis of results, which led to the identification of eight broad categories of services provided by libraries in included studies. Results – The first set of searches from the 5 databases produced 3,499 results. After we removed duplicates and applied the inclusion and exclusion criteria based on titles and abstracts, 37 potentially relevant articles were identified. Further screening of the full-text led to the final inclusion of 23 articles used for the qualitative synthesis. The majority of the studies were conducted in the United States of America (n= 6, 26.1%), followed by India (n=4, 17%), and China (n=2, 8.7%). The remaining studies were carried out in United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Mexico, Romania, Czech Republic, Indonesia, Pakistan, Nigeria, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe. The most common method used in selected studies was the case study (n= 11, 48%), followed by survey (n=7, 30.4%), content analysis (n=4, 17.4%), and mixed methods (n=1, 4.3%). The majority of the studies were carried out in academic libraries (74%), while the rest were based on medical, public, and special libraries. Findings show that the majority of academic libraries in the included studies are providing and expanding access to electronic resources (n=16, 69.6%) and increasing open access resources and services (n=11, 47.8%). More so, most academic libraries are assisting in virtual education and teaching endeavors of faculty and students (n=13, 56.5%). In addition, some medical and public libraries are bolstering public health safety through health literacy (n=12, 52.2%), supporting research efforts, and engaging in virtual reference services, among others. In order to carry out these services, libraries are harnessing several educational, social networking, communication, and makerspaces technologies. Most of the libraries in the included studies reported budgetary challenges, and the need for new ICT infrastructure and Internet service as they move their services online. Conclusion – This review found that libraries are adapting in a number of ways to continue their roles in meeting patrons’ needs in spite of the growing challenges posed by COVID-19 restrictions and lockdown. For libraries to thrive in these trying times, there must be a well-structured approach to ensuring continuity of services. Libraries should prioritize the acquisition of electronic resources as well as increase their efforts to digitize resources that are only available in printed copies. As library services have predominantly shifted online, there should be concerted effort and support from government and funding agencies to equip libraries with the technological facilities needed to provide cutting-edge services. The quality assessment of the included studies shows that there is need for rigor and transparency in the methodological description of studies investigating library services provision in a pandemic. This review provides an overview of the ways libraries have responded to the challenges posed by a global pandemic, and hence will be of use and interest to all librarians especially those in health and academic sectors.
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Mi, Jia, and Cathy Weng. "Revitalizing the Library OPAC: Interface, Searching, and Display Challenges." Information Technology and Libraries 27, no. 1 (March 1, 2008): 5. http://dx.doi.org/10.6017/ital.v27i1.3259.
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The behavior of academic library users has drastically changed in recent years. Internet search engines have become the preferred tool over the library online public access catalog (OPAC) for finding information. Libraries are losing ground to online search engines. In this paper, two aspects of OPAC use are studied: (1) the current OPAC interface and searching capabilities, and (2) the OPAC bibliographic display. The purpose of the study is to find answers to the following questions: Why is the current OPAC ineffective? What can libraries and librarians do to deliver an OPAC that is as good as search engines to better serve our users? Revitalizing the library OPAC is one of the pressing issues that has to be accomplished.
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Usman, Saliu A., Oladimeji Abdullahi Olukade, George Osas Eromosele, and Wankasi Jamiu Abdulraheem,. "Evaluation Of Collection Management And Student’s Use Of Arabic Materials In Selected Nigerian Academic Libraries." Insaniyat: Journal of Islam and Humanities 4, no. 1 (November 29, 2019): 15–26. http://dx.doi.org/10.15408/insaniyat.v4i1.13091.
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The paper examines the evaluation of collection management and student’s use of Arabic materials in the four selected Academic Libraries in Nigeria. A descriptive survey research was used to carry out the investigation. The population was randomly sampled and covered all the matriculated student of the selected institutions that were registered as a library user. The questionnaires were thereafter sent to each of the institutions surveyed to facilitate prompt, high and accurate response from target population. Data were analyzed using frequency and percentages. Findings of the study showed that all the tertiary institutions libraries under study found Arabic materials readily available. Another finding in this study showed that students use the library for seeking their information needs. It has been revealed that facilities are organized for easy use. The finding showed that acquisition and collection polices were evaluated mainly to cater for students information needs. In addition, Arabic students were significantly satisfied with the library collection policy. There is a significant relationship between the libraries Arabic based services/facilities and students educational development. The study concludes that Arabic based services/ facilities can, to a considerable extent, satisfy the information needs of users. The study will benefit researchers, Arabic studies teachers, students and Islamic organization, nation-wide and internationally.
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Hillman, Christina, Kourtney Blackburn, Kaitlyn Shamp, and Chenisvel Nunez. "User-focused, User-led: Space Assessment to Transform a Small Academic Library." Evidence Based Library and Information Practice 12, no. 4 (December 30, 2017): 41. http://dx.doi.org/10.18438/b83x00.
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Abstract
Objective – By collecting and analyzing evidence from three data points, researchers sought to understand how library spaces are used. Researchers have used results for evidence based decision making regarding physical library spaces.
Methods – Undergraduate researchers, sociology faculty, and librarians used mixed-methods to triangulate findings. Seating sweeps were used to map patrons’ activities in the library. Student-led focus groups discussed patterns of library use, impressions of facilities, and library features and services. The final step included a campus survey developed from seating sweeps and focus group findings.
Results – Seating sweeps showed consistent use of the library's main level Learning Commons and upper level quiet spaces; the library’s multipurpose lower level is under-utilized. Students use the main level of the library for collaborative learning, socializing, reading, and computer use. Students use the upper level for quiet study and group work in study rooms. Focus group findings found library use is task-specific. For example, a student may work with classmates on a project using the main level Learning Commons during the day, and then come back at night to use the quiet floor for test preparation. Survey responses highlighted areas in which the library is deficient. For example, respondents cited crowdedness, noise levels, and temperature concerns.
Conclusion – These data offer empirical evidence for library space needs. Some data aligns with previous space studies conducted at this library: access to power outlets, lighting, noise, and an outdated environment. Evidence also supports anecdotal concerns of crowding, graduate students lacking designated study space, and the need for quiet study space away from group study space.
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Alharbi, Awadh. "User perceptions of ICT at the American University of Kuwait Library." Library Hi Tech 34, no. 1 (March 21, 2016): 143–50. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/lht-09-2015-0087.
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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the student perceptions of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the American University of Kuwait Library (AUK). Design/methodology/approach – The study uses a quantitative research method in order to investigate the perceptions of a wide range of students who use the academic library. The sample consists of 95 student volunteers, who provided data that were then analyzed and compared with literature from other authors in this subject field. Findings – The study found that the quality of the ICT equipment provided by the AUK library is very good, however training in how to use the library’s ICT is lacking. Practical implications – The findings suggest that the academic library looks into the possibility of changing the layout of the library to incorporate more computer terminals, as clearly many students feel there are currently not enough. The academic library must offer a greater amount of ICT training for students, preferably relating to the use of electronic resources and journals for new students. Originality/value – This study adds to the current literature on academic libraries in Kuwait, and is one of the first studies to look at students’ perceptions of ICT in a private university institution.
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Guth, LuMarie, and Patricia Vander Meer. "Telepresence robotics in an academic library." Library Hi Tech 35, no. 3 (September 18, 2017): 408–20. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/lht-03-2017-0059.
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Purpose Librarians are working with telepresence robotics for various uses, particularly as a communication method inhabiting a space between video chat and face-to-face interactions. The library at (Blinded University) partnered with the (Blinded Laboratory) to showcase this emerging technology in a high-traffic setting utilized by students of every level and major. The purpose of this paper is to discuss patron reactions to this technology exhibition in the library, beta testing of a telepresence robot in various public services tasks, and library employee attitudes toward this unfamiliar technology before and after one-on-one training. Design/methodology/approach The project gathered data through three studies. In study 1, feedback forms were filled out by patrons who interacted with or piloted the robot. In study 2, observations by the librarians piloting the robot for various public services activities were recorded in a log. In study 3, employees were invited to complete a pretest designed to solicit perceptions and attitudes regarding the use of the robot, become trained in navigating the robot, and complete a posttest for comparison purposes. Results were analyzed to find trends and highlight perceived uses for the technology. Findings Patrons and library employees gave positive feedback regarding the novelty of the technology and appreciated its remote communication capability. Trialed uses of the technology for public services yielded positive results when the TR was used for public relations, such as at special events or in greeting tours, and yielded less positive results when used for reference purposes. Library employees comfort with and perceived utility of the robot grew consistently across departments, levels of experience and employment types after a personal training session. Originality/value Although libraries in recent years have surveyed users regarding TR technology, this paper captures quantitative and qualitative data from a library employee training study regarding perception of the technology. Exploration of the public services uses and library employee acceptance of TR technology is valuable to those contemplating expending time and resources in similar endeavors.
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Luhova, Tetiana. "DEVELOPMENT OF AUGMENTED REALITY TECHNOLOGIES FOR ACADEMIC LIBRARIES AS AN EXPERIENCE OF SYNERGETIC LEARNING." OPEN EDUCATIONAL E-ENVIRONMENT OF MODERN UNIVERSITY, no. 10 (2021): 116–35. http://dx.doi.org/10.28925/2414-0325.2021.1011.
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The purpose of the study is to identify the features of the use of augmented reality technologies in the training of specialists in information, library and archival studies, who can solve specialized problems in the professional field, characterized by the complexity and uncertainty of the conditions and provide for the application of the provisions and methods of information, library and archival affairs. Work in project student groups to develop library augmented reality is a synergistic educational model that combines different pedagogical strategy: problem-based (PBL), innovative learning (IBL), project-based (PjBL), active learning (AL), deeper learning and game-based learning (GBL). The study proposes an interdisciplinary approach to teaching student librarians: a combination of applied augmented reality research for academic libraries and problem-oriented student learning, learning in the development process for innovations. The method of infographics comparative analysis was used. The article raises the issues of convergence of traditional forms of theoretical and practical training and the organization of innovative activities of students in the space of the academic library on the example of the development of AR-technologies. Peculiarities of development and implementation of augmented reality information technologies in work with documentary funds of academic libraries in the process of problem-based learning focused on innovations are determined. AR-marker technology has been intuitive for humanities students and facilitates the annotation and indexing of library documents. AR-technologies allow playfully to delve into documentary and library science aspects of creating the content of an AR document to master the skills of compiling thematic references. In the concepts of PBL and IBL, the primary emphasis is placed on the applied solution of problems and implementing innovations that meet the needs of a particular organization. This undermines the value of fundamental theoretical learning. We show the value of theoretical lecture material, on the example of the development of augmented reality for academic libraries by student librarians. We prove the importance of correlating lecture material as a starting point for student innovations to the actual needs of the academic library. The results of the research will be an impetus for implementing PBL & IBL in higher education in developing innovations by students in new learning environments (internships, information industry), such as academic libraries. Also initiate the work on implementing AR information technologies in the activities of university libraries. AR is a significant addition to the tools that university and libraries can use to engage their audiences to information literacy training. This should promote the librarianship and increase the status of the university. The students’ work with AR library technology is characterized by complexity, interdisciplinary nature, the collaboration of students of humanities and technical profiles. All this develops in students important competencies: creativity, ability to apply theory, work in a team, learn, developer responsibility, systematic thinking, involvement, focusing on innovation. The paper proposes to consider AR information technologies not only in the perspective of programming but also as a tool for PBL-AL-PjBL-GBL-IBL of student librarians, and as a subject of library and document researches (new tools of documentation). We emphasize fundamental learning and its constant testing in practice. The starting point in the development of innovations by students is the educational material, not the needs of the organization for which the innovations are developed. Because the process of innovation is a learning experience designed to show the applied power of theoretical knowledge. A multifactor model for evaluating student innovations is proposed.
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Chaputula, Aubrey Harvey, and Stephen Mutula. "eReadiness of public university libraries in Malawi to use mobile phones in the provision of library and information services." Library Hi Tech 36, no. 2 (June 18, 2018): 270–88. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/lht-10-2017-0204.
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PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present findings of a study conducted to determine eReadiness status of public university libraries in Malawi to use mobile phones in the provision of library and information services.Design/methodology/approachThe researcher carried out in-depth semi-structured interviews with university/college librarians and information and communications technology (ICT) directors using interview guides. Students were also administered with a survey questionnaire that contained closed- and some open-ended questions. Proceedings of the interviews were recorded using a tape recorder whilst backup notes were recorded in a notebook. Qualitative data were transcribed and analysed using NVivo software whilst quantitative data were analysed using SPPS.FindingsThe study findings revealed that institutions studied had the ICT infrastructure necessary for offering library and information services on the mobile phone platform. Moreover, students had mobile phones which were connected to internet to facilitate their access to services offered. However, the institutions covered by this study did not have operational ICT policies to govern the operations of library and information services offered through mobile phones although draft ICT policies were available. The study further concluded that though the human resources required to manage the provision of library and information services through mobile phones in the institutions studied were available, they did not have the necessary skills and numbers to provide quality services. Other findings revealed that attitudes of library staff and students to the offering and access to services through mobile phones were positive. The study also revealed that there are some factors that could impact the offering of library services through mobile phones.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough Malawi has four public universities, this study only focused on three of them. Moreover, academic staff is another important user group of academic libraries. In this case, findings reported in this paper only focus on students. This implies that library’s readiness to offer services through mobile phones to this group remains unknown hence may have to be covered by future studies. Much as the study incorporated a quantitative strand in addition to the qualitative one, it neither involved theory testing nor confirmation as is the case with other related studies. This implies that the two theories used in this study (the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology and the technology-organisation-environment) were not used in the strict sense, which is empirical at the core, but rather to put the problem studied in the context of other related studies.Practical implicationsThe findings have practical implications in that they can be used for planning the implementation of library and information services through mobile phones in public university libraries in Malawi. Other related institutions can also use the findings as a reference point in planning the implementation of similar services.Originality/valueStudies relating to the use of mobile phones in the delivery of library and information services have not been conducted in public universities in Malawi. Findings of this study will, therefore, inform researchers intending to conduct similar or related studies not only in public universities in Malawi but other related institutions as well.
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Proctor, Julia. "Demand-driven acquisition and the sunk cost model." Collection Building 34, no. 1 (January 5, 2015): 2–5. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/cb-06-2014-0033.
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Purpose – This paper aims to examine demand-driven acquisition (DDA) models that require an initial or minimum investment through the University of Wyoming’s experience with Elsevier’s Evidence-Based Selection model. Design/methodology/approach – In an attempt to avoid title-by-title selection and a desire to explore an alternative to all or nothing e-book packages, the University of Wyoming Libraries (UWL) participated in Elsevier’s Evidence-Based Selection purchase model for 2011 and 2012 e-book content in the 2013 calendar year. After an initial investment, the library was given access to the content. At the end of one year, UWL was provided with use data for the content and could choose an amount of content to retain up to Elsevier’s established “access fee”. Findings – Many studies have shown that print monographs in academic libraries do not circulate in high volumes. The use data for the titles included in the Evidence-Based Selection model was congruous with studies of print monograph circulation. Through a review of the literature and an account of the UWL’ experience with Elsevier’s Evidence-Based Selection model, this paper advocates for libraries to exercise caution when considering a DDA model requiring an initial investment. Originality/value – DDA is a purchase model that is becoming immensely popular, and in some libraries, the primary mode of acquisition. The value of this paper lies in the examination of a DDA model of a major academic publisher and the account of one library’s experience with that model.
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Khan, Shakeel Ahmad, and Abida Parveen. "Professional competencies for librarians working in special libraries: the case of Pakistan." Electronic Library 38, no. 5/6 (December 7, 2020): 1135–48. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/el-02-2020-0030.
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Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify the core competencies for librarians working in special libraries. It also measures the competencies of librarians working in special libraries of the Punjab Province against the checklist developed by the Special Library Association (SLA) Task Force. The study also identifies the training needs of librarians working in special libraries and the problems they face in acquiring SLA competencies. Design/methodology/approach A peer-reviewed questionnaire based on the list of competencies for special librarians prepared by the SLA Task Force was used to collect quantitative data from a targeted population. An online survey was administered to approach the population working in special libraries of Punjab Province. Collected data was analyzed statistically through SPSS software. Findings A review of literature highlighted the various competencies for librarians working in special libraries (Figure 1). The findings of the study showed that the competencies identified by SLA Task Force are imperative for librarians working in special libraries of Punjab Province. The results showed that librarians working in special libraries of Punjab possessed an intermediate level of competencies identified by the SLA. However, they had a good level of basic professional and interpersonal skills. The study highlights the training needs of librarians working in special libraries to enable them in acquiring relevant competencies. Research limitations/implications The study measures the competencies of librarians in special libraries of the Punjab Province. During the data collection phase, it was observed that there were some libraries where the non-professional/supporting staff was deputed, and due to this, data could not be collected from these libraries. Practical implications This study has practical implications for librarians and information professionals working in special libraries to acquire the relevant competencies identified by the SLA. This study has identified various competencies areas that are essential for librarians working in special libraries. Social implications Librarians working in any special library can use the results of this study as a checklist to improve their competencies level and work efficiently. Originality/value In contrast to other studies conducted on professional competencies of library professionals working in academic libraries, this study particularly identifies and measures the competencies of librarians working in special libraries.
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Clunie, Simone, and Darlene Ann Parrish. "How assessment websites of academic libraries convey information and show value." Performance Measurement and Metrics 19, no. 3 (November 12, 2018): 203–12. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/pmm-12-2017-0061.
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Purpose As libraries are required to become more accountable and demonstrate that they are meeting performance metrics, an assessment website can be a means for providing data for evidence-based decision making and an important indicator of how a library interacts with its constituents. The purpose of this paper is to share the results of a review of websites of academic libraries from four countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia and the USA. Design/methodology/approach The academic library websites included in the sample were selected from the Canadian Association of Research Libraries, Research Libraries of the United Kingdom, Council of Australian University Libraries, Historically Black College & Universities Library Alliance, Association of Research Libraries and American Indian Higher Education Consortium. The websites were evaluated according to the absence or presence of nine predetermined characteristics related to assessment. Findings It was discovered that “one size does not fit all” and found several innovative ways institutions are listening to their constituents and making improvements to help users succeed in their academic studies, research and creative endeavors. Research limitations/implications Only a sample of academic libraries from each of the four countries were analyzed. Additionally, some of the academic libraries were using password protected intranets unavailable for public access. The influences of institutional history and country-specific practices also became compelling factors during the analysis. Originality/value This paper seeks to broaden the factors for what is thought of as academic library assessment with the addition of qualitative and contextual considerations.
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Torabi, Nazi. "Academic Libraries Should Consider a Strategic Approach to Promotion and Marketing of e-Books." Evidence Based Library and Information Practice 6, no. 4 (December 15, 2011): 130. http://dx.doi.org/10.18438/b87k62.
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Objectives – The main objectives of this study were the following:
1) To determine the existence of a formal promotion or marketing strategic plan for e-books in academic libraries.
2) To identify the marketing and promotion tools being used for e-book marketing.
3) To understand the role of faculty in promoting e-books.
4) To explore the issues and challenges that the libraries are facing in promoting e-books.
5) To investigate the future plans for the promotion of e-books.
Design – Qualitative study involving individual interviews followed by thematic analysis.
Setting – The research setting was seven academic libraries with various sizes of e-book collections (~9,000 to ~500,000) and ranging from research leading to teaching focused universities.
Subjects – The interviews were conducted with 25 academic librarians, including 19 subject librarians, 4 e-resources librarians, 1 collection development manager, and 1 acquisition and metadata officer.
Methods – Using a multiple case approach, the researchers interviewed 25 librarians from 7 academic libraries. The interviews were digitally recorded. The interview transcripts were coded and analyzed using thematic analysis. The researchers recorded information about the type and size of the university, number of e-books, and the role of interviewees, and then conducted a semi-structured interview. The following questions were asked:
1) “Do you have a promotion/marketing strategy for e-books (or e-resources)? If not, is there a need for one?
2) What are the marketing and promotion tools you use for e-books?
3) What are the issues and challenges in promoting e-books?” (p. 629)
Main Results – While none of the cases had a formalized marketing strategy, most participants (19 out of 25) acknowledged the importance of developing one. Those who did not find it necessary argued that their users had good knowledge of library e-resources, thus, marketing was unnecessary. Although there was a lack of a marketing strategic plan across all the cases, some of the participants were practicing e-book marketing and promotion to some extent. The interviewees mentioned a total of 20 different promotional tools. The most frequently used promotional tools were library websites, information literacy sessions, OPACs, and e-mails. Participants also noted marketing using online help tutorials and various events. The least frequently mentioned promotional tools were announcement boards, a library representative, blogs, bulletins, the display screen, and a marketing campaign. The marketing campaign was only mentioned by librarians from one library.
According to some respondents, there are faculty and course instructors who contribute in promotion of e-books dependently or independently from the library. Some recommend e-books as course reading materials, some add links to e-books on the virtual learning environment (VLE) reading lists, and some even go beyond that and provide instructions on how to use e-books. Not all librarians were aware of the use of e-books by faculty.
The authors also investigated the future plans anticipated by the participants. There was only one library that has appointed a marketing officer and intends to develop a marketing strategy. All other cases plan to improve on current marketing practices or expressed innovative approaches in marketing by “development of an information literacy project, use of online chat, promotion of e-books in course committee meetings, provision of a paper guide for e-books,” CD case display of available e-books, and other strategies (p. 633).
Marketing a new service comes with its own issues and challenges. The most frequently mentioned issues and challenges that librarians were facing were time constraints, raising users’ expectations, and e-book availability in the library. Also, accessibility was of concern to some participants.
Conclusion – This study underlines the importance of marketing a library’s new resources, particularly e-books, and it confirms the lack of a strategic approach to marketing in academic libraries. Some participants recognize the importance of a strategic plan, and practice e-book marketing using a variety of tools. However, most tools are not marketing specific, but are either communication tools or part of service delivery. The authors stated that most interviewees had a reflective approach to marketing, since they were trying to improve the current marketing practices by innovative means or by adapting successful practices from other colleagues.
The authors recommend that establishing a well thought-out strategic approach would help overcome several issues and challenges raised by participants. It would help manage the tension between service delivery and promotion. Also, it would provide clear guidelines for developing a budget allocation plan for e-book purchasing. In addition, internal marketing would help establish a culture of user-centred service in the library, and highlights the importance of new services among library staff.
Libraries are always dependent on publishers’ decisions concerning the availability of and licensing agreements for e-books. They are considered as “intermediaries in the information or document supply chain” (p. 638). The authors suggest future studies to understand the role of libraries in managing links between licensing issues and service delivery.
One interesting observation in this study was the absence of Web 2.0 tools as promotional tools. It seems that libraries do not fully take advantage of new technology for marketing. Another interesting finding was the inaccurate or indirect reference to the notion of word-of-mouth by respondents. In this study, word-of-mouth was mentioned as a marketing tool by only a few participants. No one perceived the role of academic faculty in promoting e-books by word-of-mouth. While word-of-mouth is considered to be an invaluable marketing strategy because it is a tailored recommendation by consumers to consumers (Alire, 2007), it was neglected by most respondents in this study. Overall, the lack of knowledge of marketing strategies and users’ information seeking behaviour among academic librarians is evident.
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Gwynn, David. "Community connections, community collections." Digital Library Perspectives 32, no. 2 (May 9, 2016): 88–102. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/dlp-08-2015-0013.
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Purpose This paper aims to explore library–community collaboration from both a theoretical and practical perspective, highlighting successful collaborative strategies and projects and illustrating important considerations for libraries that are considering community partnerships. Design/methodology/approach This paper consists of a literature review and several “capsule” case studies of projects completed at one academic library to illustrate principles that can result in successful collaborative projects. Findings Library–community collaboration presents significant benefits if the needs and priorities of all collaborating partners are taken into account. Successful projects will use the strengths of one partner to balance the weaknesses of another, will be based on shared goals, will offer credit to all partners and will result in stronger relationships for all involved. Originality/value Although library–community partnerships are not uncommon, many of these partnerships are housed in public libraries or involve only large, institutional players. This paper explores several non-traditional academic library initiatives involving youth service learning and outreach to smaller community groups that might otherwise be ignored by large university libraries.
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BELLO, Yekeen. "Wrong Use of Internet and Neglect of Library by Nigerian University Students: An Implication for English Studies." Nile Journal of English Studies 1, no. 1 (March 7, 2016): 22. http://dx.doi.org/10.20321/nilejes.v1i1.33.
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<p>With the advent of Information Communication Technology (ICT) tools like mobile phones, computer, satellite TV, smartphones, internet, among several other devices, gross neglect use of libraries is very rampant among Nigerian students while a tremendous use of the ICT devices is on the increase. This has led to “Stereotyping” and “Xeroxing” of what ought to be a serious academic work as only a few students are regarded as ardent users of libraries. The population of the study consists of two government-owned universities and two privately owned universities in the North Central Zone of Nigeria. Random sampling technique was employed to select 25 male and 25 female students from each of the four universities, but only 196 students out of 200 made available their questionnaire that was used in computing the result. Two library experts and two English experts’ advice were sought on the questionnaire for content validity. The instrument was subjected to test re-test technique producing 0.57 at 0.05 alpha level of significant. The finding of the result showed that very high percentage of the respondents favoured the use of ICT related gadgets for their academic pursuit. Based on this, it was concluded that the use of ICT related gadgets now affects students’ serious academic work since they rely mostly on stereotype and Xerox kinds of studying. To this end, it was recommended among other things that teachers should, as a matter of seriousness, cross check all submitted assignments by students to make sure that they are devoid of stereotype or Xerox.</p>