Wei Ma

Bio: Wei Ma is an academic researcher from University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. The author has contributed to research in topics: Information system & Controlled vocabulary. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 4 publications receiving 95 citations.

Virtual service, real data: results of a pilot study

Abstract: Real‐time online reference holds enormous potential for revolutionizing the way users find and use reference services. By adding interactive help to their online information services, libraries can reach users who may never have sought out the traditional reference desk. Moving from the desk to the desktop, however, can be a daunting prospect. Anxious to try this innovative service, but concerned about a long‐term commitment to expensive software and possible staff reorganization without a clear mandate, the Reference and Undergraduate Libraries at the University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign launched a pilot project in the spring of 2001. In addition to testing the feasibility of real‐time online service, we attempted to gather as much data as possible to guide in future planning. The results were gratifying: patrons responded enthusiastically, and the data collected provided valuable insights into the use and users of this service.

Genesis of an electronic database expert system

Abstract: This article reports on the creation of a prototype, Web‐based, expert system utility that helps end‐users better navigate the range of library databases available at the University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign (UIUC). Both librarian‐assigned database descriptors and terms drawn from the controlled vocabularies of the databases themselves are used to thoroughly characterize resources. End‐users then utilize keyword searches and/or menu selections to identify resources most relevant to their information needs. In addition to reporting on the UIUC prototype and the work done to create it, the concerns that gave rise to the project are discussed. Previous work and research elsewhere are summarized, and the more common approaches currently in place in academic libraries today are noted. Plans for testing the UIUC prototype with librarians and end‐users, for evaluating the results of those tests, and for iteratively refining the tool based on those evaluations are then briefly described.

Creating an Electronic Database Selection Expert System.

Abstract: The past decade has seen an explosion in the numbers and types of electronic information resources available to identify and retrieve articles and other information relevant to a scholar's research needs. Today library users are confronted with a myriad of online and CD-ROM bibliographic and full-text databases from which they are expected to select the one or ones most germane to their information needs. The task for the academic library is to facilitate the selection process. That many users are now accessing Library-provided menus and database lists from outside the Library and at hours when no library staff member is available to assist, makes the challenge that much more difficult. This presentation will describe the creation and initial testing of an online, prototype, end-user database selection tool developed at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). We will detail the environment, issues, and concerns that gave rise to our project, it's relation to other work, and the approach we took and why. The prototype Web-based selection interface developed allows users to search for relevant databases by keywords and phrases taken directly from their search topics, by browsing librarian-assigned subject categories, and/or by identifying desired database characteristics. Behind this interface is an SQL database containing in-depth information about the characteristics of each database, including it's complete controlled vocabulary (when available) or an extensive sampling of controlled vocabulary terms (or equivalent information) drawn from actual records.

Research on quality testing and evaluation technology of fundamental geographic information database system

Abstract: Abstract. The extensive application of fundamental geographic information data in various industries makes it play an increasingly important role in national economic construction and social development. As a fundamental geographic information database construction project with data and database management system as its core, quality testing and evaluation is the key link and means for measuring database suitability and system application success or failure. This paper proposes a set of fundamental geographic information database system quality model, conducts research on quality testing techniques and methods, and establishes a quality evaluation system, which has been applied in national and provincial basic geographic information database systems.

Instant messaging reference: Users' evaluation of library chat

Abstract: This article analyzes survey results of university students who used Morris Messenger, the instant messaging (IM) reference service at Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Morris Library. It focuses on the complete results of two surveys, including a comparison of IM reference and traditional reference desk experiences. An overview of the IM reference system and usage data are also discussed. Survey respondents indicated overall enthusiasm for the IM reference service and provided useful suggestions for improvements, which are also listed.

Marketing the academic library on the web

Abstract: Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to describe the marketing initiatives taken by academic libraries to promote collection and services to their clientele. It specifically aims to examine academic library web sites for marketing approach, promotional and public relations activities. Design/methodology/approach - The study relies heavily on web site exploration and interviews with library managers. A total of 22 library web sites were examined based on pre-determined criteria developed from the extant literature and initial web site investigation. The paper also draws upon the authors' personal experiences and observations. Interviews were used to investigate university library manager's level of awareness of the library web site as a marketing tool and how they perceived this to be used to the library's advantage. Findings - It is found that academic libraries are lacking in their promotional activities. Library web sites are not fully utilized as a marketing tool and an enabler to reach out to the community for promotion of services and collections. Research limitations/implications - The study is limited to Malaysian university libraries, therefore generalization to others is to be cautioned but there are important lessons to be learnt. Practical implications - This paper will be helpful to libraries planning to implement a marketing strategic plan to improve its outreach to users and enhance the users' image of the library. Originality/value - A study such as this is new in Malaysia and reveals several marketing strategies that may be useful to other academic libraries.

User motivations for asking questions in online Q&A services

Abstract: Online Q&A services are information sources where people identify their information need, formulate the need in natural language, and interact with one another to satisfy their needs. Even though in recent years online Q&A has considerably grown in popularity and impacted information-seeking behaviors, we still lack knowledge about what motivates people to ask a question in online Q&A environments. Yahoo! Answers and WikiAnswers were selected as the test beds in the study, and a sequential mixed method employing an Internet-based survey, a diary method, and interviews was used to investigate user motivations for asking a question in online Q&A services. Cognitive needs were found as the most significant motivation, driving people to ask a question. Yet, it was found that other motivational factors e.g., tension free needs also played an important role in user motivations for asking a question, depending on asker's contexts and situations. Understanding motivations for asking a question could provide a general framework of conceptualizing different contexts and situations of information needs in online Q&A. The findings have several implications not only for developing better question-answering processes in online Q&A environments, but also for gaining insights into the broader understanding of online information-seeking behaviors.