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Showing papers presented at "Aslib Journal of Information Management in 2021"


Journal ArticleDOI
31 Aug 2021
TL;DR: This study provides some very critical clues for the companies providing digital payment services, by highlighting the significant factors explaining the technology adoption by semi-rural women.
Abstract: The aim of this research is to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of digital payments by the semi-rural women in India.,The study extended the factors of unified theory of acceptance and use of technology UTAUT-2, with perceived credibility and self-determination theory to understand the use behaviour of the rural Indian women. The study checked the mediating role of some constructs besides testing the direct relationship. The study was conducted in the rural parts of the adjoining areas of Delhi, where the women from different states, education and financial background live. The research model was empirically tested on 568 respondents using structural equation modelling (SEM) technique.,The research model was able to explain 72.6% variance in the user behaviour variable. Effort expectancy, habit, facilitating conditions as well as perceived competence emerged out to be significant determinants of use behaviour. Besides these direct relationships, two constructs, habit as well as facilitating conditions were found to partially mediate the relationship between behavioural intention and behaviour.,This study provides some very critical clues for the companies providing digital payment services, by highlighting the significant factors explaining the technology adoption by semi-rural women. The companies must devise suitable marketing strategies to inculcate trust in mind of perspective customers towards their companies as well as the service provided by them. The role of simple digital platform, that is easy to learn and use, is also an important element in determining the technology adoption.

17 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
Kun Huang, Xijia Hao, Miao Guo, Jingyuan Deng, Lei Li 
10 Aug 2021
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored the information needs and seeking behavior of college students in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and found that too much repetitive information, unclear authoritative and reliable informational sources, and difficulties in judging the authenticity of the information were the most common obstacles for them in information seeking.
Abstract: To better meet people's information needs under the public health crisis, this study explored the information needs and seeking behavior of college students in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.,This research utilized a survey and the convenience snowball sampling method. A sample of 400 college students was obtained.,The results revealed that college students have paid great attention to COVID-19-related information. They sought the information mainly for personal protection, obtaining the latest information and seeking information for family and friends. Their COVID-19-related information needs were diverse; at different stages, the concerns were different. Social media and mass media were both found to be the most useful tools for seeking COVID-19 information. Too much repetitive information, unclear authoritative and reliable informational sources, and difficulties in judging the authenticity of the information were the most common obstacles for them in information seeking. Nevertheless, the majority of the students agreed that they were very satisfied and somewhat satisfied with the current information services. This did not affect the students' understanding of the importance of health services provided by libraries.,Insights into the people's information needs and information-seeking behavior of this study could help the information providers to offer appropriate information in better ways to improve the public's virus protection capabilities and maintain the stability of social order.

15 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
07 Jun 2021
TL;DR: A scale to model factors affecting digital technology access for instructional use to enhance the understanding of access to digital technology in the context of developing countries by the elaboration of the proposed model's instrument development and validation.
Abstract: The current study aimed to develop and validate a scale to model factors affecting digital technology access for instructional use. The scale was mainly used to assess the structural model. Besides, tests of difference were addressed regarding digital technology access for instructional use based on gender, teaching experience and school location.,The authors implemented a survey design in this study. A scale based on prior studies was developed, validated and piloted. The pilot study data were computed for an exploratory factor analysis. Further, partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and t-test procedures were used for the main data analysis (n.2677). The authors also included the importance-performance map analysis to extend of the results of the PLS-SEM.,The findings of the study successfully assessed the validity and reliability of the scale. All hypothetical relationships in the structural model were positively significant. The t-test results show that teaching experience and school location were significantly different regarding instructional use access; however, an insignificant difference emerged based on gender.,Failure in technology integration is possible if policies have not been carefully prepared. Therefore, users' perception is an essential factor in determining technology integration, including access to digital technology.,This research has the potential to enhance the understanding of access to digital technology in the context of developing countries by the elaboration of the proposed model's instrument development and validation, path analysis assessment and difference test examination with a large sample size. Also, the current study emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about digital technology access that the model can facilitate a valid and reliable foundation for future researchers interested in conducting similar types of research.

14 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
23 Sep 2021
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the types and sources of information sought by older adults along with their motivations in the Midwestern United States.
Abstract: Purpose: This study investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the types and sources of information sought by older adults along with their motivations in the Midwestern United States. Design/methodology/approach: Interviews were conducted with 30 older adults residing in rural communities around the Midwestern United States during late-summer (July/August) 2020, using a protocol based on Dervin's Sense-Making Methodology. The resulting data was analyzed using standard content analysis procedures, guided by the theoretical frameworks based on Dervin's Sense-Making and Williamson's Ecological Model of Information Behavior. Implications of COVID-19 for the normative behaviors described in these models are discussed. Findings: Findings show that older adults were concerned primarily with health and political information during this period, but that this information was not necessarily sought only to address an informational need, but also to satisfy the need to maintain social and emotional connections in coping with isolation and loneliness. Sources of information that allowed for social interaction with people were favored. Wider personal networks (community members) were strained by the social distancing measures and closures. These findings have theoretical and practical implications for considering the impact of social restrictions on information seeking behaviors of older adults in a time of crisis. Originality/value: This study is the first, known to the authors, that applied the two adopted theoretical frameworks to explore information seeking behaviors of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited.

13 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
02 Aug 2021
TL;DR: The proposed theoretical model is a unique model, which shows the predictors of mob lynching along with the negative consequences of the instant messaging (WhatsApp) in the society.
Abstract: PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the dark side of instant messaging from the technological and societal perspectives.Design/methodology/approachWith the help of literature review and different theories, a model has been developed conceptually. Later the model has been validated using statistical method. The authors have used 304 responses from the survey method, and this sample has been used to statistically validate the conceptual model.FindingsThis paper has been able to explicitly investigate and identify how different instant messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, WeChat in the form of electronic word of mouth (e-WOM) are contributing toward increase of mob lynching cases. The paper also highlights the important to have effective and enforceable regulation to regulate instant messaging services to the citizens.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings cannot be generalized as the data is collected from India only. Moreover, the study is cross-sectional in nature. To get the comprehensive results, a longitudinal study needs to be conducted. This study considered seven constructs with one moderator. Having more predictors with other boundary conditions might have increased the explanative power of the model.Practical implicationsInstant messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, WeChat and so on are disseminating quick unverified information to the common people. This information sometimes is disseminated in inappropriate and exaggerated forms. This makes the instant messaging (WhatsApp) users' sentiment readily heated in some cases. They take such an action as mob lynching. This study determines the predictors of mob lynching along with the moderator impact of instant messaging in the society.Originality/valueThere are only a few studies those have explored the dark side of instant messaging. The proposed theoretical model is a unique model, which shows the predictors of mob lynching along with the negative consequences of the instant messaging (WhatsApp) in the society. From this perspective, this study can be considered as a unique study.

12 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
02 Jun 2021
TL;DR: This case study provides a cross-cultural perspective on the research of public opinion dissemination during emergencies by considering the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and finds the acceptance level of national policies by the public in the two countries is high.
Abstract: COVID-19, an infectious disease first identified in China, has resulted in an ongoing pandemic all over the world. Most of the countries have been experiencing a difficult period during the fighting of this pandemic. The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of privacy concerns and cultural differences on public opinion related to the pandemic. The authors conducted a comparative analysis of public opinion in the US and in China as a case study, in order to determine the results.,National policies on important issues faced during the COVID-19 pandemic in the US and in China were examined through a comparative analysis. The authors used text clustering and visualization to mine public opinion on two popular social media platforms, Twitter and Weibo. From the perspectives of concern for privacy and of national culture, this study combines qualitative and quantitative analysis to discover the acceptance level of national policies by the public in the two countries.,The anti-pandemic policies and measures of the US and China reflect the different characteristics of their respective political systems and national cultures. When considering the culture of the US, it is hard to establish and enforce a rigorous regulation on either mask wearing in public or home quarantine on the national level. The opinions of US people are diverse, regarding national COVID-19 policies, but they are rather unified on privacy issues. On the other hand, Chinese people show a high acceptance of national policies based on their mask-wearing customs and their culture of collectivism.,Prior studies have paid insufficient attention to the ways in which user privacy and cultural difference affect public opinion on national policies between the US and China. This case study that compares public opinion on current and topical issues which are closely bound up with public life shows originality, as it innovatively provides a cross-cultural perspective on the research of public opinion dissemination during emergencies by considering the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

12 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
28 May 2021
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the information distributed on social media by government ministries and identify the characteristics of the highest engaging government social media posts, based on content analysis to examine the work of Israeli government ministries on Facebook.
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine the information distributed on social media by government ministries. In addition, this study seeks to categorize and identify the characteristics of the highest engaging government social media posts.,This article is based on content analysis to examine the work of Israeli government ministries on Facebook. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze 6,292 posts posted over a six-month period, and a sample of 230 of the most popular posts was analyzed qualitatively.,Findings indicate that government ministries primarily direct and link to internal Facebook pages, with few, if any, referrals to official government websites. In addition, the types of content that generate the highest levels of engagement are classified as operations and events or symbolic acts (e.g. greetings or condolences) and are containing visual content as photos or video clips.,This study contributes to the literature on the topic in several ways. First, it presents findings from a cross-national study of government authorities and organizations that operate and serve diverse populations in a multicultural country. Second, this study presents a novel examination of information strategies by government organizations with focusing on the characteristics of links, media types, content and posting frequency.

11 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
09 Sep 2021
TL;DR: Wang et al. as mentioned in this paper explored the effects of recommendation algorithm, product reputation, new product novelty, privacy concern and privacy protection behavior on users' satisfaction and continuance intention to use short-form video application (APP).
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of recommendation algorithm, product reputation, new product novelty, privacy concern and privacy protection behavior on users’ satisfaction and continuance intention to use short-form video application (APP).,Based on the existing theories, the research model of this study was developed and 445 valid data were collected through a questionnaire survey. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed for data analysis to test the research model and hypotheses.,The results reveal that the recommendation algorithm has a significant positive effect on user satisfaction, new product novelty and privacy concern. The influence of recommendation algorithm on privacy concern is negatively moderated by product reputation. Privacy concern has a significant and positive impact on privacy protection behavior, and privacy protection behavior has a significant and positive impact on user satisfaction. New product novelty also has significant impact on user satisfaction.,This study is one of the earliest studies to incorporate recommendation algorithm as a construct into the college students’ continuance intention to use short-form video APP. The influence of reputation as a moderator variable on the relationship between algorithm and privacy concerns is also investigated.

11 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
20 Jan 2021
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate the knowledge and attitude about research data management, the use of data management methods and the perceived need for support, in relation to participants' field of research.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the knowledge and attitude about research data management, the use of data management methods and the perceived need for support, in relation to participants’ field of research.,This is a quantitative study. Data were collected by an email survey and sent to 792 academic researchers and doctoral students. Total response rate was 18% (N = 139). The measurement instrument consisted of six sets of questions: about data management plans, the assignment of additional information to research data, about metadata, standard file naming systems, training at data management methods and the storing of research data.,The main finding is that knowledge about the procedures of data management is limited, and data management is not a normal practice in the researcher's work. They were, however, in general, of the opinion that the university should take the lead by recommending and offering access to the necessary tools of data management. Taken together, the results indicate that there is an urgent need to increase the researcher's understanding of the importance of data management that is based on professional knowledge and to provide them with resources and training that enables them to make effective and productive use of data management methods.,The survey was sent to all members of the population but not a sample of it. Because of the response rate, the results cannot be generalized to all researchers at the university. Nevertheless, the findings may provide an important understanding about their research data procedures, in particular what characterizes their knowledge about data management and attitude towards it.,Awareness of these issues is essential for information specialists at academic libraries, together with other units within the universities, to be able to design infrastructures and develop services that suit the needs of the research community. The findings can be used, to develop data policies and services, based on professional knowledge of best practices and recognized standards that assist the research community at data management.,The study contributes to the existing literature about research data management by examining the results by participants’ field of research. Recognition of the issues is critical in order for information specialists in collaboration with universities to design relevant infrastructures and services for academics and doctoral students that can promote their research data management.

10 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
22 Jul 2021
TL;DR: This research investigated the relationship between data literacy (DL), perceived data overload (PDO), and technostress (TS), besides the effect of these constructs on professional's individual performance (IP), and showed that DL is positively associated with IP and negatively with PDO.
Abstract: Considering the cognitive challenges associated with a data-rich business environment, this research aims to investigate the relationship between data literacy (DL), perceived data overload (PDO), and technostress (TS), besides the effect of these constructs on professional's individual performance (IP).,Through survey research, the authors collected data from 321 professionals who work in data-rich and highly technological business environments. To test the hypotheses proposed, the authors developed the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) procedures.,The results showed that DL is positively associated with IP and negatively with PDO. PDO is positively associated with TS and negatively with IP. The authors found no significant negative association between TS and IP.,With this research, the authors seek to contribute to the gap in the literature concerning two cognitive challenges associated with data-rich business environments: PDO and TS, analyzing from the point of view of the individual, and highlighting the importance of DL in this context.,The results can assist managers in effectively being concerned with the DL level of their workforce. This is important considering not only the professionals' IP but also the cognitive challenges such as PDO and TS.,The innovation of this study lies in the empirical analysis of DL in the business context and its relationship with two cognitive challenges inherent in data-rich environments: PDO, and TS. Besides, the authors highlight the importance of understanding such phenomena in terms of IP.

9 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
Tali Gazit1
30 Apr 2021
TL;DR: As more and more organizations use online communities, the findings of this study may provide insights into leaders' motivations that can help organizations select their community leaders.
Abstract: Facebook community leaders, often nonprofessionals who make a personal decision to create and manage online spaces, are becoming key players on social media sites. Using the theoretical framework of the uses and gratifications theory, this paper reveals the motivations of these individuals who are responsible for the community's information flow, limits and members' well-being. While some studies have begun acknowledging community leaders' important role in the social media, very little is known about their motivations for creating and leading the communities, often voluntarily.,Using both quantitative and qualitative analyses, data were collected through a survey of 94 Facebook community leaders about their motivations for creating and leading their communities.,The content analysis of the open-ended question reveals that leaders are motivated to create communities to satisfy informational needs, social needs and individual interests. A factor analysis shows five distinct motivations for leading: social, personal, influence, efficacy and community goals. Finally, a hierarchical regression indicates that extroversion, neuroticism, agreeableness, time spent per day and being the creator of the community can predict the level of motivation to lead the Facebook community.,As more and more organizations use online communities, the findings of this study may provide insights into leaders' motivations that can help organizations select their community leaders. This study expands on current research about a popular communication tool, Facebook communities, by examining it within the context of the unique role of online leadership in the social media environment.

Journal ArticleDOI
09 Sep 2021
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed a model that explains the attitude of user segments towards its adoption; identify probable user segments and profile them; examine the importance and performance of constructs which influence attitude within each cluster and recommend ways to improve performance.
Abstract: India has the second highest percentage of mobile wallet adoption driven by availability of affordable smartphones and Internet. Despite a general interest, studies on its adoption have been scarce. This research assumes that user segments exist, each with their own level of maturity, and addresses the question “Are there segments which can be profiled?” Thus, the objectives of the study are to propose a model that explains the attitude of user segments towards its adoption; identify probable user segments and profile them; examine the importance and performance of constructs which influence attitude within each cluster and recommend ways to improve performance.,This paper employs the constructs from two popular theories on technology adoption, i.e. technology acceptance model (TAM) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). A synthesis of review of literature on these models, besides two focus group discussions (FGDs), was used to design a pilot instrument. A nationwide survey was conducted, and 744 responses were obtained. Convenience sampling was used to select the respondents. The average scores of various constructs were computed and subjected to hierarchical clustering. Further, k-means clustering was carried out. The demographic profiling of each cluster was done through cross-tabulation and differences related to attitude and intention between clusters were tracked by one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). To determine the relative importance and performance of constructs within each cluster, Importance-Performance Map Analysis (IPMA) using Smart Partial Least Squares (PLS) was carried out.,The hierarchical clustering resulted in three clusters. The result of k-means clustering was used to label the clusters as Technology Enthusiasts (TE), Technology Sceptics (TS) and Technology Pragmatists (TP). The obtained clusters were found to differ in terms of perception, attitude, intention, behavior, marital status, education, occupation and income levels. With respect to each cluster, it was seen that the top three important constructs are Perceived Usefulness (PU), Security (SEC) and Lifestyle Compatibility (LC) as indicated by the IPMA. The findings indicate that mobile wallet providers should focus on all six constructs, with special focus on PU, SEC and LC. The findings of this study will help mobile wallet providers in customizing their offerings to enhance adoption attitude in all three clusters.,This study examines the perception of students and working professional towards mobile wallet adoption and uses this data for segmentation. However, there could be underlying differences between these two groups, as the motive behind adopting a technology may be different. Thus, treating them as homogenous user segments could be a limitation. Therefore, exploring segments and profiles for each type of user may be an area for future research. Mobile wallet providers should also give utmost importance to perceived usefulness, security and lifestyle compatibility while designing their services. This will not only enhance user trust and compatibility with mobile wallet but also improve the outcomes associated with its usage.,This study will help mobile wallet providers understand the user segments and customize their service offerings.,This study provides a comparison of the respondent profiles of three obtained segments of mobile wallet users. While prior studies have identified segments associated with adoption of technologies like ATM banking, SMS banking, online banking, Internet banking, mobile banking etc., not much has been reported on mobile wallet adoption. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is a novel study in India, aimed at identifying user clusters among adopters of mobile wallets and developing cluster profiles based on demographic, attitude and intention.

Journal ArticleDOI
16 Sep 2021
TL;DR: In this paper, the role of the Big Five personality traits (extraversion, openness, agreeableness, conscientiousness and neuroticism) on the adoption of augmented reality (AR), with a particular focus on the role AR may play in interactive marketing, was investigated.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of the “Big Five” personality traits (extraversion, openness, agreeableness, conscientiousness and neuroticism) on the adoption of augmented reality (AR), with a particular focus on the role AR may play in interactive marketing.,A quantitative-based approach was followed by a questionnaire survey, which was completed by 230 respondents comprising graduate and postgraduate students, using structural equation modelling.,While the trait of openness was positively associated with the perceived ease of use of AR, the usefulness of AR and subjective norms, the trait of neuroticism was negatively associated with the perceived ease of use of AR. Extraversion was positively associated with subjective norms. Perceived ease of use of AR, the usefulness of AR and subjective norms were positively associated with attitudes toward AR.,The data gathered will add a valuable contribution to the currently limited data available on empirical consumer behaviour research, particularly in relation to the adoption of AR for interactive marketing.,The findings of this study will benefit academics working on the adoption of technology in rapidly developing fields such as automation and artificial intelligence; the study also contributes to the emerging interdisciplinary domain of psychology, information systems, marketing and human behaviour.

Journal ArticleDOI
31 Aug 2021
TL;DR: The study explores the impact of knowledge-oriented leadership on knowledge management processes and the indirect relationship of KM processes with organizational performance (OP) via mediating the role of creative organizational learning in cross-cultural settings.
Abstract: The study explores the impact of knowledge-oriented leadership (KOL) on knowledge management (KM) processes and the indirect relationship of KM processes with organizational performance (OP) via mediating the role of creative organizational learning (COL) in cross-cultural settings.,This research used a survey structure of 784 faculty and admin personnel from higher education institutions in China and Pakistan. Smart-PLS, 3.2.9 was used to perform analysis.,The result shows a significant positive influence of KOL on KM processes and KM processes on OP via the partial mediating effect of COL in China, Pakistan and the overall sample. The multi-group analysis confirmed the substantial differential effect of KOL on KM processes.,Outcomes of this research affirm KM's university practice and recommend how higher education academics and administrators prioritize KOL, KM processes and COL while strengthening OP in a culturally different environment.,The current research is among the initial experiments to determine KOL, KM processes, COL and organizational (University) performance relationships in a culturally different environment. The study is among the initials that just not empirically explore the associations between the factors but sheds light on existing literature by immediately exploring COL's mediating position in China and Pakistan's HEIs.


Journal ArticleDOI
27 Sep 2021
TL;DR: The data analysis result demonstrates that digital humanities databases are widely used and recognized in China, however, the problem of low actual usage remains.
Abstract: PurposeDigital humanities database is one of the essential tools in digital humanities research area. Therefore, examining the usage of digital humanities database in academic papers is conducive to assessing the value of digital humanities database for scientific research activities and improving the construction of digital humanities infrastructure.Design/methodology/approachThis paper constructs an evaluation system of digital humanities database from the perspective of academic influence and social influence, with mention frequency, usage motivation, platform access data, usage region and usage discipline as indicators and takes China Biographical Database Project as the empirical object to explore the usage of digital humanities database in China.FindingsThe data analysis result demonstrates that digital humanities databases are widely used and recognized in China. However, the problem of low actual usage remains.Originality/valueThis paper constructs the digital humanistic database's evaluation system and discusses applying the digital humanistic database in China, which provides a new perspective and method for the influence evaluation study of the digital humanistic database.

Journal ArticleDOI
06 Aug 2021
TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed a research model based on the attitude-driven framework to examine the platform-enabled interactions that can foster repeated intention in TripAdvisor users via online questionnaire survey of a customer panel.
Abstract: In the context of multi-sided platforms (MSPs), the authors address the evaluation of search- and experience-based information and the effect on different components of user satisfaction.,The instrument was developed by either modifying previous measures or developing new scales. The authors collected the sample of experienced 300 TripAdvisor users via online questionnaire survey of a customer panel. The structural equation modeling (SEM) package (AMOS) with the maximum likelihood estimation method was used to test the sample data.,Attitudes toward search-based information can foster user satisfaction with information interaction rather than user satisfaction with social interaction. Attitudes toward experience-based information can foster user satisfaction with information interaction and user satisfaction with social interaction. The motivation for information interaction is stronger than the motivation for social interaction to enhance user satisfaction with information quality.,The distinction between search- and experience-based information provides different route messages to develop the attitude-driven framework of platform-enabled interactions.,The support for platform-enabled interactions to enhance the motivation for information and social interactions should be aligned with the evaluation of information quality.,The satisfaction-driven framework has been widely used to examine the post-adoption of information technologies (IT). In contrast, the attitude-driven framework was less examined in the literature. The authors develop a research model based on the attitude-driven framework to examine the platform-enabled interactions that can foster repeated intention.

Journal ArticleDOI
07 Jan 2021
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored faculty members' outputs and citations by gender and academic rank in Israeli academia and found that females' average number of publications was lower than that of males', and that in three out of the four disciplines (psychology, public health and chemistry), men published more in top journals than females, while the reverse was true of Linguistics.
Abstract: This study explores faculty members' outputs and citations by gender and academic rank in Israeli academia. The study focuses on the connection between research productivity and underrepresentation of women in academia. To this end, four fields were chosen, each representing a different discipline: Psychology (social sciences), Public Health (health sciences), Linguistics (humanities), and Chemistry (Exact sciences).,The name, the rank and the gender of the researchers were collected from the researchers' websites and those of their departments. The number of publications and citations were retrieved from Scopus.,Findings revealed that there is a significant difference between the median number of men and women in Chemistry concerning publications and citations and in Psychology concerning citations. Moreover, in all four disciplines, females' average number of publications was lower than that of males', and that in three out of the four disciplines (Psychology, Public Health and Chemistry), men published more in top journals (the top 5%) than females, while the reverse was true of Linguistics. Furthermore, in three disciplines (Public Health, Linguistics and Chemistry), there is an increase in the average citations per female researchers between 2015 and 2019. Further, in all disciplines, women collaborated more than men.,As only a few studies in Israel have explored faculty members' outputs and citations, this study contributes and enlarges the Israeli research concerning this topic.

Journal ArticleDOI
30 Aug 2021
TL;DR: The government can improve crises management capability by learning about citizen engagement behaviors on social media by understanding the content published by the government and identifying how citizen engagement relates to content type and emotional valence.
Abstract: In crises such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, governments need to act in time to lead citizens toward rational reactions and disclose information effectively to the public. This paper aims to understand the content published by the government and identify how citizen engagement relates to content type and emotional valence.,The grounded theory approach was adopted and nine types of content posted by the government were observed. The data were obtained from “People's Daily”, an official Sina Weibo account representing the voice of the Chinese government, from January 3 to June 22 in 2020.,The analysis shows that information related to emotional support and social mobilization were the most reposted, while those mentioning immoral and illegal incidents were the most liked and commented. Also, it was found that positive posts tend to attract more likes, yet with fewer reposts than neutral posts.,The authors adopted thematic analysis and focused on the impact of post content and valence on user participation behavior. This study expands the existing literature. The government can improve crises management capability by learning about citizen engagement behaviors on social media.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
23 Nov 2021
TL;DR: In this article, a meta-analysis was conducted to study the factors correlated with the perceived usefulness of online reviews based on 51 studies, with the exception of negative reviews, and the results indicated that the order of relevance for online reviews is as follows: the trust tendency of review readers, review replies, review depth, review pictures, reviewer trustworthiness, positive reviews, reviewer expertise, review time and reviewer information disclosure.
Abstract: The conclusions of studies on the factors correlated with the perceived usefulness of online reviews are inconsistent due to differences in research perspectives, research objects, research methods and data types. This study conducted a meta-analysis to verify a proposed model of perceived usefulness to obtain general conclusions.,A meta-analysis was conducted to study the factors correlated with the perceived usefulness of online reviews based on 51 studies.,The results indicate that, with the exception of negative reviews, the order of relevance for the perceived usefulness of online reviews is as follows: the trust tendency of review readers, review replies, review depth, review pictures, reviewer trustworthiness, positive reviews, reviewer expertise, review time and reviewer information disclosure. Perceived usefulness was significantly positively correlated with purchase intention. Review time, positive reviews and negative reviews were also more significantly correlated with perceived usefulness for search products than for experiential products. Review depth, reviewer trustworthiness, reviewer expertise and purchase intention had greater positive correlations with perceived usefulness for experiential products than for search products.,This study proposes an extended information adoption model based on argument quality and source credibility. The model includes personal factors such as the trust tendency of review readers, constructs a theoretical model of the factors correlated with the perceived usefulness of online reviews and considers the moderating effects of product type.

Journal ArticleDOI
03 Sep 2021
TL;DR: A systematic review of the existing literature on the active information seeking behaviour of cancer patients specifically focussing on how information seeking serves as a coping strategy for cancer patients and provides an overview of the recent literature.
Abstract: Information seeking can be used to make sense of a situation or solve a problem. Information seeking can be considered a coping strategy when facing illness, crisis or other life-changing events. Cancer is a globally occurring, life-threatening disease, and this review aims to provide an overview of the existing literature on the active information seeking behaviour of cancer patients specifically focussing on how active information seeking serves as a coping strategy.,This study adheres to current guidelines for conducting systematic reviews and consequently, thorough literature searches were conducted in four databases: Medline, Embase, CINAHL and Scopus which resulted in 7,179 publications. Following a careful screening process, this systematic review identifies 14 studies on the use of information seeking to cope with cancer.,The included studies consist of both qualitative and quantitative approaches to analysing the use of information seeking to cope with cancer. The included studies have focussed primarily on demographic factors, the impact of affect, information needs, sources and coping strategies.,A number of research gaps within library and information science are identified. Bringing research in this field into information science could allow for a greater understanding of information literacy, the use of existing information and the process of information searching when using information seeking to cope with serious illness.,This systematic review focusses on how information seeking serves as a coping strategy for cancer patients and provides an overview of the recent literature.

Journal ArticleDOI
15 Oct 2021
TL;DR: Collecting users' more contextual information, such as search tasks, search motivation and other environmental information, can effectively improve the prediction accuracy of cross-app behavior in mobile search.
Abstract: PurposeThis paper aims to explore the users' cross-app behavior characteristics in mobile search and to predict users' cross-app behavior using multi-dimensional information.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents a longitudinal user experiment in 15 days. This paper recruited 30 participants and collected their mobile phone log data in the whole experiment. The structured diary method was also used to collect contextual information in mobile search.FindingsThis study focused on the users' cross-app behavior in mobile search and described cross-app behavior's basic characteristics. Usage of communication app and tool apps could trigger more cross-app behavior in mobile search. The method of cross-app behavior prediction in the mobile search was proposed. Collecting users' more contextual information, such as search tasks, search motivation and other environmental information, can effectively improve the prediction accuracy of cross-app behavior in mobile search.Practical implicationsThe future research on cross-app behavior prediction should focus on context information in mobile search. Better prediction of cross-app behavior can reduce the users' interaction burden.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to research into cross-app behavior, especially in the mobile search research domain.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
18 Nov 2021
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyse the social science students' perceptions of information literacy (IL) and the use of mobile technologies (MTs) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this article is to analyse the social science students' perceptions of information literacy (IL) and the use of mobile technologies (MTs) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach: Exploratory focus group methodology involving 18 Information Science and Education undergraduates. Findings: Students believe that, above all, an information literate person must know how to search for information. Being able to recognise acceptable levels of IL and MT competencies/skills enabled them to detect the scant contribution of the university to IL and the poor support from the library. They routinely use information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the classroom for assignments, presentations, searching and administrative tasks. Conversely, they consider their teachers' competency in the use of mobile devices for academic tasks could be improved. The increase in these shortcomings during the COVID-19 pandemic has allowed students to discover most teachers' attitudinal and technical limitations. Students' suggestions mostly point to improving platforms, teaching methods, teacher motivation and teachers/librarians interaction. Research limitations/implications: Research is limited to several IL/MT-related concepts, one university and two degrees. It could be applied in other contexts, larger samples and other stakeholders such as librarians and teachers. Practical implications: Need for more IL and TM instruction for students/teachers and greater interaction amongst them and with the library. The authors suggest promoting interdisciplinary seminars on the importance of IL and awareness sessions on ICT for learning. Originality/value: This case study addresses students' critical/exceptional experience triggered by the pandemic. © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited.

Journal ArticleDOI
06 Sep 2021
TL;DR: Guided by the frameworks of the technology acceptance model, uses and gratifications theory and the information systems success model, the authors developed and validated an adoption model for the Internet of Things (IoT).
Abstract: Guided by the frameworks of the technology acceptance model, uses and gratifications theory and the information systems success model, this study develops and validates an adoption model for the Internet of Things (IoT).,The measurement and research models are statistically validated via a confirmatory factor analysis and a structural equation modeling analysis of data collected from 262 IoT users.,The results indicate that the IoT is expected to deliver accurate and up-to-date information via an accessible and reliable system to enhance its usefulness and ease of use, which leads to greater adoption. The results further reveal that sufficient knowledge and adequate understanding of the IoT outweigh technology discomfort, which, in turn, have a positive effect on individuals' motivation to use the IoT.,This study distills a rich set of antecedents to build a comprehensive theory of IoT acceptance and sheds light on the adoption of future pervasive information and communications technologies.

Journal ArticleDOI
19 Aug 2021
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide an in-depth analysis of the nature of critiques presented in a LIS research domain, focusing on critiques addressed to HIB models and concepts, and the findings cannot be generalized to concern the field of Library and Information Science as a whole.
Abstract: To elaborate the nature of critique presented in the models and concepts of human information behaviour (HIB) research by identifying the issues to which the critique is directed and the ways in which the critique is conducted.,Conceptual analysis focusing on 58 key studies on the topic. First, the objects and ways of conducting the critique were identified. Thereafter, three levels of depth at which the critique is conducted were specified. The conceptual analysis is based on the comparison of the similarities and differences between the articulations of critique presented at these levels.,At the lowest level of depth, critique of HIB research is directed to the lack of research by identifying gaps and complaining the neglect or paucity of studies in a significant domain. At the level of critiquing the shortcomings of existing studies, the attention is focused on the identification and analysis of the inadequacies of concepts and models. Finally, constructive critiques of research approaches dig deeper in that they not only identify weaknesses of existing studies but also propose alternative in which the shortcomings can be avoided, and the conceptualizations of HIB enhanced.,As the study focuses on critiques addressed to HIB models and concepts, the findings cannot be generalized to concern the field of Library and Information Science (LIS) as a whole. Moreover, due to the emphasis of the qualitative research approach, the findings offer only an indicative picture of the frequency of the objects critiqued in HIB research.,The study pioneers by providing an in-depth analysis of the nature of critiques presented in a LIS research domain.

Journal ArticleDOI
02 Aug 2021
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a disinformation behavior framework and model, which includes both the problem of disinformation from a creator and user perspective, as well as the solutions to fight it.
Abstract: PurposeThis paper seeks to disambiguate the phenomenon by clarifying terms, highlighting current efforts, including the importance of critical thought and awareness, and a test for genuine serendipity.Design/methodology/approachThe authors review the literature, primarily from a library and information science perspective, and arrive at a theoretical framework and model.FindingsThe authors find various initiatives to fight fake news. Building upon Karlova and Fisher's (2013) model as well as research on critical thinking and serendipity, the primary contribution of the paper is a disinformation behavior framework and model. The model includes both the problem of disinformation from a creator and user perspective, as well as the solutions to fight it.Research limitations/implicationsThe framework will guide practitioners and researchers in library and information science and beyond, as well as other stakeholders in both understanding the phenomenon, and leading the fight against it.Originality/valueThe spreading of false information has become an alarming phenomenon in the last few years, leading to the popularity of terms such as misinformation, disinformation, infodemic and fake news. While information professionals have been called upon to lead the fight against fake news, in the lack of a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon, current efforts have been isolated and inadequate. Most models of information behavior deal with information, and not misinformation or disinformation per se.

Journal ArticleDOI
13 Jul 2021
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the detailed mechanisms of how gamification affordances influence intrinsic and internalized extrinsic motivation and ultimately improve the quality and quantity of knowledge contribution.
Abstract: This research investigates the detailed mechanisms of how gamification affordances influence intrinsic and internalized extrinsic motivation and ultimately improve the quality and quantity of knowledge contribution.,Survey responses from 154 users of Stack Overflow in Portuguese were analyzed by the partial least squares–structural equation modeling approach to validate the research model.,Challenge and goal setting influence individuals to reach the flow state, which increases the quantity of knowledge contribution. Rewards enhance the quality of knowledge contribution through perceived self-worth. Social comparison increases perceived reputation, but its impact does not ultimately lead to knowledge contribution.,The current study differentiated types of motivation and dimensions of knowledge contribution when exploring the effects of gamification affordances. This perspective was proven helpful to understand the various gamification affordances' influence on knowledge contribution.

Journal ArticleDOI
12 Apr 2021
TL;DR: The results confirmed the hypothesis that hyper-searchers have significantly better verbal memory than other participants, possibly making searching easier and more successful for them.
Abstract: Purpose: Previous research has repeatedly shown that people only search for files in a small minority of cases when they do not remember the file's location. The current study aimed to examine whether there is a group of hyper-searchers who search significantly more than others. Based on previous neurocognitive studies, this study aims to hypothesize that if such a group exists, they will have superior verbal memory and reduced visuospatial memory. Design/methodology/approach: In total, 65 participants completed a questionnaire estimating their search percentages, as well as reporting demographic data. Verbal memory was measured using the Wechsler logical memory test, and visuospatial memory was assessed using an online card memory game. Findings: Hyper-searchers were defined as participants with search percentage of over one standard deviation (SD) above the mean. The average search percentage of the seven participants who met this criterion was 51% (SD = 14%), over five times more than the other participants (M = 10%, SD = 9%). Similar results were obtained by re-analyzing data from four previous papers (N = 1,252). The results further confirmed the hypothesis that hyper-searchers have significantly better verbal memory than other participants, possibly making searching easier and more successful for them. Lastly, the search percentage was positively predicted by verbal memory scores and negatively predicted by visuospatial memory scores. Explanations and future research are discussed. Originality/value: This preliminary study is the first to introduce the concept of hyper-searchers, demonstrate its existence and study its causes.


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jun 2021
TL;DR: This study takes a deep insight into the gap between autism information needs and services in China, providing evidences and suggestions for information providers to improve their services.
Abstract: This study aims to explore the gap between information needs and services for autism in China.,The gap is revealed by investigating the status quo of autism information needs and services. The authors extracted categories and subcategories of information needs through content analysis of academic documents and then supplemented the subcategories through text mining of an online forum. Meanwhile, categories and subcategories of information services were extracted through content analysis of autism websites. Finally, the authors matched the two to explore the gap and designed a quantitative index to measure it.,A total of eight and ten categories of information needs and services are extracted, respectively. In total, six categories of information needs can be partly matched, but nearly half of the subcategories failed. Huge gaps in economic support, sociality and policy mechanisms categories are observed through the quantitative index and medium gaps in social resource services and employment categories while almost no gaps in psychological/emotional counseling, rehabilitation skills training and professional knowledge/information categories.,This study takes a deep insight into the gap between autism information needs and services in China, providing evidences and suggestions for information providers to improve their services. Academic documents and online forum data are adopted to avoid the impact of stigmatization, which provides a multi-source data analysis approach for the information needs of special groups.