Showing papers in "Annals of Library and Information Studies in 2008"

Strategic Management Journal : a citations study

Abstract: Highlights the distribution of various forms of publication, authorship trends, most frequently cited periodicals and geographical distribution of the literature in the area of strategic management. It is found that researchers use journals more frequently than other from of documents and authorship pattern concentrated mainly on single and joint authors in books where as in journals. The top ranking journals in the field of strategic management are Strategic Management Journal, Academy of Management Journal and Administrative Science Quarterly that represent 32% of the literature coverage. The results reveal the geographical distribution of core journals ofthis literature, which are mainly concentrated in the USA & UK. The methodology is based on the bibliometrics techniques of citation analysis, which are applied in all the articles published in the Strategic Management Journal for two consecutive years 2005 and 2006.

Information seeking behaviour of the students at Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College, Aligarh Muslim University: a survey

Abstract: Corresponding author: Research Scholar, Department of Library & Information Science, Aligarh Muslim University,Aligarh - 202002, E-mail: navedlis@yahoo.co.inStudy of data collected from 60 students by administering questionnaires on their information seeking behaviour atAjmal Khan Tibbiya College, AMU, indicates that guidance in the use of library resources and services is necessary to helpstudents meet their information requirements. Finds that textbooks and journals are the most popular sources of informationfor the students’ course work.

Pramana - Journal of Physics: A scientometric analysis

Abstract: Focuses on publishing trend; impact factor; authorship pattern; types of articles; institutional collaboration of authors; affiliated institutions of authors; countries of contributing authors; keyword analysis; and referencing pattern. The number of articles being published in Pramana and its ISI impact factor are increasing. There is an upward trend in number of collaborated papers. Authors from University of Delhi, Delhi; Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India; Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, India; Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar, India; Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India; Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, India etc. contributed most number of articles. One fourth of the total articles published in Pramana are from out side India, the host country of the journal and the number of articles submitting from other countries is also increasing. Cosmology; Supersymmetry; Chaos; Quantum Chromodynamics; Phase Transition; and Quark-Gluon Plasma are the leading micro-fields of physics to which maximum number of articles published in Pramana. The average number of references per article is found as 21.85 and it is 104.4 when the average is taken only for review articles.

Open access journals and institutional repositories: practical need and present trends in India

Abstract: Trends in open access publishing in India are discussed Data was collected from directories of open access journals and institutional repositories The URL of each institutional repository and open access journals was visited to collect relevant data and information including from earlier studies Case study method was used to know the trends of open access publishing in India Data is analyzed based on certain parameters, such as number of institutional repositories and open access journals, number of documents, software used, types of documents, etc Among the top 25 open access publishing countries, India ranks 12 th for the overall number of journals, but drops to 18 th for journals with online content However, its position in the list of open access journals is fifth At present India ranks 12 th in the list of countries with registered interoperable archives in the Registry of Open Access Repositories (ROAR)

A bibliometric analysis on nanotechnology research

Abstract: bAssistant Librarian, Central Library , Integral University , Lucknow- 226026 Examines the scientific output in the field of ‘nanotechnology’, the aim being to of fer an overview of research trends in this field and characterize its most important aspects such as growth of literature, authorship pattern, most productive journals, authors, countries, etc. A total of 2675 articles for the period of 1991-2006 were collected from W eb of Science (W oS), especially via the Science Citation Index. The various analyses focus on the presentation of publications, frequencies and percentages. Authorship pattern and core journals were examined using Lotka’ s Law and Bradford’ s Law of scattering respectively . The yearly analysis shows that there is a rapid growth of nanotechnolog y research from the beginning of 21 st century . When applying Bradford’ s law of scattering with respect to the identification of core journals, three concentric zones were defined with the ratio of 32:149:639, which are partially in accordance with the Bradford’ s distribution. W ith respect to the author productivity through the application of Lotka’ s law it was observed that the values obtained were widely dif ferent

Use of electronic information sources at the College of Fisheries, Mangalore, India

Abstract: Examines the use of electronic information sources (EIS) by the teachers/scientists, research scholars and postgraduate students in the College of Fisheries, Mangalore. A survey was administered among the academic community along with observations and informal interviews at the College of Fisheries, Mangalore. Demonstrates and elaborates the various aspects of EIS use such as frequency and purpose of EIS use, frequently used EIS, methods of learning to use EIS, benefits of EIS use, constraints faced in the use of EIS and the satisfaction level of users in the use of EIS. Suggestions have been given to strengthen the existing electronic information sources and services and to maximize the use of EIS among the fisheries institution academic community.

Use of internet by research scholars at Shivaji University, Kolhapur

Abstract: Highlights the purpose of use, methods of locating information and search techniques used in retrieving the information by the research scholars of Shivaji University, Kolhapur. Finds that the research scholars use the internet for their research and communication purposes. Concludes that more awareness about internet resources and training in use of the same needs to be provided by library professionals.

An analysis of usability features of library web sites

Abstract: Studies thirty library websites of top science universities around the world for their design features with special reference to usability. The guidelines suggested by National Cancer Institute have been applied to measure the usability features of the selected web sites. The parameters like Optimizing the user experience; link back to home; colour link behaviour; navigability; and multimedia features have been studied for the websites. The results showed that only 53.33% of library web sites provides, frequently asked questions (FAQs). The time out option has been neglected by all the web sites except one. It is noticed that only 39.99% of the web sites have provision for explicit home link as well as through logos. Persistent navigation feature is observed only on 50% of the web sites. Only 8% of the web sites use the de facto link color coding. Library web sites are yet to exploit the advantages of multimedia (interactivity features). It is found from the survey that only 30% of the web sites contain video contents and none of the web sites contained exclusive audio files.

Ranganathan’s five laws

Abstract: Five laws of library science formulated by Ranganathan have with time and environment been changing the form. A number of forms advanced by learned scholars are presented in the article. Considering the fact that the Laws are finding application beyond the confine of library science, a generalized form has been suggested with five examples basing which any other form can be created as per the need.

Growth and impact of research output of University of Mysore, 1996-2006: A case study

Abstract: Describes the growth, contribution and impact of research carried out by the scientists of University of Mysore in science and technology. Indicate the patterns of communications of university scientists and studies the extent of concentration and scattering of their research output in different journals. Analyses the strong and weak areas of university research, their growth rate and impact in terms of average citations received. Also studies the output and impact of research under different existing subject departments of the university. Analyses the international collaborative share of research output at the overall level as well as across various subjects, indicating also the major countries involved in international collaboration. Describes the share and characteristics of select highly cited papers and the top productive authors

Bibliographical literature on LIS marketing: a review

Abstract: Bibliographies are important source of information for researchers and practitioners. Bibliographies available on marketing of library and information services have been analyzed. Select bibliographies, annotated bibliographies, webliographies and literature reviews have been included. These have been evaluated and useful evaluation criteria have been used to help readers in selecting appropriate bibliographies for use.

Retrieval capabilities of CDS/ISIS and LibSys: a comparison

Abstract: Examines the comparative retrieval effectiveness of the two packages, viz., CDS/ISIS and LibSys. A set of eight well defined parameters have been employed to compare the two packages. The result shows that neither of the two packages provide support for all the features that may be expected of ideal retrieval software. There appears to be some significant difference between CDS/ISIS and LibSys in terms of their ability to provide desirable features. There is a difference of'9.34% in the levels of performance of the two packages.

Open access scholarly publishing in library and information science

Abstract: Investigates the trend of open access journals publishing in the field of library and information science in terms of language, top-level-domain, country and time. Using authoritative print as well as online directories, the study identifies 124 e-journals in the field of LIS that are accessible freely, either partially or fully, on the Web. Of these, 12 titles have ceased their publication and remaining 112 titles are presently accessible freely on the Web. Analysis of the 112 e-journals shows that English is the most widely used language of LIS scholarly publishing. Most of these OA journals are originating either from academic or organizational domain and developed countries like USA and UK are publishing most of the OA journals Concludes that there is a need for taking initiatives to publish qualitative open access journals from the less-developed countries.

Strengthening R&D information systems through library consortium : A case of CSIR laboratories

Abstract: Examines the changing face of libraries particularly with regard to the journal subscription from print to electronic form through formation of consortia. The benefits accrued to the library and information system of CSIR laboratories owing to formation of a consortium to access e-resources is discussed. Concludes that the CSIR laboratories library and information systems have been strengthened following the widening of the journals base alter the formation of the consortium.

Citation analysis of Journal of Oilseeds Research 1993 – 2004

Abstract: Analyses 8093 citations given in the Journal of Oilseeds Research (JOR) published during 1993 to 2004). Out of 8093 citations, 5642 are given in main articles and 2551 in short communications of the JOR. It also analyses types of documents cited and identifies core journals. The paper also covers the analysis of authorship patterns of citations alongwith calculation of collaboration coefficient. Geographical distribution of cited references has also been analysed. Concludes that 20 core periodicals cover more than 50% references and also indicates that collaborative research is prevalent in oil seeds research.

Scientometric dimensions of pulsed laser deposition research: a global perspective

Abstract: Attempts to highlight quantitatively the growth and development of world literature in the field of pulsed laser deposition in terms of publication output as per Science Citation Index (1982-2006). During 1982-2006 a total of 8534 papers were published by the scientists in the field pulsed laser deposition. The average number of publications published per year was 341.36. The highest number of papers 1074 were published in 2005. There were 84 countries involved in the research in this field. USA is the top producing country with 2014 publications (19.35%) followed by Japan with 1553 publications (14.92%), Peoples-R-China with 1106 publications (10.63%), Germany with 763 publications (7.33%) South Korea with 694 publications (6.67%) and France with 615 publications (5.91%). India ranked 9 th among other countries with 291 publications during 1985-2006. Authorship and collaboration trend was towards multi-authored papers. There were 8338 (97.70%) multi-authored publications and 196 30 %) single authored publications. Chinese Academy of Sciences (Peoples-R-China) topped the list with 304 publications bollowed by Nanjing University (Peoples-R-China) with 244 publications, Tokyo Institute of Technology (Japan) with 233 publications and CNRS (France) with 217 publications. The most productive Indian institutions were: Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai with 52 publications and Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore with 49 publications. The most prolific Indian authors were: R. Pinto (Indian-lnst-Technol-Bomaby, Mumbai) with 38 publications, M.S. Hegdc (Indian-Inst-Sci, Bangalore) with 31 publications, S.B. Ogale (Univ Pune, Pune) with 29 publications, L.M. Kukreja (Raja Ramanna Ctr-Adv-Technol, Indore) with 21 publications, P. Misra (Raja Ramanna Ctr-Adv-Technol, Indore) with 16 publications, R.K. Thareja (Indian-Inst-Technol-Kanpur) with 15 publications. The most preferred journals by the scientists were: Applied Physics Letters with 962 publications, Journal of Applied Physics with 714 publications, Applied Surface Science with 614 publications and Thin Solid Films with 541 publications.

Classification of Keywords Extracted from Research Articles Published in Science Journals

Abstract: This paper is based on an analytical study of 335 keywords extracted from titles and abstracts of 70 research articles, taking ten from each year starting from 2000 to 2006, in decreasing order of relevance, on the subject Fermi Liquid, which is a specific subject under the broad area of Condensed Matter Physics. The research articles have been collected from the bibliographic database of INSPEC. The keywords are indexed to critically examine its physical structure that is composed of three fundamental kernels, viz. keyphrase, modulator and qualifier. The keyphrase reflects the central concept, which is usually post-coordinated by the modulator to amend the central concept in accordance with the relevant context. The qualifier comes after the modulator to describe the particular state of the central concept and/or amended concept. The keywords are further classified in 16 classes on the basis of the four parameters, viz. Associativeness, chronological appearance, frequency of occurrence and category. The taxonomy of keywords will enable to analyze research-trend of a subject and to identify potential research-areas of a subject.

Scientometric profile of the journal Mausam

Abstract: An analysis of 369 items published in Mausam during 2003-2006 indicates that 72% items were papers, 23% letters to the editor, 4% report on "Weather in India" and the rest 1% as articles. Indian researchers belonging to India Meteorological Department contributed most of the items. Climatology, agricultural and environmental meteorology, synoptic meteorology, hydrometeorology, numerical weather forecasting and physical meteorology constituted about 56 % of the total output. Time lag between receipt and acceptance of the manuscript is about 11 months, while the time lag between acceptance and publication of the manuscript is about 9. Editorial board members belonged to domestic institutions. The references cited by the journal are mostly international like other journals in the field. However, majority of the citations are older than 10 years. Based on the pattern of citations the journal received in the international literature its impact factor for 2005 and 2006 is almost the same (0.19). However, of the 49 Indian journals indexed by SCI-E in 2005, 18 have impact factor less than or equal to Mausam.

Use of search engines by research scholars and faculty members of physics departments in the universities of Karnataka State

Abstract: Studies the use of various search engines, frequency of use of search engines, factors that influence use of the search engines, use of search strategy by Physics research scholars and faculty members in the universities of Karnataka State. Shows that majority of respondents (84.33%) used search engines to retrieve information on the Internet and most frequently used search engines are Google (72.85%) and Yahoo (53.57%).

Research publication trends in structural engineering based on Journal of Structural Engineering

Abstract: Provides a historical perspective on structural engineering research as reflected in the Journal of Structural Engineering (JoSE). Reports the result of a twelve year (1993 - 2005) analysis of the journal from 1993 through 2005. The JoSE is intended to be of interest to researchers, professionals and students in all civil / mechanical engineering disciplines.

T.M. Aminabhavi: a biobibliometric study

Abstract: Reveals that in his 36 years of teaching and 28 years of research experience in various fields of polymer science, T M Aminabhavi has published 521 research articles, 57 popular articles and 94 conference papers in eight domains of polymer science. He has three US patents to his credit and has completed research projects worth Rs.Six crores. He has one book to his credit, published by John Wiley. Collaboration coefficient is between 0.9 and 1.0 indicating the interdisciplinary nature of his research. The year 2006 has been the most productive year in his research career wherein he has published 96 research papers. The period of international collaboration is significant with W.E. Rudzinski (22 years), Patrick E. Cassidy (15 years), J.D. Ortego (12 years) and T.H.S. Phayde (05 years). Indian collaborators with more than 15 years of association are Manjeshwar (21 years), S.B. Halligudi (19 years) and M.I. Aralaguppi (16 years) in the above mentioned domains of research. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, published in USA has been the most preferred journal for publishing his research findings (102 research articles). 70.81% of his research articles are published in the journals originating from USA (326 articles - -59.11%) and India (61 articles- 11.70%).

Science awareness through public libraries in India

Abstract: Identifies the important activities public libraries must initiate to sustain the science communication initiatives. Some of the problems in spreading science awareness in the country are also identified. Concludes that in addition to the science awareness initiatives from government institutions, NGOs, science clubs, by involving public libraries in the people's science information dissemination network will enhance the science awareness activities.

Electronic mail use in research collaboration: observations from a Nigerian University

Abstract: A study of 102 research collaborators, conducted using semi-structured questionnaire revealed that the research collaborators employed e-mail for daily communication, file/document exchange, dissemination of results, and data collection. Widespread use of e-mail, its timeliness and cost-effectiveness were the main motivating factors. Also demonstrates that research collaborators' publication activities were greatly enhanced by their use of e-mail. Benefits derived from e-mail use include its flexibility, ensuring easy linkage with peers and colleagues, ease of file/document exchange, privacy and confidentiality of information, and its distance friendliness. Irregular power supply was the major constraint against e-mail use in research collaboration. Findings revealed that job position was the highest significant factor that contributed to e-mail usage, while motivations for using e-mail, benefits of e-mail, and e-mail usage collectively contributed to the productivity of the research collaborators. Concludes that e-mail use in research collaboration at the University of Ibadan contributed to the productivity of research collaborators and the benefits of e-mail use in research collaboration outweigh the constraints.

Information awareness through effective information support system to stop superstitious practices

Abstract: Explores newspaper reports regarding crimes developed out of superstitions and the motives behind those crimes. Newspaper reports were analysed to draw quantitative statistics of collected data. Shows that untested presuppositions not only challenge the development of society but also raise serious debate regarding the prevailing callousness in eradicating unwanted criminal activities under the shadow of superstition. Suggestions have been made to check unwanted deaths and other crimes over innocents with the spreading of scientific temperament and rationality among semiliterate. A model of effective information support system has also been incorporated in this paper, which can gradually eradicate the untested preconceptions.

A bibliometric study of Indian patent applications from 1995 to 2005

Abstract: Analysis of data on Indian patent applications obtained from the annual reports of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks show that there is increased patent filing activity in India. Maharahtra. Delhi and Tamil Nadu are the leading states in patent filing in India whereas USA, Japan and Germany and the leading countries in patent filing in India. Increased patent filing activity is seen the areas of biotechnology, computer and electronics.

University library manpower in Kerala: an analysis

Abstract: Analyses the size and structure of the professional and non-professional manpower in the five university libraries of Kerala. It examines the staff pattern, categorisation of manpower, their salary scales, qualifications prescribed for each category, general and professional qualifications possessed by them and present strength of professional and non-professional m wer. It also suggests urgent measures to be taken to rectify the anomalies in the present situation.

Changing pattern of user expectations regarding the library catalogue as an information retrieval tool: a case study of Mangalore University

Abstract: Describes the efforts of Mangalore University Library in developing an Online Public Access Catalogue with the aim of increasing the information retrieval efficiency and providing easy access to the users. The changing pattern of user expectations about the catalogue has also been examined. In the survey conducted prior to the introduction of on-line public access catalogue, usefulness of the library catalogue, frequency of use, users approaches, user opinions about the adequacy of bibliographic al details, sources of guidance in the use of catalogue and need for user education programmes have been assessed. Based on the findings, the steps initiated for updating the card catalogue have been described. Results indicate the necessity for the joint effort of library professionals and software development experts to find out solutions to meet the user expectations effectively. It was suggested that cataloguing of all the e-resources such as CD-ROMs, DVDs available in the library was the immediate need.

Mapping of social sciences in the Colon Classification

Abstract: Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar – 143005, Email: satija_mp@yahoo.comDefines knowledge as sum total of ideas, emotions, beliefs, and experiences conserved by the society. Enumerates itsproperties as being social, ever growing, multidimensional and fragmentary. Explains in brief social epistemology. Lists thegrowth of knowledge by specialization, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary modes. Views classifications as impermanentmaps of knowledge which change with society and time. Explains the four principles of the mapping of knowledge as given byD W Langridge, namely, ideological, social purpose, taxonomic, and disciplinary. Defines the field and scope of social sciencesand briefly introduces the Colon Classification, its method, structure and kind of subjects therein. Further outlines and criticallyevaluates the order of basic subjects as divided in to major disciplines of sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Lastly itdwells minutely on the order of social sciences main classes, namely, education, geography, history, political science, economics,sociology and law. Ranganathan claimed this order to be of increasing artificiality of their laws. Refutes Ranganathan’s conceptof artificiality of social laws. This paper by analysis argues the order of CC-6(1960) main classes to be of serial dependency asgiven by August Comte and already practiced by the Library of Congress Classification.

External users in an environmental research library

Abstract: The present study on external users of National Environmental Engineering Research Institute Library is based on the analysis of registration forms of external users during 2007. It covers aspects such as user affiliation, level of users, subject areas and micro subjects sought for information by academic users and geographical distribution of the users. Implications of external library users for library management are discussed.

The Press and Registration of Books Act and the bibliographic control of Bengali publications

Abstract: Deals with the role of legal deposit law particularly the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867 and its resultant current bibliographies in bibliographic control of Bengali publications. Issues of comprehensiveness of coverage and currency of inclusion of titles and the publishers' participation in terms of compliance of the provisions of the Act under study are dealt with by means of quantitative analysis of bibliographic records of latest available five annual volumes of the said bibliographies. The results of a survey of regional publishers, exposing their perceptions about the Act and the bibliographies are also reported. Concludes that the resultant bibliography of the said Act should be able to serve the business interest of the publishers in terms of promotion of their titles to sustain the direct flow of bibliographic information into the system of bibliographic control of any level