Showing papers in "Annals of Library and Information Studies in 2009"

Farmers information needs in rural Manipur: an assessment

Abstract: bAttempts to find out the information needs of the persons engaged in the agricultural activities particularly farmers community in the rural areas of Manipur. Data on farmers information needs were collected by using pre-tested semi structured questionnaire and data processed and analyzed through Minitab-software. The paper highlights the channels of getting information by rural farmers’ community in order to fulfill their information needs. The observations of the present study have also revealed that rural farmers community need a variety of information but the required information for their day to day agricultural activities are unmet. Considerable work and efforts are needed for imparting information support for sustainable agricultural development with the application of emer ging information and communication technologies for information oriented and socio-economic empowerment of the rural farming community.

Bibliometric analysis of literature on diabetes (1995 - 2004)

Abstract: Bibliometric analysis of diabetes literature indexed the MEDLINE database for the period 1995-2004 shows that maximum number of records (13244) was during 2003, followed by 12690 in 2002 and 11061 in 2001. Relative Growth Rate (RGR) was found to be decreasing year wise. The Doubling Time (Dt) was found to increase every year. Ranking of the journals based on the quantum of research output on diabetes during 1995-2004 shows that USA in the largest contributor of literature on diabetes research. The research productivity of diabetes conforms to Bradford’s Law of Scattering.

Websites of universities in Tamil Nadu: a webometric study

Abstract: Examines and explores through a webometric study the websites of 45 universities in Tamil Nadu comprising of 27 state and 18 private universities. Identifies the domain systems of the websites; analyses the number of web pages and link pages, and calculates the simple Web Impact Factor (WIF), self link Web Impact Factor and external Web Impact Factor of the University websites in Tamil Nadu and ranks the websites as per the WIF. Reflects that some universities in Tamil Nadu have higher number of web pages but correspondingly their link pages are very small in number and websites fall behind in their simple, self link and external link web impact factor.

Research publication trend among scientists of Central Potato Research Institute: A bibliometric study

Abstract: A total of 2603 research articles published by the scientists of Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) during 1991 to 2007 were collected by scanning of annual reports of CPRI and Journal of the Indian Potato Association. Analysis show that majority of the scientists preferred to publish research papers in joint authorship (82.67%) having 0.82 degree of collaboration. Study further shows no uniform pattern of literature growth but factors like fund availability, scientists' recruitment and their availability, and years that had special occasions like conferences, seminars etc. have impact over scientific productivity of the scientists during the period under review.

Use of internet based e-resources at Manipur University: a survey

Abstract: Describes a survey on the use of the electronic information focusing on the Internet services by the users of Manipur University Library. Also examines the utilization, purpose, difficulties and satisfaction level of users about Internet based e-resource services provided by the library. Finds that low speed internet access, erratic power supply and lack of required full text journals are problems with regard to the use of internet based e-resource.

Library and information science research in SAARC and ASEAN countries as reflected through LISA

Abstract: Member countries of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) and ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) have long history of LIS (Library and Information Science) education and research. This study compares LIS research output in member countries of these two associations, using LISA (Library and Information Science Abstracts) data. The study focuses on the pattern of literature growth, core journals, authorship pattern and research trends. Finds that SAARC countries are ahead of ASEAN members. India is leading in LIS among SAARC countries and Singapore among ASEAN countries. As per LISA, both groups have marginal contribution in international journals and therefore, core journals are ofAsian origin only. The results of study call for more collaboration among the member countries of SAARC and ASEAN. It also identifies the need for formulation and implementation of information policy similar to that of Singapore among member nations of both the regional associations.

Lotka's law and authorship distribution in nutrition research in Bangladesh

Abstract: This paper examines the validity of Lotka's law to authorship distribution in the field of nutrition research in Bangladesh. A list of periodical articles on various aspects of nutrition research in Bangladesh published during 1972-2006 was compiled for analysis. Using "full productivity" of authorship, a total of 998 personal author names were identified. Lotka's law was tested using both generalized and modified forms and Kolmogorov-Smirnov goodness-of-fit tests were applied. The results suggest that author productivity distribution predicted in Lotka's generalized inverse square law is not applicable to nutrition research of Bangladesh. Using least-squares excluding high productive authors and maximum likelihood methods, Lotka's law is found to be applicable to nutrition research of Bangladesh.

Use of information sources and services in library of Agriculture Science College, Shimoga: a case study

Abstract: Survey of 101(84.16%) students belonging to Agriculture Science College, Shimoga to study the frequency, purpose of visit to the library and the usefulness of agriculture science periodicals reveals that 77.22% of respondents visit library everyday. About eighty eight percent students visit library to read journals and magazines followed by visits to borrow books (87.12%). It was found that a large number of users use books followed by periodicals. As far as usefulness of periodicals is concerned users opined that The Indian Journal of Agriculture Science (62.92%) and Karnataka Journal of Agriculture Science (60.67%) are the most useful journals. Concludes that emphasis needs to be given for subscribing online periodicals through e- consortia.

Attitude of research scholars towards usage of electronic information resources: a survey of university libraries in Karnataka

Abstract: Questionnaire method was employed to gather data from researchers of humanities, social science and science disciplines in six universities in Karnataka. Responses received from 845 research scholars shows that in general the research scholars prefer print resources and there exists significant differences in the preference of print and electronic resources among various disciplines. Identifies the gaps in the need and availability of electronic resources like online journals and databases in the university libraries. Reveals that the electronic resources have created a positive hope among the research community in searching the information.

Citation Analysis of Doctoral Works Submitted to the Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract: Citations in master’s degree dissertations submitted to the Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Nigeria during the period 2000-2007 were analysed for finding possible relationships between citing, cited articles and authors. Frequency and percentage distributions (presented in charts, tables, and graphs) and measures of central tendency were used to analyse data. Findings showed that journals were the most utilized reference materials in the dissertations. Also, poultry nutrition works had the highest number of dissertations followed by agricultural biochemistry and nutrition. The lowest number of dissertations was from forage production and management and monogastric nutrition with just two dissertations each. The findings from this study could serve as a user study with implications for both collection development and user services design in libraries. Future studies could focus on ascertaining the implications of collection of reference materials to project and article referencing, instruction in classes and outreach.

Scientometric analysis of area-wise publications in the field of structural engineering: a case study of SERC, India

Abstract: The study is based on the research publications generated by Structural Engineering Research Centre (SERC) during the years 2002-2006. The data was collected from the annual reports of SERC and analyzed based on Impact Factor (IF) provided by Journal Citation Report (JCR). Highlights yearly output, publications in national and international journals, number of papers in SCI and non-SCI journals, Normalized Impact Factor (NIF) per paper, number of papers in the proceedings of national and international conferences / workshops / seminars / symposia etc., category-wise distribution of papers in different NIF ranges, the proportion of high NIF papers and papers above the average NIF. This study reveals the area-wise impact of the research conducted by the Centre in particular.

Productivity of scientists of Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB): an analysis

Abstract: Analysis of 632 publications of RGCB scientists during 1995-2006 show that the publications of RGCB scientists include journal articles, conference papers, patents, book chapters and PhD guided. The year 2005-2006 with 112 articles (25.87 %) published is the most productive year in the case of journal articles. The productivity of the scientists of RGCB shows substantial growth both quantitatively and qualitatively with the development of the institution.

Use of information resources in chemistry: a study of Mangalore University Library

Abstract: Through a questionnaire survey, data collected from 138 users from the Department of Chemistry, Mangalore University revealed that majority of the users visit the library to borrow books, to consult periodicals and browse UGC INFONET journals. OPAC and the assistance of the library staff are the primary means to locate information. The library resources in chemistry are current and useful but the periodicals both primary and secondary are inadequate. Concludes that various findings of the present study serve as guiding principles in developing need based collection and provide effective services to the users' community of the department of chemistry of the Mangalore University in particular and paves the way for conducting similar studies in other disciplines.

Growth and impact of research output of Government Medical College & Hospital, Chandigarh: a case study

Abstract: Analyzes the research activities of the Government Medical College & Hospital (GMCH), Chandigarh, as reflected in its 16 years (1992-2007) of 754 publications output covered in Scopus international multidisciplinary bibliographical database. Focuses on publication growth characteristics, format and media of communication, research impact and quality, patterns of research collaboration, broad and narrow areas of research focus and characteristics of its high productive authors and cited papers. Finds that GMCH stands at 9 th rank in research output, 13 th in average citation per paper and 12 th in h-index among the top 15 medical colleges of the country. GMCH has recorded an annual publication growth rate of 19.79% and impact as measured by average citation per paper as 0.89. Out of its 27 departments, only 7 departments scored higher average impact factor than the average impact factor of papers of total medical college. Although 55.97% of its total papers received one or more citations, but only 14 of its papers received 16 and above citations. Only 2.3% of its total papers involve international collaboration.

Indian scientific output as seen through Indian Science Abstracts

Abstract: Analysis of 18,224 papers published by 3439 institutions in 445 Indian science journals and abstracted by Indian Science Abstracts (ISA) during 2006 indicates that major publication output came from academic institutions followed by state agriculture universities and medical colleges. Among the state agriculture universities, Punjab Agriculture University ranked first followed by CCS Haryana Agriculture University. The highest number of papers was published in the disciplines of agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry and fisheries followed by medical and veterinary sciences. The Indian publication output in 2006 has increased considerably as compared to a similar 1984 study.

Management of employee expectations, performance and satisfaction in university library: an empirical study

Abstract: This study unfolds major implications for performance management systems and process in university libraries. The study is mainly based on the primary data collected from the professionals working in 15 university libraries (regular and deemed) of Karnataka State with the help of a pre-tested, structured, comprehensive, postal questionnaire. The respondents include professionals and semiprofessionals working in various university libraries in Karnataka. The total population considered for the current study was 218 library professionals and semi-professionals distributed across the 15 university libraries and 188 respondents submitted their filled-in questionnaire, which accounts for a response rate of 86.24%. Hence, the information, opinions, perceptions and attitudes of these library professionals were collected and analyzed. The key issues addressed in this study include: perceived importance and perceived performance of workplace attributes, performance appraisal, issues considered during appraisal, knowledge and competence of employee performance by the appraiser, opinion on performance appraisal system, suggestions to improve, respondents' views about frequent disturbance at work, and overall satisfaction. This paper reports on the views and perceptions of university library professionals in Karnataka in respect of their job, job environment and organization in addition to identifying and analyzing the key individual, work and organizational characteristics influencing their performance expectations and job satisfaction. It is hoped that this paper will help library administrators in managing library personnel both effectively and efficiently.

Universe of knowledge from a new angle

Abstract: Describes the characteristics of universe of knowledge composed of segments, space and time; and the characteristics of segments composed of objects, actions, space and time. Discusses the concept 'subject' and provides a definition of the same. As not much work has been done in this field, scholars are urged to explore the further.

Link analysis of Indian political parties’ web sites: a temporal comparison

Abstract: Applying webometric techniques to national political party's web sites, the present study is an attempt to judge the popularity of internet and to measure whether internet can be used as a tool in Indian political context. Using Google, Yahoo and Alexa as a tool of measurement, the study measures the popularity of political party's web sites by analyzing links and using Wayback machine. The study compares the party's present web site with its earlier view. The results indicate that political parties in India are using internet as one of the viable tools for campaign and internet can be used as a supplementary tool for measuring popularity.

Research contributions in chemistry at the University of Burdwan: an analytical study

Abstract: One hundred forty one theses submitted from Chemistry Department of the University of Burdwan during 1960-2000 and 979 articles produced based on them have been analysed for finding the trend of research, article productivity, choice of journals, authorship pattern and the position of the university in the state. Highest number of theses (30) was submitted during 1986-1990 and 1991-1995. Highest number of papers (283) was published during 1991-1995. Maximum number of theses (58) was submitted in inorganic chemistry followed by nuclear and analytical chemistry (34). Rabindra Lal Dutta supervised highest number of theses (17). The most prolific author was A.K. Das with 82 papers, followed by G.S. De (54 papers) and R.L. Dutta (53 papers). About fifty three percent of the papers (522) are published in Indian journals. Other countries of preference for publishing papers are Netherlands (15.32%), UK (11.64%) and USA(10.01%).

Use of reference sources in university libraries of Karnataka: a study

Abstract: Investigates the use of reference sources, i.e., bibliographies, dictionaries, encyclopedias, directories, year books & almanacs, geographical sources and handbooks through a questionnaire-based survey in seven university libraries of Karnataka. Results show an upward interest in reference sources among the users in university libraries. Dictionaries and encyclopedias are found tobe the most used reference sources and geographical sources and directories are used less. Factors that may affect the use of reference sources are also discussed.

Foreign authored contributions to Indian science periodicals

Abstract: Examination of 2450 papers published by foreign authors in 284 Indian science journals from 1311 institutions spread over 102 countries indicates that Asian countries are the largest contributors to these journals. Turkey, USA, Iran, China and Nigeria contributed to about 48% of the total foreign-authored publications. Most of the prolific institutions are situated in Turkey and Iran. The largest numbers of contributions are in the discipline of medicine followed by chemistry and material science. The proportion of foreign authored contributions to Indian science journals has witnessed a three-fold increase in 2006 as compared to July 1982 - June 1984.

Status of College of Education libraries in selected districts of Punjab: a survey

Abstract: A questionnaire based survey on the status of twenty College of Education libraries in three selected districts of Punjab reveals that the staff strength in the libraries was insufficient and that only about 40% of the libraries had computers. Concludes that the College of Education studied need to strengthen their libraries so as to achieve the objectives and goals of the colleges.