Showing papers in "International Information & Library Review in 2011"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored the use and application of Facebook among Malaysian academic libraries in order to provide academic libraries with ideas for best practices in using social networking sites to better profile themselves and communicate effectively with their users.
Abstract: This paper explores the use and application of Facebook among Malaysian academic libraries in order to provide academic libraries with ideas for best practices in using social networking sites to better profile themselves and communicate effectively with their users. The research questions guiding this study were: (a) What are the extent and nature of institutional Facebook use by Malaysian academic libraries? (b) What information do Malaysian academic libraries deliver through Facebook page? This study employs content analysis to examine current uses of the library Facebook page. A checkpoint was developed to analyze the libraries’ usage and application of Facebook page. A total of 14 academic libraries in Malaysia are using Facebook page as part of their services to users. However only three libraries are fully utilizing their Facebook page, and they have been identified as “Skaters” based on the 8-S Framework of Category Development for Facebook user. Most libraries are using their Facebook page for ma...
86 citations
TL;DR: A survey designed to determine the information seeking behavior of graduate students at the University of Macedonia (UoM) is described in this article. The survey is a continuation of a previous one undertaken in the Faculties of Philosophy and Engineering at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh) and makes comparisons with the findings from the earlier survey at AUTh.
Abstract: This paper describes a survey designed to determine the information seeking behavior of graduate students at the University of Macedonia (UoM). The survey is a continuation of a previous one undertaken in the Faculties of Philosophy and Engineering at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh). This paper primarily presents results from the UoM survey, but also makes comparisons with the findings from the earlier survey at AUTh. The 254 UoM students responding tend to use the simplest information search techniques with no critical variations between different disciplines. Their information seeking behavior seems to be influenced by their search experience, computer and web experience, perceived ability and frequency of use of e-sources, and not by specific personal characteristics or attendance at library instruction programs. Graduate students of both universities similar information seeking preferences, with the UoM students using more sophisticated techniques, such as Boolean search and truncation...
34 citations
TL;DR: The main objective of as mentioned in this paper was to investigate the perception of the researchers and officers within the National Institutes of Health Malaysia (NIH) about their understanding of knowledge sharing practices in their respective environment.
Abstract: The main objective of this study was to investigate the perception of the researchers and officers within the National Institutes of Health Malaysia (NIH) about their understanding of knowledge sharing practices in their respective environment. Questions included: what are the perceptions of the respondents with regard to the knowledge sharing practices in their respective institutions? What are the benefits for knowledge sharing practices as perceived by them? What are their perceived organisational knowledge sharing practices motivating factors? Also, what are the hindering factors? The survey of the researchers and officers of the NIH was distributed to 400 respondents from the six research institutes under NIH: Institute for Medical Research (IMR), Institute for Public Health (IPH), Network for Clinical Research Centres (CRC), Institute for Health Management (IHM), Institute for Health Systems Research (IHSR) and Institute for Health Promotion (IHP). The responses indicated that knowledge sharing depe...
34 citations
TL;DR: This article developed an integrated model of social science information-seeking behavior based on a synthesis of established models and tested the ability of this integrated model to describe present-day informationseeking among social science scholars in a Middle Eastern university.
Abstract: Models of information-seeking behavior are based almost entirely on research conducted in Western countries, and were generated at a time when electronic methods of information-seeking were still uncommon. This study develops an integrated model of social science information-seeking behavior based on a synthesis of established models and tests the ability of this integrated model to describe present-day information-seeking among social science scholars in a Middle Eastern university.The research was based on e-mail interviews, face-to-face interviews and focus groups conducted with social science faculty at Sultan Qaboos University in Oman. At the time of data collection in June–July 2007, there were approximately 367 social science faculty at this University, distributed throughout the College of Arts and Social Sciences, the College of Education, the College of Commerce and Economics, and the Law College, including both men and women and representing a range of academic ranks.The data from the e-mail in...
33 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a study aimed at investigating information behavior of journalists in Kuwait is presented, seeking answers to questions such as how search for information is initiated, what information sources are preferred and how successful is information finding.
Abstract: This study is aimed at investigating information behavior of journalists in Kuwait. It attempted to seek answers to questions such as how search for information is initiated, what information sources are preferred and how successful is information finding? Journalists were asked to report critical incidences of information finding related to their recent journalistic assignment through a questionnaire. Analysis of 42 critical incidents indicated that journalistic assignments were in four major areas: political, cultural business, and sports. In most cases, background information was most frequently sought type of information. Internet was the most frequently used information source even though some journalists perceived that information available on the various websites may not be very objective. A follow up study is planned to be carried out to discuss the findings with a selected group of journalists using focus group discussions.
29 citations
TL;DR: Tanloet and Tuamsuk as discussed by the authors aimed to develop core competencies framework for information professionals of Thai academic libraries in the next decade (2010-2019). The study consisted of two phases, Phase 1- the study of opinions about the roles of Thais academic libraries and information professionals in the future decade and Phase 2- the development of core competence framework conducted by using the Delphi technique.
Abstract: This research aimed to develop core competencies framework for information professionals of Thai academic libraries in the next decade (2010–2019). The study consisted of two phases, Phase 1- the study of opinions about the roles of Thai academic libraries and information professionals in the next decade (Tanloet & Tuamsuk, 2011) and Phase 2- the development of core competencies framework conducted by using the Delphi technique. This paper presents Phase 2 of the study. The research conceptual framework on core competencies for information professionals was synthesized and adopted from several resources including Gulati and Raina (2000), Gorman and Corbitt (2002), Abels, Jones, Latham, Magnoni, and Gard (2003), Ashcroft (2004)> and University of Nebraska-Lincoln Library (2007). The subject of this small Delphi study included 21 experts from the following three groups: eight instructors of library and information science, eight administrators/practitioners of academic libraries, and five scholars who have ...
29 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the views of information professionals for knowledge management in the libraries/information institutions of Bangladesh through a survey using a pre-structured questionnaire, which includes a quantitative approach.
Abstract: The aim of the study is to explore the views of information professionals for knowledge management (KM) in the libraries/information institutions of Bangladesh.This paper seeks to address the following research questions: How the information professionals of Bangladesh perceive the views of KM? What are likely to be the skills required by the information professionals of Bangladesh for KM in the libraries of Bangladesh? and what are likely to be the critical success factors for encouraging KM in the information institutions of Bangladesh?The methodology includes a quantitative approach. The study has been conducted through a survey using a pre-structured questionnaire. A short and structured questionnaire was sent to 50 information professionals who had been working in different libraries in Bangladesh through email and/or by postal mail. The respondents were selected from six divisions of Bangladesh (25 respondents from Dhaka division, 5 each in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal and Sylhet divisions...
27 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated and analyzed the factors affecting customer relationship management (CRM) practices in Thai academic libraries and found that knowledge and understanding of CRM of library staff and leadership of library administrators had statistically significant impact on CRM practices at 0.05 level.
Abstract: This study investigates and analyzes the factors affecting customer relationship management (CRM) practices in Thai academic libraries. The research conceptual framework focuses on factors affecting CRM practices was developed using Combe (2004)’s study on assessing CRM strategies. Mixed methods, qualitative, and quantitative approaches were used as a research methodology. Data was collected by using the interview and survey techniques with the administrators, staff and customers of six selected academic libraries in Thailand. Analysis of the data was done by using Pearson’s correlation coefficient, factor analysis, and multiple regression analysis. The results of the study show that factors that have statistically significant impact on CRM practices in Thai academic libraries at 0.05 level were: (1) the knowledge and understanding of CRM of library staff and leadership of library administrators (Beta = 0.762), (2) organizational culture and communication (Beta = 0.323), (3) customer management processes ...
26 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the relationship between work and non-work variables and quality of work life in librarians working in government academic libraries in the Klang Valley, Malaysia and found that the contribution from this study will provide useful information to the top management level in organizations for the purpose of planning appropriate policies that can enhance employees' overall life satisfaction.
Abstract: The success of any organization is highly dependent on how it attracts workers and motivates, and retains its workforce. Today’s organizations need to be more flexible and understanding, so that they are well prepared to develop their employees and enjoy their commitment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between work and non-work variables and quality of work life. It is anticipated that the contribution from this study will provide useful information to the top management level in organizations for the purpose of planning appropriate policies that can enhance employees’ overall life satisfaction. The research questions, which serve as a foundation of this study, focus on the relationship between work and non-work variables and quality of work life. This study applied a quantitative research design as well as descriptive and correlation approach. Respondents are all librarians working in government academic libraries in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. An online survey was used to ...
23 citations
TL;DR: Results show that 85 LIS programs (around 23%) are using e-learning systems for delivering education; they are embracing EL for overcoming the barriers of students who cannot enter into a traditional education system due to work load, family commitments, or geographical location.
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to explore a global scenario of e-learning in library and information science (LIS) programs. We conducted an online survey of 370 LIS programs’ homepages to explore e-learning offerings globally, covering Africa, Asia, Europe, America and Oceania. Data were gathered from the ALA Directory of Accredited Programs, the IFLA World Guide to Library, Archive and Information Science Education 2007, the Directory of Library and Information Science Programs in Asia, and from the Internet. A content analysis of the programs’ homepages was carried out in order to explore trends in e-learning (EL), including use of EL tools and technologies, modes of course delivery, etc. Results show that 85 (n = 370) LIS programs (around 23%) are using e-learning systems for delivering education; they are embracing EL for overcoming the barriers of students who cannot enter into a traditional education system due to work load, family commitments, or geographical location. Blackboard/Blackboard Vista (2...
20 citations
TL;DR: Examining the present condition of learning spaces in university libraries in Japan finds that simple collaborative learning spaces with desk/desks and chairs have become modestly widespread, while advanced spaces with equipment for information and communication technology are not common.
Abstract: Since the beginning of the 1990s, new types of learning spaces at academic libraries have emerged mainly in North America. They are called “information commons” or “learning commons.” They provide various kinds of services, facilities, and materials in one location to support students’ learning. The idea of learning commons has been introduced to colleges and universities in Japan as well. The purpose of this study is to examine the present condition of learning spaces in university libraries in Japan. A questionnaire was sent to 755 main or central libraries at colleges and universities. The response rate was 69.4%. The results of the survey are as follows: (a) simple collaborative learning spaces with desk/desks and chairs have become modestly widespread, while advanced spaces with equipment for information and communication technology, such as computers or projectors, are not common; (b) many libraries provide computer clusters; and (c) cafes and/or beverage vending machines in libraries are still few ...
TL;DR: This article explored the perceptions of academic stakeholders about the development and delivery of information literacy (IL) programs in four universities, and identified elements necessary to establish IL credit courses in Vietnamese higher education.
Abstract: This case study explored the perceptions of academic stakeholders about the development and delivery of information literacy (IL) programs in four universities, and identified elements necessary to establishing IL credit courses in Vietnamese higher education. The following research questions framed this study: 1) How do library administrators, instruction librarians, and faculty perceive the current implementation of information literacy instruction (ILI) programs for undergraduates studies in universities libraries in Vietnam? 2) What are the challenges to including IL as a credit course in the curriculum as perceived by library administrators, instruction librarians, and faculty? Respondents were purposefully recruited from four universities, including library administrators, instruction librarians, and faculty. Three online surveys were distributed to 537 individuals through Survey Monkey with 149 replies and a final receipt of 133 completed surveys. Interview and focus group data collection included 23 face-to-face interviews and nine focus groups. Findings showed IL is considered the domain of librarians and has not influenced Vietnamese campus culture. IL activities at four university libraries take the form of lectures, workshops, and basic IL skills modules. Few ILI activities are subject discipline-related. Respondents reported challenges to an ILI credit course revolve around the lasting impact of teacher-centered instruction and rote learning, misperceptions about the effect of IL on student learning outcomes, degree of support of IL by academic stakeholders, degree of faculty–librarian collaboration, and scarcity of resources. Recommendations are given for academic librarians in Vietnam implementing ILI programs and considering developing IL credit courses.
TL;DR: In this paper, a descriptive study was carried out to find out whether the investment made in the computer infrastructure across all secondary schools in Botswana was met with the desire to adopt and use computers by principals.
Abstract: Information technology adoption continues to be a subject of enquiry among researchers dealing with adoption. A descriptive study was carried out to find out whether the investment made in the computer infrastructure across all secondary schools in Botswana was met with the desire to adopt and use computers by principals in Botswana. A random sample of 111 participants responded to the questionnaire that used the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) constructs. The result of the study revealed that TAM is statistically significant at R of 0.522 and adjusted R2 of 0.273, with the two independent variables (Perceived Usefulness (PU) and Perceived Ease Of Use (PEOU)) accounting for 27% of the variance in the behavioral intention (BI) to adopt and use computers. However, a small number of school principals (6.3%) did not want to adopt and use computers. The study recommends a follow up of the participants to probe further the reasons for the lack of adoption and use of computers by some school principals, so as ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors assess the attitudes and perceptions of academic librarians at three university libraries in China regarding library services for international students and scholars, with particular focus on librarian at Shaanxi Normal University in Xi'an, Fudan University in Shanghai, and Wuhan University of Technology, China.
Abstract: The authors of this study assess the attitudes and perceptions of academic librarians at three university libraries in China regarding library services for international students and scholars. The study directs particular focus on librarians at Shaanxi Normal University in Xi’an, Fudan University in Shanghai, and Wuhan University of Technology, China, and follows logically upon a study conducted in 2008 that explored the perceptions of international students at two Chinese universities regarding the effectiveness of library services and collections for their research needs. In particular, this study documents information about Chinese academic librarian perceptions regarding services for international students and attitudes toward future outcomes. The ultimate goal of the study is to lay a foundation for developing strategies for improving library services and resources for international students and scholars in Chinese academic libraries in particular, which in turn can serve to improve services for inte...
TL;DR: In the second half of 2010, self-administered anonymous web questionnaires and focus groups were used to explore issues such as student demographics, socio-economic backgrounds, past experiences, expectations and ratio ratios.
Abstract: This paper reports on the preliminary research findings of the sub-study group of a larger undertaking, the Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC) priority project Re-conceptualising and Re-positioning Australian Library and Information Science Education for the Twenty-first Century. It examines student experiences of library and information science (LIS) education across both the tertiary and vocational education sectors in Australia. The student sub-study group’s task was to provide the student/recent graduate perspective on LIS education in Australia. The research considered four major themes to find out how students and recent graduates felt about LIS education in Australia. The themes were: learning opportunities; learner attributes; learning experiences; and learner outcomes. In the second half of 2010, self-administered anonymous web questionnaires and focus groups were used to explore issues such as student demographics, socio-economic backgrounds, past experiences, expectations and ratio...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors highlight the importance of information ethics and give an overview of the various aspects of the subject taught at various institutions of higher learning in Ghana, and recommend the introduction of Information Ethics as a university required course for all freshmen, a stand-alone course in information ethics at the Department of Information Studies, adequate sensitization programmes on academic integrity and plagiarism policies, and the enforcement of laws and polices in Ghana.
Abstract: This paper highlights the importance of information ethics and gives an overview of the various aspects of the subject taught at various institutions of higher learning in Ghana. The study notes that information ethics is not taught as a specific or whole subject at any level in the tertiary institutions and questions the depth of education given to students in the light of some serious information ethics violations such as plagiarism, copyright violation, cyber crime and social network abuses. Data for the study were collected mainly from the different university websites, university handbooks, course outlines as well as interviews with librarians and a few faculty members of the respective universities. The study recommends the introduction of information ethics as a university required course for all freshmen, a stand-alone course in information ethics at the Department of Information Studies, adequate sensitization programmes on academic integrity and plagiarism policies, and the enforcement of laws and polices in Ghana. These measures are meant to safeguard individual rights to ownership, privacy, confidentiality and security.
TL;DR: In this paper, the state of mentoring in academic libraries of Nigerian Universities, the perception of catalogers on mentoring for cataloging skill development and the critical role of mentors for proficient cataloging skills were investigated.
Abstract: Library services in the digital age have become user self-explorations while the geometrical growth in information resources continues to task bibliographic control, especially catalogers whose task is not only to provide efficient, and effective bibliographic control, but in addition timely access to all resources. However, the Catalogers’ skills, knowledge and strength continued to dwindle in past decades; this has generated concern to the profession worldwide. Decline in education, unsatisfactory learning/training infrastructure and lowly attitude to cataloging courses by educators and students alike in Nigeria further eroded skill development and proficiency. Consequently, the catalogers are short of skills needed to perform their duties. This in turn may affect library services provisions. This study therefore, seeks to discern what catalogers across university libraries in Nigeria perceived of mentoring for skill development and critical role of mentoring for proficient cataloging skill. The study investigates 1) The state of mentoring in academic libraries of Nigerian Universities, 2) The perception of catalogers on mentoring for cataloging skill development. The research question is specifically directed at 1) What is the state of mentoring in academic libraries of Nigerian universities? a) Do Nigerian university libraries have mentoring programs for catalogers? b) What types of mentoring programs are available and how adequate and effective are the programs? 2) What is the perception of catalogers on mentoring? 3) What is the perception of catalogers on mentoring for cataloging skill development? The study adopted the descriptive survey method. With the use of a questionnaire, fifty catalogers were sampled from five Nigerian public university libraries in five of the six geopolitical zones of the country. The survey conducted in November/December, 2009 used a five-point Likert-scale questionnaire for data collection. From the total sample size, only 35 responses representing 70 percent were found useable for analysis. Findings revealed that the cataloger uses three types of mentoring programs Supervisory (81%), Situational (19%) and Group (13%) mentoring. Ninety-four percent (94%) of the respondents felt mentoring enhances their descriptive cataloging skills and their confidence in using work tools. While another 97% felt mentoring could be used for succession plans and as a stability factor in terms of changes. The catalogers perceived mentoring as a vital tool for skill development, considered it to have organizational benefits and agreed mentoring can be used to address the challenges of skill deficiency for improvement in the profession.
TL;DR: A comprehensive review of research works in the library and information science (LIS) discipline in India during 1957-2009 in order to identify trends and patterns in doctoral research, both at the national level and within the Department of Library and Information Science (PU).
Abstract: This paper attempts to provide a comprehensive review of research works in the library and information science (LIS) discipline in India during 1957–2009 in order to identify trends and patterns in doctoral research, both at the national level and within the Department of Library and Information Science, Panjab University, Chandigarh (PU). Research in LIS by PhD students in India was a sporadic activity for about two decades increasing slowly until around 1980, when it increased by more than five times during the 1980s. In the 1990s, the number of PhD theses more than doubled (from 104 to 232). The growth slowed during the next decade, during which 266 theses were completed. The 1990s recorded a rapid growth in both the number of doctoral degrees awarded and the geographic spread of universities/institutes offering doctoral degree programmes in the country. The new millennium recorded continued growth; more than two-fifths of total doctoral degrees were awarded in the first nine years (2001–2009). This growth in doctoral degrees was fueled by parity in pay-scales and promotional avenues accorded by the University Grants Commission to library science professionals, bringing them in line with university teachers at time of the Fourth Pay-Commission. Seventy universities awarded 623 degrees in library science during 1957–2009 giving an average of about nine degrees per university. Nevertheless, there were wide inter-state and inter-university variations. The number varied from a high of 58 degrees by Karnatak University, Dharwad to a low of one degree each in at least nine universities. Research in the LIS discipline in India was characterized by a replication of the themes already researched in foreign universities, a lack of diversification in research themes, a dearth of research on themes dealing with conceptual and methodological issues, and a decline in the quality of research with an increase in quantity of research works. Sub-fields, such as library use studies and user studies, university libraries, public libraries, information storage and retrieval, personnel and bibliometrics were among the most popular research topics, their combined share being more than two-fifths in total research works awarded during the study period. The open access system, repository system and digital libraries were emerging themes; however, some people consider the research to be conceptually and methodologically weak, requiring immediate attention. With forty-one doctoral degrees to its credit, PU is one of the three top universities in India in terms of the number of doctoral degrees awarded. Similar to the trends at the national level, progress remained slow up until 1980 and picked up rapidly during the 1990s. The new millennium brought a phase of rapid growth, with more than two-fifths of total doctoral degrees awarded in the last nine years. With one year remaining, the current decade is likely to make a new history in library science at PU. Thematically, while only about two-fifths of the research sub-fields explored in PhD dissertations at the national level have been examined so far at PU, the diversity of sub-fields and the focus on emerging themes were more marked at PU than at the national level. Diversity of themes and use of scientific methods in research, as a marked feature of doctoral dissertations at PU in recent years, prompted one of the researchers to formulate as many as twenty hypotheses for empirical testing. Interestingly, six of the ten theses awarded between 2000 and 2003 in the department contained themes either focusing on Iran or comparing Iran with India. This was indicative of the department’s popularity with foreign students, especially Iranians. Another interesting feature was that two of the teachers in the department supervised more than a half of the total PhD theses awarded up to 2009.
TL;DR: The authors traces the history of library and information science education in Ethiopia, since its inception in 1959, reviewing both the retrospective (historical background) and prospective (rebirth and future direction).
Abstract: This paper traces the history of Library and Information Science (LIS) education in Ethiopia, since its inception in 1959, reviewing both the retrospective (historical background) and prospective (rebirth and future direction). A comparison of the curricula of Jimma and Haramaya Universities demonstrates the transition from a traditional, closed model of librarianship to the contemporary, open model and the changes in programs’ names from Library Science to Information Science. Internationalization of the programs, incorporation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) related courses, and information literacy programs are enhancing the transformation of LIS education. The author recommends continued reorienting of programs to meet rapidly changing needs, expanding the academic as opposed to vocational only dimensions, and increased marketing.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the nutrition information sources used by female athletes in the Girls Sports Club in the State of Kuwait and find that athletes relied on independent learning from websites and print publications rather than the professional advice available from nutritionists and medical doctors.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore the nutrition information sources used by female athletes in the Girls Sports Club in the State of Kuwait. A survey method using a questionnaire was employed. The questionnaire was distributed by coaches of each sport team. All of the players, who are trained and officially registered to compete nationally, were requested to participate in the study. Using anonymously completed questionnaires, 49 players from seven unique sports provided data.Findings showed that although athletes were aware of the benefits of “human” sources of information, they preferred “material” sources due to accessibility and availability. The athletes relied on independent learning from websites and print publications rather than the professional advice available from nutritionists and medical doctors.This study provides new information about current, important issues in nutrition information sources that are poorly understood. The information in this study should be used as the basis for a...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors surveyed the users' patronage of Nigerian academic libraries at two universities: Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) and Evan Enwerem University, OWERRI (EEU) and identified inadequate relevant current information material; a library environment not conducive to use; and inadequate reading accommodation as the major problems that hampered full patronage.
Abstract: This paper surveyed the users’ patronage of Nigerian academic libraries at two universities: Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) and Evan Enwerem University, Owerri (EEU). Four research objectives and five research questions were formulated by the researchers. Uzoagulu’s (1998) statistical formula was adopted for the stratified sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed by using tables and simple percentages. The results identified inadequate relevant current information material; a library environment not conducive to use; and inadequate reading accommodation as the major problems that hampered full patronage. The provision and acquisition of more current and relevant information materials and a comfortable and conducive reading environment would greatly improve the patronage of the libraries under study.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors spent six months in Bhutan at the request of the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB), where their brief was to advise how to improve the standard of the libraries of the ten constituent RUB colleges particularly relating to library services for users.
Abstract: The author spent six months in Bhutan in 2010 at the request of the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB). Her brief was to advise how to improve the standard of the libraries of the ten constituent RUB colleges, particularly relating to library services for users. The original study investigated the current state of RUB academic libraries. Once this state was identified and evaluated, it was necessary to decide what should, and realistically could, be done to improve the constituent libraries and align them more closely to western academic libraries. Very little has been written or published about academic libraries in Bhutan. The main method utilised was situational analysis, involving the design of a rubric for identifying common factors of libraries, followed by time spent working in each library to gather information. In most libraries, this consisted of at least a week spent working with staff and assessing the library. Observation was used and recorded photographically. Also, library staff was interview...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the effectiveness of blended learning, the fusion of face-to-face and online learning experiences, to implement an effective and culturally sensitive program of professional development in an Australian university working in a developing country.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of blended learning – the fusion of face-to-face and online learning experiences – to implement an effective and culturally sensitive program of professional development in an Australian university working in a developing country. It sought insight into pertinent pedagogical approaches for staff development across multiple locations including across national boundaries. The project demonstrated how learners can develop new capabilities and approaches by building on existing skills and knowledge as they interact in communities of practice. The immediate purpose was to design and deliver a continuing professional education program to meet the needs of librarians working at RMIT International University Vietnam in the context of the demands of the academic community and in the light of the challenge library staff experienced in seeking to meet explicit and tacit expectations. The project ran from late January to mid December 2010. The research questions were: ‘ Is blended learning effective as an approach to continuing professional development when working across cultures in a multinational organization?’ and ‘What contribution do face-to-face and online components make to learning outcomes?’ The methodology used was an action learning approach. A 2009 consultant’s report into the RMIT Vietnam Library established professional developmental needs which were further detailed in February 2010 by the project leader from RMIT University, Melbourne using a skills audit. Workshops in Vietnam, visits to Melbourne by several Vietnam staff members, and an online forum were then delivered. Reflective practice and ongoing input from staff were utilized to form a feedback loop to modify the project timing and approaches as needed. Evaluation included participant feedback on workshops, tracking changes in Library services, a customer survey, a project-end survey of participants’ behavioral changes against learning topics as self-reported, and discussion with participants. The authors were actively involved in the project: Julia Leong as project leader and Loc Nguyen as project champion at the Saigon South Campus. Blended learning was found to be effective in meeting continuing professional developmental needs and in promoting positive changes in library service provision. Online discussions were effective for extending existing knowledge, gaining practical hints, and examining attitudes. Face-to-face workshops and visits were more effective for learning new material in a systematic way. It is recommended that consideration be given to applying the blended learning model used in this project to continuing professional developmental work in similar contexts.
TL;DR: The need for school library standards was first discussed when the Malayan Library Group (MLG) organised the first course on librarianship for school teachers in 1955.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to study the development and evolution of secondary school libraries into Media Resource Libraries (MRLs) in Singapore after the Second World War and the rationale to have mandatory school library standards. It is an historical survey analysing published data about the linkages of libraries and librarianship, school library standards, education and school reforms in Singapore. It analyses historical and current documents on the roles played by stakeholders like the Library Association of Singapore (LAS) and the Ministry of Education (MOE) in the introduction and development of school library standards. The need for school libraries standards was first discussed when the Malayan Library Group (MLG) organised the first course on librarianship for school teachers in 1955. But there was no follow up. The need for school libraries standards was also mentioned by the LAS in 1962 when a memorandum to the Commission of Enquiry into Education to train teacher librarians and school library standards to be formulated and adopted in schools. However, it was left out in the final report of the Commission published in 1964. The need for school library standards was discussed in a school library seminar for 150 teacher librarians in 1970. The first Recommended minimum standards for secondary school libraries was published two years later by the Standing Committee on Libraries set up by the MOE. But it was not mandatory of schools to adopt the standards. In 1997 the MOE launched its ―Thinking School Learning Nation‖ vision to teach thinking skills. Students were expected to do multidisciplinary project work and to be independent users of information. The MOE began to convert school libraries into Media Resource Libraries (MRLs) with print and non-print materials. However, a survey conducted in 2001 on the roles and competencies of 112 Library Coordinators (LCs) or teacher librarians revealed that they lack the skills and knowledge to management MRLs effectively. This is because subsequent school library standards published in 1983 and 2002 did not require trained and full-time teacher librarians to manage the MRLs. Furthermore, it is essential for the standards to be periodically updated with regards to professional staff, collection development, facilities, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure and school library programs. Otherwise MRLs risk to being ―hollow shells still considered on the periphery of core educational requirements‖, and are run by teachers not professionally prepared to do the work. The national standards published in the United States from 1918 to 2008 are well researched and provided substantive guidelines to develop school libraries. Therefore it is essential for the MOE to formulate MRL standards by doing comparative studies of school library standards in other countries. These standards have to be mandatory and fully adopted by the schools. It provide opportunities for stakeholders like the LAS, National Library Board (NLB), the National Institute of Education (NIE) and the Singapore Teachers‘ Union, to collaborate in the formulation these standards and take collective ownership to implement them.
TL;DR: This paper sought to identify the factors affecting the establishment of a network of medical libraries in the Philippines.
Abstract: This paper sought to identify the factors affecting the establishment of a network of medical libraries in the Philippines. This paper dealt with the following questions: What facilitates or hinders the establishment of a network of medical libraries in the Philippines? What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a network? Is it feasible to establish such a network? Who will manage the network? What are the network’s functions and services? What are the requirements to join this network? What are the governing policies and guidelines? The researcher sent survey questionnaires to heads of medical libraries who are members of the Medical and Health Librarians Association of the Philippines (MAHLAP) and/or the Association of Philippine Medical Colleges (APMC). After the initial survey, the researcher conducted focus group discussions (FGD) participated by the MAHLAP 2010 Board of Officers. The researcher also interviewed networking experts and heads of medical institutions to obtain their opinion an...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used social network techniques and Pajek, a social network analysis software, to identify the key actors required for effective information sharing within the network, and found that intermediaries are important for the connectedness of subscribers (also referred to as actors).
Abstract: This paper aims the Benin Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals’ access to individuals on the social network through the study of the structure and use of the network. Subscribers to the library association’s listserv participated in a web-based survey to identify the colleagues they could easily reach. The analysis uses social network techniques and Pajek, a social network analysis software, and focuses on centralities, prestige and sub-groups to identify the key actors required for effective information sharing within the network.The density of this is very low and suggests that intermediaries are important for the connectedness of subscribers (also referred to as actors); network centralisation is moderate and explains that some actors are central for communication among the subscribers. About 60% of the subscribers fall within one of two groups. In the first group, six subscribers are central to the network, because they are moderators of the listserv, members of the association board, o...
TL;DR: The results show that most of the Italian library blogs examined were created between 2008 and 2009 and are hosted by commercial platforms, many of them are only sporadically updated, have little identifying data and contextualizing links, and low numbers of posts and users’ comments.
Abstract: This article analyses the results of a survey carried out on 82 Italian library blogs between December 2009 and February 2010. Several aspects were examined: year of creation, status, platform used, technical characteristics (such as internal search engine, chronological archives, blogroll, tags), number of posts and comments, reciprocal links between the blog and the library. Also the responsiveness of the libraries involved was tested. The results show that most of the Italian library blogs examined were created between 2008 and 2009 and are hosted by commercial platforms. Many of them are only sporadically updated, have little identifying data and contextualizing links, and low numbers of posts and users’ comments. Most of them do not have a link to the library website and one third of the blogs and libraries do not offer a digital reference service. The libraries’ response time to the users’ e-mails was quite long: in many cases an answer was given after more than 2 working days and in about one fifth...
TL;DR: The role of the communities from the perspectives of professional knowledge management, social networks and social capital, and the possibilities to reconstruct the Japanese librarianship was explored in this article.
Abstract: The interorganizational networking communities have spontaneously emerged among young Japanese librarians in recent years. This study explores the role of the communities from the perspectives of professional knowledge management, social networks and social capital, and the possibilities to reconstruct the Japanese librarianship. The study examined the following research questions: 1) What outcomes did young librarians who had participated in the interorganizational social networking communities get especially in terms of knowledge acquisition and affections? And 2) What possibilities do the young librarians communities have to transform Japanese librarianship? Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with five librarians to gain insight into how they engage in and feel about outside social networking activities and training opportunities. The results showed that the young librarians’ voluntary communities helped build social networks, provided opportunities for the transfer of tacit knowledge, ...