Showing papers in "Library Hi Tech in 2011"
TL;DR: The dramatic growth of smartphone ownership among students in an eight‐month period was surprising: a 17 per cent increase between March and November 2010.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to provide quantitative and qualitative data on students' use of mobile devices and to consider the benefit of academic mobile library services to students.Design/methodology/approach – Initial mobile library research included an online survey that attracted 1,716 participants. This was followed up with two discussion groups of six undergraduate and five postgraduate students. The survey followed‐on from an earlier survey conducted by the University of Edinburgh's Information Services (IS) in March 2010.Findings – The dramatic growth of smartphone ownership among students in an eight‐month period was surprising: a 17 per cent increase between March and November 2010. In addition, 68 per cent of students who plan to change their mobile handset would upgrade to a smartphone.Research limitations/implications – As students were unable to provide feedback on University of Edinburgh's own mobile library services, their feedback is speculative and subject to change.Practical implication...
109 citations
TL;DR: Analysis of the intention of using e‐books as learning material among undergraduates from an engineering department by using the technology acceptance model (TAM) and gender as its external variable shows that perceived ease of use is positively related to perceived usefulness.
Abstract: – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the intention of using e‐books as learning material among undergraduates from an engineering department by using the technology acceptance model (TAM) and gender as its external variable., – A survey through questionnaire was conducted to collect data from the respondents. Data from 169 respondents who had experience in using e‐book were analyzed in terms of factor analysis and structural equation modeling., – The analysis shows that perceived ease of use is positively related to perceived usefulness. Perceived usefulness has significant effect on attitude and intention to use e‐books. Meanwhile, attitude has significant effect on intention to use. However, perceived ease of use has no significant effect on attitude towards using e‐books. In addition, gender appeared to have no significant effects either on perceived ease of use or perceived usefulness., – The study did not utilize the entire TAM where actual technology use is not included in this study., – The study is important in terms of obtaining better understanding of e‐book reading intention among engineering undergraduates who are the real users of e‐books. By obtaining the respondents' perception on their intentions, action can be taken on how to motivate the non‐users of e‐books to form the intention to use e‐books., – This is believed to be the first published study of engineering undergraduates' intention on using e‐books in Universiti Putra Malaysia.
68 citations
TL;DR: The study aims to identify the progress made in the efforts to model current online public access catalogs (OPACs) after the next generation catalog (NGC) in academic libraries in the USA and Canada.
Abstract: Purpose – The study described in this paper aims to identify the progress made in the efforts to model current online public access catalogs (OPACs) after the next generation catalog (NGC) in academic libraries in the USA and Canada.Design/methodology/approach – A random sample of 260 colleges and universities was selected from Peterson's Guide to Four‐Year Colleges 2009, an estimated 10 percent of the total population of 2,560 listed academic institutions. A checklist of 12 features of the NGC was used to evaluate the OPACs of the 260 libraries in the sample. The authors took as the OPAC that which the library linked to as its “catalog,” even though some might be more properly considered “discovery tools” or “discovery layers.” Some libraries used more than one OPAC interface simultaneously; in this case, each OPAC was analyzed separately. In the case of several institutions using the same consortial OPAC, only the first instance of the OPAC was analyzed. About 15 percent of the institutions (n=40) in th...
51 citations
TL;DR: Both the usability testing and survey demonstrated that users preferred VuFind's interface over the classic catalogue, and particularly liked the facets and the richness of the search results.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of an academic library's implementation of a discovery layer (VuFind 1.0 RC1) as a next‐generation catalogue, based on usability testing and an online survey.Design/methodology/approach – Usability tests were performed on ten students (eight undergraduates, two graduates), asking a set of 14 task‐oriented questions about the customized VuFind interface. Task completion was scored using a simple formula to generate a percentage indicating success or failure. Changes to the interface were made based on resulting scores and on feedback and observations of users during testing. An online survey was also run for three weeks, to which 75 people responded. The results were analyzed, compared and cross‐tested with the findings of the usability testing.Findings – Both the usability testing and survey demonstrated that users preferred VuFind's interface over the classic catalogue. They particularly liked the facets and the richness of the search results...
50 citations
TL;DR: Millennials as innovators and early adopters are explored, as well as the five stages of the innovation decision process, and communication through certain channels; over time; and among members of a social system are explored.
Abstract: Purpose – Literature on the features of new technology in libraries of every type and size is readily available, but looking at the factors playing a part in the process (relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability and observability) will bring an understanding of how Millennials integrate technology into libraries. This paper seeks to discuss some of the issues involved.Design/methodology/approach – This research focuses on Millennials and their adoption of new technologies in libraries through the process of diffusion and the stages of adoption as outlined by Everett Rogers: communication through certain channels; over time; and among members of a social system. Among these sections, Millennials as innovators and early adopters are explored, as well as the five stages of the innovation decision process.Findings – Libraries have increasingly seen technology become a quick candidate as a solution to nearly every problem existing in the field. Though rapidly suggested as an alternative, the...
48 citations
TL;DR: Findings of a study which examined the searching experience of university students with a print disability and their use of screen reading software to navigate three proprietary databases provide insights on the information‐seeking behavior of students with print disabilities and the barriers encountered while navigating online databases using screen‐reading software.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present findings of a study which examined the searching experience of university students with a print disability and their use of screen reading software to navigate three proprietary databases.Design/methodology/approach – Participants completed a series of tasks in three different online databases using their screen‐reading software. Screen‐recording software provided video and audio documentation of the process. Survey data were collected pre‐ and post‐study as well as after each database search session.Findings – The paper provides insights on the information‐seeking behavior of students with print disabilities as well as the barriers encountered while navigating online databases using screen‐reading software.Research limitations/implications – The study focuses only on a small sample of university students with print disabilities and therefore lacks a control group of non‐print‐disabled students against which the results could be measured.Practical implicat...
40 citations
TL;DR: SurreyMonkey can be employed as an assessment tool with advance planning by evaluators to capture the responses and opinions of users and is a cost effective and time‐saving option for small assessment projects.
Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this paper is to discuss the application of a web‐based tool as a remote asynchronous usability testing method based on an assessment of an academic library's digital collections website.Design/methodology/approach – The paper examines the selection of an asynchronous remote usability testing method, the reasons for the selection of SurveyMonkey, an evaluation of its effectiveness through an assessment of the digital collections web site, and the potential for its application in future usability studies.Findings – SurveyMonkey can be employed as an assessment tool with advance planning by evaluators to capture the responses and opinions of users. Overall, it is a cost effective and time‐saving option for small assessment projects.Research limitations/implications – This was an informal study where a specific product, SurveyMonkey, was tested with the purpose of evaluating its effectiveness as a remote asynchronous assessment tool through its application for a specific website usabilit...
40 citations
TL;DR: It was felt that the survey sample responding was a microcosm of intelligent academic library administrators that might be involved in the eventual decision‐making process to acquire these devices for their libraries.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show how e‐book readers are used in an academic library setting.Design/methodology/approach – The approach takes the form of a literature review and e‐mail survey to academic library administrators.Findings – Although the survey sample responding was not large, it was felt that it represented a microcosm of intelligent academic library administrators that might be involved in the eventual decision‐making process to acquire these devices for their libraries.Research limitations/implications – It would have been better if the sampling were larger. It would also have been beneficial to get a sample involving students and faculty.Practical implications – This is an interesting technology that has great potential for the future of book publishing and has great academic library possibilities.Social implications – This is a possible paradigm shifting event.Originality/value – This paper shows only the tip of the iceberg. There are much more data shortly yet to come about...
33 citations
TL;DR: It reveals that academic staff were using many types of e‐resources and were also using the latest sources of information like e‐groups, virtual conferences, and satisfaction with e‐ resources.
Abstract: Purpose – The main objective of this paper is to analyse and evaluate the use of e‐resources by the engineering academics of Rajasthan state. It aims to consider the various factors of e‐resources usage such as purposes, impact, importance, problems, acceptance, and satisfaction with e‐resources.Design/methodology/approach – A survey method of research was applied to ascertain the present status of use of e‐resources. The survey was conducted with the help of a structured questionnaire followed by interview as and where it was felt necessary. Two formats of questionnaire were prepared; first, a printed format and second, an electronic format using Google Docs spreadsheet. The data so collected were analysed and interpreted with the help of MS Excel.Findings – The study finds many aspects of e‐resources use among engineering academics of Rajasthan. It reveals that academic staff were using many types of e‐resources. They were also using the latest sources of information like e‐groups, virtual conferences. ...
31 citations
TL;DR: The column will share impressions from personal research in the field of information behaviour and PIM, analysis from the subject literature, exploration of the software as such, and trends noted through various means.
Abstract: Purpose – This column seeks to explore the potential of personal information management (PIM) and reference management to offer more than easy citation of information sources and the creation of bibliographies. The emphasis is on the role librarians and information professionals (hereafter referred to only as librarians) can play in raising awareness of the potential of PIM and reference management and issues to be considered. The end goal is increasing quality, productivity, collaboration and creativity in the use of information. Over the next few issues, the column will share impressions from personal research in the field of information behaviour and PIM, analysis from the subject literature, exploration of the software as such, and trends noted through various means.Design/methodology/approach – The column will be written against the background of research from information behaviour, information organisation, PIM and information curation, as well as alerts on software development in this regard and so...
30 citations
TL;DR: This research found that most of the participants use one common e‐book reading habit, and factors such as easy access reduce physical visits to the library and user‐friendly features offer a comfortable platform for the participant to use the mathematics e‐books.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this preliminary study is to identify the e‐book utilization habit of postgraduate and undergraduate students from the Mathematics Department of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), and to determine the reasons why students are feeling comfortable or uncomfortable with the e‐book services offered by the library and the role the librarians can play in solving the identified obstacles.Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative approach which employs a face‐to‐face interview session was used to collect information on e‐book utilization habit and to capture perception of the e‐book services offered by UPM library.Findings – This research found that most of the participants use one common e‐book reading habit. Factors such as easy access reduce physical visits to the library and user‐friendly features offer a comfortable platform for the participant to use the mathematics e‐books. However, unreliable service, eye fatigue, lack of manipulability of online features and flaws in the physical...
TL;DR: The present status of using new generation web technology, social media and Web 2.0 features among the technological university library websites in south India is discussed and how much library websites are effective in providing web‐based information services is examined.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to discuss the present status of using new generation web technology, social media and Web 2.0 features among the technological university library websites in south India. It seeks to assess the library websites as a primary platform and one‐stop portal for information services and to examine how much library websites are effective in providing web‐based information services.Design/methodology/approach – The library websites of the technological universities in south India were evaluated on the basis of a relative weight checklist. The criteria for the checklist were drawn on the basis of availability of websites for library, resource discovery tools, access to scholarly content and Web 2.0 tools. The various issues and challenges in adapting new web technologies in the academic environment are discussed.Findings – Using the current web development technologies and deploying for mainstream web information services is not widespread as web information services are yet to take off ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors report the results of a user needs assessment that explored students' use of primary sources and their learning preferences, as well as faculty's pedagogical goals for student work with primary sources.
Abstract: Purpose – The authors received a grant to develop a digital educational tool to facilitate student engagement with online primary sources. Students and faculty were interviewed prior to developing the tool's specifications to ensure a user‐centered focus. This research paper seeks to report the results of a user needs assessment that explored students' use of primary sources and their learning preferences, as well as faculty's pedagogical goals for student work with primary sources.Design/methodology/approach – Faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students enrolled in humanities courses at the University of Colorado at Boulder were interviewed to help guide the development of this tool. The interview transcripts were analyzed to uncover several key findings.Findings – The results of the user needs assessment suggest that primary sources have great potential to excite students' enthusiasm and enhance their learning experiences; however, these materials present several challenges that prevent students from ...
TL;DR: The research shows that most of the anti‐plagiarism services can be cracked through different methods and artificial intelligence techniques can help to improve the performance of the detection procedure.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to focus on plagiarism and the consequences of anti‐plagiarism services such as Turnitin.com, iThenticate, and PlagiarismDetect.com in detecting the most recent cheatings in academic and other writings.Design/methodology/approach – The most important approach is plagiarism prevention and finding proper solutions for detecting more complex kinds of plagiarism through natural language processing and artificial intelligence self‐learning techniques.Findings – The research shows that most of the anti‐plagiarism services can be cracked through different methods and artificial intelligence techniques can help to improve the performance of the detection procedure.Research limitations/implications – Accessing entire data and plagiarism algorithms is not possible completely, so comparing is just based on the outputs from detection services. They may produce different results on the same inputs.Practical implications – Academic papers and web pages are increasing over time, and it is very ...
TL;DR: The data envelopment analysis (DEA) model is employed to measure the resource utilization efficiency of university libraries and showed that the technical efficiency, pure‐technical efficiency, and scale efficiency were found.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper seeks to rediscover the most suitable efficiency evaluation variables (input and output variables) for digital libraries and to employ the data envelopment analysis (DEA) model to measure the resource utilization efficiency of university libraries.Design/methodology/approach – In order to analyze and evaluate university library efficiency, the paper introduces the DEA‐CCR Model and the DEA‐BCC Model. Based on these research tools, the Technical Efficiency (CCR*BCC) was determined. First, a reference group was created with a 100 percent efficiency rate, then the factors contributing to inefficient DMUs were analyzed, and the difference in the efficiency rate compared according to the different governing bodies of the libraries. Finally, the difference of efficiency according to the introduction and rejection of electronic resources was analyzed. It was possible to measure the technical efficiency, pure‐technical efficiency, and scale efficiency.Findings – The results showed that the ef...
TL;DR: This paper aims to investigate the use of mobile reading among Chinese college students and to provide a statistical analysis of correlation between the users' educational level and their mobile reading behavior, which can be used for the differentiated marketing of the mobile reading service provider.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the use of mobile reading among Chinese college students and to provide a statistical analysis of correlation between the users' educational level and their mobile reading behavior. The result can be used as a reference for the differentiated marketing of the mobile reading service provider.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on an online questionnaire oriented to Chinese college students, including undergraduate and graduate students. The questionnaire includes questions related to the profiles and mobile reading behaviors of the respondents. The survey lasted from 15 April to 15 June 2010 and 479 responses were received.Findings – Mobile reading is in its early stages of development and has huge market potential in China. The pay‐reading service only makes up a small, slowly growing share. Well educated users are more inclined to pay for academic papers while other users prefer online literature. In general, mobile reading services have yet to become...
TL;DR: The redesign of a formal learning space: the general assignment classroom is described, which was designed first and foremost for its pedagogical potential in fostering engaged learning.
Abstract: Purpose – Several books and articles about learning space design have recently been published, giving much needed attention to new types of informal learning spaces such as the library commons. This paper aims to address this issue.Design/methodology/approach – This paper describes the redesign of a formal learning space: the general assignment classroom. In 2010, one of the University of Iowa's Main Library classrooms was converted to an “active learning” space. The library location was selected as home for this prototype TILE classroom – Transform, Interact, Learn, Engage. The university's goal is to create similar spaces in a variety of sizes and configurations across campus.Findings – The classroom is technologically rich, but was designed first and foremost for its pedagogical potential in fostering engaged learning. Ease of use was a primary focus, allowing the technology to fade into the background. Early adopters participated in a faculty institute on active learning and were provided with institu...
TL;DR: This column focuses on combining the use of PIM and reference management software with mind maps to stimulate the creative and innovative use of information collected.
Abstract: Purpose – This column aims to explore the potential of personal information management (PIM) and reference management. It focuses on combining the use of PIM and reference management software with mind maps to stimulate the creative and innovative use of information collectedDesign/methodology/approach – Following a brief review of the literature on the topic per se, awareness is raised of appropriate software and the potential of mind maps. The column is written against the background of research from information behaviour, PIM, mind maps, creativity, innovation and the reflective and evidence‐focused librarian.Findings – There is growing emphasis on more than information literacy skills and the responsible use of information. Creative and innovative use of information is stressed. More intensive use and exploitation of information is necessary to justify the time and effort spent in using PIM and reference management software. Mind maps and collaboration might support creative and innovative use of info...
TL;DR: This work shows that a university's approach to a digital library is a function of environmental, ethno‐political and economic issues, and success is yet to be fully achieved.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present one of the ways in which digital library technology is employed in providing twenty‐first century library and information services to a university community in a developing country, together with the challenges and prospects of such an application.Design/methodology/approach – This work analyses documents using content analysis of documents in library archives, interviews with library stakeholders and assessment of the structures, facilities and technologies as deployed in the Digital Library housing the information that is necessary for academic work.Findings – This work shows that a university's approach to a digital library is a function of environmental, ethno‐political and economic issues. Although the deployment struggled to accommodate the attributes of a digital library, including contents, users, functionality, policy, quality, technology and personnel, success is yet to be fully achieved, because there have been major challenges in terms of manag...
TL;DR: Whether isolation felt by some researchers engaged in academic writing might be partially overcome by membership of an online community of writers (CoW), hosted by higher education (HE) library services is examined.
Abstract: Purpose – Prior research has highlighted the isolation felt by some researchers engaged in academic writing. This article aims to examine whether such isolation might be partially overcome by membership of an online community of writers (CoW), hosted by higher education (HE) library services.Design/methodology/approach – A review of the literature was followed by an innovative piece of action research based around the authors' own long distance collaborative writing task in order to explore the issues at first‐hand. Case studies of existing online writing communities known to the authors but not currently hosted by libraries were also undertaken.Findings – Themes emerging include the importance of finding a medium for a CoW that is familiar and comfortable. Motivators to join a CoW include demands that academics be research active. Demotivators may include lack of trust and reluctance to share.Research limitations/implications – There are still questions to be answered and decisions to be taken about the ...
TL;DR: Catonasia and Captivate exceed VoiceThread in terms of accessibility compliance; Camtasia andCaptivate have steeper learning curves than VoiceThread.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper seeks to compare the accessibility features and ease of use of three tutorial creation products – Camtasia® 6 (by TechSmith®), Captivate® 4 (by Adobe®), and VoiceThread® – to determine which product creates the most accessible tutorials.Design/methodology/approach – The paper tested the accessibility of the tutorials created using Camtasia, Captivate, and VoiceThread against the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template® (VPAT®) criteria. The tests were completed using JAWS®, a screen‐reading software application. Results were compared to determine which product(s) created the most accessible tutorials. The products' ease of use and user manuals were also evaluated.Findings – Camtasia and Captivate exceed VoiceThread in terms of accessibility compliance. In testing the products, the paper concluded that the VPATs were accurate, with minor exceptions. All products provide user manuals and help guides; Camtasia and Captivate have steeper learning curves than VoiceThread.Research limitati...
TL;DR: This column seeks to focus on how librarians can stay alert on new developments regarding PIM and related issues such as plagiarism, reference techniques, information literacy and information behaviour to stimulate interest in looking for hidden gems.
Abstract: Purpose
– This column aims to explore the potential of personal information management (PIM) and reference management. It seeks to focus on how librarians can stay alert on new developments regarding PIM and related issues such as plagiarism, reference techniques, information literacy and information behaviour. It also tries to stimulate interest in looking for hidden gems that can be of value in their careers as well as those of library users by considering the innovative and creative use of PIM, e.g. by also monitoring the potential of mind maps and concept maps.
Design/methodology/approach
– The column is written against the background of research from information behaviour, PIM, information curation, alerts on software development and related issues, and also social bookmarking.
Findings
– There are many ways in which librarians can stay abreast of what is happening with PIM, reference management and related issues. There are also many things to note such as improvement of the software, uses of PIM and reference management, teaching skills in PIM and reference management, ways of sharing information, linking to innovation and creativity, and linking to information literacy and information behaviour.
Originality/value
– Although much has been published on developments in PIM and reference management, the author is not aware of other attempts to link alerting services on PIM and reference management to go beyond developments in software.
TL;DR: How researchers at Penn State University used video screen capture technology to learn more about student usage of the library's databases is reported on, showing how any library could use this same technology to conduct research on how to capture student research behavior.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on how researchers at Penn State University used video screen capture technology to learn more about student usage of the library's databases.Design/methodology/approach – The process of identifying and implementing a novel way to capture and analyze the human‐computer interaction is outlined and discussed.Findings – Because of the drawbacks associated with both formal, direct physical observation of research participants and videotaping participants, video screen capture technology is chosen as a better way to track human‐computer interaction.Practical implications – Video screen capture technology is an inexpensive, user‐friendly way to enhance electronic resource usability studies in any library. Research files can be easily exported into coding software for data analysis.Originality/value – The paper examines a new, non‐invasive way to capture student research behavior. It shows how any library could use this same technology to conduct research on how t...
TL;DR: An overview of the implementation process one academic library used to create a loanable technology program to address student needs for multiple technologies that support and facilitate assignments and other projects, including an increasing number that are multimodal.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the implementation process one academic library used to create a loanable technology program to address student needs for multiple technologies that support and facilitate assignments and other projects, including an increasing number that are multimodal.Design/methodology/approach – This is a case study utilizing focus groups and management data to detail best practices for implementing and maintaining a loanable technology program.Findings – Preliminary results indicate that this program provides value to students and coursework, as well as justifying creating a budget line to support further program development. Implementing a loanable technology program requires additional strategies for policies and procedures related to acquisition, budget allocation, processing, cataloging, check‐out, replacement, and security of the equipment, as well as marketing the service. Findability and equitable student access to loanable technology are also d...
TL;DR: The usability of the services provided by the EBSCOhost Mobile application was determined, comprising pre‐ and post‐usability test questionnaires and “think out‐loud” usability tests.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of the evaluation described in this paper is to determine the usability of the services provided by the EBSCOhost Mobile application.Design/methodology/approach – The methodology employed was usability testing, comprising pre‐ and post‐usability test questionnaires and “think out‐loud” usability tests.Findings – Recommendations are made concerning changes to the interface to ensure greater usability.Research limitations/implications – In this study, the only mobile device used in the testing of EBSCOhost Mobile was the iPhone 3GS. None of the participants had used or owned a smartphone previously.Originality/value – Libraries are increasingly turning to the Mobile Web to offer new services to their patrons. Smartphones are likely to become central to the future delivery of information services.
TL;DR: It is concluded that podcasting is a technology that has not yet reached its zenith and libraries have many avenues left still to explore using this technology.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to discover how many American research libraries produce podcasts, on what subjects they are produced, and how those podcasts are promoted.Design/methodology/approach – The researchers looked at each American research library's website in December 2009 to determine whether the library had a podcasting initiative and, if so, what topics were covered. General scanning of the website, site search and Google search were used to discover podcasts. Facebook and Twitter pages were also examined to determine whether social media were used for podcast promotion.Findings – It was found that approximately one‐third of American research libraries have podcasting initiatives. Podcast subjects vary widely, and social media are only used occasionally to promote the podcasts. The paper concludes that podcasting is a technology that has not yet reached its zenith and libraries have many avenues left still to explore using this technology.Originality/value – The paper provides a broad exploration ...
TL;DR: The paper finds that the tutorial identified students' areas of weakness prior to library instruction, and librarians could focus on identified topics during the session and increase student learning.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper seeks to provide a solution for teaching comprehensive information literacy instruction when time is limited during one‐shot library instruction sessions. It aims to focus on one technique to solve this dilemma – the creation of a multi‐media tutorial: Library 101: Introduction to Research. The paper aims to educate librarians of the many technological tools, which could be employed to enrich library instruction.Design/methodology/approach – Using the Oakleaf Information Literacy Instruction Assessment Cycle (ILIAC), librarians gathered assessment data and determined student research skill deficits in Fall 2009. To address knowledge gaps, the authors systematically designed a multi‐media tutorial with ten tools.Findings – The paper finds that the tutorial identified students' areas of weakness prior to library instruction. As a result, librarians could focus on identified topics during the session and increase student learning. Annual re‐evaluation of the tools and data are needed in ...
TL;DR: A viable scientific communication model which relates personal knowledge about a scientific communication system with Beer's viability thinking is developed and it seems that the suggested model is not dependent on context, time, and scale.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to design a viable model for a scholarly communication system.Design/methodology/approach – Stafford Beer's viable system model (VSM) is an exceptionally insightful analysis tool which has been applied in different fields. This paper illustrates the usefulness of Beer's model as a tool for anticipating, planning, and implementing large‐scale development in the scientific communication domain. Following the Beer thinking of organisational structure and the usefulness of VSM in knowledge management stated by some researchers, a viable scientific communication model (VSCM) was designed.Findings – The paper has developed a viable scientific communication model which relates personal knowledge about a scientific communication system with Beer's viability thinking.Research limitations/implications – The designed model is fairly conceptual.Originality/value – Compared with the earlier models, it seems that the suggested model is not dependent on context, time, and scale. This model may ...
TL;DR: The findings show a significant overlap among the archiving systems and show that Portico has no prejudice against small publishers and that large publishers are as willing to choose the LOCKSS software as to choose Portico.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this research is to investigate: how many journal titles are both in LOCKSS and in Portico?; what is the relationship of small publishers to LOCKSS/CLOCKSS and Portico?; and what is the relationship of large publishers to LOCKSS/CLOCKSS and Portico?Design/methodology/approach – The paper describes how data from Portico, LOCKSS, and CLOCKSS were cleaned and analyzed using Perl programs to discover duplications.Findings – The findings show a significant overlap among the archiving systems. They also show that Portico has no prejudice against small publishers and that large publishers are as willing to choose the LOCKSS software as to choose Portico. LOCKSS does, however, archive many more small and arguably endangered publishers and may be the only economically viable choice for them.Originality/value – The push for greater transparency has made more and more data available. Both LOCKSS and Portico deserve commendation for providing the detailed lists of titles and publishers on whi...
TL;DR: Institutional and national policies were found to have tremendous impact on the design process of digital libraries as well as on their sustainability, which was found to stifle innovation.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to explore the role of institutional and national policies in the design process of educational digital libraries developed collaboratively with key stakeholders within the African higher education context.Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative research project based on three case studies of universities in Africa (Uganda, Kenya, Uganda) was carried out; comprising a retrospective review of the design process of ten innovative digital libraries through 38 in‐depth interviews with key design stakeholders. The interviews were conducted between September and December, 2009, while the data were triangulated with observations and documentary evidence from key policies.Findings – Institutional and national policies were found to have tremendous impact on the design process of digital libraries as well as on their sustainability. Their absence in the design process was found to stifle innovation.Research limitations/implications – This research was limited to the design process of ...