Showing papers in "Library Review in 2011"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used semi-structured interviews to collect qualitative and quantitative data from 181 farmers in six districts of Tanzania and used focus groups and participatory techniques (i.e. information mapping and linkage diagrams) for collecting qualitative data from 128 farmers.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this study is to assess access to and use of agricultural knowledge and information in the rural areas of Tanzania.Design/methodology/approach – Mixed quantitative, qualitative and participatory methods were deployed. Semi‐structured interviews were used to collect qualitative and quantitative data from 181 farmers in six districts of Tanzania. Focus groups and participatory techniques (i.e. information mapping and linkage diagrams) were also used to collect qualitative data from 128 farmers in the same districts.Findings – The results showed that deep, rich and complete data can be collected through the mixed quantitative, qualitative and participatory techniques. The findings demonstrated that the knowledge and information needs, and information‐seeking patterns of farmers were location specific. The major sources of information for farmers were predominantly local (neighbours, friends and family), followed by public extension services. Apart from radio and cell phones, advanced...
132 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the factors that affect knowledge sharing attitudes in Malaysia, with emphasis on a manufacturing firm and how this attitude influences their intention to share knowledge, and found that collectivism, social network, social trust, shared goal, incentive systems, kiasuism and self-efficacy emerged significant except for individualism.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that affect knowledge‐sharing attitudes in Malaysia, with emphasis on a manufacturing firm and how this attitude influences their intention to share knowledge.Design/methodology/approach – This is a survey research conducted within a manufacturing firm. The questionnaire was developed by adapting items and concepts from prior works, and by developing a new variable, kiasuism. A census sampling method was used to select participants for this research. The data derive from a case analysis in a manufacturing company in Malaysia. The analysis was based on 141 valid responses.Findings – The findings indicate that collectivism, social network, social trust, shared goal, incentive systems, kiasuism and self‐efficacy emerged significant except for individualism. A unique finding is that kiasuism emerged as proposed, which suggest that future works could focus more on this variable to highlight its impact in a firm's ability to share knowledge. Overall,...
90 citations
79 citations
TL;DR: The discussion suggests that in spite of all the obstacles to successful implementation, including associated negative perceptions, IRs have been increasingly recognised as a vital tool for scholarly communic...
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the recent literature about institutional repositories (IRs) including the benefits and possible obstacles of setting up an IR. It will also discuss librarians' and authors' participative roles and open access. In conclusion, the paper aims to consider the future of IRs and finally makes recommendations for their successful implementation in academic institutions.Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on the recently published literature discussing current trends in IRs; although, some historical reference is also necessary to provide background to the open access movement and the early development of IRs. Given that the paper is an account of the history and current status of IRs, a formal documented methodology is not applicable.Findings – The discussion suggests that in spite of all the obstacles to successful implementation, including associated negative perceptions, IRs have been increasingly recognised as a vital tool for scholarly communic...
69 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore the potential of open access institutional repositories (IR) in enhancing the global visibility and impact of Nigerian scholarly publication and provide pragmatic suggestions that would address the challenges of making Nigerian scholarly publications accessible internationally.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential of open access institutional repositories (IR) in enhancing the global visibility and impact of Nigerian scholarly publication.Design/methodology/approach – This is a literature‐based opinion paper which examines the problem of open access IR in Nigeria providing pragmatic suggestions that would address the challenges of making Nigerian scholarly publications accessible internationally.Findings – While the paper acknowledges several problems that impede the building of open access IR, it equally highlights some necessary requirements for the building of IR with a road map for the development of functional IR in Nigeria.Practical implications – The proliferation of universities and other higher institutions that are in one way or the other engaged in research activities suggests that Nigeria would have generated a lot of research to facilitate speedy development. Available evidence shows that in recent years scholarly publications in Nigeria l...
66 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a meta-synthesis analyzed 48 journal articles that examined issues related to integration information literacy into the curriculum using the Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen method.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to focus on academics' point of view towards integration of information literacy into the curriculum.Design/methodology/approach – This meta‐synthesis analyzed 48 journal articles that examined issues related to integration information literacy into the curriculum. Using the Stevick‐Colaizzi‐Keen method, a meta‐synthesis of seven studies was conducted.Findings – This process revealed four themes that outline issues related to the academics perspective: collaboration; information literacy pedagogy; information literacy skills; and knowledge.Research limitations/implications – As this is a literature review, one limitation is lack of literature on perceptions towards information literacy. The issue will be examined further with a wider population.Practical implications – These results suggest that more knowledge is needed to integrate information literacy into the curriculum to prepare information literate students who can effectively learn information literacy skills ...
58 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a questionnaire survey was conducted on SMEs which have been accorded the Multimedia Super Corridor Malaysia status and data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to build upon Chen et al.'s work by investigating inter‐organizational knowledge transfer needs and practices among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) which have received relatively little research attention to date.Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire survey was conducted on SMEs which have been accorded the Multimedia Super Corridor Malaysia status. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences.Findings – In total, nine important areas have been the focus of this study, i.e. the importance of external knowledge; the extent to which external knowledge is more important than internal knowledge to organizational success; areas in which insufficient knowledge contributes to costly errors or mistakes in the SMEs; SMEs' involvement in knowledge transfer activities; number of social networks involved; SMEs' perceptions about networks; use of tools and technologies to transfer inter‐organizational knowledge; constraints of inter‐organizatio...
50 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss the state of information literacy education in library schools in Africa and present a survey of web sites maintained by library schools to identify the course offered and also to analyze the course contents.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the state of information literacy (IL) education in library schools in Africa. Principally, to understand how prepared the library schools are to take the lead by integrating IL courses into their school curricula.Design/methodology/approach – The survey was carried out in two parts: first, the researcher conducted a survey of web sites maintained by library schools in Africa to identify the IL course offered and also to analyze the course contents. That was followed by sending an e‐mail message containing three research questions to library and information science (LIS) faculty members to ascertain the availability of IL courses in their curricula.Findings – Results from the study revealed that, presently, only a few library schools offer the course IL as a stand‐alone course in their curricula. Many library schools have not yet incorporated “IL” as a stand‐alone course in their LIS curricula, rather, it is briefly discussed as a topic in related courses....
49 citations
46 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a framework of best practice for knowledge sharing in SMEs is presented. But, the authors do not address the impact of knowledge sharing on SMEs' performance.
Abstract: Purpose – One of the new factors in Eastern European countries (and there is an acknowledgement that this aspect is displayed in other countries too) is this concept of freely sharing information, i.e. the concept of what is known in knowledge management (KM) literature of “Knowledge Sharing”. Sharing only takes place where there is trust and where there is a shared feeling of ownership of goals. The reasons behind the tendency to share are based on the kind of interpersonal relations between co‐workers inherent within the organization and the effects of social relationships within organizational teams. Strengthening the social relationships between individuals in the team is crucial in motivating team members to share knowledge. The purpose of this paper is to add to the understanding of how KM impacts on an small‐ to medium‐sized enterprise (SME) and create a framework of best practice of KM in SMEs.Design/methodology/approach – New research is currently investigating the concept of “sharing social rela...
43 citations
TL;DR: The overall service quality of the library system of Independent University, Bangladesh, a top‐ranked private university in Bangladesh, is investigated to investigate what services meet, exceed or fall short of the users' expectations.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper seeks to investigate the overall service quality of the library system of Independent University, Bangladesh, a top‐ranked private university in Bangladesh. A survey is conducted among the library users specifically faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students.Design/methodology/approach – A modified version of the SERVQUAL questionnaire was used for data collection. The gap differences between perceived and desired services were calculated and ranked which could indicate what services meet, exceed or fall short of the users' expectations. The mean values of desired service levels were ranked and compared among three groups of users. A Kruskal‐Wallis test was done to examine the differences in desired level of service quality by different groups. The method zone of tolerance was applied to find out the range between perceived and minimum service levels. Finally, the underlying dimensions of service quality were identified through exploratory factor analysis of level of desired servic...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the factors affecting career choice, job satisfaction, and perceptions of the public image of librarians in Kuwait, and found that extrinsic measures, such as recognition of accomplishment, fair performance evaluation, and job security were the most important aspects of job satisfaction.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors affecting career choice, job satisfaction, and perceptions of the public image of librarians in Kuwait.Design/methodology/approach – Data were gathered via questionnaires sent to 117 professional librarians working in academic, public, and special libraries in Kuwait.Findings – The study identified factors which influenced the choice of career, sources of satisfaction and dissatisfaction. Respondents reported that they were moderately satisfied with their current job. The results show that extrinsic measures, such as recognition of accomplishment, fair performance evaluation, and job security were ranked in the top and are the most important aspects of job satisfaction, whereas intrinsic measures, such as suitable daily working hours and nature of work, fell close to the bottom of the list. The cause of employee job dissatisfaction occurs in the area of benefits, contingent rewards, communication, salaries, working conditions, and promotion...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined how knowledge and information is shared by small information and communication technology firms in Tunisia and found that information and knowledge is key to the operational success of these companies.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how knowledge and information is shared by small information and communication technology firms in Tunisia.Design/methodology/approach – The paper employs a comparative case study approach. This was intended to collect data that describe processes and also to elicit information about the reasons for these processes. The authors set the study in the context of a developing country.Findings – It was found that information and knowledge is key to the operational success of these companies. Knowledge, and its application, is crucial to their competitive advantage. The companies have developed very useful internal systems for sharing information. They also have efficient methods for tapping into existing external knowledge. However, evidence was also found of immature national information sharing systems. The authors attribute this to the level of development in Tunisia and to the understandable attitudes of the firm owners.Research limitations/implications – W...
TL;DR: It was found that library instruction does demonstrably improve student research skills, and that doctoral students are generally underprepared to conduct dissertation level research.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to ask how the academic library may better position itself to assist with the demonstrated need for improved research ability in doctoral students. The paper examines the literature on doctoral student retention, which demonstrates problems with research self‐efficacy in students, and connects this issue to the library literature demonstrating the impact of library instruction.Design/methodology/approach – The main approach is the review of the literatures in library science on the impact of instruction, and in the wider education literature on student retention and doctoral student attrition.Findings – It was found that library instruction does demonstrably improve student research skills, and that doctoral students are generally underprepared to conduct dissertation level research. There is a case for partnering doctoral students with academic librarians to improve dissertation completion rates and lower attrition due to lack of research skill.Practical implication...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors assess basic information literacy (IL) competency and the perception of IL behaviour of freshman undergraduate business students of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) and find that most of them mentioned that they are aware of IL and they think they have IL-related efficiencies.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this study is to assess basic information literacy (IL) competency and the perception of IL behaviour of freshman undergraduate business students of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB).Design/methodology/approach – Freshman business students were asked to fill a set of structured and sample questions which assessed their level of information skills and basic IL behaviour. The questionnaire incorporated different questions concerning their previous experience of information use and access to information sources.Findings – It has been found that IUB freshman business students require more competencies to solve information‐related problems. Before answering the questions and statements of the questionnaire, most of them mentioned that they are aware of IL and they think they have IL‐related efficiencies. But the competency results showed that only one‐fourth of them gave correct answers. Regarding the concluding statement, most of them realized that they need information literac...
TL;DR: In this paper, a qualitative analysis is conducted in order to identify the potential of a novel management response model as a pathway for library survival within the fierce economic crisis, and specific suggestions are made for the management of public libraries, future policies and trends in the lines of learning/education/training services.
Abstract: Purpose – Libraries in Greece are mostly financed by public sources, with private funding covering only a very small proportion of their budget. The deteriorating, slowly growing economic environment in Greece places additional pressure on the already understaffed and underfinanced public libraries. This paper aims at demonstrating that the tough economic conditions may provide a setting for innovation and quality enhancement which may lead in turn to a corresponding growth in the library sector.Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative analysis is conducted in order to identify the potential of a novel management response model as a pathway for library survival within the fierce economic crisis.Findings – Specific suggestions are made for the management of public libraries, future policies and trends in the lines of learning/education/training services; social/economic development services; electronic government and citizen participation in public affairs services; cultural identity and social cohesion...
TL;DR: This paper attempts to explain the wide dissemination of Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) within digital libraries and presents some of the advantages and disadvantages of using this controlled vocabulary in digital collections.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper attempts to explain the wide dissemination of Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) within digital libraries and presents some of the advantages and disadvantages of using this controlled vocabulary in digital collections. The paper also presents other classifications used in digital collections for subject access and explores ways of improving search functionality in digital collections that employ LCSH.Design/methodology/approach – Unlike traditional libraries that use Library of Congress Classification for organization and retrieval, digital libraries use metadata forms for organization and retrieval. The collections exist in cyberspace of the internet which is known for containing the universe of knowledge. The use of LCSH for information retrieval has been widely criticized for its difficulty of use and its information retrieval effectiveness in online environments. The Library of Congress (LOC) has claimed the headings were not based on comprehensive principles nor ever in...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identify good practice in conducting outreach for homeless people, and hence to provide recommendations for future library outreach projects, including developing partnerships with relevant organisations, removing proof-of-identity requirements for joining the library, disseminating the results obtained in projects; using book deposits and mobile library stops; training library staff to ensure that they are aware of relevant issues; building trust in the target audience; ensuring that outreach is tailored to the specific needs of different groups of homeless people; and using a range of methods to evaluate project effectiveness.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify good practice in conducting outreach for homeless people, and hence to provide recommendations for future library outreach projects.Design/methodology/approach – The authors examine of four case studies taken from the library literature, and conduct six semi‐structured interviews with outreach and/or inclusion librarians from library authorities in South and West Yorkshire.Findings – The recommendations include: developing partnerships with relevant organisations; removing proof‐of‐identity requirements for joining the library; disseminating the results obtained in projects; using book deposits and mobile library stops; training library staff to ensure that they are aware of relevant issues; building trust in the target audience; ensuring that outreach is tailored to the specific needs of different groups of homeless people; and using a range of methods to evaluate project effectiveness.Originality/value – Identification of themes common to the published ...
TL;DR: The categories of grey materials stocked by libraries, the method of acquisition and organization, the degree of access and the challenges/solutions to the problems associated with GL management and access are identified.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address issues in grey literature (GL) management and to proffer solutions to the problems. The specific aims are: to identify the categories of grey materials stocked, and the method of acquisition; to examine the method of GL management and the degree of access in Illinois state libraries; and also to identify the challenges/solutions to the problems associated with GL management and access.Design/methodology/approach – A survey was conducted in Illinois state, USA in 2010, using an online questionnaire posted to various listservs used by 118 academic libraries in Illinois, including those of the Consortia of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois and the Illinois Association of College and Research Libraries. The online survey questionnaire was designed to identify the categories of grey materials stocked by libraries, the method of acquisition and organization, the degree of access and the challenges/solutions to the problems associated with GL management...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors report on an ongoing project investigating library and information science students' perceptions of the library/information profession and their motivations for undertaking a degree in this field.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on an ongoing project investigating library and information science students' perceptions of the library and information profession and their motivations for undertaking a degree in this field. The analysis presented here focuses on students' reasons for becoming involved in information work, and their motivations for embarking on a professional qualification.Design/methodology/approach – The research was focused on students enrolling on Information and Library Studies programmes in the Department of Information Studies, Aberystwyth University. Students from both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses are represented over the period 2005‐2010, undertaking campus‐based and distance learning (DL) programmes. A qualitative approach, using focus groups, was taken towards data collection and analysis.Findings – Many students followed a circuitous path into the library and information field, indicating that caution needs to be exercised when making assu...
TL;DR: It is found that escapism in leisure reading is a very complex and composite concept and although it is not always associated with pleasure and relaxation, it is always a transformative and thus instrumental and functional experience in the reader's life.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper, aimed primarily at readers' advisors in public libraries, is to take a critical look at the concept of escapism in leisure reading, highlight the multiple aspects of escapism, present it in a more positive light, and show that escapism is associated not only with light entertaining reading but also with the reading of serious literature.Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes the form of a critical review of literature and real‐life examples.Findings – It is found that escapism in leisure reading is a very complex and composite concept. Although it is not always associated with pleasure and relaxation, it is always a transformative and thus instrumental and functional experience in the reader's life.Research limitations/implications – The paper provides a valuable discussion of the literature on escapist reading.Practical implications – The paper considers the importance of escapist reading and whether would this be of benefit to library professionals involved in...
TL;DR: In this article, the role of information literacy and digital literacy under the circumstances and challenges of the Web 2.0 environment is examined and the hypothesis that differential literacies have to be offered to diverging groups of users, similarly to traditional library services that cater for different user needs depending on the type of the given library was tested.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of information literacy (IL) and digital literacy under the circumstances and challenges of the Web 2.0 environment.Design/methodology/approach – Desk research was done in order acquire a picture about the nature of the Web 2.0 and Library 2.0 in regard to their influence on literacy requirements. The hypothesis that differential literacies have to be offered to diverging groups of users, similarly to traditional library services that cater for different user needs depending on the type of the given library was tested.Findings – Professional goals characterize first of all different groups of professionals, teaching staff and researchers, as well as students. Thus, their need in information is different from that of other categories of users. Consequently, they require literacies similar to services traditionally offered by academic and special libraries. Amateur content is more compatible with the mission of public libraries and it is more suitab...
TL;DR: In this paper, a case study and evaluation of the impact of a teaching programme for information literacy courses for research students is presented, where the authors provide an overview of a six-week information literacy course.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of a six‐week information literacy course for research students that was redesigned following the librarians undertaking the Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education.Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a case study and evaluation of the impact of a teaching programme. Findings – Research students appreciate and value the expertise of library staff and are prepared to devote considerable time to an information literacy programme. The programme received excellent feedback.Research limitations/implications – There is no summative assessment associated with the course and so no quantitative measure of improvement in learning.Originality/value – The paper provides a model programme other librarians can adapt for use at their own institution. Extended doctoral level information literacy courses are relatively uncommon and demonstrates the benefit of this type of course, to research.
TL;DR: In this paper, the relationship between advocacy on behalf of libraries and impact evaluation in a national public library development context is examined, where the boundaries between these two roles are likely to be blurred, creating ethical issues for all concerned.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to examine the relationship between advocacy on behalf of libraries and impact evaluation in a national public library development context in which the boundaries between these two roles are likely to be blurred, creating ethical issues for all concerned.Design/methodology/approach – The authors draw upon their broad experience of helping various international organisations to develop strategic approaches to impact planning and evaluation for public libraries, as well as their work in helping to develop library practice at national level, in order to focus on and examine the creative tensions between impact evaluation and advocacy.Findings – There are particular issues for all key participants (international programme funders, policy shapers, service managers, evaluators and advocates) in planning, supporting and delivering impact evaluation programmes. Most of these can be addressed directly but some (such as balancing programme requirements against local priorities, or achievin...
TL;DR: In this article, a focus group was conducted with faculty members of the two institutions, who provided qualitative input about the instruction of ICT, needed changes, and relevance of market needs.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore students' perceptions and views of the instructors, in relation to information and communications technology (ICT) education in library and information science (LIS) programs.Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire survey was carried out among students from the two LIS departments in Kuwait. A focus group was conducted with faculty members of the two institutions, who provided qualitative input about the instruction of ICT, needed changes, and relevance of market needs.Findings – Participants showed dissatisfaction with the currently available ICT courses in the LIS programs. Students pointed out deficiencies and inadequacies in ICT resources and facilities, and suggested upgrading software and hardware. They appeared to be satisfied with the ICT skills being targeted by LIS programs. They also appeared to be satisfied with the ICT instructors. The study pointed out a need for collaboration with professional forums for continuing education programs a...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors draw together the evidence-based advocacy experience of five national programs focused on developing public access information and communications technologies via public libraries as grantees of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's Global Libraries Initiative.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to draw together the evidence‐based advocacy experience of five national programs focused on developing public access information and communications technologies (ICT) via public libraries as grantees of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's Global Libraries Initiative.Design/methodology/approach – The authors describe a common approach to strategic advocacy and to impact planning and assessment. They then outline the experience of each program in using a range of evidence to help meet specific advocacy objectives. They give particular attention to how each program is using specific evidence to convince key players of the importance of public access ICT provided by public libraries in meeting the objectives of the key players.Findings – This collective experience shows that when advocating at the national level, statistical data and empirical evidence can demonstrate that public libraries contribute to stakeholders' goals. Such data can include technology skills that users have g...