Showing papers in "Library Review in 2013"

Agricultural information needs and sources of the rural farmers in Tanzania: A case of Iringa rural district

Abstract: Purpose – This study aims to determine information needs and sources of the rural farmers in Tanzania specifically from Iringa rural district. Design/methodology/approach – Survey technique was used as the principal data collection technique where 120 rural farmers were interviewed. In-depth interviews of ten key informants from two villages of Ifunda and Kalenga complemented the survey. Findings – 70 per cent of farmers' information needs is about crop and livestock husbandry, marketing, funding options and value addition. However, there is a significant difference between the two wards in information needs for “information on crop and livestock husbandry” as well as information on “value addition”. To a great extent, farmers use the old means of communication, the traditional and interpersonal by default due to relevancy in the context and content. The modern means of communication are used to access non-agricultural (other) information. Research limitations/implications – Designing effective extension ...

Perception and use of social networking sites among university students

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the perception and use of social networking sites among university students in the state of Kuwait and study their positive and negative impacts.Design/methodology/approach – The research method is descriptive in nature. A questionnaire with five major sections was designed, validated and distributed among the sample of students.Findings – The results showed a heavy use of Twitter and Facebook among university students who were viewing their sites more frequently than posting. The most positive impacts were better relation with family, relatives, and friends and more involvement in social, political and cultural activities. Neglecting study/work and the time consumed are the two major drawbacks.Research limitations/implications – The stratified sample of students was based on availability of students at the time of distributing the questionnaire.Originality/value – The paper aims to understand the practice, implication and importance of social networking in...

The use of marketing concepts in library services: a literature review

Abstract: Purpose – Marketing supports the reaching of organizational goals by focusing on the identification and satisfaction of customer needs, thus it can also contribute considerably in achieving the objectives of non-profit organizations such as libraries. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the literature on the incorporation of marketing notions and the implementation of marketing techniques in library management. It reviews definitions, present different opposing views, marketing issues, social media and Web 2.0 and opinions on the adoption of marketing in a non-profit organization environment, and examines different successful examples of marketing implementation, concentrating on the gains resulting from such a move. Design/methodology/approach – A thorough literature search on various databases and on various aspects of this topic was reviewed. The literature review is organised on emerging themes directly drawn from the literature, thematically and chronologically within each section....

Web 2.0 technologies in libraries: a survey of periodical literature published by Emerald

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the growth and development of periodical literature on Web 2.0 technologies and their other fields.Design/methodology/approach – Bibliographic data of the articles published in the 13 leading peer‐reviewed journals are obtained from the Emerald database (www.emeraldinsight.com) directly using such keywords as “Web 2.0”, “blogs”, “wikis”, “RSS”, “social networking sites”, “podcasts”, “Mashup”, and multimedia sharing tools, i.e. YouTube and Flickr. The bibliographical surrogates such as author, title, subtitle, source, issue, volume, pages, etc. were recorded in MS‐Excel (2010) sheet for the analysis and interpretation of data. A bibliography of selected articles is provided.Findings – The study found 206 research articles on the subject published in 13 leading library and information science journals of Emerald for period 2007‐2011. Further, the study found that 2009 was the most productive year with 69 articles. The study observed Online Information Review...

Not just a place to sleep: homeless perspectives on libraries in central Michigan

Abstract: Purpose – This study aims to focus on a qualitative and quantitative assessment of how homeless people in the USA use libraries. Libraries, especially in urban areas, have a complicated relationship with homeless patrons. It is easy to assume that homeless populations use libraries as a safe place to avoid the elements or to sleep. This paper considers the other ways that people without permanent housing are using libraries, how they perceive libraries, and what their specific information needs might be.Design/methodology/approach – The primary method of data collection involved surveys conducted with over 100 homeless individuals in central Michigan in 2009, supplemented with information about area library policies that specifically affect this population.Findings – Many homeless people in central Michigan use libraries frequently. They most often read for entertainment and use the internet. Survey respondents tended to be appreciative of library services. Local social service agencies are a primary sour...

Bibliometric analysis of Library Review from 2007 to 2011

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to examine the scholarly communications in Library Review (LR) from 2007 to 2011 and to reveal key aspects of its publication trends. Design/methodology/approach – The study analyses five volumes of LR from the year 2007 to 2011 and employs the required bibliometric measures to analyze specific aspects of publishing trends of LR for the stated period. Findings – The study finds that single authored articles occupy the prominent position indicating the supremacy of solo research in LR. The degree of collaboration in the publications of this journal is found to be 0.36. It is evident that LR has accommodated over 22 citations per article during the publication phase from 2007 to 2011. In regard to country productivity, the UK leads the table, followed by the USA and Nigeria. However, Poland occupies the bottom position in the ranking. Hence, it is evident that the major chunks of contributions reflected in the publications of LR during the stated period are emanated from the UK and...

Agricultural information sources used for climate change adaptation in Tanzania

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess sources of agricultural information used by farmers for climate change adaptation in the semi arid areas of Tanzania. Design/methodology/approach – Mixed quantitative and qualitative methods were deployed. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect qualitative and quantitative data from 100 farmers in three selected wards in Chamwino district in Tanzania. Focus groups were also used to collect qualitative data from 30 farmers in the same wards. Findings – The results showed that the major sources of information for farmers were predominantly local (neighbours and friends), followed by public extension services. Apart from radio and cell phones, advanced technologies (i.e. internet and e-mail) and printed materials were not used in the study area, despite their existence in the communities. Research limitations/implications – The study necessitates a need to conduct regular studies on preferred information source of agricultural information and knowledg...

Knowledge management competencies required among library and information science professionals: An Indian perspective

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify and validate the competencies perceived to be essential for library and information science (LIS) professionals keeping in view the needs of knowledge management (KM) applications in Indian academic librariesDesign/methodology/approach – After reviewing relevant literature on the topic, a list of 25 competencies was prepared and organized in five categories A link for attending the survey (list of KM competency statements) for the validation of competencies was sent via electronic mail to the teachers (95 in numbers) of 65 LIS schools where post‐graduate courses in LIS were offered Respondents were asked to nominate the level of importance for validation of each proposed KM competencyFindings – Findings of the study show a minor difference in the mean scores of five categories of competencies, but all the competencies were validated as needed However, respondents were of the opinion that development of competencies in the field of management by LIS p

Public libraries and difficulties with targeting the homeless

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to consider the potential for public library policies that specifically target “the homeless” to undermine their own objectives, and seeks to suggest alternative approaches to extend inclusion and ensure that all demographics are served equally.Design/methodology/approach – The paper was written for a satellite meeting of the 78th IFLA Congress entitled “The Homeless and the Libraries – the Right to Information and Knowledge For All”. Drawing on previous research detailed in Muggleton, and Muggleton and Ruthven, the author presents a discursive perspective on the impact that assumptions about homelessness might have for policymaking.Findings – Extant prejudices and the tendency to create a homeless “other” mean that policies specifically addressing the homeless have the potential to accentuate difference and patronise and alienate the intended beneficiaries of these policies. Moreover, political opposition to more inclusive, accommodating policymaking makes it important to reject...

Information seeking behaviour of parents and caregivers of children with mental illness in Tanzania

Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this paper is to assess information needs and information seeking behaviour of parents and caregivers of children with mental illness at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) in Tanzania. The study mainly assessed the information needs of parents and caregivers of children with mental illness, their preferable sources of health information, and their constraints on information seeking. Design/methodology/approach – This study used a case study research design, where 168 structured questionnaires were distributed to parents and caregivers of children with mental illness at the Neurological Pediatrics Outpatient Clinic of KCMC. The rate of response was 89.3 per cent. Findings – The study found that health information needs of parents and caregivers were mainly associated with health care (for example, nutrition, treatment) and health education. Parents and caregivers of children with mental illness used the internet as the main source of information about their children's heal...

A selective review of research on e‐resource usage in academic libraries

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of quantitative and qualitative analysis of the usage of e‐resources in academic libraries. It also describes various studies undertaken to study the users' behavior and attitude towards e‐journals.Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides a comprehensive review of the recent published literature on the importance of the usage statistics of e‐resources subscribed to by the academic libraries.Findings – The findings show that the usage statistics help in studying and evaluating the users' behavior in an online environment. The library services can be extended and modified, to reflect user interests suiting the users the most, in the light of the evaluation and analyses done.Originality/value – The paper has pertinence and wider implications for library staff engaged in providing e‐resources' services to readers.

Documenting local history: a case study in digital storytelling

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate possible purposes of digital storytelling and discuss practical implementation in a community-based digital storytelling project. Design/methodology/approach – This case study investigates the function of digital storytelling for archiving local history, specifically by journaling experiences during a digital storytelling grant project at a public library in Southern California. Findings – This case study details a specific example of the impact digital storytelling can have on a community, both to foster community building and also to encourage documentation of local history. The main goal of the project was to present and archive filmed stories from local community members; however, the project also led to increased awareness of digital storytelling and the associated technology both within the library and the greater community. Practical implications – This article should provide best practice guidelines for administering a community-based digital s...

Infrastructure needed for digital reference service (DRS) in university libraries

Abstract: Purpose – Modern information and communication technologies (ICTs) are transforming reference service (RS) from physical to virtual. The paper aims to explore the current status of ICT infrastructure necessary for delivering effective digital reference service (DRS) in university libraries of the Punjab.Design/methodology/approach – This exploratory study used questionnaire survey method to probe the current status. The questionnaire was worded to achieve an official organizational response. For ensuring the content validity, comments from some well‐known LIS professionals were sought. In the light of experts' opinions, necessary modifications were made to the instrument. University libraries of the Punjab province (n=40) recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) were identified as targeted population. The questionnaire was distributed through post and e‐mail. The researchers were able to get questionnaires filled from 38 universities.Findings – The findings reveal that the ICT infrastructure ne...

Re‐inventing the library: The role of strategic planning, marketing and external relations, and shared services at the National Library of Scotland

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to explore the impact of strategic planning, marketing and external relations, and shared services on library development.Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses the National Library of Scotland as a case study.Findings – The introduction and development of strategic planning has provided a clear basis though which NLS has defined and achieved a new role within and beyond Scotland. Longer term planning is being informed by Thriving and Surviving – a future library project which has identified the transition to digital, the need for an outward focus and the development of an agile library as fundamental to a successful future for NLS. Strategic planning also supported the successful development of new legislation for NLS which was passed by the Scottish Parliament in 2012. Marketing and external relations have been vital in promoting the library's role, and widening the use made of its collections and services. The development of “shared services” is changing the ...

The special librarian and personalized meta-services : Strategies for reconnecting librarians and researchers

Abstract: Purpose – The article aims to identify areas of potential research support that none of the traditional supportive actors (libraries, IT units, information units) have concerned themselves with, arguing for new tasks and roles for the academic library, specifically the special librarian. Design/methodology/approach – Areas of “overload” in the digital practice of contemporary researchers are identified and then connected to various personalized digital tools. The article explores the idea that attention to new aspects of researchers information needs creates a potential for developing personalized meta-services at academic libraries. Findings – It is possible to identify a wealth of new services that can, if put into practice, substantially redefine the relationship between academic librarians and researchers. This entails a turn from service aimed at novice users to sophisticated end-users. Such ideas also carry implications for LIS education programs and the need to build on special librarians who uphol...

Use of electronic and digital information by investment professionals in Kuwait

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate what types of information are crucial to support investment decisions, how investment professionals find information that they use to advise their clients, what types of sources of information are available to them, what sources they prefer, and what difficulties they experience in finding investment information. The study also explores the preferred ways and means to improve the information finding skills of investment professionals.Design/methodology/approach – Survey method was used to collect data about information‐seeking behavior of investment professionals. An online questionnaire was used as a data collection instrument. The questionnaire contained eight questions about types of information required for investment analysis, information‐finding practices of professionals, tools and services frequently used, and perceptions of investment professionals about the importance of sources of information. Participants were also asked about the use of so...

Use of SNSs by the researchers in India

Abstract: Purpose – The paper aims to study the purpose of using social networking sites (SNSs) among the research scholars of Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh and Kurukshetra University (KU), Kurukshetra in India. Design/methodology/approach – The study was conducted through a questionnaire administered to the research scholars in two universities in India. The questionnaire was distributed among the randomly selected research scholars of the two universities in India. Findings – It is observed that the majority of the research scholars from both the universities are aware of the SNSs and have their accounts on them. Facebook is the most popularly accessed SNS both in PU (83 per cent) and KU (77 per cent) followed by Orkut (46 per cent) in PU and Research Gate (38 per cent) at KU. The majority of the research scholars who use SNSs for various purposes from both the universities are in the age group of 20-30 years. 46 per cent of the researchers surveyed from PU do not have any publications and only 5 per cent ha...

Managerial competencies for information professionals: an international perspective

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to find out whether and to what extent managerial skills are taught in Schools of Information globally, and whether these courses are sufficient preparation for management positions in information professions. Design/methodology/approach – This is an exploratory research paper. Phase one included a literature review and a review of curricula in Schools of Information in 26 countries to see if management courses were given, as well as the type and number of courses. Phase two consisted semi-structured interviews with 15 directors of information services in the international sector in the Geneva, Switzerland region. Findings – The paper concludes that 73 per cent of the schools reviewed do offer management courses, although there is a wide variation between countries and schools. In the interviews it was found that 80 per cent of the directors learned their management skills on the job and 66 per cent in management development through their institutions. All interviewe...

Lowering the threshold to libraries with social media

Abstract: Purpose – Digital literacy has become one of the key competences to ensure social cohesion, active citizenship and personal fulfilment. The objective of the project Digital Literacy 2.0 is therefore to develop and to implement an ICT‐based approach to lifelong learning addressing especially disadvantaged groups and vulnerable social groups of people with special needs. Since educational disadvantage is closely linked to social exclusion and poverty, there is a need to empower the really “hard to reach” learning distant groups and to enable them to make use of ICT. This paper seeks to address these issues.Design/methodology/approach – The project partners are piloting a two‐step approach to attract learning distant groups by offering an attractive starting point to information and social bonding: staffs at non‐formal learning places like libraries will be trained for the use of ICT in their daily work with hard‐to‐reach target groups; they will gain competences in how to motivate socially disadvantaged cli...

Motivating and discouraging factors for Wikipedians: the case study of Persian Wikipedia

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate how Wikipedians are motivated, or discouraged, to contribute to Farsi (Persian) Wikipedia.Design/methodology/approach – In this grounded theory study, face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 15 active users of Persian Wikipedia. The interviews then were transcribed and coded using Strauss and Corbin's method which included constant comparison of data.Findings – Editing and writing incentives, as well as deterrents, were extracted from the data. Findings indicated that motivating factors can be classified into two categories of internal and external. Internal motivations could be individual or cognitive motivations or be related to Wikipedia structure. Also, some factors such as permanent access to the internet can be considered as external motivations for contribution to Wikipedia. On the other hand, content production and improvement of Wikipedia in local language was the strongest reason for contribution; entertainment...

Use of information communication technologies in education and training of undergraduate library and information science students in two selected Kenyan universities

Abstract: Purpose – The paper aims to establish the use of information and communications technologies (ICTs) in education and training of undergraduate library and information science (LIS) students in two selected Kenyan universities and suggest recommendations to improve ICT education and training in the country. Design/methodology/approach – The study utilised a qualitative method. A survey research design was used to collect data from various categories of respondents in LIS including lecturers, undergraduate students, information professionals and employers. Interviews and document analysis were also used to collect data from the respondents. Findings – Findings show that the graduates lack preferred ICTs knowledge, competencies and skills important in the modern information environment such as web technologies, information programming skills, software development, distributed systems, virtual libraries and digital information systems. Information sciences education in Kenyan universities and other institutio...

Empowering the poor with right to information and library services

Abstract: Purpose – Information is playing a vital role in modern socio‐economic developments. The poor homeless citizens of special needs are also empowered with the Right to Information Act 2005 in India. People can ask to the government policies for eradication of poverty. Information literacy regarding various rights may change the scenario of society. In India, government started various ICT‐based policies for eradication of poverty with public private partnership. Some important projects are: Akshaya, Anand, Bhoomi, E‐chaupal, E‐Seva, Gramdoot, N‐Logue, India Agriland, Janmitra, etc. but actually real needy people are not aware about these policies, so they are not able to get the benefit of these policies. Thus, right to information and libraries can create an environment of information literacy among poor people, so that they may know their rights and improve their living standard. They may also know the details of government initiatives for the welfare of the society. After taking the benefits of policies ...

A Child's World:

Abstract: When Mr. Dombey entrusted his little son, Paul, to Doctor Blimber for tutelage, the benevolent pedagogue tactfully inquired, “Shall we make a man of him?” Mr. Dombey brightened over the prospect, but his six‐year‐old offspring manifested utmost disdain. When the question was repeated for his benefit, the little man replied, “I had rather be a child”. Alas, the childish wish came true; before the year was out, little Paul Dombey languished and ultimately died of inanition.

What kind of services supply to the poor? A survey directed toward homeless

Abstract: Purpose – The Bibliotheque Publique d'information (Bpi), a large public reference library, located inside the Centre Pompidou in Paris, welcomes visitors from students to professionals and including the homeless community. In order to precisely diagnose the situation, the Bpi asked the French sociologist Serge Paugam to conduct a study of all these poorly housed or homeless users (refugees, migrants, people with mental health issues, etc.). This paper seeks to address these issues.Design/methodology/approach – The study was based on participant observations and in‐depth interviews throughout a six‐month period of time.Findings – Paugam looks upon social downgrading as a process and he distinguishes three steps he calls “Fragility”, “Dependency”, and “Rupture”. His hypothesis stated that the three stages of this process should be observed in the library. This was proved to be true. Moreover, the survey finding showed there are links between the stage of the process where people happen to be and their uses ...

Open access in the Czech Republic: an overview

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to give a complex description and evaluation of open access adoption in the environment of the Czech Republic, from both the green road and golden road points of view. Design/methodology/approach – Data and conclusions in this paper are numerically supported by quantitative analyses from several relevant databases (e.g. JCR, Scopus, DOAJ or ROAR). Findings – The issue of open access has not been given appropriate attention in the Czech Republic. Therefore, most of the important activities have only recently been implemented, or are still underway. Open access is still being completely ignored at the level of Czech state offices and funding agencies, which leads to scientific institutions learning of this phenomenon individually. Compared to other Central European countries, the Czech Republic can be classified as average in certain respects, but it is no competition for developed West European and North American countries in terms of awareness, infrastructure and open access adoption. Originality/value – This is the very first article that comprehensively sums up all aspects of the issue of open access in the Czech Republic.

The Commercialized Web: Challenges for Libraries and Democracy

Abstract: a class with an experienced teacher, perhaps discussing the merits of the answers, or by relatively knowledgeable students who feel that they need extensive further practice. It would also be useful for British cataloguers who are struggling to master MARC 21, many of whose quirks are illustrated here. I am not convinced that it can really be said to unlock mysteries, but then I do not believe there are mysteries to unlock.