Showing papers in "SRELS Journal of Information Management in 2010"

A Bibliometric Study of Indian Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics

Abstract: Bibliometric analysis of 4798 citations appended to 400 articles in five volumes-34(2003) to 38(2007) and maiden volume (1970) of the Indian Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics has been carried out to observe the number of contributions and their distribution in different volumes, authorship pattern, foreign and Indian author contributions, citation analysis and number of pages used in each volume. A comparative study of articles published in 5 volumes vis-a-vis those in volume 1 has been made. Results indicate a decrease in the number of contributions in successive volumes. The most cited documents are articles from research journals. The number of foreign contributors is more than Indian contributors. Growth and popularity of the journal is showing mixed trends i.e. upward and downward progress.

Information Seeking Patterns of Researchers in the University Libraries in Karnataka State

Abstract: Information is an essence of research. University libraries play an important role in providing information to the researchers. The researchers seek for information in different patterns. In the present study the authors have made an attempt to know the information seeking patterns of the researchers of various disciplines in the university libraries in Karnataka State. The questionnaire method was adopted to collect data. 59.98% responses have been received. The study identified the preferences of the researchers over channels of information, various modes of literature search, purpose of visit, type of information gathered, frequency of library visit and time spent in the library. The chi-square test was applied to find out the significant relationships on the opinion of the researchers among the disciplines. The results show that there is significant difference among the research scholars of various disciplines in the preferences of various channels of information, modes of literature search, purpose of visit to the library time spent in the library and modes of communication.

Zoological Research Contributions of the University of Burdwan in West Bengal: an Analytical Study

Abstract: Research productivity in Zoology, authorship pattern and nature of collaboration among the zoology scholars are studied by analyzing 236 theses and 719 thesis articles submitted by the scholars of the Zoology Department at the University of Burdwan in eleven subdivisions of Zoology during 1960-2000. The highest number of thesis submission was 64 and the highest number of article submission was 251 during the same time span 1986-1990. The highest number of theses (65) was submitted in Entomology followed by Parasitology (51), Fishery (29) and Cytology (28) respectively. The highest (48) number of theses were guided by Deb Kumar Chaudhuri. Authorship trend is towards multiauthored papers. The degree of collaboration is 0.51. The most prolific author was P.K. Choudhuri who topped the list with 80 papers during the period 1960-2000 followed by D.K. Choudhuri with 49 publications, S. Chakraborty with 49 publications, S.K. Ghosal with 45 publications, G. Majumdar with 44 publications and S.K Moitra with 44 publications. Among the top ranking journals publishing the papers are from India with 440 (61.18%) publications followed by Germany with 55(7.64%) publications, Netherlands with 45(6.25%) publications, USA with 40(5.56%) publications, China with 25(3.47%) publications and UK with 24(3.38 %) publications. Among the six state Universities of West Bengal, Burdwan University has produced highest numbers (719) of articles followed by Calcutta University with 452 articles, Kalyani University with 316 articles and North Bengal University with 77 Zoology articles during the period 1960-2000.

Scientometric Dimensions of the Nuclear Physics Division at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre

Abstract: This Scientometric study analyses the publications of Nuclear Physics Division at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre. There were 257 research papers published during 2003-2008 in diverse domains of nuclear physics: Nuclear Reactions and Spectroscopy (78), High Energy Physics and Quark Gluon Plasma (58), Interdisciplinary Research and Applications (29), Intermediate Energy Reactions (27), Theoretical Research (23), Nuclear Fission (22), Detectors and Nuclear Instrumentation (14) and Accelerators and Instrumentation (6). The highest number of publications (51) was in the year 2006. The average number of publications per year was 42.83. The most prolific authors were: Choudhury R.K. (81), Mohanty A.K. (60), Dutta D. (57) and Kailas S. (45). The publications of Nuclear Physics Division were spread over 42 journals. The leading journals preferred by the scientists of Nuclear Physics Division were Physical Review- C with 75 publications, Physical Review Letters with 38 publications, Nuclear Physics- A with 22 publications, Pramana - Journal of Physics with 18 publications, European Physical Journal- A with 11 publications and Physics Letters- B with 10 publications. Collaboration trend was mega-authored publications. There were more than 70 % mega-authored publications.

Herald of Library Science: a Bibliometric Study

Abstract: This paper examines the articles published in Herald of Library Science for authorship pattern, degree of collaboration and geographical distribution of papers. The study carried out for this paper found that majority of papers are single authored. The degree of collaboration is Found to be 0.30. The geographical distribution reveals that the contribution by Andhra Pradesh is the highest in India while Nigeria is at top in case of Foreign Countries.

Free Online Journals on Business and Management on Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ)

Abstract: The Directory of Open Access Journals or DOAJ, lists open access journals, scientific and scholarly journals that meet high quality standards by exercising peer-review or editorial quality control and are free to all from the time of publication based on the Budapest Open Access Initiative . Totally 48 Business and Management E-journals were analyzed based on Country, Languages, Subject Headings and Accessibility of Archives of E-journals.

Digital Information Access and its Impact on Reading Habit of Users

Abstract: A detailed study has been made with help of data collected from 188 users of Mody Institute of Technology and Science (MITS). For this a questionnaire method has been used to know the users response about different aspects of reading habits. All the data pertaining to present study has been analyzed into tables for final interpretations. The study has also been made on different characteristics concerned with print /digital/electronic resources. The various characteristics like attractiveness, portability, need of power supply, infrastructure required, speedy and time savvy, money savvy, up to date information; reliable information and flexibility, etc are taken into consideration for study. The purpose of this study is to know the various approaches for reading habits. Frequency of use of library: Types of reading material used by users, Awareness of E-resources among the users, users approach for information access through Internet, satisfaction of users for E resources, limitations of reading habits in print /digital media access.

Scholarly electronic communication amongst the aerospace engineering community and the impact of electronic journals: a review study

Abstract: This review paper highlights the very special „niche segment‟ to which the aerospace scientists and engineers belonging to different countries right across the globe occupy. Highlighting aviation as one of the most significant technological marvels of our times, the paper discusses in detail the various significant aspects related to what aerospace engineering is all about and how the electronic media has come in a big way to support scholarly communication within this „niche‟ aerospace engineering community. The paper also reviews the impact of Internet, the availability of high-speed networks which has enabled these scientists and engineers have access to electronic journals right at their desktops and also keep track of the global R&D happenings in their respective field of specialization. Various studies conducted (as indicated in this paper) illustrate how „electronic journals‟ are highly important to the aerospace scientists and engineers. Important studies in this connection have also proved that scientists are willing to pay a high price in their time to spend many hours reading electronic scientific literature. Many relevant studies also have revealed that the information that a scientist or engineer gets from refereed journals has greatly resulted in their improved performance. The review paper also touches upon key aspects like: (a) Distinguishing engineers from scientists, (b) Their differences in knowledge diffusion, (c) Their communication behaviours, (d) Their information seeking behaviour, (e) The aerospace engineering community in particular and the (g) the importance of scientific communication for advances in aerospace engineering and the need for electronic information resources.

Library Use and Information Seeking Behaviour of Law Faculty Members of Central Law College, Salem

Abstract: The information needs and information seeking behaviour of users are vital for developing library collections, services and facilities to meet their information needs effectively. The purpose of this study is to identify the information channels used by the Central Law College, Salem faculty members, information sources preferred by them, methods employed for getting the needed information and their library use pattern. A questionnaire was distributed to 64 law faculty members and 56 filled in questionnaires were returned, giving an overall response rate of 87.5 percent. It was found that respondents used various sources for acquiring the needed information. Books were ranked as the most important source for teaching and research purposes, followed by law reports and statutes. Respondents preferred to first consult their personal collection before resorting to other information providing sources and agencies. On the whole, respondents perceived the Central Law College library collections, services and facilities as adequate to meet their information needs effectively.

Importance of Digitization of Library Materials

Abstract: This paper focuses on the in the decision-making importance of digitization of library materials process. The paper poses a series of questions to be answered which will facilitate the decision-making process of library professionals. They poses the questions as to what and how to digitize into the larger framework of collection building by focusing, first, on the nature of the collections and their use, and, second, on the realities of the institutional context in which these decisions are made. Their method is, above all, most helpful in its pragmatic approach to the unsettling dynamism of the digital technology itself. They view technology as a tool to serve specific collections-related goals and assess the available technology for its ability to aid or obstruct access and preservation.

Growth of Literature and Measure of Scientific Productivity: Scientometric Models

Abstract: The book under review is a commendable addition to the professional literature in the field of Scientometrics written by Dr. I. K. Ravichandra Rao for the benefit of Library and Information Science professionals, students and scientists. This book contains 3 lectures delivered during the Sarada Ranganathan Endowment for Library Science (SRELS) lecture series in 2008.

Use of Electronic Databases in University Libraries of British Columbia:A Study

Abstract: The present study aims at analyzing the use of electronic databases in three universities of British Columbia. A well structured questionnaire was designed to collect the responses of the teachers and the students. The data was collected through a web based survey. One thousand teachers and students were requested to fill up the survey out of which 515 responses were received. The response rate was 51.5%. The study deals with the various aspects of the use of databases such as familiarity with databases, method of learning database use skills, frequency of database use, purposes for which the databases are used, success rate in finding the information, problems in finding the information, features of a good database and the most preferred databases. The results of the survey provide useful information about the use of databases. Some suggestions are put forth to make the databases more beneficial for studies and research purposes.

Investigating Implementation Status of TQM Practices in North Karnataka Smes: some Empirical Observations and discussion of ISO 9000 and Non ISO 9000 Standards Certified Companies

Abstract: In the competitive world market most organizations strive for better quality on the basis of Total Quality Management (TQM). This paper examines and compares the TQM practices in small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in ISO 9000 and non ISO 9000 certified companies of north Karnataka. Results based on testing the mean differences between companies of ISO certified and non ISO 9000 certified SMEs indicate that there are significant differences in performances between certified and non-certified companies, supporting the hypothesis that ISO 9000 certification contributes to a higher organizational performance. Having analyzed the survey questionnaire, the results of two tests of significance are described. The factors found lacking in practice are highlighted, and the SMEs' perceptions to successful TQM implementation are identified. The paper concludes with a summary highlighting the important findings from this study and future research directions.

Information Resources and Services in Public Libraries in Gulbarga District, Karnataka State, India: Users' Perspective

Abstract: A survey of use of information resources and services in Public Libraries in Gulbarga district was undertaken with questionnaire as a data collection tool. Nine branch libraries located in taluka headquarters in Gulbarga district, Karnataka State were selected and 50 questionnaire were distributed in each library under study. Out of 450 questionnaire distributed, 259 users responded (57.7%). The main purpose of the study was to evaluate effectiveness of public libraries from users' point of view. The findings include that majority of the users are men and between 11 - 30 years of age. Students, Job holders in private / public undertakings were the regular visitors to the library, who visited the library daily or at least once in two days, mainly to read newspapers and magazines. Users from lower and middle income group use public library services very frequently (either daily or once in two days). Most of them have completed 12 years of schooling or undergraduate degree. Newspapers and Magazine and Reading Room Service are the most frequently used information resources and services respectively. Majority of the users are fairly satisfied with information resources. Only two women (0.77%) and 04 men above 60 years of age (1.54%) visited library during study period. Majority of the respondents are either neutral or not satisfied with Book Lending and Reference Service. The results clearly indicate the need for public libraries to strengthen their document collection and create a better ambience to attract more users from all age groups and gender. More trained personnel are necessary to manage the document collection efficiently and offer innovative library services.

Perception and Preferences of E-Resources among Faculty Members of National Institute of Technology (NIT) Kurukshetra

Abstract: E-resources are the essential part of any university and research library in the era of e-learning. E-resources are the latest means of teaching, learning and sharing. Present paper examines the use and impact of various e-resources among the faculty members of NIT Kurukshetra.

Content management by keywords: An analytical Study

Abstract: Various methods of content analysis are described here with special emphasis on keyword analysis. This study is based on an analytical study of 97 keywords extracted from titles and abstracts of 70 research articles, taking ten from each year starting from 2000 to 2006, in decreasing order of relevance, on the subject Fermi Liquid, which is a specific subject under the broad area of Condensed Matter Physics. The keywords beginning with the letters 'A' to 'F' only are considered for this study. The research articles have been collected from the bibliographic database of INSPEC. The keywords are indexed to critically examine its physical structure that is composed of three fundamental kernels, viz. keyphrase, modulator and qualifier. The keyphrase reflects the central concept, which is usually post-coordinated by the modulator to amend the central concept in accordance with the relevant context. The qualifier comes after the modulator to describe the particular state of the central concept and/or amended concept. The keywords are further classified in 36 classes on the basis of the 10 parameters, of which 4 parameters are intrinsic, i.e. Associativeness, chronological appearance, frequency of occurrence and category; and remaining 6 parameters are extrinsic, i.e. Clarity of meaning, type of meaning, scope of meaning, level of perception, mode of creation and area of occurrence. The number of classes under 4 intrinsic parameters is 16, while the same under 6 extrinsic parameters are 20. A new taxonomy of keywords has been proposed here that will enable to analyze research-trend of a subject and to identify potential research-areas under the scope of the same.

Information Resource Management: the Organisations' Need for a Secure Approach

Abstract: Organizations need to maintain their digital knowledge base in a controlled environment with provisions for conditional access. Along with its trademark efficiency of use, digital information resource management brings potential security concerns which need to be systematically apprehended and addressed. Creation and implementation of information security policies are essential to combat these vulnerabilities.

Use of Reading Materials in Engineering College Libraries in Karnataka State, India: a Study

Abstract: Library use study helps in understanding the pattern of use of reading materials and provides basis for developing need-based document collection and redesigning their services. Results of the study of use of reading materials by B.E. and M.Tech. students, and teachers, and opinion of librarians regarding the use of reading materials by students and teachers in 50 Engineering Colleges in Karnataka State, including three deemed universities are presented. Majority of students and teachers visit library at least once in a week and on an average, they spend less than two hours during each visit. Purpose of visit to library is mainly to borrow text books. Students and teachers vary in their approach to locate reading materials in the library. Students directly go to the shelves and search for reading materials, while teachers consult OPAC to locate required reading materials. Students are found to use informal channels like discussion with friends and teachers, while teachers depend more on books and journals to satisfy their information needs. While B.E. students use reading materials mainly to prepare for examination and seminars, M.Tech. students use them for completing their project work. Teachers use the reading materials in the library mainly for teaching, preparation of research articles and research project reports. Text books and Indian journals are the most frequently used documents in the library. All the users are satisfied with the text book collection and Indian journals in their libraries. A strong positive association is found in the opinion among students, teachers and librarians regarding the above aspects, except the adequacy of document collection where there is only a marginal association.

Information Seeking Behaviour of Users of PESITEM, Shimoga:A Study

Abstract: The major purpose of the study was to examine the information seeking behaviour of undergraduate students in the Engineering college libraries. Specifically, the study has made an effort to determine the sources consulted and the general pattern of information gathering system by the staff and the students. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and data was collected using a questionnaire administered to one hundred respondents randomly selected from engineering college of PESITEM in Shimoga District, Karnataka. Major findings from the study include academic information was rated as the predominant information required by the students, while the Internet was rated the most crucial source of most of the academic information required. The paper is product of a recent survey carried out by the authors; hence the findings reported here are original and reflect the current views and practices of information seeking behaviour of PESITM College in Shimoga.

Institutional Repository:An Effective Tool for Knowledge Management

Abstract: The paper explores the Institutional Repository as an indispensable tool for knowledge management process. It also tries to reestablish Dr. S.R. Ranganathans' philosophy of knowledge generation, evaluation and utilization especially of nascent micro thoughts and its mechanism in contemporary digital arena. The paper includes concepts, definitions and types of knowledge and KM and IR. It provides criteria, structural design and functions of IR including HRM and IR application Management. It emphasizes that IR can be an effective tool for KM in higher learning institutes and universities with the help of the latest IR software and its peripheral technology.

Electronic Journals’ Usage and User Studies: A Literature Review

Abstract: This article aims to present an overall picture of the studies that have been done in the area of usage and users’ studies of electronic journals in recent years (2004 onward) till present, in a way that will be of value to researchers. This review is presented under three headings and nine subheadings. Originality/value – The paper provides a picture of electronic journals usage and users studies. It is valuable for students, teachers in library and information science field and especially researchers who want to do research in this field.

Significance of Library Services in Higher Education System: with Special Reference to Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) in India

Abstract: It is the universal phenomena that without library service no education system can breathe for long time. If we dream to provide quality education to our future nation builders we have to develop a rich library system in every educational institution. Research has been proved that those educational institutions which have given much emphasis on their library services are in top ranking like IITs, IIMs, and many more. The study emphasises the significance of library and its services of India‟s leading engineering and management schools highlighting few aspects of engineering and management education scenario.

Cyber Crime: a Study

Abstract: Information technology is an amalgam of some wonderful inventions of the 21st century in electronics and communication. During a very short span of time it has acquired an important place in almost all aspects of human life. But in the same context, the era of crimes with physical theft, dacoits, robbery, murder is changing day-by-day with the so called recent rapid developments of information technology. The criminal ideology is traveling in electronic, electromagnetic and visual form from one end of the world to the other end and all existing laws are becoming less effective. Any criminal activity that uses a computer either as an instrument, target or a means for perpetuating further crimes comes within the ambit of Cyber crime. A generalized definition of Cyber crime may be unlawful acts, wherein the computer is either a tool or target or both. This paper discusses Cyber crimes and suggests solutions to avoid the crimes occurring due to misuse of technology.

Libraries' Response to Changing Information Environment: a Study of Karnataka State University Libraries

Abstract: The paper reports the results of a survey conducted to know the response of the Karnataka State university libraries to the newly evolved electronic environment Attempts have been made to know the change in the nature of library resources, tools and techniques, information services, user education, staff development, and library budget allocation The study found that though the university libraries under the study have responded positively to adopt themselves to changes brought in by the developments in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), but have failed to equip and place themselves in the place where they could face the challenges and sustain the changes effectively and efficiently The study suggests the university libraries under the study to give serious thought to evolve a sustainable information system in the changing digital environment

Location of Web Objects and Links in the Web Sites of Universities in Tamil Nadu: A Study

Abstract: When constructing websites, designers usually rely on style guides, prior experience and their own intuition to determine where to position particular web objects on a web page. This position may vary based on the type of web site and institutions. This paper aims to study the pattern and analyse the various aspects of the location of web objects and links of university web sites in Tamil Nadu. A total of 43 universities in Tamil Nadu were considered which includes, 17 affiliating universities, 5 unitary universities and 21 private universities. The analysis of the data represents the location of web objects and the pattern adopted by the universities in Tamil Nadu.

Online Service and Digital Resource Management in Central University Libraries of India

Abstract: Describes the efforts of the Central University libraries in providing access to the online services and developing the digital resources. Illustrates the availability and use of digital information resources by tabulating the data collected through the questionnaires sent to the different central university libraries. Highlights the salient features of the central university libraries in terms of their resources and its usage. The findings show that the university libraries are willing to adopt the new technologies such as - libraries are interested to procure the online journals, databases, in order to ensure the pin-pointed and exhaustive services to their clientele. Some university libraries are provoked towards the conservation and preservation of the manuscripts and rare materials also.

Social Network Technology and its Implications for Libraries: Transforming the Library Services through the Web

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to understand how emerging social network technology services and transforming the structure of web and their potential, impact on library applications. This paper aims to explore the Library 2.0 a term that provides focus to a number of ongoing discussions centered on how libraries should make themselves and their services visible to end users and to one another. Social networking websites offer a social media platform free of charge for users to log on to their pc's and share exciting content. Informal social networking has existed since the inception web, but sites dedicated to social networking have been expanding exponentially since 2003. The concept of social networking must have been originated or evolved from the concept of sharing information. Current discussions on Social network development represent a significant development in the continuing interaction of technological developments and communications rights. Several issues in social networks are discussed. Libraries and librarians have increasingly been exploring social networking sites for both personal and professional resources.

Community Network Spacenet: a New Dimension for Library Services

Abstract: With the tremendous growth of Internet and other communication technologies, libraries are able to provide web-based user-centric information systems. Today’s trend is to develop ‘Virtual libraries’, ‘Digital libraries’ or ‘Institutional repositories’ and to provide web-based services either on Internet or on Intranet. This paper discusses about community network infrastructure and configuration of Department of Space. The library portal is a way to disseminate and publish the products and services of the library to the users on their desktop. This paper illustrates how to set up a web portal on community network to have effective resource sharing. This paper discusses about the various web-based services through Library portal.

Usability: an approach to assessing open source elearning courseware

Abstract: Open source movement plays a significant role in the development of Open Education Resources in higher education. Open source eLearning courseware (OSeLCW) is an initiative within this movement. Nowadays, many institutions particularly in developed and developing countries are involved in designing and developing web-based OSeLCW platforms in order to distribute their courses free of cost and to be accessed openly by users all over of the world. Usability is a key factor for the success of such web-based eLearning platforms. In the context of eLearning, the concept of Usability has two dimensions; Technical and Pedagogical. This paper concerns with technical usability of web-based OSeLCW platforms and presents specific evaluation tool in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses of such promising e-learning environments.

Avenues for Repositioning the Academic Libraries in India

Abstract: Academic scene in India is set to change considerably on three accounts namely, large-scale promotion of distance education mode, increasing privatisation of higher education and advances in information and communication technology (ICT). It is imperative that the traditional supporting system like the academic library will be required to reshape itself due to such makeover in learning, teaching and scholarly communication processes. Designing new services and their customised delivery by library to the remote users, for example, will play a major role in this context. Adopting and harnessing the ICT for this purpose is critical. To that end a review of select projections regarding academics and library is first made here. A few noteworthy initiatives for introducing new library practices are next described. Future operating environment for the Indian academic libraries is assessed and preparatory actions are outlined for repositioning these libraries to round off the paper.