Showing papers in "The Electronic Library in 2007"
TL;DR: It is verified that the technology acceptance model (TAM) can be employed to explain and predict the acceptance of mobile learning (M‐learning); an activity in which users access learning material with their mobile devices.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose and verify that the technology acceptance model (TAM) can be employed to explain and predict the acceptance of mobile learning (M‐learning); an activity in which users access learning material with their mobile devices. The study identifies two factors that account for individual differences, i.e. perceived enjoyment (PE) and perceived mobility value (PMV), to enhance the explanatory power of the model.Design/methodology/approach – An online survey was conducted to collect data. A total of 313 undergraduate and graduate students in two Taiwan universities answered the questionnaire. Most of the constructs in the model were measured using existing scales, while some measurement items were created specifically for this research. Structural equation modeling was employed to examine the fit of the data with the model by using the LISREL software.Findings – The results of the data analysis shows that the data fit the extended TAM model well. Consumers hold posi...
335 citations
TL;DR: The study finds that the web site is seen as an increasingly important reading source and significant differences exist between academic programs and types of reading materials and reading resources particularly use the web sites.
Abstract: – This study aims to attempt to understand the reading habits and attitudes of the Bachelor of IT students and the Bachelor of Arts students from the International Islamic University Malaysia. The study also aims to explore these differences in terms of gender., – The study used a survey approach in collecting the data. The population of the study was the undergraduate students from two academic faculties at the university. The faculties were Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology (KICT) (IT‐based) and Kuliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Science (KIRKH) (arts‐based). Based on the 400 sample drawn, 127 responses were received from the survey., – The study finds that the web site is seen as an increasingly important reading source. Significant differences exist between academic programs and types of reading materials and reading resources particularly use the web sites. Some differences in reading habits and attitudes were also observed between male and female participants., – Limitations in this study are related to the small sample size, the inclusion of only two academic faculties, and the limited amount of variables studied., – In general, the findings of the study should assist the University authority, especially the library and the computing department, to look into service matters pertaining to accommodating the reading as well as the studying habits of the student., – The pattern of reading, as is known from the past, may not be the same as reading as it is known today or in the future. Research in reading habits needs to be further updated by including current advancement in ICT, where the technology has enabled reading to be more timely and somewhat non‐linear by using devices such as computers, PDAs and wireless phones without the presence of any printed document.
168 citations
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that, without proper planning and adoption of various methods, e‐records created using modern ICT are likely to become inaccessible in the future, thus compromising the ability to remain accountable to the citizens.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to indicate that, with the proliferation of information communication technologies (ICT), electronic records are being generated in many public sector organisations in Africa, which has resulted in many challenges hitherto never experienced by archivists and records managers.Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews literature on ICT, records management and e‐governance and the challenges faced by archivists and records managers particularly in developing countries as they deal with records generated by ICT.Findings – The paper shows that, while many governments have systems and procedures for managing paper‐based records, the same cannot be said for electronic records and other digital images.Practical implications – The paper demonstrates that, without proper planning and adoption of various methods, e‐records created using modern ICT are likely to become inaccessible in the future, thus compromising the ability to remain accountable to the citizens.Originali...
130 citations
129 citations
TL;DR: The extent of information literacy and its influence on electronic resources in Uganda is shown and a number of recommendations for the way forward are provided, which will be helpful both to the relevant communities in Uganda and to other academics in similar circumstances.
Abstract: – Uganda has gone a step forward in ensuring that information resources available for researchers and students are maximally utilized. Academic and research libraries are participating in supporting and achieving the missions of their respective institutions by teaching the competency of information literacy (IL). This paper seeks to examine the effect IL has had on the usage of electronic information resources in academic and research institutions in Uganda. It aims to focus on the innovations that Makerere University Library (the biggest and oldest academic library in Uganda) has undertaken to ensure that library users (the Makerere University community and other collaborating universities and research institutions in Uganda) are trained on how to access a variety of available information resources, evaluate the information and apply it to address their needs., – Data were collected for the study using interviews to both library staff and users of the selected institutions: two library staff in charge of e‐resources and ten students/researchers were interviewed from each institution. However, user statistics for the years 2004‐2005, as well as the IL training sessions conducted, were the main sources of information. The study focused on academic and research institutions – Makerere University, Uganda, Martyrs University, Nkozi and National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS). The researcher is physically involved in the IL program in Makerere University. The usage statistics were compiled and interpreted., – The paper finds that availability of information does not necessarily mean actual use. The study shows that some of the available resources have not been utilized at all. This means that users are not aware of the availability of such resources, they do not know how to access them, or they do not know what the resources offer. All this calls for continued information literacy programs. IL is very vital in influencing utilization of e‐resources. Information professionals are needed to pass on IL skills to library users, while library users should endeavor to find out what information is available online for their consumption. Their attitudes and perceptions also influence the level of utilization., – The paper shows the extent of information literacy and its influence on electronic resources in Uganda. It points out the challenges for the future and provides a number of recommendations for the way forward, which will be helpful both to the relevant communities in Uganda and to other academics in similar circumstances.
89 citations
79 citations
78 citations
TL;DR: Radio frequency identification applications that provide batch access, storage mass data and reprogramming are better than barcodes and are likely to be accepted in libraries after the technology develops.
Abstract: Purpose – Radio frequency identification (RFID) applications that provide batch access, storage mass data and reprogramming are better than barcodes. Applying RFID can promote operational efficiency and precision. The cost is one of the major factors influencing whether or not RFID will be accepted in libraries. Although RFID has improved the efficiency of libraries, the essence of the library service has not changed.Design/methodology/approach – The paper analyzes feasibility studies regarding the structure and application of the RFID system.Findings – To economize on the expense, the first step to consider is applying RFID to specific collections. Employing RFID systems to supply inventory, entrance guard, and to gather reading statistics is possible. Further extensions to other collections and all kinds of materials in libraries are likely after the technology develops.Originality/value – The paper provides an evaluation and a model for implementing RFID solutions in libraries.
73 citations
TL;DR: Findings are that most articles (61 percent) are single‐authored; author productivity is not in agreement with Lotka's Law, except in one case where number of articles is three and USA ranked first for maximum number of journals.
Abstract: – The study has been undertaken with the purpose of finding out the growth and characteristics of digital library literature., – Over 1,000 articles for the period 1998‐2004 were collected from LISA Plus and were analyzed to study authorship patterns, authors' productivity and prominent contributors, language‐wise and year‐wise distribution of articles, country‐wise distribution of journals, core journals in the subject area, and indexing term frequency., – Some of the important findings are that most articles (61 percent) are single‐authored; author productivity is not in agreement with Lotka's Law, except in one case where number of articles is three; the maximum number of articles were published in 2003 with English being the most productive language; maximum articles were published in the journal D‐lib Magazine; distribution of articles nearly follows Bradford's Law; and USA ranked first for maximum number of journals., – The paper is relevant to those interested in bibliometrics and provides a comprehensive overview of authorship in the library and information science community.
62 citations
TL;DR: Examination of e‐Sri Lanka's Telecentre Development Programme in bridging the digital divide found that still only a small percentage of the total population are aware of Telecentres and use the facilities offered by them.
Abstract: Purpose – The overall aim of this study is to examine the impact of e‐Sri Lanka's Telecentre Development Programme in bridging the digital divide.Design/methodology/approach – A survey research method was used in the study to collect qualitative and quantitative data from actual and potential Telecentre users in relevant communities. The study was carried out through a survey. The primary sample comprised of 30 percent of the Telecentres. The secondary sample included users and potential users around the Telecentres. The total number of users and potential users was 338. The study was conducted from early January 2005 to the of end February 2006.Findings – The survey data disclosed that still only a small percentage of the total population are aware of Telecentres and use the facilities offered by them. The crucial factor affecting usage is language. According to the majority of respondents, as they understand only native languages they have not benefited from services such as like the internet and e‐mail...
56 citations
TL;DR: Mark E. Nissen is Associate Professor of Information Science & Management at the Naval Postgraduate School, USA, and his research focuses on knowledge dynamics, which approaches technology, work and organizations as an integrated design problem.
Abstract: Dr. Mark E. Nissen is Associate Professor of Information Science & Management at the Naval Postgraduate School, USA. His research focuses on knowledge dynamics. He approaches technology, work and organizations as an integrated design problem. Recent research has focused on the phenomenology of knowledge flows. Dr. Nissen’s publications span knowledge management, information systems, project management, organization studies and related fields. In 2000, he received the Menneken Faculty Award for Excellence in Scientific Research, the top research award available to faculty at the Naval Postgraduate School. In 2001, he received a prestigious Young Investigator Grant Award from the Office of Naval Research. In 2002 – 2003, he spent his sabbatical year in the Stanford Engineering School. He founded the Center for Edge Power at the Naval Postgraduate School in 2004, and currently serves as Regional Editor (Americas) for the journal Knowledge Management Research & Practice and participates on the Boards of multiple scholarly journals. Before his information systems Ph.D. at the University of Southern California, he acquired over a dozen years’ management experience in the aerospace and electronics industries. Market: This premier publication is essential for all academic and research library reference collections. It is a crucial tool for academicians, researchers, and practitioners and is ideal forclassroom use. Mark E. Nissen (Naval Postgraduate School, USA)
TL;DR: The survey aims to investigate the relationships between awareness and use of digital resources among students in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and examined awareness, use and information retrieval of available digital resources and thus will be of benefit to others in a similar position.
Abstract: – The survey aims to investigate the relationships between awareness and use of digital resources among students in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences., – A descriptive method has been used and users of the medical libraries and information centers affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences have been surveyed in the research. A total of 250 students were selected randomly as a sample. A structured questionnaire was designed for collecting data., – The results were that 70 percent of students were aware of digital resources, but only 69 percent of them have used them; 62 percent were aware of offline databases, whereas only about 19 percent used them through the Central Library LAN network. About 70 percent were aware of online databases, accessible via the Central Library web site, and about 53 percent of respondents have used them. A total of 64 percent were aware of the “CLBJ Database”, while over half of them made use of it. In total 87 percent of students felt that the available data resources met their information needs. Students had less use of offline databases, attributed to factors such as infrequent periodic orientation and lack of education on use of offline databases and fewer terminals connected to the server in the Central Library. Users are faced with problems like low speed connectivity and shortage of hardware facilities., – When the user is aware of one resource, it will lead to more use of that resource. Isfahan University of Medical Sciences is aiming to develop new information centers and it needs to increase the extent of discovery of knowledge. On this base the paper has examined awareness, use and information retrieval of available digital resources and thus will be of benefit to others in a similar position.
TL;DR: The paper finds that the instructors have viewed e‐learning as a sound instructional tool and an evolving genre capable of providing more than just textual information, and a model representing the integration of the e‐library functions with the e-learning process is presented.
Abstract: – This paper aims to focus on how the e‐library interoperates with the e‐learning process within the academic computing environment (ACE) at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)., – This paper is inspired by the existing findings of a questionnaire survey conducted by the Laptop Project at the UAEU (2002‐2003) and sequel research (2004‐2005) on the acceptance and adoption of the Blackboard, a web‐based instructional platform, by the students. Personal interviews were conducted with the instructors who were involved in the e‐learning initiative to find out the appropriate e‐information services that should be provided to support their respective Blackboard‐aided courses., – The paper finds that the instructors have viewed e‐learning as a sound instructional tool and an evolving genre capable of providing more than just textual information. According to their viewpoints, the e‐library could support e‐learning courses with a bundle of networked e‐information services such as development of course‐related electronic collections, virtual reference help, current awareness and SDI, online document delivery, etc. E‐literacy was found to play an essential role in fostering adoption and acceptance of e‐learning, whereas the language barrier has constrained e‐learning initiative in the colleges where Arabic is the teaching language, i.e. Blackboard does not support creation of Arabic contents and interface so far., – The capabilities of the e‐library in providing networked e‐information services have made the integration with the e‐learning process a highly urgent requirement., – A model representing the integration of the e‐library functions with the e‐learning process is presented in the paper. The proposed model could be applicable in learning settings within an academic computing environment.
TL;DR: Investigating whether providing a short message service for students to text the library for information would offer a readily accessible alternative to e‐mail and live chat services finds that implementing SMS reference allowed the library to access students via a familiar accessible service.
Abstract: Purpose – In an attempt to meet evolving client needs, Southbank Library needed to become more flexible in the way services were delivered. The paper investigates whether providing a short message service (SMS) for students to text the library for information would offer a readily accessible alternative to e‐mail and live chat services.Design/methodology/approach – SMS reference services where thoroughly researched in Australia and overseas to gage their usefulness for Southbank Institute libraries. Demographic statistics of the student population allowed researchers to determine how appropriate SMS reference technology would prove to be for library clients.Findings – The paper finds that implementing SMS reference allowed the library the opportunity to access students via a familiar accessible service. SMS a Librarian has become part of the Southbank Institute Library Ask a Librarian service, which includes e‐mail, phone and live chat access for students and staff. By adding this new technology to the re...
TL;DR: In this age of modern era, the use of internet must be maximized to get the on-line managing learning in virtual settings the role of context book, as the world window, as many people suggest.
Abstract: In this age of modern era, the use of internet must be maximized. Yeah, internet will help us very much not only for important thing but also for daily activities. Many people now, from any level can use internet. The sources of internet connection can also be enjoyed in many places. As one of the benefits is to get the on-line managing learning in virtual settings the role of context book, as the world window, as many people suggest.
TL;DR: It was realised quite earlier on that the target readers were emotionally so attached to physical books to feel as if they were betraying them when reading them electronically, so a different sample of users more inclined to use technology and more open to different publishing models would have provided a better insight.
Abstract: – The purpose of this paper is to describe an experiment in introducing fiction e‐books in two reading groups run by a public library., – A user study involving two reading groups run over a period of three months. Electronic versions of titles of interest to each group were given out to each participant on Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). Readers were then asked to fill in a satisfaction questionnaire and discuss their experience with the rest of their group., – Readers were not too negative about using a new tool/gadget like the PDA but they did not see any advantage in reading an electronic version of the selected book., – It was realised quite earlier on that the target readers were emotionally so attached to physical books to feel as if they were betraying them when reading them electronically. A different sample of users more inclined to use technology and more open to different publishing models would have possibly provided a better insight., – The group reading approach introduced a social side to the adoption of e‐books and it was hoped that that would have made a difference. It was also one of the first attempts to look into the use of fiction e‐books in public libraries as opposed to an already existing number of studies looking into e‐books and their use in education and academic libraries. As such it can benefit both publishers and librarians.
TL;DR: The paper finds that these technologies have increased clients' interaction with and access to library services and collections, and are meeting client's various and individual requirements, by providing information in various formats.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to explore the range of free and inexpensive technologies that are available and have been simply implemented with practical and immediate benefits both for library staff and clients.Design/methodology/approach – The paper demonstrates positive examples of integrating technologies such as blogs, wikis, RSS aggregators, podcasts, vodcasts, web conferencing, and instant messaging into library services and programs. The paper reports the take up of these technologies by public libraries nationally and internationally and examines Australian public library use and promotion of these services to their clients. Questions around the level of use or non‐use by public libraries are also explored.Findings – The paper finds that these technologies have increased clients' interaction with and access to library services and collections. By providing information in various formats these technologies are meeting client's various and individual requirements, and reflect the increasing demand of ...
TL;DR: A two‐phase data mining process used by association rule and clustering methods is designed to generate a recommendation system to promote digital library services in electronic libraries.
Abstract: Purpose – Since library storage has been increasing day by day, it is difficult for readers to find the books which interest them as well as representative booklists. How to utilize meaningful information effectively to improve the service quality of the digital library appears to be very important. The purpose of this paper is to provide a recommendation system architecture to promote digital library services in electronic libraries.Design/methodology/approach – In the proposed architecture, a two‐phase data mining process used by association rule and clustering methods is designed to generate a recommendation system. The process considers not only the relationship of a cluster of users but also the associations among the information accessed.Findings – The process considered not only the relationship of a cluster of users but also the associations among the information accessed. With the advanced filter, the recommendation supported by the proposed system architecture would be closely served to meet use...
TL;DR: The purpose of this paper is to educate the internet consumer, who may be a potential phishing victim, and to suggest a framework of anti‐phishing measures, following the staggering increase in the number of recent phishing attacks.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to aim to educate the internet consumer, who may be a potential phishing victim, and to suggest a framework of anti‐phishing measures, following the staggering increase in the number of recent phishing attacks. Phishing describes a method of online identity theft, in which phishers typically pose as legitimate organisations when sending deceptive e‐mail messages to internet users. When they respond to such e‐mails, victims are lured to malicious web sites, where they are duped into disclosing their personal details. In this way, phishers are able to commit identity theft, with possibly devastating consequences for the victim.Design/methodology/approach – After a literature review of the available sources, the phishing threat is investigated by analysing the modus operandi of phishers and the basic components of a typical phishing scheme. A possible solution for the phishing problem is examined.Findings – Phishers continually target the weakest link in the security ch...
TL;DR: The outcome of the process is a metadata schema that reuses as many elements as possible from existing specifications and standards (termed as an e‐government metadata application profile) that will describe e‐ government resources in digital collections.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce a process for developing a metadata element set that will describe e‐government resources in digital collections. The outcome of the process is a metadata schema that reuses as many elements as possible from existing specifications and standards (termed as an e‐government metadata application profile). The use of e‐government metadata is to facilitate the electronic categorization and storage of governmental resources, as well as to enhance users' electronic interactions with the public sector.Design/methodology/approach – The paper extends an initial process presented in the context of the European Standardization Committee CEN/ISSS, proposing four steps for developing the application profile: determine the resources to be described by the metadata, identify the stakeholder groups who will use the metadata, determine the use of metadata for each stakeholder group, and specify the metadata elements corresponding to each use.Findings – The steps of the pr...
TL;DR: It is concluded that digital libraries in the Sub‐Saharan region can be strategic gateways to the global information and a boost to development in the region.
Abstract: – The aim of this paper is to review some of the critical information needs in Sub‐Saharan Africa and the challenges that face libraries in the region in establishing digital libraries as a way of overcoming the great information shortfall in the region., – A selective survey of relevant literature is carried out in the study with focus on the role of libraries and information in social development, sectoral information needs and the issues involved in the establishment of digital libraries., – The paper argues that lack of social development in Africa is exacerbated by lack of adequate information. The paper concludes that, through better information gathering, processing and especially by taking advantage of today's digital transfer of knowledge, countries in the Sub‐Saharan region can experience rapid economic, social and political development., – The paper concludes that digital libraries in the Sub‐Saharan region can be strategic gateways to the global information and a boost to development in the region. The goal of establishing digital libraries in the region can be achieved through measures such as adoption of modern information communication technologies, amassing relevant digital content, investing in digital skills for library staff and users, strategic partnerships between local institutions, and funding agencies and above all government‐backed strategy on digital libraries.
TL;DR: The purpose of this work is to ascertain the information needs of the people of rural Nigeria, to identify the type of information channels available to them and to suggest ways of improving the provisions of information services to the inhabitants of rural communities.
Abstract: – The purpose of this work is to ascertain the information needs of the people of rural Nigeria, to identify the type of information channels available to them and to suggest ways of improving the provisions of information services to the inhabitants of rural communities., – The study adopted the descriptive survey research method with the questionnaire as the major instrument. Interviews and observation were also employed. The simple percentage method is used to present and analyse data with appropriate tables., – The empirical findings of the research are as follows: about 80 per cent of Nigerians live in rural areas and are predominantly poor farmers and fishermen, of whom about 90 per cent are illiterate in the Western sense. They lack basic information infrastructures such as internet, libraries and information centres, and electricity. The oral tradition is still prevalent and written communication remains elusive because a majority of the populace is still illiterate. Rural dwellers show positive response to the services of information agents such as agricultural extension workers, rural health workers, etc., – The study covers Bayelsa State which represents the Niger Delta region. Further study is needed on information policy in Nigeria as a whole., – Electronic media like radio and television are seen as sources of entertainment and often regarded as propaganda materials. Computers, libraries, and information centres are completely absent. The traditional library is not suitable for rural dwellers. Apart from printed materials, which are the stock‐in‐trade of orthodox libraries, rural libraries must include in their stock visual and audio materials., – The majority of rural dwellers in Nigeria do not have access to new information technology and are thus cut off from the global world. This work creates a greater awareness of the vacuum that exists in the rural areas concerning information communication technologies and will stimulate further discussion.
TL;DR: The aim of this paper was to maximise the institutional impact of the authors' attendance at the ALIA Click06 conference in Perth, Western Australia by providing a blog of the event and encouraging interaction with colleagues during the conference itself.
Abstract: Purpose – The considerable cost of sending staff to a conference is often not matched by the benefits that the library then gains. The aim of this paper was to maximise the institutional impact of the authors' attendance at the ALIA Click06 conference in Perth, Western Australia by providing a blog of the event and encouraging interaction with colleagues during the conference itself.Design/methodology/approach – The University of Sydney's “Blogs dot Usyd” service provided the platform for the blog, using WordPress software and holding the blog within the usyd.edu.au domain. Prior to the conference postings were done occasionally in order to build up interest in the blog. During the conference, postings were done several times each day using conference or hotel wifi facilities and internet cafes. Pictures were also posted to Flickr. Posts were a mix of informal/contextual and formal/informational.Findings – The response from colleagues was very positive. Usage statistics show that a high proportion of the ...
TL;DR: The proposed framework adapts the facet analysis theory from Faceted Classification System to use semantic web tools especially XML and RDF store, and ontology, and is designed to be integrated within a Content Management System (CMS).
Abstract: – The purpose of this paper is to develop and implement a faceted classification structure to improve web information organization, access and navigability., – Some case studies of commercial web sites using faceted metadata were analyzed to develop the classification approach. The proposed framework adapts the facet analysis theory from Faceted Classification System (FCS) to use semantic web tools especially XML and RDF store, and ontology, and is designed to be integrated within a Content Management System (CMS). A detailed example of a faceted classification system for an academic information system is used to demonstrate the construction of an FCS from metadata., – Detailed examples show how classifying and organizing information in multidimensional hierarchies is more accessible than simple one‐dimensional taxonomic hierarchies., – A prototype, based on the proposed framework, is being developed using the web site of an academic institution as a case study., – Enhances the FCS research with a notion of integrating ontology driven faceted classification structures by XML/RDF language and content management tools. A dynamic approach to organizing and searching web information provides users with multiple ways of accessing information based on their knowledge and information needs.
TL;DR: Results showed that higher levels of web access increased perceptions of information literacy and information access, and none of the subjective norm or attitudinal antecedents showed significant support for reducing web abuse.
Abstract: – The purpose of this research is to address increasing levels of web misuse, high internet costs and decisions regarding restricting web access, this research set out to identify factors that contribute to positive web use or reduce web misuse in the work environment., – The theory of planned behaviour has been used in previous research to investigate factors that contribute to web abuse in the workplace. These factors, potential demographic factors that could impact web abuse as well as factors that make the advantages of the web possible were surveyed amongst information technology (IT) professionals in the Western Cape IT sector in 2004. The 94 responses were then analysed quantitatively., – Results showed that higher levels of web access increased perceptions of information literacy and information access. None of the subjective norm or attitudinal antecedents showed significant support for reducing web abuse. Interestingly, close managerial supervision displayed significance by increasing web abuse. Demographic factors of firm size, number of years internet use, age and profession showed significance in predicting web abuse., – Attitudinal factors such as playfulness, self‐efficacy and internet addiction were not included in this study and could be useful in future research. Many factors followed the expected trends but failed to show significance, a larger and more diverse sample size could have improved the results., – The research findings are of interest to practitioners trying to manage web abuse and are also relevant in the context of high cost internet access and low bandwidth prevalent in many developing countries.
TL;DR: An evaluation framework for analyzing learning objects usage is proposed, with the aim of extracting useful information for improving the quality of the metadata used to describe the learning objects, but also for personalization purposes, including user models and adaptive itineraries.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this research is to propose an evaluation framework for analyzing learning objects usage, with the aim of extracting useful information for improving the quality of the metadata used to describe the learning objects, but also for personalization purposes, including user models and adaptive itineraries.Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents experimental results from the log usage analysis during one academic semester of two different subjects, 350 students. The experiment examines raw server log data generated from the interactions of the students with the classroom learning objects, in order to find relevant information that can be used to improve the metadata used for describing both the learning objects and the learning process.Findings – Preliminary studies have been carried out in order to obtain an initial picture of the interactions between learners and the virtual campus, including both services and resources usage. These studies try to establish relationships bet...
TL;DR: The paper shows what could be done in the future by commercial RFID vendors to maintain compatibility with standards while maximising the data security and therefore borrower privacy of their systems.
Abstract: – The goal of this paper is to provide an overview of the perceived threats of radio frequency identification (RFID) systems in libraries, to probe their technical feasibility and to present a clear picture of what may and may not be done by libraries to mitigate the risk that actually exists., – The current RFID standards are examined in the context of privacy and their limitations are weighed., – The paper finds that current standards do not offer a platform for secure RFID systems and have several vulnerabilities that may permit privacy compromising activities and acts of digital vandalism. It suggests that libraries need to be aware of these., – The RFID application space is vast and spans multiple technology platforms and standards of which libraries are but a small part. Observations made regarding one application are not necessarily valid in another application., – The paper shows what could be done in the future by commercial RFID vendors to maintain compatibility with standards while maximising the data security and therefore borrower privacy of their systems., – No subject has so polarised libraries in recent years as the potential risk to personal privacy brought about by the introduction of RFID systems. It can be extremely difficult for libraries to accurately gauge the risks to the privacy of their borrowers in the context of rhetoric, which at times borders on the hysterical and is often misinformed. The paper addresses the myths and misconceptions and raises awareness of the issues.