Showing papers in "The Electronic Library in 2016"

Defining Web 3.0: opportunities and challenges

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to define Web 3.0 and discuss the underlying technologies, identify new opportunities and highlight potential challenges that are associated with the evolution to Web 3.0 technologies.,A non-empirical study reviewing papers published in accredited research journals, articles and whitepapers and websites was conducted. To add scientific rigour to a literature review, a four-stage approach, as suggested by Sylvester et al. (2011), was used.,The World Wide Web (henceforth referred to as the Web) is recognised as the fastest growing publication medium of all time. To stay competitive, it is crucial to stay up to date with technological trends. The Web matures in its own unique way. From the static informative characteristics of Web 1.0, it progressed into the interactive experience Web 2.0 provides. The next phase of Web evolution, Web 3.0, is already in progress. Web 3.0 entails an integrated Web experience where the machine will be able to understand and catalogue data in a manner similar to humans. This will facilitate a world wide data warehouse where any format of data can be shared and understood by any device over any network. The evolution of the Web will bring forth new opportunities and challenges. Opportunities identified can mainly be characterised as the autonomous integration of data and services which increase the pre-existing capabilities of Web services, as well as the creation of new functionalities. The challenges mainly concern unauthorised access and manipulation of data, autonomous initiation of actions and the development of harmful scripts and languages.,The findings will assist data managers to identify future opportunities while considering negative impacts and understanding the underlying technologies associated with the structure and storage of electronic information. The research will assist anyone in the data and information management industry to identify opportunities and mitigate risk.,Many organisations were caught off guard by the evolution of the Web to Web 2.0. Organisations, and in particular anyone in the data and information management industry, need to be ready and acquire knowledge about the opportunities and challenges arising from Web 3.0 technologies.

Understanding users’ continuance intention to use online library resources based on an extended expectation-confirmation model

Abstract: Purpose This study aims to investigate the factors affecting students’ continuance intention to use online library resources (OLRs) in the context of academic libraries. Based on an extended expectation confirmation theory (ECT), the effects of usefulness, confirmation and resource quality on continuance intention to use OLRs were examined. Design/methodology/approach To empirically test the model, a survey study was conducted. Data were collected from 606 student library users at a large state university in the USA. The collected data were analysed quantitatively to answer seven hypotheses using partial least squares method. Findings The findings revealed that both usefulness and confirmation had a positive direct and indirect influence on continuance intention. Also, the effect of resource quality on continuance intention was found to be significant. Satisfaction had a mediating effect on the relationship between usefulness, confirmation and resource quality, and continuance intention. Originality/value This study is one of the first attempts that adopted the ECT to understand students’ continuance intention to use OLRs. In addition, the effect of the multiple dimensions of resource quality – accessibility, credibility, coverage, and format – on users’ continuance intention to use OLRs was investigated.

Digital literacy and digital content supports learning: The impact of blogs on teaching English as a foreign language

Abstract: Purpose This paper aims to investigate the impact of blogs on teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) to primary students. The study also explores educators’ perceptions of social media tools and digital literacy in school environments. Design/methodology/approach A three-step approach was used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. First, the blogs of 23 fifth-grade students in an EFL class in Kuwait was analysed for one semester along with student perceptions and teacher observations. Second, a survey was distributed to the students at the end of the semester, and finally, four focus groups were conducted regarding educators’ perceptions on the use of social media, their skills and needs and problems encountered. Findings The findings showed that by the end of the semester, students were writing lengthy sentences, had fewer spelling and grammatical mistakes, were more motivated and independent and displayed a more positive attitude towards learning EFL. In addition, educators are enthusiastic about using Web technologies in their teaching practices but have several concerns such as digital literacy competencies, technology-use behaviour and lack of accessibility to digital content. Research limitations/implications The number of questions on the student survey could be reduced. Also, it would be preferable in future studies to require all students to blog at least twice a week which could provide a broader representation of their writing abilities. Originality/value Little research has been reported in the literature on the use of blogs in teaching EFL to primary school students. Most literature focuses on teaching EFL to university students. By using a mixed-methodology approach, this study also highlights the needs of educators and students in technology learning environments and makes a good contribution towards offering pragmatic solutions.

Use of social media by science students in public universities in Southwest Nigeria

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of social media for academic practices by science students of public universities in Southwest Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach – Descriptive design was used for the study. Research instrument used was questionnaire where 140 copies were administered to science students, using purposive sampling technique. Three institutions in southwest of Nigeria were selected for the study. Copies of the questionnaire were distributed to students in their lecture rooms and laboratories during practical classes with the permission and assistance of their lecturers. The data collected were analysed using frequency and simple percentage. Findings – The results reveal that among the various social media networks available, Facebook (93.48 per cent) is the most recognized and most famous, followed by Google+ (63.77 per cent) and Twitter (47.83 per cent). Two-third of the students make use of social media daily to remain up-to-date with trending events/news an...

Use of smartphone apps among library and information science students at South Valley University, Egypt

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to investigate the use patterns and ownership of smartphone apps among students at the Department of Library and Information Science (DLIS) at the South Valley University (SVU), Egypt. This study may help faculty members and students, as well as DLISs in general and SVU’s DLIS, in particular, to understand the nature and purpose of such use.,This study used quantitative research methodology in the form of a survey, which was undertaken from February to March 2015. The survey instrument was a self-administrated questionnaire, with a response rate 82.7 per cent (441/533).,The findings of this study showed that smartphone users (82.7 per cent) at SVU’s DLIS tended to be junior females. Smartphone non-users (17.3 per cent) tended to be also young females but primarily sophomores. The highest percentage of smartphone users had been using smartphones for four to five years, and the largest number of students was described to be advanced users who heard first about these mobile devices through friends and the Web. Most users had 21 to 25 apps. Social apps were the most popular and included Facebook, e-mail and Twitter. For professional purposes, students used smartphones more for communication purposes than learning purposes. Apps related to educational purposes included Google Mobile, Facebook, e-mail, Twitter, YouTube and Wikipedia Mobile. Students perceived most apps to be easy to use and useful to them. There were a number of uses for socializing including messaging, following the news and playing games. Students had mainly positive attitudes towards apps with a few negative concerns. Almost all students confirmed that they trust most apps. Barriers related to the use of apps included training and lack of awareness. Further research may be needed to specify the relationship between the students’ use of these apps and their academic performance. The main tasks done on smartphone devices were mainly for socializing. Students indicated that popular tasks and activities, such as sending and receiving messages, following the news, making communications, making chat, making friends, finding specific information, finding general information, making discussion groups, playing games, completing class assignments, checking materials related to courses, doing business, seeking jobs, watching movies, listening to music and accessing library services are important tasks accomplished by them through the use of these devices. The current study indicated very positive attitudes towards the use of these apps. Student at least agree with the statement that smartphone apps allow for easy dissemination of information, provide too much information, increase the speed of finding information, help communication, convenient, secure, build confident and reduce paper use. However, a large number of students also at least agree with the statement that these apps are time consuming, intimidating, addictive, violate privacy, require high language and technical skills, harmful and frustrating. Almost all students confirmed that they are at least trustful in some apps, such as WhatsApp, e-mail, YouTube, Facebook, Flickr, Twitter and Viber. A large number of smartphone users surveyed in this study have been described to make excessive usage of social apps, such as communication apps, messaging/texting apps and social networking sites, which were at the forefront of use. Additionally, a large number of them adopted these devices, especially for communication purposes. The most used apps were Facebook, e-mail, Twitter, WhatsApp, YouTube and Viber. For professional purposes, students used smartphones more for communication purposes than learning purposes. However, some of the students were using some of apps related to educational purposes, such as Google mobile, Facebook, e-mail, Twitter, YouTube and Wikipedia mobile but not on a regular basis. Students perceived the use of e-mail app, Google mobile, Facebook app WhatsApp, Kik, Twitter, YouTube, Google maps, Viber, Line, Skype, Tango, Instagram, Flickr and Wikipedia mobile as at least fairly easy to them. Additionally, they perceived the use of e-mail app Google mobile, WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Viber, Instagram, Wikipedia mobile, Google maps, Kik, Skype, Line, Tango and Flickr as at least fairly useful to them, especially for the purpose socialization more than learning.,This study focuses only on undergraduate library and information science students belonging to SVU’s DLIS, Egypt. Any findings and conclusions resulting from this study are limited in scope to only SVU’s DLIS’s undergraduate students. The study does not contain a significantly large sample of a population from across Egypt to draw meaningful widespread conclusions indicative of such a larger population.,This study provides valuable insight into the use pattern of smartphones among a very important client group. It may serve as useful input to researchers who are interested in the study of mobile internet technologies (MITs), particularly in the education society.,Being the first study of its kind about university students in Egypt, it is considered a pioneering and a unique study among studies conducted in the field of ICTs and MITs, especially with this category of information users.

Academic use of smartphones by university students: a developing country perspective

Abstract: This paper aims to investigate the use of smartphones for academic purposes by students at Dhaka University, the top-ranked university in Bangladesh.,Students currently using smartphones answered a questionnaire survey, which focused on whether or not students used smartphones for academic works and, if so, for what purposes they used them and their opinion on the advantages of using smartphones for academic purposes. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze demographic and academic characteristics of the students in relation to their smartphone usage. Non-parametric analyses were performed using Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests to compare between students’ demographic and academic variables and their opinion on the advantages of academic use of smartphones.,The findings indicate that a vast majority of university students used smartphones for academic purposes. They, on average and across the board, had a positive perception toward academic use of smartphones. Although there were some differences in terms of gender, age, place of origin and duration of smartphone use, these differences were largely due to fact that a smartphone is a relatively new addition to the life of most students who participated in this study.,Research investigating the academic use of smartphones in the perspective of developing countries is virtually non-existent. This is the first time an effort has been made to examine the use of smartphones by a large sample of university students in Bangladesh.

Integrating ISSM into TAM to enhance digital library services: A case study of the Taiwan digital meta-library

Abstract: Purpose This study aims to propose a new model by incorporating information system success model (ISSM) into technology acceptance model (TAM) with an “attitude toward using” as the connection variable. The new model is then adopted to analyse and investigate empirical data and develop relevant factors, which affect the personal usage behaviour and net benefits for National Central Library in Taiwan to enhance digital library services. The research results can benefit future establishment and design of library information system or improvement of website service procedures. Design/methodology/approach This study selected National Central Library Taiwan Digital Meta-Library as the research theme, and used stratified convenience sampling to perform interviews in various colleges and universities in the southern Taiwan. A total of 264 valid questionnaires were returned, and this study used structural equation modelling (SEM) to perform analyses. Findings The results reveal that attitude toward using is significantly and positively affected by perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and user satisfaction. However, service quality of information system and personal net benefits do not have a significant and positive effect on attitude toward using, while they have an indirect and significant effect on attitude toward using through user satisfaction. Based on the results above, “user satisfaction” is the critical factor affecting the attitude toward using. Therefore, to strengthen users’ positive attitude toward using, the factor of user satisfaction is a key for enhancing digital library service. Originality/value This study constructed the “New Technology Information Assessment Model” as the reference for improving practical assessment. Moreover, this study also proposed the suggestions concerning digital library information services.

Understanding GamificationUnderstanding Gamification By Boyhun Kim ALA TechSouce Chicago, IL 2015 35 pp. US$43.00 soft cover ISBN 978-0-8389-5953-4

Abstract: Users who downloaded this article also downloaded: (2016),\"Research data management in universities of central China: Practices at Wuhan University Library\", The Electronic Library, Vol. 34 Iss 5 pp. 808-822 http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/EL-04-2015-0063 (2016),\"Inventory of a library collection using Android application\", The Electronic Library, Vol. 34 Iss 5 pp. 856-868 http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/EL-08-2015-0150 (2016),\"Knowledge discovery of digital library subscription by RFC itemsets\", The Electronic Library, Vol. 34 Iss 5 pp. 772-788 http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/EL-06-2015-0086

Analytical study of open access health and medical repositories

Abstract: This study aims to assess open access (OA) repositories in the field of the health and medicine (H&M) available in the Directory of the Open Access Repositories (OpenDOAR) by analysing their various facets like geographical distribution, language diversity, collection size, content types, operational status, interoperability, updating policy and software used for content management.,To achieve the objectives of the study, the OpenDOAR was selected as a source for identifying the H&M repositories. The required data were manually collected from 1 to 30 April 2014 and analysed using various quantitative techniques to reveal the findings.,The results reveal that the OpenDOAR lists 254 repositories in the field of the H&M contributed by the 62 countries of the world, topped by the USA (15.4 per cent), followed by Japan (7.9 per cent) and the UK (7.5 per cent). The majority of the repositories are institutional (187, 73.6 per cent) in nature, having less than 5,000 items (161, 63.4 per cent) in the collection and mostly consisting of articles (76.0 per cent), theses (49.6 per cent), unpublished documents (33.1 per cent) and books (31.9 per cent). The linguistic assessment shows that the majority of the H&M repositories accept content written in English language (71.3 per cent), followed by Spanish (16.1 per cent) and Japanese (7.5 per cent). The updating policy of these repositories is not up to the mark, as only 67.0 per cent of the H&M repositories have been updated from 2008-2012, but the majority are still operational (91.7 per cent) and are compatible (67.3 per cent) with the Open Archive Initiative Protocol for Metadata Harvesting (OAI-PMH). About 30 software brands, both commercial and open source, have been used by administrators for creating these repositories and managing their content. DSpace is the most popular software used by 88 (34.7 per cent) repositories, followed by EPrints (43, 16.9 per cent) and Digital Commons (18, 7.1 per cent).,The scope of this study is limited to the health and medical repositories listed in OpenDOAR, and hence the generalisation is to be cautioned.,This study is useful for library and information professionals and health and medical professionals across the globe.,This study is the first attempt to analyse the health and medical repositories in OA sites.

Get lost in the library?: An innovative application of augmented reality and indoor positioning technologies

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to identify ways to establish an information system to aid users to enhance the effectiveness of self-regulated learning and solve the problem of learning domain unawareness. Many libraries are spacious and with a rich collection of books, the problem a newcomer may encounter in the wide library is spatial unawareness. In addition, people new to a particular field of study often encounter the problem of learning domain unawareness. Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents an overview of self-regulated learning theory first. We realize the essential principles of self-regulated learning model in the library and developed a learning system that utilizes the concept of combining mobile augmented reality (AR), indoor navigation and data mining algorithms. Findings – The proposed NO Donkey E-learning (NODE) system utilizes AR and innovative indoor positioning technology to fulfil the goal of navigation inside a library and solve the problems of spatial and learning domain una...

Acceptance of mobile advertising by consumers in public service institutions in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract: – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the acceptance of mobile advertising by consumers in public service institutions in Lagos Nigeria from the perspective of non-permission-based nature of advertising practice in Nigeria. , – Guided by the theory of reasoned action, data were collected from 389 respondents in a sample survey using a structured questionnaire, and the variables were measured on ordinal scale. , – The respondents reported that the mobile advertising is informative; they also strongly agreed that the media is ubiquitous but irritating. Attitude of consumers towards mobile advertising, behavioural control and subjective norm have correlations with acceptance. Irritation and informativeness significantly and positively predicted acceptance of mobile advertising, while credibility and ubiquity predicted acceptance of the technology negatively. Age has a negative relationship with acceptance; both gender (male =1) and tertiary education have a significant relationship with acceptance of mobile advertising just as marital status. , – The study focused only on public service mobile consumers in Lagos, Nigeria. , – Mobile adverts are ubiquitous in Nigeria, but consumers do not trust or use the adverts, although they consider them informative. The telecomm regulatory body needs to control deployment of mobile technologies for produce and service ads, so that ads will be subject to individual choices and discretion, and thereby reducing the ubiquity and increase the trust consumers have on the strategy. , – There is hype that mobile advert has penetrated Nigerian market, but the strategy is not credulous to the people. , – There is no study focusing on the acceptance of this ad strategy in the public service sector in Nigeria.

Managing digital records in a global environment: A review of the landscape of international standards and good practice guidelines

Abstract: Purpose This paper aims to widen as well as deepen the discussion on standards and good practice guidelines beyond just local or regional efforts and include international developments. Design/methodology/approach An extensive review of literature was used to develop an outline of existing standards and good practice guidelines that are used by records management professionals to manage digital records. Findings The analysis reveals that there has been a long tradition in standards and good practice guidelines development dating back to the 1980s. The study also reveals that there are two broad categories of standards and good practice guidelines, those with assessment mechanisms and those without such mechanisms. The choice of whether to have an assessment mechanism depends on the purpose for which a standard or good practice guideline is developed. Originality/value The paper explores an extensive array of standards and good practice guidelines, their utility and their geographical coverage. It demonstrates how different terms such as Electronic Records Management Systems, Electronic Document Management Systems, Electronic Document and Records Management Systems and Enterprise Content Management have been used without much clarity on how these terms relate to each other, and proposes a clarification framework.

Risk assessment of digital library information security: a case study

Abstract: This paper uses the GB/T20984-2007 multiplicative method to assess the information security risk of a typical digital library in compliance with the principle and thought of ISO 27000. The purpose of this paper is to testify the feasibility of this method and provide suggestions for improving information security of the digital library.,This paper adopts convenience sampling to select respondents. The assessment of assets is through analyzing digital library-related business and function through a questionnaire which collects data to determine asset types and the importance of asset attributes. The five-point Likert scale questionnaire method is used to identify the threat possibility and its influence on the assets. The 12 respondents include directors and senior network technicians from the editorial department, comic library, children’s library, counseling department and the learning promotion centre. Three different Guttman scale questionnaires, tool testing and on-site inspection are combined to identify and assess vulnerabilities. There were different Guttman scale questionnaires for management personnel, technical personnel and general librarian. In all, 15 management librarians, 7 technical librarians and 72 ordinary librarians answered the vulnerability questionnaire. On-site inspection was conducted on the basis of 11 control domains of ISO 27002. Vulnerabilities were scanned using remote security evaluation system NSFOCUS. The scanning covered ten IP sections and a total of 81 hosts.,Overall, 2,792 risk scores were obtained. Among them, 282 items (accounting for 10.1 per cent of the total) reached the high risk level; 2 (0.1 per cent) reached the very high risk level. High-risk items involved 26 threat types (accounting for 44.1 per cent of all threat types) and 13 vulnerability types (accounting for 22.1 per cent of all vulnerability types). The evaluation revealed that this digital library faces seven major hidden dangers in information security. The assessment results were well accepted by staff members of this digital library, which testified to the applicability of this method to a Chinese digital library.,This paper is only a case study of a typical Chinese digital library using a digital library information security assessment method. More case-based explorations are necessary to prove the feasibility of the assessing strategy proposed in this study.,Based on the findings of recent literature, the authors found that very few researchers have made efforts to develop methods for calculating the indicators for digital library information security risk assessment. On the basis of ISO 27000 and other related information security standards, this case study proposed an operable method of digital library information security risk assessment and used it to assess a the information security of a typical Chinese digital library. This study can offer insights for formulating a digital library information security risk assessment scale.

Applying the DEMATEL approach to identify the focus of library service quality: A case study of a Taiwanese academic library

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to apply the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) to validate the service factors of an academic library. Design/methodology/approach – First, the service criteria were extracted from the SERVQUAL model and then their values were examined in the user’s mind. Second, the DEMATEL was applied to estimate the importance of the criteria and identify the causal factors. Next, an empirical study was conducted to demonstrate and validate the proposed approach. Finally, this paper offers some practical suggestions for academic libraries based on the analysis. Findings – According to the analysis’ results, “Empathy” is the causal factor in the cause–effect diagram; i.e. the library should pay more attentions to “Empathy” rather than “Reliability”, “Responsiveness” and “Assurance” factors. Originality/value – DEMATEL is a useful tool to identify the prominence and relationship of service factors; the evaluation is easy to apply and has not been used before in the discus...

Usability and evaluation of a library mobile web site

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate the use of a library mobile website at a university library. This paper aims to present the approach adopted to investigate users’ reactions to the new mobile platform. A usability test was also conducted to examine its effectiveness.,Mobile websites for academic libraries were first reviewed prior to identifying the functions and elements to be included. To assess the intended design purpose, the usability of the design was examined through a comparison of the mobile website and the full PC website used by 50 students to accomplish a set of search tasks. A questionnaire survey was used to assess 336 students’ responses regarding various criteria including learnability, control, presentation and efficiency.,The usability test that was conducted before the mobile Web was formally released indicated that the students using it finished more search tasks (p = 4.0).,The difficulty of recruiting volunteers and the small number of subjects who participated was also a major limitation experienced in this study. Replications or use of different measurements might be needed in future research to confirm the result.,In this study, a library mobile website was developed, tested and evaluated by users. Currently, the library mobile website is being implemented in the university. On-going revisions will continue to improve its effectiveness and efficiency for information retrieval.,It is expected that through the library mobile services, a ubiquitous learning environment can be provided to students to fulfil their academic and leisure needs.,Summative evaluation of the mobile system revealed the students’ positive reactions to a set of predetermined criteria in various dimensions, including: learnability, control, presentation and efficiency.

Integrated library management systems: Comparative analysis of Koha, Libsys, NewGenLib, and Virtua

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the various features and functions of Koha, Libsys, NewGenLib and Virtua with the help of specially designed evaluation checklist and rank them based on features/functions of integrated library management system (ILMS). Design/methodology/approach – The evaluation approach taken in this paper is similar to that of Singh and Sanaman (2012) and Madhusudhan and Shalini (2014) with minor modifications, comprising 306 features/functions and categorized as ten broad categories. Findings – The paper explores different features of open source (OS) and commercial ILMS, which reveals that Virtua got the highest total score of 218 (77.86 per cent), followed by Koha ILMS with 204 score (72.86 per cent). Interestingly, NewGenLib got the lowest total score, that is, 163 (58.21 per cent). ILMS under study are lagging behind in exploiting the full potential of the Web 2.0 features, including cloud computing features, and needs to be addressed in their future development. ...

Research data management in universities of central China: Practices at Wuhan University Library

Abstract: Purpose Revealing research data’s production and use, the status of research data management (RDM) and researchers’ service requirements in universities of Central China; this study aims to investigate the feasibility of university libraries in providing RDM services without any supporting policies from governments or funding agencies. Design/methodology/approach Using a stratified sampling method, faculties and graduate students from 11 universities were investigated. Four pilot subjects at Wuhan University (WHU) were chosen for whom a pilot RDM platform was to be constructed. Findings Research data at Chinese universities are small, sporadic and discontinuous. Such data are intensively or dispersedly under researcher’s management, with some unresolved problems regarding data security, data sharing and utilisation efficiency. Researchers’ needs for data services are strong. University libraries in China can develop RDM systems and provide related services. To realise this, more work should be done on service mechanism, service promotion, software development and staff training. Research limitations/implications The user survey covered 11 universities in central China, which may not reveal the real RDM status of researcher in different areas of China. Practical implications The practice at WHU could provide reference to other university libraries in China or other developing countries. Social implications The practice at WHU could provide reference to other university libraries in China or other developing countries. Originality/value The user survey is designed to be as comprehensive as possible and cover 902 researchers from 11 different types of Chinese universities. The practice at WHU is one of the first RDM initiatives led by university library in China.

Current status of open access journals published in D8 countries and registered in the Directory of Open Access Journals (pre-2000 to 2014)

Abstract: The study aims to monitor the status of open access (OA) journals published in Developing 8 (D-8) countries, i.e. Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey.,The authors' web-based data sources for journal-based metrics were the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), Thomson Reuters (Journal Citation Reports [JCR], which provided journal impact factors [JIF]) and Scopus (source normalized impact per paper [SNIP] and SCImago journal rank [SJR]). The authors obtained information about journals published before 2000 to 2014. From the JCR, JIF, Rank in Category, Total Journals in Category, Journal Rank in Category, and Quartile in Category were used.,The authors' identified 1,407 OAJ published in D-8 countries. Egypt published the most journals (490) and Bangladesh the fewest (29). Egypt, Iran and Turkey accounted for approximately 73.5 per cent of all journals. At the time of study, 10,162 journals were registered in DOAJ, and 13.8 per cent of them were published in D-8 countries. The mean JIF for all journals from individual countries was highest for Pakistan (0.84), followed by Iran (0.74) and Turkey (0.57). The mean SNIP for all journals from each country was highest for Nigeria (0.57), followed by Egypt (0.57) and Pakistan (0.51).,The widespread use of OA publishing models in D-8 countries will boost accessibility of their journals’ content and ultimately impact research in D-8 states.,Journals published in Egypt, Iran and Turkey account for approximately three-fourths of all OA journals published in D-8 countries. More than one-third (38 per cent) of the journals the authors studied used a Creative Commons (CC) BY license, a hallmark of OA research findings. Most of the journals with a JIF were in the JCR Medical Sciences category (60 per cent). As the number of journals in D-8 countries increases, publishers should attempt to make their journals eligible for indexing in-citation databases. The authors recommend efforts to improve the quality of journals in other subject categories, so that as many as possible become eligible for indexing in JCR.

The status of open access library and information science journals in SSCI

Abstract: Purpose The main purpose of this paper is to measure the status and quality of library and information science (LIS) open-access (OA) journals in the Social Science Citation Index (SSCI). Design/methodology/approach The study selected 86 source journals of LIS in the SSCI as a sample and measured their status of open access. Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was used to analyze 36 OA journals of 86 source journals, especially their production capability, academic influence and network communication ability. Findings The results indicate that OA journals have become an increasingly important part of LIS journals. Production capability, academic influence and network communication ability are important factors affecting the quality of OA journals. These three evaluation indicators of LIS OA journals are high, but many still have room for improvement. Research limitations/implications As the paper is limited by collecting data, the indicators of OA journals’ quality are not all-around. So, they cannot reflect the quality of LIS OA journals. In the selection of the evaluation method, the evaluation results are limited because only one AHP method is used. Practical implications The research on evaluation of OA journals can help library and scientific research personnel use OA journals effectively. Identifying key factors on evaluation can help researchers to construct OA journals better. Social implications The research on OA journals’ quality can also promote the study on OA process in academic circles and promote the communication, development and utilization of academic information. Such research can also enrich the theory of OA, and provide some new perspectives for the study of journals’ evaluation. Originality/value This paper measures the quality of LIS OA journals by analyzing production capability, academic influence and network communication ability. Rather than the traditional research methods, the focus of this study is on the value of the Web as a source of impact indices. It contributes to the scholarly impact measurements of OA journals.

E-books usage by agricultural, engineering and social science students in selected universities of Pakistan: An empirical assessment

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to compare the usage patterns of e-books among the students of social, agricultural, and engineering sciences; demonstrate how e-books are used by students for various purposes; explore the main reasons for using e-books; and uncover the major issues being encountered by students while using e-books in Pakistani Universities. Design/methodology/approach During May to July 2014, a convenient sample technique was adopted, and a close-ended questionnaire was used as a survey tool for 300 graduates (BSc honor) and postgraduate (masters and MS) students in the age group of 21-60 years. In this study, the respondents’ gender, age, educational level and major disciplines were individual contextual variables. The data collection process was successfully completed with a 100 per cent response rate. SPSS-19 was utilized for testing the reliability of the instrument, as well as descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-square test). Findings The results show that the adoption of e-books has reached a level where they have become an integral component of academic library services. The results of this study verify the previous findings that the students are relying on e-book adoption for various academic and research purposes. Comparatively, male students, postgraduate students and those between the ages of 21 and 40 years are more frequently e-book users. In addition, the percentage of e-book readership among engineering students on a “daily basis” is greater than the students of agricultural and social sciences. They prefer reading e-books because of the following reasons: to support research endeavors and improve academic performance; and the e-format is quick to read and easy to manage. Insufficient e-contents, lack of personal computers and the variety of e-book formats are the major constraints in the effective utilization of e-books for learning, education and research needs. The study has concluded that e-books have a key role in the set-up of academic libraries and information resources in Pakistan, though further development of e-book readership capabilities and building of e-book collections are required to support users’ needs, and a parallel investigation into their most effective usage is also required. Originality/value This empirical research is a first and unique study that systematically and quantitatively compares the relationship between respondents’ e-books usage with their individual contextual variables in the perspective of academic libraries in Pakistan.

A curriculum-based virtual and physical mobile learning model for elementary schools in museums

Abstract: Purpose This paper aims to develop a curriculum-based virtual and physical mobile (CVPM) learning model, which integrates related physical and e-learning resources associated with elementary school curricula and supports elementary education. Design/methodology/approach This model provides a highly participative and well-monitored environment with fruitful interactions among students, teachers and museum staff. A practical system was implemented in the National Museum of Natural Science in Taiwan. Findings The results show that the proposed model can effectively extend related learning resources to satisfy the requirements of elementary education. In addition, this model can engage students’ self-directed explorations through problem-solving learning content during the learning process. Research limitations/implications This learning model was implemented in a one-day theme-based learning activity. Generic learning outcomes and qualitative analysis were used to examine the students’ perceptions and the teachers’ feedback of this learning model, respectively. Practical implications The results show that both students and teachers highly appreciated this learning model. The model not only strengthens the connection between museum and elementary curricula but also enhances students’ perceptions and positive attitudes toward natural science courses. Finally, this study offers suggestions for future research. Originality/value This study develops a CVPM learning model which integrates elementary school courses to satisfy the requirements of elementary education and meet museums’ educational strategies for schools. The practical learning system and services have been successfully implemented and are widely available to elementary schools in Taiwan.

Factors affecting the implementation of Web 2.0 applications in Omani academic libraries

Abstract: – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the different factors that affect using Web 2.0 applications in Omani academic libraries (OALs). , – In all, 29 interviews with directors and library staff of five OALs were conducted for the purpose of collecting data for the current research. , – The results indicated that there are nine internal factors and four external factors that affect using Web 2.0 applications in OALs. Internal factors include the low motivation of directors and library staff regarding using of Web 2.0 applications, lack of training and constant changes in the management structure. Meanwhile, the external factors are related to lack of policy and regulations and weakness and low speed of the internet. , – Most academic libraries in Oman have not yet adopted Web 2.0 applications to enhance their services. Therefore, this study intends to open insight into the state of Web 2.0 adoption in academic libraries and will help library managers to understand factors facing the use of Web 2.0 applications in their libraries, and this could signal a basis for policy shift in the internet infrastructure especially in the institutions of the higher education. , – This research is the first study in the field of Web 2.0 applications in OALs that investigates the factors affecting the use of Web 2.0 applications in academic libraries in general and in OALs specifically.

Factors influencing the intention to use information service mashups: An empirical study of digital libraries in China

Abstract: This study aims to examine the factors influencing the adoption intention of information service mashup in digital library (DL). The study is an empirical study on DLs in China.,This paper employs the theory of information service mashup as its theoretical background and applies it to the field of DL to develop the measurement model which is based on technology acceptance model (TAM). A structured questionnaire was developed including the demographic information, the advantages of information service mashup in DL and the Likert evaluation of each construct. As a result, of 303 questionnaires distributed among DL users, 281 were remained as acceptable answers. The data were processed and analyzed with the aid of the SPSS 20.0 and SmartPLS 2.0.,The results show that beyond perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, both perceived integration and perceived risk have direct impacts on user’s intention to adopt information service mashup in DL. Perceived integration has the dramatic positive effects, while perceived risk negatively correlates to adoption intention. Moreover, perceived integration and individualization have positive impacts on perceived ease of use, while network externality positively influences perceived usefulness.,Information service mashup is still a relatively new technology in DL. There were few theoretical and empirical studies that examine the user adoption behaviour of the service. This study contributes to existing information service mashup application studies by modifying and extending TAM. The results would help the DL gain a deeper understanding of the factors affecting DL user adoption of information service mashup.

Differences of Pareto principle performance in e-resource download distribution: An empirical study

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to explore whether the databases from a certain library are Pareto-compliant or not? If so, to what extent is the Pareto principle performance evident among these databases? The other purpose is to determine the differences in Pareto principle performance according to time change and database type.,Data on full-text downloads from six e-resources – Elsevier ScienceDirect (SD), Wiley Blackwell, Springer Journal, EBSCO Business Source Premier (BSP), American Chemical Society and American Institute of Physics (AIP) – for the period 2007-2013 were analysed; 42 samples were collected from these databases. The proportion of frequently downloaded journals from databases was selected as an indicator to determine differences in Pareto principle performance according to time change. The difference between the proportion of frequently downloaded journals and the classic proportion of 20 per cent was used as indicator to determine difference in Pareto principle performance related to database type.,There are 33 samples (78.57 per cent) which exhibited the Pareto principle. Four databases – Elsevier SD, Wiley Blackwell, EBSCO BSP and AIP – constantly exhibited the Pareto principle. The differences were not significant according to time change. The two multi-discipline databases – Elsevier SD and Wiley Blackwell – fluctuated more moderately than the two single-discipline databases – EBSCO BSP and AIP. Multi-discipline and single-discipline databases showed some differences in Pareto principle performance; however, these differences were not remarkable.,The Pareto principle confirmed that there were frequent and infrequent downloads of e-journals from e-journal databases. It was of great importance to analyse these to improve digital resources acquisition and user service.

Evaluating Iranian state university websites using WebQEM

Abstract: Purpose As a result of the so-called information explosion, it is very important for researchers, faculty members and students to access scientific and research information, which highlights the importance of designing university websites. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate Iranian state university websites using the Web quality evaluation method (WebQEM). Design/methodology/approach The research method was a combination of a descriptive survey and Delphi technique. The research population included 100 Iranian state university websites. Data collection was done using the checklists prepared by WebQEM. Descriptive statistics (frequency, mean and standard deviation) and analysis statistics (Spearman rank-difference correlation coefficient) were used for data analysis. Findings The results indicated that Iranian state university websites met the four main criteria considered in WebQEM; reliability (mean = 0.67), efficiency (mean = 0.66) and functionality (mean = 0.62) were in a “good” condition, and usability was in a “middle” condition (mean = 0.59). Also, the findings showed that 60 per cent of the websites were in a good condition and 37 per cent were in a middle condition. In conclusion, Iranian state university websites were found to be in a “good” condition (mean = 0.63). Also, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad was ranked in the first place (score = 0.822). The hypothesis that there was a very weak correlation between Iranian state university ranking and Iranian state university websites ranking was confirmed (with the correlation of 0.22). Practical implications The paper includes implications for the development of user interface of academic websites. This paper fills a part of the gap in terms of an urgent need for research on how university websites can be standardized. If university websites have significant and necessary standard factors (i.e. ISO 9126-1), students may succeed in academic information retrieval. Using the results of this research can help university website designers to fix weaknesses for active participation in these websites. Originality/value This study has evaluated Iranian state university websites using WebQEM.

Factors influencing job satisfaction of academic librarians in university libraries in Edo and Delta states, Nigeria

Abstract: Purpose This study aimed to investigate the factors that influence job satisfaction of academic librarians in university libraries in Edo and Delta states in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a descriptive survey design using 88 academic librarians in the university libraries in the two states. Total enumeration sampling technique was used for this study. All 88 librarians in the federal, state and private university libraries in Edo and Delta states of Nigeria were considered appropriate for this study. The instrument used for data collection was self-structured questionnaire, and all 88 respondents in this study responded to the questionnaire. Findings Five factors capable of influencing job satisfaction of employees – work environment, remuneration, fairness, promotion and training – were expatiated upon to ascertain their influence on librarians’ job satisfaction. The result revealed that all the variables significantly influence librarians’ job satisfaction which serves as stimulus for employee’s productivity and delivery of quality services to clientele. Originality/value This research is the first to ascertain the factors that influences job satisfaction of academic librarians in university libraries in Edo and Delta states of Nigeria.

Research on user needs for mobile information services in Chinese university libraries: Comparison between existing user and potential users

Abstract: Purpose This paper aims to investigate the service demand of existing users and potential users for mobile information services provided by university libraries in China. The primary objective is to explore the impact of user experience on user needs, which is conducted by a comparison between two user groups over their needs from three aspects – service function, service mode and information content. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 353 library users from ten Chinese universities via questionnaires. Based on the user needs model, three dimensions of user needs were established for mobile information services and 26 measurement items were generated through a review of the literature. Furthermore, based on frequency analysis, independent samples t-test and the calculation of need rate, the demand differences in mobile information services between existing and potential users were explored. Findings Significant differences existed in the needs for service functions and service modes of mobile information services between existing users and potential users. Existing users cared more about such characteristics as intelligence, personalization and the variety of mobile services. Potential users, in contrast, concerned themselves more with the usability of mobile services and similarity to traditional information services. These two user groups showed little difference in the needs for information content, as they both have strict requirements for specialty, richness in and quality of information resources in mobile network environments. Originality/value Previous research on user needs for mobile libraries services has been primarily conducted from the perspectives of existing users. This study, however, compared the needs of existing and potential users based on their previous experiences, which can help libraries to know better what their users need and improve the quality of mobile information services to meet those needs. This can also make existing users more willing to use the services and cultivate the usage habits of potential users at the same time.