Exploring the Competency of Academic Library Staff Engaging in Emerging Services

2010 ◽  
pp. 74-84
Author(s):  
Haruki Nagata
Keyword(s):  
Academic Library ◽  
Library Staff

Evaluating the usability of the information architecture of academic library websites

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 566-590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel Mariann Silvis ◽  
Theo J.D. Bothma ◽  
Koos J.W. de Beer
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Evaluation Framework ◽  
Information Architecture ◽  
Visual Design ◽  
Heuristic Evaluation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
Library Websites ◽  
Web Developers

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an integrated list of heuristics and an information architecture (IA) framework for the heuristic evaluation of the IA of academic library websites as well as an evaluation framework with practical steps on how to conduct the evaluation.Design/methodology/approachA set of 14 heuristics resulted from an integration of existing usability principles from authorities in the field of usability. A review of IA literature resulted in a framework for dividing academic library websites into six dialogue elements. The resulting heuristics were made applicable to academic library websites through the addition of recommendations based on a review of 20 related studies.FindingsThis study provides heuristics, a framework and workflow guidelines that can be used by the various evaluators of academic library websites, i.e. library staff, web developers and usability experts, to provide recommendations for improving its usability.Research limitations/implicationsThe focus of the usability principles is the evaluation of the IA aspects of websites and therefore does not provide insights into accessibility or visual design aspects.Originality/valueThe main problem that is addressed by this study is that there are no clear guidelines on how to apply existing usability principles for the evaluation of the IA of academic library websites.

scholarly journals Systematic searches

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 55-62
Author(s):  
Magnus Rom Jensen ◽  
Solvor Solhaug
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Systematic Search ◽  
Search Process ◽  
Service Needs ◽  
Close Collaboration ◽  
Library Staff

Recent years have seen increasing opportunities for libraries to participate in the research process of our patrons. Our skills in conducting thorough searches and documenting the search process in a transparent way, are highly sought after among researchers looking to write a systematic review article. We give an overview of how this service can be provided in an academic library setting, emphasizing the need for close collaboration between library staff and researchers. We discuss the advantages and limitations of the tools we use, with the aim that others interested in systematic searches can get workable advice. With the increase in information available, researchers need help finding, sorting, screening and documenting the systematic search process. As research librarians we are uniquely positioned to participate in this process. Libraries looking to start offering this service needs to invest in their staff, affording them time to acquire the skill set as well as the time needed for the work involved in the systematic search projects.

scholarly journals Library orientation practices in special libraries

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 525-536
Author(s):  
Melissa Fraser-Arnott
Keyword(s):  
Information Needs ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Orientation Program ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Special Library ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
Host Organization

Purpose The library orientation session is an important marketing tool because it offers the first opportunity for library staff to connect with new clients (Craft and Ballard-Thrower, 2011; Rhoades and Hartsell, 2008). This paper aims to explore library orientation practices in special libraries and information centers with the goal of surveying current practices and identifying guidance for successful orientation program design and delivery. Design/methodology/approach This study explored library orientation practices in special libraries and information services through an electronic survey. The survey questions were developed based on themes that emerged from case studies on library orientations from the academic library literature. These themes included reasons for library orientation program redesigns, the importance of partnerships in orientation design and delivery and the tools and techniques used in the delivery of orientation sessions. Findings The results revealed that library orientations are taking place in special libraries, but there is no consistent approach to library orientation delivery. Even within a single library, multiple approaches to library orientations are taken based on client availability, demand and information needs observations of library staff. Participants’ responses were analyzed to develop recommendations for special library orientations. These include developing partnerships (particularly with human resource departments), using technology strategically, considering the timing of orientations for new potential clients in relation to their start as new employees in the host organization, customizing library orientations based on client segment, engaging in ongoing outreach, and being flexible in design and delivery methods. Research limitations/implications This study represents a starting step in an exploration of library orientation practices in special libraries. The key limitation of this study was the low response rate leading to small sample size. A larger sample of special libraries would be needed to produce a quantitative analysis of the prevalence of practices with an acceptable degree of statistical significance. Alternately, smaller samples of special libraries organized by characteristics such as size or type (e.g. corporate libraries, law libraries and medical libraries) could be conducted to determine if distinctive trends exist within these special library types. Practical implications This study revealed information about key practices and challenges that can be used by special library practitioners seeking to implement or redesign a library orientation program in their library. Originality/value While academic and practitioner literature exists detailing library orientation activities in academic and school libraries, there are very few papers on special library orientations. This study fills a gap in the literature by investigating library orientation practices in special libraries and information centers.

Saudi students, american academic library: a survey

2016 ◽  
Vol 65 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 267-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abiodun I. Ibraheem ◽  
Christopher Devine
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Interpersonal Communication ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Saudi Arabian ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Content Type ◽  
American University ◽  
Saudi Arabian Students ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
American Academic

Purpose This study aims to investigate the experiences, both academic and interpersonal, of a cohort of Saudi Arabian students in using the library of a medium-sized American university. It also examined how these experiences were similar to, or different from, those of other international students observed in earlier research studies conducted in American academic libraries. Design/methodology/approach This study used an online and paper survey that queried 169 Saudi Arabian students who were studying at Robert Morris University in 2015. Findings This study determined that many survey subjects struggled with language issues, the unfamiliar structure of American libraries and interpersonal communication with library staff. It also found that the respondents believed that formal instruction in the use of the library was helpful to them. Research limitations/implications The broad nature of the survey precluded comparison with a control group of students. The findings regarding the subjects’ interactions with library staff were, in some cases, ambiguous. An additional study will be necessary to clarify those experiences. Practical implications This study’s findings strongly support the value of formal library instruction programs for international students and the need for libraries to highly prioritize the importance of interpersonal communication in their services. Originality/value This is the first study to focus on the library experiences of Saudi Arabian students in an American academic library. It is of value to librarians and administrators, as well as to individuals who design and provide academic support services for international students.

scholarly journals Librarian’s Perception on Marketing of Information Resources and Services in Academic Libraries with Special Reference to Amhara Region, Ethiopia

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (05) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dr. V. Ramadevi
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technology ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Information Resources ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Library Staff

In the present scenario, information and communication technology plays a very important role. Due to the development of technology, internet has brought out some of the opportunities and challenges which provide the effective way of use the library information resources and services. Users can access the required information online irrespective of visiting the place and collecting the information as like ancient days. To improve some of the problems of information and communication technology resulting in underutilization of academic libraries, effort directed to promoting and creating awareness of library services is very important. Library staff can promote the use of the library through other means such as marketing of library services to its users. The role of academic libraries and information centres is to provide necessary information. The objectives of the study were why libraries should market their information resources and services; ways in which libraries market their information resources and services also impacts of marketing information resources and services in the academic Library. The study target population was 120 which comprised of library staff members. The study sample consisted to twenty members of the target group.

Staffing the Transition to the Virtual Academic Library

2011 ◽  
pp. 180-193
Author(s):  
Todd Chavez
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Research Library ◽  
Virtual Library ◽  
Online Services ◽  
Computing Technologies ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
The Way

Change brought about by innovations in computing technologies has fundamentally altered the nature of work in academic libraries. In his description of the term informatica electronica, Gilbert (1998) suggests that despite the way technology is changing how library staff do their work, it should not change the emphases on traditional services to patrons, such as accessing and retrieving information. This chapter also focuses on human changes that accompany the migration from print to electronic collections, from traditional to online services, and from the academic research library of a decade ago to the virtual library of today and tomorrow.

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