Building digital collections in a public university library in Ghana: priority-setting and user needs assessment

2014 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 38-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nesba Yaa Anima Adzobu
Keyword(s):  
Needs Assessment ◽  
Digital Library ◽  
Priority Setting ◽  
Digital Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
User Needs ◽  
Digital Collections ◽  
Content Type ◽  
User Communities ◽  
Library User

Purpose – Although user needs assessment is an intrinsic element of service quality delivery in digital libraries (DLs), not much has been written on this topic in the context of African universities. This is understandable as academic digital libraries in Africa are rather nascent. Even so, the most frequently-used needs assessment methods do not directly involve the users. This study aims to assess priority setting by academic library administrators and the needs of patrons of digital collections of a public university library in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach – Analysis of official university documents and interviews with digital library patrons at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) in Ghana were carried out between September, 2011 and January, 2012. Five research questions were asked: what are the current conditions of the UCC digital library project, the user communities and their needs, what are the priorities set by the university administrators and library leaders at the UCC and the state of technological readiness in place and what are needed by the UCCDL. Also, what is the extent of collaboration by interested parties in the UCCDL? Findings – Three general digital library user communities were identified, that is, UCCDL staff- this community was composed of experts in both digital library systems and content, characterized as heavy users of the existing systems, as knowledgeable about articulated (formalized) user needs, and able to devote short (usually less than two hours) amounts of time to individual's needs. Next, are scholars and other visitors to the UCCDL – this community was characterized as having high levels of domain expertise and knowledge of library systems. They are also able to devote large but specific amounts of time (days or weeks) to their individual information needs. Visitors/Prospective users- this community was characterized as having varied levels of domain expertise and low levels of library systems knowledge. They are able to devote only short periods of time to their information needs or explorations. These user communities are influenced by diverse preferences, experiences, and knowledge structures. Practical implications – Academic libraries are increasingly advocating local user studies as a way to provide the digital library services that are relevant to the culture and user population of the academic institution. Replicating digital library user studies at the local level can provide information for improving existing services or developing new ones. Originality/value – In African public universities, there is little earlier research on digital library user needs assessments or DL priority-setting by academic library administrators.

scholarly journals Barriers and solutions to assessing digital library reuse: preliminary findings

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 130-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Genya Morgan O’Gara ◽  
Liz Woolcott ◽  
Elizabeth Joan Kelly ◽  
Caroline Muglia ◽  
Ayla Stein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Needs Assessment ◽  
Digital Library ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Assessment Practices ◽  
Digital Collections ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Community Needs ◽  
Library Community ◽  
Research Organizations ◽  
Digital Assets

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the initial top-level findings of a year-long comprehensive needs assessment, conducted with the digital library community, to reveal reuse assessment practices and requirements for digital assets held by cultural heritage and research organizations. The type of assessment examined is in contrast to traditional library analytics, and does not focus on access statistics, but rather on how users utilize and transform unique materials from digital collections. Design/methodology/approach This paper takes a variety of investigative approaches to explore the current landscape, and future needs, of digital library reuse assessment. This includes the development and analysis of pre- and post-study surveys, in-person and virtual focus group sessions, a literature review, and the incorporation of community and advisory board feedback. Findings The digital library community is searching for ways to better understand how materials are reused and repurposed. This paper shares the initial quantitative and qualitative analysis and results of a community needs assessment conducted in 2017 and 2018 that illuminates the current and hoped for landscape of digital library reuse assessment, its strengths, weaknesses and community applications. Originality/value In so far as the authors are aware, this is the first paper to examine with a broad lens the reuse assessment needs of the digital library community. The preliminary analysis and initial findings have not been previously published.

Synthesizing visual digital library research to formulate a user-centered evaluation framework

2015 ◽  
Vol 116 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 122-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan Albertson
Keyword(s):  
Digital Library ◽  
Digital Libraries ◽  
Visual Information ◽  
Evaluation Framework ◽  
Digital Collections ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Research ◽  
Generalized Framework ◽  
Library Evaluation ◽  
User Centered

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to synthesize prior user-centered research to develop and present a generalized framework for evaluating visual, i.e. both image and video digital libraries. The primary objectives include comprehensively examining the current state of visual digital library research to: develop a generalized framework applicable for designing user-centered evaluations of visual digital libraries; identify influential experimental factors warranting assessment evaluation as part of specific contexts; and provide examples of applied methods that have been used in research, demonstrating notable findings. Design/methodology/approach – The framework presented in the present study depicts a set of user-centered methodological considerations and examples, synthesized from a review of prior research that provides significant understanding of users and uses of visual information. Findings – Primary components for digital library evaluation, pertaining to user, interaction, system and domain and topic, and their implications for interactive research are presented. Methods, examples and discussion are presented for each primary evaluation component of the framework. Practical implications – Previously applied evaluations and their significance are described and presented as part of the developed framework, providing the importance of each component for practical application in future research and development of interactive visual digital libraries. Originality/value – Visual digital libraries warrant individual assessment, apart from other types of digital collections, as they offer users more ways to retrieve and interact with collection items. The present study complements prior digital library evaluation research by demonstrating the need for a separate framework due to variations influenced by visual information and reporting on evaluations from different perspectives.

Application of linked data technologies in digital libraries: a review of literature

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 9-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zahid Raza ◽  
Khalid Mahmood ◽  
Nosheen Fatima Warraich
Keyword(s):  
Semantic Web ◽  
Digital Library ◽  
Digital Libraries ◽  
Linked Data ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
National Library ◽  
Digital Collections ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Web

Purpose This paper aims to describe how linked data technologies can change the digital library collections, what are the benefits of linked data applications in digital libraries and what are the challenges of digital libraries in linked data environment. Design/methodology/approach The present study is based on substantial literature review on the applications of linked data technologies in digital libraries. The search engines such as Google, Yahoo and Google Scholar were used to find the relevant literature for the study. Online databases such as Pro Quest, Science Direct, Emerald and JSTORE were also used to find the relevant literature of the study. Databases of Library Sciences Library and Information Science and Technology Abstracts and Library Information Science Abstracts were also used to find the relevant literature of the study. Library, linked data technologies, Semantic Web, digital library and digital collections were the main keywords which were used to find the relevant literature for the study. Findings The evolution of linked data technologies and Semantic Web has changed the traditional role of the libraries. Traditional libraries are converting into digital libraries and digital libraries are in a struggle to publish their resources on the Web using XML-based metadata standards. It has made capable the digital collections to be viewed by machines on the Web just like human. On the emergence of linked data applications in digital libraries, Web visibility of the libraries has been enhanced to provide the opportunities for the users to find their required quality information of libraries round-the-clock on the Web. National Library of France, National Library of Spain, Europeana, Digital Public Library of Americana, Library of Congress and The British Library have taken the initiatives to publish their resources on the Web using linked data technologies. Originality/value This study present several key issues for policy makers, software developers, decision makers and library administrators about linked data technologies and its implementations in digital libraries. The present study may play its role to facilitate the users of the Web who are enthusiastically interested to exploit the quality and authentic library resources on the Web round-the-clock. Search engines will also achieve their longstanding goal to exploit the quality resources of the libraries for their Web users to make their Web appearance more credible and trustworthy.

A study on next‐generation digital library using context‐awareness technology

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 236-253 ◽  
Author(s):  
Younghee Noh
Keyword(s):  
Digital Library ◽  
Digital Libraries ◽  
Context Awareness ◽  
Theoretical Research ◽  
Context Aware ◽  
Semantic Retrieval ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
Climate Control ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reference Services

PurposeThis study seeks to examine the concepts of context, context‐awareness, and context‐awareness technology needed for applying context‐awareness technology to the next‐generation of digital libraries, and proposed context‐aware services that can be applied to any situation by illustrating some library contexts.Design/methodology/approachThe paper investigated both theoretical research and case analysis studies before suggesting a service model for context‐awareness‐based libraries by examining the context, context‐awareness, and context‐awareness technology in depth.FindingsThis paper derived possible library services which could be provided if context‐awareness services are implemented by examining and analyzing case studies and systems constructed in other fields. A library‐applied context‐aware system could recognize users entering the library and provide optimal services tailored to each situation for both new and existing users. In addition, the context‐awareness‐based library could provide context‐awareness‐based reference services, context‐awareness‐based loan services, and cater to other user needs in the stacks, research space, and a variety of other information spaces. The context‐awareness‐based library could also recognize users in need of emergency assistance by detecting the user's behavior, movement path, and temperature, etc. Comfort or climate‐control services could provide the user with control of the temperature, humidity, illumination and other environmental elements to fit the circumstances of users, books, and instruments through context‐aware technology.Practical implicationsNext‐generation digital libraries apply new concepts such as semantic retrieval, real‐time web, cloud computing, mobile web, linked data, and context‐awareness. Context‐awareness‐based libraries can provide applied context‐awareness access service, reactive space according to the user's access, applied context‐awareness lobbies, applied context‐awareness reference services, and applied context‐awareness safety services, context‐awareness‐based comfort services and so on.Originality/valueReal instances of libraries applying context‐aware technology are few, according to the investigative results of this study. The study finds that the next‐generation digital library using context‐awareness technology can provide the best possible service for the convenience of its users.

Mastering Digital Libraries in the Digital Age

2018 ◽  
pp. 52-82
Author(s):  
Kijpokin Kasemsap
Keyword(s):  
Digital Library ◽  
Digital Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Physical Space ◽  
Digital Age ◽  
Educational Goals ◽  
Digital Information ◽  
Electronic Learning ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Library Evaluation

This chapter gives an overview of digital library topics: digital libraries and information architecture; digital libraries and electronic learning (e-learning); digital libraries and the Semantic Web; digital library evaluation; digital libraries and service quality; and the significance of digital libraries in the digital age. The Internet and the World Wide Web provide the impetus and technological environment for the development and operation of digital libraries in the digital age. Digital libraries comprise digital collections, services, and infrastructure to educationally support the lifelong learning, research, and conservation of the recorded knowledge. Whereas traditional libraries are limited by storage space, digital libraries have the potential to effectively store much more information and documents, because digital information requires very little physical space to contain them. Encouraging digital libraries has the potential to improve academic library performance and gain educational goals in the digital age.

Change Management in the Academic Library

2018 ◽  
pp. 19-40
Author(s):  
Oyeronke Adebayo ◽  
Michael Opeoluwa Fagbohun ◽  
Ugwunwa Chinyere Esse ◽  
Nwanne Mary Nwokeoma
Keyword(s):  
Change Management ◽  
Digital Library ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Digital Collections ◽  
Digital Resources ◽  
Management Of Change ◽  
Access Mode

The introduction of ICT has no doubt changed and redefined the way and manner in which library operations are carried out. In this chapter, the phenomenon of change management was discussed and Unfreeze-Change-Refreeze model was adopted. The chapter also delved into the management of change in academic libraries, types of Digital library collections, access mode to digital collections, the need for transition from print to digital collections, the need to reposition library tools, resources and expertise, need for accessibility of collections by user, the need and benefits for preservation of digital resources, health and safety policies and prospect of change management. Despite the great achievements recorded in academic libraries due to change in operations, there is still another side to the coin. Issues such as techno stress which is a technology related health problem came to the fore. Other challenges such as increase in expenditure, staffing issues, etc. also surfaced.

Change Management in the Academic Library

2018 ◽  
pp. 1-28
Author(s):  
Oyeronke Adebayo ◽  
Michael Opeoluwa Fagbohun ◽  
Ugwunwa Chinyere Esse ◽  
Nwanne Mary Nwokeoma
Keyword(s):  
Change Management ◽  
Digital Library ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Digital Collections ◽  
Digital Resources ◽  
Management Of Change ◽  
Access Mode

The introduction of ICT has no doubt changed and redefined the way and manner in which library operations are carried out. In this chapter, the phenomenon of change management was discussed and Unfreeze-Change-Refreeze model was adopted. The chapter also delved into the management of change in academic libraries, types of Digital library collections, access mode to digital collections, the need for transition from print to digital collections, the need to reposition library tools, resources and expertise, need for accessibility of collections by user, the need and benefits for preservation of digital resources, health and safety policies and prospect of change management. Despite the great achievements recorded in academic libraries due to change in operations, there is still another side to the coin. Issues such as techno stress which is a technology related health problem came to the fore. Other challenges such as increase in expenditure, staffing issues, etc. also surfaced.

Conceptions of digital libraries: an African perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 231-247
Author(s):  
Christopher M. Owusu-Ansah
Keyword(s):  
Digital Library ◽  
Digital Libraries ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Information Communication ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Institutional Repositories ◽  
Development Agenda ◽  
Global Digital Divide ◽  
Library Development

Purpose The purpose of this paper was to explore African conceptions of digital libraries from the perspective of the historical literature. This paper argues that the concept of digital libraries is a western creation and that there was a need for developing societies to develop their own conceptions to guide their own digital library development agenda. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on a literature review. The paper makes use of publicly-available literature on the theme of digital libraries from both the Western and African perspectives. The search terms used were “digital libraries”, “Africa digital libraries”, “electronic libraries”, “information communication technologies/libraries” and “institutional repositories”. A total of 89 publications were examined for this purpose. Findings The analysis revealed that most of the initial digital library initiatives in Africa emanated from the west with African countries benefiting from international initiatives to expand access to information resources to bridge the global digital divide. However, due to a number of contextual challenges such as lack of sustainable funding and inadequate capacity and strategy, the development of digital libraries was hampered. Thus, even though digital libraries enjoy considerable goodwill, there remain negative conceptions of digital libraries in Africa. Practical implications Information institutions in African countries must evolve a unified conception of digital libraries as this would largely drive the direction of digital library development towards achieving the developmental goals of the continent. Originality/value The study applies the attributes of innovation to explain contextual factors shaping African conceptions of digital libraries.

Evaluation of the accessibility of archival cartographic documents in digital libraries

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 1062-1081 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Kuzma ◽  
Albina Moscicka
Keyword(s):  
Digital Library ◽  
Digital Libraries ◽  
Evaluation Criteria ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Goals ◽  
Metadata Record ◽  
Archival Documents ◽  
Access To Data ◽  
The University ◽  
The Way

Purpose This paper aims to present the authors’ attempts to evaluate the access to archival maps available in digital libraries. Its aim was to pinpoint the factors determining the effectiveness of access to old maps and to evaluate which Polish libraries provide resources in such a way as to give the users the best chance of finding the materials necessary for their research. Design/methodology/approach The presented research focussed on archival documents from academic libraries accessible from the Polish Digital Libraries Federation and available from Europeana Collections. The evaluation criteria were established along with features that determine the level of difficulty of access to data describing archival documents. The research took into account the way of recording the data about archival documents in metadata. The authors have also analysed the quantity of available resources and the consistency of metadata record. Findings The results of the research have demonstrated that one-third of the analysed libraries deserve a positive evaluation. The digital library of the Warsaw University and the Jagiellonian Digital Library received the best scores in terms of the description of archival documents. Considering the number of resources, the Jagiellonian Digital Library and the Digital Library of the University of Wrocław are positively distinguished. Originality/value The method of evaluating the access to archival maps has been developed. The criteria and features necessary for this evaluation and the way of their interpretation have also been defined. The future goals leading to the improvement of the access to the archival maps have been also presented.

The issues and challenges facing a digital library with a special focus on the Taylor Family Digital Library at the University of Calgary

2015 ◽  
Vol 64 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 335-355
Author(s):  
Bennett Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Digital Library ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Statistical Data ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Anecdotal Evidence ◽  
Content Type ◽  
University Of Calgary ◽  
The University

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show how a new academic library works. Design/methodology/approach – The author used statistical data and anecdotal evidence. Findings – The findings were that digital library materials have dramatically changed how libraries operate. Originality/value – The library featured in this story is the University of Calgary’s main library which is called the Taylor Family Digital Library, which is meant to be a library with digital technology as its main focus.

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