Kuwait University faculty’s use of electronic resources during the COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 429-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Batool A. Hendal
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Critical Time ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
University Faculty ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Electronic Resources ◽  
Kuwait University ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Writing Research ◽  
Social Media Platforms

Purpose This paper aims to examine the extent of benefits Kuwait University faculty received from the electronic resources offered by Kuwait University Libraries Administration, specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Design/methodology/approach An online survey was distributed using Google Forms via different social media platforms and official emails. The sample was Kuwait University faculty from all 16 colleges. Findings The results showed humble use of electronic resources during this critical time. The faculty mostly used the electronic resources for writing research papers, and databases and e-journals were their most preferred resources. The majority of nonusers indicated that they did not need these resources, and the rest referred to their unawareness of these resources. The results also showed that the majority of nonusers were willing to learn more about the electronic resources and how to use them. Originality/value The results and recommendations of this study are expected to be beneficial to Kuwait University and Kuwait University Libraries Administration, specifically, in terms of knowing what the faculty members use and prefer and the problems they face when searching electronic resources.

Organization of work in Estonian university libraries: a review and survey

2014 ◽  
Vol 115 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 452-470
Author(s):  
Kate-Riin Kont ◽  
Signe Jantson
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Task Complexity ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Work Organization ◽  
Work Load ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Job Descriptions ◽  
Organization Of Work ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Job Duties

Purpose – The aim of the current article is to investigate satisfaction of the staff of Estonian university libraries with the organization of work by analyzing characteristics, aspects and dimensions of the work, such as self-realization and skills realization opportunities, task complexity, task interdependence and fair division of tasks. Design/methodology/approach – The data used in this paper is based on a review of relevant literature to provide an overview of the concept of work organization, and the results of the original online survey created by the paper’s authors, conducted among Estonian university libraries. The results are interpreted on the basis of direction in the literature, and the authors’ opinions, based on our long-term working experience in Estonian academic libraries. Findings – Although a number of Estonian university librarians were mostly satisfied with the division of labor within their departments, the respondents feel that duties in the library as a whole should be reorganized and workloads should be divided more equally. Almost half of the respondents have performed (in addition to their main job) duties that are not included in their job descriptions. Originality/value – To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no research has been previously carried out in the Estonian library context into work organization and coordination. Based on the current study, it can be concluded that the biggest challenge for university libraries in Estonia is to fixate clearly job descriptions and work procedures, divide job duties fairly and guarantee balanced work load. Additional duties should be accompanied with additional remuneration.

Effects of relationship types on customers’ parasocial interactions

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 133-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seonjeong Ally Lee ◽  
Minwoo Lee
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Marketing Research ◽  
Customer Relationships ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Relationship Types ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Parasocial Interactions

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate different types of customer relationships on customers’ interaction with the brand, based on prior social media and relationship marketing research. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional, self-administered online survey was conducted to investigate the role of different types of relationships on customers’ brand-relevant responses in the context of hotel social media platforms. Findings Results identified customers’ relationships with services and brands, and how other customers influenced their parasocial interactions (PSIs). Customers’ PSIs then positively influenced their self-brand connection and their brand usage intention. Originality/value This study was the first attempt to propose a conceptual framework to explain different types of customer relationships on customers’ interactions with the brand in the context of hotel social media platforms.

scholarly journals A biopsychosocial framework for recovery from COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 1021-1039
Author(s):  
Kaz Stuart ◽  
Mark A. Faghy ◽  
Elaine Bidmead ◽  
Ruth Browning ◽  
Catriona Roberts ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Living Arrangements ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Narrow Range ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis paper proposes a biopsychosocial (BPS) analysis of COVID-19 experiences which enhances understanding of complex and interrelated factors and leads to the proposition of a BPS recovery framework.Design/methodology/approachOnline narrative research was used to explore people's experiences of COVID-19 and was conducted over a four-month period. The call was distributed via a short open-ended qualitative online survey advertised on social media platforms and 305 responses came from across England.FindingsThe findings illustrate people with a narrow range of BPS characteristics experienced over a wide range of BPS impacts which are nuanced, complex and dynamic. Left unaddressed these may create future adverse BPS characteristics. An integrated BPS framework for recovery is proposed to avoid such further negative outcomes from the pandemic.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample contained a bias in age, gender and living arrangements.Practical implicationsThe paper offers a clear framework to enable integrated holistic recovery/regrowth planning.Social implicationsUsing the framework would reduce social and health inequities which have been recently deepened by COVID-19 in the long-term.Originality/valueThe paper is original in its use of a BPS analytical framework.

Fundraising campaigns via social media platforms for mitigating the impacts of the COVID-19 epidemic

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saeed Awadh Bin-Nashwan ◽  
Meshari Al-Daihani
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Internet Technology ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Intrinsic And Extrinsic Motivations ◽  
Online Donations

Purpose The rapid outbreak of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has triggered unprecedented restrictions on not only human movement but also a wide sphere of economic activities, disrupting livelihood, welfare and business worldwide. In response, some Muslim communities have launched fundraising campaigns to mitigate the socio-economic impacts of the virus on the front-liners and the most affected segments of vulnerable populations. The purpose of this study is to explore the intrinsic and extrinsic motivations of donors to these campaigns who contribute via social media platforms (SMPs). Design/methodology/approach This study adopts a cross-sectional research design using an online survey conducted in a typical Muslim community such as Kuwait. A total of 565 samples of data (356 women, 209 men) were used for analysis. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling was used to estimate the research model and extract meaningful conclusions. Findings The results show that charitable projects, internet technology features, SMP features and religiosity are significant motivations that influence attitudes toward online donations related to COVID-19 response. All these relationships are indirectly related to intentions to donate via SMP through a significant mediating effect of attitude. Practical implications The outcome of this study could support the efforts of governments, non-profit organizations and communities to focus attention on suitable proactive strategies to boost online fundraising campaigns for those affected by epidemic diseases. Originality/value This study enriches the literature by integrating both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations of online donations into a new and unique related context such as SMP, especially amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Collection building trend among the institutes of higher learning in India: a preferential race between print and electronic resources

2016 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 119-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramesh Pandita ◽  
Shivendra Singh
Keyword(s):  
Human Resource Development ◽  
Higher Learning ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Electronic Resources ◽  
Ranking List ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Electronic Documents ◽  
Institutes Of Technology ◽  
Engineering And Technology ◽  
The University

Purpose The present study aims to assess the resource procurement preferences among the leading academic libraries of the institutes of higher learning across India. The study analyses the amount and percentage of budget spent by the institutions under study during the period 2012-2013, 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 on the procurement of print and electronic resources in their libraries. The study also discusses about concerns with regard to the subscription of e-resources and the reasons for weaning interest among the Indian academicians towards the print resources. Design/methodology/approach By and large, the scope of the study is limited to institutes of higher learning across India, but reflects a great deal of relevance to the global higher education practices. The study has been undertaken on the 20 leading institutes each from Universities, Institutes of Management and Institutes of Technology in India, based on the ranking list released by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India, on 4 April 2016. Findings The electronic documents are the dominant forms of present day library procurements in India, with the print struggling to retain its readership. The Institutes of Engineering and Technology and Management have almost similar procurement preferences, spending almost three-fourth of their library budgets on the procurement of e-documents. On average, the University libraries in India have spent 43.54 per cent of their budget on the procurement of print resources and 56.46 per cent of their budget on the procurement of electronic resources during the period of study. Similarly, on average, each Institute of Engineering and Technology has spent 24.04 per cent of their library budget on the procurement of print documents and 75.96 per cent towards the procurement of electronic resources, whereas 27.51 per cent of the library budget by the Institutes of Management in India is being spent on the procurement of print resources and 72.49 per cent towards the procurement of electronic resources. Originality/value The study is original and is first of its kind, undertaken on three different category of institutions, based on the national ranking of the country.

Ethical beliefs and behaviour of university educators: evidence from Russia

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuriy Timofeyev ◽  
Oksana Dremova
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
University Teaching ◽  
Ethical Behaviour ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Behaviour Factor ◽  
Actual Behaviour ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis exploratory study aims, firstly, to analyse and categorise judgements on ethical behaviour and actual behaviour of university educators. Secondly, the study addresses the impact of demographic data, such as gender, age and role on these issues.Design/methodology/approachWe utilised online survey data from academic employees of four leading universities in Russia, who are involved in teaching activities. In this study, we used correlation, regression and factor analyses.FindingsOur results demonstrate that teaching, while too distressed to be effective, is a common experience among university educators. By contrast, the rarest categories include teaching under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In addition, there is a high congruence between beliefs and respective behaviours. Females are typically more ethical in both judgements and actual behaviour. Factor analysis of behaviours yielded 16 interpretable factors.Practical implicationsFirstly, the salary of the university educators should be adequate and competitive and match with their workload. Secondly, the work of the educators should be given recognition that may become their stimuli for improvement in university teaching. Thirdly, universities should develop ethics centres, which help faculty members and students to take the right decisions in situations involving questionable behaviour in the classroom. Lastly, the development of ethical codes, for faculty members and students, may become their guidance in situations with ethical dilemmas.Originality/valueThis study contributed to the very limited research on the ethical aspects of higher education in Russia.

Evaluation of researchers’ satisfaction with electronic resources in two universities of Pakistan

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (7) ◽  
pp. 20-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shamshad Ahmed ◽  
Anam Amjad
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Satisfaction Level ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Information Need ◽  
Electronic Resources ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Survey Response Rate ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The main aim of this paper is to evaluate the satisfaction level of researchers with electronic resources as well as the uses, purposes, reasons and problems faced by them in using of these resources in the context of Pakistani Universities. Design/methodology/approach – This paper opted for a quantitative study using a questionnaire for survey. Response rate was 80 per cent and data were analyzed from 261 researchers of two universities of Pakistan. Five-point Likert scale ranked from “Dissatisfied” (5) to “Extremely Satisfied” (1) was used to evaluate the satisfaction level of researchers. Findings – The paper found that mostly researchers were “Very Satisfied” with electronic resources though they faced problems in using of these resources. Research limitations/implications – Research scholars from Faculty of Arts, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, and Bahauddin Zakariya University of Multan, Punjab, Pakistan, were included in this paper. Practical implications – This paper advances knowledge about the current status of the use of university library electronic resources, helps librarians in Pakistani university libraries understand the information need of the researchers more specifically, and provides some guidelines for the efficient and effective use of these resources. Originality/value – This paper fulfils the identified need of researchers and indicates how researchers can utilize electronic resources in a better way.

Digitizing the intellectual output of Ghanaian universities

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 69-75
Author(s):  
Patience Emefa Dzandza
Keyword(s):  
Asset Management ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Institutional Repositories ◽  
Digital Asset ◽  
Asset Management System

Purpose With the emergence of ranking of universities by organizations, one major factor considered in the rankings is the intellectual output of the universities. For universities to remain part of the global academic competitive society, intellectual output of universities can no longer be stored on shelves in libraries. Academic libraries have engaged in digitization of the intellectual works of their institutions which is a core mandate of any academic library. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the state of digitization initiatives among university libraries in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach was adopted. Nine top universities in Ghana were selected to participate in this study. Interviews were conducted with heads of libraries. Findings The findings of the study revealed that seven out of the nine libraries studied have embarked on some sort of digitization initiative, and all libraries studied are using the same digital asset management system (Dspace). Major challenges reported by the participants that are common to all the libraries studied are lack of adequate and modern equipment, lack of trained personnel and lack of cooperation from faculty members. Originality/value This study brought fore the initiatives undertaken by academic libraries in Ghana to establish and maintain institutional repositories (IRs) amidst a number of challenges. It is a major contribution to the literature from West Africa as not much literature on IR is found from this part of the world.

Demographics and perceived computer skill levels as predictors of faculty awareness and use of electronic information resources

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 281-301
Author(s):  
Umme Habiba ◽  
S.M. Zabed Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Private Universities ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Computer Skill ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Skill Levels ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Computer Proficiency ◽  
Ordinal Regression Model

Purpose The main aim of this paper is to examine the role of demographics and self-reported computer skill levels as predictors of e-resources awareness and use by faculty members working at various public and private universities in Bangladesh. Design/methodology/approach An online survey was conducted at public and private universities in Bangladesh. A total of 757 faculty members from 48 universities across the country responded to the survey. The data were analyzed using various descriptive statistics, i.e. frequencies and percentages and non-parametric Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests were conducted to see the differences in levels of awareness among faculty members in terms of university type, gender, age, designation, specialization and computer proficiency levels. An ordinal regression model was used to predict the role of demographics and computer skill levels on faculty awareness levels. Finally, correlation coefficient was measured to see the relationships between faculty awareness and use of e-resources. Findings The findings revealed that faculty members working at different universities in Bangladesh are generally aware of most e-resources types. There were significant differences in faculty awareness in terms of demographics and self-reported computer skills levels. The results showed that computer proficiency level is a significant predictor of faculty awareness of e-resources. The findings also showed that awareness and use of e-resources are positively and significantly correlated. Originality/value This is the foremost attempt to assess the role of demographics and computer skill levels as predictors of awareness and use of e-resources by faculty members.

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