Virtual reality services in academic libraries: deployment experience in Hong Kong

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 843-858
Author(s):  
Rosalinda Lok Ting Suen ◽  
Dickson K.W. Chiu ◽  
Jeff K.T. Tang
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Catch Up ◽  
Technical Capability ◽  
The City

Purpose Virtual Reality (VR) has become a popular topic recently, and the quality of immersive experience nowadays is beyond our imagination. While VR applications for entertainment are common, it is a new and popular trend in academic libraries. Although many academic libraries in the West have started to provide VR services to catch up with the trend, the deployment is not quite popular in the East. This research aims to identify the reasons behind such phenomenon. Design/methodology/approach This research explores this phenomenon by studying two selected cases through interviews, site visits, and website/document analysis: the CAVE of the City University of Hong Kong Library and the VR Experience Zone of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Library. Findings The findings indicated that VR library services are well-received and meeting user needs. However, the major limitations of using VR in academic libraries are technical capability, space and budget, causing libraries to hesitate in introducing and developing VR services. Originality/value Scant studies focus on the development, management and user feedback of VR services in academic libraries, especially in the East. Based on the findings, possible solutions for academic libraries interested in taking part in this trend are suggested.

From transnational to Chinese national?

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-117
Author(s):  
Siu Keung Cheung
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
The Political ◽  
Equal Weight ◽  
National Authority ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Active Player ◽  
Systemic Control ◽  
Hong Kong Cinema ◽  
The City

Purpose This paper aims to challenge the longstanding cosmopolitan interpretation of Hong Kong, particularly why this global city fails to absorb China equally through its great inclusiveness and flexibility as before. On the contrary, rising tensions, conflicts and resistance could be founded between Hong Kong and China these days. Design/methodology/approach By using Hong Kong cinema as an analytical lens, this paper seeks to throw light on the cinematic landscape of post-1997 Hong Kong and, by implications, the overall destiny of postcolonial Hong Kong under Chinese rule. Findings The postcolonial Hong Kong, although lacking a symmetric status and equal weight, remains an active player with Chinese hegemony that appeals to the newfound market power to consolidate their systemic control on the city. By acting upon itself with the subjectivity and reflexivity from itself, postcolonial Hong Kong takes many actions to do justice that criticizes the political and ideological correctness and challenges the contemporary national authority from one-party rule. Originality/value This paper demonstrates a new in-betweenness in the relation to the making of postcolonial Hong Kong. This paper advances insights into a postcolonial reinvention of the politics of disappearance that remains underexplored.

An environmental scan of virtual and augmented reality services in academic libraries

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
David Greene ◽  
Michael Groenendyk
Keyword(s):  
Augmented Reality ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Research Project ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Libraries ◽  
Association Of Research Libraries ◽  
Library Use ◽  
Virtual And Augmented Reality

Purpose The growing popularity of virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) technologies, and increased research into their educational uses, has seen them appearing in a significant number of academic libraries. Little is known, however, about how many libraries have actually adopted these technologies or how they have structured library services around them. The purpose of this paper is to answer these questions. Design/methodology/approach The authors surveyed the websites of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member libraries to gather information about the availability of VR and AR equipment as well as information about how access is provided. Recorded details about these services included information about staffing, dedicated space, software, what type of technology was offered and whether or not the technology was lent out or only made available for in-library use. Findings Results of the research project showed that a significant number of ARL-member libraries do offer access to VR technology. AR technology was much less widespread. The most common technologies offered were the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. The technology was most typically offered for in-library use only. There were few details about staff or what software was offered to be used with the technology. Originality/value While there is growing research around how VR and AR is being used in education, little research has been undertaken into how libraries are adopting these technologies. This paper summarizes the research that has been done so far and also takes the next step of providing a larger picture of how widespread the adoption of VR and AR technologies has been within academic libraries, as well as how access to these technologies is being provided.

Integrating Web 2.0 into an academic library in Tanzania

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edda Tandi Lwoga
Keyword(s):  
Web 2.0 ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
User Preferences ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Web 2.0 Technologies ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – This paper aims to demonstrate work undertaken by Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) Library in an effort to integrate Web 2.0 technologies in its functions to enhance the quality of its services in Tanzania. Design/methodology/approach – The study conducted an exploratory questionnaire survey to assess user requirements among undergraduate medical students at MUHAS, developed Library 2.0 services, conducted training and created awareness. Findings – The paper shows that Web 2.0 technologies can be implemented effectively according to university goals, user's needs, deployment of user friendly tools, and capacity building among librarians and users. Students positively supported the adoption of Library 2.0 services at MUHAS. Library 2.0 services improved the quality of MUHAS library services, despite various challenges related to infrastructure, awareness, literacy, inadequate staff, security and ownership of Web 2.0 services. Research limitations/implications – The study findings may not be widely replicated because this article is based on a case study of the integration of Web 2.0 technologies into the library functions of MUHAS. This study did not examine the use of Library 2.0 applications among library users (such as faculty and students) which could illuminate further the case study. Practical implications – Most academic libraries in Africa have not yet adopted Web 2.0 technologies to improve their services. The user preferences, technology adoption, and challenges faced from the present study can help other libraries to plan and integrate their Library 2.0 technologies in their services. Originality/value – MUHAS Library offers a practical example of how Web 2.0 services can be adopted to enhance the quality of academic library services in an African context. This paper is of significance to academic libraries that are still considering their options with regard to the application of Web 2.0 technologies.

User feedback as a management tool in academic libraries: a review

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 214-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynne Porat
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
User Feedback ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Managerial Decision ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Place Navigation ◽  
Library As Place ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a selective review of current research and practice on user feedback in academic libraries. By dividing user feedback studies into four categories: Library as Place, Navigation, Satisfaction, and User Experience, it aims to provide a framework for academic libraries embarking on a process of systematic user feedback. Design/methodology/approach By reviewing the literature on user feedback activities undertaken by several academic libraries, this paper offers insights into how users experience library services, collections, and space. Findings User feedback activities, particularly concerning noise and seating, are widespread in academic libraries. Practical implications The studies reviewed in this paper may be replicated by other libraries and used as a tool for managerial decision making. Originality/value The review is valuable for its analysis of the recent contributions to user feedback practice, as well as its description of the different methodologies employed and changes implemented.

P2P rooftop rentals in Barcelona: a descriptive analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oriol Anguera-Torrell ◽  
Jordi Arcos-Pumarola ◽  
Aurélie Cerdan Schwitzguébel ◽  
Laia Encinar-Prat
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tourism Activity ◽  
The City

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the disruption potential on the daily life of Barcelona’s residents of HolaPlace, a new peer-to-peer (P2P) marketplace for terraces and rooftops. Specifically, it describes its listings’ characteristics and examines their geographical overlapping with signs of tourism-related disruption on residents’ quality of life. Design/methodology/approach Available data of the listings in this P2P platform has been scraped in November 2019. This data has been combined with two other sources of information that provide information on the tourism intensity in the different neighbourhoods of the city. The obtained information has been examined using quantitative and qualitative techniques. Findings P2P rooftops and terraces tend to be located in the same neighbourhoods that were already experiencing a high concentration of tourism activity. Moreover, the identified characteristics of the listings suggest that the rental of these terraces and rooftops might impact on the daily life of the residents. Research limitations/implications This study has only examined the offer of P2P terraces and rooftops in Barcelona. Further studies should also take into account how this business model affects other cities, and how it impacts on residents. Social implications The conducted analysis highlights the importance of a proactive regulation of this new P2P phenomenon that anticipates the potential socials costs on the daily life of residents. Originality/value The rental of terraces and rooftops in a P2P fashion is a novel phenomenon and, consequently, it has not been previously studied from an academic point of view.

Greater Bay Area: a market-driven plan to enhance quality of life and development

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 287-295
Author(s):  
Lok Sang Ho
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Agglomeration Economies ◽  
Market Forces ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Bay Area ◽  
Market Driven ◽  
The City ◽  
Different Levels

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain the nature of the Greater Bay Area Plan and to refute various myths about the initiative. The economic vigor of the Greater Bay Area is based on agglomeration economies from the city cluster and on the access to important ports. The Plan aims at motivating policy makers at different levels to work together to create new possibilities.Design/methodology/approachThis is based on policy analysis informed by economic theory and evidence.FindingsThe Greater Bay Area Plan enhances the freedoms enjoyed by people living in any of the 11 cities in the area. Its design and the roles assigned to the different cities in the Outline Plan shows that it does not go against market forces but instead works with them. The impediments caused by the three custom areas, three currencies and different legal systems make it imperative for policy makers in the different cities and other levels of government to work together to remove or at least alleviate the impediments.Originality/valueIt dispels the myths that have prevailed since the Outline Plan was released in February 2019 and identifies how it can increase freedoms and manifest the potential of the Greater Bay Area.

Towards a simple dynamical model of citizens’ perception

Kybernetes ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 1134-1145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Villalobos ◽  
Mauricio Vargas
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Statistical Regression ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Simple Hypothesis ◽  
Perception Of Quality ◽  
The City ◽  
Simple Dynamical Model

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a minimal dynamic two-dimensional map for the relation between citizens’ perception of quality of life (y) and their perception of the city Mayor management abilities (F). Design/methodology/approach – The authors use data from the Ciudades cómo vamos? project and test a simple hypothesis: there is a linear positive correlation between y and F. Following the authors propose a two-dimensional map based on ideas from a statistical regression model and a non-linear dynamical map on the [0; 1] interval. Findings – The authors give evidence that suggests that y and F are not linearly correlated. The authors show that the two-dimensional map, mentioned above, is able to reproduce non-trivial and unsynchronized relations between the variables, as well as the whole range of correlation coefficients. Research limitations/implications – There is a very limited amount of data to work with, therefore it was not possible to explore other possible relations thoroughly. Regarding the dynamical map, the authors are aware that there are still many venues for its study. Originality/value – To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported attempt at modeling the dynamics between two variables obtained via survey on which perception is a key component of the questions.

scholarly journals Quality assessment of city bus service based on subjective and objective service quality dimensions

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 567-589 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saikat Deb ◽  
Mokaddes Ali Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Socioeconomic Characteristics ◽  
City Bus ◽  
Quality Dimensions ◽  
Service Quality Dimensions ◽  
Bus Service ◽  
The City

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to estimate and compare the service quality of the city bus service measured by two different approaches which are subjective service quality dimensions and objective service quality dimensions.Design/methodology/approachThe objective service quality dimensions have been estimated based on the benchmarking technique provided by the Ministry of Urban Development, India. For the analysis of subjective service quality dimensions, a questionnaire survey has been conducted to measure the users’ satisfaction and dissatisfaction about the service. The questionnaire consists of users’ socioeconomic characteristics and 23 questions related to city bus service quality dimensions. Questionnaire data have been analyzed by factor analysis, regression analysis and path analysis to find out the indicators representing subjective service quality dimensions. Finally, the overall service quality of the bus service has been determined based on both the measures.FindingsThe study indicates that the overall service quality of the bus service is different for subjective and objective analyses. While the objective measures show that the service quality is very good, the subjective measures indicate that the service is not doing well.Research limitations/implicationsThe analysis of the subjective dimensions is complicated. Analysis of the subjective dimensions needed more expertise and resources than the objective analysis.Originality/valueIn this study, the estimated service quality of the bus service is more reliable than the other methods as it comprises of both operators’ perspective and passengers’ expectations from the service.

scholarly journals Comparison of personas between two academic libraries

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 142-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Holt Zaugg ◽  
Donna Harp Ziegenfuss
Keyword(s):  
Principal Component Analysis ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Use Patterns ◽  
Single Person ◽  
Common Interests

Purpose A persona describes a group of library patrons as a single person to better identify and describe user patterns and needs. Identifying personas in academic libraries can assist in library planning by focusing on patrons. Initially, personas were thought to be unique to each library; additional insights led the researchers to rethink this assertion. The purpose of this paper is to determine if personas, developed in one library, are unique or more universal than previously thought. Design/methodology/approach In this study, 903 surveys were completed across two institutions asking library patrons to identify use patterns within each library. Mean score responses were analyzed using an ANOVA, principal component analysis and RapidMiner technology. All analyses were used to identify personas with common interests and places personas in groups or neighborhoods. Findings The findings provide evidence for the universality of academic library personas. However, differences occur in how the personas are grouped and use different library services and resources. Originality/value Personas allow librarians to view patrons in a more personal way as they connect personas to specific library spaces. While the personas appear to be universal, their interactions with each other depend on specific library amenities.

scholarly journals JURA: a collaborative solution to Hong Kong academic libraries storage challenge

2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 46-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Sidorko ◽  
Linda Lee
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Plan ◽  
Storage Facility ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Central Storage

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss issues and concerns raised in a collaborative and cooperative central storage facility for Hong Kong academic libraries. Design/methodology/approach – The approach is to propose and to implement a joint storage business plan and a possibility of acting for others to consider similar storage facilities. Findings – Useful experiences have been gained while planning a central storage facility. Research limitations/implications – The proposed JURA project is for Hong Kong academic libraries. Practical implications – The sharing of JURA proposal to create a central storage will inform the libraries around the region of the benefits of having a useful facility in the long term. Originality/value – The paper will inform others wishing to set up collaborative storages on governance, storage systems, business plan, problems and issues in what is still a relatively unexplored approach to storage problems.

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