Exploring the use of electronic resources by humanities scholars during the research process

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 240-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shih-Chuan Chen
Keyword(s):  
Chinese Literature ◽  
Idea Generation ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Electronic Resources ◽  
Content Type ◽  
University Library ◽  
Printed Books ◽  
Literature History ◽  
The University

PurposeThis study aims to examine the types of documents that humanities scholars use in their publications, how humanities scholars use electronic resources during their research, and their opinions are regarding their library’s acquisition policy for electronic and printed resources.Design/methodology/approachA total of 13 university faculty members from the fields of Chinese literature, history and philosophy participated in this study. The documents cited in their publications were analyzed and in-depth interviews were conducted.FindingsThe results showed that books were the dominant document type cited by the participants. They frequently used electronic resources during the stages of idea generation; document search and collection; and interpretation and writing. If they used an ancient book in an electronic format, they cross-checked it with its printed version to verify the accuracy of the text. Although the participants anticipated that the university library would favour e-journals instead of printed journals, they expected the university library to continue purchasing printed books.Originality/valueMany university libraries encounter difficulties in choosing between materials in electronic and printed formats, particularly in the humanities field. The study findings provide a clear understanding of how humanities scholars use electronic resources in the digital age.

Are library electronic resources providing adequate support for research? A case study of a federal university in the United Arab Emirates

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-21
Author(s):  
Lilly Hoi Sze Ho
Keyword(s):  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Full Text ◽  
Systematic Approach ◽  
Research Output ◽  
Journal Article ◽  
Electronic Resources ◽  
Content Type ◽  
University Library ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
The University

Purpose Middle Eastern universities have recently been included in international rankings, driving a shift in priorities from teaching to research. However, research-centric collection assessments are rarely applied in the region. The Library and Learning Commons of Zayed University has recently completed the first phase of collection assessment for this transition. This study aims to provide an overview of how electronic resources adequacy was measured, and correlations between utilization of resources and research output were determined. A systematic approach is presented to assess electronic resources impact and to investigate and demonstrate the Library’s support of research output in local research and the scholarly environment. Design/methodology/approach Journal article publications from 2009 to 2016 with at least one Zayed University affiliated author were collected from Scopus, the abstract and citation database operated by Elsevier BV. Sources used within these articles were analyzed. COUNTER usage statistics of three indicators (searches, sessions and full-text downloads) were collected from the most used electronic resources in the Library to define the correlation between usage and research activities in the university during the assessment period. Findings The change in university direction toward research is apparent in the data since Fall 2014. Since then, faculty publication output grew rapidly and was positively correlated with library resources use. Sessions and searches displayed a strong positive relationship with research output while the correlation with full-text downloads was moderate. This was true for individual colleges as well as for the university as a whole, supporting the assumption that library utilization is highly correlated with the growth of research productivity. Practical implications Results of this assessment were used to justify the budget allocation of Zayed University Library for supporting research and improve the focus of collection development to better meet researchers’ needs. The most important outcomes were to provide evidence-based information to Library management for strategic planning and evaluation of their changing role in the digital age. Originality/value The systematic approach described has enabled Zayed University library to assess the relevance of its resources to its changed focus toward research, both for the university as a whole and among the more research-productive colleges. This initial approach may be useful for other libraries going through a similar transition, particularly within the region.

Accessibility of Internet Based Electronic Resources: A Content Analysis of Public and Private University Library Websites in Bangladesh

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 28-33
Author(s):  
Shamima Yesmin .
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Private University ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Electronic Resources ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
University Library ◽  
Library Websites ◽  
The University

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the websites of university libraries to ascertain that libraries are effectively utilizing their respective websites to provide easy access to all electronic resources available in the library. The objective was also to a represent a comparative analysis between public and private university library websites regarding the presence of electronic resources with their easy access via the internet. For the purpose of this study, a research instrument in the form of comprehensive checklist of eighteen e-resources was developed to evaluate their accessibility in the websites of public and private university libraries. Twenty university library websites, comprised of ten top-ranked public and ten top-ranked private universities in Bangladesh, were studied for data collection using content analysis method. The findings demonstrate that the presence of e-resources on selected university library websites is still in its early stage, but it has been growing rapidly. The private university library websites are ahead of public university libraries in terms of the integration of web-resources. It is hoped that the findings of this paper will serve to assist the University librarians and other similar institutions in choosing, selecting and acquiring the most appropriate format of information resources, and making these available to their websites, which will both satisfy the needs of their library users and fit within their library budget.

scholarly journals Surrounded by science: The Researchers' Gallery at Malmö University Library

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 14-17
Author(s):  
Annsofie Olsson ◽  
Lotti Dorthé
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
Knowledge Creation ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Research Communication ◽  
Cross Border ◽  
University Library ◽  
Process And Outcome ◽  
Informal Setting ◽  
The University

The Researchers' Gallery at Malmö University Library shows current research in exhibitions, co-created by librarians and researchers. The library invites all visitors to take part in and learn more about the research process and outcome. In an academic yet informal setting, the library offers a credible space for research communication. The Researchers' Gallery is a space for students, researchers and the society to meet, and encourage cross-border knowledge creation. The Researchers’ Gallery has become a platform for continuing collaboration between researchers and between researchers and librarians. Exhibited research now has a natural and an integrated place in the learning environment of the library and at the university.

Factors influencing collection development process at the University of Nairobi Library

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace Wambui Kamau ◽  
Aggrey Luyiya Elegwa
Keyword(s):  
Development Policy ◽  
Development Process ◽  
Research Output ◽  
Background Information ◽  
Collection Development ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
University Library ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
The University

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the factors influencing the collection development process at the University of Nairobi library and suggest ways for improvement.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative approach was employed to collect, analyze and interpret data from collection development librarians at the University of Nairobi purposively selected. Data were collected through structured interviews and documentary review. Data were analyzed using content analysis and descriptive statistics.FindingsThe study established that the library has a written collection development policy which was revised in 2014 and is strictly adhered to. However, the policy has a gap on the role of faculty as stakeholders in the selection process. In addition, the criteria for selection are not explicitly stated. Findings also indicate that budget allocation, collection development policy, user demands, quality of staff, library consortium and the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act of 2015 influence the collection development process at the University of Nairobi Library.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was conducted in one public university library in Kenya. However, the findings may be applicable in similar university libraries in the country.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study may benefit students and faculty in the University of Nairobi from improved collection development process that would ensure that their information needs are met in a timely manner. This would lead to improved research output by students and faculty and ultimately improved research output by the university. University library management may also benefit in improving the collection development process, thereby making it more economical. The findings may also be useful in decision-making and policy development on matters pertaining to collection development at the University of Nairobi and other universities. Furthermore, the findings may be used by researchers to provide context and background information for future research on collection development in public universities locally and regionally.Originality/valueThis paper fulfills the need to make the collection development process in university libraries more efficient by proposing ways of addressing the challenges experienced.

Social value analysis: the case of Pompeu Fabra University

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 233-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Ayuso ◽  
Pablo Sánchez ◽  
José Luis Retolaza ◽  
Mònica Figueras-Maz
Keyword(s):  
Market Value ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Social Value ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Value Analysis ◽  
Social Accounting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
Accounting Model ◽  
The University

Purpose This paper aims to explore how to quantify the social value generated by higher education from a social accounting perspective. The proposed approach is integrated social value (ISV) analysis, a social accounting model that considers both the economic value and the social value created by an organisation for its stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach The ISV analysis has been applied to Pompeu Fabra University, following a participatory action research process with representatives of the university and its stakeholders. Findings The final ISV includes not only the social value created through the university’s economic activity – captured by economic and financial accounting indicators – but also the specific social value created for the different stakeholders by means of non-market relationships, which were monetised through the use of indicators and financial proxies. Research limitations/implications Like other social accounting methodologies, ISV analysis suffers from some limitations regarding data availability and economic pricing, that partly will be resolved with maturation of the methodology and increasing standardisation. Practical implications By using appropriate proxies, the non-market value of the university can be monetised and integrated with university’s market value. The social value results become a valuable tool for developing useful indicators for internal management and external communication. Social implications The process of measuring the social value created by universities provides a way to meet the rising demands for greater accountability and transparency and facilitates engagement with stakeholders on how these institutions are contributing to a sustainable society. Originality/value ISV is a recently proposed social accounting model that combines an organisation’s economic and social results into a single concept of value creation and thus contributes to advance the field of social accounting.

Facing the shortage in Benin: a strategy for information and documentation access at the Université d’Abomey-Calavi

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 97-103
Author(s):  
Eustache Mêgnigbêto ◽  
Khadidjath Kouboura Osseni Bachabi
Keyword(s):  
Developing Country ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
University Library ◽  
Republic Of Benin ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to describe the response of students to the shortage of materials at the Université d’Abomey-Calavi (Republic of Benin). Design/methodology/approach A survey was conducted with over 2,000 students of the Université d’Abomey-Calavi in 2014, and the data were analysed. The paper deals with two questions related to the university library services they use. Findings To satisfy their information and documentation needs, students visit several university library services even on different campuses. Practical implications The study recommends the setting up and the implementation of a long-term development plan for the University of Abomey-Calavi libraries. Originality/value The study describes the behaviour of students of a developing country when faced with a lack of relevant information and documentation resources.

scholarly journals Information security behaviour of smartphone users

2018 ◽  
Vol 119 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 444-455 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shohana Nowrin ◽  
David Bawden
Keyword(s):  
Information Security ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Security Risks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Security Issues ◽  
University Library ◽  
Smartphone Use ◽  
The University

Purpose The purpose of this study is to understand the information security behaviour of the students of the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh in the use of smartphones. Bangladesh is well-known as one of the largest and fastest growing mobile phone market of the world, and the University of Dhaka is also the largest student’s assembly in the country in terms of using smartphones. Besides, the rising use of smartphones is also likely to be typical of other sub-continent countries. Design/methodology/approach To gain an understanding of the information security behaviours of the students of University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, a quantitative survey method was deployed in revealing the approaches of the students towards avoidance of various security risks. A total of 356 students participated in the study, although eight of the participants did not carry out the full survey because they do not use smartphones. The collected data were analysed with suitable statistical methods. Findings The findings of the study reveal that students of University of Dhaka possess a moderately secure behaviour in terms of avoiding harmful behaviours, using useful phone settings and add-on utilities and disaster recovery. This study also shows that the students do not behave securely in all aspects of using different security features in the same way, and it also varies somewhat according to gender, and between faculties and institutions. The university library is recommended as the focus for instruction and guidance on the best practice in smartphone use by students. Research limitations/implications The study does not include any other universities of Bangladesh except University of Dhaka due to the shortage of time. A further study can be conducted to gain an understanding in a greater extent by including students of the other universities and perhaps also other countries. Originality/value This is the first paper in Bangladesh related to the study of information security behaviour regarding the use of smartphone among the student of University of Dhaka. This study will help to raise information security awareness among the students and encourage the authorities to adopt appropriate strategies and policies to resolve information security risks in the use of smartphones. Specially, the university library can take some initiatives in this case, such as providing advice, seminars, workshops and lectures to make the students aware about security issues.

scholarly journals Undertaking individual transdisciplinary PhD research for sustainable development

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 150-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
John van Breda ◽  
Josephine Musango ◽  
Alan Brent
Keyword(s):  
Problem Formulation ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Transdisciplinary Research ◽  
Epistemic Communities ◽  
Research Experiences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Formulation Analysis ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The University

Purpose – This paper aims to improve the understanding of individual transdisciplinary PhD research in a developing country context, focusing on three individual PhD case studies in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach – Multiple-case method was used, and three completed transdisciplinary PhD research efforts undertaken at the Stellenbosch University were selected. They were coordinated through the TsamaHub, an inter-faculty platform at the University which organises educational modules for transdisciplinary research. Using actual research experiences and reflections of the three individual PhDs, the paper evaluates their work in terms of ontological, epistemological, methodological and methodical/methods aspects. Findings – The central challenge to individual PhD researchers is engagement with non-academic actors to enable joint problem formulation, analysis and transformation. To overcome this, the paper suggests that developing individual epistemic relationships to build “transdisciplinary epistemic communities” should be considered for inclusion as an intentional aspect of transdisciplinary research design. Research limitations/implications – “Transdisciplinary epistemic communities” is still a concept in its infancy and needs more work before it may be theoretically and practically useful. Practical implications – Continuously guiding the individual transdisciplinary research process in a reflexive, recursive, transparent and equal manner is absolutely critical because transdisciplinary research cannot be done successfully if dominated by overly methods-driven approaches. Originality/value – The discourse around transdisciplinary methodology has major implications for the design of individual PhD research. The paper provides recommendations to enhance the theory and practice of individual transdisciplinary PhD research.

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.

A costing study of the document supply service at a Chinese research library: the case of Wuhan University Library

2008 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xia Liu ◽  
Ting Lei
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Unit Cost ◽  
Research Library ◽  
Cost Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
University Library ◽  
Costing Study ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The University

PurposeThis paper aims to report on a cost study of document supply at Wuhan University Library, and to investigate the difference in costs over time and the cost‐effectiveness for the university.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative approach is employed.FindingsThe borrowing unit cost and lending unit cost decreased by 27 percent and 60 percent, respectively, between 2002 and 2004, but showed a small increase in 2006.Originality/valueThe paper reveals the cost of document supply in a Chinese research library and proves that the cost could be lowered rapidly by taking effective measures. The paper also demonstrates that document supply is an effective way to resolve the library budgetary crisis as well as satisfying end‐users' needs.

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