User perceptions of social questions and answer websites for library reference services

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 386-399 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shengli Deng ◽  
Yin Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Environment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
User Perceptions ◽  
Reference Services ◽  
Reference Librarians

Purpose – This paper aims to understand Social Questions & Answers (SQA) users’ perceptions of library reference services. Design/methodology/approach – The authors examined the postings on the largest SQA site, Yahoo! Answers, regarding library reference services and identified the major themes. Findings – Three themes emerged in library reference-related discussions: reference librarians and their services are well and positively recognized, reference services are less recognized and understood and Yahoo! Answers is recognized as a helpful service. Those who have used both library reference services and Yahoo! Answers are fully aware of the differences between the two services. Originality/value – This study provides new insights on how library reference services are perceived by SQA users. The results are helpful for libraries to position reference services to better serve users in today’s information environment.

Virtual reference librarians (Chatbots)

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 5-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Vincze
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Human Interaction ◽  
Virtual Reference ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reference Services ◽  
Reference Librarians ◽  
Library Staff

Purpose This paper aims to explore integrating chatbot applications into libraries to improve reference services. Design/methodology/approach This paper explores the benefits of using chatbots as virtual reference librarians. Emma the Mentor Public Library’s Catbot is used as a case study. Findings Chatbots cannot replicate the complexity of human interaction (both knowledge and emotional), but these can provide a cost-effective way to answer the majority of routine reference questions and direct users to the appropriate service. Originality/value Readers will increase their awareness of how chatbots can streamline the work of the reference department by answering the majority of routine reference questions and freeing library staff to focus on more demanding research and tasks uniquely suited to humans.

Reference Services Review: content analysis, 2006‐2011

2012 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 182-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katy Mahraj
Keyword(s):  
Web Sites ◽  
Liberal Arts ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Liberal Arts Colleges ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reference Services ◽  
Academic Librarianship ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Type Size

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a retrospective analysis of the content published in Reference Services Review from 2006 through 2011.Design/methodology/approachThe author manually reviewed the content of all journal issues from 2006 through 2011 using the Emerald web site. The information reviewed was number of articles per issue; author affiliations; article format; and article titles, abstracts, and keywords. The type, size, and location of author institutions were confirmed using institutions' official web sites as necessary.FindingsThe paper finds that Reference Services Review has published an average of 40 articles per year. The majority of articles focus on topics in information literacy and reference services, with consistent coverage of emerging technologies, working with diverse populations, library space, and management. The majority of contributors are affiliated with large academic institutions in the USA, with some representation from liberal arts colleges, public libraries, community colleges, and international authors.Originality/valueThis analysis consolidates data on the volume, focus, and authorship of Reference Services Review as the journal reaches its 41st year of publication. The data provide a snapshot of trends in the field's professional and scholarly literature with implications for trends in academic librarianship.

scholarly journals Measuring the impact: Springer Book Archives at Melbourne

2017 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 137-142
Author(s):  
Philip Gregory Kent
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
User Profiles ◽  
Detailed Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
User Perceptions ◽  
The University ◽  
Electronic Content ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Unexpected Outcomes

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine usage trends during the first four years of the implementation of the Springer Book Archives (SBA) at the University of Melbourne. The paper assesses the benefits of the SBA against perceptions at the time of purchase and seeks to evaluate the long-term value of the purchase. Design/methodology/approach The methodology included a literature search to identify issues in the adoption of large backlists of ebooks, examination of detailed usage data supplied in COUNTER complaint spreadsheets and tables by Springer, validating findings with librarians and academics and positing next steps. Findings Usage of ebooks, like other electronic resources, is difficult to predict. Resources expected to be used, may not be and vice versa. Access to large aggregations of electronic content creates new opportunities for teaching and research, additional economies and benefits, as well as unexpected outcomes. Research limitations/implications Detailed data on user profiles were not available and an evaluation of user perceptions was not possible at this time. Originality/value The literature review suggests that this is the only published study of institutional usage of the SBA at this time.

Academic libraries break down silos

2018 ◽  
Vol 119 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 135-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce Massis
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Standard Model ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
College Campus ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reference Librarians ◽  
The Standard Model ◽  
Academic Resources

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to illustrate examples of the manner by which the academic library breaks down the silos on a college campus. Design/methodology/approach Literature review and commentary on this topic have been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners. Findings On a college campus, the value and impact of the academic library is today more than that of the standard model of libraries in which reference librarians offer available appropriate academic resources; but, the academic library is a place where the teaching and learning model of the standard model meets that of the support model to provide its users the best service by incorporating both aspects of the service. Originality/value The significance in exploring this topic is to provide evidence by which the academic library can and does offer a multitude of services that it can serve as the literal and physical center of a college campus.

Mapping the cataloguing practices in information environment: a review of linked data challenges

2018 ◽  
Vol 119 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 586-596 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nazia Wahid ◽  
Nosheen Fatima Warraich ◽  
Muzammil Tahira
Keyword(s):  
Linked Data ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Sources ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Information Environment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Community ◽  
Information Professionals ◽  
Legacy Data ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This study aims to explore the development of cataloguing standards used to organize information sources in libraries and information centers. Its key objective is to assess the challenges faced by information professionals to apply new bibliographic standards in linked data (LD) environment. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on extensive review of scholarly literature. Several databases were searched to identify relevant literature. Keywords such as RDA, FRBR, MARC and BIBFRAME were used along with LD to conduct search. Related literature was consulted and reviewed accordingly. Findings Findings reveal that cataloguing standards are subsequently evolving with the advancement of information technology. Libraries have been publishing their legacy metadata into LD. Many tools are developed for mapping the library metadata into LD applications. The Library of Congress has developed BIBFRAME model to fulfill the requirements of new bibliographic standards by using LD technology. It is found that extensive use of MARC standards, complexity of LD technologies, non-availability of vocabulary and inconsistency of terminologies are the major challenges for libraries to adopt LD applications. Practical implications This review will be a valuable addition for LIS scholars to understand the challenges of LD application. This study would be significant for the library community and policymakers who are interested in implementing LD technologies. Originality/value This paper is a one of its kind, where the development in cataloguing models and standards is explained along with the challenges to adopt LD applications for legacy data.

Resource description and access: cataloging standards affect reference service

2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 446-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teressa M. Keenan
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Reference Librarians ◽  
Bibliographic Data ◽  
Reference Service ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Resource Description ◽  
And Training

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to highlight the relationship between cataloging data and reference service and the importance of including reference librarians, in general resource description and access (RDA) training. Design/methodology/approach – A literature review and the author’s experiences related to implementing RDA are presented with minimal cataloging jargon to help librarians better understand the effects of cataloging standards on reference service. Findings – There is a noticeable lack of research and training related to RDA for audiences beyond technical services. More research is needed to determine how users are interacting with the catalog, how bibliographic data is supporting their discovery and access, what, if any, obstacles reference librarians encounter as a result of RDA and how future iterations of RDA may open bibliographic data to communities beyond the library. Originality/value – This paper is one the few that discuss how RDA may affect reference service. It will be useful for providing librarians with a general understanding of the relationship between cataloging and reference and may serve as a starting point for further research.

scholarly journals The legitimacy of offender management programmes in a post-TR landscape

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 69-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Rowe ◽  
Adele Irving ◽  
Sarah Soppitt
Keyword(s):  
Service Provision ◽  
Service User ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
User Perceptions ◽  
Key Dimensions

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the under-considered perspectives of service users engaged in various community sentences based on a “strengths-based” approach to desistance. Further to recent changes in the sector, the paper considers service user views for programmes delivered by combinations of agencies from private, public and third sectors. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on analysis of 64 semi-structured interviews with users of four programmes, accompanied with informal fieldwork observations by the researchers as they carried out the research at the premises of service providers. Findings The research finds that service user perceptions of the legitimacy of programmes are closely related to their understanding of three key dimensions: first, the “authenticity” of those delivering the service; second, the instrumental (in broad terms) gains they expect from engagement; and third, their understanding of the identity and ethos of the programme. Originality/value The paper adds important understanding based on service user perceptions in a period when service provision is being diversified. Further directions for other research are identified and it is recognised that a limitation of the current study is that it incorporates a sample drawn from one area.

Simpler online ratings formats increase consumer trust

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alena Kostyk ◽  
James M. Leonhardt ◽  
Mihai Niculescu
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Consumer Involvement ◽  
Information Environment ◽  
Processing Fluency ◽  
Consumer Trust ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Online Ratings ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Online customer ratings are ubiquitous in e-commerce. However, in presenting these ratings to consumers, e-commerce websites utilize different formats. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of customer ratings formats on consumer trust and processing fluency. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on the latest behavioral research, two empirical experimental studies test whether the format of online customer ratings affects consumer trust and processing fluency. Findings The studies offer converging evidence that a simpler ratings format (i.e. mean format) elicits higher processing fluency and, in turn, higher consumer trust than does a more complex ratings format (i.e. distribution format). Research limitations/implications Future research could include additional factors that might influence the ease of online ratings processing for consumers. Investigation of possible moderators, such as need for cognition, numeracy and consumer involvement, may also be of value. Practical implications These findings have timely practical implications for the design and presentation of customer ratings to enhance e-commerce outcomes. Originality/value This paper extends the effects of processing fluency on consumer trust to the increasingly important context of e-commerce. In doing so, it highlights important interactions between the evolving information environment and consumer judgment. The key takeaway for managers is that simpler online customer ratings formats help to enhance consumer trust.

Distinct and expanded roles for reference librarians

2005 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 257-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilene F. Rockman
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Base ◽  
Communication Skills ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Service Orientation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Institutional Repositories ◽  
Development Management ◽  
Reference Librarians ◽  
Instructional Products

PurposeProposes advocating that reference librarians have a distinct and important role in the development, management, dissemination, and sustainability of institutional repositories.Design/methodology/approachSuggests working with faculty and students to encourage them to share their research and instructional products, and to contribute to the extension of their discipline's knowledge base in new and meaningful ways.FindingsNotes that reference librarians are natural partners to be involved with institutional repositories because of their service orientation, subject experience as knowledge managers, and communication skills.Originality/valueMakes important recommendations about the role of the reference librarian in contributing to the success of institutional repositories.

Technological change, today and yesterday

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna E Frederick
Keyword(s):  
Linked Data ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Open Data ◽  
Information Environment ◽  
Open Access Publishing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Ideas ◽  
New Beginnings ◽  
Exciting Time ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The inaugural installment of the column data deluge and open knowledge comes at the close of a year which saw changes, developments and new beginnings for libraries in the areas of linked data, open data, metadata, open access publishing and other related movements. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology adopted is a literature review. Findings – Sometimes, changes in the information environment present themselves like towering waves crashing into rugged cliffs and librarians stand at the edge in awe of the spectacle. At other times, despite the crashing waves, librarians lead massive projects to build the standards and infrastructure to capture the water and direct its flow. Practical implications – The overall trend for the latter librarians is toward developing and adopting new ideas, methods, approaches and services to support finding and sharing data in an increasingly large and complex online context. As many of author’s colleagues have commented in recent years, “now is an exciting time to be a librarian”. Originality/value – The author heartily agree and look forward to sharing, through this column, the highlights of these exciting times.

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