The essential skills and competencies of LIS professionals in the digital age: alumni perspectives survey

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Akhilesh K.S. Yadav
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
Soft Skills ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Best Interest ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Automation ◽  
Computing Skills ◽  
Essential Knowledge ◽  
Library Skills

Purpose The librarianship profession has gone through many changes over time, more so with the emergence of digital technologies. To thrive in the library and information science (LIS) profession, professionals must have knowledge, skills, competencies and abilities to perform their job duties. The purpose of this paper was to identify essential knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) for the LIS professionals. Design/methodology/approach The targeted survey group for the study were alumni of ten LIS schools in India, who are now working in various library sectors. A structured questionnaire was designed to seek their opinions, and the snowball sampling technique was adopted to collect the data. A total of 377 responses were received from the respondents. Findings Five broad areas of KSAs were identified: traditional library skills, research skills, computing skills, data management skills and soft skills. This study found that computing skills, library automation and library digitization are considered absolutely essential for the LIS professionals. The results also brought out the importance of “soft skills” for the LIS professionals. Prerequisite knowledge of library liaison services, technical services and foreign language were reportedly important only for working in special libraries. Practical implications This study identified 54 skills across five broad areas that are essential for the professionals working in library and information centres. The research findings will be helpful for the educators who want to design, develop and upgrade the LIS course curriculum in accordance with the skills that are in demand in the market. Originality/value This study establishes that though the participants expressed satisfaction with the practicum of the curriculum, the LIS course curriculum needs to be improved. It would be in the best interest of the LIS schools to identify and rectify the gap.

Library and information science education as ignition source for services in non-academic special libraries

2016 ◽  
Vol 65 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 350-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Waqar Ahmed ◽  
Muhammad Shahid Soroya
Keyword(s):  
Professional Education ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Provision Of Services ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
The Difference

Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore the number, difference and ratio of professionals and non-professionals heading toward non-academic special libraries (NASL). This study also explored the difference of provision of services based on educational qualifications. Design/methodology/approach Quantitative survey research method and questionnaire as a data collection tool was used to conduct the study. The questionnaire contained four educational levels against the 18 services variables. No list or directory being available, 71 special libraries were assured to be there in Lahore through snowball-sampling technique. Out of 71 questionnaires, 41 were returned and analyzed using Chi-Square test in Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Findings Findings indicated that 56 per cent of the libraries were headed by LIS professionals, while rest of 44 per cent of the libraries was headed by persons with no professional education. Chi-Square test’s p value indicated the significant difference in the orientation, reference service and document reservation service. The professionally qualified library managers were found better at providing librarians’ end services. Originality/value The present study is the first of its kind in Pakistan, which marked the vacant positions and indicated the differences of services based on level of education. It depicted the electronic, librarians end, and technical knowledge and multi-factor services and measured its variation on the educational grounds.

Effectiveness of library practicum: perceptions of LIS graduates in Pakistan

2010 ◽  
Vol 59 (8) ◽  
pp. 573-584 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amara Malik ◽  
Kanwal Ameen
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Library Science ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Senior Faculty ◽  
Professional Skills ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiple Data ◽  
Participant Observer

PurposeLibrary practicum is a supervised, hands‐on practice in various library functions. This paper aims to explore the effectiveness of library practicum in learning various professional skills through the perception of library information science (LIS) graduates.Design/methodology/approachSince this is a case study, multiple data collection techniques, i.e. a questionnaire survey (having both closed and open ended questions), and discussions with senior faculty members and observation (as a participant observer) are used to probe the real status. LIS graduates of PU sessions 2002‐2006 are identified as the population. The total number of the population is 367 and targeted sample is 118 graduates. Snowball sampling technique is used to reach them.FindingsThe findings reveal that well designed and well managed practicum plays a vital role in improving professional skills. Insufficient practicum duration, communication gap among three parties (students, external and internal supervisor), loose supervision and lack of focus on professional skills are the problems reported by LIS graduates.Practical implicationsAs a study of the practical elements of studying library science, the paper should be of interest to practitioners.Originality/valueThis paper is the only evaluation of library practicum in Pakistan. The findings will be helpful in designing better and more effective library practicum programs in Pakistan as well as in other developing countries.

A qualitative study of soft skills development opportunities: perceptions of university information professionals

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sajjad Ahmad ◽  
Shehzad Ahmad ◽  
Kanwal Ameen
Keyword(s):  
Soft Skills ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Professional Associations ◽  
Capital City ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Management Skills ◽  
Soft Skill ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative Research Design ◽  
Information Professionals

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the self-perceptions of university information professionals about continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities regarding their soft skills. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative design using in-depth interviews was used. The population was all the information professionals working in the public sector universities of Pakistan, but the geographic range of the population, to reduce travelling expenses and to complete the study in time, the interviews were restricted to the universities of the capital city Islamabad and provincial capital Peshawar. A total of 21 interviews were conducted using a snowball sampling technique to select information professionals. Findings The findings revealed that only three information professionals attended CPD opportunities in soft skills. More than half of the information professionals stated that CPD programmes have an overall “good” impact on the development of their soft skills. Similarly, more than half of the participants stated that CPD training opportunities on soft skills are very limited. The majority of the participants held professional associations responsible for the development of information professionals’ soft skills. It was also found that communication and persuasion skills, self-management skills and interpersonal skills were the top three soft skill categories for which they urged CPD programmes. Research limitations/implications During interviews, most of the Assistant Librarians were not expressive and comfortable. This might be because of a lack of their soft skills knowledge, poor communication skills and interview anxiety. Originality/value According to the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind in Pakistan that dealt with the CPD opportunities regarding soft skills of university information professionals using a qualitative research design.

Integrated quality environmental management implementation in food processing SMEs

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 740-757 ◽  
Author(s):  
Syed Ali Raza Shah ◽  
Khairur Rijal Jamaludin ◽  
Hayati Habibah Abdul Talib ◽  
Sha’ri Mohd Yusof
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Management ◽  
Food Processing ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Operational Performance ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) of integrated quality environmental management (IQEM) and analyze their impact on operational performance (OP) and environmental performance (EP) in food processing Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on collecting data using a survey questionnaire through snowball sampling technique. A total of 302 food processing SMEs operating in Punjab, Pakistan, responded to the survey. SPSS version-23 and SmartPLS-3 were used for data analysis. Findings The literature review identified leadership (LS), employee management (EM), strategic planning (SP), information management (IM), process management (PM), supplier management (SM) and customer focus (CF) as CSFs of IQEM. The results of this study found a significant relationship of all identified CSFs with operational performance in food processing SMEs whereas EM, IM, PM and SM were insignificant with the EP in the food processing SMEs. Research limitations/implications Although this study has collected data from one province, the Punjab province, it still relevant in identifying the CSFs for IQEM implementation within food processing SMEs to improve performance. Originality/value Despite the wide spread of integrated systems practices in the developed countries, little attention has been placed to implement and assess the IQEM initiatives by organizations in the developing countries. Thus, this study identified CSFs of IQEM based on empirical studies and analyzed their impact on OP and EP of food processing SMEs.

Mediation effect of novelty ecosystems on intrapreneurial behaviour process within an organisational dynamic environment among Kenyan universities

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 957-977 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moses Mpiima Kibirango ◽  
John C. Munene ◽  
Waswa J. Balunywa ◽  
Jovent K. Obbo
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Positive Deviance ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine, explain, predict and guide the processes, mechanisms and outcomes of intrapreneurial behaviour to provide evidence that novelty ecosystems mediate the relationships between generative influence, positive deviance and intrapreneurial behaviour. It also enlightens the capacity of replicating the intrapreneurial best practices. Design/methodology/approach The study uses an integrated approach of entrepreneurship and complexity theories. Its subjects were full-time designated university employees in the Republic of Kenya. A total number of 244 employees were selected using snowball sampling technique from ten public and private universities in the Kenya. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Findings The structural equation modelling path analysis and the bootstrapping results confirmed full mediation of novelty ecosystems in the relationship between generative influence and intrapreneurial behaviour. The findings, further, verified that novelty ecosystems partially mediate the relationship between positive deviance and intrapreneurial behaviour. Research limitations/implications Subjective appraisals were used, despite the fact that studied variables are ultimately based on what employees perceive. Future research should generate and include more objective measures. Practical implications Intrapreneurial behaviour can only be explained and predicted through novelty ecosystems. University leaders need to fully understand and facilitate novelty ecosystems. Social implications A deeper understanding of the power of generative influence, positive deviance and novelty ecosystems will not be fully realized until researchers devote as much energy and attention to facilitation as has been devoted to conflict. Originality/value This study extends existing intrapreneurial research into complexity approach.

scholarly journals An assessment of gender differences in the operational efficiency of businesses run by persons with disabilities

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 43-59
Author(s):  
Madan Mohan G. ◽  
Anushree Baruah
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Prevalence Rate ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Disabled Persons ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Women Disabled

Purpose Progress accomplished by the disabled entrepreneurs on the fronts of profits, turnover, return on investment (ROI), employees engaged, capital employed and diversification shall be studied and prevalence of gender differences in such progress shall be assessed. Design/methodology/approach The proposed research is descriptive in nature, based on primary data, collected by personally administering a well-structured interview schedule to 201 disabled entrepreneurs in Puducherry selected using a snowball sampling technique. Data collected has been analyzed using SPSS 21, using the tools of mean, one-way ANOVA, factorial ANOVA and chi-square (χ2) analysis. Findings The prevalence rate of entrepreneurship among female disabled is very low. Female disabled entrepreneurs manage higher turnover than their male counterparts and manage insignificantly higher progress in terms of capital employed, while male disabled entrepreneurs have managed insignificantly higher progress in terms of profits, diversification and ROI. Illiterate disabled, both men and women, struggle to manage decent turnover while the better educated manage better turnover. Research limitations/implications This paper has highlighted the low prevalence rate of entrepreneurship among women disabled though the fewer women disabled entrepreneurs are performing better than their male counterparts in operating their business. Originality/value The findings of this paper may be taken as base for formulation of effective government policies in empowering disabled persons in general and women disabled in particular.

Segmentation of Brazilian travelers’ mobile purchase behavior

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 209-228
Author(s):  
Roberto Pessoa de Queiroz Falcão ◽  
Murilo Carrazedo Marques da Costa Filho ◽  
Jorge Brantes Ferreira
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Purchase Behavior ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Risk Profiles ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Perceptions Of Risk

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to segment travelers by their predispositions regarding the adoption of smartphones to purchase travel-related services, which is crucial for developing specific marketing strategies for each group of tourists. Design/methodology/approach A survey was conducted with 1,014 Brazilian travelers assessing their smartphone usage frequency and predispositions regarding travel purchases. The authors selected three variables related to the users’ acceptance of technology (perceived usefulness, ease of use and intentions to use smartphones for tourism purchases) and m-commerce perceptions of risk. Segmentation was conducted employing cluster analysis. Findings The authors identified three significantly different clusters of travel consumers: “Risk Ignorers,” “Cautious Users” and “Conservatives.” Risk perceptions appeared to be the main discriminating variable, followed by perceptions that smartphone apps are useful and free of effort. Research limitations/implications The non-probabilistic snowball sampling technique of Brazilian travelers may limit the generalization of the findings. Also, the use of intentions as one of our clustering variables instead of actual purchase behavior might bring limitations. Practical implications Segmentation enables the development of specific marketing strategies for each group, encompassing different risk profiles. Cautious travelers demand the development of safe and trustworthy m-commerce environments, as well as reassuring communication approach to reduce their perceptions of risk in performing mobile-mediated transactions. Conservatives demand marketers to build simpler and more straightforward apps to entice them. Originality/value The study reveals more fine-grained nuances to the role of mobile technology and its impact on travelers, unveiling important differences across travelers’ predispositions toward smartphone adoption that is distinctively associated with usage patterns regarding their risk profiles.

Influence of failure factors on entrepreneurial resilience in Angolan micro, small and medium-sized enterprises

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mário Franco ◽  
Heiko Haase ◽  
Dalne António
Keyword(s):  
Developing Economies ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Business Failure ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
National Market ◽  
Practical Level ◽  
Failure Factors

Purpose The purpose of this study is to analyse the influence of failure factors on entrepreneurial resilience in micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Design/methodology/approach To achieve this goal, a quantitative and cross-sectional study was carried out. Using a snowball sampling technique, 133 Angolan MSMEs founders responded to a questionnaire. Findings The results indicate that entrepreneurs attribute the failure of their activities to financial and external environmental factors such as the economic crisis and changes in the country’s laws. However, these entrepreneurs are considered resilient, as they have enough capacity to resist the national market and have a strong sense of optimism. Practical implications Based on the empirical evidence, this study shows that the failure factors of the MSMEs studied have a significant influence on some of the dimensions of entrepreneurial resilience. At the practical level, the study can be also seen as a tool to support decision making in allocating resources to improve entrepreneurial resilience in developing economies. Originality/value This study contributes to the field of research on MSMEs in an innovative way, through triangulation of the factors of business failure and entrepreneurial resilience. Furthermore, it makes some contributions to developing the theory in entrepreneurship, which has been associated with various studies about business failure.

Educational perspective on interreligious relations among Muslims, Christians and Kaharingan adherents in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdul Qodir
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Religious Communities ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Central Kalimantan ◽  
Lay Members ◽  
Third Spaces ◽  
Interreligious Relations ◽  
Research Assistants

Purpose This paper aims to investigate how do Muslims, Christians and Kaharingan adherents conduct interreligious relations among them in their everyday lives in Central Kalimantan; why do these religious communities observe interreligious relations as such; and what makes this model of interreligious relations. Design/methodology/approach The corpus for analysis comes from in-depth interviews with 20 persons, which took place between August and October in 2016 in Palangka Raya city and Kotawaringin Timur Regency in Central Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. The informants were selected from groups believed to be lay members and elites of Muslim, Christian and Kaharingan communities using snowball sampling technique facilitated by local research assistants. These informants are mainly mainstream Muslims, Christians and Kaharingan adherents. Findings The way to peaceful and co-existence life lived by religious communities in Indonesia is closely related to its rich treasures and precious tradition of cultural heritage: Indonesian communalism, Indonesian community spirit as seen in terms such as “tradisi hidup bersama,” “semangat kebersamaan” and “satu keluarga.” Instead of emphasizing the divisive differences among communities with various religious backgrounds, Muslims, Christians and Kaharingan adherents in Central Kalimantan create “third spaces,” common grounds shared by these religious communities at individual, institutional and societal levels. Originality/value Based on empirical findings, this research argues that the practices of peaceful and co-existence life lived by diverse religious communities in Indonesia relate to their particular social-cultural contexts of rich treasures and precious tradition of cultural heritage in the forms of Indonesian communalism and community spirit. Instead of emphasizing the divisive differences among themselves, various religious communities in Central Kalimantan create third spaces, common grounds between them and are shared by them at individual, institutional and societal levels.

Understand attitude-behavior gaps and benefit-behavior connections in Eco-Apparel

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Perry ◽  
Telin Chung
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Purchasing Behavior ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Environmental Attitude ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Personal Cost ◽  
Attitude Behavior ◽  
Snowball Sampling Technique

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand Eco-Apparel consumption behavior in consumers who care about the environment. Design/methodology/approach – A snowball sampling technique was used to recruit 16 participants for in-depth interviews. Findings – Two attitude-behavior gaps existed: the gap between environmental attitude and Eco-Apparel purchasing behavior; and the gap between Eco-Apparel attitude and Eco-Apparel purchasing behavior. There were two connections: product and emotional benefits leaded to Eco-Apparel purchasing behavior; and personal cost benefits, emotional benefits, and economic considerations leaded to Eco-Apparel using and disposing behavior. These gaps and connections suggested participants have certain standards regarding Eco-Apparel consumption. First, the standard of purchasing Eco-Apparel was the same as regular apparel. Second, participants did not want to expend much effort. Third, for some participants, emotional benefits (e.g. fun, good feeling, satisfaction) were important. Research limitations/implications – The small sample size and the snowball sampling technique limit generalization of the study’s findings. Practical implications – These findings might be of interest to apparel manufacturers and retailers who want to re-enforce consumers’ positive attitudes leading to actual purchase and consumption behaviors. Originality/value – The current study for the first time examines the attitude-behavior gaps, proposes reasons behind these gaps, as well as connections between benefits and Eco-Apparel usage and disposal behaviors. In addition, the proposed framework is the first attempt to illustrate the relationships among gaps, connections, and consumption standards.

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