Overcoming disintermediation: a call for librarians to learn to use web service APIs

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 180-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Manly Adams Jr
Keyword(s):  
Web Service ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Sources ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Digital Content ◽  
Software Developers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Online Documentation ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to argue that academic librarians must learn to use web service APIs and to introduce APIs to a non-technical audience. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a viewpoint that argues for the importance of APIs by identifying the shifting paradigms of libraries in the digital age. Showing that the primary function of librarians will be to share and curate digital content, the paper shows that APIs empower a librarian to do that. Findings The implementation of web service APIs is within the reach of librarians who are not trained as software developers. Online documentation and free courses offer sufficient training for librarians to learn these new ways of sharing and curating digital content. Research limitations/implications The argument of this paper depends upon an assumption of a shift in the paradigm of libraries away from collections of materials to access points of information. The need for libraries to learn APIs depends upon a new role for librarians that anecdotal evidence supports is rising. Practical implications By learning a few technical skills, librarians can help patrons find relevant information within a world of proliferating information sources. Originality/value The literature on APIs is highly technical and overwhelming for those without training in software development. This paper translates technical language for those who have not programmed before.

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.

Instruction through virtual reference: mapping the ACRL framework

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 243-257
Author(s):  
Rebecca Hill Renirie
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Threshold Concepts ◽  
Virtual Reference ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Libraries ◽  
Instructional Content ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine teaching intent of information literacy threshold concepts via asynchronous reference transactions. Instructional content in academic librarians’ replies to research requests are analyzed for and mapped to threshold concepts contained in the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) framework. Design/methodology/approach The author mapped the instructional content of a research request reply template to the content of the ACRL framework, then took a random sample of research requests using the template during the calendar year 2016. Additional instructional content provided in the sample replies was also mapped to the framework. Findings In providing written instruction for students to create searches from keywords and search subject-specific databases, every frame is at least partially addressed in the template except Scholarship as Conversation. However, individual librarians adapt the template to teach as needed and there are examples in this case study of teaching aspects of all six frames asynchronously. Practical implications This study provides support for librarians to teach the threshold concepts of the ACRL framework asynchronously at the point of need during virtual reference, and the effective use of a research reply template to accomplish this instruction. Originality/value Few recent studies examine instructional intent in asynchronous/email reference. This study examines teaching the ACRL framework via reference rather than instructional sessions. A portion of this research was presented as a poster at the 2017 ACRL Conference in Baltimore, Maryland.

Transaction formalism protocol tool in infrastructure management

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 180-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jehan Zeb ◽  
Thomas Froese
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technology ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Infrastructure Management ◽  
Software Developers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Domain ◽  
Step Procedure ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop an eight-step procedure – transaction formalism protocol (TFP) – in the area of infrastructure management. The proposed TFP is developed from two perspectives: TFP Specification (conceptual) and TFP Tool (application). This paper introduces the TFP Specification and discusses the TFP Tool in detail. Design/methodology/approach To develop the proposed TFP Tool, a five-step methodology was used: identify and select existing standards, benchmark standards, link and build on these standards, develop the proposed TFP Tool and validate the protocol. Findings The TFP Specification defines each step as a function for which inputs, controls, mechanisms, tools/techniques and outputs are specified. The TFP Tool comprises a set of forms and guidance that the transaction development personnel, including transaction analysts, transaction designers, software developers, process modellers and industry experts, will use to define transactions in infrastructure management domain. Practical implications The proposed TFP Tool enables transaction development personnel to define transactions effectively and efficiently for information and communication technology (ICT)-based solutions through defining information in a structured, consistent and easy way. Originality/value The TFP Tool was built on existing standards incorporating their shortcomings, including lack of a step-by-step procedure to help guide the personnel what to do next, lack of transaction monitoring and improvement steps and lack of standardised forms to collect information in a prescribed format for implementation in ICT-based collaboration systems. The proposed Tool was evaluated and found to be feasible, usable and useful.

Is less really more when it comes to communication?

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 19-21
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Cutting Edge ◽  
Digital Design ◽  
Software Developers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agile Methodology ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose of this paper Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Most people are familiar with the story of the sticky note, where employees of 3M accidentally discovered a low tack adhesive and applied it to some scraps of paper to help keep reminders and other things on place. While originally ignoring the idea, it gained traction internally and in the late 1970s the Post-it™ became a runaway success. It is not without irony that software developers on the cutting edge of digital design use sticky notes as an essential part of their Agile methodology. While virtual sticky notes certainly exist, there seems to be no substitution for a hand-written note placed where everyone can see it. Practical implications Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. What is original/value of paper? The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Authorship trends and collaboration patterns in hospitality and tourism research

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio-Rafael Ramos-Rodriguez ◽  
María Paula Lechuga Sancho ◽  
Salustiano Martínez-Fierro
Keyword(s):  
Research Funding ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Collaborative Practices ◽  
The Past ◽  
Hospitality And Tourism ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Number Of Authors

Purpose Analyze patterns of co-authorship in hospitality and tourism (H&T) research using bibliometric methods. The purpose of this paper is to answer three questions related to collaborative practices, the number of authors, the order of signatures and the role of the corresponding author. Design/methodology/approach The methodology is based on the bibliometric techniques of authorship analyzes published in leading H&T journals. Evaluative techniques provide longitudinal evidence of the evolution of some indicators of authors’ collaboration: the percentage of alphabetized authorships; the percentage of articles were the most relevant author signs in the first, middle or last position; and the position of the corresponding author in the by-line. Findings First, the collaborative nature of H&T research is confirmed; almost 80% of articles in the sample are co-authored. Second, over the past 30 years, the alphabetized signature model has been in decline in this field. Today, about 20% of articles indexed in JCR journals are signed alphabetically. Third, the first author’s placement is less consistent than that of the corresponding author. Practical implications This work provides relevant information on researchers’ authorship habits that may help evaluators assign credit and accountability and avoid malpractice in the authorial assignment. Originality/value This study explores the habits of researchers who collaborate to improve their productivity, impact and reputation. This is often linked to facilitating access to research funding and obtaining recognition from incentive systems. Yet, no research specifically examines trends in signature order or the corresponding author’s role in the H&T field.

Awareness and use of self-archiving options among academic librarians in Nigerian universities

2019 ◽  
Vol 68 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 2-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clement Chukwuma Okeji ◽  
Monica Eberechukwu Eze ◽  
Nneka Maureen Chibueze
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Use Of Self ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Research Papers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Scholarly Output ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which academic librarians in Nigerian universities use self-archiving options to make their research papers visible globally. Design/methodology/approach An online survey was designed using SurveyMonkey software to collect data from 394 academic librarians in Nigerian Universities. Findings The study revealed that the academic librarians in Nigerian universities know and actually use self-archiving options such as ResearchGate, institutional repository and Academia.edu to self-archive their publications. While other promotional tools such as kudos, Mendeley.com and personal websites/servers are not popularly used by the academic librarians. Increased exposure of previously published work, broadens the dissemination of academic research generally, and increases institutions’ visibility were among the factors the academic librarians indicated as very important that motivate them to contribute their scholarly output to self-archiving options. Research limitations/implications One major challenge to the study is that many academic librarians in Nigeria do not check their e-mails regularly to enable them to respond to a request to participate in an online survey; some of them do not have stable internet facilities, whereas others are reluctant to respond to an online questionnaire. These reasons led to a low response rate which makes it difficult to generalize findings. Practical implications Findings from the study will create awareness for academic librarians in developing countries to see the need to self-archive their pre-print and accepted version of their papers in different self-archiving platforms. Originality/value Self-archiving of papers by authors will lead to an increased visibility of the author and possible citation of the work and chances of collaboration with international colleagues for research projects.

Artificial intelligence-based training learning from application

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 20-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashwani Kumar Upadhyay ◽  
Komal Khandelwal
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Theoretical Foundation ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Relevant Research ◽  
Research Papers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Training Systems ◽  
Effectiveness Of Training ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to discuss the rationale, theoretical foundation, application, and future of artificial intelligence (AI)-based training. Design/methodology/approach A review of relevant research papers, articles and case studies is done to highlight developments in research and practice. Findings AI-based training systems are smart, intelligent and expert in handling queries. These systems can curate content, grade, evaluate, and provide feedback to trainee, thus making learning adaptive and contextual. Practical implications Application of AI is vital in the field of training, as it helps personalization and customization of training programs to increase the effectiveness of training. Originality/value Executives and researchers can save time by reading relevant information on the linkage, and its contribution to AI is discussed and summarized in an easy to read format.

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.

A methodology for structured literature network meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pachayappan Murugaiyan ◽  
Venkatesakumar Ramakrishnan
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Research Problem ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Closeness Centrality ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Graph Visualization ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Complicated Process ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Little attention has been paid to restructuring existing massive amounts of literature data such that evidence-based meaningful inferences and networks be drawn therefrom. This paper aims to structure extant literature data into a network and demonstrate by graph visualization and manipulation tool “Gephi” how to obtain an evidence-based literature review. Design/methodology/approach The main objective of this paper is to propose a methodology to structure existing literature data into a network. This network is examined through certain graph theory metrics to uncover evidence-based research insights arising from existing huge amounts of literature data. From the list metrics, this study considers degree centrality, closeness centrality and betweenness centrality to comprehend the information available in the literature pool. Findings There is a significant amount of literature on any given research problem. Approaching this massive volume of literature data to find an appropriate research problem is a complicated process. The proposed methodology and metrics enable the extraction of appropriate and relevant information from huge quantities of literature data. The methodology is validated by three different scenarios of review questions, and results are reported. Research limitations/implications The proposed methodology comprises of more manual hours to structure literature data. Practical implications This paper enables researchers in any domain to systematically extract and visualize meaningful and evidence-based insights from existing literature. Originality/value The procedure for converting literature data into a network representation is not documented in the existing literature. The paper lays down the procedure to structure literature data into a network.

Addaction engages with effective e-learning

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 17-19
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Government Policies ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Learning Modules ◽  
Learning Module ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper describes how an organization that would have had to pay almost £60,000 – more than its entire annual training budget – for a licence for a standard e-learning module on infection-control decided to create a course for itself. Design/methodology/approach – This paper explains the reasons for Addaction’s bespoke infection-control e-learning module, the form it takes and the advantages it has brought. Findings – This paper details how the module summarizes and clarifies a range of different – and often confusing – organizational and government policies and provides learners with clinically accurate but clear, relevant information. Practical implications – It has been revealed that some 85 per cent of people who have completed the module feel more confident, willing and able to take action – or advise others – in the event of an infection control concern. Social implications – This paper shows how a go-it-alone approach to designing e-learning modules is feasible for organizations that lack the resources to buy in such expertise. Originality/value – Top tips on designing an in-house e-learning module from someone who has undergone the process has been presented.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document