Exploring the effect of individual differences on user perceptions of print and electronic resources

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 346-367 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xianjin Zha ◽  
Jinchao Zhang ◽  
Yalan Yan
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Information Resources ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Electronic Resources ◽  
Content Type ◽  
User Perceptions ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
Basic Characteristics

Purpose – Individual differences are critical in determining how individuals think and behave in different ways. The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of individual differences on users’ perceptions of print and electronic resources in terms of ease of use, usefulness and usage in the hopes that a better understanding of these effects can help Chinese university libraries to meet the diversified information needs of their users more specifically and appropriately so that the second-level capability divide and third-level outcome divide of library information resources can be much reduced. Design/methodology/approach – Data collected from 273 library users were used for data analysis. The independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and two-way ANOVA were employed. Meanwhile, the quantitative analysis is supplemented by the qualitative interviews which present richer data about the use of specific types of print and electronic resources. Findings – The effect of basic characteristics (gender, age, field) and experience (experience with library print resources, experience with library electronic resources, which library resources were used first) on users’ perceptions of print and electronic resources in terms of ease of use, usefulness and usage was explored and discussed. Meanwhile, the two-way interaction effect was examined and 13 significant interaction effects were presented. Originality/value – Building on the digital divide, this study examines ease of use, usefulness and usage in terms of individual differences which cover not only basic characteristics but also experience and two-way interaction, which the authors think provides a new view for library information resources research and practice alike in China.

Examining the intentions of a Ghanaian technical university students to use e-library

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eugene Okyere-Kwakye ◽  
Khalil Md Nor
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Intention To Use ◽  
Perceived Ease Of Use ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
Technical University

Purpose Electronic library (E-library) is a form of computer mediated system that uses electronic media, such as Web/internet devices and distributes resources to improve on the quality of teaching and learning. Students’ use of e-library for learning is essential and as such the government has invested hugely into its subscription for several university libraries in Ghana. However, most university students feel reluctant to use the e-library resources for their studies. The purpose of this paper is therefore to examine the factors that influence students’ intention to use e-library resources for their studies. Design/methodology/approach Questionnaire was used to collect data from 200 students from one Technical University in Ghana. Structural equation modeling (SmartPLS) was used to analyze the data. Findings The study found that accessibility, attitude, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and relevance to studies have positive significant effect on students’ attitude to use e-library. In addition, self-efficacy, subjective norm and attitude have positive significant influence on students’ intention to use e-library. Research limitations/implications Although the sample frame used for this study may be unique, but the total amount of data collected was limited to providing the general representative of the Ghanaian students in one particular university. Other researchers may consider collecting data from other universities to extend the sample frame for a larger sample size of students. Practical implications Academic administrators need to organize training and workshops on how to use the e-library portal for their search and other didactic assignments. Most importantly, students should be given IT or internet tutorials as foundation for the use of the e-library portal. Social implications Universities have to provide internet access such as hotspot and network routers at the labs, classrooms and other vantage points. It is believed that with these in place, adequate access to the internet would promote students’ engagement on the e-library facility. Originality/value The study examines the factors that influence students’ intention to use e-library resources for their studies in Ghana.

Library Services to Patrons With Disabilities

2021 ◽  
pp. 141-158
Author(s):  
Abiola Bukola Elaturoti
Keyword(s):  
Information Needs ◽  
Information Resources ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Primary Role ◽  
Public Places ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
Specialized Services

Libraries are coming to terms with the fact that their primary role is to provide information resources and services to all equally without any category of users being neglected or feeling left out. Those with disabilities need specialized services and attention, which libraries as public places must be ready to offer. How should patrons with disabilities be treated when they visit the library or need the assistance of librarians? Do they have access to library resources in the format that suits their form of disability and enhances their getting their information needs met? This chapter sheds light on how patrons with disabilities can be served adequately by libraries and librarians.

Reading practices in scholarly work: from articles and books to blogs

2019 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 478-499 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elina Late ◽  
Carol Tenopir ◽  
Sanna Talja ◽  
Lisa Christian
Keyword(s):  
Information Needs ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Information Resources ◽  
Scholarly Work ◽  
Reading Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Non Fiction ◽  
Scholarly Publications ◽  
Information Products

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of reading in scholarly work among academics in Finland. This study analyzes readings from a variety of publication types including books, conference proceedings, research reports, magazines, newspapers, blogs, non-fiction and fiction. Design/methodology/approach An online survey was developed and distributed in Finland in 2016–2017 (n=528). Participants were asked their finding and use of scholarly information resources of all types. Findings Scholars read from a variety of publications. Different types of publications are read and used differently. Reading also varies between disciplines, ranks, work responsibilities and type of research performed. Research limitations/implications The study was a nationwide study of researchers in Finland; therefore, all findings are within the context of researchers in a single country. All results are self-reported; therefore, the authors assume but cannot be sure that respondents accurately recollect the specifics of their use of scholarly information. Practical implications The results of this study are relevant to publishers, research librarians, editors and others who serve consumers of scholarly information resources, design information products and services for those scholars, and seek to better understand the information needs and use of a variety of types of scholarly publications. Originality/value This study replicates previous studies in a variety of countries and provides a more up-to-date and single-country contextualized overview of how researchers find and use scholarly information in their work.

Marketing academic library information services using social media

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 228-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suha AlAwadhi ◽  
Sultan M. Al-Daihani
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Information Resources ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Use Of Social Media

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the use of social media in the marketing of academic library resources and services in Kuwait and identifies the factors related to the use of social media applications in marketing academic libraries.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative data-collection approach using a paper and online questionnaire has been employed to elicit the opinions of librarians working in academic libraries in Kuwait in both private and public institutions. In total, 89 valid questionnaires have been analyzed using descriptive (frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations) and inferential statistics (factor analysis, correlations, experimental analysis and regression).FindingsThe study shows that the academic librarians have a positive perception toward the use of social media. The identified factors relating to the use of social media for marketing library information resources and services are the usefulness of social media tools in raising awareness and in providing needs analysis and satisfaction assessments. However, management support for the use of social media for library marketing is poor.Practical implicationsThis study provides insights into the factors related to the use of modern social media platforms to promote information resources and services at academic libraries to provide outreach services to current and potential users.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the field of information studies as it highlights the importance of using social media platforms in marketing academic library information resources and services. Library administrators could use the results to develop social media marketing plans to effectively promote their library resources.

Factors affecting undergraduates’ selection of online library resources in academic tasks

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 272-291 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soohyung Joo ◽  
Namjoo Choi
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Resource Selection ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Resource Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Multiple Factors ◽  
Library Resource ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
Online Library

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore multiple factors affecting online library resource selection by undergraduate students. Three dimensions of factors are investigated including usefulness and ease-of-use, resource quality, and individual differences. Design/methodology/approach – An instrument was developed to measure various aspect factors and online library resource use intention. A survey was administered to 332 undergraduate students. Quantitative analysis, including structural equation modeling, ANOVA, and t-tests, was used to statistically examine the effects of the identified 11 factors on the use intention of online library resources. Findings – The findings indicated that both usefulness and ease-of-use positively influenced the undergraduates’ use intention of online library resources. Also, five resource quality constructs – accessibility, credibility, coverage, currency, and format – were the determinants of online library resources use intention. Interestingly, the effect of accessibility was the strongest, while that of credibility was the weakest. In addition, this study found that familiarity with sources and use of good search skills had a significant effect on users’ use intention at the individual user level. Originality/value – This study is one of the few studies investigating multiple factors comprehensively that influence online library resource selection.

scholarly journals Integration of EBSCO Discovery Service widget into the learning spaces of LMS

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bee Leng Chew ◽  
Marnisya Abdul Rahim ◽  
Vighnarajah Vighnarajah
Keyword(s):  
Search Engine ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Technological Development ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Learning Spaces ◽  
Layer System ◽  
Federated Search ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Discovery Service ◽  
Library Resources

Purpose Recent advancement in technological development has encouraged distance learning institutions to be more productive and creative in effectively utilizing the Learning Management System (LMS). Among the many measures employed is the integration of federated search engine into the LMS which allows for a more productive and wider scope of information retrieval through the provisions of library resources and services. The purpose of this paper is to report one such case study in Wawasan Open University exploring the integration of federated search engine (EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS) widget) into the learning spaces of LMS. Widgets resemble apps that enable the integration of EDS functionality in providing access for students to retrieve library learning resources from the convenience of the LMS, excluding the need to log onto the library. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents a discussion that highlights the development and conjectural implementation of a framework on the integration of the EDS widget into the University’s LMS. Data collection includes meta-analysis data from the micro- and macro-level infrastructure that make up the framework, namely, end-user layer, system layer and data management layer. Findings Findings from this study addressed significant importance to the library in promoting effective search and utilization of information needs. The findings will also make clear recommendations in developing effective collaborations between the library and faculties. Although the implementation of this framework is still in a developmental stage, this study still provides pertinent information in validating the integration of EDS into the University’s LMS. Research limitations/implications While serious limitations are not anticipated, possible concerns do exist with programming algorithms in the integration of EDS into the LMS. These challenges will be reported in the paper as reference for future replications of study Practical implications One key implication is the increase in the usage of the library resources and the potential to reach a larger audience of remote library users. Originality/value The primary advantage is to minimize the need for multiple gateway login while ensuring the library to monitor relevant library databases activities throughout the system check of the LMS.

scholarly journals Collection development profile of the research institute’s information and library resources (the case study of the Russian Academy of Sciences Institute of Solid State Physics)

2017 ◽  
pp. 22-31
Author(s):  
Olga Levchenko
Keyword(s):  
State Physics ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Information Resources ◽  
Information Environment ◽  
System Component ◽  
Collection Development ◽  
Solid State Physics ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
Academy Of Sciences

The system of the research institute’s library information resources is described. The electronic resources generated both by the institute itself and other producers are characterized as the most dynamic system component. Collection development profile relevant to researchers’ current information needs and designed to form uniform document and information environment of the Institute is suggested.

scholarly journals Inquiring Informationists: A Qualitative Exploration of Our Role

2009 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rex R. Robison ◽  
Mary E. Ryan ◽  
I. Diane Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Information Needs ◽  
Research Team ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
Information Finding ◽  
Participation Research ◽  
Qualitative Exploration ◽  
The Impact

Objective – The goal of this study is to explore the impact of an informationist program at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Library and to provide a basis for further program assessment. In 2001 the NIH Library began its informationist program, where librarians with training in both biomedicine and information science work alongside researchers. The goal of the program is to facilitate researchers’ access to and usage of information resources. Methods – The researchers used qualitative interviews with key informants to characterize the current informationist services of user groups. Subjects were selected to capture a variety of activities that would show patterns of how the program assists the researchers of various NIH groups. Following the interviews, the authors extracted recurring and significant themes from the subjects’ comments. Results – Interview subjects provided their views on the informationists’ skills, impact, and team participation. Research results documented that informationists helped find resources, provided instruction, and worked as part of the research team. The NIH groups currently using this service value their informationists’ knowledge of library resources and their ability to access information needs quickly. The informationists’ skills in finding information save the researchers time, increase the efficiency of the research team, and complement the contributions of other team members. Training by informationists was found useful. Informationist services led to increased self-reported library use, albeit in some cases this use was entirely via the informationist. Conclusions – Informationists saved researchers time by obtaining requested information, finding esoteric or unfamiliar resources, and providing related training. These activities appeared to be facilitated by the acceptance of the informationist as part of the research team. This exploratory study provides background that should be useful in future, more extensive evaluations.

scholarly journals The information trust formation process for informal caregivers of people with dementia: a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Sbaffi ◽  
Sarah Hargreaves
Keyword(s):  
Information Seeking ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Informal Caregivers ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Trust Formation ◽  
Information Trust

PurposeThis paper provides new insights on trust formation during information-seeking processes of informal caregivers of people with dementia and identifies the sources of information deemed as trustworthy by caregivers.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts a phenomenological qualitative approach in the form of in-depth, semi-structured interviews with a sample of 20 informal caregivers.FindingsCaregivers trust sources that are perceived as authoritative and particularly value the information and advice provided by other caregivers. Trust in information can be divided into subjective and objective, but both are important precursors to the actual use of the information. The information available to caregivers is sufficient in quantity but inadequate in terms of ease of use, clarity and usefulness. Often, some key information needs remain unsatisfied due to the lack of timeliness, relevance and personalisation of the information.Practical implicationsThis paper provides recommendations for information and healthcare providers on how to improve communication and information relevance for informal caregivers of people with dementia.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to a more comprehensive perspective on caregivers’ information trust formation processes, which takes into account both the characteristics of the information and caregivers’ individual factors.

“So many things were new to us”: identifying the settlement information practices of newcomers to Canada across the settlement process

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle Allard
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Information Resources ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Practices ◽  
Migration Experiences ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Information Tables ◽  
Model Approach

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and map the shifting relationship between the settlement process and the information practices of newcomers from the Philippines as they migrate and settle in Canada.Design/methodology/approachThis research employs two semi-structured in-depth interviews, each with 14 newcomers from the Philippines to Canada. Participants were selected because they had migrated to Winnipeg through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program within 1–4 years of the date of interview.FindingsEight settlement information tables are identified that demonstrate participants' migration experiences, including participants' thoughts and feelings related to migration and settlement, their information questions and needs, the information resources they consult and the activities in which they engage.Originality/valueThis paper argues that this phased model approach documents the shifting relationship between settlement processes and migrants' information needs, activities, resources and practices. Articulating study findings using this phased model approach can support information institutions, such as the settlement sector and libraries, to provide support to newcomer groups in a timely and targeted manner.

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