The establishment of strategic international and local partnerships through a Masters’ level degree in information technology

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 558-572
Author(s):  
Marlene Amanda Holmner ◽  
Theo J.D. Bothma
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Information Technology ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Practical Experience ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The Department of Information Science at the University of Pretoria (UP), with funding from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, has, for the past six years, offered a fully funded specialized two-year coursework degree at Masters’ level in Information Technology (M.IT degree). The purpose of this paper is to discuss the technological and teaching methodologies as well as the unique advantages and challenges of collaboration between four partner institutions on two continents as well as local industry partners and local and international academic and public libraries, in offering a blended learning program to students from six different countries. Design/methodology/approach The contribution is based on a pragmatic and reflective analysis of the success of the strategic partnerships formed during the M.IT program. The data-gathering instrument used was a questionnaire containing open-ended questions. Findings Analysis of the comments shows that it is evident that faculty still prefer face-to-face classes. Furthermore, to experience an effective online blended learning, the technology would have to improve. The complicated levels of partnerships were important to provide the necessary expertise for this broad-based program. Lecturers from industries and libraries brought different perspectives based on their day-to-day work and practical experience and, through this, a level of reality as opposed to the theory that can be learnt from textbooks. Originality/value This is a descriptive analysis of the program and feedback of co-workers that has not been reported before.

Colleague curriculum wins bronze for Barclays

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 15-16
Keyword(s):  
Blended Learning ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – Describes a blended-learning program at Barclays bank that won bronze in the 2015 Learning Awards. Design/methodology/approach – Examines the reasons for the program, the form it takes and the results it is achieving. Findings – Explains that the program, named Colleague Curriculum, is designed to create a learner-led blend of learning for more than 135,000 Barclays employees. Practical implications – Highlights the program’s flexibility, which helps to ensure that it is suitable for a wide range of employee skills and cultures. Social implications – Sites the learning program in the context of Barclays’ Transform program, a long-term journey of change which aims to make the bank the partner of choice for all its stakeholders. Originality/value – Reveals how technology can help to transform an organization’s learning.

A scientometric analysis of DESIDOC Journal of Library & Information Technology (2010-2014)

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (7) ◽  
pp. 8-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Imran Khan
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Scientometric Analysis ◽  
Original Research ◽  
New Delhi ◽  
Research Papers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Important Quality ◽  
Number Of Citations

Purpose This paper aims to perform a scientometric analysis of DESIDOC Journal of Library and Information Technology (DJLIT) to find out the quality, popularity and impact of the international journal published by DESIDOC. Design/methodology/approach Scientometric analysis of five volumes (from Volume No. 30 to 34) from the year 2010 to 2014 of DJLIT covering 30 issues containing 307 contributions was performed. All the bibliographic details were noted and recorded in tabular form for the purpose of in-depth analysis. Based on the analysis of the recorded data, findings have been presented. Findings The study shows a trend of gradual growth in contributions published during the period of study, with an average number of 61 contributions per volume of the journal. Maximum number of contributions/research papers (70) were found to be published in the year 2012, whereas the minimum (50) in the year 2010. The study reveals that DJLIT gives maximum importance to the original research papers for the purpose of publishing, which attained top position of publications with a total of 277 (90.23 per cent). A maximum number of contributions during the period of study are from joint authors, with a total of 188 (61.24 per cent). Maximum number of contributions are from India, with a total of 273 (88.93 per cent). New Delhi, Maharashtra and Karnataka were found to be the biggest domestic contributors during the period of study, with 68 (24.91 per cent), 39 (14.29 per cent) and 30 (10.99 per cent) contributions, respectively. It appears that the coverage of DJLIT, even being an international journal in the field of library and information science (LIS), is not very broad and its scope is broadly confined to India only. Majority of the authors preferred journals as their major source of information, providing the highest number of citations totaling 2,447 (51.89 per cent), while websites attained the second position with 1,015 (21.52 per cent) citations, followed by books with 613 (13 per cent) citations. The study further reveals that maximum number of citations totaling 1,109 (23.52 per cent) out of 4,716 were received in the year 2013, while least citations totaling 700 (14.84 per cent) were recorded in the year 2010. One of the most important quality of DJLIT is that it has great concern for emerging and new tools, techniques and technologies in the LIS profession and their impact and application in the field. The journal regularly publishes special issues in every volume on such themes that have great impact on the LIS profession, and it has published 16 special issues on various important themes during the period of study. DJLIT, having free online access through the internet, is the highly preferred journal for communication, knowledge acquisition and reference by the LIS professionals. The journal has great potential of attaining new heights of popularity and impact all over the world in the LIS profession. It is suggested that the journal should try to get high-quality papers from foreign authors too, which may be useful in enhancing its global impact and reputation. Research limitations/implications The present study is confined to the data collected from 30 issues of the five volumes of the DJLIT from the year 2010 to 2014, while the journal is continuously being published since the year 1981. Hence, the results may vary if the studies of different blocks of the years of publication of the journal are performed. The present study may not be fully representative in all the results, but it gives a trend regarding publication of the DJLIT. Originality/value Scientometric analysis of journals has been attempted in very few numbers. Hence, the present study will be a source of idea to other researchers.

Exploring academic libraries’ use of Twitter: a content analysis

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 1002-1015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sultan M. Al-Daihani ◽  
Suha A. AlAwadhi
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Science Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Patterns Of Communication ◽  
Library Marketing

Purpose – This research aims to analyze academic libraries’ Twitter content and present a categorization framework for the study of their tweets. Design/methodology/approach – The research adopted a statistical descriptive analysis in addition to a content analysis of the tweets. Consequently, many categories and subcategories were created to classify the tweets according to different aspects. A total of 17 academic library accounts were examined. Findings – The findings show that academic libraries used Twitter as a multifaceted tool. “News and announcements” received the highest score as the type of information most often posted on Twitter by libraries, followed by “library collections” and “library services”. The subcategories that received the highest scores were “library marketing and news”, “answers and referrals” and “books”. Academic libraries showed a penchant for posting links more often than other content. Other results show different patterns of communication and interaction between libraries and their Twitter followers. Practical implications – The categorization of tweets provides a framework for understanding how academic libraries use Twitter. Originality/value – As little research can be found in the library and information science literature on Twitter content analysis, this research is expected to contribute significantly. It will also support academic libraries and librarians in using Twitter more efficiently and effectively.

scholarly journals Management of acceptable use of computing facilities in the public library: avoiding a panoptic gaze?

2015 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 572-590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Gallagher ◽  
David McMenemy ◽  
Alan Poulter
Keyword(s):  
Discourse Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Geographic Region ◽  
Power Relationships ◽  
Local Authorities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Key Features

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the language utilised in Acceptable Use Policies (AUP) in Scottish public libraries. Through this examination the paper aims to ascertain if power relationships between local authorities, public libraries and users are apparent. Finally, the paper aims to determine if Foucault’s theory of panopticism is relevant to public libraries in this context. Design/methodology/approach – The paper analyses all 32 of the AUPs used in Scottish public libraries, applying a Foucaldian discourse analysis to the content of the policies. Findings – By thorough examination of the literature the researchers were able to extract ten key features that ought to appear in an AUP. It was found that only one of 32 local authorities included information relating to all of these features. It was also found that one local authority contained as few as four of these key features. The median number of features included in the policies was seven. It was also found that power relationships are evident and can be perceived throughout the AUPs. By identifying the key Foucauldian themes of discipline, surveillance, knowledge, and power and resistance throughout the AUPs, the researchers were able to analyse and identify the existence of power relationships and consider the implications these could have on users and on the library services being provided. Research limitations/implications – The study examines one geographic region, and is only indicative of the region concerned. In addition the usage of the qualitative methodology utilised could be deemed to have elements of subjectivity. Practical implications – The study would be of benefit to researchers and professionals interested in issues around AUPs and surveillance of library users. Originality/value – The use of Foucaldian discourse analysis is limited in library and information science research, and this study helps fill this gap. It is the first study the researchers have found that critically examines a range of public library AUPs.

Practical approaches to compliance for entrepreneurial uses of licensed databases in libraries

2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 419-438 ◽  
Author(s):  
Posie Aagaard ◽  
Natasha Z Arguello
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Property ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Practical Experience ◽  
Content Type ◽  
For Profit ◽  
License Agreements ◽  
Practical Guidance ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide practical guidance to business librarians in academic and public libraries for applying essential concepts of licensing electronic resources in entrepreneurial contexts. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is an outcome of a preconference presentation on licensing business resources, based on the practical experience of the authors in licensing and vendor negotiations. It also presents results of the preconference presurvey, gauging awareness among business librarians about licensing concepts and concerns about the usage of licensed databases by entrepreneurs. Findings – For-profit goals of entrepreneurs using library e-resources lead to concerns among business librarians about compliance with non-commercial clauses of library license agreements and potentially to unnecessary restrictions on patrons’ database use. License agreements of business e-resources are likely to have more restrictive terms of use because of perceived value of their intellectual property by vendors, a wider range of content types and clauses carried over from commercial license agreements. Business librarians generally have only basic awareness of licensing concepts. Because of organizational silos, special terms of use sometimes are not clearly conveyed from the licensing staff to librarians who work directly with entrepreneurs. Practical implications – The paper proposes a definition of entrepreneurial uses of licensed e-resources and practical approaches to manage compliance risk. Originality/value – The paper provides a practical framework for business librarians to assess compliance with license agreements in the context of entrepreneurial uses.

Library advocacy starts at home

2005 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 110-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Borges
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
The State ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Web Resource ◽  
Library Users ◽  
The Usa

PurposeTo give a quick and easy approach to library advocacy, with regard to the ongoing needs of keeping in touch with stakeholders due to poor or reducing government funding for public libraries, librarians are in the situation of having to advocate in new and different ways.Design/methodology/approachGiven the state of New York and federal funding, this approach explores the best practices that anyone can apply to approach stakeholders and policy makers for more funding.FindingsFunding for libraries in the USA is often tied to “who” the library knows and this article gives a direct “how to” approach that can be used throughout the local, state or federal lobbying process. Especially in meeting the sophisticated demands of library users, this approach ties funding to patron activities, such as reading, electronic resources and programming.Originality/valueThis snapshot on advocacy can give those in the front lines or new to the advocacy process a way to start thinking in new ways to getting an advocacy action plan in place. A web resource of state activities in the State of New York offers resources on advocacy, specifically targeted to library advocates. Other benefits include developing messages and building coalitions.

scholarly journals Training Of Information Technology In West Java Sumedang-Regional Library As An Effort On Digital Literacy Education

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 129
Author(s):  
Neneng Komariah ◽  
Encang Saepudin
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Literacy Education ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Digital Information ◽  
West Java

Background of the study: The Internet has become part of society's daily life. But the phenomenon shows that not all people are Able to use information technology and the Internet efficiently, and the information disseminated through the internet is not entirely quality information. Therefore, Internet users need digital literacy skills, that is the ability to use information technology efficiently and the ability to find, Evaluate, use, make information, and use it wisely, and lawfully. The problem is who should be held responsible to digital literacy education for the community. Public libraries can play a role in the digital literacy education for the community.Purpose: This study aims to find out how the management of ICT education in the Regional Public Library (PUSDA) of Sumedang Regency, West Java, as an effort for digital literacy education community.Method: The research method used is a qualitative method with descriptive analysis, and the data collection techniques with observation, interviews, focus group discussions, and literature study.Findings: The result shows the subject taught in ICT with the relevant training on participants' needs. The participants are students and jobless. Most of of participants did not have Reviews their own computer, they were very happy to take part in the ICT training in the library because it was free. Teachers are library staff and outside personnel assistance. Computer used are owned by the library and donations from industry. The way of teaching was easy to understand and the participants could practice using computers and search the internet. The PUSDA staff organized the training with enthusiasm.Conclusion: There are some aspects that are already owned by the public library which will support the implementation of digital literacy education effectively and efficiently. Among them is the library already has computer facilities, has a staff of professionals, and already has access to sources of digital information online

Assessing the entrepreneurial orientation of the librarians

2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 253-268
Author(s):  
Abbas Doulani ◽  
Sepideh Sahebi ◽  
Mohammad Karim Saberi
Keyword(s):  
Entrepreneurial Orientation ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Average Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Status ◽  
Level 3

Purpose The purpose of this study is to carry out the demographic evaluation and analysis of the entrepreneurial orientation of librarians in Iranian public libraries using the Lumpkin and Dess model. Design/methodology/approach In this study, a structured questionnaire of entrepreneurial orientation was used. The research population consisted of 5,000 librarians of Iranian public libraries who were selected using Krejcie and Morgan table (95% confidence level and p-value of 5%) and stratified the random sampling method. A total of 365 individuals were selected as the study sample. Data were analyzed by SPSS software using descriptive statistics (frequency, percent, mean, standard deviation and standard error mean) as well as inferential statistics (Pearson correlation, one-sample t-test, independent samples t-test and ANOVA. Findings The results showed that the mean level of entrepreneurial orientation of librarians was 2.92 with an average level (µ = 3). Librarians were at an average level (µ = 3) in terms of components of innovativeness (2.98), risk-taking (2.93) and proactiveness (3.02). The status of the autonomy component (2.53) was at an undesirable level (3 < µ), and only the competitive aggressiveness status (3.12) was at the desirable level (3 < µ). The analysis of the librarian’s entrepreneurial orientation based on demographic characteristics indicated that the male librarian’s entrepreneurial orientation was higher than the female librarian’s (p-value = 0.039). Meantime, librarians with library and information science degrees have less entrepreneurial orientation than the librarians with other (non-librarian and information science) degrees (p-value = 0.01). Also, the higher the librarian’s degree, the lower their entrepreneurial orientation will be (p-value = 0.000). In addition, there was no significant relationship between librarians’ age (p-value = 0.14), marital status (p-value = 0.15) or work experience (p-value = 0.388) and their entrepreneurial orientation. Practical implications Entrepreneurial orientation is one of the significant concepts in entrepreneurship of organizations. Accordingly, studying the concept of entrepreneurial orientation and formulating an appropriate strategy is of great importance in improving the performance of libraries because libraries can be more useful and appealing to library members by enhancing the entrepreneurial orientation of librarians, delivering new, unique and tailor-made services to users’ needs. Originality/value Not much research has been carried out on entrepreneurship in library and information sciences. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine the entrepreneurial orientation of librarians based on their demographic characteristics.

scholarly journals Blended learning: how to flip the classroom at HEIs in Bangladesh?

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 228-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Faieza Chowdhury
Keyword(s):  
Blended Learning ◽  
Flipped Classroom ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Learning Programs

Purpose E-learning is a very popular concept in the education sector today, and one of the best ways to implement this is through blended learning. However, the implementation of blended learning program at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) is quite new in Bangladesh. The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of blended learning, how to construct a blended learning program, the benefits of blended learning and some prerequisites to implement blended learning program successfully at HEIs in Bangladesh. Design/methodology/approach Nature of the study is explanatory, descriptive as well as evaluative. Primary data were collected through face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaire having both open- and close-ended questions including personal observations. Secondary data comprise relevant documents available from government agencies, archives, and library and research organizations. Findings By utilizing the blended learning tools, HEIs in Bangladesh can achieve radical improvements in education quality as well as in the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of learning programs. Moreover, any innovative educational reform will be successful only when it is fully accepted and adopted by all the key stakeholders: students, parents, teachers, academic administrators, researchers and policy makers. Practical implications Several practical solutions have been presented in this paper: how to create a blended learning program, how to overcome the obstacles for successful implementation of blended learning and how to create a flipped classroom with the aid of technology. Social implications A country’s soul and economic well-being depends to a large extent on the quality of their citizen’s education. Implementing innovative teaching programs within the education system will enhance the quality of education at HEIs in Bangladesh, creating more efficient labor force hence benefiting the overall society. Originality/value Originality in terms of exposing the hurdles that needs to be addressed for successful implementation of blended learning programs at HEIs in Bangladesh and providing an easy guideline to educators on how to create flipped classrooms.

Realizable value of the MLIS: insights from a new professional

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 142-150
Author(s):  
Philip Bradley White
Keyword(s):  
Job Performance ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Practical Experience ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Science Degree ◽  
Academic Librarian ◽  
Points Of View ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to discuss the value of the Master of Library and Information Science degree from the perspective of a recent graduate and practicing academic librarian. Design/methodology/approach The paper is a viewpoint supported by current literature and practical experience. Findings The author presents ideas for integrating theory into skills-based education and advocates for greater emphasis on technical skill development in Library and Information Science (LIS) education. Practical implications LIS educators may benefit from a recent graduate’s evaluation of LIS education because it relates to hireability and job performance. Originality/value The paper represents the author’s points of view.

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