Revamping the academic library use data capabilities: the Greek library science postgraduates’ perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 5-9
Author(s):  
Stavroula Sant-Geronikolou ◽  
Dimitris Kouis
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Library Science ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Student Progress ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Library Use ◽  
Collection Practices

Purpose As universities advance towards a new data-informed, intra-institutional collaboration paradigm, new roles and services are continuously added to academic library routines. This changing context that exerts considerable stress upon library organizations to prove their value and contributions to student progress is leading the community to start questioning the utility, scope and prospects of patron data collection practices. The study sought library science postgraduate students’ viewpoints about the adequacy and utility of current library use data collection practices in Greek academic libraries. It also aimed to investigate the value, relevance and priority of the integration of library usage data with the rest of university information systems (e.g. learning analytics) along with associated practical and ethical considerations, and advocacy aspects. Design/methodology/approach Mixed-methods, Web-based survey distributed to postgraduate students during a seminar designed to familiarize them with trends in academic library use data capabilities. Findings Participants acknowledged that neither policies nor procedures are currently adequate to expand and interconnect their data pools to campus information systems. They were opposed to disclosing personally identifiable patron activity data to faculty, while their opinions were divided as to the use of student activity monitoring technology. Nevertheless, they made several comments on how to mitigate the community's considerations around the implementation of this new data management philosophy in the library and were optimistic about the benefits this development could entail for library visibility and student progress. Originality/value Results of this first-time research in the Greek higher education context, revelatory of potential road blockers to upgrading the library use data collection practices, can be of significant value to both curricula developers and university decision-makers who seek ways to prepare the ground for the successful implementation of new operations.

scholarly journals User agreements and makerspaces: a content analysis

2015 ◽  
Vol 116 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 358-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather Michele Moorefield-Lang
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
The Body ◽  
Library Science ◽  
Learning Space ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Qualitative Data Analysis Software

Abstract – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the user agreements of makerspaces in public and academic libraries. User agreements, also known as maker agreements, user forms and liability forms, can be very important documents between library patrons, staff and faculty. User agreements are similar to the earlier creation of acceptable use policies for technology use in libraries. The author of this study will delve into the user agreements created for public and academic libraries across the USA. Design/methodology/approach – The researcher used content analysis to investigate 24 different user agreements written for public and academic library makerspaces. NVivo qualitative data analysis software was integrated into this research to aid in the breakdown of commonalities across terms, themes and purpose within the user agreements. Findings – Although makerspaces are a very exciting topic in the field of library science at this time, the implementation of a maker learning space is still new to many libraries. Creating a user agreement for a makerspace is newer still. Most user agreements in this study were six months to a year old. Some consistencies found across makerspace user agreements include liability waivers, permissions for minors, safety, copyright and technology replacement costs. Originality/value – At this time, most publications on makerspaces are held in the realm of popular publications (blogs, magazines, zines, etc.). The body of peer-reviewed and scholarly research on makerspaces is growing. Makerspace user agreements are new to this growing field of interest, and a content analysis of these documents will pave the way for the writing of future forms.

Understanding cloud computing success and its impact on firm performance: an integrated approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 120 (5) ◽  
pp. 963-985 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abul Khayer ◽  
Yukun Bao ◽  
Bang Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Cloud Computing ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Firm Performance ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Information Quality ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
System Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
It Capability

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the determinants of successful implementation of cloud computing and, further, examines how cloud computing success influences firm performance.Design/methodology/approachThe authors developed a conceptual framework based on the integration of several strands of literature in business studies and information systems. To test the proposed model, data were collected from 300 Chinese firms which have adopted cloud computing. To analyze the data, partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used. An importance-performance map analysis (IPMA) was also conducted to identify the critical factors that exhibit high importance but low performance.FindingsThe results of the study revealed that end-user satisfaction, information quality, system quality, managerial information technology (IT) capability and technical IT capability significantly affect cloud computing success. Additionally, cloud computing success has a strong and positive impact on firm performance. IPMA further confirms that managers need to concentrate more on system quality, information quality, user satisfaction and technical IT capability.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the few attempts to integrate several theoretical frameworks (i.e. IT capabilities and resource-based view, expectation-confirmation theory, and information system success theory) to develop a comprehensive model for understanding the key determinants of cloud computing success and its impact on firm performance. This study makes a useful contribution to the conventional information systems (IS) literature and IT management practice.

Incoming and outgoing academic mobility in Russia and abroad: main trends, administrative challenges

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamara K. Rostovskaya ◽  
Vera I. Skorobogatova ◽  
Elena E. Pismennaya ◽  
Vadim A. Bezverbny
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Human Resource Development ◽  
Asia Pacific ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Systematic Observation ◽  
Academic Mobility ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
The Status ◽  
Young Researchers

PurposeThe goal of research consists in identifying trends in academic mobility in Russia and abroad, primarily that of academic staff; contributing suggestions on improving the management of academic mobility processes.Design/methodology/approachThe research uses methods of observation, comparative analysis, as well as statistical method and generalization method supported by the facts. A comparative analysis of statistical data is made; these data were taken from the publicly available reliable sources of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Human Resource Development Department of the Asia–Pacific and others.FindingsIt was found that the level of academic mobility rises with the rising level of education. The overall mobility of tertiary students – in particular, students and postgraduate students, is growing throughout the world. Mobile postgraduate students demonstrate better research results during training. Even short-term academic internships for postgraduate students contribute to the successful implementation of research projects at their host university and the spread of new knowledge in general. In general, academic mobility contributes to the accumulation of human and cultural scientific capital that makes a connection between research communities in different countries. Based on the research findings, it was found that no statistics are collected on the foreign academic mobility of postgraduate students and young researchers in Russia. Based on the analysis, it may be deduced that the scope of academic mobility is extremely small. European countries are the main countries of prevailing academic mobility.Originality/valueGiven the importance of participation in foreign academic mobility for the development of the competitiveness of national science in Russia, it appears that there is a need to monitor the foreign academic mobility of Russian postgraduate students and young researchers. The monitoring of foreign academic mobility of Russian postgraduate students and young researchers is a systematic observation of the status and conditions of training highly qualified personnel in Russian educational establishments and scientific organizations, providing educational authorities of Russia with up-to-date information on the status of outgoing academic mobility necessary for analyzing and forecasting the development of the national education system and national labor market.

A Case for Applying Activity Theory in IS Research

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Tiko Iyamu
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Activity Theory ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Significant Issue ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Know How ◽  
Is Research ◽  
Qualitative Data Collection

The use of Activity Theory (AT) to underpin Information Systems (IS) research continues to increase. However, many challenges are implicitly associated with the theory. Access to the qualitative data needed is a significant issue. Other challenges emanate from the lack of examples or know-how, which discourages postgraduate students from selecting the theory, even though AT would have been the most appropriate approach for their research. This study was carried out from two perspectives: (i) qualitative data collection; and (ii) the use of AT as lens in qualitative IS research. The interpretivist approach was employed. The semi-structured technique was used to collect the data. The analysis of the data was conducted by following the hermeneutics technique from the interpretivist approach perspective. Based on the analysis of the data, two models were developed. The first model is intended to guide data collection, while the latter focuses on the use of AT to guide the analysis and interpretation of data in IS research.

Overcoming imposter syndrome: the adventures of two new instruction librarians

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 331-342
Author(s):  
Jessica Martinez ◽  
Meredith Forrey
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Library Science ◽  
Work Environments ◽  
First Year ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Library Instruction ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Imposter Phenomenon

Purpose New librarians rarely feel fully prepared for academic library instruction. This could be attributed to many factors in both Master of Library and Information Science programs and work environments. Imposter syndrome or imposter phenomenon is a common way this insecurity manifests. Imposter phenomenon, first defined in 1978, is an individual’s feeling that they will be exposed as a fraud, regardless of how qualified or knowledgeable they actually are. Throughout the first year as new instruction librarians, the authors tracked their experiences with instruction and the imposter phenomenon. This paper aims to illuminate how imposter phenomenon impacts library instruction, provide suggestions for individual librarians and identify what academic libraries can do institutionally to mitigate feelings of fraudulence among their employees. Design/methodology/approach This paper outlines the history and symptoms of imposter phenomenon, focusing on its presence in libraries. The authors draw on existing literature in psychology and library science, their own experience and a survey of 172 librarians. Suggestions for best practices for easing imposter phenomenon are then discussed based on the experiences of the authors and survey respondents. Findings This paper suggests several ways to ease the feelings of imposter phenomenon among those employed in academic libraries. Research limitations/implications This paper is based on the authors’ experiences, as well as a survey of 172 librarians. The survey was self-selecting, so the results may be skewed, but the themes apparent throughout the responses indicate that imposter phenomenon in libraries is pervasive and warrants further research. Practical implications The recommendations presented in this paper will provide new librarians and library administrators with concrete ways to identify and ameliorate imposter phenomenon among new instruction librarians. Originality/value Though imposter phenomenon has gained popular attention in wider society, extant research has not sufficiently addressed its role in the realm of academic library instruction. Given that most MLIS programs focus on theory rather than practice, finding ways to give new instruction librarians confidence in their positions is an area of research that warrants more exploration.

Challenges in Collecting Qualitative Data for Information Systems Studies

2019 ◽  
pp. 237-248
Author(s):  
Tiko Iyamu ◽  
Irja Naambo Shaanika
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Qualitative Methods ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Rich Data ◽  
Natural Settings ◽  
Systems Studies

In recent years, there has been a shift towards understanding why things happen in the way that they do from the qualitative perspectives. However, the qualitative methods are sometimes considered either too trivial or difficult by many postgraduate students. This is attributed to the fact that there is a lack of formula or specific procedure in the application of the methods, which manifest from its subjective nature. The subjectivism makes it even more difficult during data collection and analysis, mainly because it requires special skills and knowledge to interrogate the subject within context. Many postgraduate students fall short in their attempts to exhume quality and rich data from the participants in their natural settings as they develop, implement, use, and interact with systems. This is the main reason why two empirical studies of the same objectives could possibly produce different results.

scholarly journals Implementing a resource list management system in an academic library

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 210-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Cross
Keyword(s):  
Management System ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Implementation Process ◽  
Resource Discovery ◽  
Virtual Learning Environment ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Dynamic Relationship ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the key components of the introduction of a new resource list management system (RLMS) at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) using the Aspire application from Talis Education. It explains the key service goals; the implementation milestones; the main technical challenges which needed to be addressed; and the dynamic relationship between the rollout of the RLMS and existing selection, acquisition and resource delivery processes. Design/methodology/approach – This evidence in this paper is drawn from the experiences of the NTU RLMS project group, which involved colleagues from Libraries and Learning Resources, Information Systems and the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) teams at the university. It draws on both qualitative evaluations and quantitative assessments of adoption and use by academics, students and library staff; and the internal mechanisms of project review. Findings – This paper concludes that the successful technical implementation of a cloud-based mission-critical service for academics and students depends on a successful collaboration between library, VLE and technical teams; and reaffirms that a hosted RLMS service still requires the deployment of local technical expertise. It is essential (although not always straightforward) to try to anticipate the impact that the introduction of a new RLMS will have on existing processes (inside the library and without). Ultimately, however, the successful implementation of an RLMS is dependent on securing its adoption by both academics and students; not least by ensuring that the application meets their needs. Although it is not a technical prerequisite, the prospect of a successful implementation of an RLMS is greatly improved when working with the grain of a supportive institutional policy environment. Originality/value – Interest in “next-generation” resource list systems which can address the needs of students, academics and library services is likely to increase sharply in the next few years, as library services seek to align both resource spend and resource discovery more closely than ever with the student experience around “directed reading”. The experiences of an “early adopter” implementer of an RLMS highlight some of the key prerequisites and significant operational decisions, and provide a number of insights for those about to embark on a similar implementation process.

Twenty years of readership of library and information science literature under Mendeley’s microscope

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aida Pooladian ◽  
Ángel Borrego
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
Research Evaluation ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Library Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Science Literature ◽  
Management Software ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Citation Counts

Purpose Altmetric indicators have been proposed as a complement to citation counts in research evaluation. Conceivably, they might also be used to supplement other methods for estimating journal readership. The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of Mendeley reference management software to characterize the features of the readership of library and information science (LIS) literature. Design/methodology/approach The authors used the Social Sciences Citation Index to retrieve 54,655 articles and reviews published between 1995 and 2014 and indexed in the category “Information Science & Library Science”. Each record was then searched in Mendeley to obtain the number of bookmarks of the paper and the academic status of the users. Findings Mendeley covers 61 per cent of the LIS literature published in the last 20 years. In all, 75 per cent of the papers published in the last five years had been bookmarked at least once in Mendeley whereas just 55 per cent had been cited in Web of Science. Reviews are bookmarked more frequently than articles, and papers in English have more bookmarks than papers in any other language. Most users of LIS literature are PhD and postgraduate students. Originality/value The study shows that altmetrics can be used as a source of data in information behaviour studies. Reference management software provides an unobtrusive means of capturing reading habits in the scholarly literature. Compared to citation counts, bookmarks are rapidly available and also reflect usage outside the academic community.

Financial Management Information Systems and accounting policies retention in Brazil

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (2/3) ◽  
pp. 207-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ricardo Rocha de Azevedo ◽  
André Feliciano Lino ◽  
André Carlos Busanelli de Aquino ◽  
Túlio César Pereira Machado-Martins
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Financial Management ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Public Procurement ◽  
Management Information Systems ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Management Information ◽  
Accrual Accounting ◽  
Contracting Out ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThe successful implementation of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) depends on the adoption and subsequent maintenance of accrual accounting policies. Moreover, Financial Management Information Systems (FMIS) are important drivers of reforms, and their replacement might disrupt the execution of accrual accounting policies. This paper aims to analyze the effects of FMIS replacement (or maintenance) on the retention of accrual accounting policies in Brazilian local governments.Design/methodology/approachThe research adopts a sequential mixed-methods approach, starting with a quantitative analysis of the presence of accrual accounting policies in local governments and the effects of FMIS replacement. Next, a qualitative analysis is conducted with a survey, documents and interviews to observe the FMIS replacement process. Our analysis focuses on local governments from one state in Brazil, but the context is highly transferable to other states, as the same procurement law and accounting regulations apply.FindingsFMIS replacement may reduce accounting policies retention; consequently, public procurement regulation may induce a public procurement context in which the IPSAS project would find more difficulties to prosper.Research limitations/implicationsThis research contributes to the IPSAS literature by examining the phenomenon of accounting policies retention or persistence, as one should not take it for granted that an adopted accounting procedure will be sustained over time. The analysis argues that FMIS replacement due to compulsory rebidding should be carefully considered.Practical implicationsPromoters of accounting reforms may consider the regulation of contracting out for FMIS a relevant issue to the institutionalization of accounting policies.Originality/valueThe analysis innovates by linking IPSAS accounting reform to the contracting out of FMIS.

Bringing the digital library success factors into the realm of the technology-organization-environment framework

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 659-675 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feria Wirba Singeh ◽  
A. Abrizah ◽  
K. Kiran
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Digital Library ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Enterprise Architecture ◽  
Reference Model ◽  
Library Science ◽  
Information Systems Success ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
To Come

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe a new benchmarking framework on the factors that influence digital library (DL) adoption by aligning them with the constructs of DL models to establish the likely critical success factors (CSFs) for DL implementation. Design/methodology/approach Concept mapping is used to illustrate the relationship between the information systems success model and DL frameworks. Technology organisation and environment (TOE) framework was chosen as the central theme and was mapped with the three DL frameworks reviewed (5S framework; the Zachman Framework for Enterprise Architecture and the DELOS DL reference model) to come up with the likely success dimensions for DLs. A set of possible success factors was assembled from the literature on previous studies relating to factors that are critical to the success of information systems and DLs. The description of each DL potential success factors was finally developed as an item statement with verification from the literature review. Findings A total of 53 success factors items were assembled from literature represented by the final ten constructs of the CSFs; 16 items characterise DL technology, 13 items denote DL organisation and 24 items symbolise DL environment. Findings show that these factors may be good determinants for an effective implementation of DLs. Research limitations/implications The outcome can positively influence the implementation of DLs worldwide. Originality/value This is the first study in library science that incorporates TOE with DL frameworks to come up with the success factors of DL implementation.

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