Academic library for excellence today: a report from the panel discussion

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 19-19
Author(s):  
Dinesh K. Siddaiah
Keyword(s):  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Panel Discussion ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Research Support ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Sixth International

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present my panel discussion report on Academic Library for excellence today, a sub-theme of the Sixth International Library and Information Summit on Dynamics of Library for Excellence in Electronic Revolution (I-LIPS – 2017), IISER Mohali, India. In this report, two sets of academic and research support services have been highlighted, which can be developed more extensively and offer to academic library users. Design/methodology/approach Excerpts from the panel discussion on the academic library for excellence today. Findings Academic and research support can bring excellence in libraries today. Originality/value Today more and more focus is required on developing academic, research and digital literacy skills of our library users.

Beyond metrics

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 306-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amber N. Welch ◽  
Krystal Wyatt-Baxter
Keyword(s):  
Human Ecology ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Mission Statement ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Mission Statements ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Assessment Plans ◽  
History Of

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe an approach to developing a makerspace assessment plan. This approach focuses on connecting organizational and service point mission statements with outcome-based assessment plan goals, strategies, methods, and success measures. Design/methodology/approach This paper will outline the steps taken by an academic research library to design an outcomes-based assessment plan that monitors the human ecology of a makerspace. The paper includes a history of the space, the role of the library within the campus makerspace environment, the connection between mission statements and assessment plans, and how that connection can facilitate and drive space and service design. Findings Designing assessment plans that are centered on a makerspace mission statement can ensure that progress toward fulfilling the mission, values, and goals of the space is constantly monitored. Originality/value Academic library makerspace assessment literature is still in its infancy. This paper seeks to contribute to the literature on academic library makerspace management and stewardship.

The velocity of verbiage: speed as an element in serving academic library students

2015 ◽  
Vol 116 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 336-339
Author(s):  
Bruce Massis
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Successful Outcome ◽  
Limited Time ◽  
Research Support ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Librarian

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to comment on the enhanced expectation by academic library students who require increased speed of reference and research support, where limited time and increasing distractions are a constant concern. Design/methodology/approach – Literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners. Findings – The speed of access and delivery of information stand as dual support pillars in today’s academic on-ground and digitally driven library setting. The librarian must surely be cognizant of many a customer’s expectation that “instant gratification takes too long”. Originality/value – The value in addressing this issue is to suggest that, while there is an expectation that students will always receive a successful outcome in their reference or research interaction with an academic librarian, students must likewise recognize that quality must not be sacrificed in favor of speed.

Library computing services going back to the future: a thin client approach

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-47
Author(s):  
Anthony McMullen
Keyword(s):  
Real World ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Staff Time ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Thin Client ◽  
Computing Model ◽  
Computing Services ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Desktop Computing

Purpose This study aims to provide insights and commentary into issues encountered in providing computing services to library users in an era of shrinking budgets, reductions in staffing and increased utility costs. Design/methodology/approach The study uses examples and illustrations from a real-world deployment of thin client technologies to illustrate efficiencies achieved in not only maintenance and continued upkeep but also consumption of power. Findings Although thin client technologies were largely displaced with the proliferation of inexpensive and powerful desktop computing, great savings in both staff time and electricity can be achieved with a phasing out of desktop computing in favor of a thin client model. Originality/value This paper describes the benefits of a test of the viability of a thin client computing model in a highly utilized academic library computing facility. The consumption of power of the thin client model is compared and contrasted with the desktop systems that were displaced.

Use of QR code and Layar app for academic library services

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 21-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Santosh Abaji Kharat ◽  
Bhausaheb M. Panage ◽  
Shubhada Nagarkar
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Real Data ◽  
Support Staff ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Qr Code ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Augmented Reality Application ◽  
It Support

Purpose This study completed action research in the library. The purpose of this study is to increase awareness of the QR code and the Augmented Reality Application (ARA) among library users. Design/methodology/approach This is a technical review. Findings The researchers arranged tables in the library called “Scan Me” tables, and arranged academic books, journals and magazines with the QR code and the Layar material on a “scan me table”. The researchers designed one video using movie maker and other supporting software to provide guidelines on how to use the scan me table in the library. The researchers have shared this video among selected MBA libraries that have Wi-Fi and library software members. Originality/value This research also incorporates how to prepare virtual data and how they are linked with real data, how to give training to library staff to solve users’ queries and how to help them at the time of downloading the application or scanning material. Creating a better platform for this research required support from a library software design team as well as in-house technical or IT support staff for good maintenance of the library server, Wi-Fi equipment and so forth.

Unveiling the veiled: Wikipedia collaborating with academic libraries in Africa in creating visibility for African women through Art+Feminism Wikipedia edit-a-thon

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Scholastica Chizoma Ukwoma ◽  
Ngozi Eunice Osadebe ◽  
Victoria Nwamaka Okafor ◽  
Chinwe Nwogo Ezeani
Keyword(s):  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
African Women ◽  
Digital Content ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The People ◽  
Library Resources

Purpose This study aims to show that digital literacy can serve as a tool for effecting social change and highlights the achievements of an academic library in digital content creation using the Wikipedia platform. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted qualitative research method, Interview and document analysis were used for data gathering. Data gathered were analysed using content (conceptual) analysis. Findings Findings showed that the library has created or edited digital content for various categories of women, such as women in academia, industry and politics. These entries have received more than eight million views over a period of two years, which shows that the entries are being utilised. However, the editing exercise had been confronted with challenges such as accessing reliable citations in terms of the notability and verifiability policy of Wikipedia amongst others. Practical implications Currently, people rely more on online resources for their research, leaving physical library resources unused. Even, more students start their research online using Wikipedia. Thus, libraries could create visibility for their physical material using regularly visited sites like Wikipedia and its sister projects such as Wikidata; otherwise, these physical materials will remain invisible to the people that needed them. Originality/value Contributing to Wikipedia by creating a new entry or editing an existing one can help students to deepen their knowledge about a subject; Wikipedia editing may serve as an avenue for improving information literacy skills. Drawing from the theory of cyberfeminism as used in the study, information and communications technology has the potential to empower women and transform gender relations.

scholarly journals Information literacy and open access in Croatian academic libraries

2016 ◽  
Vol 65 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 255-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivana Hebrang Grgic
Keyword(s):  
Open Access ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Almost All ◽  
User Education

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present results of a survey of Croatian academic libraries’ user education about open access (OA)-related issues. The concept of OA literacy will be explained, and the term will be put in the context of information literacy (IL) and scholarly communication. Design/methodology/approach An anonymous online questionnaire was sent to all the Croatian academic libraries with the aim to find out if libraries are involved in OA and to learn about plans for user education about the aspect of IL that is important for using OA information. Findings Almost all the libraries are involved in OA publishing, either through OA repositories or through OA journals. However, 22 per cent of the libraries do not educate their users about OA. Two most important IL skills in the context of OA are finding OA information and understanding OA citation advantage. Academic libraries in Croatia mostly recognize the questionable publishers as a threat for OA. However, 40 per cent of libraries do not plan any form of education about OA literacy. Practical implications The results of this research can be a basis for creating programmes of user education in academic libraries. Some problems are recognized, some skills are identified and further steps could be undertaken to improve academic library users’ OA literacy skills. Originality/value The research results contribute to understanding the importance of academic libraries in developing OA literacy of their users. The paper gives results of a survey of Croatian academic libraries and some new perspectives for authors, readers and libraries on how to evaluate OA sources using OA literacy skills.

On eBooks in academic libraries: an article based on a presentation at the Library 2.014 Conference

2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 12-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna Ellen Frederick
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Electronic Format ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Research Libraries ◽  
New Learning ◽  
To Come

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate and discuss some of the commonly held misconceptions about using and managing eBooks in academic research libraries and to outline what skills, abilities and knowledge are required of librarians and other library staff who work with eBooks. eBooks are an important presence in the vast majority of academic libraries. It is reasonable to expect that this presence will increase in the years to come. The value of eBooks to many students, faculty and researchers is undeniable and their availability has created new learning and teaching opportunities which were not possible with print-only library collection. Design/methodology/approach – eBooks bring multiple benefits to the academic environment. Findings – eBooks provide portable information resources for students and researchers doing fieldwork. eBooks have the potential for relieving pressure on space in some libraries. Some eBook platforms offer students new and enhanced ways for interacting with library materials, including accessibility features. Originality/value – The addition of eBooks to academic library collections addresses a growing preference among some patrons for information in electronic format.

Information processing by elderly consumers: a five-decade review

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gianluigi Guido ◽  
Marco Pichierri ◽  
Cristian Rizzo ◽  
Verdiana Chieffi ◽  
George Moschis
Keyword(s):  
Information Processing ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Processing Activity ◽  
Elderly Consumers

Purpose The purpose of this study is to review scholarly research on elderly consumers’ information processing and suggest implications for services marketing. Design/methodology/approach The review encompasses a five-decade period (1970–2018) of academic research and presents relevant literature in four main areas related to information processing: sensation, attention, interpretation and memory. Findings The study illustrates how each of the aforementioned phases of the information processing activity may affect how elderly individuals buy and consume products and services, emphasizing the need for a better comprehension of the elderly to develop effectual marketing strategies. Originality/value The study provides readers with detailed state-of-the-art knowledge about older consumers’ information processing, offering a comprehensive review of academic research that companies can use to improve the effectiveness of their marketing efforts that target the elderly market.

Referring academic library chat reference patrons: how subject librarians decide

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula R. Dempsey
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Subject Area ◽  
Empirical Examination ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reference Services ◽  
Chat Reference ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Doctoral Universities

Purpose The purpose of this study is to learn what factors liaison librarians in academic research libraries consider in determining whether to refer chat reference patrons to subject specialists. Design/methodology/approach Subject specialists were asked what policies guided their decisions to refer to a specialist and then assessed unreferred chat session transcripts both within and outside their specializations to determine need for a referral. Findings Few respondents were guided by formal policies. Contrary to an initial hypothesis, subject area was not a key factor in referring chat. A broader set of criteria included reference interviewing, provision of relevant resources and information literacy instruction. Respondents valued both the depth that subject specialists can provide to reference interactions and the ability of a skilled generalist to support information literacy. Research limitations/implications Findings are most applicable to large, public doctoral universities with liaison librarian programs. Assignment of respondents to subject specialist categories was complicated by their broad range of background and expertise. Practical implications The study contributes new understanding of referrals to subject specialists who have potential to guide development of formal referral policies in academic library virtual reference services. Originality/value The study is the first empirical examination of chat reference referral decisions.

Influence of active methodologies: projects and cases in the development of digital competences with mobile devices

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Martha Vanessa Agila-Palacios ◽  
Ana García-Valcárcel Muñoz-Repiso ◽  
María Soledad Ramírez-Montoya
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Digital Competence ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Functional Training ◽  
Common Process ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Case Based Learning

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the influence of two active methodologies on digital competences development using mobile devices. The first methodology is project-oriented learning (POL); the second one is case-based learning (CBL). The analyzed digital competences belong to the communication and collaboration area of framework DIGCOMP.Design/methodology/approachThis article shows the results of the quantitative stage with a design pre-experimental pre-test–post-test. A questionnaire was designed and applied to an intentional sample from two different courses. In total, 178 students completed the questionnaire in the pre-test, and after five months, 38 students completed the questionnaire in the post-test.FindingsThe results show that students to whom POL was applied increase by 7% competence of interaction with mobile technology. The results also show that the students to whom CBL was applied to increase all four competencies (interaction +8%, share +6%, collaboration +5%, netiquette +4%).Research limitations/implicationsSelf-perception for the evaluation of digital competence and the short study time are limitations to generalize the results, so a longitudinal study is necessary and complemented with qualitative analysis, to present a better validation of the contribution of active methodologies to the development of digital competences.Originality/valueThe rapid advance of technology and the results of various investigations make evident the need of digital competences development. The most common process is digital literacy through techno-functional training. However, these research results confirm that it is possible to promote these digital competences from a practical view and implicitly in active methodologies educational practices.

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