Mobile library initiatives: a new way to revitalize the academic library settings

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 15-21
Author(s):  
Saleeq Ahmad Dar
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Mobile Service ◽  
User Perception ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Potential Demand ◽  
Access Information

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the mobile pervasiveness among different categories of student’s gender-wise vis-a-vis to investigate user perception to access library content in innovative ways. The study tries to understand the potential demand of some features in mobile library initiatives. In addition, this study aims to determine willingness and need of mobile library services. The information gained from the study is intended to help the libraries to realize the growing demand of mobile library services. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire was designed to gather feedback on student’s perception regarding the important mobile service features which they find useful to be included in different library initiatives. The aim was to understand the pervasiveness of mobile devices and information needs in Indian Academia. Moreover, which features can be added to new initiatives so as to deliver robust services to the users in their comfort zones. Findings The responses received indicate that a significant number of students are ready to adopt mobile library initiatives with the desired features in them, if provided to them by their respective libraries. The results of the study have provided the necessary information on what the users really want. It is therefore incumbent upon the universities/institutions of higher education to start to work with the Web-based library services and move it into mobile library service. Research limitations/implications The findings of this study provide a benchmark of mobile library initiatives with the choicest features based on the user perception. The data collected may also give an indication about compelling services that could help the users to access information ubiquitously. Originality/value Libraries can better serve their patrons by understanding the growing capabilities of mobile devices; it is incumbent upon libraries to mobilize their services by embracing mobile library initiatives. Moreover, to realize the needs of users and provide only such services which are more in demand.

scholarly journals Use of smartphones by art and design students for accessing library services and learning

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 224-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Lo ◽  
Allan Cho ◽  
Man-hon Leung ◽  
Dickson K.W. Chiu ◽  
Eddie H.T. Ko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Mobile Internet ◽  
Academic Learning ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Learning Needs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Art And Design ◽  
Communication Devices ◽  
Design Students

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore art and design students’ use of smartphones for accessing library services and learning at the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI). Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire survey involving 51 HKDI students was conducted to examine the students’ utilization of apps and the internet on mobile devices to find information for the purpose of academic learning, social networking, and collaborative learning. Findings – Survey results showed that while the HKDI students were all smartphone owners and active users of such mobile communication devices, only a minority of them “frequently” use these mobile devices for formal learning purposes. They demonstrated a keen preference to use search engines, social communications, and other diverse use of smartphones. Except for research and image/audio-visual needs, the rest of their needs and usage behaviour is similar to mainstream university students. Practical implications – The results suggest opportunities for the libraries to develop services and facilities that could better fulfil students’ information needs, and to improve the network coverage outside the library. Originality/value – This is probably the first study of its kind to explore art and design students’ use of smartphones for learning needs. In particular, the recent capability of smartphones and mobile internet speed are comparable with desktops, it is vital to re-examine the much changed environment and user needs.

Academic library website functions in the context of users’ information needs

2016 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 157-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Mierzecka ◽  
Andrius Suminas
Keyword(s):  
Information Needs ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Digital Revolution ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Vilnius University ◽  
Locating Information ◽  
Library Websites ◽  
The University ◽  
Desk Research

The digital revolution has had a particular impact on the functioning of libraries: it has changed both the means of communicating with the users, and the nature of the service itself. In the case of academic libraries, an online presence is crucial due to the increased rate of Internet usage among their stakeholders, academics and students alike. From their perspective, library websites serve as digital gates to library services and resources. However, an academic library website may fulfil a wide array of functions and their importance can be variously prioritized. The purpose of our research was to find out which functions of academic library websites are viewed as the most important by a selected group of users: the students. To answer this question, we identified the main functions of academic library websites on the basis of desk research and designed a survey conducted among students of the University of Warsaw (Poland) and Vilnius University (Lithuania) ( n=680). The picture of users’ information needs with regard to content of the academic library website revealed by our research allows us to draw conclusions about the functions of the academic library website distinctive from those already mentioned in the subject literature. From the perspective of a user-centric approach we distinguished five functions of the academic library website: (1) supporting the usage of the collection (online and traditional); (2) promotion of culture; (3) gateway for locating information on the Web; (4) education; (5) creation of library’s online image.

scholarly journals LIBRARY RESOURCES AND FUNCTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS OF AN ACADEMIC LIBRARY: MEETING THE CHALLENGES OF THE DIGITAL AGE

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 238-245
Author(s):  
Demetria A. Corpuz
Keyword(s):  
Information Needs ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Digital Age ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Library Services ◽  
State University ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
Minimum Requirements ◽  
Descriptive Survey

Purpose of the study: The study evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of a library system in a state-owned university to ensure that the information needs and services of clients are adequate. It looked into the available resources and required facilities to assess changes and improvement. Likewise, the functional effectiveness of the academic library was also determined. Methodology: The study used a descriptive survey method to describe available library resources and the extent of the functional effectiveness of academic library services of the Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) Philippines. The 175 respondents came from the most frequent library users. This study utilized the purposive sampling technique. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the adequacy and functional effectiveness of the library. Result: The result revealed that the library services surpassed the minimum requirements on holdings and Filipiniana collection, but did not meet the required library collection published within the last five years. Periodicals needed to increase subscriptions and ICT required improvement. Librarians are qualified to manage the library. The respondents perceived the functional effectiveness of library services to be useful and very effective. Novelty/Originality of this study: This research study gives an empirical data as bases on the provision of Sustainable Development Plan to cater to the nature of users in the digital age with the consideration to balance the physical and virtual resources. Practical implications: This paper will be most helpful to academic libraries to continually revisit the resources and services to be responsive to the vision and vision of the university, demand for curriculum change, and research endeavour.

scholarly journals Library orientation practices in special libraries

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 525-536
Author(s):  
Melissa Fraser-Arnott
Keyword(s):  
Information Needs ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Orientation Program ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Special Library ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
Host Organization

Purpose The library orientation session is an important marketing tool because it offers the first opportunity for library staff to connect with new clients (Craft and Ballard-Thrower, 2011; Rhoades and Hartsell, 2008). This paper aims to explore library orientation practices in special libraries and information centers with the goal of surveying current practices and identifying guidance for successful orientation program design and delivery. Design/methodology/approach This study explored library orientation practices in special libraries and information services through an electronic survey. The survey questions were developed based on themes that emerged from case studies on library orientations from the academic library literature. These themes included reasons for library orientation program redesigns, the importance of partnerships in orientation design and delivery and the tools and techniques used in the delivery of orientation sessions. Findings The results revealed that library orientations are taking place in special libraries, but there is no consistent approach to library orientation delivery. Even within a single library, multiple approaches to library orientations are taken based on client availability, demand and information needs observations of library staff. Participants’ responses were analyzed to develop recommendations for special library orientations. These include developing partnerships (particularly with human resource departments), using technology strategically, considering the timing of orientations for new potential clients in relation to their start as new employees in the host organization, customizing library orientations based on client segment, engaging in ongoing outreach, and being flexible in design and delivery methods. Research limitations/implications This study represents a starting step in an exploration of library orientation practices in special libraries. The key limitation of this study was the low response rate leading to small sample size. A larger sample of special libraries would be needed to produce a quantitative analysis of the prevalence of practices with an acceptable degree of statistical significance. Alternately, smaller samples of special libraries organized by characteristics such as size or type (e.g. corporate libraries, law libraries and medical libraries) could be conducted to determine if distinctive trends exist within these special library types. Practical implications This study revealed information about key practices and challenges that can be used by special library practitioners seeking to implement or redesign a library orientation program in their library. Originality/value While academic and practitioner literature exists detailing library orientation activities in academic and school libraries, there are very few papers on special library orientations. This study fills a gap in the literature by investigating library orientation practices in special libraries and information centers.

Readiness of academic libraries in South Africa to research, teaching and learning support in the Fourth Industrial Revolution

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 355-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennis N. Ocholla ◽  
Lyudmila Ocholla
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution

PurposeIn this paper, we refer to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in 2016, where the concept of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) was coined by Klaus Schwab, with the reference that it would be building on “the Third, the digital revolution” and would be “characterized by a fusion of technologies that is blurring the lines between the physical, digital, and biological spheres”. While acknowledging that the 4IR will impact on everything, everywhere, including research and libraries, we conceptualize 4IR, and we compare current academic library services/trends in South Africa with 4IR requirements, through the analysis of 26 public university library websites.Design/methodology/approachBesides conceptualization of 4IR, a content analysis of websites of 26 public universities’ libraries in South Africa was achieved followed up with verification of the data by respective libraries through a preliminary research report circulated to them by email. 23 areas were identified as the trends in academic libraries, which included free Wi-Fi in the libraries; 24/7 study areas and access to library resources on and off campus; research commons; makerspace; borrowing ICTs (e.g. laptops); e-resources; e-catalogues; research data services (RDS; RDM, IR); open scholarship; information literacy and reference/bibliographic tools, library as a publisher, among others. Data obtained were captured in Excel and analyzed by the research questions.FindingsThe 4IR concept does not occur often in literature, in relation to academic libraries, but it is implied. The findings show that the libraries are responding well to the revolution through their services, with remarkable innovation and creativity on display. There was a 64% presence of the analyzed trends/services in the libraries, with emerging trends/services such as library as a publisher (4%), robotics/AI (4%), makerspace (8%), RDS (27%), borrowing of ICTs/devices (19%) and user experience (19%) scoring low, while information literacy and digital scholarship (e.g. IR) (88%), e-catalogue and e-resources (92%), group study area (85%) and off campus access (77%) scoring above 75%. The scatter of the trends/services among the university libraries is noted for knowledge sharing of best practice.Research limitations/implicationsIn order to improve accordance with trends, academic libraries have to be better resourced, accessed and used, as well as improve web visibility. The study expects library services to be responsive, resourced and accessible anytime and anywhere, and it provides a conceptual framework and a benchmark for further research and exploration in the country, region and perhaps elsewhere.Practical implicationsThe study can be used for benchmarking current and future academic library services in Africa. The conceptual framework provides an agenda for theoretical discussions and deliberations.Social implicationsThe trends, framework and 4IR representations in the study can inform theory and practice in LIS, particularly in Africa.Originality/valueLinking 4IR to current and future library services provides a tool for academic libraries services benchmarking and development and provides a conceptual framework for theoretical and practical debates and implementation. The study is quite current and appropriate for the ongoing discussions of 4IR implications to academic libraries.

Estimation of the knowledge management model for performance measurement in university libraries

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Rafi ◽  
Zheng Jian Ming ◽  
Khurshid Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Performance Evaluation ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Management Model ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThe study aims to expand the literature on evaluating the performance of professionals and academic libraries, rationalizing management and providing reliable services to the academic community. The performance assessment model covers the four components (management competence, professional experience, financial add/projects and library services) in the context of the knowledge management model.Design/methodology/approachBased on quantitative data, the study defines a set of assumptions for testing the four components of performance evaluation within a knowledge management framework to develop appropriate and robust models for improving employee performance and library services. The structural equation model has been applied to sample data from 339 administrative librarians at 190 universities in Pakistan.FindingsStatistical evidence confirms that the applicability of the proposed performance-based model enhances management competence, makes accurate decisions, develops professional skills and strengthens human resource organization and knowledge management techniques in developing the efficiency of academic libraries.Practical implicationsIn the long term, academic leaders and policymakers value investment in the professional development of top library management as they participate in the decision-making process. Organizing training for service employees, supporting innovative research projects and providing library technology infrastructures ultimately improve academic performance and research when integrated into the knowledge management model.Originality/valueSo far, comprehensive literature on performance and knowledge management has been published separately. However, based on the key data collected by senior library administrators using the structured research questionnaire, the comprehensive performance evaluation research based on a knowledge management model is innovative to improve academic library services and close the literature gap.

Leaning into sustainability at University of Alberta Libraries

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 136-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerald Beasley ◽  
Trish Rosseel
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Building Design ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Staff Time ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Lean Principles ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Staffing Model

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a case study that considers the links between cost avoidance, lean design, and sustainability in relation to two different library projects at University of Alberta Libraries (UAL) – the design of the Research and Collections Resource Facility and the development of new fee-based library services at UAL’s John W. Scott Health Sciences Library. Design/methodology/approach – This case study describes the analysis of each project’s workflows in relation to lean design in order to enhance processes and service delivery. Findings – Findings to date in both of these ongoing projects suggest that consideration of the lean philosophy has already led to process and service improvements. With regard to the new building design project, revised task design is already resulting in significant savings in staff time, and work space. And the staffing model for fee-based specialized services has already been redesigned, an alignment with lean principles. Research limitations/implications – While this paper does discuss and define lean design, it does not provide a comprehensive summary of research in this area. Originality/value – This paper highlights the value of lean design as a framework for designing, developing, and reviewing academic library buildings, services, processes, and workflows to ensure they are sustainable.

Comparing factors that influence learning management systems use on computers and on mobile

2019 ◽  
Vol 120 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 468-488
Author(s):  
Xiao Hu ◽  
Chun Lai
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Learning Management Systems ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Learning Management ◽  
Mobile Use

Purpose Learning management systems (LMSs) have been embraced for their potential to create a ubiquitous learning that is free from time and space constraints. Mobile devices afford enhanced mobility that enables flexible learning with LMSs. Thus, understanding students’ use of mobile devices to interact with LMSs and the influencing factors is essential. This paper aims to examine the factors that influenced students’ behavioural intention in using Web-based LMSs via mobile phones and compared the factors with those that affect students’ general acceptance of Web-based LMSs. Design/methodology/approach This study surveyed 356 university students and interviewed 17 students on the various factors that might affect their LMS adoption. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the survey data. Findings This study identified that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, social influence and facilitating conditions were significant determinants of students’ usage intention in both contexts. However, social factors exerted greater influence on students’ behavioural intentions of mobile access than the attitudinal factors. The results also pinpointed some sociocultural and tempo-spatial factors that might have minimized the influence of perceived usefulness in the mobile context. Originality/value The study calls for special attention to the potential influences of sociocultural norms and tempo-spatial circumstances of mobile use in shaping the nature of learners’ voluntary mobile use of LMSs.

scholarly journals Service gap in hotel website load performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Betsy Stringam ◽  
John Gerdes
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Mobile Service ◽  
Website Design ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Customer Expectations ◽  
Customer Expectation ◽  
Hotel Websites ◽  
Service Gap

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how well hotel website load time performance compared against customer expectation benchmarks. In a competitive market, service interactions are important. As customers move to mobile devices, the time to load a website is a critical part of the service delivery. Long load times can lead to poor service experiences, customer frustration and lost business. Hotel website load times on both mobile and desktop devices were examined and compared to service expectations. Design/methodology/approach The study used an online service to assess and compare website load performance using both desktop and mobile devices for 259 international hotel company and sub-brand websites. Findings The time to load hotel websites was significantly slower on mobile devices compared to desktops. Load times on both platforms exceeded 3 s, which is considered best practice. Long load times represent a service gap and can cause dissatisfaction resulting in a potential customer abandoning the website for a competitor’s site, thus affecting sales. Research limitations/implications While the population for the study was robust in size and contained most of the major hotel companies worldwide, it was not exhaustive. Data also represent a snapshot and will change over time. Load times vary based on test location, access device and network traffic. Additionally, web page load times and customer expectations will change as technology evolves. Originality/value Increased use of mobile devices for hotel reservations increases the importance of mobile service delivery. This is the first known study to measure hotel website load times for mobile devices, and to examine both mobile and desktop performance against best practice. The results of this study highlight a service gap, which can lead to loss of business. Given the consistency of the results, the authors suspect that this is an issue that has not been recognized within the industry. This study is valuable because it exposes an issue of website design not generally addressed in the hospitality industry, even though tools are available to monitor site performance.

scholarly journals Reference service evaluation at an African academic library: the user perspective

2015 ◽  
Vol 64 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 552-566 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lili Luo ◽  
Viscount B. Buer
Keyword(s):  
Customer Service ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Evaluation Study ◽  
User Perspective ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Reference Service

Purpose – This paper aims to provide a detailed discussion of a large-scale library reference evaluation study conducted at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) in Ghana. The study seeks to evaluate the reference service from the user perspective, focusing on how users use and perceive the service. Design/methodology/approach – Self-administered survey was used as the data collection instrument. One thousand questionnaires were distributed to library users in a three-week period, and the response rate was 63.7 per cent. Findings – The reference service had a high non-use rate of 42.6 per cent, which was primarily attributed to library users’ self-sufficiency and lack of awareness of the service. The top three motivations for library users to use the reference service were class assignments, personal interests and using library facilities. Although their overall altitude was positive, users felt that reference librarians were more successful at exhibiting customer service qualities than performing tasks related to identifying users’ information needs and searching/locating relevant information to fulfill the needs. Practical implications – The knowledge gained from this study will deepen the understanding of how the reference service is utilised and perceived by library users and offer insights on how to enhance the services to optimise the user experience. Originality/value – This study yields an enriched view of reference service provision in the African context. Its findings will help other academic libraries in Africa successfully plan and implement their own reference evaluation efforts and ultimately encourage more evidence-based library practices in the developing world.

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