Promoting library and information services in a digital age in Zimbabwe

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-18
Author(s):  
Blessing Chiparausha ◽  
Josiline Phiri Chigwada
Keyword(s):  
Social Life ◽  
Digital Age ◽  
Information Services ◽  
Digital Environment ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reading Culture ◽  
Work Family ◽  
Life Education ◽  
Life Work

Purpose This study aims to demonstrate how librarians in Zimbabwe are promoting library and information services in a digital environment. Design/methodology/approach An online questionnaire administered using SurveyMonkey was used to gather data from the participants who comprised 14 academic, one public, three school and three special librarians. Findings The study confirms that there is competition for the attention of the citizens who have social media, television, social life, work, family life, education, and so on before them. Despite the challenges being faced, librarians in the country are prepared to promote their services and are therefore using a number of strategies to promote the use of library and information services. Originality/value Promoting library and information services is important considering the waning reading culture in Zimbabwe. The paper recommends possible ways of promoting reading culture in the digital age through the use of library and information services.

Workaholism and workplace incivility: the role of work–family enrichment

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Taheri ◽  
Mohammad Asarian ◽  
Pooyan Shahhosseini
Keyword(s):  
Workplace Incivility ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Uncivil Behaviors ◽  
Work Family ◽  
Work Family Enrichment ◽  
Life Work ◽  
Family Enrichment

PurposeThis paper investigated the relationships among workaholism, work–family enrichment (work–life enrichment), and workplace incivility.Design/methodology/approachData on workaholism, incivility, and work–family enrichment were collected through the administration of a survey on 414 employees of a public bank in Iran.FindingsWorkaholism and life–work enrichment were positively and negatively related to uncivil behaviors, respectively, and workaholism was positively associated with work–family enrichment. Overall, work–family enrichment did not act as a mediator variable between workaholism and uncivil behaviors.Research limitations/implicationsFuture researchers should consider public or private organizations and assess the different instigators of incivility considering the mediator or moderating role of gender.Practical implicationsManagers should focus on reducing workaholism and developing life–work enrichment in order to decrease uncivil behaviors.Social implicationsGiven the hard economic and complex political conditions in Iran and increasing likelihood of uncivil behaviors, the results of the present study offer ways to minimize workplace incivility in employees.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the research on uncivil behavior by improving the understanding of organizational and personal factors (workaholism and work–life enrichment) that can influence workplace incivility among employees working in public organizations. It also addresses the usefulness of examining work–life enrichment disposition in understanding the relationship between workaholism and workplace incivility.

The Standing Conference of Eastern, Central, and Southern African Library Associations (SCECSAL) XXIII 2018: lessons learned

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (8) ◽  
pp. 6-9
Author(s):  
Adefunke O. Alabi
Keyword(s):  
Information Exchange ◽  
Central Africa ◽  
National Development ◽  
Information Services ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Associations ◽  
Sustainable Developmental Goals

Purpose This paper reports on highpoints of some of what emerged at the XXIII Standing Conference of Eastern, Central and Southern African Library Associations (SCECSAL) conference held in Entebbe, Uganda. It presents narratives that evolved from selected presentations from over 40 papers scheduled for presentation at the conference and experiences of librarians working with people in different libraries within or outside the SCECSAL region in line with the theme of the conference. The purpose of this paper is to ascertain lessons learned by delegates at the conference, session delegates found most memorable, number of times respondents have been to SCECSAL and intent to attend the SCECSAL conference again. Design/methodology/approach The paper presents viewpoints from the conference and adopts a quantitative approach to ascertain specific lessons learned by delegates. The survey method was used to obtain data from library and information services (LIS) professionals who attended the conference. The population for the study was drawn from delegates met by the author at the conference. An online questionnaire created with the SurveyMonkey software was used for data collection. In total, 60 delegates were invited to voluntarily participate in the survey. A nine-item questionnaire was emailed to respondents. Of all, 27 people responded within the time limit for the study, giving a total response rate of 45 per cent. Findings Findings revealed that over half of the respondents were attending SCECSAL for the first time. Respondents indicated that the sessions that were the most memorable were Inclusive Library and Information Services for National Development; SDGs and Library and Information Services in the SCECSAL region; and Indigenous knowledge and the preservation of cultural heritage. LIS professionals who participated at the conference dispersed with the following lessons among others: there is need for inclusive LIS and domestication the Marrakesh Treaty. Another lesson is that librarians have a major role to play in the attainment of the United Nations 2030 agenda on sustainable developmental goals (SDGs). Originality/value With SCECSAL, LIS professionals in southern, eastern and central Africa are increasingly gaining access to information, exchange of ideas, skills and collaboration in the region. However, the future of the LIS sector depends on the determination by delegates to put into practice all the lessons that have been learned so as to meet the needs of the community where they find themselves. The XXIII SCECSAL has exposed LIS professionals in the region and beyond to services and trends that should be embraced in the SCECSAL region and beyond. This paper implies that effort put into organising the SCECSAL conference is worthwhile.

Promoting Library Services in a Digital Environment in Zimbabwe

2021 ◽  
pp. 373-385
Author(s):  
Blessing Chiparausha ◽  
Josiline Phiri Chigwada
Keyword(s):  
Public Schools ◽  
Continuing Professional Development ◽  
Information Services ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Digital Environment ◽  
Library Service ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
The Public ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Survey Monkey

This chapter documents the strategies that are employed by librarians in promoting library and information services in Zimbabwe. The study also sought to ascertain the perceptions of librarians towards promoting library service in Zimbabwe in a digital environment and assess the challenges faced by librarians when promoting library and information services in Zimbabwe in a digital environment. A study was done, and the participants were drawn from academics, the public, schools, and special libraries. An online questionnaire was posted on Survey Monkey and librarians were invited to participate from the Zimbabwe Library Association social media platforms. Data was analysed thematically using the objectives of the study. It was discovered that despite facing a number of challenges when promoting library and information services, participants were using various strategies to promote their services. The authors recommend continuing professional development of librarians to effectively deliver their services in a digital environment.

Leveraging quality web‐based library user services in the digital age

2006 ◽  
Vol 27 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 390-400 ◽  
Author(s):  
LiLi Li
Keyword(s):  
Digital Age ◽  
Information Services ◽  
Information Resources ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Client Server ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Library User

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore key issues involved with opportunities, challenges, and future developing trends of delivering dynamic and distributed web‐based academic library information resources, services, and instructions for library users in the digital age.Design/methodology/approachBased on the typical web‐based, three‐tier client/server architecture, this paper explores ten key issues how to leverage quality library user services in the digital age: roles of academic libraries; funding support; information resources; information access; information services; instructions and trainings; impacts of cutting‐edge technologies and emerging technologies; web contents management and knowledge base; assessment and evaluation; and Librarians. Also discussed are the next‐generation web‐based client/server library information architecture and services in the foreseeable future.FindingsWith the rapid development of the internet and the world wide web, information exchange and information distribution can be transformed either by disparate formats or by dynamic channels. Knowledge, competence, and skills cannot follow up with the rapid advances of science and technologies. Many library users need assistance to access, locate, convert, synthesize, and evaluate information effectively and efficiently. It is very imperative for libraries and librarians to design, develop, enhance, implement, and deliver high quality user‐centered information services, resources, and instruction at the fingertips of library users.Originality/valueTarget readers who include librarians, instructors, trainers, consultants, managers, IT specialists, executives, and other professionals who are involved with developing and delivering distributed library user services via the internet will find this article of value.

scholarly journals A conceptual framework for digital civics pedagogy informed by the philosophy of information

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (2) ◽  
pp. 571-585
Author(s):  
Estelle Clements
Keyword(s):  
Civic Education ◽  
Digital Age ◽  
Philosophy Of Information ◽  
Digital Environment ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Civics Education ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ethical Implications ◽  
Structural Framework ◽  
Full Participation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to draw on the philosophy of information, specifically the work of Luciano Floridi, to argue that digital civics must fully comprehend the implications of the digital environment, and consequently an informational ontology, to deliver to students an education that will prepare them for full participation as citizens in the infosphere. Design/methodology/approach Introducing this philosophy for use in education, the research discusses the ethical implications of ontological change in the digital age; informational organisms and their interconnectivity; and concepts of agency, both organic and artificial in digitally mediated civic interactions and civic education. Findings With the provision of a structural framework rooted in the philosophy of information, robust mechanisms for civics initiatives can be enacted. Originality/value The paper allows policy makers and practitioners to formulate healthy responses to digital age challenges in civics and civics education.

The impact of Covid-19 on coworking spaces: evidence from Germany

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuel Mayerhoffer
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Digital Environment ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Field ◽  
Strong Shift ◽  
Coworking Spaces ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the German coworking industry has grown rapidly as one of the fastest-growing coworking markets globally. The pandemic, however, has brought the industry to an abrupt halt. The purpose of this paper is, therefore, to explore the impact the pandemic has had so far on German coworking spaces. Design/methodology/approach Using an online questionnaire, quantitative data from 38 coworking space owners, operators and employees of a total of 77 spaces in Germany has been collected regarding their situation before, during and after the peak of the first wave of the pandemic from Spring until Summer 2020. The data has been analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings The reported income losses significantly outweigh a decrease in costs of the spaces. Nevertheless, the member base seems rather unaffected, and coworking spaces are exploring adaptations to their businesses with a strong shift to the digital environment. Fear of re-imposed governmental restrictions is evident, as well as justified with a looming second infection wave. Research limitations/implications Due to the sample size, the data may lack generalizability. Therefore, recommendations for future research are provided. Originality/value Data on the impact of the pandemic on coworking spaces is scarce. This paper provides a first necessary overview for the industry as well as the academic field to allow for action to be taken.

Life management of the quantity surveyors working for contractors at sites: female vs male

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
B.A.K.S. Perera ◽  
K. I. Ridmika ◽  
M. K. C. S. Wijewickrama
Keyword(s):  
Social Life ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Work Lives ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Life Management ◽  
Integrate Work ◽  
Traditional Work ◽  
Work Family

Purpose The construction industry (CI) is known for heavy workloads and long working hours. Consequently, quantity surveyors (QSs) find it difficult to integrate work with life. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify the causes and consequences of poor life management (LM) in both female and male QSs working for contractors at construction sites and strategies that would improve the LM of the QSs. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a mixed research approach by conducting semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire survey to identify the significant causes and consequences of poor LM in QSs and strategies that would improve the LM of the QSs. Manual content analysis and mean weighted rating (MWR) were used to analyze the collected data. Findings Heavy workloads are the most significant cause of poor LM in QSs. The study found that male QSs are highly addicted to substance use and that female QSs lose sleep because of poor LM. Teamwork is the most significant strategy that would enhance the LM of both female and male QSs working at sites. Originality/value The traditional work–life balance refers to the harmony between work and non-work lives of an individual. LM is associated with five spheres of life: work, family life, health, social life and spiritual life. Given that, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous studies have focused on LM, this study becomes significant because it identifies the causes and consequences of poor LM of QSs working in the CI and the strategies that would enhance the LM of the QSs.

Promoting Library Services in a Digital Environment in Zimbabwe

2019 ◽  
pp. 284-296
Author(s):  
Blessing Chiparausha ◽  
Josiline Phiri Chigwada
Keyword(s):  
Public Schools ◽  
Continuing Professional Development ◽  
Information Services ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Digital Environment ◽  
Library Service ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
The Public ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Survey Monkey

This chapter documents the strategies that are employed by librarians in promoting library and information services in Zimbabwe. The study also sought to ascertain the perceptions of librarians towards promoting library service in Zimbabwe in a digital environment and assess the challenges faced by librarians when promoting library and information services in Zimbabwe in a digital environment. A study was done, and the participants were drawn from academics, the public, schools, and special libraries. An online questionnaire was posted on Survey Monkey and librarians were invited to participate from the Zimbabwe Library Association social media platforms. Data was analysed thematically using the objectives of the study. It was discovered that despite facing a number of challenges when promoting library and information services, participants were using various strategies to promote their services. The authors recommend continuing professional development of librarians to effectively deliver their services in a digital environment.

A tale of two leaders: employees’ work–family experiences in the context of dual leadership

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 631-645
Author(s):  
Michael L. Litano ◽  
Valerie J. Morganson
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Organizational Structures ◽  
Work Family Conflict ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Member Exchange ◽  
Immediate Supervisor ◽  
Work Family ◽  
The Impact

PurposeDespite the prevalence and potential benefits of multiauthority organizational structures (i.e. matrix organizations), research is lacking on the resulting impact on employees’ work–family conflict (WFC). The purpose of this article is to use leader–member exchange (LMX) as a framework to examine how employees who report to two leaders experience WFC.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 111 engineers and researchers nested within 33 branches and 21 project teams completed an online questionnaire containing measures of LMX and WFC. Hierarchical multiple regressions were used to test the study’s hypotheses.FindingsLMX with one's immediate supervisor (branch manager, LMX–BM) and project manager ( LMX–PM) each contributed unique variance in predicting WFC. LMX–PM moderated the negative relationship between LMX–BM and WFC, such that the negative relationship was stronger in magnitude at higher levels of LMX–PM quality.Research limitations/implicationsWhile most research studies have focused upon the impact of a single leader, modern organizations often involve dual reporting. Thus, results expand the extant literature to be more applicable to modern organizational realities. Findings provide evidence that future longitudinal research is worthwhile.Practical implicationsResults indicate that LMX theory is relevant beyond one's immediate supervisor. As a result, all managers should communicate with one another to seek better alignment. Particularly in a matrix organization where positional power is limited, leaders stand to reap the many benefits of high LMX relationships.Originality/valueThis study is the first among its type to examine LMX in a dual reporting context, and it is also the first to examine the impacts of dual reporting on WFC.

Family-supportive organizational environment and turnover intention

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Taheri
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Turnover Intention ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Organizational Environment ◽  
Staff Retention ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Family ◽  
Work Family Enrichment ◽  
Family Enrichment

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to test a model in which family-supportive organizational environment is associated with lower levels of turnover intention through higher levels of work-family enrichment and job satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachBased on a sample of 300 employees, the bootstrap procedure for estimating indirect correlations in multiple mediator models was used to test the research hypotheses.FindingsThe results suggest that employees experiencing high levels of family-supportive organizational environment are likely to report lower intention to leave their profession by virtue of their higher levels of job satisfaction and work-life enrichment.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to public organization and sample size. Further research is needed to make comparison between large/state-owned and small/private organizations.Practical implicationsIn the Iran context, work-family enrichment and job satisfaction are effective in reducing the employees' turnover intention. Organizations should show concerns for the employees' work-life enrichment and job satisfaction to reduce their turnover intention.Social implicationsTurnover is one of the problems of organizations in many countries throughout the world including Iran, which has negative consequences through increasing the cost of organizations. The results of this study suggest ways in which staff retention could be improved.Originality/valueThe present study contributes to supportive organizational environment literature by addressing the relationship between family-supportive organizational environment and employee-related outcomes. Given some commonalities between Iran and other developing countries, the findings might be of potential interest in comparative studies dealing with the employees' turnover issue.

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