Exploration of cloud computing practices in university libraries in Kenya

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (9) ◽  
pp. 16-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisha Ondieki Makori
Keyword(s):  
Cloud Computing ◽  
Document Analysis ◽  
Information Services ◽  
Economic Situation ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Literature ◽  
University Library ◽  
Computing Paradigm ◽  
Goals And Objectives

Purpose Modern technological solutions are rapidly changing the information landscape in library and information establishments. One such innovative solution that is gaining momentum in information centers is cloud computing. The purpose of this paper is to explore and compare opportunities and challenges of “cloud computing paradigm” in handling and supporting delivery of information services in university libraries in the face of the present hard economic situation and limited financial budgets. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on current academic literature, document analysis, several editorials and articles on the potential and challenges of cloud computing paradigm in university library and information centers. Findings Cloud computing is proving as the best management practice of salvaging information services in university libraries due to numerous competing challenges and issues in institutions of higher education. University libraries in developing countries face many challenges of inadequate information infrastructure, limited financial budgets, manpower issues and rapid changes in technological systems. In the context of hard economic times, cloud computing is critical in adding value as well as advancing the goals and objectives of modern university libraries. Cloud computing is the “best technology practice” that is poised to play crucial roles in enhancing quality provision and delivery of information services in university library and information centers. There are many competing challenges and claims, but potential benefits count more. Research limitations/implications The study is based on the ideas of cloud services conceptualized from reading academic literature, document analysis, several editorials, articles and professional work experience. The paper identifies that cloud computing paradigm is useful in achieving the goals and objectives of university libraries in this hard economic situation facing institutions of higher learning. Practical implications The paper provides practical insights that cloud computing is the “must have technology” for modern university library and information centers already burdened with the demand to develop effective and efficient technological solutions due to subsequent changing needs of the digital information environment. This study is useful for university libraries, information professionals, information communication technology professionals and university management. Social implications Cloud computing paradigm provides university libraries with the business opportunity to use comprehensive technological solutions with reduced capital expenditure and safe methods of data storage. This eases the inconveniences normally caused by the need to develop and own such comprehensive technological solutions. Originality/value This research looks at the potential of the emerging trend of “cloud computing paradigm” in enhancing quality provision and delivery of information services in university library and information centers in the context of limited financial budgets. Cloud computing has been gaining momentum in Kenya, especially in business organizations as compared to library and information establishments.

Construction of higher education knowledge map in university libraries based on MOOC

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 811-829 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yazhong Deng
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Knowledge Base ◽  
Information Service ◽  
Personalized Learning ◽  
Information Services ◽  
Knowledge Map ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
University Library ◽  
The University

Purpose The purpose of this study was to establish a massive online open course (MOOC)-based map of higher education knowledge and apply it to university libraries. It hoped to provide more targeted and personalized learning services for every learner. Design/methodology/approach In this study, MOOC and university library information services were outlined, the development status of MOOC at home and abroad and the development of university library information services were introduced, and the necessity and significance of MOOC in developing information services in university libraries were analyzed. What is more, the knowledge map of university libraries was explored. The four modules include the construction of data sets, the identification of related entities from plain text, the extraction of entity relationships and the practical application of knowledge maps. For the logical relationship of the course, a combination of knowledge base and machine learning was adopted. In the knowledge map application module, the knowledge map was visualized. Aiming at the generation of personalized learning scheme, a prior data set was constructed by means of the knowledge base. The original problem was considered as a multi-classification problem. K-nearest neighbor classifier divided all courses into four academic years to obtain all courses. According to the course stage, the personalized learning scheme of some majors in higher education was obtained. Findings The experiment showed that it was feasible to apply the higher education knowledge map based on MOOC to university libraries. In addition, it was effective to divide the course into four stages by classifier. In this way, the specific professional training program can be obtained, the information service of the university library can be improved, and the accuracy and richness of the entire learning program can be increased. Research limitations/implications Due to the limitations of conditions, time and other aspects, there were not many opportunities to visit the field library, which led to limited level and imperfect research. There were many proper nouns and professional terms in foreign references, but my English translation ability was limited. The relevant investigation on foreign studies may not be detailed and comprehensive enough, and the analysis and induction of influencing factors of university library information service may not be rigorous and concise enough. Practical implications As the base of university information dissemination, the university library is the source of knowledge. At the same time, it is also the temple of students’ independent learning and the media of mainstream culture and improving its own information service level is also in line with the trend of The Times. Under this background, this research studied the influence of MOOC on university library information service and focused on the challenges and opportunities faced by university library information service in the MOOC environment, so as to continuously improve its cultural serviceability and better serve teachers and students. Originality/value Since the birth of MOOC, they have exerted great influence and enlightenment on universities and relevant educational institutions within a few years. European and American universities take an active part in the construction of the MOOC platform and explore how to make better use of the library to build MOOC resources in practice. It is also a hot topic for university libraries to participate in the construction of MOOC information resources. Therefore, the study of this topic has both theoretical and practical significance.

Copyright and information service provision in public university libraries in Kenya

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (6-7) ◽  
pp. 375-388
Author(s):  
Salome W. Mathangani ◽  
Japheth Otike
Keyword(s):  
Organization Theory ◽  
Social Systems ◽  
Information Service ◽  
Interdisciplinary Approach ◽  
Public University ◽  
Copyright Law ◽  
Information Services ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
General Direction ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Copyright law supposedly brings a balance between copyright owners and information users as a way of creating a harmonious relationship. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between Kenya’s Copyright Act and the provision of information services in public university libraries in Kenya. Design/methodology/approach The study was informed by both the organization theory and the social systems theory which, respectively, provided a base for discussion on the library and its basic functions, and an interdisciplinary approach that accommodate library services and law. Data were collected from a sample of 77 librarians from public universities libraries, and analyzed using the qualitative method. Findings The study established that librarians were reasonably aware of the copyright Act. However, they were apprehensive and uncertain about copyright effect on the library. Evidence from the study showed that librarians needed to extend their knowledge and understanding of the copyright law for the effective provision of information services. The paper concludes that there is scope for librarians, using their wealth of knowledge and expertise, to make relevant and useful suggestions on copyright. Such contribution would assist in bringing harmony in the use of copyrighted materials. Originality/value These findings are original and will be useful in giving general direction on copyright. The study highlights the important issue of universities as parent institutions providing needed leadership in the copyright area.

Research on user needs for mobile information services in Chinese university libraries

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 617-635 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Zhao ◽  
Shengli Deng ◽  
Ting Gao ◽  
Ruoxin Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Information Content ◽  
Mobile Services ◽  
Information Services ◽  
User Needs ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mobile Information ◽  
User Groups ◽  
Mobile Information Services

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the service demand of existing users and potential users for mobile information services provided by university libraries in China. The primary objective is to explore the impact of user experience on user needs, which is conducted by a comparison between two user groups over their needs from three aspects – service function, service mode and information content. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 353 library users from ten Chinese universities via questionnaires. Based on the user needs model, three dimensions of user needs were established for mobile information services and 26 measurement items were generated through a review of the literature. Furthermore, based on frequency analysis, independent samples t-test and the calculation of need rate, the demand differences in mobile information services between existing and potential users were explored. Findings Significant differences existed in the needs for service functions and service modes of mobile information services between existing users and potential users. Existing users cared more about such characteristics as intelligence, personalization and the variety of mobile services. Potential users, in contrast, concerned themselves more with the usability of mobile services and similarity to traditional information services. These two user groups showed little difference in the needs for information content, as they both have strict requirements for specialty, richness in and quality of information resources in mobile network environments. Originality/value Previous research on user needs for mobile libraries services has been primarily conducted from the perspectives of existing users. This study, however, compared the needs of existing and potential users based on their previous experiences, which can help libraries to know better what their users need and improve the quality of mobile information services to meet those needs. This can also make existing users more willing to use the services and cultivate the usage habits of potential users at the same time.

Factors influencing collection development process at the University of Nairobi Library

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace Wambui Kamau ◽  
Aggrey Luyiya Elegwa
Keyword(s):  
Development Policy ◽  
Development Process ◽  
Research Output ◽  
Background Information ◽  
Collection Development ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
University Library ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
The University

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the factors influencing the collection development process at the University of Nairobi library and suggest ways for improvement.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative approach was employed to collect, analyze and interpret data from collection development librarians at the University of Nairobi purposively selected. Data were collected through structured interviews and documentary review. Data were analyzed using content analysis and descriptive statistics.FindingsThe study established that the library has a written collection development policy which was revised in 2014 and is strictly adhered to. However, the policy has a gap on the role of faculty as stakeholders in the selection process. In addition, the criteria for selection are not explicitly stated. Findings also indicate that budget allocation, collection development policy, user demands, quality of staff, library consortium and the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act of 2015 influence the collection development process at the University of Nairobi Library.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was conducted in one public university library in Kenya. However, the findings may be applicable in similar university libraries in the country.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study may benefit students and faculty in the University of Nairobi from improved collection development process that would ensure that their information needs are met in a timely manner. This would lead to improved research output by students and faculty and ultimately improved research output by the university. University library management may also benefit in improving the collection development process, thereby making it more economical. The findings may also be useful in decision-making and policy development on matters pertaining to collection development at the University of Nairobi and other universities. Furthermore, the findings may be used by researchers to provide context and background information for future research on collection development in public universities locally and regionally.Originality/valueThis paper fulfills the need to make the collection development process in university libraries more efficient by proposing ways of addressing the challenges experienced.

Cloud Computing Towards Technological Convergence

2013 ◽  
pp. 263-279
Author(s):  
P. Sasikala
Keyword(s):  
Communication Network ◽  
Cloud Computing ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Information Services ◽  
Public Communication ◽  
Computing Technology ◽  
Computing Paradigm ◽  
Technology Service ◽  
Comprehensive Information ◽  
Development Processes

With the popularization and improvement of social and industrial IT development, information appears to explosively increase, and people put much higher expectations on the services of computing, communication and network. Today’s public communication network is developing in the direction that networks are widely interconnected using communication network infrastructure as backbone and Internet protocols; at the same time, cloud computing, a computing paradigm in the ascendant, provides new service modes. Communication technology has the trend of developing towards computing technology and applications, and computing technology and applications have the trend of stepping towards service orientation architecture. Communication technology and information technology truly comes to a convergence. Telecom operators are planning to be providers of comprehensive information services in succession. To adopt cloud computing technology not only facilitates the upgrade of their communication network technology, service platform and supporting systems, but also facilitates the construction of the infrastructure and operating capacity of providing comprehensive information services. In this paper, the development processes of public communication network and computing are reviewed along with some new concepts for cloud computing.

Cloud Computing Towards Technological Convergence

2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 44-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Sasikala
Keyword(s):  
Communication Network ◽  
Cloud Computing ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Information Services ◽  
Public Communication ◽  
Computing Technology ◽  
Internet Protocols ◽  
Computing Paradigm ◽  
Technology Service ◽  
Comprehensive Information

With the popularization and improvement of social and industrial IT development, information appears to explosively increase, and people put much higher expectations on the services of computing, communication and network. Today’s public communication network is developing in the direction that networks are widely interconnected using communication network infrastructure as backbone and Internet protocols; at the same time, cloud computing, a computing paradigm in the ascendant, provides new service modes. Communication technology has the trend of developing towards computing technology and applications, and computing technology and applications have the trend of stepping towards service orientation architecture. Communication technology and information technology truly comes to a convergence. Telecom operators are planning to be providers of comprehensive information services in succession. To adopt cloud computing technology not only facilitates the upgrade of their communication network technology, service platform and supporting systems, but also facilitates the construction of the infrastructure and operating capacity of providing comprehensive information services. In this paper, the development processes of public communication network and computing are reviewed along with some new concepts for cloud computing.

Evaluation parameters of a university library activity in the context of its tasks changes

Bibliosphere ◽  
2017 ◽  
pp. 38-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. N. Opekunova
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Education System ◽  
Customer Orientation ◽  
Information Services ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
University Library ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
Orientation Vector ◽  
Historical Periods ◽  
Evaluation Parameters

The article describes challenges facing university libraries in different historical periods, identifies the most stable prior areas to form a system of indicators. It shows that a university library as a part of a higher education establishment environ acts as an element of the education system and changes in accordance with trends of its information space development, changing the orientation vector, when performing tasks, maintaining original functions (educational, culturaleducational, scientific-informational, social ones). The conclusions suggest that the indicators system to evaluate a university library activity should reflect completeness and availability of a library collection, customer orientation in library-information services, as well as an economic efficiency of library resources costs.

Library information services in academic libraries of Azerbaijan: a comparative study

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 461-477
Author(s):  
Khalil Ismayilov ◽  
Nadir Ismayilov ◽  
Vafa Mammadova
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Study ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Personal Communication ◽  
Information Services ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Technical Equipment ◽  
State University ◽  
Content Type ◽  
University Library

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to comparatively study the library and information services provided by three academic libraries – Baku State University Scientific Library, ADA University Library and Information Services and Khazar University Library and Information Center – located in Baku, Azerbaijan. Various types of library services are examined in terms of funding, acquisition and technical equipment support issues. Also, different subordination conditions (public/private) of the universities help to better understand the current position of academic libraries in different entities. Design/methodology/approach Most part of the conveyed information was obtained through review of related literature, libraries’ annual reports and personal communication with the directors of the academic libraries, to look for similarities and differences in provided library and information services. The results of the study are comparatively described through multiple tables and charts. Findings For improving services it is necessary to develop paid forms of library and information services, maintain various training possibilities for library staff in modern librarianship areas, increase the variety and number of public and outreach activities. Research limitations/implications As the findings of the paper suggest new forms of library services and activities, it is necessary to continue the topic in further studies to develop practical methods and applications for local library conditions. Originality/value The paper can be accepted as the first comparative study of the library information services in academic libraries of Azerbaijan, which gives general overview and analysis of separate service ranges and types. The researchers interested in Azerbaijani librarianship may find it practical.

Users' needs and expectations on information services provided in libraries: case of four public university libraries from the western region of Kenya

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene Nyakweba ◽  
Joyce Muwanguzi Bukirwa ◽  
Eunice Sendikadiwa ◽  
Felicitas Ciabere Ratanya
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Information Services ◽  
Narrative Form ◽  
Western Region ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Start Up ◽  
The Western Region ◽  
Information Materials

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to assess the users' needs and expectations on information services provided in libraries, in four public universities from the western region of Kenya. The study explores the extent to which the libraries address users' needs and expectations examining the challenges being encountered, remedies and best practices put in place to mitigate the challenges. The level of users satisfaction towards the information services provided is also examined.Design/methodology/approachStructured questionnaires were distributed among undergraduates (384) and lecturers (86), where 342 were successfully filled and returned, giving a response rate of 73%. The study interviewed ten library staff revealing their views in addressing users' needs and expectations in respective libraries. Collected data were analysed descriptively using statistical methods and presented in figures and tables. Qualitative data were analysed in narrative form.FindingsMajority of users had a positive perception towards the library, while others indicated that their needs were yet to be meet. The study noted the poor state of affair with inadequacies in information materials infrastructure, dwindling budget, facilities and unskilled personnel. The study recommended the need for additional library budget to facilitate acquisition of additional and up-to-date information resources and facilities.Originality/valueThe concept of user needs and expectations has been widely discussed in developed countries. Identifying and understanding users’ requirements in the context of public libraries in developing countries would start up constructive trends towards building useable collections.

Towards digital scholarship services in China’s university libraries

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 108-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lihong Zhou ◽  
Ruhua Huang ◽  
Tim Zijlstra
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Literature Analysis ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Literature ◽  
International Borders ◽  
Digital Scholarship ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Conducting Research

PurposeThis paper aims to report on a literature review that aimed to establish a guiding framework for the development of digital scholarship services in China’s university libraries.Design/methodology/approachThe framework was developed through systematically searching, screening, assessing, coding and aggregating digital scholarship services as reported in the existing body of literature. Three types of literature were included in the analysis: international academic literature as reported in English; academic literature in Chinese; and relevant professional reports.FindingsThe literature analysis pointed to 25 different digital scholarship services, which emerged in six themes: supporting services, formulating research ideas, locating research partners, writing proposals, conducting research and publishing results.Originality/valueAlthough this literature review focused on university libraries in China, the research findings and the guiding framework developed provide useful insights and indications that can be shared across international borders.

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