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.

scholarly journals The legal implications of providing information services in PUL in Kenya

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-37
Author(s):  
Salome Waigumo Mathangani ◽  
Japheth Otike
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Public University ◽  
Information Services ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
General Direction ◽  
Legal Implications ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Teaching Learning

This is a research paper on Public University Libraries (PULs) which are charged with the responsibility of providing the university community with information for the parent institutions’ core activities of teaching, learning, study and research. In carrying out this responsibility, PULs have to address issues of law as these relate to the provision of information services. The purpose of this study was to investigate the legal implications of providing information services in public university libraries in Kenya. The study applied the qualitative methodology but also used a limited application of quantitative approach with issues of statistical significance. Basing on a sample of 77 librarians from public universities libraries, data was collected and analyzed using the narrative method. The study established the actual and potential implications of laws that support information (UDHR, CK, FOI, IFLA and WSIS declarations) and those that put limits to information (Copyright law, penal code, Official Secrets Act). Although librarians were knowledgeable and had skills regarding their work, evidence from the study showed that they needed to extend their knowledge and understanding in the area of laws that have implications on the provision of information as a way of enhancing their work. In conclusion the paper notes that there is scope for librarians, using their wealth of knowledge and expertise, to seek interaction with policy makers and make relevant and useful contribution on law and information. These findings are significant in that they give general direction with regard to law and the provision of information services. The research highlights the importance for librarians to create links with policy makers in order to set up a relationship with mutual benefits.

eReadiness of public university libraries in Malawi to use mobile phones in the provision of library and information services

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 270-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aubrey Harvey Chaputula ◽  
Stephen Mutula
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Public Universities ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Public University ◽  
Information Services ◽  
Strict Sense ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Access To Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present findings of a study conducted to determine eReadiness status of public university libraries in Malawi to use mobile phones in the provision of library and information services.Design/methodology/approachThe researcher carried out in-depth semi-structured interviews with university/college librarians and information and communications technology (ICT) directors using interview guides. Students were also administered with a survey questionnaire that contained closed- and some open-ended questions. Proceedings of the interviews were recorded using a tape recorder whilst backup notes were recorded in a notebook. Qualitative data were transcribed and analysed using NVivo software whilst quantitative data were analysed using SPPS.FindingsThe study findings revealed that institutions studied had the ICT infrastructure necessary for offering library and information services on the mobile phone platform. Moreover, students had mobile phones which were connected to internet to facilitate their access to services offered. However, the institutions covered by this study did not have operational ICT policies to govern the operations of library and information services offered through mobile phones although draft ICT policies were available. The study further concluded that though the human resources required to manage the provision of library and information services through mobile phones in the institutions studied were available, they did not have the necessary skills and numbers to provide quality services. Other findings revealed that attitudes of library staff and students to the offering and access to services through mobile phones were positive. The study also revealed that there are some factors that could impact the offering of library services through mobile phones.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough Malawi has four public universities, this study only focused on three of them. Moreover, academic staff is another important user group of academic libraries. In this case, findings reported in this paper only focus on students. This implies that library’s readiness to offer services through mobile phones to this group remains unknown hence may have to be covered by future studies. Much as the study incorporated a quantitative strand in addition to the qualitative one, it neither involved theory testing nor confirmation as is the case with other related studies. This implies that the two theories used in this study (the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology and the technology-organisation-environment) were not used in the strict sense, which is empirical at the core, but rather to put the problem studied in the context of other related studies.Practical implicationsThe findings have practical implications in that they can be used for planning the implementation of library and information services through mobile phones in public university libraries in Malawi. Other related institutions can also use the findings as a reference point in planning the implementation of similar services.Originality/valueStudies relating to the use of mobile phones in the delivery of library and information services have not been conducted in public universities in Malawi. Findings of this study will, therefore, inform researchers intending to conduct similar or related studies not only in public universities in Malawi but other related institutions as well.

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.

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.

Intellectual property information services and the impacts on academic libraries’ transformation from the perspective of Chinese university libraries

IFLA Journal ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 034003522110255
Author(s):  
Wei Yang ◽  
Tianlin Liu
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Property ◽  
Driving Forces ◽  
Information Service ◽  
Information Services ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Chinese University ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Library Transformation ◽  
Information Providers

Approximately 100 Intellectual Property Information Services Centres have been established in Chinese university libraries, more than 80% of them since 2017. The context of this boom in Intellectual Property Information Services Centres is the rapidly increasing number of patent applications in China, as well as an unacceptably low transfer ratio. Do Intellectual Property Information Services Centres represent a promising direction for university library transformation? This is the central issue addressed in this article. The characteristics of the Chinese evolutionary path and driving forces are discussed, and distinctive intellectual property information service practices are studied and summarized. Comparisons are made with the USA, the UK, Europe and India. With Intellectual Property Information Services Centres, university libraries can evolve from information providers to innovation catalysts, and establish closer connections between universities, communities and industries. The impacts of Intellectual Property Information Services Centres on university librarianship are multifaceted. The trends and challenges of intellectual property information services are also discussed in the article.

scholarly journals Theoretical Basis for the Development of National Standard “Library and Information Services of the Scientific Library. Types, Forms and Modes of Provision”

2019 ◽  
Vol 68 (5) ◽  
pp. 465-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatiana V. Maystrovich
Keyword(s):  
Information Service ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Information Services ◽  
National Standard ◽  
Qualitative Assessment ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Subject Field ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Scientific Libraries

    The article presents substantiation of the theoretical provisions underlying the National Standard GOST R 7.0.104—2019 “SIBID. Library and information services of the scientific library. Types, forms and modes of provision”. The author proves the expediency of applying cluster approach, allowed to consider the library and information service in terms of its content (type), form and modes of provision to users. The article demonstrates possibility of applying Standard not only to scientific libraries, but also to the libraries of other types. Definition of library and information service in the standard makes it possible to understand it as a specific result of library services and information activities of the library. The standard determines five types of services: library, bibliographic, information, bibliometric, consulting. Some of them are common to all types of libraries, but bibliometric services are specific feature of scientific libraries. Each type of services is implemented in one form or another, under which the standard refers to the method of providing library and information services in the framework of the existing scientific library organization of library and information services.Forms of library services: loan of a document for temporary use; transfer of its contents by copying; providing the possibility to familiarize with documents. Bibliographic services are implemented in the form of message containing reference or bibliographic advice on request, bibliographic list of publications and bibliographic products. Scientific libraries compose thematic or subject field indexes, lists of publications of individuals and collectives, lists with references to the works of specified persons and collectives. Bibliographic services include improving bibliographic literacy, training of users to create a bibliographic record, the formation of bibliographic apparatus of scientific and educational works. The recognized forms of information services are providing users with information products and full-text information, selected and systematized in accordance with the certain criteria. The prerogative of mainly academic and university libraries are bibliometric services, while the forms of their provision are quite diverse and depend on the degree of proximity of the scientific library directly to the research process and distribution of work in the structure of the research Institute. The standard establishes the following bibliometric services: providing user with formalized performance indicators of scientific work, creation of analytical product based on bibliometric and scientometric studies, checking of scientific works for incorrect borrowing. Consulting services are available in most libraries, but in scientific libraries there is added scientific advice on the design of scientific papers, normative, regulatory and administrative documents, presentation of results of individual research activities. The module includes not only the forms of services, but also the parameters specifying their provision: frequency, reason for rendering, targeting, economic characteristics, service location. Another contour of the module is the mode of providing and receiving services, which does not affect its essence, but may adjust its demand. Modes are characterized by the degree of independence of the user, synchronization of the order, execution and receipt of services, frequency of service, means and channel of communication. The article focuses on the service approach to library and information services. The intermediate version of the standard included the section “Service options” (on the ways to improve the comfort of obtaining library and information services by the user, based on his individual preferences), removed in the final version due to insufficient elaboration of the problem. In conclusion, the author notes that National Standard allows bring the service of scientists to their real needs and requests. As a perspective, the paper calls the development of Standard defining the mandatory range of services for libraries of each type and kind, as well as criteria for their qualitative assessment.

Evaluating the quality of health information services in public libraries: an experience from Iran

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Valadi-khorram ◽  
Mohammad Reza Amiri ◽  
Mohammad Karim Saberi
Keyword(s):  
Health Information ◽  
Sampling Method ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Information Service ◽  
Information Services ◽  
Average Level ◽  
Information Control ◽  
Educational Service ◽  
Content Type

PurposeConsidering the important role of public libraries in providing health information service as well as user feedback in improving the quality of health information services, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the quality of health information service in public libraries of Hamadan, Iran, on the basis of the modified LibQUAL modelDesign/methodology/approachThis practical research was conducted in an analytic-survey method. The statistical population consists of all members of public libraries of Hamadan over 18 years old (12,237 people), and the sample size is calculated to be 373 people. The stratified sampling method was used, and within each class, a convenience sampling method was used. The modified LibQUAL questionnaire was used to gather data. For checking normality of data distribution, the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test and for analyzing date, descriptive statistics and also Chi-square and Wilcoxon tests were applied using SPSS 25.FindingsThe users' minimum level of public libraries in all three dimensions is an average level. The users' desired level of “information control” is higher than other dimensions. The users' perceived level in dimensions of “human resources” and “information control” is high level, while users' perceived level in “educational service” is an “average” level. There is a superiority gap between desired and perceived level in all dimensions, but the adequacy gap was seen only in the dimension of “educational service.”Research limitations/implicationsIn this study, the quality of health information services provided in public libraries is evaluated by the LibQUAL model.Practical implicationsThe results of this research can help managers and librarians of public libraries in measuring the quality of health information services and improving the quality of services provided by libraries. Besides, they can take a more accurate planning and pathologic approach, to eliminate the gap between minimum and desired expectations of users and libraries’ real services.Originality/valueIn this study, the quality of health information services provided in public libraries is evaluated by LibQUAL tool.

scholarly journals Immersive information behaviour: using the documents of the future

2015 ◽  
Vol 116 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 112-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lyn Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Service Provision ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Information Service ◽  
Information Services ◽  
Sensory Interaction ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research And Practice ◽  
Information Behaviour ◽  
Selective Analysis

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the case for studies of information behaviour in the use of immersive documents. Immersive documents, where unreality is perceived as reality, arise from a combination of rapidly developing technologies and applications: pervasive and networked information, multi-sensory interaction and the creation of participatory texts. Design/methodology/approach – A critical and selective analysis of relevant literature is presented. Findings – Immersive documents are likely to have a significant effect on library/information service provision, as it is to expected that novel information behaviours will emerge as these documents become widely used. Studies of immersive information behaviour and practices will be valuable in planning for how library/information services can best provide access to such documents, and may also guide the development of such documents. They may also contribute to the development of information behaviour research generally, and to better interaction between research and practice. Research limitations/implications – As such documents are not yet in wide use, the conclusions are necessarily speculative. Originality/value – This is the first paper to discuss information behaviour in respect of immersive documents.

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.

Application of resource dependency theory and transaction cost theory in analysing outsourcing information communication services decisions

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 786-805 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naomi Wangari Mwai ◽  
Joseph Kiplang’at ◽  
David Gichoya
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Transaction Cost ◽  
Public University ◽  
Resource Dependency ◽  
Transaction Cost Theory ◽  
Resource Dependency Theory ◽  
Information Communication ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Dependency Theory ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to establish how resource dependency theory (RDT) and transaction cost theory (TCT) can inform decisions to outsource ICT services by public university libraries in Kenya. Design/methodology/approach – The study adopted a multiple case study strategy in four selected public universities libraries in Kenya. Purposive sampling was used to identify respondents and data collection was done using a semi-structured interview schedule. Findings – The study highlights how RDT and TCT theoretical perspectives illuminate some of the reasons, and problems associated with Information and Communications Technology outsourcing in Libraries. The paper concludes with recommendations and the way forward. Research limitations/implications – The study was limited to the outsourcing of information technology services in four public university libraries in Kenya, namely, Kenyatta University (KU) in Kahawa, Nairobi; Moi University (MU) in Eldoret; University of Nairobi (UON) in Nairobi; and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in Juja, Thika. This being a qualitative study (and taking into consideration the subjective views where bias could occur), the researchers ensured that the research was reliable by recording and taking notes during the interviews and by using peer-debriefing and professionals in the field to ascertain their views. Practical implications – The paper provides practical insights into outsourcing of Information Technology (IT) services in Public University libraries and information centres in Kenya. This study is useful for university libraries, information professionals, information communication technology professionals and university management. Social implications – The implications of the study are that outsourcing needs to be guided by clear policies that are documented and communicated to all the stakeholders. Originality/value – This research assesses IT outsourcing services in selected public academic libraries in Kenya.

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