scholarly journals Lessons learned: a meta-synthesis examining library spaces, services and resources during COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lana Munip ◽  
Leigh Tinik ◽  
Steve Borrelli ◽  
Gabriella Reese Randone ◽  
Eun Jung Paik
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Student Perspectives ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Library Services ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Penn State ◽  
The One ◽  
The University

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the evolving ways library users engaged with services and resources and how library services adapted to meet their needs, in order to improve practice post-pandemic.Design/methodology/approachDuring Fall 2020 and Spring 2021, nine studies were conducted which examined the usage of space, services and resources; and employee and student perspectives. Findings from these studies were synthesized for this investigation through a process of qualitative meta-synthesis.FindingsThe themes from this meta-synthesis point to an ongoing need for streamlining services and processes, to improve efficiency as well as enable the Libraries to be prepared for the next crisis.Originality/valueWhile change takes time for large organizations, the existence of system-wide processes and services enabled library employees to continue assisting users across all Penn State campuses, demonstrating that the University Libraries could be considered a model for the “One Penn State” vision that the university strives to achieve by 2025.

scholarly journals New normal and library services in Indonesia: a case study of university libraries

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arda Putri Winata ◽  
Raisa Fadelina ◽  
Sulistyo Basuki
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Library Services ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
New Normal ◽  
Content Type ◽  
University Library ◽  
Almost All ◽  
The University ◽  
Appropriate Practices

Purpose This paper aims to share the activities of library services in the new-normal era. The paper describes libraries’ circumstances since their reopening in early June 2020. Furthermore, it provides details on how libraries have adopted several most appropriate practices changing physical to online services. Design/methodology/approach This paper describes various university library services in Indonesia in the new-normal era by using literature and documentary reviews as the approaches. The data were primarily collected from webpages, blogs, social media, newsletters and specific journals organized by university libraries. The survey was carried out by involving 126 university librarians incorporated in the University Libraries Forum. It highlighted the current conditions of university libraries and the most appropriate practices of library services in the new-normal era. Findings The most appropriate practices of university library services in the new-normal era are provided. Libraries in Indonesia have experienced a service transformation implementing the COVID-19 health protocols. Likewise, almost all university library services became virtual. Accordingly, there were several challenges faced by librarians and users in carrying out virtual activities in the library. Originality/value This paper provides a great value for libraries in responding to COVID-19 and those starting to reopen. It reveals the most appropriate library service practices and challenges in the new-normal era, which are useful for current and future insight development.

Facing the shortage in Benin: a strategy for information and documentation access at the Université d’Abomey-Calavi

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 97-103
Author(s):  
Eustache Mêgnigbêto ◽  
Khadidjath Kouboura Osseni Bachabi
Keyword(s):  
Developing Country ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
University Library ◽  
Republic Of Benin ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to describe the response of students to the shortage of materials at the Université d’Abomey-Calavi (Republic of Benin). Design/methodology/approach A survey was conducted with over 2,000 students of the Université d’Abomey-Calavi in 2014, and the data were analysed. The paper deals with two questions related to the university library services they use. Findings To satisfy their information and documentation needs, students visit several university library services even on different campuses. Practical implications The study recommends the setting up and the implementation of a long-term development plan for the University of Abomey-Calavi libraries. Originality/value The study describes the behaviour of students of a developing country when faced with a lack of relevant information and documentation resources.

The Contribution of Effective Library and Information Services to Academic Achievements at Some Selected Universities in Ghana

Libri ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 66 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mac-Anthony Cobblah ◽  
Thomas van der Walt
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Academic Work ◽  
Information Services ◽  
Library Services ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Doctoral Study ◽  
Academic Achievements ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Training Programmes ◽  
The University

AbstractThis paper, which is largely based on the findings of my doctoral study, investigated the contribution of effective library and information services to academic achievements at universities in Ghana. The main objective of this study was to assess and explore the effectiveness of library and information services and establish its contribution to efficient academic work. The researchers adopted a mixed methods approach in which both qualitative and quantitative research approaches are used in a single study. This study used a survey research design because of the large and wide-spread population involved. The results of the study established that there is a correlation between effective library and information services and academic achievements at the universities in Ghana. The study also establish that library users were generally satisfied with the services provided by the university libraries and the provision of study space, book lending and Internet services turn out to be the most effective and highly patronized services. The findings on the challenges facing the delivery of effective library and information services clearly indicate that inadequate staff training programmes were affecting the ability of library staff to deliver effective library services. Finally, this paper has made recommendations on how to improve upon the effectiveness of library and information services to enhance academic work at universities in Ghana.

Marketing library services to the Net Generation

2006 ◽  
Vol 27 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 411-422 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jia Mi ◽  
Frederick Nesta
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Current User ◽  
Net Generation ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
Marketing Principles

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the role of marketing to new generations of library users.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews classical marketing texts and current user studies for applicability to library service.FindingsThe paper finds that libraries can apply classic marketing principles to attract and better serve new generations of users. Although libraries no longer have a monopoly on information sources, libraries do offer value‐added services.Originality/valueBy understanding the users and their contexts, the paper proposes various strategies of value to market librarians and library resources.

Educating at scale: sustainable library learning at the University of Melbourne

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 149-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Phillips
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Service Models ◽  
The University ◽  
Service Blueprint

Purpose – Most libraries in higher education are facing the challenge of providing valued and improved services with the same or fewer resources. Focussing on the library learning service at one university, the purpose of this paper is to consider how libraries can find new service models with contracting resources while aligning with institutional and professional values and providing value-in-use for end users and key stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach – Following a discussion of sustainability as relevant to library services, the paper presents a case study of one library’s approach to sustaining its library learning service. Findings – The sustainability of library services is aided by developing a service blueprint that provides direction and structure yet is dynamic and responsive. To be successful the approach should be grounded in resource realities, encourage scalability where possible and address the values and needs of key stakeholders. Originality/value – The paper presents a workable, integrated approach to managing a library learning service so that it delivers value and is sustainable.

scholarly journals Factores que motivan el uso de la biblioteca universitaria

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (14) ◽  
Author(s):  
José Segoviano Hernández ◽  
Miguel Ángel Palomo González
Keyword(s):  
Academic Library ◽  
The Other ◽  
Library Services ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Research Project ◽  
University Library ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Library Use ◽  
Use Studies ◽  
The University

Abstract: This paper presents the results of a documentary search about factors that motivate the use of university library. Literature about these factors was not found, either not standards or indicators used to measure those factors’ impact. On the other side, evidence was found about the decrease in library attendance, reported by the university libraries themselves; however, no evidence about the causes of this phenomenon was found. In sucha context, this article presents a research project that will be applied in 3 universities at Northeast Mexico, in which a methodology to identify and analyze motivation in students to use the university library is proposed.Keywords: academic library, library use studies, library users, motivation, library services, user satisfactionResumen: En este trabajo se presentan los resultados de la revisión documental sobre el tema de los factores que motivan el uso de la biblioteca universitaria. No se encontró literatura sobre estos factores y tampoco se encontraron normas o indicadores de referencia que permitan medir su impacto. Por otro lado, se encontró evidencia de un descenso en la asistencia reportada por las bibliotecas de las instituciones de educación superior, pero no se encontró evidencia de sus causas. Ante este escenario, en el presente artículo se plantea unproyecto de investigación que se aplicará en 3 universidades del noreste de México, en el cual se propone una metodología para identificar y analizar los factores que motivan, a sus estudiantes para utilizar la biblioteca universitaria.Palabras clave: biblioteca universitaria, estudios de uso de biblioteca, usuarios de biblioteca, motivación, servicios bibliotecarios, satisfacción de usuarios.

Use of QR code and Layar app for academic library services

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

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

scholarly journals The mobile future of university libraries and an analysis of the Turkish case

2017 ◽  
Vol 118 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 120-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gulcin Kubat
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Instant Messaging ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Library Services ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
University Library ◽  
The Future ◽  
The University

Purpose The purpose of this study is to search for any evidence for university libraries that are accessible by mobile technology in Turkey as relevant models of the future; having regard to the fact that smartphones will very soon become the standard means by which the internet is accessed, and the rates of connection from mobile devices will supersede those which are computer-based. Design/methodology/approach In the study, both domestic and foreign literature surveys were undertaken to determine which mobile library services are offered in university libraries. Thirty random central libraries of both private and state universities were selected from across the seven regions of Turkey. To gather data, a 26-question electronic survey was generated and e-mailed to the library managers. The questions were based on findings regarding the mobile library services provided by university libraries around the world. Findings By examining the survey results, it was determined that Turkish university libraries utilise a comparable level of mobile technology and demonstrate a similar level of care with regard to the services they offer. There are mobile sites (separate sites or mobile sites as applications), mobile library catalogues, short messaging services, chat rooms, consultations via instant messaging tools, mobile device-lending services, and augmented reality and QR code applications. Research limitations/implications In Turkey, the structures of university libraries operate under variable conditions because of the lack of established standards. This causes negative results for the delivery of library services. For this reason, university library standards should be set practicable as soonas reasonable, considering the social/economic and cultural structure of the country. Practical implications Owing to the transformative effect technology and the internet have had on services information and communication technologies, infrastructure has been added as a sixth element to the five traditional library items, namely, building budget personnel collection and users. Globalisation through the web has resulted in the individualisation of services and the slogan content is king has been changed to the customer experience is king. Fundamental library services are being adapted to allow mobile technology access, and this approach best reflects the new slogan. Therefore, the university library of the future may well be the one entirely based on mobile technology. Social implications Mobile devices lead to new forms of engagement with student learning; so academic libraries are expected to be strong partners in the teaching and learning processes of their institution. Originality/value The hypothesis of this study is that a university library accessible by mobile technology will be the model of the future, and its purpose is to search for any evidence for which the university libraries in Turkey are prepared to meet this challenge. This study is also meaningful because there have not been any study of Turkish university libraries in terms of mobile library services to users. This paper is the first time that a comprehensive study has been made of current mobile technology-based services, and is also the first comparison of the applications in Turkish university libraries. Additionally, paper synthesises developments and provides suggestions for the future.

scholarly journals Slums and prosperity: a complex, dynamic pathway of intervention

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 314-330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aisha Abubakar ◽  
Ombretta Romice ◽  
Ashraf M. Salama
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Personal Interest ◽  
Complex Dynamic ◽  
Developing Regions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Local Experience ◽  
Mapping Process ◽  
The One ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The University

Purpose Slums have existed as long as cities have and are a growing context in the developing world. The challenge is in their efficient, effective and inclusive management. The purpose of this paper is to frame slums in the broad aim of urban development and the pursuit of prosperity, as active players and positive contributors in every right – a slum-prosperity framework. First, however, they need to be comprehensively defined in a non-exclusive, structured, dynamic and heuristic way; a previous publication was set to resolve this challenge. Design/methodology/approach Guided by a synthesized operative model for prosperity, such a definition for slums is used to precisely relate their characters to the pursuit of prosperity through a mapping process, whereby these characters are linked to potentials for prosperity, improvement goals, resources and intervention plans. Findings Both slums and prosperity are fuzzy, complex and variable terms; the only possibility to deal with them both is to break them down into simple and manageable yet operative units and establish the most influential and effective links between them to organize intervention according to patterns of change in both slums and city. Research limitations/implications An intervention agenda like the one proposed here, that gives room for contextual and temporal urban complexities, has the potential to augment urban practice and help curb the slum phenomenon. A final paper (forthcoming) will illustrate the application of both the comprehensive definition of slum and the implementation of a pathway toward prosperity. Originality/value The proposal in this paper is derived as part of research conducted for the award of a PhD at the University of Strathclyde Glasgow. This was in general set to contribute to the proactive and inclusive improvement of slums and cities. The proposal is further derived from the authors’ involvement and personal interest in developing regions and is designed on local experience and on wider expertise in urban renewal.

Transforming library enquiry services: anywhere, anytime, any device

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 125-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Michelle Hockey
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Virtual Environments ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Change Implementation ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Implementation Approach ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose this paper is to outline how the University of South Australia Library transformed its enquiry services by replacing fixed service desks with a blend of virtual and on demand services. Design/methodology/approach – Outlines the drivers for change, implementation approach and partnerships developed in order to change practices and use technology to deliver proactive services. Findings – The new model enables staffing and workflow efficiencies allowing the service to be delivered sustainably. It is anticipated that it will increase the Library’s visibility and accessibility in the physical and virtual environments and position the Library as an innovator in service delivery. Practical implications – The project involved significant change to traditional practices and challenged long held beliefs about library services. It required library staff to be supported and trained to develop new skills and adapt to new practices. Originality/value – Provides strategies and lessons learnt for other libraries considering similar changes to service delivery.

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