In transition: academic e-book reading in an institution without e-books

2014 ◽  
Vol 63 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 261-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene Lopatovska ◽  
Aimee Slater ◽  
Caitlin Bronner ◽  
Houda El Mimouni ◽  
Leanora Lange ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Book Reading ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Science Students ◽  
Reading Habits ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ready Access

Purpose – This paper aims to report the results of a study that examined the ways in which graduate-level library and information science students make use of e-books and e-readers at an institution that does not offer e-books through its library. The paper can be used as a case study in the adoption of emerging technology. Design/methodology/approach – The study used three research methods – a survey, focus groups and interviews – to investigate library and information science students’ reading habits and preferences. Findings – The findings suggest that despite the barriers of access and usability, the students have generally incorporated e-books into their academic routines. The results also suggest the factors that contribute to reader preferences for e-book technology. Research limitations/implications – The study sample was limited to one academic institution without e-book collection. Originality/value – The article presents one of the very few studies that examine e-book reading of an academic population that does not currently have access to e-books through their academic library. Understanding the ways in which such a population accesses, uses and values e-books would help many academic libraries make decisions with regard to the selection, integration and marketing of e-books. Additionally, such a study could serve as the basis of a case study that seeks to understand the ways in which people who do not have ready access to technology through their institutions find ways to work around that obstacle.

Role of social networks in library and information services in India: a case study of efficiency and effectiveness

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 11-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdul Mannan Khan ◽  
Aslam Ansari
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Technology Literacy ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Efficiency And Effectiveness ◽  
Develop Technology ◽  
Information Professionals

Purpose – This study aims to examine the effective and efficiency account of social networking (SN) tools and how it affects communication with others and anticipatory awareness. Design/methodology/approach – For the purpose of the study, a set of questionnaires was prepared by the authors and furnished to information professionals. Findings – The findings disclose that some SN tools are gaining popularity among Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals in India. The most active professionals are aged 26-35 years; the habits of using SN are different from traditional searches for research purposes. The professionals provide opinion that SN is very effective to deliver LIS. Research limitations – The present study assesses the role of SN in LIS from information professionals of Indian science and technology institutions. Originality/value – SN is growing rapidly as a medium of communication between individuals to share their experiences and information regarding interests, and also helps to build ongoing relationships. In the field of LIS services, it may help to develop technology literacy and proficiency.

Digital curation in museums

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joyce Ray
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Museum Studies ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Education Practice ◽  
Digital Curation ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a perspective on the development of digital curation education and practice in museums in the USA. Design/methodology/approach Methods used include: a historical overview of the development of digital curation, originally as a field of practice – primarily in the sciences – and then as a field of study; a case study of the adaptation of a digital curation curriculum (DigCCurr) framework developed in schools of library and information science (LIS) to a museum studies program; and a discussion of trends in digital curation practices in museums. Findings The case study (the digital curation certificate program of Johns Hopkins University’s museum studies program) describes a successful adaptation of the LIS DigCCurr framework in a museum studies program. Practical implications Findings could help to advance the museum field through the integration of digital curation education, practice and research. Social implications By adopting and supporting digital curation practices, education and research, museums can reach and engage more online users seeking information about museum collections. More online users may also become onsite visitors. Originality/value There is little existing literature on digital curation education in museum studies programs.

scholarly journals The concept of neutrality: a new approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
pp. 333-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Macdonald ◽  
Briony Birdi
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Social Institutions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Normative Framework ◽  
Contextual Awareness

Purpose Neutrality is a much debated value in library and information science (LIS). The “neutrality debate” is characterised by opinionated discussions in contrasting contexts. The purpose of this paper is to fill a gap in the literature by bringing these conceptions together holistically, with potential to deepen understanding of LIS neutrality. Design/methodology/approach First, a literature review identified conceptions of neutrality reported in the LIS literature. Second, seven phenomenographic interviews with LIS professionals were conducted across three professional sectors. To maximise variation, each sector comprised at least one interview with a professional of five or fewer years’ experience and one with ten or more years’ experience. Third, conceptions from the literature and interviews were compared for similarities and disparities. Findings In four conceptions, each were found in the literature and interviews. In the literature, these were labelled: “favourable”, “tacit value”, “social institutions” and “value-laden profession”, whilst in interviews they were labelled: “core value”, “subservient”, “ambivalent”, and “hidden values”. The study’s main finding notes the “ambivalent” conception in interviews is not captured by a largely polarised literature, which oversimplifies neutrality’s complexity. To accommodate this complexity, it is suggested that future research should look to reconcile perceptions from either side of the “neutral non-neutral divide” through an inclusive normative framework. Originality/value This study’s value lies in its descriptive methodology, which brings LIS neutrality together in a holistic framework. This framework brings a contextual awareness to LIS neutrality lacking in previous research. This awareness has the potential to change the tone of the LIS neutrality debate.

Leading with love and hospitality: applying a radical pedagogy to LIS

2019 ◽  
Vol 120 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 119-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole A. Cooke
Keyword(s):  
Classroom Management ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Ethnographic Case Study ◽  
Radical Pedagogy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Professionals ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to suggest that classroom instructors should reflect and revise their pedagogy to lead a classroom designed to produce future information professionals who will be prepared to serve their communities in a radical way. Design/methodology/approach The paper reviews the literature related to radical and humanizing pedagogies and then features an auto ethnographic case study which details how the author implemented some of the strategies. Findings Formal study of pedagogy can improve the library and information science (LIS) teaching and learning process. Practical implications Examining pedagogy in a formal way yields concrete suggestions for improving classroom management and content delivery. Social implications Using a radical pedagogy can improve relationships between teachers and learners, and learners will be able to model the classroom strategies in their own professional practice. Originality/value The study builds upon current examples of radical practice in the field and examines how such practices can be instilled even earlier in LIS graduate classrooms.

Researchers' judgment criteria of high-quality answers on academic social Q&A platforms

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 603-623 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei Li ◽  
Chengzhi Zhang ◽  
Daqing He ◽  
Jia Tina Du
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Quality Criteria ◽  
Social Networking Site ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Second Stage

PurposeThrough a two-stage survey, this paper examines how researchers judge the quality of answers on ResearchGate Q&A, an academic social networking site.Design/methodology/approachIn the first-stage survey, 15 researchers from Library and Information Science (LIS) judged the quality of 157 answers to 15 questions and reported the criteria that they had used. The content of their reports was analyzed, and the results were merged with relevant criteria from the literature to form the second-stage survey questionnaire. This questionnaire was then completed by researchers recognized as accomplished at identifying high-quality LIS answers on ResearchGate Q&A.FindingsMost of the identified quality criteria for academic answers—such as relevance, completeness, and verifiability—have previously been found applicable to generic answers. The authors also found other criteria, such as comprehensiveness, the answerer's scholarship, and value-added. Providing opinions was found to be the most important criterion, followed by completeness and value-added.Originality/valueThe findings here show the importance of studying the quality of answers on academic social Q&A platforms and reveal unique considerations for the design of such systems.

Leaning into sustainability at University of Alberta Libraries

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

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

Measuring the academic library

2018 ◽  
Vol 119 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 109-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fiona Salisbury ◽  
Jennifer Peasley
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
National Standards ◽  
Digital Environment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Outcomes ◽  
Service Data ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an Australian perspective of impact and value by examining how the broader international and national perspectives play out in practice in the Australian context and where adaption for local requirements is necessary. Design/methodology/approach This paper will explore the assessment of impact and value in academic libraries and the tools available to translate today’s inputs into future impact and value. It will focus on a range of methods and procedures, including international and national standards, frameworks and benchmarks. Findings The La Trobe University Library is presented as a case study to examine the challenges of leveraging tools to assess impact and communicate the value of the library across the university community. Originality/value Assessing the impact and demonstrating the value of the academic library in a digital environment is a constant challenge. While usage and service data are plentiful, traditional metrics no longer sufficiently demonstrate the academic library’s contribution to university learning, teaching and research outcomes.

scholarly journals Introducing web components into the LIS graduate curriculum

2017 ◽  
Vol 118 (11/12) ◽  
pp. 660-668
Author(s):  
Judith Wusteman
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Graduate Programs ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Web Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Graduate Curriculum ◽  
Seismic Impact ◽  
The Web

Purpose This paper introduces web components, one of the most exciting and potentially transformative of the technologies that comprise HTML5. Web components provide a standardised method of creating and sharing custom HTML elements. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a viewpoint. Findings The paper proposes that the web development curriculum in library and information science (LIS) graduate programs needs to expand to cover this important topic. Originality/value Despite the potentially seismic impact of web components on Web development, up until this point, there has not been a discussion of this technology within the LIS literature.

The correct language of cataloguing local publications in East Africa

2015 ◽  
Vol 116 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 517-526
Author(s):  
Eliz Nassali State ◽  
Isaac M.N. Kigongo-Bukenya ◽  
Constant Okello-Obura
Keyword(s):  
East Africa ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
The Body ◽  
Library Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Subject Term ◽  
The Subject

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the subject cataloguing of local publications and subject access to local publications. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative approach was used. Methods included interviews, document reviews and observations. Findings – Adherence to cataloguing standards takes precedence over subject access. Rarely is a user the focus of choice of the subject term in the process of cataloguing. The terms assigned to local publications are generally too broad and, at times, border on inappropriateness. The situation is exacerbated by a lack of documented cataloguing policies and a waning interest in cataloguing matters from the profession. Originality/value – This study is intended to benefit the librarians who provide subject representation to local publications by way of streamlining the process of subject cataloguing, hence, enhancing access to these uniquely held resources. The outcome of this study, hence, will provide insight in the process of cataloguing local publications. In addition, the findings of this study will benefit the teaching of subject cataloguing in library and information science programs. The findings from this study are expected to contribute to the body of library science by enabling a localized view to subject assignation. Ultimately, the significance of the study lies in its contribution to cataloguing education and research, especially with a perspective from Africa.

Slavoj Žižek, Rex Libris, and the Traumatic Real

2015 ◽  
Vol 71 (6) ◽  
pp. 1265-1288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary P. Radford ◽  
Marie L. Radford ◽  
Mark Alpert
Keyword(s):  
Popular Culture ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Jacques Lacan ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Comic Book ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Slavoj Zizek ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Book Series ◽  
Slavoj Žižek

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to use the work of philosopher Slavoj Žižek to gain insights into representations of the librarian and the library in contemporary popular culture. Design/methodology/approach – A psycho-analytic reading of the comic book series Rex Libris using Slavoj Žižek’s treatment of Jacques Lacan. Findings – Žižek’s approach can provide novel and previously unconsidered insights into the understanding of librarian stereotypes in particular and representations of the library in general. Research limitations/implications – This paper is limited to the representations of the librarian and the library in one comic book series. Its findings need to be generalized to representations in other forms of popular culture. Originality/value – As far as the authors know, this is the only paper that has applied the work of Žižek in the library and information science (LIS) literature. As such, not only are the insights into the representations of librarians and libraries important, this paper also acts as a valuable introduction to the work of Žižek for the LIS community of scholars.

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