Identifying the uses of mobile technology among Library and Information Science undergraduate students

2016 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 417-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evgenia Vassilakaki ◽  
Valentini Moniarou-Papaconstantinou ◽  
Emmanouel Garoufallou
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Library Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Academic Institutions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Desktop Computers

Purpose Mobile technology has redefined the way people communicate and interact. In education, the number of academic institutions developing and offering mobile information services is growing steadily. The purpose of this paper is to identify the use of mobile technology by the Library Science and Information Systems undergraduate students in Greece. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire was developed drawing from the relevant literature and sent to undergraduate students studying Library and Information Science during the 2014-2015 academic year. Findings It was found that students employed mobile phones for entertainment purposes whereas laptops and desktop computers for performing education-related tasks. Laptops and desktop computers were again mostly used to access library services, namely the OPAC, reference books, journals. Research limitations/implications Academic institutions need to offer services and adopt online learning platforms supported in mobile devices. Students from other disciplines and their acceptance of mobile technology should be explored. Originality/value This study identifies the specific mobile devices that students use to perform a variety of activities, educational and social, as well as the reasons for doing so.

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.

Research productivity of library scholars

2015 ◽  
Vol 116 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 433-454 ◽  
Author(s):  
Munazza Jabeen ◽  
Liu Yun ◽  
Muhammad Rafiq ◽  
Misbah Jabeen
Keyword(s):  
Bibliometric Analysis ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Average Rate ◽  
Library Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Journal Citation Reports ◽  
Mapping Software ◽  
Library Professionals

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore, by a quantitative analysis, growth rates of, and trends in, global publications in the field of library and information science (LIS) produced by library science professionals. Design/methodology/approach – A survey approach was used in this paper. Journal Citation Reports 2010 was the major source for selecting 40 LIS core journals. A bibliometric analysis was conducted. Visualization and mapping software was utilized to present a picture of the growth in and trends relating to LIS publications. Findings – A total of 18,371 research articles were published from 2003 to 2012. A significant growth rate (11.37 per cent) was found in 2009. Self-citation tendencies have been increasing, with an average rate of 38.56 per cent. Of all publication types, “article” was the most popular among LIS researchers. China has contributed remarkably in terms of collaborative publications. Practical implications – The present study could be helpful for library professionals, subject specialists and policy makers. These findings may encourage library professionals to integrate and monitor library functions through bibliometric analysis. Originality/value – This paper identifies growth and trends in publications by LIS researchers through use of bibliometrics.

Overcoming imposter syndrome: the adventures of two new instruction librarians

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 331-342
Author(s):  
Jessica Martinez ◽  
Meredith Forrey
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Library Science ◽  
Work Environments ◽  
First Year ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Library Instruction ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Imposter Phenomenon

Purpose New librarians rarely feel fully prepared for academic library instruction. This could be attributed to many factors in both Master of Library and Information Science programs and work environments. Imposter syndrome or imposter phenomenon is a common way this insecurity manifests. Imposter phenomenon, first defined in 1978, is an individual’s feeling that they will be exposed as a fraud, regardless of how qualified or knowledgeable they actually are. Throughout the first year as new instruction librarians, the authors tracked their experiences with instruction and the imposter phenomenon. This paper aims to illuminate how imposter phenomenon impacts library instruction, provide suggestions for individual librarians and identify what academic libraries can do institutionally to mitigate feelings of fraudulence among their employees. Design/methodology/approach This paper outlines the history and symptoms of imposter phenomenon, focusing on its presence in libraries. The authors draw on existing literature in psychology and library science, their own experience and a survey of 172 librarians. Suggestions for best practices for easing imposter phenomenon are then discussed based on the experiences of the authors and survey respondents. Findings This paper suggests several ways to ease the feelings of imposter phenomenon among those employed in academic libraries. Research limitations/implications This paper is based on the authors’ experiences, as well as a survey of 172 librarians. The survey was self-selecting, so the results may be skewed, but the themes apparent throughout the responses indicate that imposter phenomenon in libraries is pervasive and warrants further research. Practical implications The recommendations presented in this paper will provide new librarians and library administrators with concrete ways to identify and ameliorate imposter phenomenon among new instruction librarians. Originality/value Though imposter phenomenon has gained popular attention in wider society, extant research has not sufficiently addressed its role in the realm of academic library instruction. Given that most MLIS programs focus on theory rather than practice, finding ways to give new instruction librarians confidence in their positions is an area of research that warrants more exploration.

The public sphere without democracy: some recent work in LIS

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (3) ◽  
pp. 769-783 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Buschman
Keyword(s):  
Civil Society ◽  
Public Sphere ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Public Sphere ◽  
And Function ◽  
Role And Function

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze and re-direct recent schematic and empirical scholarship on Habermas’ theory of the public sphere in library and information science (LIS). Design/methodology/approach This paper conducts a critical analysis of the relevant literature in light of Habermas’ origination and use/purpose of the public sphere concept. Findings The authors examined here produced a schematic operationalization of the public sphere that thinned the concept, but in turn, that schematization has produced insight into the civil society functions and communications of libraries, both within and without. For this work to be meaningful, the considerations and contexts of democratic society must be reinserted. Research limitations/implications Further explorations of the relationship between the public sphere and civil society as they are manifested around and in libraries is called for. Additionally, Weigand’s approach to producing data/evidence on the public sphere and libraries should be furthered. Practical implications Understanding the role and function of libraries in democratic societies is essential for libraries to play a productive democratic role in those societies and thus, in guiding them. Social implications This paper helps to situate the bewildering circumstances of libraries who face both popular support and broad political-social questioning of their role and place. Originality/value This paper arguably interjects a more sophisticated and nuanced theoretical picture of the public sphere than prior precis presented in the LIS literature have undertaken. It also engages a unique set of empirical-theoretical students from another perspective in order to deepen and shift that research discourse.

Facebook as an Informal Tool for Learning: Exploring Perceptions of Greek LIS Undergraduate Students

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Evgenia Vassilakaki ◽  
Emmanouel Garoufallou
Keyword(s):  
Social Networking ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Academic Institutions ◽  
Web 2.0 Tools ◽  
Facebook Use ◽  
Educational Potential ◽  
Insight Into

Facebook use in higher education has been explored from different perspectives (i.e. academic institutions, teachers, students). This research aimed to investigate Greek Library and Information Science undergraduate students perceptions of Facebook use for educational purposes. A questionnaire was distributed online during the first two weeks of June 2015 to 278 undergraduate students studying Library and Information Science in Greece. 135 questionnaires were collected with an overall response rate 48.6%. It was found that students employ Facebook mainly for social interaction and communicate though they do recognize the educational potential of social networking sites. Academic institutions and teachers need to stay up-to-dated with the emergence of new Web 2.0 tools and use them when appropriate to meet their goals. This research contributes in providing a further insight into the way students employ social networking sites and thus, assist academic institutions in formulating their strategy and teachers in incorporating Facebook in delivering their courses.

Differences between LIS and non-LIS undergraduates’ conceptions of smart libraries: a drawing analysis approach

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yun-Fang Tu ◽  
Gwo-Jen Hwang ◽  
Shu-Yen Chen ◽  
Chiulin Lai ◽  
Chuan-Miao Chen
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Digital Resources ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Appliances ◽  
Technology Services ◽  
Access To Books

Purpose This study aims to compare similarities and differences in library and information science (LIS) and non-LIS undergraduates’ conceptions and perceptions of smart libraries via drawing analysis. Design/methodology/approach In this study, a total of 156 undergraduate students described their perceptions of smart libraries as drawings and textual descriptions. A modified coding scheme with 8 categories and 51 subcategories was used to analyse the undergraduate students’ drawings. Findings Most of the undergraduate students’ conceptions of smart libraries still involve self-checkout and learning/reading, focusing on information appliances, technical services, activities and objects. The differences are that the LIS undergraduates’ drawings showed smart libraries with robots, interactive book borrowing with technology tools, intelligent services, location-aware services or mobile applications, whereas non-LIS undergraduates presented smart libraries as readers (learners), other activities and no smart technology services. LIS undergraduates focused on providing patron services with technologies. Non-LIS undergraduates were more likely to draw a complex space with immediate access to books or digital resources, quiet reading and the freedom to engage in library activities. Originality/value The results provide a baseline for future research on the topic and provide preliminary evidence of using the methods to discern LIS and non-LIS undergraduates’ conceptions of smart libraries.

Adapting to change in academic libraries

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Aslam
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Library Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Ways Of Working ◽  
Library Professionals

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discover the main reasons for change, why change is necessary and how library professionals can adapt to change. Academic institutions are rapidly changing around the world where libraries are facing similar challenges and adapting change is a demand for growth and improvement. Library administrators need a clear vision and strategic plan to meet the upcoming challenges, they must have self-confidence, ability to work with diversity. Library professionals need to show flexibility and a willingness to develop new skills, they also need to adopt new ways of working and dealing with the academic community. Design/methodology/approach The literature review is built on resources from offline and online full-text databases such as ProQuest, EBSCO, Emerald, Library Literature and Information Science databases. This paper is based on a systematic literature review method which includes 50 research articles and 5 print books. A total of 109 articles were collected at the beginning stage but after their analysis in detail, they were reduced to 50 articles as the rest of the articles did not exactly focus on adapting to change in academic libraries. Basic keyword and advanced searching options have been used to retrieve the relevant literature on the topic from peer-reviewed and scholarly resources. Findings Changes are the result of organizational restructuring, user expectations and accessibility to a growing range of digital content, so library professionals are under pressure to adopt change in academic libraries and introduce new services and technology. Library professionals need to change traditional ways of working and boost their knowledge and skills, collaborative attitude, redesign and policies and procedures and create a willingness to adapt to the change. Challenges can be managed if an individual has a keen interest and eagerness to keep up to date with the current knowledge and emerging trends in academic libraries. Research limitations/implications Appropriate literature on the topic was reviewed systematically, not all publications were included. Literature on this topic is relatively limited so more research and publications are needed to deal with current and future scenarios of academic libraries. Practical implications This paper offers a useful overview of the ways and approaches used to adopting change by library professionals and the approaches that can be used in the current and future settings of academic libraries. Suggestions and recommendations can be used in the field of LIS, as well as library professionals may apply in the academic and research libraries to effectively change. Originality/value This paper focuses on the concept of adapting to change in academic libraries, rather than responding to change. This piece of opinion contributes to library science in the area of how to manage and implement change, suggests ways and frameworks which can be used to adopting change by library professionals.

Library and information science research in BRICS countries

2018 ◽  
Vol 119 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 183-202
Author(s):  
Manorama Tripathi ◽  
V.K.J. Jeevan ◽  
Parveen Babbar ◽  
Lohrii Kaini Mahemei
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Research Output ◽  
Library Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Issues ◽  
Brics Countries

Purpose This paper aims to highlight the research output of library and information science of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) nations during the ten year period, i.e. 2005-2014, as reflected through the Web of Science database. Design/methodology/approach This study used Social Science Index (SSCI) of Web of Science (WoS) citation database to collect data for the ten year period. All records indexed in SSCI were refined by subject area of “Information Science and Library Science” and selected countries. The downloaded results were analyzed by using specific parameters. Findings WoS indexes different kinds of documents, such as articles, conference proceedings, biographical items, book reviews, corrections, editorial material, letters, reprints and reviews. Out of the BRICS output, almost 90 per cent of papers were articles. Other types of documents included conference papers, review papers and book reviews. China contributed nearly half of the documents followed by Brazil, South Africa, India and Russia. On an average, a document had cited 34 references. More than one-third of records did not receive any citations. It has been observed that the titles that had 11-16 words attracted the most number of citations. The top ten publishers in whose journals the researchers published included Emerald, Elsevier and Springer. The primary subject areas were information science and library science, information systems, interdisciplinary applications and management. About 85 per cent of the documents were published in English. Around 93 per cent of the non-English research publications were in Portuguese, the official language of Brazil. Originality/value There are not many studies on BRICS countries and that too about Library and Information Science (LIS) research output. This study may reveal insights into how LIS researchers interact with local and global issues in a specific spectrum of the world community.

Twenty years of readership of library and information science literature under Mendeley’s microscope

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aida Pooladian ◽  
Ángel Borrego
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
Research Evaluation ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Library Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Science Literature ◽  
Management Software ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Citation Counts

Purpose Altmetric indicators have been proposed as a complement to citation counts in research evaluation. Conceivably, they might also be used to supplement other methods for estimating journal readership. The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of Mendeley reference management software to characterize the features of the readership of library and information science (LIS) literature. Design/methodology/approach The authors used the Social Sciences Citation Index to retrieve 54,655 articles and reviews published between 1995 and 2014 and indexed in the category “Information Science & Library Science”. Each record was then searched in Mendeley to obtain the number of bookmarks of the paper and the academic status of the users. Findings Mendeley covers 61 per cent of the LIS literature published in the last 20 years. In all, 75 per cent of the papers published in the last five years had been bookmarked at least once in Mendeley whereas just 55 per cent had been cited in Web of Science. Reviews are bookmarked more frequently than articles, and papers in English have more bookmarks than papers in any other language. Most users of LIS literature are PhD and postgraduate students. Originality/value The study shows that altmetrics can be used as a source of data in information behaviour studies. Reference management software provides an unobtrusive means of capturing reading habits in the scholarly literature. Compared to citation counts, bookmarks are rapidly available and also reflect usage outside the academic community.

Mobile information services in libraries: a review of current trends in delivering information

2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 176-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evgenia Vassilakaki
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Mobile Services ◽  
Information Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Current Trends ◽  
Mobile Information ◽  
Mobile Information Services

Purpose – This paper aims to review the literature on mobile information services. It considers only peer-reviewed papers published in English between 2004 and 2014. Design/methodology/approach – The method of systematic review was adopted to collect and analyse the relevant literature. The searches were conducted during the last week of July 2014 on different databases, and in total, 76 papers were considered after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Findings – Seven themes emerged: “introducing mobile libraries”, “reporting on current trends”, “exploring users’ perceptions of libraries’ mobile services”, “presenting libraries’ mobile services”, “presenting mobile technology use in libraries”, “reporting case studies” and “reporting on evaluation of libraries’ mobile services”. It is evident that research on mobile libraries is very recent and focuses mainly on raising the Library and Information Science profession’s awareness of providing mobile information services. Research limitations – This literature review focused only on peer-reviewed papers published between 2004 and 2014 in English. Originality/value – This paper summarises and critically presents the relevant literature on libraries offering mobile information services. It informs libraries and librarians’ understanding of recent developments in mobile technology for the successful provision of information services.

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