scholarly journals Cultivating capability

2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 242-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Jones ◽  
Richard Vines

Purpose This paper aims to advocate that significant human and systems-based capabilities (termed “socio-technical capabilities”) need to be developed in government departments and other public sector organisations to support more effective description of information resources, collections and their context in online environments. Design/methodology/approach The ideas in this paper draw upon the findings of several action research interventions undertaken within a government department in Victoria in Australia since 2011 as part of a knowledge management initiative. Specific focus is given to the design and development of a new record-centric knowledge curation tool (KCT). Findings Effective functioning of KCT relies upon the input of well-structured, standards-based metadata used to describe collections, information resources and their context. The central claim is that the move towards standards-based descriptions will fundamentally change the capabilities required to manage, search for and disseminate knowledge and records. Research limitations/implications In addition to the capabilities discussed, management of records and knowledge through time requires commitments to stable repository, workflow and administrative systems, and working with contemporary systems involves technical knowledge such as the use of application programming interfaces. These aspects are not discussed here. Practical implications The capabilities discussed in this paper are socio-technical in nature. This means there is a requirement to shift current perspectives about who is responsible for managing organisational information as collections. Originality/value While some of the concepts discussed will be familiar to information professionals, the paper provides a unique description of how existing archival and recordkeeping practices are being integrated in innovative ways within organisations outside the information management professions.

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Devendra Dilip Potnis ◽  
Joseph Winberry

PurposeThis literature review aims to identify conscious, intentional, repetitive and transferrable information-related decisions and activities (i.e. information practices) for individuals to alleviate their information vulnerability. Information vulnerability refers to the lack of access to accurate, affordable, complete, relevant and timely information or the inability to use such information, which can place individuals, communities or society at disadvantage or hurt them.Design/methodology/approachConceptual literature review.FindingsThis review presents seven conscious, intentional, repetitive and transferrable information practices to alleviate information vulnerability.Practical implicationsDue to the transferability potential of the seven information practices, diverse populations in varied contexts could refer to, adapt and benefit from appropriate combinations of information practices and their manifestations. The framework can be used by individuals for alleviating information vulnerability. Thus, this paper responds to the call for conducting action-driven research in information science for addressing real-world problems. Information professionals can help individuals select and implement appropriate combinations of seven information practices for alleviating information vulnerability.Originality/valueWe propose (1) a parsimonious, episodic framework for alleviating information vulnerability, which depicts the inter-relationship among the seven information practices and (2) a three-dimensional plot with information access, use and value as three axes to map the manifestation and outcome of alleviating information vulnerability.


2006 ◽  
Vol 55 (4) ◽  
pp. 267-277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Obiora Omekwu ◽  
Uwem Eteng

PurposeTo map out routes along which the library and information profession can chart its future development.Design/methodology/approachA literature‐based opinion piece which looks at “roadmaps to change” in library and information work from the historical, knowledge economy and information technology perspectives.FindingsChange is inevitable for organizational survival and the maintenance of professional relevance.Practical implicationsLibrarians and information professionals are by training positioned to continue to make a difference in information handling and management both now and in the future. The paper recommends the forms of repositioning that are vital for them if they are to continue to be relevant in information service delivery.Originality/valueNew and emerging roles for the profession are highlighted from various authors and authorities in the field.


2016 ◽  
Vol 65 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 242-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nujoud Al-Muomen ◽  
Debora Shaw ◽  
Michael Courtney

Purpose This paper aims to compare how undergraduates in Kuwait and Indiana Universities assess information resources for class assignments. Design/methodology/approach Social science majors at Kuwait University and Indiana University Bloomington completed the Project Information Literacy survey. Findings The students are comparable in how often they ask instructors or classmates for advice, but Kuwaitis are more likely to ask other people for assistance. Kuwaiti students generally are less critical in their evaluation of both library-based and web information resources but are more likely to consider librarian recommendations. Research limitations/implications Institution-specific factors that were not specifically addressed include the following: the survey was administered online in Indiana and on paper in Kuwait, and the types of course assignments and/or students’ information literacy instruction may also vary by institution. Practical implications Librarians should continue to present information clearly and use a variety of instructional methods so that material is accessible. Librarian recommendations and modeling of evaluative behavior can assist international students. Social media may be useful in working with these students’ more collaborative approach to assessing resources. Originality/value The work updates the 2010 Project Information Literacy survey on undergraduates’ evaluation of information resources for coursework. It also extends that survey to identify how students from Kuwait are different than USA undergraduates.


2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 2-15
Author(s):  
Diana K. Wakimoto

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe different collective ways that archivists, librarians and those with dual-roles experience archives. Design/methodology/approach Using a phenomenographic approach, a total of 24 librarians, archivists and dual-role individuals were interviewed, and interview transcripts were analyzed to create categories that described the varying ways in which archives are experienced. Findings Librarians experienced archives in four ways: historical resources, preserving history, preserved access and political. Archivists experienced archives in four ways: accessible collections, connection, collaboration and stewardship. Dual-role individuals experienced archives in five ways: collections, preserved access, progress, connection and knowledge creators. There are variations among and within each group on how archives are experienced. However, there is a significant overlap in many categories in terms of access, preservation, use and collections. Practical implications Understanding each other’s different perspectives could lead to stronger partnerships among librarians, archivists and dual-role individuals. These partnerships have the potential to increase the visibility of archives, providing greater access and engagement for community members. Originality/value The study supports previous phenomenographic research on experiences of archives and provides a more nuanced understanding of information professionals’ varying collective experiences of archives.


2018 ◽  
Vol 119 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 586-596 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nazia Wahid ◽  
Nosheen Fatima Warraich ◽  
Muzammil Tahira

Purpose This study aims to explore the development of cataloguing standards used to organize information sources in libraries and information centers. Its key objective is to assess the challenges faced by information professionals to apply new bibliographic standards in linked data (LD) environment. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on extensive review of scholarly literature. Several databases were searched to identify relevant literature. Keywords such as RDA, FRBR, MARC and BIBFRAME were used along with LD to conduct search. Related literature was consulted and reviewed accordingly. Findings Findings reveal that cataloguing standards are subsequently evolving with the advancement of information technology. Libraries have been publishing their legacy metadata into LD. Many tools are developed for mapping the library metadata into LD applications. The Library of Congress has developed BIBFRAME model to fulfill the requirements of new bibliographic standards by using LD technology. It is found that extensive use of MARC standards, complexity of LD technologies, non-availability of vocabulary and inconsistency of terminologies are the major challenges for libraries to adopt LD applications. Practical implications This review will be a valuable addition for LIS scholars to understand the challenges of LD application. This study would be significant for the library community and policymakers who are interested in implementing LD technologies. Originality/value This paper is a one of its kind, where the development in cataloguing models and standards is explained along with the challenges to adopt LD applications for legacy data.


2007 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 13-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle Mihram ◽  
G. Arthur Mihram

PurposeTo provide coverage and insights about the annual meeting of the AAAS where this year's theme was “Science and Technology for Sustainable Well‐Being.”Design/methodology/approachEnvironmental scan of annual national meeting. Of particular interest due to the range of backgrounds different attendees from all avenues of the scientific community.FindingsSustainable well being has wide applications in different arenas but the informatics component was not as strong as at past conferences.Practical ImplicationsMuch of the conference focused on intersections of theory and application and new ways of responding to sustainability. Particularly strong in the physical sciences.Originality valueProvides information of value to information professionals.


2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 33-35

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Businesses can enhance their overall performance by focusing on certain strategy dimensions at the expense of others. The positive impact of such strategic orientations can be furthered when various technical and non-technical knowledge management mechanisms are effectively utilized. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.


2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 276-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joachim Schopfel ◽  
Sylvain Vanacker ◽  
Eric Kergosien ◽  
Bernard Jacquemin

PurposeThis paper aims to show how Master’s theses can contribute to open scholarship and give reasons why this should be done.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides an overview of published studies and, based on the experience at the University of Lille (France), describes some essential aspects for the processing and valorization of these documents in the academic cloud, as a contribution of open scholarship.FindingsBecause of their number and diversity, collections of Masters’ theses in open repositories could be an excellent showcase for the universities’ Master programs and research. They could also offer interesting and large samples for content analysis, citation analysis and text and data mining (TDM). However, some issues need attention, above all intellectual property, quality and preservation. Quality is crucial, and the paper describes how the Lille project proceeds to assure sufficient quality and right clearance, and why the project shifted from students’ self-archiving to a digital library collection in the academic cloud, run by faculty and information professionals. The paper presents also some usage statistics to illustrate the potential, global impact of such a collection.Practical implicationsThe paper provides helpful and empirical evidence and insight for those who want to develop the dissemination of Master’s theses via open repositories.Originality/valueIn the context of open scholarship, only few studies deal with Master’s theses, and this paper is the only recent reference that brings together a review of other papers and a case study with empirical evidence.


2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (7) ◽  
pp. 37-39

Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate a MLDP aimed at improving the ability of middle managers to connect to the goals and strategies of the organization including the direct effect on managers’ identification with and commitment to the organization and the indirect cascading effects on subordinates. Design/methodology/approach Data is gathered from the responses of 107 managers and 913 of their subordinates employed in a regional healthcare administration in Denmark to surveys presented at two time points during and after completion of the MLDP program. Findings The study finds that managers’ identification with and commitment to the organization both show a significant decrease following the implementation of the program. In addition, subordinate identification to the leader and commitment to the organization both show a significant decrease following the implementation of the program. Practical implications It is recommended that when designing and delivering MLDP’s managers should be given the time, information, resources and action plans to facilitate successful role redefinition. Originality/value This paper has an original approach, as it is one of the first to evaluate theoretical mechanisms through which MLDP’s affect managers.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Small retailers must overcome various challenges in order to remain competitive. Such operators can improve business performance through strategic integration within an appropriate buying group that permits them to access key additional merchandising information, resources and support. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.


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