Perceptions of students working as library reference assistants at a University Library

2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 722-736 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Brenza ◽  
Michelle Kowalsky ◽  
Denise Brush
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Worker Training ◽  
Worker Perceptions ◽  
Student Workers ◽  
Training Position

Purpose – This paper aims to develop a better understanding of student worker perceptions of academic libraries in an effort to improve student worker training, position structure and, ultimately, their perceptions of the library. The value of student reference assistants extends well beyond the completion of assigned library tasks. Specifically, student reference assistants can be important community voices and advocates for academic libraries, spreading, by word-of-mouth, the kinds of library services available to students and their relevance to the academic community. Consequently, it is essential to gain an understanding of how student workers perceive the academic library as a result of their employment. Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses an informal, anonymous online survey of student reference assistants to gather information on student worker perceptions of the library. Questions focus on student workers’ understanding of library services and resources as well as on the library’s mission and purpose. An analysis of student responses is provided in light of four “ideal” perceptions which the librarians hold for all students. Findings – Overall, student worker responses to the survey generally aligned with the ideal perceptions. However, misalignments suggest the need for training that focuses on the development of a broader understanding of the library’s role in the academic community. Practical implications – The paper can help academic librarians gain insight on how student workers understand the role of the library within the larger academic community and how positive student worker perceptions can be leveraged for outreach purposes. Originality/value – This paper examines an important aspect of student worker perception that has generally been overlooked in the literature.

Estimation of the knowledge management model for performance measurement in university libraries

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Rafi ◽  
Zheng Jian Ming ◽  
Khurshid Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Performance Evaluation ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Management Model ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThe study aims to expand the literature on evaluating the performance of professionals and academic libraries, rationalizing management and providing reliable services to the academic community. The performance assessment model covers the four components (management competence, professional experience, financial add/projects and library services) in the context of the knowledge management model.Design/methodology/approachBased on quantitative data, the study defines a set of assumptions for testing the four components of performance evaluation within a knowledge management framework to develop appropriate and robust models for improving employee performance and library services. The structural equation model has been applied to sample data from 339 administrative librarians at 190 universities in Pakistan.FindingsStatistical evidence confirms that the applicability of the proposed performance-based model enhances management competence, makes accurate decisions, develops professional skills and strengthens human resource organization and knowledge management techniques in developing the efficiency of academic libraries.Practical implicationsIn the long term, academic leaders and policymakers value investment in the professional development of top library management as they participate in the decision-making process. Organizing training for service employees, supporting innovative research projects and providing library technology infrastructures ultimately improve academic performance and research when integrated into the knowledge management model.Originality/valueSo far, comprehensive literature on performance and knowledge management has been published separately. However, based on the key data collected by senior library administrators using the structured research questionnaire, the comprehensive performance evaluation research based on a knowledge management model is innovative to improve academic library services and close the literature gap.

Readiness of academic libraries in South Africa to research, teaching and learning support in the Fourth Industrial Revolution

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 355-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennis N. Ocholla ◽  
Lyudmila Ocholla
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution

PurposeIn this paper, we refer to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in 2016, where the concept of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) was coined by Klaus Schwab, with the reference that it would be building on “the Third, the digital revolution” and would be “characterized by a fusion of technologies that is blurring the lines between the physical, digital, and biological spheres”. While acknowledging that the 4IR will impact on everything, everywhere, including research and libraries, we conceptualize 4IR, and we compare current academic library services/trends in South Africa with 4IR requirements, through the analysis of 26 public university library websites.Design/methodology/approachBesides conceptualization of 4IR, a content analysis of websites of 26 public universities’ libraries in South Africa was achieved followed up with verification of the data by respective libraries through a preliminary research report circulated to them by email. 23 areas were identified as the trends in academic libraries, which included free Wi-Fi in the libraries; 24/7 study areas and access to library resources on and off campus; research commons; makerspace; borrowing ICTs (e.g. laptops); e-resources; e-catalogues; research data services (RDS; RDM, IR); open scholarship; information literacy and reference/bibliographic tools, library as a publisher, among others. Data obtained were captured in Excel and analyzed by the research questions.FindingsThe 4IR concept does not occur often in literature, in relation to academic libraries, but it is implied. The findings show that the libraries are responding well to the revolution through their services, with remarkable innovation and creativity on display. There was a 64% presence of the analyzed trends/services in the libraries, with emerging trends/services such as library as a publisher (4%), robotics/AI (4%), makerspace (8%), RDS (27%), borrowing of ICTs/devices (19%) and user experience (19%) scoring low, while information literacy and digital scholarship (e.g. IR) (88%), e-catalogue and e-resources (92%), group study area (85%) and off campus access (77%) scoring above 75%. The scatter of the trends/services among the university libraries is noted for knowledge sharing of best practice.Research limitations/implicationsIn order to improve accordance with trends, academic libraries have to be better resourced, accessed and used, as well as improve web visibility. The study expects library services to be responsive, resourced and accessible anytime and anywhere, and it provides a conceptual framework and a benchmark for further research and exploration in the country, region and perhaps elsewhere.Practical implicationsThe study can be used for benchmarking current and future academic library services in Africa. The conceptual framework provides an agenda for theoretical discussions and deliberations.Social implicationsThe trends, framework and 4IR representations in the study can inform theory and practice in LIS, particularly in Africa.Originality/valueLinking 4IR to current and future library services provides a tool for academic libraries services benchmarking and development and provides a conceptual framework for theoretical and practical debates and implementation. The study is quite current and appropriate for the ongoing discussions of 4IR implications to academic libraries.

Effective techniques for the segmentation of academic library users

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 454-464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhixian Yi
Keyword(s):  
Influencing Factors ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Content Analysis Method ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Australian Universities

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how Australian academic librarians perceived effective techniques used to segment library users into smaller groups and the influencing factors for their perceptions of the used techniques. Design/methodology/approach An online survey was sent to 400 academic librarians in 37 Australian universities and 230 (57.5 per cent) respondents completed and returned surveys. The descriptive and inferential statistics and content analysis method were used to analyse the collected data. Findings A variety of effective techniques were utilised to segment library users. Library variables such as number of staff and number of library branches and human capital variables such as education level, years of present position, formally studying marketing and attending a workshop on marketing in the last five years were significant predictors of perceptions of the effective segmentation techniques used, but this study indicates that other predictors such as number of different library professional positions and years involved in all library services and demographical variables made no difference. Practical implications This paper provides a useful overview of the effective techniques used to segment library users. Originality/value The value of this study is that librarians may utilise the results to better understand different techniques, to reflect on the effectiveness of the used techniques, and to balance the weight of the influencing factors. This will enable them to segment library users more effectively in the future.

An assessment of academic library services: international and domestic students perspectives

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 631-653
Author(s):  
Sanaz Soltani ◽  
Shahrokh Nikou
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
International Students ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Domestic Students ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Literacy Skills

PurposeInformation literacy is defined as discrete abilities that a person requires to have in order to find, assess, use and share information. As information literacy skills play a prominent role in the students' academic achievement, students and in particular international students coming to continue their postgraduate studies in other countries may face problems in finding and using library services. The purpose of this paper is to explore and investigate the information literacy skills, challenges and needs of international and domestic students at the Finnish universities.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses a mixed-methods design. Quantitative data were collected through an online survey (82 respondents) and qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 international and 10 domestic students.FindingsAcademic library services are used but in different ways. The findings indicate that international students have a relatively low level of information literacy skills compared to domestic students and faces various challenges, especially in the beginning of their studies.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was exploratory, and data were collected from limited number of Finnish universities and may not be representative of the underlying population.Practical implicationsAcademic libraries should provide effective courses on research methods and library services to the international students while keeping in mind the international students language and cultural barriers.Originality/valueThis is one of the first attempts in information literacy research that focusses on international and domestic students' information literacy skills at the higher education environment. As such, the results provided in this paper can help librarians and decision-makers at the higher education environments to plan better and become more efficient in delivering information services meeting students' information needs and expectations.

Integrating Web 2.0 into an academic library in Tanzania

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edda Tandi Lwoga
Keyword(s):  
Web 2.0 ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
User Preferences ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Web 2.0 Technologies ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – This paper aims to demonstrate work undertaken by Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) Library in an effort to integrate Web 2.0 technologies in its functions to enhance the quality of its services in Tanzania. Design/methodology/approach – The study conducted an exploratory questionnaire survey to assess user requirements among undergraduate medical students at MUHAS, developed Library 2.0 services, conducted training and created awareness. Findings – The paper shows that Web 2.0 technologies can be implemented effectively according to university goals, user's needs, deployment of user friendly tools, and capacity building among librarians and users. Students positively supported the adoption of Library 2.0 services at MUHAS. Library 2.0 services improved the quality of MUHAS library services, despite various challenges related to infrastructure, awareness, literacy, inadequate staff, security and ownership of Web 2.0 services. Research limitations/implications – The study findings may not be widely replicated because this article is based on a case study of the integration of Web 2.0 technologies into the library functions of MUHAS. This study did not examine the use of Library 2.0 applications among library users (such as faculty and students) which could illuminate further the case study. Practical implications – Most academic libraries in Africa have not yet adopted Web 2.0 technologies to improve their services. The user preferences, technology adoption, and challenges faced from the present study can help other libraries to plan and integrate their Library 2.0 technologies in their services. Originality/value – MUHAS Library offers a practical example of how Web 2.0 services can be adopted to enhance the quality of academic library services in an African context. This paper is of significance to academic libraries that are still considering their options with regard to the application of Web 2.0 technologies.

scholarly journals An approach to quality improvement of Nigerian university library services: A framework for effective quality management implementation

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-57
Author(s):  
Halima S Egberongbe
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Quality Management ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Pragmatic Approach ◽  
University Library ◽  
Current Trends ◽  
Nigerian University

The paper explores the different strategies in managing operations and delivering services and compares them to current trends in academic libraries in Southwestern (SW) Nigeria. The author objectively and comparatively examined the different models of quality management (QM) and strategies, from which a framework of quality improvement for Nigerian university libraries was developed. The article employed a pragmatic approach to unearth the complexities of investigating the phenomenon in academic library environments. This paper discussed the findings of three studies (online survey, interview and focus groups) in this research and how they relate to the existing literature. A comprehensive analysis highlights challenges of university library operations in SW Nigeria while a pragmatic approach was used to achieve the objectives of the paper. The paper concluded that improvement in quality of service delivery and operations is certain if the proposed framework for QM implementation is embraced in Nigerian academic libraries. Recommendations were made on the way forward toward improving academic library services nationwide.

Assessing the adoption and use of integrated library systems (ILS) for library service provision in academic libraries in Edo and Delta states, Nigeria

2016 ◽  
Vol 65 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 578-592 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saturday U. Omeluzor ◽  
Gloria O. Oyovwe-Tinuoye
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Service Provision ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Face Validity ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Library Service ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ogun State ◽  
Bibliographic Search ◽  
Edo State

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of integrated library system (ILS) in academic library operations in Edo and Delta states, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Total enumeration was used since the population consisting 88 academic librarians in Edo and Delta states is not large and was considered appropriate to achieve the purpose of this study. Questionnaire titled “Assessment of adoption and use of Integrated Library Software (ILS) for library service provision in academic libraries in Edo and Delta States, Nigeria” was used. Before the administration of the questionnaire on the respondents, face validity was carried out to test the validity of the questions. The questionnaire was given to experts in the Department of Information Resources Management, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State who validated, resolved defects and modified the questionnaire. Findings This study showed that there is a general non-use of ILS in academic libraries in Delta state. Findings revealed that three of the four academic libraries in Edo State adopted library software in their library operations except Ambrose Ali University Library, Ekpoma. Findings further showed that the ILS that were used in academic libraries in Edo State are effective. It also revealed that ILS is effective for accessing books and other library materials, retrieval of materials, bibliographic search and provision of links to external databases. Finding also indicated that among the library software that were used in academic libraries in this study, only Koha ILS has the capacity to link to external databases. Practical implications The use of ILS in academic library operation is critical. Its adoption and use to a large extent positively affect the library and its users. Non-adoption and use of ILS in most academic libraries is a setback to delivery of quality library services to clientele. Originality/value This study is the first that assessed the adoption and use of ILS in academic libraries is Edo and Delta states. It exposed the level of adoption and utilization of ILS in library operations with a view to encouraging libraries to adopt and use ILS for library services.

scholarly journals Academic Uses of Google Earth and Google Maps in a Library Setting

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Dodworth ◽  
Andrew Nicholson
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
The United States ◽  
Google Earth ◽  
Instructional Materials ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Google Maps ◽  
Survey Results

Over the last several years, Google Earth and Google Maps have become increasingly utilized in academic libraries for promoting and delivering a variety of library services. These have included instructional collaborations with faculty to promoting student engagement across programs and campuses. Seeking to find out exactly how academic libraries were using Google Maps and Google Earth (if at all), the authors launched a online survey in December 2010 to see just what kind of impact the Google mapping products were having in the academic library setting. Receiving over 80 responses from academic librarians and staff from across Canada and the United States, the results showed that over 90% of the respondents use Google Earth and Google Maps for some area of their professional duties in a academic library. These included answering research questions, developing instructional materials for courses, and building tools to promotion and marketing. This presentation will discuss the survey results and summarize the way academic libraries are utilizing Google Earth and Google Maps for instruction, research, and student engagement.Depuis les dernières années, Google Earth et Google Maps sont de plus en plus utilisés en bibliothèque universitaire pour promouvoir et offrir une variété de services en bibliothèque, y compris l’enseignement collaboratif avec les professeurs afin d’accroître l’engagement étudiant, de tous les programmes et campus. Afin de déterminer exactement la mesure dans laquelle les bibliothèques universitaires utilisent Google Maps et Google Earth (le cas échéant), les auteurs ont lancé un sondage en ligne en décembre 2010 pour évaluer l’impact des produits de cartographie de Google dans les bibliothèques universitaires. Plus de 80 sondages ont rempli par des bibliothécaires et du personnel en bibliothèque d’universités au Canada et aux États-Unis. Les résultats démontrent que plus de 90 % des répondants utilisent Google Earth et Google Maps pour certaines de leurs activités professionnelles, y compris répondre à des questions de recherche, développer du matériel pédagogique et élaborer des outils de promotion et de marketing. Cette communication abordera les résultats de la recherche et résumera les modes d’utilisation de Google Earth et de Google Maps dans l’enseignement, la recherche et l’engagement étudiant.

DRAA e-resources usage statistics services in China: research and practice

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 1043-1061
Author(s):  
Lan Ye ◽  
Wei Yang ◽  
Weiming Lin
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Single Point ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research And Practice ◽  
Library Consortia ◽  
Raising Awareness ◽  
Academic Resource

PurposeThis paper aims to share some experiences and practical activities related to the use and management of usage data in the Digital Resource Acquisition Alliance of Chinese Academic Libraries (DRAA) as a reference for library consortia engaged in providing usage statistics services of e-resources to member libraries.Design/methodology/approachA literature review and online survey are used to analyze the research and practice of e-resources usage statistics conducted internationally. The case of DRAA is introduced to present how DRAA develops usage statistics services and promotes the implementation of the Standardized Usage Statistics Harvesting Initiative (SUSHI) to deliver usage statistics to member libraries. Future developments and enhancements are also described.FindingsThe main actions taken by DRAA to develop usage statistics services are as follows: development of the DRAA Usage Statistics Portal to provide a single point of access to usage statistics from participating publishers on behalf of member libraries; development of a SUSHI client, taking the lead in promoting SUSHI implementation to automatically obtain usage statistics in Chinese academic libraries; establishment of a working group on usage statistics and the China Academic Library and Information System/DRAA Standards and Recommended Practices Research Task Group to form a long-term mechanism for monitoring and gathering usage statistics; and strengthening of the understanding and application of standards and best practices for libraries and vendors in China. Scheduled enhancements in the future include a deep analysis and utilization of usage statistics, the promotion of Counting Online Usage of NeTworked Electronic Resources and SUSHI to Chinese academic resource publishers and raising awareness about normalizing usage statistics.Originality/valueThis paper has pertinence and wider implications for library consortia engaged in providing e-resources usage statistics services to member libraries.

scholarly journals Comparison of personas between two academic libraries

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 142-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Holt Zaugg ◽  
Donna Harp Ziegenfuss
Keyword(s):  
Principal Component Analysis ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Use Patterns ◽  
Single Person ◽  
Common Interests

Purpose A persona describes a group of library patrons as a single person to better identify and describe user patterns and needs. Identifying personas in academic libraries can assist in library planning by focusing on patrons. Initially, personas were thought to be unique to each library; additional insights led the researchers to rethink this assertion. The purpose of this paper is to determine if personas, developed in one library, are unique or more universal than previously thought. Design/methodology/approach In this study, 903 surveys were completed across two institutions asking library patrons to identify use patterns within each library. Mean score responses were analyzed using an ANOVA, principal component analysis and RapidMiner technology. All analyses were used to identify personas with common interests and places personas in groups or neighborhoods. Findings The findings provide evidence for the universality of academic library personas. However, differences occur in how the personas are grouped and use different library services and resources. Originality/value Personas allow librarians to view patrons in a more personal way as they connect personas to specific library spaces. While the personas appear to be universal, their interactions with each other depend on specific library amenities.

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