E-books in the Czech Republic: Analysis of demand and readers’ behaviour

IFLA Journal ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 034003522198936
Author(s):  
Viktor Prokop ◽  
Jan Stejskal
Keyword(s):  
Science Fiction ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Research Model ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Unique Data ◽  
Digital Services ◽  
Data Source ◽  
Practical Recommendations

Currently, there is a more frequent replacement of books by e-books, which have become an increasingly viable format and make it easier for readers to read books in a variety of places. Public libraries therefore focus more often on the provision of e-books as one of the components of their digital services. However, these services do not always meet with an adequate demand from readers due to several factors, such as service charges or a lack of awareness. Therefore, in this article, the authors focus on the demand side, represented by e-book readers. Specifically, they focus on the Municipal Library of Prague’s e-book readers’ behaviour and propose a three-step research model. It consists of analyses focusing on: (1) the specifics of the Municipal Library of Prague’s e-book readers; (2) e-book readers’ interest in borrowing e-books; and (3) e-book readers’ interest in the Municipal Library of Prague’s e-service when they must pay a fee. As a data source, the authors use unique data from an online questionnaire survey among readers of the Municipal Library of Prague in 2019 by the Sociores agency. The results show that science fiction and fantasy readers represent the most significant group of e-book readers at the Municipal Library of Prague, and that Facebook is the most significant channel for communication with e-book readers. The authors also confirm the importance of e-book readers and smartphones as devices that significantly affect readers’ decision to read e-books. In the final part of the article, the authors propose some practical recommendations that could attract more e-book readers.

scholarly journals Clinician acceptance of complex clinical decision support systems for treatment allocation of patients with chronic low back pain

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Jansen-Kosterink ◽  
Lex van Velsen ◽  
Miriam Cabrita
Keyword(s):  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Clinical Decision Support Systems ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Intention To Use ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Research Model ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Treatment Allocation

Abstract Background The uptake of complex clinical decision support systems (CDSS) in daily practice remains low, despite the proven potential to reduce medical errors and to improve the quality of care. To improve successful implementation of a complex CDSS this study aims to identify the factors that hinder, or alleviate the acceptance of, clinicians toward the use of a complex CDSS for treatment allocation of patients with chronic low back pain. Methods We tested a research model in which the intention to use a CDSS by clinicians is influenced by the perceived usefulness; this usefulness, in turn is influenced by the perceived service benefits and perceived service risks. An online survey was created to test our research model and the data was analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling. The study population consisted of clinicians. The online questionnaire started with demographic questions and continued with a video animation of the complex CDSS followed by the set of measurement items. The online questionnaire ended with two open questions enquiring the reasons to use and not use, a complex CDSS. Results Ninety-eight participants (46% general practitioners, 25% primary care physical therapists, and 29% clinicians at a rehabilitation centre) fully completed the questionnaire. Fifty-two percent of the respondents were male. The average age was 48 years (SD ± 12.2). The causal model suggests that perceived usefulness is the main factor contributing to the intention to use a complex CDSS. Perceived service benefits and risks are both significant antecedents of perceived usefulness and perceived service risks are affected by the perceived threat to autonomy and trusting beliefs, particularly benevolence and competence. Conclusions To improve the acceptance of complex CDSSs it is important to address the risks, but the main focus during the implementation phase should be on the expected improvements in patient outcomes and the overall gain for clinicians. Our results will help the development of complex CDSSs that fit more into the daily clinical practice of clinicians.

Public libraries digital services and sustainability issues

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 34-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarina Michnik
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Digital Services ◽  
Local Politicians ◽  
Physical Spaces ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study how Swedish local politicians perceive the impact of public library digital services on public libraries and to discuss how this can affect the sustainable development of public libraries. Design/methodology/approach – Empirical data were collected through semi-structured interviews with local politicians from 19 different Swedish municipalities. Data were treated to qualitative content analysis and discussed based on the concept of sustainable organization. Findings – According to local politicians, public library digital services may affect public libraries through changes to libraries’ physical spaces, librarians’ tasks and competencies and libraries’ economic situations. Based on these findings, public library digital services can both strengthen and weaken public library sustainability through, for example, increased access and expenditures, the latter of which may threaten public library sustainability. Research limitations/implications – Interviews did not focus specifically on the politicians’ views on public library digital services but dealt generally with their views on public libraries. To identify reasons for variations in views on this topic, follow-up interviews should be done. Data on views from public library managers would also be of use to determine the degree to which they are shared with local politicians. Originality/value – When sustainability and public libraries are discussed, the focus is generally on the library’s contribution to a sustainable society. Here, the focus is instead on the sustainability of the public library itself.

Languages of borderlands, borders of languages: Native and foreign language use in intergroup contact between Czechs and their neighbours

Human Affairs ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Magda Petrjánošová ◽  
Alicja Leix
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Use ◽  
Intergroup Contact ◽  
International Project ◽  
Intergroup Attitudes ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Native Languages ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Central European

AbstractIn this article we present a qualitative analysis of empirical findings from an international project on intergroup attitudes and contact in five Central European countries specifically concerning language use. The project concentrated on the interplay of intergroup contact and perception between the members of national groups in the borderlands between the Czech Republic and Austria, Germany, Poland and Slovakia. The open statements analysed here about the contact situations and the ensuing evaluation of the Others were collected as part of an online questionnaire (N=1959). After a short theoretical introduction we reveal the intertwined nature of construing language use: first in each specific borderland, then in the triads speaking together either in the native language of one of the groups (Czechs with Austrians and Germans) or with each speaking their own native languages (Czechs with Poles and Slovaks). Finally we highlight several effects we have observed as a result of being able to compare the situation in more than one neighbourhood, for instance, the effect of the different statuses of the languages involved, or the connection between the language used in contact and a feeling of proximity.

scholarly journals Comparative Study of the Perception of the Role of a Social Worker in Hospitals in the Czech Republic and Slovakia during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 23-30
Author(s):  
P. Laca ◽  
s. Laca
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Social Worker ◽  
Professional Education ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Slovak Republic ◽  
University Education ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
The Social

This research study is focused on the perception of the role of asocial worker by hospital nurses in the Czech and Slovak Re- public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aim of the study:The main aim of the research study was to find the opinions of nurses from the Czech and Slovak Repub- lic on asocial worker who works in ahospital during acoron- avirus - COVID-19 pandemic and then compare their opinions in helping patients Research sample and setting:The research sample of the study consisted of 75 nurses with higher professional education (Czech Republic), university education of the first and second degree (Czech Republic, Slovak Republic), who were together with social workers in the front line in hospitals at the time of the coronavirus pandemic COVID-19. All participating respon- dents were informed about the purpose of the research study and the completion of the online questionnaire. Statistical analysis:The mathematical-statistical method chi- square test of the independence of the criteria of individual re- search hypotheses was used to compare the interviewed re- spondents in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Results of the study:Medical staff at the time of the COVID- 19 pandemic was satisfied with the social worker, as evidenced by the research study and their answers in the questionnaire survey. It is clear from the results of the research survey that the participants perceived the social worker positively during the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Developing practical recommendations for preventative healthcare consultations involving dogs and cats using a Delphi technique

2019 ◽  
Vol 184 (11) ◽  
pp. 348-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoe Belshaw ◽  
Natalie Jane Robinson ◽  
Marnie Louise Brennan ◽  
Rachel S Dean
Keyword(s):  
Delphi Technique ◽  
Small Animal ◽  
Delphi Panel ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Extensive Experience ◽  
Pet Owners ◽  
Veterinary Surgeons ◽  
Preventative Healthcare ◽  
Practical Recommendations

Preventive healthcare is the focus of a large proportion of UK small animal veterinary consultations. The evidence base for how to optimise these consultations is limited. Therefore, evidence-based practical recommendations are needed for veterinary surgeons conducting these consultations. The aim of this study was to use an evidence-based methodology to develop the first consensus recommendations to improve dog and cat preventative healthcare consultations (PHCs).Evidence from multiple sources was systematically examined to generate a list of 18 recommendations. Veterinary surgeons and pet owners with extensive experience of PHCs were recruited to an anonymous panel to obtain consensus on whether these recommendations would improve PHCs. A Delphi technique was followed during three rounds of online questionnaire, with consensus set at 80 per cent agreement or disagreement with each recommendation. Thirteen of the original 18 recommendations reached consensus (>80per cent agreement), while the five remaining recommendations did not reach consensus.Globally, these are the first evidence-based recommendations developed specifically in relation to small animal general practice PHCs, generated via a Delphi panel including both veterinary surgeons and pet owners. Future work is needed to understand how these recommendations can be implemented in a range of veterinary practice settings.

scholarly journals Green human resource management

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (7) ◽  
pp. 1041-1060 ◽  
Author(s):  
Azadeh Shafaei ◽  
Mehran Nejati ◽  
Yusmani Mohd Yusoff
Keyword(s):  
Positive Outcome ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Research Model ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Green Human Resource Management ◽  
Organisational Level

PurposeThe study aimed to provide insights on antecedent and outcome of green HRM at the organisational level and the outcome of green HRM at the individual level. It also sought to examine the mechanism through which green HRM would lead to employees’ positive outcome.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative study design using a two-study approach was employed to collect and analyse the data. For study 1, 206 hotels from Malaysia were included in analysis at the organisational level, while in study 2 at the individual level, 508 employees from different sectors provided insights through an online questionnaire. For both studies, partial least squares (PLS–SEM) was used to assess the research model.FindingsAll the proposed hypotheses were supported. Specifically, at the organisational level, organisational environmental culture is positively related to green HRM, and green HRM management positively associates with organisation's environmental performance. At the individual level, green HRM positively influences employees' job satisfaction, and meaningfulness through work is a strong mediator in this relationship.Originality/valueThis study is significant as it contributes to both theory and practice by providing fresh insights on green HRM and its antecedent and outcomes at two levels (organisational and individual) and across two economies (emerging and developed). It also sheds some light on the outcome of green HRM at the employee level which is an area that is still under-researched. By focusing on meaningfulness through work as an important factor, the study contributes to better understanding of green HRM and employees’ positive outcomes.

scholarly journals Emergent digital services in public libraries: a domain study

2012 ◽  
Vol 113 (11/12) ◽  
pp. 507-527 ◽  
Author(s):  
David McMenemy
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Digital Services

“I can’t speak German so I can’t communicate with them”: Language use in intergroup contact between Czechs and Germans

Human Affairs ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Magda Petrjánošová
Keyword(s):  
Language Use ◽  
Intergroup Contact ◽  
Iron Curtain ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Central European ◽  
Discursive Analysis ◽  
Border Regions ◽  
Feeling Thermometer ◽  
International Research Project

AbstractThe aim of this article is to present empirical findings about language use and attitudes in intergroup contact from one of the European borderlands along the former Iron Curtain more than twenty years after it fell. The data was collected as part of an international research project Intergroup attitudes and intergroup contact in five Central European countries, which concentrates on the interplay of intergroup contact and perceptions between members of neighbouring nations in the border regions of the Czech Republic and each of the neighbouring states—Slovakia, Poland, Austria and Germany. The main data collection method used is an online questionnaire with different attitude and evaluation scales, as well as a feeling thermometer of emotional relations and open statements (N=2900). In this text I use thematic and basic critical discursive analysis only on the open statements from the Czech (N=210) and German (N=152) borderlands about the situations of contact and the following evaluation of the Others. I show how the linguistic competence and also the interest in the language of the Other are distributed very unevenly; the implicit norm almost always being that the Czechs should speak German. Of course, this situation has in some cases strong emotional consequences.

Application of the Non-parametric DEA method to Analyze the Efficiency of selected services provided by municipalities, example of public libraries

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marek JETMAR
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Basic Education ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Optimization Problems ◽  
Efficiency Analysis ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Dea Model ◽  
Local Public Services ◽  
Dea Method ◽  
Modeling Data

The paper deals with the possibility of applying the DEA method to measure the efficiency of local public services provided by municipalities and towns in the Czech Republic. It is testing and modeling data on the effectiveness of local libraries, which for 100 years had to provide basic education and disseminate education in municipalities. There are many models in the literature dealing with various problems of efficiency analysis. A particularly suitable and elegant model is the DEA model based on Chebyshev distance. This model can be formulated with both the assumption of constant range returns and the assumption of variable range returns. Similar to the classical DEA model, this method can be formulated as a set of optimization problems looking for weights for given inputs and outputs.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document