scholarly journals A Virtual Standoff – Using Q Methodology to Analyze Virtual Reference

2007 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron Shrimplin ◽  
Susan Hurst
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Q Methodology ◽  
Factor Scores ◽  
Virtual Reference ◽  
Reference Services ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Reference Librarians ◽  
Actual Range ◽  
Points Of View

Abstract Objective - To develop an exploratory understanding of reference librarians’ perceptions of virtual reference. Methods – Q methodology was used to uncover points of view about virtual reference. Thirty-four librarians sorted 28 statements covering a wide range of opinions about virtual reference. Factor analysis was used to analyze the Q-sorts and factor scores were calculated to aid the task of understanding and interpretation. Results - The factor analysis revealed three attitudinal typologies: Technophiles, Traditionalists, and Pragmatists. Each factor represents a group of reference librarians who think similarly about virtual reference. Conclusions - This type of analysis provides data on the actual range of feelings and attitudes about providing virtual reference services. The factor analysis demonstrates that there are still a variety of strongly held viewpoints concerning virtual reference. Convergence towards either acceptance or rejection does not appear to be forthcoming. By using this type of analysis and the resulting data as a basis for decision making, administrators could staff services more efficiently and with the resulting better fit between librarians and their positions, possibly increase morale.

scholarly journals Identifying Core Reference Competencies from an Employers’ Perspective: Implications for Instruction

2012 ◽  
Vol 73 (4) ◽  
pp. 390-404 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Saunders
Keyword(s):  
Point Of View ◽  
Library Science ◽  
Specific Service ◽  
Virtual Reference ◽  
Reference Services ◽  
Hiring Managers ◽  
Reference Librarians ◽  
User Expectations ◽  
Law Library ◽  
New Hires

Reference services are in transition. Impacted by advances in technology, changing user expectations, and the migration to greater provision of online and distance service, reference in academic libraries today is not the same service it was even just a decade ago. Most literature looks at reference competencies either for a specific service model such as virtual reference, or a specific type of library like an academic health or law library. Despite the changing nature of the job, few studies have considered reference competencies more broadly from the employer’s point of view. This study reports the preliminary results of a survey of current reference librarians and hiring managers to answer the following questions: What knowledge, skills, and competencies do current practitioners and hiring managers believe to be valuable for the provision of reference services now and into the future? What areas do managers find lacking or underdeveloped in their new hires? How well do current library science programs prepare students to meet employer expectations for reference positions?

scholarly journals Perceptions, views and practices regarding antibiotic prescribing and stewardship among hospital physicians in Jakarta, Indonesia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralalicia Limato ◽  
Erni J. Nelwan ◽  
Manzilina Mudia ◽  
Monik Alamanda ◽  
Elfrida R. Manurung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
List Type ◽  
Factor Scores ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Hospital Physicians

AbstractObjectivesAntibiotic overuse is one of the main drivers of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), especially in low and middle-income countries. This study aimed to gain an understanding of perceptions, views, and practices regarding AMR, antibiotic prescribing, and stewardship (AMS) among hospital physicians in Jakarta, Indonesia.Designcross-sectional, self-administered questionnaire-based survey, with descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to identify distinct underlying constructs in the dataset, and multivariable linear regression of factor scores to analyse physician subgroups.SettingSix public and private general hospitals in Jakarta in 2019.Participants1007 of 1896 (53.1% response rate) antibiotic prescribing physicians.ResultsEFA identified six latent factors (overall Crohnbach’s α=0.85): awareness of AMS activities; awareness of AMS purpose; views regarding rational antibiotic prescribing; confidence in antibiotic prescribing decisions; perception of AMR as a significant problem; and immediate actions to contain AMR. Physicians acknowledged the significance of AMR and contributing factors, rational antibiotic prescribing, and purpose and usefulness of AMS. However, this conflicted with reported suboptimal local hospital practices, such as room cleaning, hand hygiene and staff education, and views regarding antibiotic decision-making. These included insufficiently applying AMS principles and utilising microbiology, lack of confidence in prescribing decisions, and defensive prescribing due to pervasive diagnostic uncertainty, fear of patient deterioration or because patients insisted. Physicians’ factor scores differed across hospitals, departments, work experience and medical hierarchy.ConclusionsAMS implementation in Indonesian hospitals is challenged by institutional, contextual and diagnostic vulnerabilities, resulting in externalising AMR instead of recognising it as a local problem. Appropriate recognition of the contextual determinants of antibiotic prescribing decision-making will be critical to change physicians’ attitudes and develop context-specific AMS interventions.Strengths and limitations of this studyThe self-developed questionnaire in this study identified a relevant set of attributes through a factor analysis optimization process, with adequate content, face and construct validity and internal reliability. This study adds important value in the absence of adequately validated instruments regarding antimicrobial resistance and stewardship, with particular applicability for LMIC.This study had a large, varied respondent sample and high response rate among physicians at six public and private hospitals in Jakarta, Indonesia, and identified differences between physicians across hospitals, departments, work experience and medical hierarchy, which can guide priority-setting and tailoring of stewardship interventions.However, non-participation and the convenient hospital sample could have introduced selection bias, and the data are not necessarily representative for Jakarta or Indonesia.Factor analysis is based on using a “heuristic”, which leaves room to more than one interpretation of the same data and cannot identify causality.

Virtual reference librarians (Chatbots)

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 5-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Vincze
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Human Interaction ◽  
Virtual Reference ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reference Services ◽  
Reference Librarians ◽  
Library Staff

Purpose This paper aims to explore integrating chatbot applications into libraries to improve reference services. Design/methodology/approach This paper explores the benefits of using chatbots as virtual reference librarians. Emma the Mentor Public Library’s Catbot is used as a case study. Findings Chatbots cannot replicate the complexity of human interaction (both knowledge and emotional), but these can provide a cost-effective way to answer the majority of routine reference questions and direct users to the appropriate service. Originality/value Readers will increase their awareness of how chatbots can streamline the work of the reference department by answering the majority of routine reference questions and freeing library staff to focus on more demanding research and tasks uniquely suited to humans.

Reference inquiries received through different channels

2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 514-529 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ebikabowei Emmanuel Baro ◽  
Bueaty U. Efe ◽  
Gboyega K. Oyeniran
Keyword(s):  
Instant Messaging ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Virtual Reference ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reference Services ◽  
Reference Librarians ◽  
Message Service

Purpose – This study aims to investigate the different channels reference librarians receive reference inquiries from patrons in university libraries in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire was used to collect data on the various channels through which reference librarians received reference inquiries in Nigerian university libraries. The questionnaire was administered using an online method. Findings – It emerged that the face-to-face traditional reference desk was rated as the highest channel through which librarians receive reference inquiries in Nigeria, followed by library Facebook page and phone/short message service (SMS). Instant messaging (IM) and e-mail were identified as the least used channels by the patrons. The challenges mentioned include the absence of policy statements concerning virtual reference services; the lack of information and communications technology (ICT) skills on the part of librarians; slow Internet connectivity; power failures; management’s lack of support for emerging technologies; IM’s limitations; user’s expectations of instant answer; inarticulate requests; and lack of adequate current reference materials. Research limitations/implications – The findings are from a small sample size; therefore, the findings may not be substantial enough to generalize. Further study is necessary to determine if these results are consistent throughout other university libraries in Nigeria. Originality/value – The findings will inform university libraries in developing countries that are planning to adopt virtual reference services to deliver reference services to users anywhere, anytime.

Redefining Virtual

2018 ◽  
pp. 117-142
Author(s):  
Darcy I. Gervasio
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Virtual Reference ◽  
New Techniques ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Reference Services ◽  
Reference Librarians ◽  
Unique Nature ◽  
Reference Interactions ◽  
Reference Tools

This article discusses how the unique nature of texting sets SMS apart from other virtual reference tools. Near-synchronous, near-virtual, anonymous, and ubiquitous, texting blurs the lines between virtual and in-person communication. Drawing on the experiences of librarians at SUNY Purchase College and other public and academic libraries, this article addresses challenges and misconceptions surrounding SMS reference and suggests best practices for SMS reference interactions and staffing. Librarians are encouraged to explore new techniques like “mobile reference” or the “reference haiku” and return to long-standing practices like “saving the time of the user” and telephone ready reference. By embracing a mobile reference mentality and framing SMS reference as a hybrid between telephone, IM, and face-to-face reference, librarians can improve the quality of reference services and serve patrons at their point-of-need.

A new algorithm for mutual funds evaluation based on multiple attribute decision making techniques

Kybernetes ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 45 (8) ◽  
pp. 1194-1212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reza Alibakhshi ◽  
Mohammad Reza Sadeghi Moghadam
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Performance Evaluation ◽  
Mutual Funds ◽  
Multiple Attribute Decision Making ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Assignment Method ◽  
Multiple Attribute ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Points Of View ◽  
Linear Assignment

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to consider compromise solutions of multiple attribute decision-making methods (TOPSIS, VIKOR, and similarity-based approach) in order to evaluate and rank mutual funds and to compare the capabilities of different approaches based on the different traditional indices of mutual funds assessment. In addition, a new algorithm for ranking mutual funds was proposed subsequently. Design/methodology/approach In this research, three groups of indices including general, risk-modified performance evaluation, and risk-modified performance evaluation indices using semivariance were used in the mutual funds assessment, which led to the comparison between selected mutual funds, using three mentioned methods and three different groups of criteria. The results of this comparison were compiled and synthesized with linear assignment method. At the end, an algorithm for decision making and investing in mutual funds for professional and unprofessional investors was proposed. Findings Using different methods and different criteria proved that the results of similarity-based approach as a MADM technique have the ability to rank and evaluate mutual funds regardless of the criteria used compared to TOPSIS and VIKOR. Furthermore, the authors propose the algorithm of this research as a new model of mutual funds evaluation which considers a wide range of variables with respect to amateur and professional points of view. Originality/value The originality of this paper is threefold: first, different criteria were considered to make the evaluation more comprehensive. Second, four different approaches were used to make the results more authentic. Third, a holistic algorithm with its implication was proposed.

scholarly journals Talking of Many Things: Dashboards for Reference Services Decision Making

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Hua Chua ◽  
Rachel M. Minkin
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Data Driven ◽  
Michigan State University ◽  
State University ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Virtual Reference ◽  
Reference Services

Staffing challenges are well-documented in reference services, but the use of dashboards to support data-driven scheduling for in-person and virtual reference shifts are not often discussed. This poster examines how Michigan State University Libraries utilized data-influenced decision-making and dashboard design iterations to streamline reference staffing and adapt to evolving conditions over the course of three years. This required continuous communication between dashboard users and creators and constant iteration of visualizations and designs to ensure dashboards remained relevant and current. Limitations of a purely quantitative data-driven strategy are also discussed at the conclusion of the final year.

Q Methodology in Research on Political Decision Making

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven R. Brown
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Social Order ◽  
Q Methodology ◽  
Political Decision ◽  
The Social ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
And Control ◽  
Q Sort ◽  
Political Decision Making

Q methodology was introduced in 1935 and has evolved to become the most elaborate philosophical, conceptual, and technical means for the systematic study of subjectivity across an increasing array of human activities, most recently including decision making. Subjectivity is an inescapable dimension of all decision making since we all have thoughts, perspectives, and preferences concerning the wide range of matters that come to our attention and that enter into consideration when choices have to be made among options, and Q methodology provides procedures and a rationale for clarifying and examining the various viewpoints at issue. The application of Q methodology commonly begins by accumulating the various comments in circulation concerning a topic and then reducing them to a smaller set for administration to select participants, who then typically rank the statements in the Q sample from agree to disagree in the form of a Q sort. Q sorts are then correlated and factor analyzed, giving rise to a typology of persons who have ordered the statements in similar ways. As an illustration, Q methodology was administered to a diverse set of stakeholders concerned with the problems associated with the conservation and control of large carnivores in the Northern Rockies. Participants nominated a variety of possible solutions that each person then Q sorted from those solutions judged most effective to those judged most ineffective, the factor analysis of which revealed four separate perspectives that are compared and contrasted. A second study demonstrates how Q methodology can be applied to the examination of single cases by focusing on two members of a group contemplating how they might alter the governing structures and culture of their organization. The results are used to illustrate the quantum character of subjective behavior as well as the laws of subjectivity. Discussion focuses on the broader role of decisions in the social order.

The Hamilton Rating Scale for depression: a factor analysis

1972 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 272-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. M. Mowbray
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Severity Of Illness ◽  
Original Data ◽  
Personality Factors ◽  
General Factor ◽  
Factor Scores ◽  
Severity Scores ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Hamilton Rating Scale

SynopsisA factor analysis was carried out of ratings on the Hamilton Scale on a group of 134 male and 213 female depressed patients. The original data covered a wide range of severity of illness and the distribution of severity scores was not biased from normal. Hamilton's general factor was confirmed but his bipolarity between agitated and retarded depression did not emerge. Sex differences in factor patterns were found and a preliminary experiment showed that factor scores could isolate anxiety features and personality factors.

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