scholarly journals Undergraduate Students Can Provide Satisfactory Chat Reference Service in an Academic Library

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 112-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather MacDonald
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Undergraduate Student ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Library Science ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Chat Reference ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Reference Service ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Effort Assessment

A Review of: Keyes, K., & Dworak, E. (2017). Staffing chat reference with undergraduate student assistants at an academic library: A standards-based assessment. Journal of Academic Librarianship, 43(6), 469–478. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2017.09.001 Abstract Objective – To determine whether undergraduate students can provide quality chat reference service. Design – Content analysis of undergraduate student, professional librarian, and paraprofessional staff responses in chat reference transcripts. Setting – Academic library. Subjects – 451 chat reference transcripts. Methods – Chat reference transcripts from May 2014–September 2016 were collected. Five categories of answerer were coded: librarian in the reference department (LibR), librarian from another department (LibNR), staff without a Master of Library Science (staff), staff with a Master of Library Science (+staff), and student employee (student). A random sample of 15% of each category of answerer was selected for analysis. The answerer categories were collapsed to librarians, staff, and students for the results section.  Four criteria were used to code chat reference transcripts: difficulty of query, answerer behaviour, problems with transcript answer, and comments from coders. Coding for difficulty was based on the READ scale (Reference Effort Assessment Data). Answerer behaviour was based on The RUSA Guidelines (Reference and User Services Association). Behaviours assessed included: clarity, courtesy, grammar, greeting, instruction, referral, searching, sign off, sources, and whether patrons were asked if their question was answered. All coding was done independently between the two researchers, with very good interrater reliability. Data for variables with disagreement were removed from the analysis. The chi-square test was used to analyze the association between variables. Analysis also included patrons’ ratings and comments about their chat experience. Content and tone were assessed for each patron comment. Main Results – Answerer behaviours showed a significant difference between groups for 3 of the 10 behaviours assessed: courtesy (p=0.031), grammar (p=0.001), and sources (0.041). The difference between groups for courtesy was: staff (88%), librarians (76%), and students (73%). Grammar was correct in most transcripts, but there was a significant difference between the answerer groups: librarians (98%), staff (90%), and students (73%). There was a significant difference between groups that offered sources: librarians (63.8%), staff (62.5%), and students (43.8%).  There was no significant difference between the answerer groups for the other seven behaviours. Overall, 31% of transcripts showed that answerers asked if a patron’s query was answered or if they needed further help. The analysis showed that 79% of transcripts were coded as clear or free of jargon. Greetings were found in 65% of transcripts. Instruction was indicated in 59% of transcripts. Referrals were offered in 27% of all transcripts. Of the transcripts where searching was deemed necessary, 82% showed evidence of searching. A sign off was present in 56% of all transcripts. Transcripts with noted problems were deemed so because of lack of effort, being incomplete or incorrect, having no reference interview, or the answerer should have asked for help. There was no significant difference between answerer groups with respect to problem questions. Of the 24% of patrons who rated their chat experience, 90% rated it as good or great, and no significant difference was found between answerer groups. Question difficulty was coded 50% at level 0-2 (easier), 39% at level 3 (medium difficulty), and 11% at level 4-5 (more difficult). Conclusion – Undergraduate students are capable of providing chat reference that is similar in quality to that of librarians and staff. However, increased training is needed for students in the areas of referrals, providing sources, and signing off. Students do better than librarians and staff with greetings and are more courteous than librarians. There is room for improvement for staff and librarians offering chat services. Tiered chat reference service using undergraduates is a viable option.

scholarly journals Local Users, Consortial Providers: Seeking Points of Dissatisfaction with a Collaborative Virtual Reference Service

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 2-20
Author(s):  
Kathryn Barrett ◽  
Sabina Pagotto
Keyword(s):  
Academic Library ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Question Type ◽  
Significant Variable ◽  
Service Model ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Chat Reference ◽  
Operator Type ◽  
Reference Service ◽  
Service Closure

Abstract Objective – Researchers at an academic library consortium examined whether the service model, staffing choices, and policies of its chat reference service were associated with user dissatisfaction, aiming to identify areas where the collaboration is successful and areas which could be improved. Methods – The researchers examined transcripts, metadata, and survey results from 473 chat interactions originating from 13 universities between June and December 2016. Transcripts were coded for user, operator, and question type; mismatches between the chat operator and user’s institutions, and reveals of such a mismatch; how busy the shift was; proximity to the end of a shift or service closure; and reveals of such aspects of scheduling. Chi-square tests and a binary logistic regression were performed to compare variables to user dissatisfaction. Results – There were no significant relationships between user dissatisfaction and user type, question type, institutional mismatch, busy shifts, chats initiated near the end of a shift or service closure time, or reveals about aspects of scheduling. However, revealing an institutional mismatch was correlated with user dissatisfaction. Operator type was also a significant variable; users expressed less dissatisfaction with graduate student staff hired by the consortium. Conclusions – The study largely reaffirmed the consortium’s service model, staffing practices, and policies. Users are not dissatisfied with the service received from chat operators at partner institutions, or by service provided by non-librarians. Current policies for scheduling, handling shift changes, and service closure are appropriate, but best practices related to disclosing institutional mismatches may need to be changed. This exercise demonstrates that institutions can trust the consortium with their local users’ needs, and underscores the need for periodic service review.

scholarly journals Shall we chat? A statistical case study of chat reference utilization

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-184
Author(s):  
Jiebei Luo
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Methods ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Difference In Differences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Chat Reference ◽  
Reference Service ◽  
The Difference

Purpose This paper aims to evaluate the performance of a chat reference service implemented at an academic library in a private liberal arts college by gauging its impact on other forms of reference service in terms of usage volume, with a focus on research-related face-to-face reference questions. Design/methodology/approach Two statistical methods are used, namely, the difference-in-differences method and a simple moving average time series analysis, to analyze both the short-term and long-term impact brought by chat reference. Findings This study finds that the usage volume of the traditional face-to-face reference is significantly affected by chat reference in its first service year. The long-term analysis suggests that chat reference volume displays a significant declining trend (−2.06 per cent academic month) since its implementation. Yet, its usage volume relative to other reference services remains stable over time. Originality/value The findings in this case study will be of value to libraries with similar scale and institutional features that are also interested in assessing their chat reference service. In addition, this paper is the first to apply the difference-in-differences approach in the field of library science, and the two statistical methods adopted in this case study can be readily adapted and applied to other similar volume-based library assessment projects.

scholarly journals Stress in medical undergraduates; its association with academic performance

2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aisha Sajid ◽  
Tanvir Ahmad ◽  
Tanzeela Khalid
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Stress Level ◽  
Medical Science ◽  
High Achievers ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Reading Material ◽  
Medical Undergraduate ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Medical Undergraduates ◽  
The Difference

Objectives: To explore the difference in level of perceived stress among medical undergraduates of various classes and its association with their academic performance.Methodology: This observational study was conducted by the faculty members at University Medical & Dental College Faisalabad, Pakistan during six months period from October 2012 to March 2013. All the regular medical undergraduate students of five academic years MBBS from 2007 to 2012 were included in the study. The stress level of the students was determined by PSS 14 and the factors leading to stress were evaluated by a predesigned questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 19. ANOVA and chi-square tests were used to compare the level of stress among various classes and its causative factors.Results: Mean PSS was highest for final year students. Third year MBBS had significant difference in stress level both with first year (p=0.042) and final year MBBS (p=0.004). High achievers were less stressed as compared to low achievers (p=0.006). Consecutive boring lectures, lack of time for recreation, gap between students and teacher followed by difficulty selecting the reading material turned out to be the major stressors.Conclusion: Students of all the five academic years experience stress and the final year MBBS is the most stressed one. On the other hand low academic achievement group is more stressed as compared to high academic achievers from all the five classes. Student support programs to combat stress may be planned to improve their quality of life and their academic scores as well.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.14(2) 2015 p.135-141

386 An Exploratory Study of Bedtime Procrastination and Emotional Regulation Strategies in Insomnia compared to healthy individuals

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A153-A153
Author(s):  
Goeun Kim ◽  
Hyojin Nam ◽  
Huisu Jeon ◽  
Sooyeon Suh
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Regulation ◽  
Severity Index ◽  
Ministry Of Education ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Healthy Group ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Regulation Strategies ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Bedtime Procrastination

Abstract Introduction Bedtime Procrastination (BP) is defined as the behavior of voluntarily delaying going to bed, without having external reasons for doing so. Recent research on procrastination behavior suggests that when negative emotions are elevated, procrastination behaviors can be triggered in order to find pleasure to avoid and alleviate them. Procrastination can also occur when there is difficulty regulating emotions. In addition, the reason for bedtime procrastination may be different depending on whether the individuals present with insomnia. According to previous studies, patients with insomnia may exhibit more pronounced negative avoidance of bedtime due to prolonged sleeplessness. Therefore, this study compared the difference between of the bedtime procrastination and the emotional regulation strategies between the insomnia group and the healthy group. Methods This study was conducted in 582 adults (mean age 23.06 ±2.16 years), 81.6% females. Individuals scoring higher than 15 on the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were classified into the insomnia group (n=375), and those less than 15 were classified into the healthy group (n=207). Participants completed the Bedtime Procrastination Scale (BPS), Emotional Regulation Strategies Checklist. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi square test, and independent t tests. Results The insomnia group had significantly higher bedtime procrastination scores than the healthy group (t=-6.241, p<.001), and also the avoidant/distractive regulation style score was significantly higher (t=-1.969, p<.05). In addition, the score of active regulation style was significantly lower in the insomnia group than in the healthy group (t=3.050, p<.01). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the support-seeking regulation style. Conclusion Based on these results, it was confirmed that there was a difference in the bedtime procrastination and the emotional regulation strategies between the insomnia group and the healthy group. Support (if any) This work was supported by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea and the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF-2018S1A5A8026807)

scholarly journals Analysis of livestock breeders’ perceptions and their adaptation measures to climate change in Morocco‘s arid rangelands

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-25
Author(s):  
Wadii Snaibi
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Climate Data ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Adaptation Measures ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Eastern Morocco ◽  
Climate Analysis

AbstractThe high plateaus of eastern Morocco are already suffering from the adverse impacts of climate change (CC), as the local populations’ livelihoods depend mainly on extensive sheep farming and therefore on natural resources. This research identifies breeders’ perceptions about CC, examines whether they correspond to the recorded climate data and analyses endogenous adaptation practices taking into account the agroecological characteristics of the studied sites and the difference between breeders’ categories based on the size of owned sheep herd. Data on perceptions and adaptation were analyzed using the Chi-square independence and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Climate data were investigated through Mann-Kendall, Pettitt and Buishand tests.Herders’ perceptions are in line with the climate analysis in term of nature and direction of observed climate variations (downward trend in rainfall and upward in temperature). In addition, there is a significant difference in the adoption frequency of adaptive strategies between the studied agroecological sub-zones (χ2 = 14.525, p <.05) due to their contrasting biophysical and socioeconomic conditions, as well as among breeders’ categories (χ2 = 10.568, p < .05) which attributed mainly to the size of sheep flock. Policy options aimed to enhance local-level adaptation should formulate site-specific adaptation programs and prioritise the small-scale herders.

Abstract 14721: Impact of Covid-19 on Cardiology Consultation in Tertiary Care Hospital of a Developing Country

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
ghufran adnan ◽  
Osman Faheem ◽  
Maria Khan ◽  
Pirbhat Shams ◽  
Jamshed Ali
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Reduction Rate ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Drastic Increase ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
The Difference

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic has overwhelmed the healthcare system of Pakistan. There has been observation regarding changes in pattern of patient presentation to emergency department (ED) for all diseases particularly cardiovascular. The aim of the study is to investigate these changes in cardiology consultations and compare pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 era. Hypothesis: There is a significant difference in cardiology consultations during COVID era as compared to non-COVID era. Method: We collected data retrospectively of consecutive patients who visited emergency department (ED) during March-April 2019 (non-COVID era) and March-April 2020 (COVID era). Comparison has been made to quantify the differences in clinical characteristics, locality, admission, type, number, and reason of Cardiology consults generated. Results: We calculated the difference of 1351 patients between COVID and non-COVID era in terms of cardiology consults generated from Emergency department, using Chi-square test. Out of which 880 (59%) are male with mean age of 61(SD=15). Analysis shows pronounced augmentation in number of comorbidities [Hypertension(6%), Chronic kidney disease (6%), Diabetes (5%)] but there was 36% drop in total cardiology consultations and 43% reduction rate in patient’s ED visit from other cities during COVID era. There was 60% decrease in acute coronary syndrome presentation in COVID era, but fortuitously drastic increase (30%) in type II myocardial injury has been noted. Conclusion: There is a remarkable decline observed in patients presenting with cardiac manifestations during COVID era. Lack in timely care could have a pernicious impact on outcomes, global health care organizations should issue directions to adopt telemedicine services in underprivileged areas to provide timely care to cardiac patients.

scholarly journals Oral Hygiene Practice And Perceived Oral Malodour Among Dental And Medical Undergraduate Students Of Bahria University Medical And Dental College

2018 ◽  
Vol 08 (04) ◽  
pp. 221-225
Author(s):  
Beenish Fatima Alam ◽  
Hira Raza ◽  
Shizma junejo ◽  
Marium Azfar ◽  
Tuba Saleem ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Oral Hygiene ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Dental Students ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical Undergraduate ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Medical Undergraduate Students

Objective: To determine the differences of self-perception of halitosis and oral hygiene practices among the medical and dental undergraduate students. Methodology: A cross-sectional study conducted over duration of 9 months amongst the medical and dental undergraduate students of Bahria University Medical and Dental College. The questionnaires were distributed to 298 students. Questionnaire employed for this study was adopted and modified from the study conducted by Khalid Almas et al. Descriptive statistics were checked by means of percentages and frequency for all variables. Chi-square test was applied to check significant difference among the responses given by the medical and dental undergraduate students. Results: The response rate for the survey was about 85%. 55% of dental and 17 % of medical students were able to smell their breath. About having examination by dentist about 73% of medical students agreed as compared to 53% of dental students. Both medical and dental students preferred having examination done by the dentist. For management of halitosis, dentist was preferred by 62% of the dental students, while 97% of the medical students did not agree. 62% of the dental students preferred using traditional medications, while 82% of the medical students preferred using self-medications for treatment. Conclusion: The results suggest that there is not a high level of agreement among dental and medical students concerning the detection and management of halitosis. Although large percent of the respondents claimed to be aware of dentistry, our findings revealed low level of knowledge and attitude to Dentistry by the medical undergraduate students. Efforts should be made towards closing this knowledge gap to attain effective oral health.

scholarly journals DIASTASIS RECTI AMONG PREGNANT AND POSTPARTUM WOMEN IN KANO, NIGERIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-20
Author(s):  
Fatima Bichi ◽  
Dr. Shumaila Hanif
Keyword(s):  
Post Partum ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Postpartum Women ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Common Location ◽  
Diastasis Recti ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Difference

Diastasis Recti (DR) is a common muscular condition often present during and after pregnancy. This cross-sectional correlational study investigated the prevalence of DR among pregnant and postpartum women. A total of 250 pregnant and postpartum women were recruited using convenience sampling technique from obstetrics and gynaecology department, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria. Age, body mass, height, BMI, parity, trimester, duration of DR postpartum, location of DR and DR status was recorded for each participant. Presence of DR was confirmed using the finger width method. Descriptive statistics of mean, SD, percentage were used to describe the data and determine the prevalence. Inferential statistics of Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation were used to analyse the relationship between prevalence of DR and age, parity and duration of DR postpartum. Chi square was computed to determine the difference in prevalence of DR across trimesters. The result of this study indicated high prevalence of DR in post-partum and pregnant women (84% and 64.7% respectively); the most common location of DR was at the umbilicus in both pregnant and postpartum women. Prevalence of DR was high among the multigravida; and a significant relationship was found between prevalence of DR and age and parity of participants. There was a significant difference in prevalence of DR across the trimesters. It can be concluded that prevalence of DR among pregnant and postpartum women is high; age and parity are determinants of DR prevalence. Evaluation of DR should be considered as routine assessment in both pregnant and postpartum women.

scholarly journals Collaborative Chat Reference Service Effectiveness Varies by Question Type for Public Library Patrons

2008 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Hall
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Question Type ◽  
Virtual Reference ◽  
Chat Reference ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Reference Service ◽  
Non Local ◽  
Research Questions

A review of: Kwon, Nahyun. "Public Library Patrons' Use of Collaborative Chat Reference Service: The Effectiveness of Question Answering by Question Type." Library & Information Science Research 29.1 (Mar. 2007): 70-91. Objective – To assess the effectiveness of a collaborative chat reference service in answering different types of question. Specifically, the study compares the degree of answer completion and the level of user satisfaction for simple factual questions vs. more in-depth subject-based reference questions, and for ‘local’ (pertaining to a particular library) and non-local questions. Design – Content analysis of 415 transcripts of reference transactions, which were also compared to corresponding user satisfaction survey results. Setting – An online collaborative reference service offered by a large public library system (33 branch and regional locations). This service is part of the Metropolitan Co-operative Library System: a virtual reference consortium of U.S. libraries (public, academic, special, and corporate) that provides 24/7 service. Subjects – Reference librarians from around the U.S. (49 different libraries), and users logging into the service via the public library system’s portal (primarily patrons of the 49 libraries). Method – Content analysis was used to evaluate virtual reference transcripts recorded between January and June, 2004. Reliability was enhanced through triangulation, with researchers comparing the content analysis of each transcript against the results of a voluntary exit survey. Of 1,387 transactions that occurred during the period of study, 420 users completed the survey and these formed the basis of the study, apart from 5 transactions that were omitted because the questions were incomprehensible. Questions were examined and assigned to five categories: “simple, factual questions; subject-based research questions; resource access questions; circulation-related questions; and local library information inquiries” (80-81). Answers were classed as either “completely answered, partially answered or unanswered, referred, and problematic endings” (82). Lastly, user satisfaction was surveyed on three measures: satisfaction with the answer, perceived staff quality, and willingness to return. In general, the methods used were clearly described and appeared reliable. Main results – Distribution of question types: By far the largest group of questions were circulation-related (48.9%), with subject-based research questions coming next (25.8%), then simple factual questions (9.6%), resource access questions (8.9%), and local library information inquiries (6.8%). Effectiveness of chat reference service by question type: No statistically significant difference was found between simple factual questions and subject-based research questions in terms of answer completeness and user satisfaction. However, a statistically significant difference was found when comparing ‘local’ (circulation and local library information questions) and ‘non-local’ (simple factual and subject-based research questions), with both satisfaction and answer completeness being lower for local questions. Conclusions – The suggestion that chat reference may not be as appropriate for in-depth, subject-based research questions as it is for simple factual questions is not supported by this research. In fact, the author notes that “subject-based research questions, when answered, were answered as completely as factual questions and found to be the question type that gives the greatest satisfaction to the patrons among all question types” (86). Lower satisfaction and answer completion were found among local vs. non-local queries. Additionally, there appeared to be some confusion among patrons about the nature of the collaborative service – they often assumed that the librarian answering their question was from their local library. The author suggests some form of triage to direct local questions to the appropriate venue from the outset, thus avoiding confusion and unnecessary referrals. The emergence of repetitive questions also signalled the need for the development of FAQs for chat reference staff and the incorporation of such questions into chat reference training.

International Quality Certification and Business Performance of Indian Firms: Evidence from Enterprise Survey Data

2019 ◽  
pp. 097215091982551 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jabir Ali ◽  
Nadia Yusuf
Keyword(s):  
Business Performance ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Capacity Utilization ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Quality Certification ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Certification And Accreditation ◽  
Comprehensive Survey ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Enterprise Survey

This article analyses the difference in firm’s performance between enterprises with and without international quality certification. The study is based on a comprehensive survey of 9,281 Indian firms operating in different regions of the country, conducted under the World Bank’s Enterprise Survey. About 44.9 per cent of the firms have adopted international quality certification for enhancing the quality of their business processes. Chi-square statistics indicate that there is a significant difference in enterprise characteristics by international quality certification. Result of the analysis of variance indicates a significant difference in business performance with and without quality certification in terms of sales, employment growth rates and capacity utilization. Firms with international quality certification perceive comparatively less obstacles than those who are not having international quality certification. This study provides insights on differences in firms’ performance and business obstacles faced by them with or without international quality certification. This study can be helpful in designing policies for promoting certification and accreditation of product quality and processes across business enterprises in a focused manner.

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