Women Voters' Access to Political Information during the 2013 Kenyan General Election in Kakamega County

Mousaion ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Ibrahim Okinda
Keyword(s):  
Information Seeking ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Information Access ◽  
General Election ◽  
Political Information ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Close Proximity ◽  
Descriptive Survey

Information is considered an important resource for women’s political participation. However, little is known about women’s access to election-related information in Kenya.  Anchored on the uses and gratifications theory (UGT), this research examined women voters’ access to political information during the 2013 Kenyan general election in Kakamega County. This study adopted a descriptive survey in which data was collected from 372 women voters using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The results revealed that women voters mainly accessed political information via radio and interpersonal sources comprising family members and friends as they were in close proximity with them. Major constraints to women’s political information access were the following: inadequate and expensive media devices and power supply, limited time, and low education and interest in seeking political information. This paper provides insight into women’s access to various sources of political information and this is essential in identifying appropriate channels for reaching out to them in counties in Kenya. Women voters’ low levels of education and Media and Information Literacy (MIL) have implications for information providers. They should use both mediated and non-mediated sources of political information, and offer information services and MIL programmes tailored to women. This study provides directions for future research on political information seeking behaviour within the discipline of library and information science (LIS) by incorporating UGT from media studies.

Towards structure–agency integrative theories for information access disparity

2019 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 458-477 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liangzhi Yu
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
Explanatory Power ◽  
Information Access ◽  
Theoretical Background ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Bridge Structure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Structure And Agency

PurposeBased on the assumption that information access disparity is a highly complex phenomenon demanding integrative explications that heed both structure and agency, the purpose of this paper is to outline the theoretical background against which endeavours to develop such explanations can be planned.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on a close reading of: existing explanations of information access disparity; research of other library and information science (LIS) issues that have demonstrated conscious attempts to bridge structure and agency; and cross-disciplinary integrative theories that have served as foundations for LIS research. Explanatory power of the first and applicability of the latter two are critically assessed; lessons for future research are drawn.FindingsThe examination shows that efforts to develop integrative theories for information access disparity are emerging but remain indistinct; integrative frameworks for other LIS phenomena exist but are developed primarily by adopting concepts from cross-disciplinary theories and are, therefore, both enabled and constrained by them. It also shows that cross-disciplinary integrative theories contribute to LIS by exporting the general integrative theorising approach and a range of specific concepts but, owing to their limitations in dealing with information-specific issues, their adequacy for explaining information access disparity cannot be assumed.Originality/valueThe study demonstrates that a promising way forward for developing integrative theories of information access disparity is to follow the general integrative approach, but to ground related concepts and propositions in empirical data alone, i.e., to begin the journey of integrative theorising theory-free.

scholarly journals The concept of neutrality: a new approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
pp. 333-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Macdonald ◽  
Briony Birdi
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Social Institutions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Normative Framework ◽  
Contextual Awareness

Purpose Neutrality is a much debated value in library and information science (LIS). The “neutrality debate” is characterised by opinionated discussions in contrasting contexts. The purpose of this paper is to fill a gap in the literature by bringing these conceptions together holistically, with potential to deepen understanding of LIS neutrality. Design/methodology/approach First, a literature review identified conceptions of neutrality reported in the LIS literature. Second, seven phenomenographic interviews with LIS professionals were conducted across three professional sectors. To maximise variation, each sector comprised at least one interview with a professional of five or fewer years’ experience and one with ten or more years’ experience. Third, conceptions from the literature and interviews were compared for similarities and disparities. Findings In four conceptions, each were found in the literature and interviews. In the literature, these were labelled: “favourable”, “tacit value”, “social institutions” and “value-laden profession”, whilst in interviews they were labelled: “core value”, “subservient”, “ambivalent”, and “hidden values”. The study’s main finding notes the “ambivalent” conception in interviews is not captured by a largely polarised literature, which oversimplifies neutrality’s complexity. To accommodate this complexity, it is suggested that future research should look to reconcile perceptions from either side of the “neutral non-neutral divide” through an inclusive normative framework. Originality/value This study’s value lies in its descriptive methodology, which brings LIS neutrality together in a holistic framework. This framework brings a contextual awareness to LIS neutrality lacking in previous research. This awareness has the potential to change the tone of the LIS neutrality debate.

scholarly journals Towards Automated Analysis of Research Methods in Library and Information Science

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ziqi Zhang ◽  
Winnie Tam ◽  
Andrew Cox
Keyword(s):  
Research Methods ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Complex Structure ◽  
Automated Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Automated Recognition ◽  
Automated Method

Previous studies of research methods in LIS lack consensus in how to define or classify research methods, and there have been no studies on automated recognition of research methods in the scientific literature of this field. This work begins to fill these gaps by studying how the scope of ‘research methods’ in LIS has evolved, and the challenges in automatically identifying the usage of research methods in LIS literature. 2,599 research articles are collected from three LIS journals. Using a combination of content analysis and text mining methods, a sample of this collection is coded into 29 different concepts of research methods and is then used to test a rule-based automated method for identifying research methods reported in scientific literature. We show that the LIS field is characterised by the use of an increasingly diverse range of methods, many of which originate outside the conventional boundaries of LIS. This implies increasing complexity in research methodology and suggests the need for a new approach towards classifying LIS research methods to capture the complex structure and relationships between different aspects of methods. Our automated method is the first of its kind in LIS, and sets an important reference for future research.

Information Seeking Behavior of Medical Scientists at Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Science

2017 ◽  
pp. 177-187
Author(s):  
Bobby Phuritsabam ◽  
Arambam Bidyaluxmi Devi
Keyword(s):  
Information Seeking ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Medical Science ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Interview Method ◽  
Article Type ◽  
Medical Scientist ◽  
Seeking Behavior

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to identify the library services and facilities provided to the Medical Scientists of JNIMS, Porompat. The study is limited to Medical Scientist of JNIMS who employed at twenty two (22) different medical departments of JNIMS. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study is based on survey method; questionnaire and interview method is used for collection of primary data. Hundred (100) questionnaires were distributed to the medical scientist of JNIMS. Findings: Services and facilities provided by the library are not satisfied by the medical scientist; library lack qualified manpower to function the library. Originality/Value: The study is part of the dissertation submitted to the Department of Library and Information Science, Manipur University for the year2014-2015. Article Type: Case Study

scholarly journals A Pilot Study Examining the Information Seeking of Fiction Writers

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arielle VanderSchans
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Early Step ◽  
Information Seeking Behaviour ◽  
Fiction Writers

This paper explores the information-seeking behaviours of fiction writers through a pilot study using an online survey. The information-seeking behaviour of fiction writers has been understudied, with the focus in Library and Information Science research falling predominantly on readership and publishing. This study represents an early step in exploring creativity and serendipity’s role in the information-seeking habits of storytellers.

Mnemonics in the Mouseion

2015 ◽  
Vol 71 (2) ◽  
pp. 278-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ole Olesen-Bagneux
Keyword(s):  
Information Seeking ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Book History ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Core ◽  
The One

Purpose – Mnemonics was a tool in classification and information seeking processes in pre-print libraries. The purpose of this paper is to study the role of spatial mnemonics in Hellenistic libraries, including the one in Alexandria. Design/methodology/approach – Since library- and information science has not explored this subject in depth, philology, rhetoric, book-history and archeology constitute the core literature. From this literature, the role of mnemonics in the libraries is discussed. Findings – A new description of the practice of classification and retrieval in Hellenistic libraries, based on spatial mnemonics. Originality/value – This paper is a new analysis of spatial mnemonics in the Hellenistic libraries. As will become clear, they blend easily and logically with each other.

scholarly journals Time and temporality in library and information science

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jutta Haider ◽  
Veronica Johansson ◽  
Björn Hammarfelt
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Science Field ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
Time Regime ◽  
Information Work ◽  
Late Modern

PurposeThe article introduces selected theoretical approaches to time and temporality relevant to the field of library and information science, and it briefly introduces the papers gathered in this special issue. A number of issues that could potentially be followed in future research are presented.Design/methodology/approachThe authors review a selection of theoretical and empirical approaches to the study of time that originate in or are of particular relevance to library and information science. Four main themes are identified: (1) information as object in temporal perspectives; (2) time and information as tools of power and control; (3) time in society; and (4) experiencing and practicing time.FindingsThe paper advocates a thorough engagement with how time and temporality shape notions of information more broadly. This includes, for example, paying attention to how various dimensions of the late-modern time regime of acceleration feed into the ways in which information is operationalised, how information work is commodified, and how hierarchies of information are established; paying attention to the changing temporal dynamics that networked information systems imply for our understanding of documents or of memory institutions; or how external events such as social and natural crises quickly alter modes, speed, and forms of data production and use, in areas as diverse as information practices, policy, management, representation, and organisation, amongst others.Originality/valueBy foregrounding temporal perspectives in library and information science, the authors advocate dialogue with important perspectives on time that come from other fields. Rather than just including such perspectives in library and information science, however, the authors find that the focus on information and documents that the library and information science field contributes has great potential to advance the understanding of how notions and experiences of time shape late-modern societies and individuals.

scholarly journals Digital Library: An Innovation in Infrastructure in Learning and Development amongst Students

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Devrshi Upadhayay
Keyword(s):  
Digital Library ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Network System ◽  
Distributed Network ◽  
Learning And Development ◽  
Data Framework ◽  
Internet Browser

Web distributed network system made extension for inquire about in the territory of data framework and its related fields. Advanced Library, one of the latest improvements in Library and Information Science, which help its client to look for data through internet browser. Computerized Library is sorted out grouping of data, with its bolstered administrations and a spot where the data is kept in advanced arrangement and can be recovered over a system. Since most recent multi decade specialists are concentrating on the clients of Digital Library to grow progressively proficient and viable framework to offer quality assistance to clients. The point of this paper is to furnish writing on Digital Library as for its clients that might be useful for future research. The paper examines about the users driven methodology with regards to Digital Library.

Differences between LIS and non-LIS undergraduates’ conceptions of smart libraries: a drawing analysis approach

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yun-Fang Tu ◽  
Gwo-Jen Hwang ◽  
Shu-Yen Chen ◽  
Chiulin Lai ◽  
Chuan-Miao Chen
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Digital Resources ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Appliances ◽  
Technology Services ◽  
Access To Books

Purpose This study aims to compare similarities and differences in library and information science (LIS) and non-LIS undergraduates’ conceptions and perceptions of smart libraries via drawing analysis. Design/methodology/approach In this study, a total of 156 undergraduate students described their perceptions of smart libraries as drawings and textual descriptions. A modified coding scheme with 8 categories and 51 subcategories was used to analyse the undergraduate students’ drawings. Findings Most of the undergraduate students’ conceptions of smart libraries still involve self-checkout and learning/reading, focusing on information appliances, technical services, activities and objects. The differences are that the LIS undergraduates’ drawings showed smart libraries with robots, interactive book borrowing with technology tools, intelligent services, location-aware services or mobile applications, whereas non-LIS undergraduates presented smart libraries as readers (learners), other activities and no smart technology services. LIS undergraduates focused on providing patron services with technologies. Non-LIS undergraduates were more likely to draw a complex space with immediate access to books or digital resources, quiet reading and the freedom to engage in library activities. Originality/value The results provide a baseline for future research on the topic and provide preliminary evidence of using the methods to discern LIS and non-LIS undergraduates’ conceptions of smart libraries.

Cyber Behaviors in Seeking Information

2012 ◽  
pp. 365-382 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaojun Yuan ◽  
Catherine Dumas
Keyword(s):  
Information Seeking ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
Important Research Area ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
Intellectual Knowledge ◽  
Information Seeking Behaviors

The emergence of rapidly developing Information Technologies, particularly the Internet and digital systems, provide people access to an overwhelming abundance of online resources. This, in turn, makes their information seeking process even more challenging. As an important research area in the field of information science and human computer interaction, human information seeking behavior has been researched for decades. In this entry, the authors focus on human information seeking behaviors in terms of their definition, the interactive, cognitive, contextual, and task aspects, and the intellectual knowledge and history. Since information seeking behaviors are a facet of the relatively new field of cyber behaviors, the chapter also discusses cyber behaviors in information seeking and the future research directions.

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