scholarly journals Prospects for academic libraries in science information environment

Author(s):  
N. P. Krylova ◽  
E. N. Levashov

The author systematize history of Russian university libraries, analyze their progressing in digital environment, and discuss new possibilities for modernizing education and academic libraries, in particular. The laws and regulations for university libraries are reviewed; their functions and services are specified. As a result of global information processes intensive growth, the demand for elibraries and their services have been increasing. The students of Cherepovets State University were surveyed on the issues of library service efficiency. The survey proved the significance and relevance of library services for the students; the strengths and weaknesses of library services were identified. The authors emphasize the need for intensifying marketing component in library activities and promotion of its services, and for studying target audience demands. The prospects for academic libraries are also discussed.

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 60-79
Author(s):  
Eva Revitt ◽  
Sean Luyk

Despite the nearly 40-year history of library councils in Canadian academic libraries, scholarly literature regarding library governance and decision-making processes within the context of Canadian university libraries is almost non-existent. Nevertheless, there is evidence of a general disenfranchisement of librarians from significant decisions affecting library operations, resources, services, and the appointment and evaluation of senior administrative positions. Furthermore, it is evident that library councils in Canadian academic libraries, where they do exist, function primarily as information-sharing forums rather than as the collegial decision-making bodies they were originally intended to be. Through a close examination of the CAUT Bulletin, this paper traces the development of library councils in Canadian academic libraries. Within the framework of institutional theory and drawing from librarianship, management, and educational administration literature, the paper proceeds to critically discuss systematic barriers to collegial governance in academic libraries. Historical and anecdotal evidence suggests that administrative resistance is a continued and key obstacle to the democratization of decision-making processes in Canadian academic libraries.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 461-477
Author(s):  
Khalil Ismayilov ◽  
Nadir Ismayilov ◽  
Vafa Mammadova

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to comparatively study the library and information services provided by three academic libraries – Baku State University Scientific Library, ADA University Library and Information Services and Khazar University Library and Information Center – located in Baku, Azerbaijan. Various types of library services are examined in terms of funding, acquisition and technical equipment support issues. Also, different subordination conditions (public/private) of the universities help to better understand the current position of academic libraries in different entities. Design/methodology/approach Most part of the conveyed information was obtained through review of related literature, libraries’ annual reports and personal communication with the directors of the academic libraries, to look for similarities and differences in provided library and information services. The results of the study are comparatively described through multiple tables and charts. Findings For improving services it is necessary to develop paid forms of library and information services, maintain various training possibilities for library staff in modern librarianship areas, increase the variety and number of public and outreach activities. Research limitations/implications As the findings of the paper suggest new forms of library services and activities, it is necessary to continue the topic in further studies to develop practical methods and applications for local library conditions. Originality/value The paper can be accepted as the first comparative study of the library information services in academic libraries of Azerbaijan, which gives general overview and analysis of separate service ranges and types. The researchers interested in Azerbaijani librarianship may find it practical.


2011 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate-Riin Kont ◽  
Signe Jantson

Objective – This article provides an overview of how university libraries research and adapt new cost accounting models, such as “activity-based costing” (ABC) and “time-driven activity-based costing” (TDABC), focusing on the strengths and weaknesses of both methods to determine which of these two is suitable for application in university libraries. Methods – This paper reviews and summarizes the literature on cost accounting and costing practices of university libraries. A brief overview of the history of cost accounting, costing, and time and motion studies in libraries is also provided. The ABC and the TDABC method, designed as a revised and easier version of the ABC by Kaplan and Anderson (Kaplan & Anderson 2004) at the beginning of the 21st century, as well as the adoption and adaptation of these methods by university libraries are described, and their strengths and weaknesses, as well as their suitability for university libraries, are analyzed. Results – Cost accounting and costing studies in libraries have a long history, the first of these dating back to 1877. The development of cost accounting and time and motion studies can be seen as a natural evolution of techniques which were created to solve management problems. The ABC method is the best-known management accounting innovation of the last 20 years, and is already widely used in university libraries around the world. However, setting up an ABC system can be very costly, and the system needs to be regularly updated, which further increases its costs. The TDABC system can not only be implemented more quickly (and thus more cheaply), but also can be updated more easily than the traditional ABC, which makes the TDABC the more suitable method for university libraries. Conclusion – Both methods are suitable for university libraries. However, the ABC method can only be implemented in collaboration with an accounting department. The TDABC method can be tested and implemented by separate departments, and thus can contribute to the provision of better and more effective library services at lower costs. However, the involvement of experts in costing and accounting is recommended.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-110
Author(s):  
Tara Murray Grove

The vast majority of academic libraries offer streaming video services to support teaching and research, and demand for this already popular format from faculty and students increased when libraries closed their physical locations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite its popularity, many users are unfamiliar with copyright and terms of use for video content. Use of streaming video is further complicated by its availability on a variety of platforms using different licensing models. This case study shows how the Penn State University Libraries (PSUL) helped librarians, faculty, and students navigate access to video content for remote instruction during the pandemic. The examples of training library staff, educating faculty and students, and streamlining internal processes can be adapted by all academic libraries to provide greater access to video content. Demand for streaming video will continue even when libraries return to full in-person operations, so these approaches will continue to be relevant.


2022 ◽  
pp. 192-200
Author(s):  
Nathaniel Agbo Oche

As technology continues to impact the delivery of library and information services, traditional academic library systems have continued to experience changes. Social media are changing and becoming more sophisticated, and librarians need to adopt them for innovative services to their users. Library staff skills and library services have to shift from book-eccentric to user-eccentric. As the academic library continues to redefine its role in the digital environment, it needs to leverage its strengths and create responsive and convenient services. The chapter discusses how social media can be adopted and utilized for delivering innovative services and the various innovative ways social media can be utilized in effective service delivery, the challenges associated with social media and innovative service delivery, and the strategies to enhance the use of social media for innovative service delivery in academic libraries. The chapter serves as guide to students and practitioners on the various ways to use social media for effective service delivery in academic libraries.


2018 ◽  
Vol 79 (3) ◽  
pp. 118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Wengler

While attending ACRL 2017 in Baltimore, I came upon a poster titled “Cultivating Curiosity: Intersecting Century-Old Services for 21st Century Impact,” which suggested that a simple rebranding of traditional reference services could markedly increase student engagement. I was intrigued by these findings but somewhat skeptical. How could such a low-cost, low-tech strategy generate such high-impact results? Thankfully, presenters Jennifer Hunter and Christina Riehman-Murphy of the Penn State University Libraries-Abington College were on hand to answer all my questions. Hunter and Riehman-Murphy outlined their program and outcomes, and they convinced me: branding matters. I left the convention center inspired, ready to bring their marketing blueprint back to Queensborough Community College (QCC) of the City University of New York (CUNY).


2017 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 601-611
Author(s):  
Qi Kang ◽  
Pianran Wang ◽  
Qing Wang

The circulation service is an important, traditional library service. Circulation policies are the rules that govern borrowing and renewing materials and the penalties for overdue, lost, or damaged items. Some studies have reported the circulation policies of major academic libraries; however, literature documenting the borrowing privileges of Chinese libraries is scant and does not fully disclose its current characteristics and status. This study aims to investigate and explore the status, features, and patterns of circulation policies employed in the top 46 Chinese university libraries. The results indicated that circulation practices vary among libraries but common trends exist, including lengthened checkout and renewal period or unlimited borrowing length, increased number of items and no overdue fines or blocks on accounts until items are returned, or volunteer service, or online examination of library rules and regulation, or establishment of amnesty days regarding overdue procedures. Along with adding to the Chinese academic library services research field, these findings provide valuable directions for library policy improvements.


Author(s):  
KazimiParvizFirudin Oqlu

Starting with the creation of the global information space, there are two forces that can really influence information processes. The first side is the technological side, the other side is the state structures based on social and humanitarian issues.The creators of global networks and the owners of key technologies advocate that everything remains as it is, based on freedom of speech, and in humanitarian terms, states are trying to control this process based on the implementation of legislation.The first side is based on free speech, controls the advertising market and dodges taxes, the other side wants to deal with “concerned groups” and also fight social ailments.In this confrontation, libraries, as institutions influencing the information environment, stand next to the state and try not to lose their attractiveness. In this respect, libraries can act as a bridge between local and regional as well as global networks. Libraries, academic and university libraries currently operating in the world and meeting modern challenges are the main participants in the authoritative information cycle. Coordinating the information activities of these agencies can lead to a significant improvement in the information environment. The main goal of the study is to identify the optimal forms and methods of using social networks in libraries.  It is also exploring the reasons why libraries use social media to ensure an effective and widespread information service.


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