scholarly journals INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND MEDIATION IN A DIGITAL REFERENCE SERVICE FOCUSED IN SOCIAL SCIENCES

Author(s):  
María Cecilia Corda

This paper investigates the current relationship between information management and information mediation along with the digital reference service through a case study which took place in an academic library. The concept of information mediation is herein analyzed, since a conceptual examination provides elements that will help people to comprehend and evaluate the concerned service. The information professional plays a very important role in the mediation aforementioned, which may be directly or indirectly; consciously or unconsciously; by himself/herself or plurally; individually or inserted into a group – in all such manners that mediator facilitates the acquisition of information, fully or partially satisfying a user’s need of all sorts of knowledge. Meanwhile, we here approach information management from a scope that points out a description over performed activities concerned to policies and procedures put into effect until the service evaluation by proposing a criterion for such point. Finally, we outline a few actions to be implemented in long-term perspective, which goal is to continually ameliorate such assistance, taking in account the human factor.

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-184
Author(s):  
Jiebei Luo

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.


Author(s):  
Aiping Chen-Gaffey

The rapid growth of electronic resources continues to challenge traditional methods of cataloging library collections, forcing a cataloging department to reevaluate its policies and procedures and implement changes. This chapter presents a case study of integrating vendor-supplied bibliographic records into a library catalog in order to provide timely and accurate catalog access to the library digital collections. The chapter discusses the benefits, issues, and challenges of batch manipulating and loading large record sets for these e-resources supplied by their vendors. It also describes the strategies and tools the bibliographic services staff has employed to solve the identified problems and improve the process. Further, it examines the effectiveness of the current e-record management policies and procedures. The chapter concludes with recommendation of solutions and a quest for future best practices in managing vendor-supplied records for e-resources.


2008 ◽  
pp. 1727-1740
Author(s):  
Charla Griffy-Brown ◽  
Mark W.S. Chun

This chapter demonstrates the importance of a well-formulated and articulated information security policy by integrating best practices with a case analysis of a major Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer and the security lessons it learned in the implementation of its Web-based portal. The relationship between information security and business needs and the conflict that often results between the two are highlighted. The case also explores the complexities of balancing business expedience with long-term strategic technical architecture. The chapter provides insight and offers practical tools for effectively developing and implementing information security policies and procedures in contemporary business practice.


Author(s):  
Charla Griffy-Brown ◽  
Mark W.S. Chun

This chapter demonstrates the importance of a well-formulated and articulated information security policy by integrating best practices with a case analysis of a major Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer and the security lessons it learned in the implementation of its Web-based portal. The relationship between information security and business needs and the conflict that often results between the two are highlighted. The case also explores the complexities of balancing business expedience with long-term strategic technical architecture. The chapter provides insight and offers practical tools for effectively developing and implementing information security policies and procedures in contemporary business practice.


Author(s):  
Ayodele John Alonge

This chapter discusses social networking as a new tool in information management, using Facebook as case study. It explicates how social networking can enhance library outreach and librarians’ collaboration. It presents social networking as new tool in information management that is capable of creating future prospects, opportunities, and hope for library users, and information and library professionals. For the purpose of this work, three groups were created on Facebook. One for library users and two for Librarians: Academic Library Users, African Librarian, and Nigerian Librarians. Social networking sites could be effectively used to disseminate information and promote pleasant professional relationship among librarians and library users. It encourages academic collaboration. With Facebook group, pictures of memorable events could be shared, news could be posted, and meetings, conferences, and workshops could be announced.


2004 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-71
Author(s):  
Christine Storer ◽  
Geoffrey Soutar ◽  
Jacques Trienekens ◽  
Adrie Beulens ◽  
Mohammed Quaddus

It is agreed that good communication systems between organisations increase customer satisfaction and relationship behaviour. However, less is known about the details of how information is used to manage relationships. Theories that have been found have either been tested on non-perishable goods or on small case studies. In earlier stages of the research, a dynamic model of inter-organisational information management systems (IOIMS) and relationships was developed based on a netchain case study. This paper presents an evaluation of this model based on a survey of Australian food processors and a green life industry case study. Both studies found that the environment (power, dependency and market uncertainty) had a significant influence on (attitudinal) commitment to develop long-term customer/supplier relationships. In addition, the nature of the IOIMS was associated with perceived current outcomes (satisfaction with performance, perceived responsiveness and strength of relationship trust). However, commitment to develop long-term customer supplier relationships was not significantly associated with the IOIMS. Conclusions were more doubtful about the association between the business environment and the IOIMS and perceived current outcomes. Suggestions for future research are made.


2002 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marianne Foley

Most academic libraries offer some form of digital reference service through e-mail or Web forms. Now many libraries are moving toward an almost-immediate form of digital reference: instant messaging. During the 2000—2001 academic year, the General Libraries of the University at Buffalo conducted a pilot project to assess the feasibility of providing reference through instant messaging. The libraries used the popular “chat room” format and America Online s Instant Messenger software. This article describes the project, its implementation, the software used, staffing issues, and publicity efforts. It also discusses the results of the project in terms of user demographics, satisfaction levels, usage statistics, patron comments, and librarian feedback. Finally, the article offers conclusions about offering instant messaging reference in a large academic library.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document