Availability and Accessibility of Information Resources in an Academic Library: Pathway to Sustainable Development

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 8-11
Author(s):  
Kolawole L. Folasade

This study was carried out to determine how availability and accessibility could bring about sustainable development in perceived academic performance of polytechnics’ students using Ibadan Polytechnic as a case study. Survey design was used with structured questionnaire and observation as instruments for data collection. The questionnaire was administered with the aid of a research assistant. From the findings, it was revealed that textbooks and dictionaries were readily available in the library while electronic books and journals were not accessible. The study also revealed lack of enough electronic resources, lack of enough computers to access Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) and power failure as some of the challenges to availability and accessibility of library resources. Some recommendations were made based on the findings.

Author(s):  
Nataliya Kropocheva

The Results of the information review of the materials of the Websites of the Libraries of German Universities are presented. A sample of eleven libraries was formed, the selection criteria for which were the following indicators: The Universality of the acquisition of the fund; the presence in the structure of information resources of collections of rare, handwritten and old printed publications; participation in the network of library institutions located on campuses (libraries), library funds are completed with documents of a narrow-specialized direction. The practical problems of creating Information and library resources on education and pedagogy are highlighted; the defining components of the content and composition of the sites of these libraries are described. The Directions of formation of resources of the researched segment of libraries of universities with single - circuit and double – circuit structure are revealed and generalized. In universities of the first type, libraries perform the functions of the central and peripheral library structure, as a rule, information and library resources on pedagogy and education are exported from OPAC (Online public access Catalog) and KVK (Karlsruher Virtuelle Katalog). In universities with a two-circuit structure of libraries, the site presents resources for educational and pedagogical purposes, in library departments, resources of specialized direction are reflected. The qualitative characteristics of the portals of educational and pedagogical issues, placed on the basis of the DBIS information System, are given. features of the formed information resources on the basis of various information sources, according to needs of users, minimizing information overload by optional («superfluous») information flows are revealed. The directions of content formation, prospects of development of the portal «Pädagogik» are covered.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 228-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suha AlAwadhi ◽  
Sultan M. Al-Daihani

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the use of social media in the marketing of academic library resources and services in Kuwait and identifies the factors related to the use of social media applications in marketing academic libraries.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative data-collection approach using a paper and online questionnaire has been employed to elicit the opinions of librarians working in academic libraries in Kuwait in both private and public institutions. In total, 89 valid questionnaires have been analyzed using descriptive (frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations) and inferential statistics (factor analysis, correlations, experimental analysis and regression).FindingsThe study shows that the academic librarians have a positive perception toward the use of social media. The identified factors relating to the use of social media for marketing library information resources and services are the usefulness of social media tools in raising awareness and in providing needs analysis and satisfaction assessments. However, management support for the use of social media for library marketing is poor.Practical implicationsThis study provides insights into the factors related to the use of modern social media platforms to promote information resources and services at academic libraries to provide outreach services to current and potential users.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the field of information studies as it highlights the importance of using social media platforms in marketing academic library information resources and services. Library administrators could use the results to develop social media marketing plans to effectively promote their library resources.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-43
Author(s):  
Oluwatunmise Ayo Afolabi ◽  
Salami Sarafadeen Segun ◽  
Fawale, Afiss Adebayo

This study x-ray business communication skills acquisition required by entrepreneurs for sustainable development in Oyo State, Nigeria. Four (4) research questions guided the study. A survey design was adopted. The population was 2600 entrepreneurs registered with Nigerian Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIIMA) in Oyo State while 10% totalling 260 respondents were randomly selected using simple random sampling techniques formed the sample size for this study. A-35 item structured questionnaire validated by 4 experts was used for data collection. The pilot study conducted yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.78 which was high enough for the instrument to be considered reliable. Mean and the standard deviation was used to analyze the findings. The findings revealed among others that listening and speaking communication skills are highly required by entrepreneurs for sustainable development. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that in house training should be conducted for entrepreneurs to address communication skill gap for sustainable development.


2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. 42
Author(s):  
Xiaofen Zhao ◽  
Li Lin ◽  
Yan Zhang

China has a large population with disabilities. In China, there may be varieties of barriers for disabled users to access library resources and services. Joint libraries are a new type of libraries constructed by local government and one or more colleges (universities), playing a dual role as both academic library and public library. Therefore, the users of joint libraries include not only college students and teachers, but also other people from all walks of life. Undoubtedly, the resources and services of these joint libraries must be provided for all kinds of users. Since 1997, more than ten joint libraries have been constructed and opened in China. In this article, we first briefly discussed the causes for the barriers to users with disabilities in libraries. Second, taking joint libraries as a case, we focused on the services to remove barriers and to ensure information equity for disabled people. Provision of equal services for disadvantaged groups is an essential indicator of joint libraries. The present article may provide recommendations for the future sustainable development of joint libraries in China and other developing counties.


Author(s):  
Olga Levchenko

The system of the research institute’s library information resources is described. The electronic resources generated both by the institute itself and other producers are characterized as the most dynamic system component. Collection development profile relevant to researchers’ current information needs and designed to form uniform document and information environment of the Institute is suggested.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (S1) ◽  
pp. 29-31
Author(s):  
D. Raju Munisamy ◽  
P. Sivaraman

Electronic Resources are becoming more and more important for the academic community. E-resources are considered as important resources for teaching, research and training. Thus e-resources in a library play significant role in academic libraries. E-resources have the features of easy access by many users of academic library and very important for library users. The present study identifies various e-resources, databases available in Pondicherry Engineering College Library, Pondicherry. The Post Graduate Students and researcher investigated the preferences and importance of e-resources along with identifying the purpose and problems faced while accessing online e-resources. A well structured questionnaire was designed and distributed among Post Graduate students and Research Scholars of Pondicherry Engineering College, Pondicherry. The study revealed that 85% of the respondent is aware of the availability of e-resources. The study says that 46.25% explored e-books/e-journals. This survey reveals 81.25% satisfied with e-resources available in the library.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajender Kumar ◽  
Dinesh K. Gupta

Purpose This study aims to assess users' satisfaction from the re-structured library resources and services due to technological innovations in the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi library. It also identifies and suggests potential improvement areas. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts a survey research method to collect data from the end-users of the library. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire. In total, 100 copies of questionnaires were distributed to the students, and out of the filled received questionnaires, 92 were found dully completed and useable. Collected data were analyzed by using percentage and chi-square test for testing of hypothesis. Findings This study shows that users' usage and preference for e-resources and e-services are increasing as there is a general trend to overlook traditional print resources where e-resources are available in the first place. The study recommends that a radical rethinking is required to strengthen the electronic collection and improve the library services. Practical implications The paper has a direct practical implication. It suggests that as technology continues to evolve, it is likely that academic institutes find themselves identifying appropriate areas to redesign library activities and services regularly. This paper reveals the practice of re-engineering in academic library services and knowing students' specific preferences of resources and services to enhance library usage. Originality/value The study is based on the self-designed structured questionnaire. Primary data has been collected from the IIT Delhi library users, thus providing original information and informative inputs to the existing literature.


2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 15-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aminat Titilola Bayero Abdussalam ◽  
Usman Ajisafe Saliu

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the ways in which online cataloguing is used to provide twenty-first century library and information services to a university community in a developing country, together with the challenges and prospects of such an application. The paper aims to examine the use of the internet to catalogue and classify library materials in the University of Ilorin Library. It looks at the use of the Library of Congress Catalogue in copy cataloguing. This paper also discusses the use of Koha, a free library integrated software to classify and catalogue library resources in the University of Ilorin Library. Design/methodology/approach – The methods used are participant observation, interviews with the senior librarians in the library and visits to another library that uses Koha software. Periodical and online articles were also used to gather information to support this study. Findings – The major problem is incessant power failure and the library is planning to get a heavy and very powerful inverter and generator that can stop the disruption of work resulting from the intermittent power supply. Another setback in using Koha is that the cataloguing is being done online unlike Biblofile which is done offline. Research limitations/implications – The researchers visited only one university library in the course of the research. This is due to financial constraints. Practical implications – Information communication technology training must be taken seriously for librarians who want to remain relevant in this age of information technology. Originality/value – This study about Koha software usage is the first of its kind to be carried out in the University of Ilorin Library and will be useful to other university libraries.


2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 503-522
Author(s):  
Maura Valentino ◽  
Geri Hopkins

Purpose This study aims to describe a project that aims to give students a choice to complete their general education requirements without purchasing a textbook. Design/methodology/approach In total, 26 faculty, teaching in the new general education curriculum, at Central Washington University were given stipends to eliminate expensive textbooks and use free to the student resources such as open educational resources (OER) or library resources. The data was collected on student savings and student and faculty satisfaction with the program. Findings Many paths were created through the general education curriculum, so a student may easily finish these requirements without purchasing a textbook. The data from this case study coincide with the literature on the subject. Faculty found it fairly easy to replace their required textbooks with pedagogically sound, free resources. Students were relieved to have some financial relief and found the resources to be good. The student’s biggest complaint was that faculty often use very small portions of expensive required textbooks. Research limitations/implications This is a case study and the results are limited as such. This is one university and one general education curriculum. Also, if an academic library wants to replicate this case study, some funding is required. Practical implications Students struggle financially and alleviating the costs of textbooks is one-way librarians can ease that burden. Social implications Students struggle financially and alleviating the costs of textbooks is one-way librarians can ease that burden. Originality/value There have been some case studies written about OER, where 8 or 10 courses are replaced. There are studies written about zero-textbook-cost degrees at community colleges, but this case study explores a textbook-cost-free general education program at a state university.


2018 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 198
Author(s):  
Jamie Saragossi ◽  
Laura Costello ◽  
Kathleen Kasten

This paper explores the challenges and opportunities presented by mobile applications in the context of an academic library collection. This emerging format raises important questions about selection, acquisition, access, instruction, outreach, and evaluation as these practices have been applied to traditional resources. A more nuanced understanding of the content and format of mobile applications informs a collection development strategy for discovering, acquiring, and maintaining these resources. The development of an outreach program that includes liaison activity, instruction, and research consultations is also explored as a way to drive users to these new resources. Using Stony Brook University Libraries as a case study, this paper discusses the potential of mobile applications as academic library resources plus practical ways to promote usage and enhance academic engagement.


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