Tapping into Residents’ Perceptions to Diffuse Landscape Water Conservation and Protection Practices

This new 4-page article provides real examples of how university researchers used the Diffusion of Innovations theory to analyze Florida residents’ perceptions of landscape conservation and fertilizer behaviors and identify barriers and opportunities to encourage widespread adoption. The information and recommendations are intended for Extension professionals and other practitioners to promote behavior change in household landscaping practices. Written by Colby Silvert, Laura Warner, Matt Benge, and John Diaz and published by the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc405

Profiling Digital Printing Technology Adoption in the Fashion Industry: A New Approach to Exploring Innovation Diffusion

Digital printing technology (DPT) represents a core innovation that is currently revolutionizing the global decorated apparel market by automating the printing process, facilitating customization, and reducing energy costs and production lead time. However, the fundamental understanding of the emerging DPT market remains unexplored due to its novelty. This study aims to identify DPT diffusion patterns over the past decade in the U.S. market and establish a predictive user profile employing social media-based analytics along with data mining and traditional statistical modeling. A proxy variable is used to measure likely adoption which reflects an S-shaped diffusion curve consistent with Diffusion of Innovations Theory. Additionally, the outcome profile suggests that likely DPT adopters reside in locations that reflect higher levels of education (bachelor’s degrees or higher), relatively young populations (i.e. between 19–34 years of age), proportionately higher incomes generated from art and design occupations, but with lower household annual incomes.

The Yoruba News as a Political Tool and Avenue for Cultural Revival

The Yorubà News, published by Obasa ̣, co-pioneered journalism, nay publishing, in Yorùbá language in southwestern Nigeria. Based in Ìbàdan and ̀ published by Ìlarè Printers, ̣́ The Yorùbá News, a bi-lingual serial in English and Yorùbá languages, remarkably had varying contents and wide circulation covering its locale, Íbàdan significantly; the southern protectorate, particularly Yorùbá land appreciably; and the entire nation, Nigeria marginally. Published weekly, Obasa – the Editor and Proprietor – successfully edited ̣ The Yorubà News ́ for over two decades from 1924 – 1945 when he died. Adopting the Diffusion of Innovations theory, this study examines the form and content of the newspaper. The form examines the structure and layout of the newspaper while the content discusses and evaluates issues covered in the publication. The form of The Yorùbá News is discussed in the context of the print media as a periodical by taking technical cognizance of its physical features: format, design and layout, typography, columns, paper, size and production quality. Content-wise, the paper exhaustively describes the subject matters of The Yorubà News ́ by dwelling critically on the issues raised, examining in details and critiquing its recurrent subject matters notably: the news stories, editorials, cover, advertorials, news and notes, etc. The inter-dependence of form and content is also examined to bring to the fore the social, cultural, political, and economic values of the maiden Yorùbá Newspaper: The Yorùbá News.

The Form and Content of Ọbasa’s Weekly Newspaper: The Yorùbá News

The Yorubà News, published by Obasa ̣ , co-pioneered journalism, nay publishing, in Yorùbá language in southwestern Nigeria. Based in Ìbàdan and ̀ published by Ìlarè Printers, ̣́ The Yorùbá News, a bi-lingual serial in English and Yorùbá languages, remarkably had varying contents and wide circulation covering its locale, Íbàdan significantly; the southern protectorate, particularly Yorùbá land appreciably; and the entire nation, Nigeria marginally. Published weekly, Obasa – the Editor and Proprietor – successfully edited ̣ The Yorubà News ́ for over two decades from 1924 – 1945 when he died. Adopting the Diffusion of Innovations theory, this study examines the form and content of the newspaper. The form examines the structure and layout of the newspaper while the content discusses and evaluates issues covered in the publication. The form of The Yorùbá News is discussed in the context of the print media as a periodical by taking technical cognizance of its physical features: format, design and layout, typography, columns, paper, size and production quality. Content-wise, the paper exhaustively describes the subject matters of The Yorubà News ́ by dwelling critically on the issues raised, examining in details and critiquing its recurrent subject matters notably: the news stories, editorials, cover, advertorials, news and notes, etc. The inter-dependence of form and content is also examined to bring to the fore the social, cultural, political, and economic values of the maiden Yorùbá Newspaper: The Yorùbá News.

Adoption of Māori digitised resources by polytechnic Māori students and staff

<p>Research problem: Little is known about Māori digitised resources. The objective of this research was to explore the factors that influence Māori students’ and staff decisions to use or not use Māori digitised resources within a polytechnic and to examine the ways in which they are used and identify the reasons for their use. Methodology: An indigenous paradigm called Kaupapa Māori research and the Māori Tertiary Education Framework were used to investigate the viewpoints of the participants. Additionally, Rogers’ diffusion of innovations theory was used to understand aspects about how and why participants adopt and use digitised resources. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather data from a purposive sample of five Māori students and four Māori staff. Results: Several factors such as teaching Māori research, learning Te Reo Māori and personal reasons positively influenced the attitude of individuals to enjoy using Māori digitised resources. Most individuals felt comfortable using them and several suggestions were made around improving their use and these included training, technologies enhancements and further investigation. Implications: The digital shift from using traditional methods to using the internet to find and use Māori digitised resources is having an effect on library users. It has changed the way Māori have access to Māori digitised resources and will continue to influence how Māori students and staff learn. Further investigation should be undertaken to see how Māori students and staff at other New Zealand polytechnics and University use Māori digitised resources.</p>

Adoption of Māori digitised resources by polytechnic Māori students and staff

<p>Research problem: Little is known about Māori digitised resources. The objective of this research was to explore the factors that influence Māori students’ and staff decisions to use or not use Māori digitised resources within a polytechnic and to examine the ways in which they are used and identify the reasons for their use. Methodology: An indigenous paradigm called Kaupapa Māori research and the Māori Tertiary Education Framework were used to investigate the viewpoints of the participants. Additionally, Rogers’ diffusion of innovations theory was used to understand aspects about how and why participants adopt and use digitised resources. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather data from a purposive sample of five Māori students and four Māori staff. Results: Several factors such as teaching Māori research, learning Te Reo Māori and personal reasons positively influenced the attitude of individuals to enjoy using Māori digitised resources. Most individuals felt comfortable using them and several suggestions were made around improving their use and these included training, technologies enhancements and further investigation. Implications: The digital shift from using traditional methods to using the internet to find and use Māori digitised resources is having an effect on library users. It has changed the way Māori have access to Māori digitised resources and will continue to influence how Māori students and staff learn. Further investigation should be undertaken to see how Māori students and staff at other New Zealand polytechnics and University use Māori digitised resources.</p>

Perceptions and usage of library instructional podcasts by staff and students at Universal College of Learning (UCOL)

<p>As podcasting is such a new phenomenon, little is known about its usage and perceived benefits especially in New Zealand. In addition to gathering statistics on the demographics of who uses library instructional podcasts and the technologies used, this research also offers an opportunity to fill a gap in the knowledge on the usage and perceptions of podcasting and its potential as a medium for library instruction in the future. Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations theory provided the framework for this research. Six sample podcasts were recorded and made available via the UCOL - Universal College of Learning - web site in MP3 format. The target population for this research was staff and students of UCOL. A web based survey instrument was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data and there were 86 complete responses to the survey. Participants were self selected on a non-random basis, therefore it was not possible to stratify the sample set or generalise results. Analysis of the results showed there were differences between the groups surveyed in perceptions and use of the library instructional podcasts. The majority of respondents thought the podcasts were "very good" with 71.1% in favour of them. The most helpful podcast topics were identified and suggestions were made as to other topics the library could make podcasts in. Device ownership was investigated along with technologies required for downloading and listening to the podcasts. The preferred time and place to listen to the podcasts was ascertained and advantages and disadvantages were determined. Responses were received from a broad range of subject areas from within UCOL. The majority of respondents were found to be female and were of NZ European/Pakeha ethnicity. Comments were received as to the quality of the podcasts with suggestions for improvements for future podcasts. The conclusion reached was that podcasting for library instruction will benefit UCOL as an institution, has potential as an alternative communication medium and therefore should be pursued.</p>

Perceptions and usage of library instructional podcasts by staff and students at Universal College of Learning (UCOL)

<p>As podcasting is such a new phenomenon, little is known about its usage and perceived benefits especially in New Zealand. In addition to gathering statistics on the demographics of who uses library instructional podcasts and the technologies used, this research also offers an opportunity to fill a gap in the knowledge on the usage and perceptions of podcasting and its potential as a medium for library instruction in the future. Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations theory provided the framework for this research. Six sample podcasts were recorded and made available via the UCOL - Universal College of Learning - web site in MP3 format. The target population for this research was staff and students of UCOL. A web based survey instrument was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data and there were 86 complete responses to the survey. Participants were self selected on a non-random basis, therefore it was not possible to stratify the sample set or generalise results. Analysis of the results showed there were differences between the groups surveyed in perceptions and use of the library instructional podcasts. The majority of respondents thought the podcasts were "very good" with 71.1% in favour of them. The most helpful podcast topics were identified and suggestions were made as to other topics the library could make podcasts in. Device ownership was investigated along with technologies required for downloading and listening to the podcasts. The preferred time and place to listen to the podcasts was ascertained and advantages and disadvantages were determined. Responses were received from a broad range of subject areas from within UCOL. The majority of respondents were found to be female and were of NZ European/Pakeha ethnicity. Comments were received as to the quality of the podcasts with suggestions for improvements for future podcasts. The conclusion reached was that podcasting for library instruction will benefit UCOL as an institution, has potential as an alternative communication medium and therefore should be pursued.</p>

Contagious Description: Factors Influencing the Adoption of the Australian Series System in New Zealand Archives

<p>The Australian series system has been identified as useful in describing the multiple relationships increasingly identified in archival collections due to complex administrative history, the need to describe electronic records or a wish to describe multiple views of a single group of archives. However, throughout New Zealand it has been fully adopted by relatively few Archives. A mixed-methods survey was carried out to investigate motivators and barriers to the adoption of the Australian series system, using quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis of responses to a questionnaire. Using Rogers’ diffusion of innovations theory and the records continuum model to suggest factors and map the results, it was found that the main motivator to use the AuSS was an archivist convinced of its value, through training or previous use, and with an awareness of archival conventions and standards. Other motivators included a large collection with a complex administrative history, the availability of compatible software, institutional support, and expert advice recommending its use. Barriers included lack of awareness or training, lack of autonomy for the archivist, and lack of resources. Changes to description occurred when particular moments of opportunity coincided with perceived needs. These factors worked together at all levels of the records continuum to affect decisions made by archivists on the type of description to use in their finding aids. Wider use of the AuSS to enable better information sharing and more fully-developed contextual description could be achieved through the provision of better publicised information; expert advice on implementation and on migration of existing data; and practical, readymade, simple and adaptable templates for finding aids.</p>

Contagious Description: Factors Influencing the Adoption of the Australian Series System in New Zealand Archives

<p>The Australian series system has been identified as useful in describing the multiple relationships increasingly identified in archival collections due to complex administrative history, the need to describe electronic records or a wish to describe multiple views of a single group of archives. However, throughout New Zealand it has been fully adopted by relatively few Archives. A mixed-methods survey was carried out to investigate motivators and barriers to the adoption of the Australian series system, using quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis of responses to a questionnaire. Using Rogers’ diffusion of innovations theory and the records continuum model to suggest factors and map the results, it was found that the main motivator to use the AuSS was an archivist convinced of its value, through training or previous use, and with an awareness of archival conventions and standards. Other motivators included a large collection with a complex administrative history, the availability of compatible software, institutional support, and expert advice recommending its use. Barriers included lack of awareness or training, lack of autonomy for the archivist, and lack of resources. Changes to description occurred when particular moments of opportunity coincided with perceived needs. These factors worked together at all levels of the records continuum to affect decisions made by archivists on the type of description to use in their finding aids. Wider use of the AuSS to enable better information sharing and more fully-developed contextual description could be achieved through the provision of better publicised information; expert advice on implementation and on migration of existing data; and practical, readymade, simple and adaptable templates for finding aids.</p>