Information professionals' quality of work-life and its impact on their job performance

PurposeJob performance (JP) of employees is a key indicator of success for any organization; however, job performance is dependent on many factors including personal and organizational. The current study aims to investigate this phenomenon concerning the quality of work-life (QoWL).Design/methodology/approachThe study design was quantitative, and a questionnaire was filled by 130 professional librarians based on a convenient sampling technique. The research population was academic information professionals (IPs) serving the university libraries of Lahore, Pakistan. Data were analyzed using SPSS (20.0).FindingsJob career satisfaction is proved a key indicator of JP along with job control and general well-being (GWB). Counterproductive work behavior (CWB), which is a negative behavior, is significantly affected by poor job satisfaction (JS), stress, feelings of unhappiness and low workplace autonomy.Practical implicationsThe study suggests that if poor JS, stress, feelings of unhappiness and low workplace autonomy could be manipulated positively, CWB may be reduced and there are chances to improve the JP of IPs.Originality/valueThis is one of the first attempts that focuses on QoWL and its impact on JP of IPs. The study findings may help leaders and library administration to take employees' friendly decisions to provide a conducive work environment.

University Education in Digital Humanities for Information Professionals

Purpose/Thesis: The article presents the concept of university course in digital humanities for future information professionals. Approach/Methods: The concept of university course in digital humanities draws on the author’s deep knowledge of digital humanities as well as the particular models of research project lifecycle. The concept consists of three elements: the description of educational aims, the graduate’s profile, and the learning outcomes. Results and conclusions: The author proposes that university course in digital humanities should be provided as a part of specialization within a Master program for information professionals. Classes will give students a basic knowledge of a given discipline in the humanities and the theoretical aspects of digital humanities, as well as its structure and history. Students will also learn about information and knowledge organization, digital sources used in humanities, information systems, digital collections, research data management, and scholarly editions. Graduates would be equipped to work at research institutions running digital humanities projects or providing research infrastructure for digital humanists, e.g. academic libraries, museums, archives, digital humanities centers and laboratories. Practical implications: The concept may be used to prepare a detailed program of specialization by faculties offering information science programs. Although the concept has been developed in the context of Polish higher education, it can be modified and adapted successfully in other countries, especially in the EU countries which, like Poland, need to meet the European Qualifications Framework. Originality/Value: Formal university course in digital humanities for information professionals is not very common. The concept of a specialization within a Master program proposed in this article fills this gap so that a new generation of librarians and other information professionals will become more proficient intermediaries between humanists and information.

Autoethnography in Information Science Research

This chapter examines the concept of autoethnography as a qualitative research method. It aimed to investigate the critical question of the importance of autoethnography as a transformative scientific research method for the purpose of generating and sharing knowledge to advance research in information science. The chapter is an exploratory study investigating the current context of autoethnography in information science, its applicability to the field for transformative learning and knowledge sharing, and possible challenges to be experienced. Findings indicate the potential of the autoethnographic method to provide the opportunity for information professionals to study experiences of information use in diverse contexts of information science. Recommendations highlight the viability of the application of sense making theory and the information search process (ISP) model to research practices in autoethnography by information scientists.

Analysis of the pharmaceutical care activities practiced by private homeopathic pharmacies located in Rio de Janeiro North Zone

The complexity of homeopathic treatment delegates to the Pharmacist the need and the responsibility of pharmaceutical care. This paper had the objective of verifying the practices of pharmaceutical care in homeopathy. The study was conducted in homeopathic pharmacies situated in Rio de Janeiro North Zone, during March and April, 2011, where 15 pharmacists were interviewed, with the help of a semi-open questionary self-administered. For the survey were investigated variables related to pharmaceutical: sex, age, nature of the institution where he graduated, having completed post-graduate and working ties. Information professionals for the pharmaceutical care were collected in 14 questions grouped into three areas: attitudes, perceptions and satisfaction. Attending the ethical aspects, the study was submitted to and approved by the Ethics Committee of University Estácio de Sá. The results demonstrated that 33% of the pharmacists have less than 5 years of professional practice, and 53% are specialists graduated by the Hahnemann’s Institutite of Brasil. All Pharmacists claim to orient patients, mostly during dispensation and through phone contacts. Most pharmacists oriented patients passively and actively. The elderly were pointed as the ones, who most often sought orientation. During dispensation of homeopathic drugs, all patients elicit some orientation. 67% of the pharmacies keep material for pharmaceutical guidance to the patients, usually leaflets. The verbal and written orientation was predominanted on homeopathic pharmacist. Posology and instructions of use for the pharmaceutical form dispensed were described as the most common doubts of the patients. Of all pharmacists interviewed, 67% pointed to self-medication practices in the pharmacy. The questions which measure the position and perception of the pharmacists related to pharmaceutical assistance scored over 3. The question which scored higher was related to the patient trust regarding the pharmacist guidance. We concluded that there was a mobilization on the pharmacists side to overcome obstacles and focus on the patient through the practices of pharmaceutical care.

Book Review of Information Technology for Librarians and Information Professionals

This is a review of the book titled "Information Technology for Librarians and Information Professionals."

“She Started Wearing Men’s Clothing and Acting More Masculine"

This paper examines two examples of archival visual information with potentially transgender and non-binary representation to interrogate the descriptive challenges latent within such materials. By using gender theory and queer historiography, this paper deploys a critical case study to consider the particularities of naming gender when contextual evidence provides little to no authoritative guidance. By talking through the way gender makes itself visible within visual information, the paper guides readers through the way transgender or non-binary identity might exist within both pieces of visual information. The paper then provides suggestions on how to provide respectful and inclusive descriptive records that attend to the complexities of a still-evolving queer history. By offering both a statement on the impossibility of naming identity within intersecting forms of queer embodiment alongside reference points for methods of discussing potential gendered identities, the paper offers practical approaches to describing transgender and non-binary identities for information professionals.

Organization and Representation of Musical Information (ORMI) in Portugal

This article presents the results of a documentary research regarding the current state of Organization and Representation of Musical Information (ORMI) in Portugal. Many authors describe the national scene of ORMI as very shortcoming, due to the usual difficulties: time vs. detail in the description and lack of knowledge of musical language by the technicians Information professionals. A survey of the monographs and articles as of 2011 that make a critical revision to the works of ORMI of several institutions was made, aiming to: 1) perceive their current state and 2) understand its strengths and weaknesses. We identified in these studies the analytic categories to create afterwards a classification structure by disciplinary areas, which shows semantic, structural and quality heterogeneity. The majority of Finding Aids are being produced by musicology projects with structures that respond to their information representation needs.

Exo Journalism: A Conceptual Approach to a Hybrid Formula between Journalism and Artificial Intelligence

The irruption of artificial intelligence (AI) and automated technology has substantially changed the journalistic profession, transforming the way of capturing, processing, generating, and distributing information; empowering the work of journalists by modifying the routines and knowledge required by information professionals. This study, which conceptualizes the “exo journalism” on the basis of the impact of AI on the journalism industry, is part of a research project of the Observatory for Information Innovation in the Digital Society (OI2). The results, derived from documentary research supported by case studies and in-depth interviews, propose that AI is a source of innovation and personalization of journalistic content and that it can contribute to the improvement of professional practice, allowing the emergence of a kind of "exo journalist", a conceptual proposal that connects the possibilities of AI with the needs of journalism’s own productive routines. The end result is the enhancement of the journalist’s skills and the improvement of the news product. The research focuses on conceptualizing a kind of support and complement for journalists in the performance of their tasks based on the possibilities of AI in the automatic generation of content and data verification.

X-Raying the Million-Point Agenda of the Nigerian Government by Library and Information Professionals in the Country

This study investigated X-raying the million-point agenda of Nigerian government by library and information professionals in the country. Six objectives were formulated to guide the study. A descriptive survey research design was adopted using the online Google Form to collect data/responses from the library and information science (LIS) professionals in Nigeria. The population of the study comprised LIS professionals in all the states in Nigeria. The sampling technique used for the study was the total enumeration sampling technique (120) as the whole responses were used for the analysis using tables, frequencies percentages, mean and standard deviation for easy appreciation and comprehension. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 was also deployed and it was found out that there appears to be some high level of corrupt practices in the country, Nigeria, insecurity as of today remains on the high side which is not only worrisome but disturbingly a threat to too many households. Respondents have rated the economy to be at its lowest ebb as the majority of the citizens now wallow in poverty and agony, education standard is quite low in the country, there are deliberate steps to take in order to save Nigerian country from war and disintegration. To this very end, the well-informed class including library and information professionals should deliberately rise up to their duty by not just studying the current situation but also proffer recommendations and solutions to disturbing problems; hence recommendations are all Nigerians, irrespective of position or social, status must resolve to live a corrupt-free life; Government and all security agencies must be on the alert and, if possible, request international assistance; economic policies must be reviewed as a matter of urgency in Nigeria; education must be made easily accessible and funds made adequately available for educational institutions at all levels as prescribed by UNESCO; library and information professionals should continue to put government officials on their toes by regularly exposing their inadequacies to the citizens amongst others.

Assessment of Turnover Intention and Associated Factors Among Health Information Technology Professionals Working in Public Health Institution, South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia

Background: Place of work turnover is critical to health information technology professionals (HIT) and health information systems as it indications dropping skilled and competent health information professionals. However, the progress of surviving plans requests a strong acceptance of the place of work variables that either inspire health information staff to persist active or principal them to dispensation their recent working organization.Objective: This study was deliberate to measure intention to leave and associated factors among health information technology professionals working in south Gondar zone public health institution, Amhara Region, EthiopiaMethods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 122 health information technology professionals. Data were collected using structured pre-tested self-administered questionnaires from September 1 to October 1/2020. The collected data were entered into Epi-info Version 7 and exported to SPSS version 20 software for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was employed to detect influences associated with dependent and independent variables. Odds ratio (OR), with 95% CI and p< 0.05 were computed to determine the level of significance.Results: Based on the operational definition the total score of intent to leave health information technology professionals from the organization was 64.8% [95% CI: 56.6-72.9]. Among the applicant variables for multivariable analysis 3 variables like the marital status of the respondents [OR: 0.49(0.231-1.042)p: value 0.000], performance appraisal of the respondents [OR: 7.0(2.66-18.45) p: value 0.000] and recognition of the respondents [OR: .447(.783-3.513) p: value 0.002] had to have a significant association with intention to leave and performance appraisal of the respondents were significantly associated 8.29 times [AOR: 8.29(3.002-22.889)p: value 0.001] to leave of the respondents from the working organization.Conclusion and recommendation: The magnitude of health information professionals' intention to leave was found to be high, which can extremely affect the coverage and quality of information management and use of information for decisions in the zone. Health care policy-makers and hospital managers need to develop and institutionalize evidence-based retention strategies taking into consideration the predictors of health information professionals’ intention to leave.