Aslib Proceedings

Dilemmas in information science (IS) and information retrieval (IR): Recurring challenges or new solutions? : Table of Contents

Clare Thornley — Sun May 24 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse the extent to which understanding information science (IS) and information retrieval (IR) as disciplines characterised by intractable dilemmas is a useful conceptual framework through reviewing and re-evaluating an important contribution to the field in light of more recent developments. Design/methodology/approach – This paper reviews the discussion of central dilemmas within IS and IR, through literature review and conceptual analysis. It assesses the extent to which they remain intractable problems or whether improved solutions have been developed and discusses the implications of these ongoing challenges. The main problem addressed is, in Neill's terminology, “the dilemma of the subjective in information organisation and retrieval” which is understood as the problem of how the meaning of documents can be represented to meet the needs of the user. Findings – Many of the dilemmas discussed within IS and IR remain fairly intractable primarily because information and meaning have both subjective and objective qualities which often have a complex relationship. Recent technological developments have, however, altered the nature of some of these dilemmas and also created some new dilemmas for the subject. Research implications/limitations – Historical perspectives within IR and IS should be used when discussing theoretical and technological developments in the subject. The conceptual framework of dilemmas remains a useful theoretical tool for IS and IR in terms of examining the nature of problems in research and practice. Originality/value – This paper re-visits an important theme in IS and IR and provides an updated perspective on some central issues.

OJAX: a case study in agile Web 2.0 open source development : Table of Contents

Judith Wusteman — Sun May 24 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe a case study of the development, features and evaluation of a rich internet application for libraries. It aims to demonstrate best practice in the use of software standards, development processes and evaluation. Design/methodology/approach – Web 2.0, open source design methods and usability testing were used within an agile framework. Findings – The adoption of agile software development methods, coupled with usability testing, would enable the library community to take full advantage of the techniques and principles inherent in Web 2.0 open source software. Research limitations/implications – A major component of the evaluation of OJAX was a series of usability tests. As is the nature of most usability studies, the results are not generalisable. Originality/value – Aspects of agile software development methods, such as usability testing and iterative design, are recognised in the literature as contributing to the usability of library software. However, exploration of the use of a full agile framework plus usability testing to facilitate Web 2.0 open source software is rare in library-related literature.

The semantic web and the digital library : Table of Contents

Mary Burke — Sun May 24 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss alternative definitions of and approaches to the semantic web. It aims to clarify the relationship between the semantic web, Web 2.0 and Library 2.0. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on a literature review and evaluation of systems with semantic web features. It identifies and describes semantic web projects of relevance to libraries and evaluates the usefulness of JeromeDL and other social semantic digital library systems. It discusses actual and potential applications for libraries and makes recommendations for actions needed by researchers and practitioners. Findings – The paper concludes that the library community has a lot to offer to, and benefit from, the semantic web, but there is limited interest in the library community. It recommends that there be greater collaboration between semantic web researchers and project developers, library management systems providers and the library community. Librarians should get involved in the development of semantic web standards, for example, metadata and taxonomies. Originality/value – The paper clarifies the distinction between semantic web and Web 2.0 in a digital library environment. It evaluates and predicts future developments for operational systems.

Quantum leaps in information retrieval : Table of Contents

Ian Cornelius — Sun May 24 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine some implications for library and information science (LIS) of the book Geometry of Information Retrieval and the associated issues that arise from it. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a conceptual and methodological analysis. Findings – It is found that the epistemology, methodology, and subject scope of LIS are at risk from current developments in information retrieval (IR). Research implications/limitations – The paper is limited to raising questions but not answering them: the implications are that LIS needs to revisit and enhance its methods. Originality/value – The paper is wholly original and valuable for initiating discussion.

Virtually local: social media and community among Polish nationals in Dublin : Table of Contents

Lee Komito, Jessica Bates — Sun May 24 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of social media (including social networking technologies) on migration strategies and integration, focusing on the use of new technologies for information seeking and dissemination, as well as personal communication. Design/methodology/approach – A total of 26 Polish nationals resident in Ireland were interviewed in 2008, using semi-structured interviews. Findings – Results indicated a significant use of new social media, especially social networking technologies based in Poland and largely used by Polish language speakers. The use of social networking technologies enabled “media rich” and resilient social groups to develop, founded on the latent monitoring of activities characteristic of face-to-face, geographically delimited communities. The resulting social groups incorporated friends and relations based in Poland, Ireland and throughout the world. These networks tended to minimize integration into Irish society, as most Polish nationals interacted only with other Polish people, whether resident in Ireland or elsewhere. Originality/value – This research demonstrates that new technologies are having a significant impact on patterns of migration. New social media are changing the character of international migration, with an emphasis on mobility rather than assimilation. Where foreign nationals previously tended to integrate into the societies where they resided, migrants are now more likely to be peripatetic mobile workers. Furthermore, while these migrants often no longer live in physical ghettos, they now live in “virtual” ghettos or enclaves, as they use new technologies to create separate lives within the wider society in which they work and live.

The pleasure principle: the power of positive affect in information seeking : Table of Contents

Crystal Fulton — Sun May 24 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore how the affective aspect of information seeking is important in understanding information behaviour from a holistic perspective. While researchers have often explored adverse affective responses and coping mechanisms in information behaviour, this paper aims to focus on positive affect and the significant place of pleasure in amateur genealogists' information seeking and skills development. Design/methodology/approach – This study adopted a multi-case, exploratory approach to learning about amateur genealogists' affective behaviour associated with their information seeking. A total of 24 amateur genealogists from around the world participated in semi-structured telephone interviews about their hunt for their Irish ancestors. Data were transcribed and analyzed to identify patterns of affective behaviour during genealogical information seeking. Findings – The paper finds that amateur genealogists form a unique group of information seekers. Leisure functions as an important information seeking context, in which amateur genealogists associate information seeking with pleasure. Originality/value – Findings suggest that there is a pleasure principle associated with information seeking, which may offer insight into patterns of affective information behaviour leading to advanced learning, information use, and technological adoption among older adults.

Information skills training practices in Irish higher education : Table of Contents

Claire McGuinness — Sun May 24 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a national survey of information skills training (IST) practices in Irish higher education institutions, which was carried out during 2006-2007 with the aim of documenting current practice and identifying areas in which change or innovation may be warranted. Despite an emerging picture of information literacy (IL) practice worldwide, a lack of published research has made it difficult to gain an accurate overview of IL activity in the Republic of Ireland. This paper aims to partly fill this gap. Design/methodology/approach – An invitation to complete a 26-item questionnaire was sent out to librarians in all publicly-funded higher education institutions in the Irish Republic in November 2006. Out of 154 librarians, 77 responded, giving a response rate of 50 per cent. Findings – Results showed that, while librarians spend a significant portion of their time engaged in IST activities and are enthusiastic about developing and promoting their programmes, IST continues to be delivered in primarily standalone format, using non-integrated methods. Formal assessment of IS outcomes is not commonly carried out in Irish higher education institutions. Originality/value – This paper represents the first national survey of IST practices in higher education in the Irish Republic, and serves as a baseline for international comparison and future longitudinal studies.

Towards 100 years of LIS education and research at UCD : Table of Contents

Barbara Traxler Brown — Sun May 24 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide some of the institutional and operational context of the University College Dublin (UCD) School of Information and Library Studies (SILS) prior to 2000. Design/methodology/approach – The history of the School, its predecessor, and the context in which it operated after 1977 is briefly outlined, using contemporary published and in-house archival evidence, from the 1960s to the late 1990s. Findings – Areas of convergence with UK library information science (LIS) education are identified, but also some key differences regarding LIS workforce recruitment, and third level educational provision in Ireland. Factors which influenced the curricular development of the school are cited, in particular the role of the UK Institute of Information Scientists, founded in 1958. Research limitations/implications – The study is based on contemporary published sources, and a preliminary examination of SILS archival evidence which has survived from the decades in question. Valuable records concerning the education and training role of the Library Association of Ireland, founded in 1928, have been recently analysed by Ellis-King. A proposal for research funding to enable further exploration has been submitted. Originality/value – Owing to its focus on Ireland (ROI) the paper expands recent coverage of UK professional education for librarianship prior to 2000.

Student information behaviours during group projects: A study of LIS students in University College Dublin, Ireland : Table of Contents

Mary O'Farrell, Jessica Bates — Sun May 24 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on a study of student information-seeking and information-sharing behaviours and communication during group projects. While a considerable body of literature exists on student information behaviour, less is known about the information behaviours of students working collaboratively, for example, in group projects. The aim of the study was to explore student information behaviours arising from group projects undertaken as part of their studies. The research questions were: What are the information seeking behaviours of students involved in group projects? How do students communicate with group members during group projects? How do students share information with group members during group projects? and What do students like most and dislike most about group projects? Design/methodology/approach – A total of 50 undergraduate and graduate students in the University College Dublin School of Information and Library Studies responded to an online questionnaire (the response rate was 55.6 per cent) in May 2007. Findings – Findings reveal that students are embracing electronic media and resources, such as web sites, electronic journals and e-mail, to progress their group projects. However, despite the widespread availability and convenience of these resources, communication difficulties and other problems were reported. Nevertheless, in general, the findings show that students have positive perceptions of group projects and believe that they have developed useful skills, such as teamwork skills and sharing information resources, as a result. Originality/value – This study should be of interest to both academics and librarians, and to researchers and scholars concerned with human information behaviour, particularly in an educational context.