The Electronic Library

PORE: a personal ontology recommender system for digital libraries : Table of Contents

Shu-Chuan Liao, Kuo-Fong Kao, I-En Liao, Hui-Lin Chen, Shu-O Huang — Sun Jun 21 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – As library collections increase rapidly, personalized recommender systems have become a very important service for library patrons. The purpose of this paper is to design and implement a personal ontology recommender (PORE) system by building personal ontologies based on patrons' borrowing records. Design/methodology/approach – In the PORE system, the traditional cataloging scheme, classification for Chinese libraries, is used as the reference ontology. This reference ontology is transformed to a unique personal ontology for each user based on the mining results from library borrowing records of that user. Findings – A personal ontology represents a unique user interest on specific subjects. The personal ontology can be used to filter out unsuitable recommendations based only on a keyword matching method. Besides, the recommended books can be organized into the personal ontology, and provide the patron with a user-friendly interface to access library collections. Research limitations/implications – The PORE system is currently implemented for Chinese collections. From this paper builds a new version to support English collections by adopting the Library of Congress Classification as the reference ontology. Originality/value – This paper represents a practical method of building a user's personal ontology and explains the functional use of ontology knowledge.

Research evaluation and citation analysis: key issues and implications : Table of Contents

Nancy K. Herther — Sun Jun 21 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – Citation and ranking information are becoming key aspects of knowledge management in academic and research institutions. By examining changing user needs and products, this paper aims to encourage information professionals to better understand and manage these resources and better respond to user needs. Design/methodology/approach – Literature reviews, work with faculty clients and initial product testing are used to present coherent information on the current climate and practice of competitive analysis of researchers and their institutions. Findings – As more sources for citation information have become available – even many scholarly databases today offering cited reference data – the need to identify, access and manage these resources is becoming acute. Information professionals need to become more proactive in their strategies to support these applications and users. Originality/value – This article builds on previous analyses of the roles and nature of citation analysis in research institutions and examines potential new roles and contributions that information professionals can take on to better serve their users.

Digital-age trends and perspectives in Korean university archives : Table of Contents

Heejung Kim, Hyewon Lee — Sun Jun 21 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – Contrary to the development of digital libraries at Korean universities, which has been due to the progress of information technologies, university archives are in their early stages and are not fully using the digital environment. This paper aims to evaluate current trends and possible future directions of university archives in Korea via surveys (questionnaires) and interviews with university archives personnel. Design/methodology/approach – Surveys (questionnaires) and interviews are made at 51 university archives in Korea. Questionnaires, based on university archives guidelines, include 27 questions in 6 categories: foundation principles, functions, process guidelines, facilities, acquisition and management, and access and services. Findings – Basic foundation principles or process guidelines are not yet completely established. Administrative, preservation, and management functions are strong, but research and educational functions, and access and service functions are very weak. Use of information technologies and digital environment are poor also. Cooperation between internal and external institutions is not active. Future directions should address these weak points. Especially, information technologies can efficiently offer support for the development of university archives from the acquisition stage to the user services and preservation stages. Originality/value – This investigation of current trends at university archives in Korea through questionnaires and interviews with staff members and archivists points to future directions for such archives, especially in the application of digital methods. The approach taken and suggestions made might be helpful for other university archives.

Dublin Core Metadata Element Set usage in national libraries' web sites : Table of Contents

Alireza Saadat Alijani, Abdolrasool Jowkar — Sun Jun 21 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – Dublin Core Metadata Element Set (DCMES) is a standard metadata schema for describing electronic records, documents and web resources. Librarians have been influenced on its initial structure most efficiently. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the librarians' tendency and amount of their attention to this standard in national libraries of the world. Design/methodology/approach – This paper reports an empirical study of how 70 National Library web sites (NLWs) from 62 countries use DCMES. The source of each library web site main page is viewed and the data gathered with a formed checklist. The paper is conducted to determine whether or not DCMES is used within NLWs. In this paper DCMES is divided into three: content description; intellectual property and rights; and structural manifestation. The tendency measurement of NLWs' designers to each purpose is the second objective of this paper. Findings – According to the results, 14 of all the NLWs use DCMES (20 percent). These 14 NLWs tendency ratio to each of the purposes are: content description 49 percent; intellectual properties and rights 57 percent; and structural manifestation 70 percent. The least-used Dublin Core (DC) elements are source, relation and contributor – being used only once, and the most-used DC element is title – used in 13 NLWs. The National Library of Serbia uses the most DC elements, using all 15, and the Bibliothèque Nationale Suisse uses the least DC elements by using two. Originality/value – The results presented in this paper show that most of the national libraries, the main libraries of the world, do not pay much attention to DCMES in web pages' designation. On the other hand, some other nation libraries using DCMES do not consider the main purpose of DCMES – content description – to be more important than its other purposes. Ultimately, the paper presents five probable reasons why most NLWs do not use DCMES.

A user-centered and evidence-based approach for digital library projects : Table of Contents

Mary M. Somerville, Navjit Brar — Sun Jun 21 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – Soft systems methodology processes fortified by collaborative evidence-based librarianship (EBL) principles can guide end-user involvement in digital library project design and development. This paper aims to reveal the efficacy of this inclusive human-focused approach for building systems through user-generated research examples. Design/methodology/approach – From 2003 to 2006, user-centered interaction design guided increasingly complex human-computer interaction projects at California Polytechnic State University. Toward that end, project planners invite polytechnic students, supervised by computer science professors, to assess peers' information seeking needs. This student-generated evidence informs creation of paper prototypes and implementation of usability tests. Sustained relationships between planners and beneficiaries permit iterative evaluation and continuous improvement of design concepts and product functionalities. Findings – Purposeful conversations aimed at learning from user-generated evidence enrich the planning process for digital library projects. Reflective of the “learn by doing” educational values of the organization, this approach advances learning among both users and planners throughout user-centered (re)design experiences. Practical implications – Collaborative design assumes that enabling interfaces, systems, and environments are best designed and developed inclusively, with and for beneficiaries. Toward that end, practical guidelines are offered to enable replication of this approach, which depends on user produced and interpreted evidence, in other organizational settings. Originality/value – A paucity of literature exists on the relevance of EBL in the digital age. Similarly, too little applied research has adopted a human-centered focus for design and development of information systems. Finally, too few digital library projects recognize the value of initiating positive user experiences at project inception.

XML editor for search and retrieval of bibliographic records in the Z39.50 standard : Table of Contents

Danijela Boberic, Dušan Surla — Sun Jun 21 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is modelling and implementation of the XML-based editor for search and retrieval of bibliographic records. Search and retrieval of bibliographic records are enabled by the editor from the remote databases via the Z39.50 protocol. The client application is realized in the Java environment and business logic is based on the XML technologies. Design/methodology/approach – Object-oriented methodology is used for modelling and implementation of information systems. Modelling is done in the CASE tools that support the Unified Modelling Language (UML 2.0) and implementation is developed in Eclipse environment. Findings – The result is an application for retrieving bibliographic records within the Z39.50 standard. The editor supports the query formulation of the type-1 that is defined by the Z39.50 standard. The implementation of the editor is based on the XML technologies by which a simple migration to the other query types defined by the standard is enabled. The application is verified by search and retrieval of the bibliographic records from several libraries that support the Z39.50 protocol. Research limitations/implications – The editor supports only type-1 query that is modelled in XML schema language. Addition of other types of queries should require their modelling in XML schema as well as corresponding changes of the screen forms. Practical implications – The editor is integrated into the BISIS software system. In that way, the retrieval of the bibliographic record is enabled from the world's libraries that use the Z39.50 protocol. The retrieved record is stored into the object structure that is later processed in the editor for bibliographic material processing of the BISIS system. Originality/value – The contribution of this work is in the software system architecture that is based on the XML technologies and independent of the standard by which the query language is defined as well as independent of the software system into which the system is integrated. The XML schema of the query language is the input information into the editor software system, thus the introduction of a new query type consists of creation of the corresponding XML schema of the query language. After the query was run, a set of results that could be retrieved in the form of the XML document is obtained and processed in the same form in different software systems.

Multipurpose community telecentres in Bangladesh: problems and prospects : Table of Contents

Md. Shariful Islam, Md. Nazmul Hasan — Sun Jun 21 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss multipurpose community information and knowledge centres (MCTs) and then describes and assesses the telecommunication facilities (and hence information access and provision) of such telecentres in Bangladesh including radio, television, telephone and internet facilities. The paper then highlights problems and prospects, in rural areas of Bangladesh, of information access through the telecentres. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on a review of literature collected through the internet, personal visits and other secondary sources such as research reports and articles. Findings – The paper highlights the existing MCT initiatives in rural Bangladesh and discusses their problems and prospects. Originality/value – The paper is one of the very few studies which focuses on the prospects of MCTs for rural Bangladesh, particularly as regards information and knowledge access and provision, and proposes future directions for the development of MCTs in Bangladesh.

Predicting information-seeking intention in academic digital libraries : Table of Contents

Chiao-Chen Chang, Chia-Yen Lin, Yu-Chin Chen, Yang-Chieh Chin — Sun Jun 21 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine and predict users' information-seeking intention regarding academic digital library services, using the theory of reasoned action (TRA) and the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Design/methodology/approach – Data are collected from 224 Taiwanese undergraduate and graduate students to assess the influence of attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control on the intention to seek information in an academic digital library. The results of structural equation model-fitting analyses show that the TPB is better than the TRA in predicting the information-seeking intention in an academic digital library. Findings – Specially, the empirical results indicated that perceived behavioral control is a better predictor of behavioral intention than is attitude or subjective norm. Research limitations/implications – This paper assessed self-reported information-seeking intention as part of the survey and, as a result, could have introduced inaccuracies. Practical implications – The findings of the paper will help academic digital libraries to address the key factor which influences users' intention to seek information and to intensify their performance to meet user needs. Originality/value – Although the nature of the user experience in the digital environment appears to be quite different from the experience of looking through archival boxes or folders, research on the use of academic digital library services is scarce – particularly regarding user intention in the process of seeking information. The TRA and TPB are novel and usable in explaining the intention of online users to seek information, and these findings may be generally applicable to academic digital libraries and users.

Digitization of Nigerian university libraries: From technology challenge to effective information delivery : Table of Contents

Basil Enemute Iwhiwhu, Elvis Ovietobore Eyekpegha — Sun Jun 21 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the present digitization projects in Nigerian university libraries and the challenges they pose to effective information delivery. Design/methodology/approach – The research method employs both qualitative and quantitative methods. The questionnaire is the major instrument used for data collection, with observation as complimentary instrument. The respondents constitute 40 professional and para-professional staffers drawn from both universities. Findings – The results from the paper reveal that the libraries lack written policy on digitization, inadequate ICT infrastructures and manpower, fund, and inadequate government support. Users are not given user education/digital literacy to enable them adequately utilizing the available digitized resources and services, thus posing challenges to effective information delivery. Originality/value – The paper will make for a more conscious effort in institutionalizing digital library services, formulation and implementation of digitization policies, introduction of user education/digital literacy programmes and conscious staff training programme on ICTs for university libraries in Nigeria.

SMS-based library catalogue system: a preliminary investigation of user acceptance : Table of Contents

Tiong T. Goh, Chern Li Liew — Sun Jun 21 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate potential users' cognitive beliefs and intention to use (IU) a proposed short message service (SMS)-based library catalogue system. The motivation for this research is the growing popularity of mobile information systems and the need to explore if SMS is a technology that libraries could tap into to enhance their services to users. Design/methodology/approach – A review of literature on SMS-based services and applications within the library sector is followed by a prototyping of an SMS-based library catalogue system and the development of a number of hypotheses using the technology acceptance model (TAM) as the base framework. The study investigates potential users' cognitive beliefs and IU the systems as well as the effect of self-efficacy (SE) on these. A survey questionnaire is distributed to a purposeful and convenient sample of university students who are also users of the university library online public access catalogue. Findings – The results of the data analysis show that SE has a positive impact on the perceived ease of use (PEOU) and a negative impact on perceived usefulness (PU). The findings also show that SE does not have direct impact on IU. The overall model explains 55.2 per cent of behaviour intention in using the proposed system. This is comparable with other TAM models in the context of SMS usage. Originality/value – There is scant research available in the literature on user acceptance of SMS-based systems. This study and its findings provide new insights for understanding user motivation for using SMS-based systems, specifically for SMS-based library catalogue systems. This understanding can aid the efforts when designing and promoting the use of such systems. The study also examines SE alongside the user technology acceptance constructs of PEOU, PU and IU.

Efficiency and satisfaction of electronic records management systems in e-government in Taiwan : Table of Contents

Fang-Ming Hsu, Tser-Yieth Chen, Shuwen Wang — Sun Jun 21 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the efficiency and satisfaction of electronic records management systems (ERMS), which has been of interest to archivists and records managers, in electronic government (e-government) agencies in Taiwan. Design/methodology/approach – Using the measures from information systems (ISs) success model, this study applies data envelopment analysis to measure the relative efficiency and satisfaction in different types of e-government agencies. After conducting a large-scale survey of e-government agencies in Taiwan, a matrix of efficiency and satisfaction is developed. Findings – Research results show that the efficiency of ERMS in central agencies exceeds that in local agencies, and the efficiency in upper level agencies exceeds that in lower level agencies. The efficiency in business agencies exceeds that in administration agencies and public schools. Additionally, ERMS user's satisfaction in e-government agencies is linearly related to ERMS efficiency. Research limitations/implications – Owing to the budget limits, only a one-shot survey is conducted, thus the comparison between ex-ante and ex-post measurement could not be performed. Practical implications – The business-related reasons are more critical in implementing ERMS than the compliance-related ones. Originality/value – This paper proposes a mathematical modeling tool for assessing ISs in e-government.

The evaluation of New Zealand academic library OPACs: a checklist approach : Table of Contents

Truong Dai Luong, Chern Li Liew — Sun Jun 21 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the usability features of online public access catalogues (OPACs) in New Zealand academic libraries. It also makes a comparison of how libraries using the same library software are customizing their interfaces to make them useful to their users. Design/methodology/approach – The interface/usability features of 13 academic library OPACs in New Zealand are analyzed using a usability inspection evaluation method. More specifically, the paper uses a modified checklist based on the checklists of Cherry et al. and Ibrahim. Findings – Most OPACs in the paper sample receive high scores in the areas of bibliographic display, text, layout, labels, and user assistance. Many new features that are associated with search engines such as word cloud, faceted navigation, the most popular ranking and related items are however, not found in the surveyed OPACs. OPACs built on the Voyager library systems on average, score higher in most feature categories in the checklist. Features found in the OPACs during the evaluation that are not part of the checklist are noted and recommended for inclusion in future evaluation checklists. Originality/value – Findings from the research will be of interest to not only researchers and practitioners in the field of library and information science in New Zealand, but also in other countries as the sample in this research include OPACs built on library software such as Voyager or Liberty3 that are used in many other countries.

XML editor for UNIMARC and MARC 21 cataloguing : Table of Contents

Bojana Dimic, Dušan Surla — Sun Jun 21 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to model and implement an extensible markup language (XML)-based editor for library cataloguing. The editor model should support data input in the form of free text with interactive control of structure and content validity of records specified in the UNIMARC and MARC 21 formats. The editor is implemented in the Java programming language in the form of a software package. Design/methodology/approach – The unified modelling language (UML 2.0) is used for the specification of both the information requirements and the model architecture. The object oriented methodology is used for design and implementation of the software packages, as well as the corresponding CASE tools. Findings – The result is an editor for UNIMARC and MARC 21 cataloguing. The editor is based on the XML technologies by which the two basic characteristics are achieved as follows: a possibility of integrating the editor into different library software systems and, moving to another format requires only the changes of the module for bibliographic record data control. Research limitations/implications – A basic limitation of the system is related to the subsystem that controls validation of the bibliographic records and its expansion for work with other bibliographic formats. In the proposed solution, a part of the control of data input is included into the implementation itself and it is related to the UNIMARC format. That is, a part of data by which the control is done, such as repeatability of the record elements and the codebooks, is contained in the XML document of the format that is input information in the editor. However, the control that is related to validation of the format of content in record elements cannot be performed for any other format without modification in the implementation. Therefore, the research could be continued by considering the separation of data used for content control as input information for the application. In that way, this segment would also become implementation independent. One of the solutions should be extending the XML document of the format by this data. Some other solution should mean creating a totally separate system for the content validation. Moreover, the proposed editor supports processing of a bibliographic record only in the UNIMARC and MARC 21 formats. Processing of records in other formats requires considerable changes in the model. Practical implications – The model of a new editor is developed on the basis of the experience and needs of electronic management in city and special libraries. Based on the given model a new editor is implemented and integrated into the BISIS software system used by the mentioned libraries. Testing and verification are performed on the bibliographic records of the public city libraries. Originality/value – The contribution of this work is in the system architecture that is based on the XML documents and is independent of the bibliographic format. The XML document that contains data about the bibliographic format represents the editor input information. After a bibliographic record is created in this editor, the record is stored into an XML document that represents the editor output information. This XML document can be stored into various software systems for data storage and retrieval.