Library Review

JOURNAL IMPACT FACTORS AND THE CRISIS OF SCHOLARLY COMMUNICATION IN AFRICA: THE DILEMMA OF NIGERIAN ACADEMICS : Table of Contents

Mr. IFEANYI JONAS EZEMA — Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose - – To suggest ways of improving the quality of Nigerian journals so that they would have global visibility and impactDesign/methodology/approach - – A literature-based opinion paper which examined the implication of evaluating Nigerian academics using journal impact factors despite its limitations particularly to African scholarsFindings - African scholars are by their work environment are disadvantaged in the present global scholarly productivity. Research limitations/implications - This paper proposed a number approaches to improve the quality and global visibility of Nigerian scholarly productivity so that journal impact factors should no longer be a parameter for research evaluation in the countryOriginality/value - The originality lies in the strategies the author proposed for improving the quality of journals in Nigeria

The Use of Information Resources by LIS Graduate Students in Kuwait : Table of Contents

Dr. Samir N. Hamade, Mr. Saud Al-Yousef — Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose - The paper investigates the use of information resources in the research papers of the graduate students in Library and Information Science at Kuwait University Design/methodology/approach - The methodology chosen for this paper is the bibliometric method by way of citation count of the references found in the literature review papers of LIS graduate students at Kuwait University by identifying the preferred form of publications, retrieval method, time span, subject distribution, and the most cited journals. Findings - The study shows that the majority of students used journal articles, web pages, and books as the most preferred form of resources. Their preferred method of retrieval was the printed format. Time span of the most used citations is from 3 to 10 years. They mostly used traditional library journals such as Bulletin of MLA, Library Review, The Electronic Library, Library Management, and College and Research Libraries. Research limitations/implications - The quantity and quality of citations were reviewed and approved by the student advisor, and the sample was drawn from a population of 74 papers based on availability of original papers. Originality/value - The findings of this study provide important insights for the academic library administration to take appropriate measures to achieve a higher level of awareness and skill by the users.

Public libraries in Croatia and digitization challenge : Table of Contents

Dr. Radovan Vrana — Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose - The purpose of this article is to present the current state of digitization and digital collection development in public libraries in Croatia.Design/methodology/approach - This research article is based on an online survey of public libraries in Croatia on digital collection development and digitization. 165 public libraries were invited to participate in the survey, and Web survey was chosen as the most appropriate tool for surveying geographically dispersed libraries.Findings - The findings indicate that public libraries in Croatia have taken steps towards enlargement of digital content in their holdings by digitizing their existing library collections. Although the number of digital collections in public libraries in Croatia is still rather small, it is expected that it will increase in the near future. It is also encouraging that public started digitization projects on their own thus gaining the necessary experience and skills that would help them and other libraries in future digitization projects. Still, they need additional education about digital collection development and process of library material digitization.Originality/value - The article contributes to growing body of knowledge about digital collections development and digitization in public libraries as well as about benefits digital collections can provide for libraries in general.

Making information literacy relevant : Table of Contents

Andrew K. Shenton, Megan Fitzgibbons — Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the problems of a one size fits all approach to information literacy (IL) teaching, and consider how to make the experience more relevant to the learner. Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides a discussion based on an extensive analysis of the literature. Findings – Isolated rote learning, without any self-motivation on the part of the learner, will limit the degree to which information skills can be applied in other situations. If lifelong learning is the true goal of IL education, information specialists are ideally placed to impart skills that go beyond the ostensibly limited relevance (from a student's perspective) of academic assignments. Research limitations/implications – The paper discusses alternative approaches to the teaching of IL based on a review of the literature. It offers new models for consideration for IL practitioners. Originality/value – The paper discusses the role of the learner and their motivation and how librarians can make IL training more relevant to the individual. As such should be of interest to practitioners in educational institutions of all kinds.

Classification of Islamic literature in Pakistani libraries: A survey : Table of Contents

Haroon Idrees, Khalid Mahmood — Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to draw an exact and accurate picture of classification problems being faced by libraries having a reasonable amount of collections on Islam. Different classification systems have been developed during the last two centuries to organize library materials. Where these systems provided libraries with better solution for organization of materials, the systems have also some limitations. Religious materials are one of the areas where these systems could not satisfy a reasonable number of libraries. The libraries that have rich collections on Islam are also facing such problems. This study has been conducted with the aim of addressing this problem. Design/methodology/approach – The study comprises a precise review of literature relevant to this problem, along with the collection and analysis of data from such libraries from all the main cities of Pakistan. The data have been collected using the interview technique. Findings – The review of literature and empirical data collected for this study show that the libraries are facing problems regarding the classification of materials where there are rich collections on Islam. The standard classification systems have not provided proper place and enumeration to Islamic topics in their schemes. There is no standard or uniform practice among the libraries to classify materials on Islam. Different libraries are using different systems, which has resulted placement of same materials at different locations. There is no coordination among libraries having rich collections on Islam for some common plan of action to resolve the problem in hand. No work on automated classification has been done in Pakistan so far and this is the area that needs working on in the future. Research limitations/implications – The paper focusses on materials in libraries in one country only, however highlights issues relevant to other Islamic countries in organizing such materials. Originality/value – The paper discusses an area of professional concern that has been discussed widely in Islamic countries, but only in a limited fashion outside of Islamic countries. Thus the paper should be of interest to researchers and practioners interested in cataloging theory.

Job satisfaction and career commitment of librarians in federal university libraries in Nigeria : Table of Contents

Gboyega Adio, S.O. Popoola — Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the dissatisfaction of library users and the manager of each federal university library vis-à-vis the complaint of the librarians working in those libraries on inadequate funding, lack of promotion, poor condition of service and lack of recognition which affected their career commitment. Design/methodology/approach – Questionnaires were used to gather data from a population of 381 librarians in the 24 federal university Libraries in Nigeria. A total of 363 of them responded and their questionnaires were found to be valid for analysis. The response rate achieved was 95.3 percent. Findings – The study found that job satisfaction has significant influence on career commitment of librarians working in the federal university libraries (F (9; 352)?=?11.058, p?<?0.05). The study also revealed that demographic variables and job satisfaction accounted for 20 percent (adj. R2?=?0.2000) in variability of career commitment of the respondents. Research limitations/implications – The study ought to have generated data on demographic variables and job satisfaction as they affect career commitment of library paraprofessionals (library officers, library attendants and assistants) since they all carry essential library function. Practical implications – It is recommended that the library administrators and the managers of the university libraries should consider the demographic variables and job satisfaction of librarians when planning and making decisions on their career commitment. Social implications – The library managers and administrators in federal university libraries in Nigeria should formulate job satisfaction policies such as adequate provision of working facilities, provision of conducive working environment, work incentives (car loan, housing loan, study leave allowance, etc) for improving career commitment of their librarians. Originality/value – The paper provides valuable information on the career commitment of librarians in federal university libraries in Nigeria.

Evaluating academic library portal effectiveness: A Malaysian case study : Table of Contents

Mohamad Noorman Masrek, Adnan Jamaludin, Sobariah Awang Mukhtar — Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of a specific library portal at the University of Technology MARA based on the opinions of students in the Faculty of Information Management. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is survey based; 400 self-administered questionnaires were sent out to students of Faculty of Information Management, University of Technology MARA. Findings – In terms of information quality assessment, respondents had indicated that the library portal met their expectations. All the information quality attributes, namely completeness, comprehensiveness, accuracy, timeliness, reliability and appropriateness of format were rated highly by users. Equally important to information quality is systems quality and service quality. When asked to evaluate the systems quality aspect of the library portal, respondents have also rated highly. Research limitations/implications – The paper utilizes effective existing methods to determine portal effectiveness. It provides a study of only one portal, however, and as such the results are indicative only of the views of one group of students using the portal. Originality/value – This paper offers a snapshot of a library portal and the opinions of users as regarding its effectiveness and would be of value to digital library researchers, or others interested in library portal effectiveness or design.

Participative management in medical college libraries of Orissa: a comparative study : Table of Contents

Puspanjali Jena, Bijayalaxmi Rautaray — Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the prevailing managerial situation in medical college libraries in Orissa, India related to participative management. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on survey research with structured questionnaire. Findings – Allopathic college library professionals in the survey were more participative than their counterparts in other medical areas, although across the board, professionals seemed motivated for their organizations to succeed and were keen to be involved in the management processes in achieving that. Research limitations/implications – The research is limited to one state of the country of India, but may be of interest to researchers in other countries investigating similar issues around participative management. Originality/value – The paper provides a snapshot of a specific regional approach to organizational characteristics.

Evolving perceptions of LIS students about their discipline: An action research with inquiry-based learning approach : Table of Contents

Yazdan Mansourian — Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report findings of an action research on students’ perceptions of their area of study, Library and Information Science (LIS). The paper aims to demonstrate how an inquiry-based learning (IBL) can help students to gain a more realistic view of their discipline and consequently become more involved in the active learning. Design/methodology/approach – The data were collected in two phases during an academic year. The data collection tools were observation, interview, and questionnaire with open-ended questions. In total, 38 first-year LIS undergraduate students at Tarbiat Mollem University (TMU) in Tehran formed the target group. The study adopted a qualitative approach to seek a deep insight into the case and did not attempt to generalize the results. Findings – At the beginning of the first semester, most of the students did not possess a clear and realistic view of their discipline and they had to cope with uncertainty and ambiguity about their future career. Employing IBL approach in teaching LIS modules was an efficient way to prepare students for deeper involvement with learning activities and it helps them to gain a better understanding of their discipline's scope, which consequently can prepare them for lifelong and independent learning in future. Research limitations/implications – LIS schools can use the suggestions in the paper to provide their students with more chances of enjoying IBL techniques. However, the paper is based on a small group of students in a specific context and the results cannot be easily generalized. Originality/value – The effects of LIS students’ perceptions on their study progression have not been addressed before and this paper can enhance our knowledge on this issue.

The Queen of the Modern Library Movement in China : Table of Contents

Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose - This article examines the great contributions made by the American library expert Miss Mary Elizabeth Wood to Chinese library development.Design/methodology/approach - As a pioneer of the Modern Library Movement Miss Mary Elizabeth Wood devoted herself to Chinese library career. It was structured according to the following theme:setting up Boone Library and introducing modern American public library into China; establishing Boone Library School and initiating Chinese library science education; raising money and appealing for China’s library development; helping forward the foundation of the Library Association of China; as well as promoting Chinese library’s intercommunion and cooperation with the West. Findings - With the background of underdeveloped Chinese librarianship, Miss Mary Elizabeth Wood introduced modern American public library spirit into China, opened the gate of Chinese library science, and promoted Chinese library science. Originality/value - Miss Mary Elizabeth Wood devoted herself to Chinese library career, and promoted Chinese library science greatly, but research on her is few. This study is on her contribution to Chinese library science.