Library Review

Sociability and social interaction on social networking websites : Table of Contents

Andrew Keenan, Ali Shiri — Sun Jul 05 14:15:04 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – Social websites have become a major medium for social interaction. From Facebook to MySpace to emergent sites like Twitter, social websites are increasing exponentially in user numbers and unique visits every day. How do these websites encourage sociability? What features or design practices enable users to socialize with other users? The purpose of this paper is to explore sociability on the social web and details how different social websites encourage their users to interact. Design/methodology/approach – Four social websites (Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn and Twitter) were examined from a user study perspective. After thoroughly participating on the websites, a series of observations were recorded from each experience. These experiences were then compared to understand the different approaches of each website. Findings – Social websites use a number of different approaches to encourage sociability amongst their users. Facebook promotes privacy and representing “real world” networks in web environment, while MySpace promotes publicity and representing both real world and virtual networks in a web environment. Niche websites like LinkedIn and Twitter focus on more specific aspects of community and technology, respectively. Originality/value – A comparison of different models of sociability does not yet exist. This study focuses specifically on what makes social websites “social.”

Analysis of bibliographic references in Zootecnia Tropical : Table of Contents

Exio Chaparro-Martinez, Miguel Ángel Marzal — Sun Jul 05 14:15:04 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the bibliographic references contained in the scientific papers (articles and technical notes) published from 1985 to 2005 in Zootecnia Tropical (ZT), a scientific journal. Design/methodology/approach – A retrospective descriptive study is conducted using one-dimensional bibliometric indicators such as: output, bibliographic density, institutional affiliation, recentness of the documents cited, document typology, self-citations and scientific collaboration. Univariate descriptive analysis is used to study the indicators. Findings – A total of 349 scientific papers (300 articles and 49 technical notes) are reviewed; output ranged from a maximum of 34 papers in 2001 to a minimum of four in 1990, with a mean of 15 papers per volume. The papers analyzed contain a total of 5,651 bibliographic references, with an average of 19?±?9 references per paper; the largest number of references (19?±?33) are found in the articles and the smallest (10.5?±?13) in the notes. Venezuelan institutions account for 89 per cent of the papers and international institutions for the remain in 11 per cent; of the Venezuelan institutions, most (62 per cent) are National Institute of Agricultural Research (INIA) bodies and the rest universities and other organizations, especially the Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV) and Universidad de Oriente (UDO). Universities are also among the most frequent international contributors, most prominently Marianga State University in Brazil and Tucumán National University in Argentina. Around 60 per cent of the references were more than ten years old when they were cited; 21 per cent were between five and ten years old and 19 per cent less than five years old. Journal articles, with 57 per cent, are the document type most frequently cited, followed by books, with 23 per cent; the rest consisted in postgraduate theses (3 per cent), undergraduate theses (2 per cent) and congress, conference and seminar proceedings (12 per cent). The self-citation or endogamy rate in the journal is 4 per cent. Over half (53 per cent) of the papers are written by authors with the same affiliation. Inter-institutional papers account for the remaining 47 per cent, with 34 per cent involving national collaboration, particularly between the INIA and the UCV; international co-authorship comes to 13 per cent, primarily involving Brazilian and Argentine universities. Originality/value – This paper analyzes the use of information in the Venezuelan scientific community from the vantage of a specific journal, ZT. These studies constitute useful and objective tools for evaluating scientific activity.

Literary patronage in Medieval England, 1350-1550 : Table of Contents

John Walsh — Sun Jul 05 14:15:04 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the change literary patronage underwent in England after the introduction of print, and attempt to explain the causes for the shift. Design/methodology/approach – Provides a historical review of the period. Findings – The practice became more of a marketing tool in bookmaking. The patronage of printed books was one of endorsement. It was a patronage that came from the use of a prestigious or powerful name, not from the financial support of a wealthy personage. Literary patronage of late Medieval England was a practice of financial support. A person of wealth would accept the financial responsibility involved with the production of literary materials. The patron became an important part of the bookmaking process and without the contributions of a patron most books would not have been produced. After the invention of the printing press, the role of patronage changed. Research limitations/implications – Analyses an era in the history of book publishing in England and should be of interest to scholars of Medieval England, and publishing and library history. Originality/value – Provides a review of patronage in an important era for changes in publishing.

Rise and demise of neoliberalism: time to reassess the impact on public libraries : Table of Contents

David McMenemy — Sun Jul 05 14:15:04 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the efficacy of neoliberal philosophy in light of its collapse as a result of the recent banking crises, and the impact the wider philosophy has had on the practice of public librarianship. Design/methodology/approach – Provides a reflective viewpoint on an important issue facing the profession. Findings – The paper finds that the use of a language that is now discredited in terms of its efficacy is counter-productive and that librarianship should re-consider its adoption of the language of neoliberalism in its consideration of users and services. Practical implications – Should be of interest to those working in public library roles who wish to question some of the philosophies with which they are presented within their organisations and in their professional literature. Originality/value – This is the first paper to discuss the potential of the disintegration of neoliberal philosophy on the development of the public library profession in the UK.

Recent trends in authentication and national information management policy in the UK : Table of Contents

Nicholas Joint — Sun Jul 05 14:15:04 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the evolution of digital library authentication standards and practices in the UK, and to use the issue of authentication to reflect on the nature of national information management policy and its associated structures. Design/methodology/approach – A brief historical account of British authentication developments set in the context of different international approaches, with some insights into the national decision-making structures that have shaped the nature of UK authentication practice. Findings – The paper finds that the shape of national information management structures had played an essential role in the evolution of authentication policy and practice in the UK, and that the solutions that have evolved as a consequence of this have not necessarily been the most user-friendly or logical that could have been achieved. Research limitations/implications – Research into best authentication practice should be taken forward from the widest possible international perspective, in order to gather the best solutions from wherever they are available. Practical implications – Practitioner engagement with the issues of national information management can help form a more intelligent debate on the best ways to shape large-scale information developments. Originality/value – This paper looks at various aspects of British digital library authentication systems with a critical eye, and asks librarians to consider familiar aspects of such existing systems from a different perspective.

A writing support programme for Irish academic librarians : Table of Contents

Helen Fallon — Sun Jul 05 14:15:04 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the benefits of a writing support programme in developing the skills and motivation of librarians to write for academic publication. Design/methodology/approach – A brief review of the literature is presented. The model developed and implemented by this author is outlined. Findings from a survey of participants are discussed. Research limitations/implications – The formal programme commenced in 2007. The publication process takes time, particularly in the case of peer-reviewed journals. This is exploratory work. It will take time to build up a body of information and a community of librarians writing for publication. Initial evidence indicates there is significant value to the programme. Practical implications – The model is transferable and could help in building skills and confidence in academic writing. In addition academic writing could serve as a bridge between lecturing and library staff, addressing issues of common concern across the Academy. Originality/value – This is the first formal writing support programme for librarians in Irish universities. Models exist in the USA. A similar model is used in the UK and Ireland to support lecturing staff writing for publication.