Emerald | Aslib Proceedings | Table of Contents

Distance Education on Digitization: Evaluation of an Application in Turkey

Wed, 29 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - This study evaluates a distance education program in the field of digitization which was carried out in Turkey in 2011. A total of 805 people, all of whom are librarians, archivists or museum specialists, applied for three certification programs. The aim of this study is to evaluate the distance education in terms of content and organization on the basis of participants’ opinions and to determine how and to what extent the education changed the awareness of participants on digitization and digital content management and their level of theoretical and practical knowledge.Design/methodology/approach - The research questions of the study are as follows: 1. What are the qualifications of the participants in digitization and digital content management? In other words, what is the educational background of the participants and what level of education do they need? 2. What are the characteristics (in terms of content, presentation of the content and general organization) of the distance education program? 3. To what extent has the distance education contributed to the enhancement of participants’ level of awareness on digitization and digital content management, and to the improvement of their theoretical and practical knowledge? Findings - In the research, the literature was reviewed, and then a theoretical model was developed. The research findings are presented within the framework of the theoretical model. According to the research findings, the participants have a poor background in the subject, and most of the participants were attending such an education program for the first time. The program improved their level of theoretical and practical knowledge and awareness on digitization Originality/value - The participants were satisfied with the program in terms of content and organization.. This research had national implications. It raised awareness on digitization and Europeana in Turkey. In addition, following the experience of distance education presented in this paper, the General Directorate of Libraries and Publications in Turkey has began to plan in-house training via distance education on various vocational issues for its staff working in 1150 public libraries in 81 cities. Similarly, the Hacettepe University Department of Information Management has begun to consider distance education possibilities for master’s and doctoral programs.

Librarians' Attitudes towards Mobile Services

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Noa Aharony) — Wed, 29 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - This study seeks to explore whether or not librarians are familiar with the new technological innovations and are ready to accept them. The objectives of this study are: (a) to what extent does the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) explain librarians' perceptions of mobile services and (b) to what extent do differences in gender, age, workplace, role, and smart phone use explain librarians' perceptions of mobile services. Design/methodology/approach - The research was conducted in Israel during the first semester of the 2012 academic year. It encompassed three groups of Israeli librarians: academic, public, and special. Researchers used two questionnaires to gather data: a personal details questionnaire, and a mobile technology questionnaire. Findings - This study supported the two core variables model (perceived ease of use and usefulness) of TAM that may predict librarians' behavioral intention to use mobile services in the library. However, it added two more components to the model: personal innovativeness and smart phone usage. Practical implications - Library directors may try to implement more mobile services on their websites. These services should be simple, attractive, and efficient. They should also try to expose librarians to the benefits and ease of use of m-services.Originality/value - The findings emphasize the importance of the TAM that may predict librarians' behavioral intention to use mobile services in the library and may lead to further research in this field.

Information Needs Analysis of the Aerospace Discipline

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Weichun Du, Shuang Song) — Wed, 29 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - This paper identifies the core literature of aerospace studies and the databases necessary to ensure its coverage in a collection for aerospace scientists. It also examines whether China has different needs from other countries.Design/methodology/approach - A sequence of bibliometric analyses was used. Institutions and countries with high aerospace research productivity were identified from 4,290 papers published in "aerospace engineering" journals in Science Citation Index. Journal papers cited in these papers (14,618 extracted from 17,015 citations in all) were analyzed to discover the core source journals for aerospace research. The availability of the core journals in online databases determined necessary library provision for aerospace research.Findings - The most productive aerospace research institutions are in China and the United States. Journals are the most important information resources. While 20% of cited journals were discipline-specific, 80% were in related fields. Chinese researchers had similar resource needs to researchers from other countries. To provide for aerospace research, a library collection needs to include the databases of the field, and commercial and open access journals that cover aerospace engineering, related disciplines and the sciences in general.Originality/value - The paper reveals the characteristics of the literature of the aerospace discipline for the first time. It identifies the core journals used by aerospace researchers and the bundle of online resources necessary to adequately provide for research in the field. The technique used can be applied to other disciplines.

E-Campaigning Versus the Public Official Election Act in South Korea: Causes, Consequences and Implications of Cyber-Exile

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Yeon-Ok Lee, Han Woo Park) — Wed, 29 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - South Korea imposes more stringent restrictions on political speeches during elections than many other democratic countries. This paper examines the long-standing conflict between citizens and institutions in the Korean electoral environment and the effects of the Internet on this conflict. Design/methodology/approach - This paper provides a case study of the 2007 presidential election in Korea. During the campaign period, two video clips (one on YouTube and the other on Daum, a major domestic web portal) emerged and implicated the then-leading candidate in a financial scandal. This paper investigates how these video clips were shared and discussed among Korean voters, even though the country's election laws restricted the sharing of such information in cyberspace. The paper employs a combination of network analysis techniques, including hyperlink analysis, interaction network analysis, and semantic network analysis. Findings - YouTube served as a medium for Korean voters to circumvent local electoral regulations, thus implying the neologism "cyber-exile." However, unlike Daum, YouTube failed to facilitate discussions on the posted video clip. The discussion through its comment feature was often derailed by irrelevant comments from seemingly uninterested parties. The address of the video clip was shared through personal blogs and online bulletin boards in Korean cyberspace, but these efforts led only to a fragmented sphere.Originality/value - This paper highlights how pre-Internet institutions shape its members' political activity on the Internet. In addition, the results clearly demonstrate that an innovative effort to circumvent barriers on the part of Internet users is not enough to harness the potential of online discussions for a measured and sustained discourse on the issue at hand.

A possible solution for digital preservation of e-government: a centralised repository within a cloud computing framework

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (MITJA DECMAN, Mirko Vintar) — Wed, 29 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - Based on the three-level digital preservation framework the paper suggests a solution for long-term digital preservation for the public administration sector in the form of centralized intermediate repository on the basis of the concept of cloud computing.Design/methodology/approach - By means of a thorough review of the literature in this area and an analysis of the current state of the art, the paper investigates a three-level digital preservation framework with a focus on the public sector. It cross-links this framework with the cloud computing concept in order to propose an appropriate solution.Findings - The mapping of six factors of digital preservation to three levels of digital preservation show that using appropriate steps supported by suitable strategies and policies enable the public administration sector to take advantage of modern information technology and solve the demanding and critical problem of digital preservation.Practical implications - By suggesting an organisational and technological solution enabling a centralised digital preservation repository within a cloud computing framework, the paper aids the organisation of the public sector, taking into account active life cycle document phases, as well as archives and libraries, dealing with passive phases of documents and records.Originality/value - The paper addresses the difficulties of digital preservation implementation in the public administration sector. The findings indicate that while developing and implementing digital preservation, the public administration sector should formulate common policies and solutions based on the suggested results of this paper and in doing so maximise the benefits of current technologies.

Value of Academic Reading and Value of the Library in Academics’ Own Words

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Rachel Volentine, Carol Tenopir) — Wed, 29 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this article is to examine the open-ended comments to the questions--"What role do scholarly articles play in your work activities" and "Final Comments." They provide insight into the values and outcomes of scholarly reading, identify overall reading patterns, and illuminate issues academics address.Design/methodology/approach - Approximately 2,000 academic staff members from 6 U.K. universities completed a web-based survey. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected through the survey. The survey used the critical incident of last reading by academics to gather information on the purpose, outcomes, and values of scholarly readings and access to library collections. The survey concluded with open-ended comments, which is the focus of this article.Findings - The open-ended comments focused on the importance of article readings to all work activities, in particular research. They also placed emphasis on the value of the library’s e-journal collections, but they had some issues with electronic access. The role of book readings was also discussed. Research limitations/implications - Open-ended comments are only one way of measuring the value of scholarly reading and library collections. Ongoing studies and examinations of the findings from the other sections of this study will add to the overall findings of the value of the academic library.Originality/value - This paper further illustrates the essential role of scholarly reading and the library’s collections on the academic enterprise. This type of qualitative ‘stories’ helps libraries demonstrate their value and assess areas of concern.

Contributions of Pakistani Authors to Foreign Library and Information Science Journals: An Evaluative Study

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Zahiruddin Khurshid) — Wed, 29 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - Purpose-- In addition to quantitative analysis, the purpose of this study is to measure the quality of articles published in foreign LIS journals by Pakistani authors based on their IF scores reported in the Journal Citation Reports of 2010. The purpose is also to discuss the significance and implications of this study for the current and potential authors in Pakistan and other developing countries. Design/methodology/approach - Design/methodology/approach. The data for this study were collected from two sets of sources: (1). online sources of Google Scholar, LISA, LISTA, an online 50-year cumulative index of Pakistani LIS literature, and web pages of several authors, and (2) printed indexes and bibliographies. The data collected were manually entered into MS Excel for tabulation and created 9 tables, which formed the basis for discussion in the paper.Findings - Findings. The contribution of Pakistani authors to foreign LIS journal is reasonable in number and below average in quality, according to JCR IF scores. The authorship patterns show that there is a shift from single-authorship to collaborative authorship. LIS faculty contribution to the library literature is several times higher than that of library practitioners. The non-resident Pakistani authors' share in the global LIS literature is much larger as compared to the share of their counterparts living in Pakistan. Originality/value - Originality/value. This is the first study that evaluates the quality of Pakistani LIS literature using the more popular journal ranking method, Journal Citation Reports (JCR) Impact Factor (IF). The results of this study are expected to have a positive impact on Pakistani authors and they will prepare articles according to the quality requirements of JCR-ranked journals in the future.