Library ReviewTable of Contents for Library Review. List of articles from the current issue, including Just Accepted (EarlyCite)https://www.emerald.com/insight/publication/issn/0024-2535/vol/66/iss/8/9?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestLibrary ReviewEmerald Publishing LimitedLibrary ReviewLibrary Reviewhttps://www.emerald.com/insight/proxy/containerImg?link=/resource/publication/journal/90a7c45eaffbd575ca6fb361e6d170a4/UNKNOWNhttps://www.emerald.com/insight/publication/issn/0024-2535/vol/66/iss/8/9?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestEmbedding digital and research-literacy support program into postgraduate studies curriculumhttps://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/LR-02-2017-0012/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestThis viewpoint paper aims to propose a digital and research literacy support program for postgraduate schools in sub-Saharan Africa institutions. The paper reviewed literature on postgraduate students’ skills and postgraduate information literacy programs and proposed one for postgraduate schools in sub-Saharan Africa institutions. Information literacy programs are not implemented at the postgraduate level in sub-Saharan Africa possibly because of lack of contents for these programs. The course is only a proposed course that can be embedded into the postgraduate curriculum in sub-Saharan African universities. The effectiveness of the course has not been evaluated in this study. The proposed information literacy program focused on digital and research literacy, which is still relatively new in sub-Saharan Africa.Embedding digital and research-literacy support program into postgraduate studies curriculum
Bernard Besseah, Daisy Achiro, Joseph Mhando, Sadiat Adetoro Salau
Library Review, Vol. 66, No. 8/9, pp.586-594

This viewpoint paper aims to propose a digital and research literacy support program for postgraduate schools in sub-Saharan Africa institutions.

The paper reviewed literature on postgraduate students’ skills and postgraduate information literacy programs and proposed one for postgraduate schools in sub-Saharan Africa institutions.

Information literacy programs are not implemented at the postgraduate level in sub-Saharan Africa possibly because of lack of contents for these programs.

The course is only a proposed course that can be embedded into the postgraduate curriculum in sub-Saharan African universities. The effectiveness of the course has not been evaluated in this study.

The proposed information literacy program focused on digital and research literacy, which is still relatively new in sub-Saharan Africa.

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Embedding digital and research-literacy support program into postgraduate studies curriculum10.1108/LR-02-2017-0012Library Review2017-10-27© 2017 Emerald Publishing LimitedBernard BesseahDaisy AchiroJoseph MhandoSadiat Adetoro SalauLibrary Review668/92017-10-2710.1108/LR-02-2017-0012https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/LR-02-2017-0012/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest© 2017 Emerald Publishing Limited
Promoting knowledge sharing in academic environments using non-monetary factorshttps://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/LR-11-2016-0092/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestKnowledge sharing is very important in non-profit organizations such as academic institutes and universities. This research is a laudable attempt in this vital area to collaborate, refine and advance knowledge production endeavours in universities. The purpose of this study is to formulate a theoretical framework to investigate the non-monetary factors that encourage knowledge-sharing behaviour among postgraduate students. A field survey was conducted among postgraduate students in Iranian public universities to obtain empirical evidence. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the collected data. The results revealed that knowledge-sharing behaviour is influenced by humility, interpersonal trust, reputation, self-efficacy and enjoyment of helping others. Most of the prior studies focussed on rewards and monetary incentive factors to encourage knowledge sharing, whereas this paper examines the non-monetary factors that increase the willingness to share knowledge.Promoting knowledge sharing in academic environments using non-monetary factors
Shahin Dezdar
Library Review, Vol. 66, No. 8/9, pp.595-611

Knowledge sharing is very important in non-profit organizations such as academic institutes and universities. This research is a laudable attempt in this vital area to collaborate, refine and advance knowledge production endeavours in universities. The purpose of this study is to formulate a theoretical framework to investigate the non-monetary factors that encourage knowledge-sharing behaviour among postgraduate students.

A field survey was conducted among postgraduate students in Iranian public universities to obtain empirical evidence. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the collected data.

The results revealed that knowledge-sharing behaviour is influenced by humility, interpersonal trust, reputation, self-efficacy and enjoyment of helping others.

Most of the prior studies focussed on rewards and monetary incentive factors to encourage knowledge sharing, whereas this paper examines the non-monetary factors that increase the willingness to share knowledge.

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Promoting knowledge sharing in academic environments using non-monetary factors10.1108/LR-11-2016-0092Library Review2017-10-27© 2017 Emerald Publishing LimitedShahin DezdarLibrary Review668/92017-10-2710.1108/LR-11-2016-0092https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/LR-11-2016-0092/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest© 2017 Emerald Publishing Limited
Libraries of Babel: exploring library language and its suitability for the communityhttps://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/LR-04-2017-0034/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestThe purpose of this paper is to examine the different aspects of language that are present in the signage, handouts and websites of public libraries. It discusses the extent to which this language reflects the varying demographics of library clients. This paper reports on a qualitative study, which took a document analysis approach and utilised an inductive-coding technique to analyse data collected from four lower North Island libraries in New Zealand. Five language aspects were identified from the collected data: monolingual, bilingual and multilingual language; language context; welcoming and prohibitive language; language consistency; and jargon. The nature and incidence of these aspects were evaluated for each of the four libraries. In some cases, the libraries achieve an accurate reflection of client demographics through their language. However, each library could make some changes to their use of language to better accommodate their distinct communities. This paper suggests that modifying library language to better reflect client demographics will contribute to an atmosphere of inclusion, welcome and acceptance. Such an atmosphere will promote information access for all members of the community. Recommendations for change are made, as well as suggestions for future research. This paper contributes to the body of knowledge on communication and language in libraries, particularly in a New Zealand context where there is a paucity of research on this topic. This paper benefits libraries and clients by identifying patterns, contrasts and potential improvements.Libraries of Babel: exploring library language and its suitability for the community
Michael Alexander Fauchelle
Library Review, Vol. 66, No. 8/9, pp.612-627

The purpose of this paper is to examine the different aspects of language that are present in the signage, handouts and websites of public libraries. It discusses the extent to which this language reflects the varying demographics of library clients.

This paper reports on a qualitative study, which took a document analysis approach and utilised an inductive-coding technique to analyse data collected from four lower North Island libraries in New Zealand.

Five language aspects were identified from the collected data: monolingual, bilingual and multilingual language; language context; welcoming and prohibitive language; language consistency; and jargon. The nature and incidence of these aspects were evaluated for each of the four libraries. In some cases, the libraries achieve an accurate reflection of client demographics through their language. However, each library could make some changes to their use of language to better accommodate their distinct communities.

This paper suggests that modifying library language to better reflect client demographics will contribute to an atmosphere of inclusion, welcome and acceptance. Such an atmosphere will promote information access for all members of the community. Recommendations for change are made, as well as suggestions for future research.

This paper contributes to the body of knowledge on communication and language in libraries, particularly in a New Zealand context where there is a paucity of research on this topic. This paper benefits libraries and clients by identifying patterns, contrasts and potential improvements.

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Libraries of Babel: exploring library language and its suitability for the community10.1108/LR-04-2017-0034Library Review2017-11-03© 2017 Emerald Publishing LimitedMichael Alexander FauchelleLibrary Review668/92017-11-0310.1108/LR-04-2017-0034https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/LR-04-2017-0034/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest© 2017 Emerald Publishing Limited
The impact of mentoring and pedagogy on mitigation of library stress of undergraduate studentshttps://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/LR-02-2017-0011/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestThis paper aims to justify the relevance of student-centred teaching – learning in influencing their motivation to shed library fear, source resources, attain higher-order learning, garner intellectual prowess and invent new theories. To assess the validity of association between guidance, pedagogy, library access and intellectual prowess, a close-ended questionnaire is used. This questionnaire was administered on 350 undergraduate students in Kuwait. The step helped to gather their responses and initiate correlation analysis. Also, correlation analysis was used to review the association between the items selected in the questionnaire, interpret outcomes and draw valid inferences. The outcome highlights that such students show keen interest to learn when faculty members give credence to educational psychology, teaching-learning quality, knowledge transfer and their transformation into knowledge seekers. The realization of such scholastic capabilities makes it possible for them to shed library fear and search disappointments, circumvent procedural complexities and pay least importance to size of library structure. Such mental state heightens their desire to use library services optimally, learn and contribute to new knowledge. Few attempts have been made to study the impact of mentoring and pedagogy on mitigation of library stress undergraduate students.The impact of mentoring and pedagogy on mitigation of library stress of undergraduate students
Huwayah M. Alazemi, Awadh Alharbi
Library Review, Vol. 66, No. 8/9, pp.628-654

This paper aims to justify the relevance of student-centred teaching – learning in influencing their motivation to shed library fear, source resources, attain higher-order learning, garner intellectual prowess and invent new theories.

To assess the validity of association between guidance, pedagogy, library access and intellectual prowess, a close-ended questionnaire is used. This questionnaire was administered on 350 undergraduate students in Kuwait. The step helped to gather their responses and initiate correlation analysis. Also, correlation analysis was used to review the association between the items selected in the questionnaire, interpret outcomes and draw valid inferences.

The outcome highlights that such students show keen interest to learn when faculty members give credence to educational psychology, teaching-learning quality, knowledge transfer and their transformation into knowledge seekers. The realization of such scholastic capabilities makes it possible for them to shed library fear and search disappointments, circumvent procedural complexities and pay least importance to size of library structure. Such mental state heightens their desire to use library services optimally, learn and contribute to new knowledge.

Few attempts have been made to study the impact of mentoring and pedagogy on mitigation of library stress undergraduate students.

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The impact of mentoring and pedagogy on mitigation of library stress of undergraduate students10.1108/LR-02-2017-0011Library Review2017-11-02© 2017 Emerald Publishing LimitedHuwayah M. AlazemiAwadh AlharbiLibrary Review668/92017-11-0210.1108/LR-02-2017-0011https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/LR-02-2017-0011/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest© 2017 Emerald Publishing Limited
Promoting innovation and application of internet of things in academic and research information organizationshttps://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/LR-01-2017-0002/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestThe purpose of the study was to investigate factors promoting innovation and application of internet of things in academic and research information organizations. Quantitative research design involved survey of selected academic and research information organizations in public and private chartered institutions. Information professionals, digital content managers, information systems and technologists that normally consume big data and technological resources were involved in the process of data collection using structured questionnaire and content analysis. Information organizations and information practitioners were selected from public and private academic and research institutions. Innovation of internet of things has increasingly transformed and changed academic and research information organizations as the source of knowledge in addition to expanding access to education, data, information and communication anywhere anytime through hyperconnectivity and networking. Internet of things technologies such as mobile of things, web of things, digital information systems and personal devices are widely applied by digital natives in academic and research information organizations. Mobilization platform and devices is the single biggest provider of data, information and knowledge in academic and research organizations. Modern trends in education and knowledge practices in academic institutions and information organizations depends upon internet of things, digital repositories, electronic books and journals, social media interfaces, multimedia applications, information portal hubs and interactive websites, although challenges regarding inadequate information communication technology infrastructure and social computing facilities still persist. Information organizations in public and private chartered academic and research institutions were adopted in the study. Respondents handling and supporting information management, planning and decision-making provided the necessary data. Information professionals, digital content managers, information systems and technologists are proactively involved in data and information analytics. Academic and research information organizations are powerhouses that provide knowledge to support research, teaching and learning for sustainable development and the betterment of humanity and society. Innovation of internet of things and associated technologies provides practical aspects of attaining sustainable information development practices in the contemporary knowledge society. Internet of things technologies, principles of economies of scale and investment and customer needs entail that information organizations and practitioners should provide appropriate and smart systems and solutions. Modern academic and research information organizations have the social corporate responsibility to offer technological innovations to heighten access to knowledge and learning in academic and research institutions. Economically, innovation and application of internet of things provide unlimited access to big data and information in organizations all the time anywhere anytime. Data management is a growing phenomenon that information practitioners need to fully understand in the digital economies. Information professionals need to embrace and appreciate innovation and application of internet of things technologies whose role in sustainable development practices is critical in academic and research organizations.Promoting innovation and application of internet of things in academic and research information organizations
Elisha Ondieki Makori
Library Review, Vol. 66, No. 8/9, pp.655-678

The purpose of the study was to investigate factors promoting innovation and application of internet of things in academic and research information organizations.

Quantitative research design involved survey of selected academic and research information organizations in public and private chartered institutions. Information professionals, digital content managers, information systems and technologists that normally consume big data and technological resources were involved in the process of data collection using structured questionnaire and content analysis. Information organizations and information practitioners were selected from public and private academic and research institutions.

Innovation of internet of things has increasingly transformed and changed academic and research information organizations as the source of knowledge in addition to expanding access to education, data, information and communication anywhere anytime through hyperconnectivity and networking. Internet of things technologies such as mobile of things, web of things, digital information systems and personal devices are widely applied by digital natives in academic and research information organizations. Mobilization platform and devices is the single biggest provider of data, information and knowledge in academic and research organizations. Modern trends in education and knowledge practices in academic institutions and information organizations depends upon internet of things, digital repositories, electronic books and journals, social media interfaces, multimedia applications, information portal hubs and interactive websites, although challenges regarding inadequate information communication technology infrastructure and social computing facilities still persist.

Information organizations in public and private chartered academic and research institutions were adopted in the study. Respondents handling and supporting information management, planning and decision-making provided the necessary data. Information professionals, digital content managers, information systems and technologists are proactively involved in data and information analytics.

Academic and research information organizations are powerhouses that provide knowledge to support research, teaching and learning for sustainable development and the betterment of humanity and society. Innovation of internet of things and associated technologies provides practical aspects of attaining sustainable information development practices in the contemporary knowledge society. Internet of things technologies, principles of economies of scale and investment and customer needs entail that information organizations and practitioners should provide appropriate and smart systems and solutions.

Modern academic and research information organizations have the social corporate responsibility to offer technological innovations to heighten access to knowledge and learning in academic and research institutions. Economically, innovation and application of internet of things provide unlimited access to big data and information in organizations all the time anywhere anytime.

Data management is a growing phenomenon that information practitioners need to fully understand in the digital economies. Information professionals need to embrace and appreciate innovation and application of internet of things technologies whose role in sustainable development practices is critical in academic and research organizations.

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Promoting innovation and application of internet of things in academic and research information organizations10.1108/LR-01-2017-0002Library Review2017-10-27© 2017 Emerald Publishing LimitedElisha Ondieki MakoriLibrary Review668/92017-10-2710.1108/LR-01-2017-0002https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/LR-01-2017-0002/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest© 2017 Emerald Publishing Limited
Social influence and cognitive instrumental factors as facilitators of perceived usefulness of electronic resources among library personnel in private universities in South-west, Nigeriahttps://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/LR-09-2016-0086/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestThe study examined the applicability of TAM2 theoretical constructs of social influence and cognitive instrumental factors vis-à-vis the facilitation of perceived usefulness of electronic resources among library personnel in private universities in South-west Nigeria. Descriptive research design of correlational type alongside the single-stage random sampling technique were used to select 212 respondents from a population size of 259 library personnel across the 21 private universities in South-west Nigeria. The instrument used to elicit data was the questionnaire. Of the 212 copies of the questionnaire administered, 181 (85.4 per cent) were found valid for analysis. Social influence and cognitive instrumental factors significantly had relationship with and facilitated perceived usefulness of electronic resources. Similarly, the study revealed that cognitive instrumental factors are stronger facilitators of perceived usefulness of electronic resources than social influence factors among library personnel in private universities in South-west, Nigeria. Implementation of electronic resources without ascertaining library personnel usefulness perception leads to resource underutilisation and wastage. Management of private university libraries should, therefore, take into cognisance the usefulness perception of library personnel before the implementation of electronic resources for optimum utilisation. There is no known research endeavour within the Nigerian context that examined perceived usefulness of electronic resources among library personnel in the private university domain, using the additional theoretical constructs of TAM2 as our research model suggests. This study is, therefore, a pioneering effort towards ascertaining library personnel’s perceived usefulness of electronic resources prior acceptance and use in private university libraries.Social influence and cognitive instrumental factors as facilitators of perceived usefulness of electronic resources among library personnel in private universities in South-west, Nigeria
Roland Izuagbe, Sunday Olanrewaju Popoola
Library Review, Vol. 66, No. 8/9, pp.679-694

The study examined the applicability of TAM2 theoretical constructs of social influence and cognitive instrumental factors vis-à-vis the facilitation of perceived usefulness of electronic resources among library personnel in private universities in South-west Nigeria.

Descriptive research design of correlational type alongside the single-stage random sampling technique were used to select 212 respondents from a population size of 259 library personnel across the 21 private universities in South-west Nigeria. The instrument used to elicit data was the questionnaire. Of the 212 copies of the questionnaire administered, 181 (85.4 per cent) were found valid for analysis.

Social influence and cognitive instrumental factors significantly had relationship with and facilitated perceived usefulness of electronic resources. Similarly, the study revealed that cognitive instrumental factors are stronger facilitators of perceived usefulness of electronic resources than social influence factors among library personnel in private universities in South-west, Nigeria.

Implementation of electronic resources without ascertaining library personnel usefulness perception leads to resource underutilisation and wastage. Management of private university libraries should, therefore, take into cognisance the usefulness perception of library personnel before the implementation of electronic resources for optimum utilisation.

There is no known research endeavour within the Nigerian context that examined perceived usefulness of electronic resources among library personnel in the private university domain, using the additional theoretical constructs of TAM2 as our research model suggests. This study is, therefore, a pioneering effort towards ascertaining library personnel’s perceived usefulness of electronic resources prior acceptance and use in private university libraries.

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Social influence and cognitive instrumental factors as facilitators of perceived usefulness of electronic resources among library personnel in private universities in South-west, Nigeria10.1108/LR-09-2016-0086Library Review2017-10-27© 2017 Emerald Publishing LimitedRoland IzuagbeSunday Olanrewaju PopoolaLibrary Review668/92017-10-2710.1108/LR-09-2016-0086https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/LR-09-2016-0086/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest© 2017 Emerald Publishing Limited
Humanistic perspectives in virtual referencehttps://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/LR-01-2017-0005/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestVirtual reference is a part of the services offered at academic and other types of libraries. This paper discusses humanistic perspectives that merit consideration in the provision of virtual reference (VR), including mindfulness, authenticity, emotional intelligence (EI) and counseling. This study aims to make these perspectives become a part of the language and practice of virtual reference through this discussion. The paper establishes a framework for the VR perspectives it discusses by examining relevant literature for background information and practical applications. VR has the potential to benefit from the interrelated humanistic perspectives of mindfulness, authenticity, EI and counseling. It is through the counseling perspective that mindfulness, authenticity and EI are embodied to offer a more transformational and less transactional experience for both librarians and users. While the paper provides examples of language used by the author to illustrate the counseling perspective, a future study, whereby virtual reference transcripts are formally analyzed, may be beneficial to determine other expressions of counseling and its related perspectives of mindfulness, authenticity and EI. This paper provides a resource especially helpful to individuals new to VR or who seek opportunities for growth in providing VR. In addition to taking a multifaceted view of VR through the humanistic perspectives presented, this paper also offers a multidisciplinary approach in its discussion, drawing from areas such as business and medicine.Humanistic perspectives in virtual reference
Adolfo G. Prieto
Library Review, Vol. 66, No. 8/9, pp.695-710

Virtual reference is a part of the services offered at academic and other types of libraries. This paper discusses humanistic perspectives that merit consideration in the provision of virtual reference (VR), including mindfulness, authenticity, emotional intelligence (EI) and counseling. This study aims to make these perspectives become a part of the language and practice of virtual reference through this discussion.

The paper establishes a framework for the VR perspectives it discusses by examining relevant literature for background information and practical applications.

VR has the potential to benefit from the interrelated humanistic perspectives of mindfulness, authenticity, EI and counseling. It is through the counseling perspective that mindfulness, authenticity and EI are embodied to offer a more transformational and less transactional experience for both librarians and users.

While the paper provides examples of language used by the author to illustrate the counseling perspective, a future study, whereby virtual reference transcripts are formally analyzed, may be beneficial to determine other expressions of counseling and its related perspectives of mindfulness, authenticity and EI.

This paper provides a resource especially helpful to individuals new to VR or who seek opportunities for growth in providing VR.

In addition to taking a multifaceted view of VR through the humanistic perspectives presented, this paper also offers a multidisciplinary approach in its discussion, drawing from areas such as business and medicine.

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Humanistic perspectives in virtual reference10.1108/LR-01-2017-0005Library Review2017-10-27© 2017 Emerald Publishing LimitedAdolfo G. PrietoLibrary Review668/92017-10-2710.1108/LR-01-2017-0005https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/LR-01-2017-0005/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest© 2017 Emerald Publishing Limited
Modes of soft skills learning: a case of university information professionals’ in Pakistanhttps://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/LR-04-2017-0037/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the university information professionals (UIPs) preferred modes of soft skills learning and differences in their opinions based on gender, designations and experience. Quantitative research design using a questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analyzed through SPSSS version 20.0, using descriptive and inferential statistics. The population of the study included all the UIPs working in the central libraries of the general public sector 33 universities in Pakistan, with nearly a population of 560. The major findings showed that “mentoring sessions by experts” was the most preferred mode of soft skills learning followed by “learning from colleagues”. It showed that UIPs preferred to learn soft skills from experts and colleagues. Independent-samples t-test results found that “mentoring session by experts” was more preferred by females than males. A one-way ANOVA results found significant differences of opinion regarding the “mentoring session by experts” method between librarians and assistant librarians (p = 0.044). Results were statistically significant also between more experienced and less experienced regarding “real project/assignment-based method” and “mentoring session by experts”. In addition, for “formal online courses” and “self-training through reading books”, results were statistically significant between experienced groups of 1-5 years and 11-15 years. Overall results indicated that from UIPs’ perspective, soft skills should be taught to them using face-to-face methods. This is the first study in Pakistan that dealt with the preferred modes of soft skills learning of UIPs by using a large group (N = 372) of respondents.Modes of soft skills learning: a case of university information professionals’ in Pakistan
Sajjad Ahmad, Kanwal Ameen, Midrar Ullah
Library Review, Vol. 66, No. 8/9, pp.711-725

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the university information professionals (UIPs) preferred modes of soft skills learning and differences in their opinions based on gender, designations and experience.

Quantitative research design using a questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analyzed through SPSSS version 20.0, using descriptive and inferential statistics. The population of the study included all the UIPs working in the central libraries of the general public sector 33 universities in Pakistan, with nearly a population of 560.

The major findings showed that “mentoring sessions by experts” was the most preferred mode of soft skills learning followed by “learning from colleagues”. It showed that UIPs preferred to learn soft skills from experts and colleagues. Independent-samples t-test results found that “mentoring session by experts” was more preferred by females than males. A one-way ANOVA results found significant differences of opinion regarding the “mentoring session by experts” method between librarians and assistant librarians (p = 0.044). Results were statistically significant also between more experienced and less experienced regarding “real project/assignment-based method” and “mentoring session by experts”. In addition, for “formal online courses” and “self-training through reading books”, results were statistically significant between experienced groups of 1-5 years and 11-15 years. Overall results indicated that from UIPs’ perspective, soft skills should be taught to them using face-to-face methods.

This is the first study in Pakistan that dealt with the preferred modes of soft skills learning of UIPs by using a large group (N = 372) of respondents.

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Modes of soft skills learning: a case of university information professionals’ in Pakistan10.1108/LR-04-2017-0037Library Review2017-11-02© 2017 Emerald Publishing LimitedSajjad AhmadKanwal AmeenMidrar UllahLibrary Review668/92017-11-0210.1108/LR-04-2017-0037https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/LR-04-2017-0037/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest© 2017 Emerald Publishing Limited
Strategies for using ResearchGate to improve institutional research outcomeshttps://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/LR-07-2017-0060/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how to help improve a higher education institution’s research profile by using existing resources and existing research outputs. This study was based on quantitative data extracted manually from QS University Rankings-Asia 2016, the 2015 Ranking of Pakistani higher education institutions (HEI) and ResearchGate (RG). Resultant data were loaded into Excel and analyzed in SPSS version 21. The results of this study indicate that, while there is no direct correlation between an institution’s national/international ranking and its respective RG score, there is a tendency for lower-ranked institutions to have a lower RG score. This study was limited to data extracted from RG; however, it would be useful to apply the same methodology to other relevant academic scholarly network sites (ASNS). This paper has suggested strategies which may be of relevance to those institutions in other countries which are aspiring to lift their national ranking through improved research profiles. Libraries are important contributors to the support of institutional research goals. There have been no previous published research studies on either the potential for ASNS to contribute to enhancing research outcomes for Pakistani HEI or the role that libraries could play in supporting these outcomes.Strategies for using ResearchGate to improve institutional research outcomes
Muhammad Yousuf Ali, Malcolm Wolski, Joanna Richardson
Library Review, Vol. 66, No. 8/9, pp.726-739

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how to help improve a higher education institution’s research profile by using existing resources and existing research outputs.

This study was based on quantitative data extracted manually from QS University Rankings-Asia 2016, the 2015 Ranking of Pakistani higher education institutions (HEI) and ResearchGate (RG). Resultant data were loaded into Excel and analyzed in SPSS version 21.

The results of this study indicate that, while there is no direct correlation between an institution’s national/international ranking and its respective RG score, there is a tendency for lower-ranked institutions to have a lower RG score.

This study was limited to data extracted from RG; however, it would be useful to apply the same methodology to other relevant academic scholarly network sites (ASNS).

This paper has suggested strategies which may be of relevance to those institutions in other countries which are aspiring to lift their national ranking through improved research profiles. Libraries are important contributors to the support of institutional research goals.

There have been no previous published research studies on either the potential for ASNS to contribute to enhancing research outcomes for Pakistani HEI or the role that libraries could play in supporting these outcomes.

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Strategies for using ResearchGate to improve institutional research outcomes10.1108/LR-07-2017-0060Library Review2017-11-14© 2017 Emerald Publishing LimitedMuhammad Yousuf AliMalcolm WolskiJoanna RichardsonLibrary Review668/92017-11-1410.1108/LR-07-2017-0060https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/LR-07-2017-0060/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest© 2017 Emerald Publishing Limited