Emerald | Library Hi Tech News

Library 2.011 World-wide Virtual Conference, “The Future of Libraries in the Digital Age”, November 2-4, 2011

Minglu Wang — 2011-11-29 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a conference report on the unique organizational features and the common themes found among the three keynote speeches of the Library 2.011 World Wide Virtual Conference held on the internet on November 2-4, 2011. Design/methodology/approach – This report was generated based on the author’s personal participation and observation of a virtual conference and a descriptive method was used to report on and summarize the major subjects of three keynote presentations. Findings – The paper finds that Library 2.0 is still a live practice among libraries, and the concept itself has become an inspiring theoretical starting point for re-examining information profession, information literacy, and information management behaviours. Originality/value – This article sorts out the theoretical directions of Library 2.0’s research, which will provide a reflective and guiding tool for evaluating current library practice and designing future innovative library services.

Institutional repositories in India: a preliminary study

Sarika Sawant — 2011-11-29 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – This study aims to explore the various aspects of the development of institutional repositories (IRs), and especially the timeline involved beginning with planning, pilot testing, system implementation, exploratory activities conducted before implementation of the IR and its anticipated benefits. Design/methodology/approach – A survey research method was used. The data collection tool applied for the study was an online questionnaire, which was created with the help of software provided by surveymonkey.com. Findings – It has found that all institutions had done planning and pilot testing before implementation of an IR. “Attending institutional repository software implementation training and workshops” and “Demonstrating an operational institutional repository to my institution’s decision-makers” were the most exercised exploratory activities. All respondents agreed on the benefit that an IR provides “Better service to contributors and institution’s learning community”. “Contributor’s lack of knowledge” was the most important inhibitor that impedes the web administrator’s ability to set up a successful institutional repository. Research limitations/implications – Only Indian institutional repositories were studied. Originality/value – This is one of the preliminary studies focusing the development of IRs in India. Paper type Research paper

Awareness and use of online information resources by medical students at Delta State University in Nigeria

Emmanuel E. Baro, Benake-ebide C. Endouware, Janet O. Ubogu — 2011-11-29 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to present the results of a study which was carried out to find out whether the undergraduate students in the College of Health Sciences in Delta State University are aware of and fully utilize the medical databases and other online information resources within and outside the medical library. Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire and interview methods were used to elicit data from the students. Findings – The results revealed that majority of the students are not aware and do not use the online information resources such as: MEDLINE, HINARI, CINAHL databases, NUC virtual library as sources of information to retrieve materials related to medical literature. This could be as a result of lack of training for information literacy skills and ineffective user education programmes in the medical libraries and medical schools to equip the medical students with necessary skills to use the medical databases and other online information resources. Problems such as lack of skills to use the online information resources, lack of time, poor user education programmes, and slowness of server were mentioned by the students as some factors militating against the effective use of online information resources. Originality/value – The findings will be useful for medical librarians and faculty in highlighting the need to collaborate in integrating information literacy skills into the medical school curricula in developing countries. Paper type Research paper

Current cite-ings from the popular and trade computing press

Lois Trapasso — 2011-11-29 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Not available.

New & Noteworthy

2011-11-29 00:00:00.0

Calendar

2011-11-29 00:00:00.0