Emerald | Library Review | Table of Contents

Open Access in the Czech Republic: an Overview

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Ondrej Fabián) — Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this article is a complex description and evaluation of open access adoption in the environment of the Czech Republic, from both the green way and golden way point of view.Design/methodology/approach - Data and conclusions in this paper are numerically supported by quantitative analyses from several relevant databases (e.g. JCR, Scopus, DOAJ or ROAR).Findings - The issue of open access hasn’t been given appropriate attention in the Czech Republic. Therefore most of the important activities have only recently been implemented, or they're still underway. Open access is still being completely ignored at the level of Czech state offices and funding agencies, which leads to scientific institutions learning of this phenomenon individually. Compared to other Central European countries, the Czech Republic can be classified as average in certain respects, but it is no competition for developed West European and North American countries in terms of awareness, infrastructure and open access adoption.Originality/value - This is the very first article that comprehensively sums up all aspects of the issue of open access in the Czech Republic.

Philosophy of Escapism in the Open Access World: Studying Author Pay Model

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Tariq Ahmad Shah, Sumeer Gul) — Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - The study takes in to account the economic perspective in open access publishing. The status of the article processing charges in open access journals is explored and highlighted. Design/methodology/approach - The study is based on the analysis of journals indexed by Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) and the fee structure levied by them as article processing charges (APC’s). Findings - Open access journal publishers have to evolve up a mechanism that will share the burden of the authors interested in publishing in OA journals that levy article processing charges.Research limitations/implications - The study can act as an eye opener for the publishers and associations affiliated with authors to support them and their works in making them publishable in open access journals which charge fees for article publishing.Originality/value - The study is first of its kind as it highlights the economic burden that the authors share in fee based open access publishing world.

Motivating and Discouraging Factors for Wikipedians: the Case Study of Persian Wikipedia

Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - This paper investigates how Wikipedians are motivated or discouraged to contribute in Persian Wikipedia (fa.wikipedia.org).Design/methodology/approach - In this grounded theory study, face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 15 active users of Persian Wikipedia. The interviews then were transcribed and coded using Strauss and Corbin’s method which included constant comparison of data.Findings - editing and writing incentives as well as deterrents were extracted from the data. Findings indicated that motivating factors can be classified into two categories of internal and external. Internal motivations could be individual or cognitive motivations or be related to Wikipedia structure. Besides, some factors such as permanent access to the internet can be considered as external motivations for contribution on Wikipedia. On the other hand, content production and improvement of Wikipedia in local language was the strongest reason for contribution; entertainment was the weakest motivation. Positive feedback from other users can be the strongest factor that encourages users to stay in Wikipedia and continue their contribution.Originality/value - This is the first study on Persian Wikipedia, one of the few qualitative studies on Wikipedia. It proposes a new categorization of encouraging and discouraging factors for Wikipedians.

Licensing and negotiations for commercial e-resources in African libraries: perils and promises for libraries in Malawi

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Patrick Mapulanga) — Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to highlight how libraries in Malawi are accessing e-resourcesDesign/methodology/approach - The paper adopted a case study approach. Quantitative data was collected and analysed. Data was collected through MALICO and INASP documentary. Usage statistics provided by counter compliant publishers and collated by INASP from 2008 to 2012 was the other source of information. Annual member contributions and e-resource subscription sheets from MALICO were used for data collection.Qualitative data has been presented and analysed in the form of tables and graphs. Findings - Libraries in Malawi have access to peer reviewed and impact factored journals courtesy of EIFL, INASP, HINARI, OARE, AGORA and other international organisations. Libraries in Malawi contribute towards the e-resources to the consortia, MALICO, at heavily discountedrates done through negotiations by eIFL and INASP with the publishers. Currently, the libraries are failing to contribute their portion towards e-resources due to inadequate budgets.Libraries in Malawi have resorted to digitising local content and establishinglocally available institutional repositories.Practical implications - Libraries in Malawi are making enormous strides in building digital libraries and institutional repositories based on local content.Originality/value - There is little researched information on the funding levels and use of e-resources in libraries in Malawi. This paper seeks to bridge the gap by providing some information on the state of e-resources for libraries in Malawi

Agricultural information sources used for climate change adaptation in Tanzania

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Nicholaus Mwalukasa) — Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - Purpose-The purpose of this study is to assess sources of agricultural information used by farmers for climate change adaptation semi arid areas of TanzaniaDesign/methodology/approach - Design/methodology/approach – Mixed quantitative and qualitative methods were deployed. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect qualitative and quantitative data from 100 farmers in three selected wards in Chamwino district in Tanzania. Focus groups and were also used to collect qualitative data from 30 farmers in the same wardsFindings - Findings – The results showed that the major sources of information for farmers were predominantly local (neighbours and friends ), followed by public extension services. Apart from radio and cell phones, advanced technologies (i.e. internet and e-mail) and printed materials were not used in the study area despite their existence in the communitiesResearch limitations/implications - Research limitations/implications – The study necessitates a need to conduct regular studies on preferred information source of agricultural information and knowledge, development of technologies and use multiple sources of knowledge and information (such as print and mass media) to deliver relevant information to farmers to enable them to adapt to climate change. Originality/value - Originality/value – The study provides a deep understanding of sources of agricultural information used by farmers in the semi arid area, which necessitates a need for demand-led and Client-based information services in order to meet the disparate farmers’ needs in this regime of climate change. These findings can serve as an example for the increasing use of mixed quantitative and qualitative in information research

Exploring LIS academics’ responses to knowledge management

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Md Roknuzzaman, Katsuhiro Umemoto) — Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - The main purpose of this study is to investigate how and why library and information science (LIS) academics have responded to the advent of knowledge management (KM). Design/methodology/approach - The study employs an "experience survey" as a research strategy. Besides a review of scientific literature, this study conducts an e-mail survey of 106 LIS academics of the world who have adopted KM education in their schools. A structured questionnaire comprising of both closed and open questions is used as data collection instrument. The study analyses 57 filled-in valid questionnaires following a mixed-method approach of research. Findings - The ways of knowing and degrees of understanding of KM concepts among the LIS academics are varied. Although KM is distinct from LIS/IM, there exists a strong link between the two knowledge domains. Considering KM’s long root and future in LIS, the academics have argued for a serious consideration of the adoption of KM. The significant reasons for why LIS academics have responded to KM include the global knowledge economy, the natural evolution of the information field, interdisciplinarity, domain expansion, survival issues, and trends in technological innovations, etc.Research limitations/implications - Many LIS schools do not come under investigation due to lack of their web accessibility.Practical implications - LIS academics are suggested to apply a holistic approach of KM, and to expand the knowledge domain of LIS, by providing a sound understanding of the underlying concepts, theories, principles, techniques, and technologies of KM. Originality/value - The empirical findings of the study are the original views and responses of LIS academics who are experienced in KM.

?he use of marketing concepts in library services: a literature review

Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - Marketing supports the reaching of organizational goals by focusing on the identification and satisfaction of customer needs, thus it can also contribute considerably in achieving the objectives of non-profit organizations such as libraries. This paper aims to provide an overview of the literature on the incorporation of marketing notions and the implementation of marketing techniques in library management. It reviews definitions, present different opposing views, marketing issues, social media and Web 2.0 and opinions on the adoption of marketing in a non-profit organization environment, and examines different successful examples of marketing implementation, concentrating on the gains resulting from such a move.Design/methodology/approach - A thorough literature search on various databases and on various aspects of this topic was reviewed. The literature review is organised on emerging themes directly drawn from the literature, thematically and chronologically within each section. It aims to identify the changing perspectives, the current challenges, and the benefits offered by examining information science specialists’ views. The main marketing concepts are identified throughout a strategic planning approach, which has been recommended as the most successful by the majority of researchers.Findings - This paper examines and clarifies the existing misunderstandings and difficulties in library and information services marketing, and stresses the importance of its adoption in this contemporary competitive environment. It examines library marketing in six sections: misconceptions regarding library marketing, main challenges and reasons as to why the adoption of marketing concepts is an integral part of the strategic planning, reports on the international library organizations, provides a description of the implementation of strategic marketing and planning processes, presents some library marketing approaches and examines the contemporary technological opportunities for library marketing in the digital era, such as the use of Web 2.0 tools.Research limitations/implications - Most likely this paper does not include all possible articles on the use of marketing concepts in library services, even though a thorough literature search by using various ways of searching had been deployed. Practical implications - Marketing in this new environment forms an integral part of the library managerial tasks and a necessary course of action in any introduction and design of a new service or Librarians should abandon the existing misconceptions and take advantage of the opportunities offered by its adoption.Originality/value - The paper broadens the library marketing literature by gathering researchers’ scientific views and advice and identifies the main implementation concerns derived from the earlier and more recent relevant literature. Moreover, for the first time IT records issues concerning library marketing, social media and Web 2.0.

Managerial Competencies for Information Professionals: an International Perspective

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Yvonne Marie de Grandbois) — Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - This paper aims to find out whether and to what extent managerial skills are taught in Schools of Information globally, and whether these courses are sufficient preparation for management positions in information professions.Design/methodology/approach - This is an exploratory research paper. Phase one included a literature review and a review of curricula in Schools of Information in 26 countries to see if management courses were given, as well as the type and number of courses. Phase two consisted semi-structured interviews with 15 directors of information services in the international sector in the Geneva, Switzerland region. Findings - The paper concludes that 73% of the schools reviewed do offer management courses, although there is a wide variation between countries and schools. In the interviews it was found that 80% of the directors learned their management skills on the job and 66% in management development through their institutions. All interviewees said their academic courses, though relevant, were insufficient. They gave recommendations of which competencies were needed in curricula for information professionals.Originality/value - Studies on management education have been done mostly in North American, ALA-accredited information schools. The rest of the world need to be researched and to find its voice. The paper is relevant to schools of information globally as well as to information professionals in the field.

User experience (UX) design for libraries: no. 18 of The Tech Set (book review)

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (sandra smith) — Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Not available.

#15 Strategic Planning for Social Media in Libraries

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Fiona Macdonald) — Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Not available.

Drupal in Libraries

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Brenda Chawner) — Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Not available.

Next-Gen Library Redesign

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Brenda Chawner) — Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Not available.

Semantic Web Technologies and Social Searching for Librarians

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Anand Kochunny) — Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Not available.

IM and SMS Reference Services for Libraries

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Charlotte Clements) — Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Not available.

A Review of "Cloud Computing for Libraries" Marshall Breeding.

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Kim Salamonson) — Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Not available.

Building Mobile Library Applications

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Joanne Dillon) — Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Not available.

Screencasting for libraries

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Joanne Dillon) — Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Not available.

Location-Aware Services and QR Codes for Libraries

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Joanne Dillon) — Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Not available.

Editorial 62 (4 and 5)

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Judith Broady-Preston) — Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Not available.