Emerald | Library Review

Assessing an e-reader lending program: from pilot to mainstream service

Susan Goodwin, Suzanne Shurtz, Adriana Gonzalez, Dennis Clark — 2012-02-03 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess user preferences and perceptions of Texas A&M University Libraries' Kindle e-book reader lending program, to determine if current lending practices and procedures adequately satisfy user needs. Design/methodology/approach – An online survey was administered to library patrons who participated in the first full semester of the e-reader lending program. Of the 63 individuals who borrowed a Kindle, 52 answered the 13-question survey designed to elicit their feedback about their experiences borrowing and subsequently using a Kindle to read their requested e-books. The format of the survey was varied, and included objective and short-answer questions. When possible, responses included a five-point Likert scale. Findings – Analysis of the survey results indicates overall interest and support for the Libraries' e-reader lending program. Participants mainly utilized Kindles to read popular titles, indicating that the lending program has found a niche within the Libraries' suite of media borrowing services to support leisure reading. Furthermore, from a collection development standpoint, the user-driven acquisition policy for Kindle titles has served as an extension and virtual enhancement of the popular bestseller print collection. Originality/value – This study is one of the first qualitative research reports on patron perceptions of an academic library e-reader lending program. This study is likely to be of practical interest to academic librarians who are in the process of developing similar lending programs.

An investigation of the web citations in Iran's chemistry articles in SCI

Amirhosein Mardani — 2012-02-03 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to gain knowledge about the status and characteristics of the current web citations in published articles by Iranian researchers in the Science Citation Index (SCI). Besides investigating the growth in the presence of web resources in publications, the paper examines the accessibility and decay of web resources. Furthermore, the author will examine the provided information by the URLs to determine whether the cited contents by the authors signify the same information as the URLs. Design/methodology/approach – The author used the survey research method. Thus, all documents by Iranian chemistry researchers recorded in the SCI database during 2006-2009 were identified and then transferred to an Excel base. After a one-by-one examination, 46,762 web citations were extracted from a total number of 10,333 documents and were then analyzed, with the aid of two research assistants, in two months time (November and December of 2010), as specified in the research objectives. The citations were categorized into nine groups based on the feedback from the URLs' entries in the Internet Explorer browser. Findings – The results showed that 46,762 citations (20 percent) of the total 187,823 available citations in the articles included web citations. The proportion percentage of web citations increased from 9 percent in 2006 to 39 percent in 2009. The average number of web citations for every article is 4.52. The most widely cited top level domains in URLs include the.org and.edu with, respectively, 31 percent and 23 percent; and when compared to other domains they reveal a greater tendency for stability. The highest percentage of inactive URLs was found to be associated with the .gov top level domain. Ultimately, 40,954 web citations were rendered accessible, of which 79 percent allowed easy and long-term access to the authors' information intended in URLs. The decay rate for citations reveals an annual 5.2 percent increase. Long-time inaccessibility to the authors' same intended information was shown to be mostly from URLs that returned the 404 error and also the URLs that had gone through information update. An about eight year half-life was estimated for Iran's chemistry publications, which is rather promising in comparison with other fields of study. Originality/value – The paper offers a quantitative analysis of the state of web citations application among chemistry researchers in Iran and voices concerns related to web citations in the publications in this field. The results of this study may be useful for providers of web contents, authors and editors in the field of chemistry publications.

Bridging the information gap with the patrons in university libraries in Africa: The case for investments in web 2.0 systems

Elisha Ondieki Makori — 2012-02-03 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine and demonstrate the extent to which university libraries in Africa are bridging the information gap through the use of web 2.0 systems, including challenges and prospects. Design/methodology/approach – The review adopted a combination of various data collection methods and approaches, including current academic literature, document analysis, desk review guides and reports on university libraries. Findings – Review results indicate that few university libraries in Africa have embraced the use and application of web 2.0 systems. It is regrettable that web 2.0 is not new in libraries, although many African university libraries have not adopted the concept. Web 2.0 systems, including blog, delicious, YouTube and Facebook among others, are no longer a preserve of commercial organizations. Research limitations/implications – The review involved university libraries in Africa because of their perceived role in creation, management, preservation, transmission or diffusion and utilization of information and knowledge. University libraries provide information services to support research, teaching, learning, and community activities of respective universities. Practical implications – University libraries in African countries face various challenges in implementation of web 2.0 systems. Web 2.0 systems have proved to be useful in addressing issues and challenges of open, distance and e-learning programmes. Information professionals should support implementation and use of relevant web 2.0 systems. Social implications – Across the globe, university libraries are increasingly using web 2.0 systems to support, promote and extend information services to their patrons. In the modern information world 2.0, it is important for university libraries to identify relevant web 2.0 systems and integrate them into mainstream library and information services. Originality/value – The review provides useful insights regarding the use and application of web 2.0 systems in university libraries in Africa.

Motivation to learn and learning strategies: IT courses in a library and information science department

Aspasia Togia, Stella Korobili, Afrodite Malliari — 2012-02-03 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to give an insight to the motivation processes and learning strategies of the students of the Library and Information Systems (LIS) Department of Alexander Technological Educational Institute (ATEI), Thessaloniki, in courses encompassing Information Technology (IT). Design/methodology/approach – The students participated in the study between the 10th and 12th week of a 13-week semester. Data were collected with the Science Motivation Questionnaire (SMQ) and the Self-Regulated Learning Strategies component of the Motivational Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ). Independent samples t-tests were used to indicate any associations between motivation to learn and learning strategies, with students' background characteristics. Multiple regression analysis was used to predict students' levels of motivation from the background characteristics, and their intention to continue their studies and to work as librarians/information professionals. Findings – Results showed that participants reported relatively increased levels of motivation and employment of effective learning strategies. Participants' intention to continue their studies in library/information science emerged as the only variable that significantly contributed to the equation for predicting self-regulated learning from the whole set of predictors and also to the prediction of motivation to learn. Research limitations/implications – The SMQ was originally designed for science courses and the use of the translated and slightly modified version did not seem to be very sensitive in the IT learning context. A follow up study with different methodologies, would add to the weight of the present findings. In addition, future studies could focus on the particular factors that motivate students to learn IT and to achieve the learning objectives of the IT courses. Practical implications – The intended outcome of this survey was to provide LIS students and instructors with an assessing tool to evaluate motivation to learn IT and the effectiveness of the strategies employed in the process of acquiring knowledge and skills. Based on the results, faculty members can provide learning environments that promote motivation towards learning and encourage students to select and use more advanced and effective learning strategies. In addition, the results of the study provide an additional argument for organizing a postgraduate program at the LIS Department of ATEI, Thessaloniki. Originality/value – Empirical research on learning attitudes of LIS students is limited. Moreover, motivation and learning strategies use have never been studied in the Greek context of library education, although IT literacy is an essential task and all LIS Departments' instructors share the important goal of fostering students' motivation to learn IT.

Being an Information Innovator

2012-02-03 00:00:00.0

Convergenomics: Strategic Innovation in the Convergence Era

2012-02-03 00:00:00.0

University Libraries and Digital Learning Environments

2012-02-03 00:00:00.0

Information Policies and Strategies

2012-02-03 00:00:00.0

Narrative-based Practice

2012-02-03 00:00:00.0

Editorial

2012-02-03 00:00:00.0

Malaysian archival heritage at risk? A survey of archivists’ knowledge and skills in managing electronic records

2012-02-03 00:00:00.0

2011 Awards for Excellence

2012-02-03 00:00:00.0