(2012). [e-Book] Aprender con tecnología. Investigación internacional sobre modelos educativos de futuro. Madrid, Fundación Telefónica. Texto completo: http://www.fundacion.
¿Cuáles son las principales tendencias vinculadas a la educación y al aprendizaje? ¿Cómo son los modelos educativos actuales en el mundo y que carencias y necesidades tienen los alumnos, los profesores y las familias? ¿Cómo puede ayudar la tecnología a desarrollar las nuevas capacidades, conocimientos y competencias del futuro? ¿Cómo serán los modelos formativos en el futuro y cuáles serán las tecnologías ganadoras? A estas grandes cuestiones pretende dar respuesta este libro publicado por Fundación Telefónica, que nace como el resultado de un riguroso trabajo de campo en los cinco continentes, en el que se han analizado más de 4.000 entrevistas etnográficas en profundidad –de un día de duración- a 30 familias y responsables de 10 escuelas. Un primer análisis da como resultado un extenso mapa de las necesidades y carencias que tienen alumnos, padres y profesores en el entorno educativo actual, y muestra cómo la tecnología aparece con fuerza para dar solución a la mayoría de esas necesidades. En segundo lugar, se han analizado las macrotendencias sociales con mayor impacto en la evolución de los modelos educativos actuales: la Contribución, la Hibridación, la Hiperestimulación y la Experimentación. Estas macrotendencias dibujan tres escenarios de futuro donde se desarrollarán todos los modelos formativos posibles. Finalmente, juntando necesidades y escenarios, aparecen cinco posibles modelos formativos de futuro, que van desde la evolución de los modelos actuales donde el profesor fomenta el aprendizaje de los alumnos con contenidos estimulantes e interactivos hasta entornos más sofi sticados de aprendizaje en red. En todos y cada uno de ellos se proponen las tecnologías necesarias para hacer posible ese modelo y se hace una previsión de aquellos países más adecuados para adaptar cada modelo.
(2013). [e-Book] Aplicaciones de la web social en las bibliotecas. Madrid, Consejo de Cooperación Bibliotecaria. Texto completo: http://travesia.mcu.es/
La IFLA, en el Manifiesto de Alejandría sobre las bibliotecas en “La sociedad de la información en acción”, expresa la necesidad de “promover una sociedad incluyente basada en el derecho fundamental de los seres humanos tanto al acceso a la información como a su expresión sin restricciones, y en la que cada uno sea capaz de crear, acceder, usar y compartir información y conocimiento”. Desde el prisma que ahora nos ocupa -la introducción de las herramientas de la denominada web social en las bibliotecas- dos son los conceptos que especialmente podemos destacar en el párrafo referenciado del Manifiesto de Alejandría: “el acceso a la información” y, también, “usar y compartir la información y el conocimiento”. Realmente esas han sido siempre directrices en las que se han incardinado los objetivos de las bibliotecas públicas: difundir el conocimiento y usar y compartir la información y el conocimiento en la comunidad local en la que cada una de las bibliotecas presta servicio. La expresión y concreción de esas directrices ha variado a lo largo del tiempo. Lógicamente, las bibliotecas están inmersas en un contexto social, cultural y tecnológico que enmarcan de forma determinante el desempeño de su labor. En el momento actual, como conocemos, el contexto social y especialmente tecnológico está evolucionando y cambiando a ritmos cada vez más acelerados. Las bibliotecas escolares, gracias a las iniciativas promovidas por el Ministerio de Educación y las Consejerías de Educación de las Comunidades Autónomas, han experimentado en los últimos años importantes cambios para convertirse en un centro de recursos para la enseñanza y el aprendizaje desde el que se vertebre gran parte de la información dirigida a toda la comunidad educativa. En este proceso de cambio han ido mejorando su infraestructura e implementando las herramientas tecnológicas con el fin de ir ofreciendo a los usuarios nuevos servicios más allá de la consulta del catálogo a través de la red.
(2013). [e-Book] La evolución de la web social desde 14 puntos de vista: Internet y turismo: el campo de batalla cinco años después del boom 2.0. Madrid, Hosteltur. Texto completo: http://static.hosteltur.com/
Hace aproximadamente cinco años el concepto web 2.0 arrancaba con fuerza en el sector turístico, configurando un nuevo escenario del que surgieron infinidad de nuevas aplicaciones y negocios online, cantidades ingentes de contenido multimedia, nuevas profesiones y, ¿cómo no?, los denostados gurús del 2.0. Hoy, superado el éxtasis inicial, el sector sigue adaptándose a los cambios vertiginosos que imponen las tecnologías, pero la obsesión por el 2.0 parece haberse diluido. Desde Hosteltur hemos querido analizar la evolución del concepto 2.0 en un ejemplar especial de nuestra revista que lleva por título “Internet y turismo: el campo de batalla cinco años después del boom 2.0”. El reportaje central de la revista aborda los temas que fueron candentes en el sector turístico en los años 2007 y 2008 y deja en evidencia los éxitos y los fracasos de las iniciativas, teorías y tendencias de la tantas veces citada web 2.0. Con el fin de ofrecer una visión más amplia del tema, hemos preguntado a otros profesionales acerca de su opinión sobre lo que la web 2.0 ha significado para el sector turístico de hoy en día. Profesionales de OTAs, agencias de comunicación, empresas de desarrollo web y organizaciones del sector turístico han colaborado en este ebook editado por Hosteltur con motivo de Fitur 2013.
Adeleke, A. A. and J. Habila "Awareness, ownership and use of weblogs by librarians in Nigeria." Electronic Library, The vol. 30, n. 4 (2012). pp. 507-515. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/
Purpose – The paper aims to report the level of awareness, ownership and use of weblogs by librarians in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach – The study adopts a survey research approach using online survey software to elicit information on issues relating to librarians' awareness, knowledge, ownership and use of weblogs. Findings – Data analysis shows that librarians demonstrate remarkable level of awareness and knowledge about weblogs and their benefits to professional practice and services but they neither own nor use the technology. Research limitations/implications – The study was limited by a low response rate to the survey. Less than 7 per cent of the members of the online NLA forum used for the data collection responded. This implies that internet culture is still in its formative stage among librarians in Nigeria. Practical implications – The paper concludes by enunciating the need for awareness creation, training and re-training programmes for librarians to start creating and maintaining personal and institutional weblogs and other social networking media that could enhance professional practice and services. Social implications – The study promises to sensitize librarians and other information professionals in Nigeria and other developing countries to the social values of weblogs and similar technologies in terms of communication, networking, knowledge sharing and other usefulness. Originality/value – The paper contributes to empirical research on library use of Web 2.0 technologies in Nigeria and literature in the field of library and information science.
Andalia, C., Rubén, L. , et al. "Caos en la aldea global : los servicios de información bibliográfica en el centro de la tormenta Chaos in the global village : the bibliographical information services in the centre of storm." Revista Cubana de información en ciencias de la salud vol. 24, n. 1 (2013). pp. 84-97. http://www.acimed.sld.cu/
La sociedad actual vive un proceso de tránsito acelerado que se caracteriza por una intensa lucha de poder en todos los sectores de la vida. En particular, la industria de la información, sus tecnologías, productos y servicios, experimentan un rápido crecimiento y transformación. Con el objetivo de ilustrar este proceso se estudiaron los servicios de información bibliográfica. Para esto, tras una breve panorámica sobre su evolución y escenario mundial actual, se estudió el caso de la intensa competencia que protagonizan dos de los grandes monopolios de la información: Reed Elsevier y Thomson Reuters, por el control de la información científica y tecnológica que mueve el mundo.
Area Moreira, M., A. Gutiérrez Martín, et al. (2012). [e-Book] Alfabetización digital y competencias informacionales. Madrid, Fundación telefónica. Texto completo: http://www.fundacion.
Cuando la alfabetización básica había dejado de ser una preocupación,volvemos a oír hablar de letrados y analfabetos en la sociedad actual, en la Sociedad de la Información. Y lo hacemos respecto a la cultura digital, el mundo mediado a través de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC). La escuela y la familia se erigieron como los actores fundamentales de la alfabetización tradicional. Hoy siguen ostentando el protagonismo formal, pero su posición se ve cada día más disputada por otros agentes. Padres y profesores se sienten preocupados y sorprendidos ante un proceso en el que cambian con frecuencia los papeles y el fl ujo de conocimiento. Ante esta situación surge una serie de preguntas: ¿en qué consiste la alfabetización digital?; ¿cuáles son sus contenidos, sus agentes y sus objetivos deseables?; ¿cuál es el papel de los profesores?; ¿cómo se instruyen los formadores de esta nueva alfabetización?; ¿cómo afrontan los padres y las familias el protagonismo creciente de las TIC en los distintos ámbitos de formación de sus hijos?; ¿qué demandas plantean a la escuela? Este informe, fruto de la colaboración entre Fundación Telefónica y Fundación Encuentro, intenta dar respuesta a estas preguntas y preocupaciones. El informe se estructura en tres capítulos. En el primero se expone la evolución histórica del concepto de alfabetización y el impacto de las TIC y sus implicaciones en el proceso de enseñanza/aprendizaje. En el segundo se analiza la situación del profesorado respecto a la alfabetización digital, pero desde una perspectiva a menudo obviada: la formación del propio profesorado para este “nuevo” contexto, sobre todo la formación inicial. Finalmente, el tercer capítulo busca responder a una pregunta: ¿cómo afrontan los padres la relación entre TIC y educación? Para ello se ha realizado una encuesta específica que arroja resultados de gran interés e impacto social. Tanto los análisis de los expertos como los resultados de la encuesta, coinciden en un aspecto básico: el manejo de las TIC constituye un elemento cada vez más importante para ser un individuo “alfabetizado” en la sociedad actual y futura, pero para ser ciudadanos en la sociedad digital se precisa el desarrollo de las competencias informacionales. Disposiciones, actitudes y valores tales como el sentido crítico, la participación, el emprendimiento, la visión global… deben ser la base para guiar educativamente el uso de las TIC y aprovechar al máximo sus potencialidades. Y, en esas competencias informacionales, los padres y los profesores siguen siendo actores fundamentales.
Arif, M. and K. Mahmood "The changing role of librarians in the digital world: Adoption of Web 2.0 technologies by Pakistani librarians." Electronic Library, The vol. 30, n. 4 (2012). pp. 469-479. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/
Purpose – The aim of this study was to explore the pattern and extent of the adoption of Web 2.0 technologies by Pakistani librarians. Design/methodology/approach – A survey was conducted using web-based surveying software (SurveyMonkey) and Pakistan based LIS e-mail discussion groups. Professional librarians serving in all types of libraries participated in the study. Findings – Instant messaging, blogs, social networking and wikis were the most popular Web 2.0 technologies. Librarians adopted such technologies in their professional and personal lives. Gender, length of professional experience and place of work have no effect on the frequency of use, while perceived skill level of internet use and perceived ease of Web 2.0 use have a significant effect on the frequency. Lack of computer literacy, and lower availability of computers and internet facilities were the major hindrances of Web 2.0 adoption by librarians. Awareness and training programs could enable librarians to cope with Web 2.0 technologies. Research limitations/implications – Due to the use of a non-probability/non-
Artopoulos, A., G. Baum, et al. (2012). [e-Book] La Sociedad de las Cuatro Pantallas. Una mirada latinoamericana. Madrid, Fundación Telefónica. Texto completo: http://www.fundacion.
Este libro intenta presentar evidencias sobre la “Sociedad de las Cuatro Pantallas”, tales como el entramado social latinoamericano de la segunda década del siglo XXI. Una forma más sucia, menos fluida, más terrenal. Está cerca de la tierra, de la calle, es nómada, se mueve, es concreta. La Sociedad del Conocimiento en el mundo periférico maneja el insumo cognitivo alejado de las academias y cercano a donde está la acción. Carece de la reflexividad que reclama la modernidad, y por lo tanto, es incapaz de imaginarse en una era posindustrial. El conocimiento plano tiene en el panóptico móvil una maquina perpetua de registro empírico. Registra imágenes, quietas y en movimiento, lugares y sonidos georreferenciados, declaraciones sin intermediarios, y permite además el acceso al conocimiento disponible en línea, disolviendo la hegemonía del enciclopedismo iluminista. Punto de quiebre en el segundo centenario de las independencias latinoamericanas.
Asemi, A., A. Akbari, et al. "Investigating the level of desirability of information in management information systems in libraries in Iran." Electronic Library, The vol. 30, n. 6 (2012). pp. 833-843. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/
Purpose – The aim of this paper is to investigate the pros and cons of Iranian library management software, focusing on the usage of open source technology. It seeks to analyse the viewpoints of librarians in the University of Isfahan as a sample to extend the findings to the Iranian Library management software community. Design/methodology/approach – In order to get the opinions of librarians, the descriptive method is used. The required data are collected by literature review, questionnaire and open interview from university top managers, software technical staff, libraries managers, librarians, end users, and companies providing similar products. However, because of time limitations, the authors could only gather data by researcher-made checklist of the librarians (informants) who directly have worked with University of Isfahan in the libraries. Findings – The main problem of many library management software platforms in Iran is that the focus of development is mainly on technical issues rather than management, operational, and end-user concerns. This is highlighted when open source software is used because it is common for an off-the-shelf product to be used with less consideration of the nontechnical issues. This is the reason that Iranian libraries are moving to replace their software with commercial versions. Research limitations/implications – There was insufficient cooperation of some librarians in identifying capabilities and deficiencies of UILMS and limited cooperation of some technical experts in reviewing the software. Originality/value – Considering the lack of standard checklists, this paper presents a relatively complete checklist to evaluate the library software.
Baiget, T. and D. Torres-Salinas (2013). [e-Book] Informe Apei sobre Publicación en revistas científicas. Oviedo, APEI. Texto completo: http://www.apei.es/informes/
Manual en el que se presentan los aspectos que hay que tener en cuenta para escribir y publicar artículos científicos con calidad suficiente para que sean aceptados en revistas de impacto elevado. Los principales temas tratados son: generalidades sobre publicaciones técnicas y científicas, índices de calidad de revistas, metadatos, aspectos formales, secciones de los artículos, redacción, ilustraciones, proceso de la evaluación por pares, ética, publicación en acceso abierto, marketing profesional y promoción del artículo.
Bawden, D. "Knowledge, documentation and a London location." Journal of Documentation vol. 69, n. 1 (2013). pp. 4-5. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/
Purpose – As documents, and the whole information and communication environment, become increasingly digital, it is natural to assume that physical location becomes of less importance. The aim of this paper is to highlight two newly published books, which remind us that this idea should be examined with a critical eye. Design/methodology/approach – This editorial takes the form of a literature review and a viewpoint. Findings – The paper finds books of this kind remind us that a physical place, a locality, has sometimes been a very powerful stimulus to the development of collections, of memory institutions, and of the advances in education and dissemination of knowledge which are associated with them. This is worth remembering as we move into a digital information world. Originality/value – The paper offers the author's viewpoint as well as highlighting these two books which join a small number which have analysed and celebrated the history of intellectual advances in London.
Bekiari, C., M. Doerr, et al. (2012). [e-Book] FRBR object-oriented definition and mapping to FRBRER (Version 1.0.2). La Haya, IFLA. Texto completo: http://www.cidoc-crm.org/docs/
This document is the definition of FRBR1 object-oriented version, harmonised with CIDOC CRM, hereafter referred to as FRBROO, a formal ontology intended to capture and represent the underlying semantics of bibliographic information and to facilitate the integration, mediation, and interchange of bibliographic and museum information. Such a common view is necessary to provide interoperable information systems for those
users interested in accessing common or related content. Beyond that, it results in a formalisation which is more suited for the implementation of FRBR concepts with object-oriented tools, and which facilitates the testing and adoption of FRBR concepts in implementations with different functional specifications and different environments. It applies empirical analysis and ontological structure to the entities and processes associated with works, to their properties, and to the relationships among them. Thereby it reveals a web of interrelationships, which is also applicable to information objects in non-bibliographic arenas2, and is useful to justify the need of information elements in different environments
Biranvand, A. and H. S. Moghaddam "Feasibility assessment of creating an inter-library loan system and document delivery services in public libraries of Fars Province (Iran)." Electronic Library, The vol. 31, n. 1 (2013). pp. 24-35. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/
Purpose – The aim of this research is to display an applied and descriptive survey, assessing the feasibility of creating an inter-library loan (ILL) system and document delivery services in public libraries of Fars Province (Iran). Design/methodology/approach – The tool for gathering data in this study is a questionnaire distributed to 254 people from public library managers and librarians in Fars Province. Data analysis was performed with statistical software SPSS (version 16), using descriptive statistics and the Friedman test. Findings – Based on the findings, 69.94 percent of research librarians and 95.9 percent of managers surveyed need to implement an inter-library loan system. Activity of libraries in Fars Province in the field of ILL and document delivery library services was very low (5.73 percent). Research subjects indicated that the limitations and potential problems in implementation included: no guarantee that prevents damage to resources (97.3 percent), a lack of consistent rules using library services ILL (95 percent), a lack of funding for cooperation among libraries (92/1 percent), a lack of cooperation between public libraries in ILL library (91.3 percent), the high cost of cooperation among libraries, non-credit provision for main organization (89.4 percent), a lack of equipment such as computers, scanners, copiers, and faxes (89 percent), a lack of librarians familiar with network technologies and databases (83.9 percent), a lack of trust among professionals in the field of librarianship and library document delivery services (80 percent), and a lack of coordination between the center and the library system for implementation (80 percent). Originality/value – The paper offers recommendations which, if enacted, would lead to a much needed improvement to the ILL and document delivery services of public (and other libraries) in Fars Province.
Boutard, G. and C. Guastavino "Archiving electroacoustic and mixed music: Significant knowledge involved in the creative process of works with spatialisation." Journal of Documentation vol. 68, n. 6 (2012). pp. 749-771. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify, operationalise, and test a knowledge management model in the context of electroacoustic and mixed music preservation. This operationalisation intends to provide an interdisciplinary framework for the specification of meaningful usability for idiosyncratic technological artefacts build up during the creative process of these works. Design/methodology/approach – The design of the questionnaire was based on semi-structured interviews with seven composers. The resulting questionnaire was used for an online survey targeting composers registered at electroacoustic and mixed music online associations. Data were collected from 33 composers. Findings – This article demonstrates the relevance of Boisot's knowledge management model in order to categorize the knowledge involved during the creative process of electroacoustic and mixed music with spatialisation. Research limitations/implications – In terms of Boisot's model operationalisation, the authors identified limitations with regards to composers' ability to discriminate between different levels of abstraction and diffusion. Since multiple agents, both human and non-human, are involved in the creative process of electroacoustic and mixed music, further studies should address their interaction throughout the creative process. Originality/value – Based on the findings of the survey, the authors propose the concept of significant knowledge as an extension of significant properties in order to provide a meaningful usability of digital objects. Since similar technologies are used in theatre, dance, and fine arts, the authors expect this research to benefit the artistic community at large in terms of preservation.
Bowen, A. "A LibGuides presence in a Blackboard environment." Reference Services Review vol. 40, n. 3 (2012). pp. 449-468. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/
Purpose – This paper aims to describe current approaches to and assess the value of placing course-level research guides generated through LibGuides software into Blackboard learning management system (LMS) shells. It also aims to describe the specific technique of such placement in Blackboard Vista and Blackboard Learn shells. Design/methodology/approach – A link to a library assignment made with LibGuides was embedded as a button in the left-side navigation bar of the Blackboard shell for an undergraduate communications course. A total of 57 student users responded to a survey on their perceptions of this method of accessing library resources. Findings – The paper reveals that students broadly value access to library resources from a convenient and persistently visible link within their course shell. They demonstrate a strong inclination to use the embedded library resource link first before using other information sources on the open internet. Practical implications – The study supports the placement of library research guides in a persistently visible position in LMS course shells and presents specific instructions on doing so. Further, this process requires and promotes coordination among librarians, instructors, and information technology staff. Originality/value – The paper fills a gap in the current practice and theory of the placement of library research guides in course-level LMSs. It provides empirical research results on the strong effectiveness of persistently visible embedded links to these guides with a student user survey. The paper also describes the practical procedure for combining the dominant instructional technology programs of LibGuides and both Blackboard Vista and Blackboard Learn.
Chen, C.-M., Y.-T. Chen, et al. "Developing a Taiwan library history digital library with reader knowledge archiving and sharing mechanisms based on the DSpace platform." Electronic Library, The vol. 30, n. 3 (2012). pp. 426-442. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/
Purpose – This work seeks to present a reading annotation and knowledge sharing tool, which can annotate a web page with HTML format archived by the Taiwan libraries' history digital library based on Web 2.0 technologies Design/methodology/approach – This work adopted DSpace, an open-source institutional repository system, to implement a Taiwan Digital Library History Library with the reading annotation tool for knowledge archiving and sharing services. A quasi-experimental design method was employed to randomly assign participants to an experimental group and control group to evaluate differences in the reading performance of learners who used the proposed annotation system. A statistical analysis scheme was employed to evaluate differences in learning performance of learners while reading and learning with the proposed annotation tool. Findings – The paper finds that annotated digital material provides useful knowledge to readers. The values to those annotating and subsequent readers are the acquisition of in-depth knowledge and efficient reading. Additionally, the effect on digital libraries is that digital library content grows dynamically as readers contribute knowledge. More importantly, annotated information from different readers has very high potential for the discovery of value-added knowledge utilizing data mining techniques. Originality/value – Collecting user-generated content is a novel research issue in the library sciences field, and few studies have developed useful tools that allow readers to actively contribute their knowledge to digital libraries. This work shows how to implement such digital library systems and how the annotation tool benefits the growth of digital archives and promotes learning performance.
Cocciolo, A. and D. Rabina "Does place affect user engagement and understanding?: Mobile learner perceptions on the streets of New York." Journal of Documentation vol. 69, n. 1 (2013). pp. 98-120. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/
Purpose – The aim of this research project is to uncover if place-based learning can increase learner engagement and understanding of historical topics. Design/methodology/approach – To study this, learners will use GeoStoryteller to learn about a historical topic on the places where significant events occurred, and then be interviewed by the researchers. GeoStoryteller is a tool developed by the researchers that runs on smartphones, such as an iPhone or Android. It provides the user multimedia stories about the historical sites, delivered via the mobile web or through Layar, an augmented reality web browser. The initial application of this technology focuses on German immigration to New York City between 1840 and 1945 through a partnership with the Goethe-Institut, the Federal Republic of Germany's cultural institution. After using GeoStoryteller to learn about this content, n=31 participants were interviewed by the researchers, and transcripts were subjected to a quantitative content analysis. Findings – Results indicate that the use of place increases learner perceptions of their engagement and understanding of historical topics; however, novel user interfaces like augmented reality impose significant usability issues, and more standard interfaces are preferred by users. Originality/value – The use of place in mobile learning environments provides a meaningful entry point into historical content. Teachers of history and social studies, as well as those working in memory institutions (museum, libraries, and archives), should be encouraged in using place in their teaching and mobile education initiatives.
Coonin, B. and C. Levine "Reference Interviews: Getting Things Right." The Reference Librarian vol. 54, n. 1 (2012). pp. 73-77. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/
Few would disagree that successful communication between librarian and patron is critical to success in the reference process. Based on Atul Gawande's book, The Checklist Manifesto, the authors indicate how a well-executed reference interview reflects the structure of a checklist and how the deeper qualities found in a well-constructed checklist can positively influence the outcome of a complicated interaction.
Costello, B. J. "Free U.S. Government Databases for Non-Depository Libraries." The Reference Librarian vol. 54, n. 1 (2012). pp. 1-22. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/
Free federal government databases are an untapped resource of which many libraries do not take advantage. Many of the databases are cataloged and can be added to a library Online Public Access Catalog; other databases have persistent URLs that can be linked from LibGuides or other online subject finding aids. The desirability and potential drawbacks of adding these resources to the catalog are discussed. Before referring library users to the databases, evaluative criteria must be applied to ensure stability, authority, currency, and ease of search. A select list of federal agency databases that meet the criteria is offered.
Dasgupta, A. "More Than Just a “Reference Librarian”." The Reference Librarian vol. 54, n. 1 (2012). pp. 78-80. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/
In most undergraduate colleges, librarians are involved in conducting Information Literacy classes and helping students at the reference desk. I consider these two services to be teaching. Surely, techniques used in classroom teaching are different from teaching students at a reference desk. Over the years, a lot has been discussed about teaching Information Literacy classes and conducting bibliographic instructions. However, little has been discussed about the teaching techniques used by librarians at the reference desk. Here, I discuss a teaching technique I often use with undergraduate students at the reference desk.
Dennis, M. "Outreach initiatives in academic libraries, 2009-2011." Reference Services Review vol. 40, n. 3 (2012). pp. 368-383. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/
Purpose – With outreach responsibilities on the rise in academic libraries and budgets declining or remaining stagnant, finding outreach initiatives that support the university in creative ways are on the rise. This study seeks to compare outreach initiatives by academic librarians to a project conducted by the author. Design/methodology/approach – Academic librarians with responsibilities in outreach, marketing, and promotion were targeted in a survey sent to listervs in the Summer of 2011. A total of 21 academic librarians described successful outreach initiatives. A small response rate reflects the target audience. Findings – The survey revealed a wide range of outreach initiatives that compare funding: library, university, grant, and other. The author's project greatly exceeded the cost of all other initiatives. Research limitations/implications – The research identifies survey flaws and a small reach to the targeted audience. Suggestions for future research include a modified survey to the Association of Library Communications and Outreach Professionals. Practical implications – Technology advancements and budget restraints have put pressure on outreach librarians to provide successful programs with less funding. Many colleges and universities across the nation have inserted outreach into public services positions. Originality/value – The literature produces limited research about successful outreach initiatives over the past five years where economic duress has been nationwide. Outreach librarians will find inspiration in the collected outreach projects undertaken at 21 colleges and universities across America to create projects with limited funding.
Dougan, K. "Delivering and Assessing Music Reference Services." The Reference Librarian vol. 54, n. 1 (2012). pp. 38-54. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/
The nature of music collections and their use means that patrons have always required specialized guidance from librarians to access what they need. Currently, library patrons' expectations are growing as collections and their delivery modes evolve. Music reference services must adapt to effectively address these needs. This article examines the challenges to delivering effective music reference service, the basics of reference assessment, and how assessment models such LibQual+, the Wisconsin-Ohio Reference Evaluation Program, and the Reference Effort Assessment Data Scale can help librarians build patron-centered music reference services.
Duffy, J. H., Jo ; Holl, Lesley ; Walker, Julie (2012). [e-Book] Bibliotherapy Toolkit, Kirkless Council. Texto completo: http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/
Bibliotherapy is the use of reading creatively; books, stories and poems to make people feel better, in themselves, about themselves and about others. It is about reading and a passion for reading. It is also about sharing that passion, enthusiasm and delight with another individual or group of people. We all know how reading can take us out of ourselves and into another world. Conversely it can show us our own life mirrored in that of another person. If we are feeling miserable or alone sharing our experience in this way can help us to feel less isolated. Our empathy with others is extended as is our imagination and understanding. Bibliotherapy taps into this potential of reading by sharing books, stories and poems with groups or individuals - talking about books, recommending them or simply reading aloud.
Farhoudi, M. "Translation of interjections in drama." Babel vol. 58, n. 3 (2012). pp. 327-338. http://dx.doi.org/10.1075/
In general, drama translation is a story of conflicts. Drama translation is unique in that it is not just a matter of replacing dramatic dialogues and narration of the foreign or source language (SL) into the language of the target community (TL), but it is also a means of transferring cultural and emotional elements. Only limited attention has hitherto been devoted to the translation of drama, probably owing to the special problems confronting the translator for the stage. Unlike the translation of a novel, or a poem, the duality inherent in the art of the theatre requires language to combine with spectacle, manifested through visual as well as acoustic images. The translator is therefore faced with the choice of either
viewing drama as literature or as an integral part of a theatrical production
Foster, A. and C. Urquhart "Modelling nonlinear information behaviour: transferability and progression." Journal of Documentation vol. 68, n. 6 (2012). pp. 784-805. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/
Purpose – This paper aims to report on a project aimed at moving Foster's nonlinear model of information seeking behaviour forwards from an empirically based model focused on one setting and towards one that is robustly transferable and enables testing of the model in other information-seeking situations. Design/methodology/approach – The method utilised recoding of the original dataset, comparison of code decisions, and testing of the code book on a second dataset. Findings – The results of the coding confirm the structure and interactions in version one of the model. The dynamic and nonlinear nature of information seeking is confirmed, as are the core processes and contextual dimensions of the original model with some extension and refinement of coding. Practical implications – Changes to the model include new scales of extent and intensity, refinement of code descriptions, and extension of some elements to include multidisciplinary theories. Collectively these changes enable testing of the model in other information situations and opportunities for further research. Originality/value – The results incorporate a number of enhancements that have been developed since the original Foster model was created; cognitive dimensions relating to personality and learning are enhanced and the codes essential to the revised Foster model are described along with a code book. The paper concludes by highlighting areas for further research.
Friedman, A. and R. P. Smiraglia "Nodes and arcs: concept map, semiotics, and knowledge organization." Journal of Documentation vol. 69, n. 1 (2013). pp. 27-48. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/
Purpose – The purpose of the research reported here is to improve comprehension of the socially-negotiated identity of concepts in the domain of knowledge organization. Because knowledge organization as a domain has as its focus the order of concepts, both from a theoretical perspective and from an applied perspective, it is important to understand how the domain itself understands the meaning of a concept. Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides an empirical demonstration of how the domain itself understands the meaning of a concept. The paper employs content analysis to demonstrate the ways in which concepts are portrayed in KO concept maps as signs, and they are subjected to evaluative semiotic analysis as a way to understand their meaning. The frame was the entire population of formal proceedings in knowledge organization – all proceedings of the International Society for Knowledge Organization's international conferences (1990-2010) and those of the annual classification workshops of the Special Interest Group for Classification Research of the American Society for Information Science and Technology (SIG/CR). Findings – A total of 344 concept maps were analyzed. There was no discernible chronological pattern. Most concept maps were created by authors who were professors from the USA, Germany, France, or Canada. Roughly half were judged to contain semiotic content. Peirceian semiotics predominated, and tended to convey greater granularity and complexity in conceptual terminology. Nodes could be identified as anchors of conceptual clusters in the domain; the arcs were identifiable as verbal relationship indicators. Saussurian concept maps were more applied than theoretical; Peirceian concept maps had more theoretical content. Originality/value – The paper demonstrates important empirical evidence about the coherence of the domain of knowledge organization. Core values are conveyed across time through the concept maps in this population of conference papers.
Garza, C. and I. Valdez (2012). [e-Book] Creación de libros con iBooks Author. México, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey. Texto completo: https://itunes.apple.com/us/
Este libro describe de manera básica la funcionalidad de iBooks Author, proporcionando una guía para quienes deseen conocer la aplicación y crear libros interactivos mediante esta herramienta.
Garza, C. and I. Valdez (2012). [e-Book] Uso de iPad con iOS 6.0.1. México, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey. Texto completo: https://itunes.apple.com/us/
"Uso de iPad con iOS 6.0.1” pretende ayudar a las personas que tengan este dispositivo a sacar el mayor provecho a todas las opciones que ofrece. Fue creado por dos profesoras del Tec de Monterrey con la herramienta iBooks Author; y esta gratis a través de iTunes. Entre su temática abarca lo básico del iPad, elementos físicos, interfaz e interacción, ajustes iniciales, apps básicas y apps sugeridas. El objetivo del libro es servir de apoyo en la capacitación de todas las personas que tengan un dispositivo iPad, para que le puedan sacar más provecho a todas las opciones… nos dimos cuenta que ese material podía colocarse en un iBook para hacerlo llegar a más público, para hacerlo más interactivo y para actualizarlo más fácilmente a medida que las versiones del iOS fueran cambiando.
Goh, D. H.-L., K. Razikin, et al. "Evaluating the use of a mobile annotation system for geography education." Electronic Library, The vol. 30, n. 5 (2012). pp. 589-607. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/
Purpose – Mobile devices used in educational settings are usually employed within a collaborative learning activity in which learning takes place in the form of social interactions between team members while performing a shared task. The authors aim to introduce MobiTOP (Mobile Tagging of Objects and People), a mobile annotation system that allows users to contribute and share geospatial multimedia annotations via mobile devices. Design/methodology/approach – Field observations and interviews were conducted. A group of trainee teachers involved in a geography field study were instructed to identify rock formations by collaborating with each other using the MobiTOP system. The trainee teachers who were in the field were guided by their lab counterparts on the tasks required to identify the rock formations. Findings – Participants were able to appreciate the fieldwork task as it augmented their classroom lessons. The system allowed them to communicate with one another in order to meet the objectives of the study. However, there were some technical difficulties in relation to the affordance of the mobile and web applications that affected the usefulness of the applications. Originality/value – This study reports the design and implementation of a mobile annotation system that was evaluated in an actual classroom setting. The results of this work have implications for both mobile applications design and mobile learning.
Górny, M. and J. Mazurek "Key users of Polish digital libraries." Electronic Library, The vol. 30, n. 4 (2012). pp. 543-556. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/
Purpose – The article concerns efforts to identify the key users of Polish digital libraries. Design/methodology/approach – The research was based on a questionnaire containing 19 questions, on subjects which included ways of using the library, reasons for using it, and which types of publications were most often used. Use was also made of statistical data collected on the library's server. An attempt was made to characterize the dominant groups of digital library users, taking a user's interests as the main determinant. The analysis focused on age, sex, level of education, and size of town where users reside. An attempt was also made to determine approximately the total number of users. Findings – Approximately 60 per cent of users are amateur historians with an interest in the history of their place of residence or genealogists interested in the history of their family. The remaining 40 per cent consist mainly of academic researchers and students. The number of regular readers – those who use the library at least several times per year – is approximately 30,000. There will probably be a significant rise in the number of users in the amateur historians and genealogists category. One of the factors that may affect the number of users is the expansion of information technology infrastructure in rural areas. This will undoubtedly cause a significant rise in the number of internet users, although the number of digital library users will probably increase only marginally as a result of this. A second factor is the spreading of internet skills in the over-70 age group. In a few years' time that group will be more numerous. The group that affords the greatest prospects for expansion is students. Firstly this is a group that numbers two million people in Poland, and secondly they require universal access to textbooks. A cause for concern is the minimal interest in digital libraries shown by teachers and school pupils. Research limitations/implications – This is the first stage of research into the function performed by digital libraries in Polish society. Originality/value – This is the first study carried out in Poland to answer the question of who uses digital libraries, to what extent, and why.
Guedes Farias, M. G. and I. M. Freire "La socialización de información en la web : el blog como un divulgador del conocimiento." Alexandría : Revista de Ciencias de la Información vol. VI, n. 9 (2012). pp.: http://eprints.rclis.org/
Este artículo refleja el uso de los medios digitales a través del blog, para grabar y difundir el conocimiento de los residentes de una comunidad urbana popular de Brasil, con el propósito de promover los beneficios sociales y de la ciudadanía. La investigación se basa en la responsabilidad social de los profesionales de la información, vistos como facilitadores en el proceso de información. El “Blog da Comunidade Santa Clara” se ha convertido en un instrumento virtual teniendo como variable significativa en la conciencia de los residentes el valor de la información que representa el tesoro del conocimiento. En este contexto, el ciberespacio ofrece la producción de nuevos conocimientos para las futuras generaciones de esta comunidad
Henry, C. L., K. K. Vardeman, et al. "Reaching out: connecting students to their personal librarian." Reference Services Review vol. 40, n. 3 (2012). pp. 396-407. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/
Purpose – This paper aims to highlight how librarians at Texas Tech University Libraries are thinking outside the box. Librarians launched services in a number of directions by creating new service points through videos, QR code signs, and roving reference. Personal librarians use videos to introduce themselves, allowing the patron to relate to the librarian on a personal level. Signs with QR codes are posted in areas of the library to assist patrons in locating materials, rooms, or services. Roving reference allows librarians to step out of the library, meeting patrons' needs across campus. Design/methodology/approach – The literature is limited on libraries utilizing videos to promote librarians and roving reference. This paper examines in detail services deployed in the last two years at Texas Tech University Libraries. Findings – The reaction to these services has been mixed. Students responded that videos and roving reference have a personal touch and meet patrons at their point of need. Students have not adopted the QR code technology. Research limitations/implications – Unfortunately, these new services do not have long-term statistics to evaluate. Practical implications – The paper acts as a guide to implementing marketing in academic libraries, QR codes, and reference services off the desk. Other libraries can implement the services described. Originality/value – The novelty of this research is the creative way the librarians approached the needs of the patrons.
Hodgens, C., M. C. Sendall, et al. "Post-graduate health promotion students assess their information literacy." Reference Services Review vol. 40, n. 3 (2012). pp. 408-422. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine post-graduate health promotion students' self-perceptions of information literacy skills prior to, and after completing PILOT, an online information literacy tutorial. Design/methodology/approach – Post-graduate students at Queensland University of Technology enrolled in PUP038 New Developments in Health Promotion completed a pre- and post-self-assessment questionnaire. From 2008-2011 students were required to rate their academic writing and research skills before and after completing the PILOT online information literacy tutorial. Quantitative trends and qualitative themes were analysed to establish students' self-assessment and the effectiveness of the PILOT tutorial. Findings – The results from four years of post-graduate students' self-assessment questionnaires provide evidence of perceived improvements in information literacy skills after completing PILOT. Some students continued to have trouble with locating quality information and analysis as well as issues surrounding referencing and plagiarism. Feedback was generally positive and students' responses indicated they found the tutorial highly beneficial in improving their research skills. Originality/value – This paper is original because it describes post-graduate health promotion students' self-assessment of information literacy skills over a period of four years. The literature is limited in the health promotion domain and self-assessment of post-graduate students' information literacy skills.
Indvik, L. (2012). [e-Book] Ebook Sales Surpass Hardcover for First Time in U.S. Texto completo: http://mashable.com/2012/06/
American publishers are now bringing in more revenue from ebooks than hardcover books.
Jamali, R., A. Moshabaki, et al. "Customer relationship management in electronic environment." Electronic Library, The vol. 31, n. 1 (2013). pp. 119-130. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/
Purpose – Internet and electronic networks tend to be used to provide customers with services and to facilitate understanding of common variable demands by which many organizations may increase services' quality from the customers' point of view. In addition, e-libraries, though in some ways run for noncommercial goals, have been faced with great attention from customers, which makes them maintain and develop their services. The authors have come to a conclusion that the only way to increased financial benefits is through better service. Organizations as a part of the domestic information community therefore, have turned to implementation of new methods such as management of customer relationships. This paper aims to develop a valid and reliable method for evaluating and measuring the management relationship level with customers in e-libraries. In addition, the research tries to find how successful Yazd University Libraries has been to meet students' expectations, as a guideline to take steps toward improving its services. Design/methodology/approach – The research was conducted among 381 e-library services users in Yazd University, using a questionnaire comprised of 78 items. Moreover, exploratory factor analysis was used to classify the CRM attributes into latent “CRM factors”. Finally, the study measures the gap between users' expectations and perceptions about each CRM factor at Yazd University. Findings – The paper found only 37 of 78 items suitable enough to be used for CRM measurement in e-libraries. Results of factor analyzing show that there are three main factors in e-libraries' CRM; two of them may need revision for improvement in meeting students' demands. Originality/value – The concept of customer relationship management assessment and improvement is relatively new among e-institutions especially libraries, and there is a lack of studies focusing of CRM in the digital world. This is the first study of its kind to survey the CRM scale in digital libraries. In addition, the study provides useful insights and guidance for managers to measure and improve CRM system toward improving customer satisfaction.
Jeong, H. "A comparison of the influence of electronic books and paper books on reading comprehension, eye fatigue, and perception." Electronic Library, The vol. 30, n. 3 (2012). pp. 390-408. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/
Purpose – This paper aims to assess the usability of electronic books (e-books) and paper books (p-books) with objective measures, including user comprehension, eye fatigue, and perception. Design/methodology/approach – A total of 56 sixth-year public school students participated in this study. This paper was conducted in the following order: pre-CFF measurement, p-/e-book reading, post-CFF measurement, quiz, and questionnaire. A standard CFF device, a computer with a monitor for reading e-books, p-books, desks, and chairs were provided. Findings – This paper found that there is a significant “book effect” on quiz scores; compared to e-books, p-books appear to enable better reading comprehension. Regarding eye fatigue, students had significantly greater eye fatigue after reading e-books than after reading p-books. Students were satisfied with the e-book, but they preferred p-books. Research limitations/implications – Students would show satisfaction with e-books and acknowledge their usefulness, but still prefer p-books. However, a clearer understanding of this paradox in perception is needed. Further studies should try to explore the students' perceptions of e-books. Practical implications – Surprisingly, though, Korean students studied herein, who have had a higher level of exposure to technology than those in other countries, did not show positive behavioral intentions toward e-books. Overall, the responses from the Korean students suggest that there was general satisfaction with reading e-books on screen. However, this study also found a discordance in the students' perceptions of e-books. In this study, most students grew tired of reading on the screen; this tiredness could have an adverse effect on both reading comprehension and the perception of e-books. In further analyzing user responses, many of the critical remarks were found to refer to the screen/text size or clarity rather than to the e-book itself. Originality/value – Although this study suggests that students in general are not yet ready to entirely give up p-books, e-books are becoming increasingly common. However, great challenges remain in terms of making e-book content more available and in enabling improved comprehension and reducing eye fatigue.
Jiang, T. "An exploratory study on social library system users' information seeking modes." Journal of Documentation vol. 69, n. 1 (2013). pp. 6-26. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/
Purpose – Social library systems are Web 2.0 sites where users discover interesting books, movies, and music, etc., collect these resources to their personal libraries, and share their collections with others. The purpose of this study is to identify the information seeking modes adopted by users in this context as well as to reveal the characteristics of the users who are dominated by each mode. Design/methodology/approach – An online survey was conducted to capture the background and behavior data of regular users from Douban, the most influential Chinese-language social library system. The “friend-of-a-friend” recruitment technique resulted in a total of 129 responses, 112 of which were valid and analyzed to generate both descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings – Searching, browsing, encountering, and monitoring are the four major information seeking modes adopted by social library system users. The majority of the users tend to combine two or more modes, but each user has a dominating one that helps define him/her as a searcher, browser, encounterer, or monitor. While searching is the most widely adopted mode, browsers are the most prevalent type of information seekers. Different information seekers do not demonstrate significantly different characteristics by and large, however with some exceptions. Originality/value – This study is one of the first to investigate how users look for resources in social library systems, a problem neglected by previous studies mostly focusing on how users organize and tag resources. The research findings enrich our understanding of social library systems as diverse and dynamic information seeking environments. This in turn will provide useful implications for their interface design to more effectively address the needs and expectations of special types of information seekers.
Kanellopoulos, D. "Semantic annotation and retrieval of documentary media objects." Electronic Library, The vol. 30, n. 5 (2012). pp. 721-747. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/
Purpose – This paper aims to propose a system for the semantic annotation of audio-visual media objects, which are provided in the documentary domain. It presents the system's architecture, a manual annotation tool, an authoring tool and a search engine for the documentary experts. The paper discusses the merits of a proposed approach of evolving semantic network as the basis for the audio-visual content description. Design/methodology/approach – The author demonstrates how documentary media can be semantically annotated, and how this information can be used for the retrieval of the documentary media objects. Furthermore, the paper outlines the underlying XML schema-based content description structures of the proposed system. Findings – Currently, a flexible organization of documentary media content description and the related media data is required. Such an organization requires the adaptable construction in the form of a semantic network. The proposed approach provides semantic structures with the capability to change and grow, allowing an ongoing task-specific process of inspection and interpretation of source material. The approach also provides technical memory structures (i.e. information nodes), which represent the size, duration, and technical format of the physical audio-visual material of any media type, such as audio, video and 3D animation. Originality/value – The proposed approach (architecture) is generic and facilitates the dynamic use of audio-visual material using links, enabling the connection from multi-layered information nodes to data on a temporal, spatial and spatial-temporal level. It enables the semantic connection between information nodes using typed relations, thus structuring the information space on a semantic as well as syntactic level. Since the description of media content holds constant for the associated time interval, the proposed system can handle multiple content descriptions for the same media unit and also handle gaps. The results of this research will be valuable not only for documentary experts but for anyone with a need to manage dynamically audiovisual content in an intelligent way.
Kessler, J. "Use It or Lose It! Results of a Use Study of the Print Sources in an Academic Library Reference Collection." The Reference Librarian vol. 54, n. 1 (2012). pp. 61-72. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/
This article describes a use study of a reference collection, which found that 7.1% of total volumes in the reference collection were used over the course of the fall semester.
Kim, S. "Factors affecting the use of social software: TAM perspectives." Electronic Library, The vol. 30, n. 5 (2012). pp. 690-706. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/
Purpose – The purpose of this study is to explore the acceptance and use of social software tools; in particular, the paper focuses on how the features of social software determine its use. Design/methodology/approach – This study identifies and uses three independent variables: intrinsic motivation, communication, and information/knowledge sharing. The dependent variables are based on the technology acceptance model (TAM) and include the perceived usefulness of social software and the perceived easiness of using social software. Using an online survey, data were collected from employees in government agencies (n=116) in Korea. Findings – The results of a regression analysis show that both communication and knowledge sharing have a positive effect on the perceived usefulness of social software. However, the results did not statistically support intrinsic motivation as a crucial factor influencing the usefulness of social software. The findings also indicated that intrinsic motivation and communication are crucial factors in the ease of use of social software, while knowledge sharing is not significant statistically. Research limitations/implications – There are some limitations in this study that need to be addressed. First, in this study, the subjects in the questionnaire survey were employees in Korean government related agencies. In addition, the survey was conducted by volunteers responding to the questionnaire. Thus, in other circumstances, the findings of this study may not be valid or generalizable due to a different social context and representative sampling. Originality/value – The study implies that decision makers in software companies should support knowledge sharing activities and a variety of communication channels to transform a government agency into a social software community. In addition, the study shows that social software developers should consider enjoyment as a crucial factor for ease of use. Finally, the study found that the associations between the features of social software and South Korean government employees' characteristics for adopting social software can serve as a starting point for research projects involving government employees in other countries.
Ko, L. "Information loss and change of appellative effect in Chinese-English public sign translation." Babel vol. 58, n. 3 (2012). pp. 309-326. http://dx.doi.org/10.1075/
A ‘public sign’ or simply ‘sign’ generally refers to the type of sign posted in public places to alert readers to certain information, such as ‘No Parking’, ‘No Entry’ or ‘Staff Only’. Due to the fact that such signs are mostly placed in public places, they are also referred to as public signs by Chinese scholars (e.g. Ding 2006: 42; Luo & Li 2006: 66; Gu 2001). According to anthropologist Ashley Montagu, a sign is defined as a “concrete denoter” possessing an inherent, specific meaning, similar to the sentence “This is it; do something about it!” (quoted in Encyclopaedia Britannica). In marketing and advertising, a sign is referred to as “a device placed on or before a premise to identify its occupants and the nature of the business done there or to advertise a business or its products” (Encyclopaedia Britannica). According to the Macquarie Dictionary (1987), a sign is “an inscribed board, space, etc., serving for information, advertisement, warning, etc., on a building, along a street, or the like”. In Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary (1977), a sign is defined as “a posted command, warning, or direction”.
Kratochvíl, J. "Evaluation of e-learning course, Information Literacy, for medical students." Electronic Library, The vol. 31, n. 1 (2013). pp. 55-69. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/
Purpose – The main purpose of this article is to describe and to evaluate the results of evaluation of the e-learning course, Information Literacy, which is taught by the librarians at the Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University. In the article the results are discussed to inform about the librarians' experience with tutoring the course. Design/methodology/approach – The survey covers the medical students who enrolled on the course between autumn 2008 and autumn 2010. The students were requested to fill the questionnaire designed in Google Documents and based on the quantitative method, including a five-point Likert scale combined with closed and open ended questions. Findings – Results show the medical students are satisfied with the e-learning course, Information Literacy, because of time and space flexibility, studying at their own pace and online interactive tutorials. More than half the students found the gradual releasing of the study materials and the tasks as the main motivation for continous learning. Most of the students were satisfied with the taught topics like methodology of searching in the databases Web of Science, Scopus and medical databeses, using EndNoteWeb and citation style ISO 690. Most of the tasks like searching in the online databases, working with EndNoteWeb or finding the impact factor of a journal were evaluated as beneficial. Practical implications – The results have suggested several important revisions to the e-learning course, Information Literacy. The librarians have decided to create the interactive tutorials explaining the importance of the topics according to the students' needs in the future and writing a scientific paper and remove the parts of tutorials describing the library terminology and catalogues. Besides this decision, two new tasks – verifying online access to the full text of journals and finding signs of plagiarism in a short text – have been added since spring 2011. Finally the librarians will prepare some printed material supporting the course and improve the publicity of their e-learning course among the teachers who can recommend the course to their students. Originality/value – The article presents one of the first experiences with the e-learning course Information Literacy for medical students in the Czech Republic. The results and its discussion can help other librarians who are going to prepare a similar e-learning course in planning the conception of their course.
Kumar, S. and R. Vohra "User perception and use of OPAC: a comparison of three universities in the Punjab region of India." Electronic Library, The vol. 31, n. 1 (2013). pp. 36-54. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/
Purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate the manner and purposes for which users search the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) in the University Libraries of India. The study is a comparative analysis of the use of OPAC in three universities located, in the Union Territory of Chandigarh and Punjab, a northern state of India. Design/methodology/approach – A structured questionnaire was developed, designed and distributed among 500 respondents in the three universities after conducting a suitable pilot study and pre-testing the tools of investigation. There were 384 (76.8 per cent) respondents who returned the filled-in questionnaires. The data, thus collected, were compiled, processed and analyzed with the aid of the SPSS package (version 14.0). Findings – Users in all three universities were found to be in regular use of OPAC in the libraries. This usage frequency was despite the fact that the users had encountered a number of problems while doing this. Contrary to expectations, however, there is a great degree of similarity in the results obtained especially with regard to the various aspects examined in connection with the use of OPAC in three different libraries. Originality/value – OPAC has an important place in university libraries. The findings have strong policy implications in the fact that they will help the library community to improve the current OPAC facility usage in university libraries in India as well as in other developing countries.
Kumar, V., D. P. Madalli, et al. "Building a personalized ToC service for the Library of the Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin." Electronic Library, The vol. 30, n. 3 (2012). pp. 339-350. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/
Purpose – This paper aims to share the experiences gained while developing an electronically accessible personalized and categorized current awareness service (CAS) for the Fellows of the Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin – Institute for Advanced Study. The paper also aims to communicate the design and technology behind the development of this service. Design/methodology/approach – A list of journals of interest was compiled. The respective RSS feed links were handpicked from journal web pages. The service was configured to automatically fetch and classify the tables of contents (ToCs) according to the Fellows' interest. The same was presented in a user-friendly interface. Findings – RSS feeds from electronic journals can be used as a CAS tool to serve frequently updated information to the desk of the users. Practical implications – The paper can be used as a starting point by practicing librarians to start similar services in small special libraries to strengthen the library's publicity and outreach activities. Originality/value – This paper demonstrates how personalized current content service can be provided using open source tools.
Kumbhar, R. "E-books: review of research and writing during 2010." Electronic Library, The vol. 30, n. 6 (2012). pp. 777-795. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/
