bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resources Generated Through Extension Community Development Programs
Authors: Lackey Alvin S.
Published: March 2007

A study was made in a small Missouri community which attempted to determine the value of the contributions which community members made to Extension Community Development activities. A total of 11 activities was identified by a group of community leaders as the most important things which the community had done during the past nine years. This group of leaders identified people they knew who had been actively involved in each activity. Each person was asked to specify how many hours of professional, skilled labor or "other" time he/she had contributed to the activity. This produced a total of 29,563 volunteer hours. An additional 21,292 hours were volunteered by other people and organizations within the community. It is estimated that the total value of resources generated by this small community was over one million dollars!
The Role of Lay Volunteers in a Community Hypertension Control Program
Authors: Caraway Jacqueline , Van Gilder Jan
Published: March 2007

A study to evaluate the effectiveness of a community hypertension program by the Red Cross in Greater New York hypothesized that trained lay volunteers providing screenings and appropriate referrals is low-cost ($1.44 per screening); and that it is feasible to provide knowledge training to lay volunteers possessing the communica tion skills necessary to establish a climate conducive to effective counseling thereby addressing the limited availability of professional volunteers compared to the num ber of hypertensives needing assistance in achieving blood pressure control. The twelve participants in the counseling program pilot achieved an average reduction of 20.4mmHg systolic and 15mmHg diastolic.
Outstanding Local Voluntary Organizations in the 1960s: Their Distinguishing Characteristics
Authors: Smith David Horton
Published: March 2007

This study compares two samples of voluntary organizations drawn from Mas sachusetts cities and towns: a sample of 45 outstanding organizations and a sample of 52 average organizations. The two types of organizations are similar on several dimensions such as age, membership size, basic structure, formalization, annual budget, net worth, permanent office space, annual dues rate, regular newsletter, annual conventions, yearly elections, uninvolvement in public policy issues, mem bers' length of time in the organization, and interorganizational relations. Out standing organizations are, however, distinguished by higher selfratings of prestige, higher average member education and income, being part of a larger state or national organization, more active member participation, more meetings per year, more types of sociability and entertainment activities, fewer cliques, less conflict among leaders, more use of membership cards, lower apathy, more significant role in decision making of both leaders and rank-and-file members, more committees, more likely to have a residency requirement for membership, and more selectivity of membership.
A Method for Measuring Paid Staff Support for Volunteer Involvement
Authors: Baker Bill J. , Murawski Kris
Published: March 2007

A method for measuring paid staff support for volunteer involvement is described. The method is based on an econometric model that compares an organization's investment (the cost of paid staff support) to the value of the volunteer contribution. This method makes it possible to design strategies for more efficient volunteer involvement, and to quantify the effectiveness of these strategies in a non-profit organization.
The Voluntary Sector Leads the Way in Delivering Health Care to the Homeless Ill
Authors: Stoner Madeleine R.
Published: March 2007

This article calls attention to the needs of the homeless ill and the role of voluntary organizations in leading the way in providing quality health care for all homeless people. It describes and analyzes several health programs operating in the voluntary sector in an effort to present some viable models for planners and service providers. It raises some fundamental questions about where the responsibility for the provi sion of adequate health care rests and concludes that the public sector holds the major responsibility for such service. The article suggests that collaboration be tween the public and private sectors offers the greatest promise of providing suffi cient and proper care. The intent of the article is to underscore the need of homeless people for health care in addition to food and shelter and to recommend elements that should be incorporated in a comprehensive health care program for the homeless.
Self Advocacy: A Community Solution to Access Discrimination and Service Problems Encountered by the "Homeless Disabled"
Authors: Gould Martin , Ardinger Robert
Published: March 2007

This article describes current service obstacles and service problems encountered by people who are homeless and disabled in America. An analysis and discussion of self advocacy, one missing element in service models and rehabilitation program efforts, is presented. Optiotis and recommendations for including self advocacy in service programs, in public policy development, and at the community level also are offered for consideration.
Models for Public Participation in State Enterprise Zone Programs
Authors: Jones Earl R.
Published: March 2007

Federal legislation proposed to create enterprise zones throughout the United States included public participation in planning and implementation as a key component of neighborhood revitalization. A review of research on local revitalization efforts supports the efficacy of local participation in decisionmaking in this regard. However, a survey of laws and regulations generated to implement the enterprise zone concept at the state and local levels reveals wide variation in the degree to which the goal of grassroots or neighborhood-based participation has been realized. Approaches adopted in 32 states around the nation are reviewed, and model efforts are highlighted. Several basic components to insure effective local involvement are offered for consideration at the policy level.
Community Influences on Funds Raised by Human Service Volunteers
Authors: Booth Alan , Higgins Douglas , Cornelius Robert
Published: March 2007

Analysis of 372 United Way volunteer-run fund-raising campaigns shows that giving is higher in communities with stable or declining population, a high concentration of women in the work force, and high voter turnout and lower in areas of low population density and increasing population, many retail firms and limited manufacturing, and a concentration of government employees.
National Trends in Voluntary Association Memberships: 1974-1984
Authors: Palisi Bartolomeo J. , Korn Bonni
Published: March 2007

Using national data from the General Social Surveys, the authors study changes in the number of voluntary associations in America between 1973 and 1984. Memberships are categorized as total volun tary associations, instrumental associations, and expressive groups. The average number of memberships was higher than usual in 1974 for almost all socioeconomic and demographically defined subsam ples. In the election year of 1980, memberships in total voluntary associations, instrumental associations, and expressive groups all tended to be lower than they had been in other years for many subsamples, and in 1984 some types of individuals had low rates of memberships. Multiple regression analyses showed that education was a good predictor of memberships in the three types of associa tions in all years, while occupational prestige and income were only weakly associated with memberships. Occupational prestige was more closely associated with membership in instrumental associations than it was with membership in expressive groups.
Participation in Policy Determination by Registered Nurses in Not-for-Profit and Proprietary Facilities
Authors: Idson Todd L. , Ullmann Steven G.
Published: March 2007

It is generally assumed in the not-for-profit literature that when not-for- profit and proprietary facilities coexist in the same industry, workers gener ally have a preference for employment in not-for-profit facilities. A question arises, however, as to whether the work environment is better in not-for- profit facilities. This article examines this issue, using data from the 1985 National Nursing Home Survey. Our results indicate that while the degree of participation in policy determination by registered nurses is greater in proprietary facilities than not-for-profit facilities, once personal and insti tutional controls are introduced, the effect of type of ownership on the degree of policy determination by registered nurses becomes insignificant. The main factor producing the gross differentials is found to be the larger average size of not-for-profit institutions.
Skill Transferal Benefits from Volunteer Experiences
Authors: Janey Jane P. , Tuckwiller Janet E. , Lonnquist Lynne E.
Published: March 2007

With increasing frequency, professional and popular publications contain references to or case studies about women who have made a successful transition from volunteer to paid employment through the use of skills learned through their volunteer work. This article describes how a selected sample of individuals in Virginia was able to transfer volunteer-developed skills to paid employment. It also provides information about the extent to which subjects were able to get college credit based on volunteer-developed knowledge and skills and introduces the concept that such skills may also be useful in initiating self-employment or obtaining supplemental income.
Political Culture, Nonprofit Organizations, and the Financing of Human Services
Authors: Rosentraub Mark S.
Published: March 2007

Students of fiscal policy have long noted the impact political culture has on spending levels. This relationship has not only been statistically dem onstrated but is incorporated in the stereotypical views held of certain areas. Some states are frequently identified as "low spenders," while others have a reputation for supporting services. When the federal government elected to reduce its support for many human services, an opportunity arose to understand whether political cultures had changed in some areas with regard to state and local support of human services. In states where the tradition was for low spendingfor services, did they respond by curtail ing programs, or did the public or private sectors increase their spending? In Texas, a state with a history of low spending levels for human services, neither the state legislature nor local governments increased their fiscal responsibilities for human services. However, there was a large increase in private sector contributions. The pattern of this response not only sheds new light on the political culture of Texas but also raises important challenges for financing nonprofit agencies and delivering human services.
Volunteering and Empowerment in Secondary Schools
Authors: Limerick Brigid , Burgess-Limerick Tracey
Published: March 2007

This study explores the rationales for and consequences of voluntary com munity participation in the life of a school. Thirty-one teachers and vol unteers from three schools were identified and Jormally interviewed. The six types of involvement reported were found to be more needs-based when participants were asked about the rationales of others. Women reported more personal and social rationales, men more instrumental rationales; personal empowerment was a fundamental consequence of involvement; and the situational characteristics of volunteers were essential to under standing their personal needs and sources of empowerment. The findings challenge the institutional rationale, support the idea that volunteers can achieve altruistic and egoistic goals simultaneously, and affirm a belief in lifelong education.
Voluntary Association Boards: A Reflection of Member and Community Characteristics?
Authors: Austin D. Mark , Woolever Cynthia
Published: March 2007

This study examines U.S. affiliates of an international voluntary associa tion (Habitat for Humanity) and the relationship of local board composi tion, membership composition, and community characteristics. Using survey and census data, we were interested in whether characteristics of the local community are important predictors of the types of members recruited and the kinds of persons who emerge as voluntary organization leaders. We found that the characteristics of the local community influ ence composition and the size of membership and boards of directors. Additionally, we found that membership composition is also related to board composition.
Taking the Strain of Change: U.K. Local Voluntary Agencies Enter the Post-Thatcher Period
Authors: Billis David , Harris Margaret
Published: March 2007

This article draws together the findings from a program of research undertaken in the United Kingdom during the decade 1980-1990 ("the Thatcher period"). Using an analytic framework that distinguishes among the activities of agencies, their implicit welfare policies, organizational structures, governance systems, and human and financial resources, this article explores changes in the work of local voluntary and nonprofit agencies. Major changes in each of these dimensions are identified, and the relationships among them are discussed. The broad objective of the article is to increase understanding of the underlying structures of volun tary agencies.
The electronic information industry in Europe
Authors: Casey Michael
Published: March 2007

Developments in the electronic information industry in Europe in recent years have hitherto been dis cussed mainly in the context of developed countries such as France, West Germany and the United Kingdom. The contribution to date of less developed economies (LDEs) to the European information indus try has received little attention from market analysts for a number of reasons. First, there has been a pre occupation with wider issues such as cultural, political, legal and tech nical barriers facing a pan- European information industry, and second, there has been little to report on developments in the less developed countries. There is now, however, clear evidence of a grow ing electronic information business throughout Europe and the less developed countries are determined to secure their share.

For the purposes of this paper, Greece, Ireland, Portugal and Spain are defined as LDEs on the basis of prevailing general socio-economic indicators. An analysis of the con tributions of LDEs to the European information industry, using the lat est available European macro-statis tics, indicates that LDEs are very minor players in the business. Reasons for poor performance are examined in the context of the information environments in these countries and the issues highlight ed include the following: national information policy; information awareness; small and medium sized enterprises; role of the public sec tor ; telecommunications; informa tion market constraints; private sector players; information person nel, education and training; experi ence in the information business; and multilingualism.

The paper concludes with detailed analysis of very recent trends, i.e. over the last two years, in individual LDEs, based on local reporting of national developments. Significant strides are apparent in Spain where there is a marked shift from public to private sector play ers. Parallel developments (although on different scales) are reported in Portugal and Ireland where there is a growing videotex services industry with emphasis on vertical niche markets. Greece appears to be trailing behind because of telecommunications infrastructural and other problems in the market-place.
The libraries of the co-operative movement: a forgotten episode
Authors: Baggs Christopher M.
Published: March 2007

A detailed history and analysis of the libraries associated with a major independent working-class move ment in Britain, the co-operative movement' has yet to be written. Their beginnings in the 1820s are briefly outlined, before turning to look more closely at the develop ment of co-operative society libraries from the foundation of the Rochdale Pioneers in 1844 until approximately 1885 when the Co- operative Union Congress pub lished its own report on their growth. Suggestions are made as to how and where the necessary pri mary research into this phe nomenon could be pursued, thereby filling an important gap in British library history.
The case of Paul Otlet, pioneer of information science, internationalist, visionary: reflections on biography
Authors: Rayward W. Boyd
Published: March 2007

The author takes as his point of departure his studies of Paul Otlet, co-founder of the present International Federation for Information and Documentation and the Union of International Associations, developer of the Universal Decimal Classification, theorist of 'Documentation', and pioneer of information science. Drawing on these studies he exam ines aspects of the art and scholar ship of biography, of the processes of research and imagination that it involves, especially: recognizing an appropriate subject and determin ing an approach to it, the problem of evidence and the frames of refer ence within which evidence is deployed, the personal involvement that develops between the subject and the biographer, and biogra phy's final goal of historical and personal understanding.
Uncomfortable bedfellows: enterprise and academic libraries
Authors: Nicholson Howard
Published: March 2007

This article considers the main motives for introducing entre preneurial and other income-gener ating activities into academic libraries and offers useful advice to librarians who wish to engage in such projects, covering: compatibil ity of the entrepreneurial project with the library's objectives; man agement of the projects so as not to undermine the library's mainstream tasks; the need for institutional sup port at the highest level; and the acceptance of the risks that are always present. The article looks at the kinds of projects and enterpris es that might be undertaken by a library and how they may be approached so as to maximize benefits and minimize effort. They range from small-scale activities, such as charging for photocopies and other services and sale of sta tionery and plastic bags through to large-scale items such as large fund ed research projects.
The provision of computer materials and services to young people by British public libraries
Authors: Lonsdale Ray , Wheatley Alan
Published: March 2007

This article is based upon the results of a survey which examined the nature of computer collections and services offered by the young people's and schools' library ser vices of British public libraries. An overview of service incidence, col lection accessibility and depth of provision is followed by an analy sis of formats and content. Collection management is explored, focussing upon the formulation of policies, bibliographical aids to selection, and the supply and pro motion of computer materials. The article concludes with a review of trends in service development.
Organizational development in Danish public libraries: computer mediated work and strategic vision
Authors: Evald Pierre
Published: March 2007

The paper discusses the implementa tion of information technology (IT) in Danish public libraries and the impact of IT on working conditions and organizational structure. The background for today's function-dri ven organization of labour is out lined, followed by a presentation of a research project (The UDFO-project), analyzing the introduction of comput er mediated work in public libraries. In a survey panel, 29 'key persons' are interviewed on their assessments of 14 suppositions concerning organiza tional adaptation to IT. It is presumed, that today's integrated library systems will be a critical success factor for public libraries, forcing them to experimental design of new patterns for computer mediated work process es. The conclusion of the study points to an emergence of integrated work patterns in a task force oriented orga nization, making an appropriate fit with IT. Supported by Group Decision Support Systems (GDSS), an inter-disciplinary task force design will promote organizational learning during daily work performance.
A survey of subject access to academic library catalogues in Great Britain
Authors: Crawford John C. , Thom Linda C. , Powles John A.
Published: March 2007

Reports results of a questionnaire sur vey of UK academic libraries to deter mine the level of use of online public access catalogues (OPACs) and the development of inhouse subject indexes. Seventy-five respondents reported having commercial systems and seven reported inhouse systems. Data includes: named systems in use and numbers of libraries using each system; percentages of bibliographic records in machine-readable format; types of materials; and record formats (UKMARC, LC MARC etc). Reports the most common access points for searching the OPACs (author, key word), methods of generating terms to be used for subject searching, sub ject heading sources (LCSH, MeSH, PRECIS) and classification schemes (Dewey, UDC). Results show that all universities and polytechnics now have OPACs and only the smaller colleges do not. OPACs are moving towards comprehensive coverage of academic library stocks with the MARC record the most popular for mat. The three main subject access strategies involve: Library of Congress Subject Headings; inhouse strategies; and strategies not based on controlled terminology. Draws heav ily on the results of an earlier survey by Fran Slack (1988) Vine,(72) (November), 8-15.
Attitudes of academic library professionals towards computer-based systems in Taiwan
Authors: Su Shiao-Feng
Published: March 2007

Reports the results of a questionnaire survey to determine the attitudes of professional academic library staff in Taiwan towards computerized library systems. Seventy-six ques tionnaires were sent to 10 university libraries known to have installed computerized library systems and fol low up telephone interviews were conducted. Results were compared with those of an earlier study per formed in the USA which related to professional academic library staff in 13 academic libraries in the Midwest. Very little difference was found between the attitudes of librar ians in the two countries and one of the hypotheses guiding the study, that no significant differences exist between the attitudes of librarians in Taiwan and the USA, was supported. 'Student t' tests of the categorizations of attitudes indicate that librarians in Taiwan are significantly more neg ative towards computers in general than they are about the effects on people and services. Results suggest that there is still room for improve ment in the overall computerized sys tems environment in academic libraries in Taiwan.
The challenges of the emerging market and the education and training of information professionals in Africa
Authors: Aina L.O.
Published: March 2007

Examines the curricula of library schools in Africa to ascertain the pro portion of their courses that is relevant to the emerging library and informa tion science market based on a stan dard list of topics, ranging from computer technology and information and records management to informa tion repackaging and journalism. The list was based on that prepared by Nick Moore in his study: The emerging mar kets for librarians and information workers, 1987 (see LISA ref. 88-2944). Data used in the study was based on prospectuses from the schools supple mented with visits. Results suggest that a substantial proportion of the institutions in Africa have incorporat ed courses that are appropriate to the emerging market in their curricula. The majority appreciate the leading posi tion held by computer technology in this market, but in reality only four- five schools provide computer facili ties. Recommends that funding agencies should provide assistance in the training of information profess ionals in Africa by sponsoring visiting lecturers and scholars to training insti tutions where these lack skilled man power to teach certain courses, and by making the necessary equipment avail able. Continuing education for trainers should play an important part.
Managing CD-ROM services in academic libraries
Authors: Lambert Jill
Published: March 2007

Presents a state-of-the-art review of the applications of CD-ROMs in academic libraries, embracing all aspects of library involvement and staffing implications. Concludes that CD-ROM is having a huge impact on the way academic libraries function and the services they offer to their users. However, some contentious issues are shown to be emerging. There are major implications for the existing library stock, especially where information published on CD- ROM is also available in printed form. The advantages of CD-ROM have induced many libraries to take out subscriptions to CD-ROM data bases for which they already have printed versions; leading to questions about the feasibility of continuing the printed subscriptions. Other prob lems include: multiple user interfaces; and the cost, conditions and lack of consistency involved in networking CD-ROMs.
Opportunities and threats: the macroeconomic environment of British and German university libraries
Authors: Cockrill Antje , Broady Judith
Published: March 2007

Outlines the key macroeconomic factors influencing British and German uni versity libraries, and critically analyzes threats and opportunities arising from the changing environment in both countries. The political changes in Britain and Germany have resulted in reduced funds for libraries in both countries but, whereas in Britain the declining economic situation in the 1980s led to a reduction of public funds and an increased emphasis on account ability, effectiveness and efficiency, it is only recently that attitudes have begun to change in Germany. The different structure and state of each country's education system presents university librarians with a particular set of prob lems : German librarians are facing tech nologically inadequate libraries, and ever increasing student numbers, whereas British librarians have to cope with the increased competitiveness of the education sector, with shrinking funds and almost continual changes in expectations and demands upon them. Recommends for both countries the essential need for long range, strategic planning based upon a knowledge of their own specific environments.
Research Assessment Exercise 1992;
Authors: Elkin Judith , Law Derek
Published: March 2007

Reports on the 1992 Research Assessment Exercise and specifically on the work of the Library and Information Management and Communication and Media Studies Panel, in considering research sub- missions in two units of assessment. Panel members agreed with all of the final ratings and felt that rigour and fairness had been applied to the exer cise within the parameters set by the Funding Council. There was, howev er, a feeling that two cited publica tions was insufficient to give an indication of an individual's contri bution to research and that in future there should be greater emphasis on non traditional forms of publication. Concluded that three cases need to be considered by the Funding Councils in the areas under consid eration : where library staff under take some work in a related academic department; where library staff undertake some work in a library and information science department; and where the library itself has a solid base of research activity but where there is no library and information science department.
The road to reorganization: Wales as a case study
Authors: Evans Geraint
Published: March 2007

Reviews in detail the political aspects of the many stages in the reorganiza tion of local government in the UK, between 1990 and 1996, with particular reference to the reasons for such changes, the influence of district authorities as a pressure group and the ultimate effect of their campaign. Focuses on the evolution of the policy for the reorganization of local government in Wales, dating from the publication of the 1991 consultation paper, and the likely implications for public libraries in Wales of a local government structure com prising 22 unitary all purpose authorities. Concludes that it is relevant to ask what sort of public library service will evolve from within this structure over the subsequent 5 to 10 years. Attempts to answer the question by con sidering 2 possible scenarios (one negative and one that is more positive and encouraging). Suggests that the 2 scenarios probably constitute extremes and the actual outcome will probably lie somewhere in between.
USBC (Universal Standard Bibliographic Code): its origin and evolution
Authors: Ayres F.H. , Nielsen L.P.S. , Ridley M.J. , Torsun I.S.
Published: March 2007

Reviews the 20 years' evolution and development of the Universal Standard Bibliographic Code (USBC), as a means of overcoming the weaknesses inher ent in the International Standard Book Number (ISBN), from its first proposal in 1974. Briefly describes the various phases of USBC's development, includ ing : first extensive testing (1977-1979); first research project (1980-1982); work performed on USBC as part of proposals for the setting up of the United Kingdom Library Database System (UKLDS) (1982-1984), in which USBC was to be used to create a merged retrospective database of MARC and non MARC cataloguing records; the DOCMATCH Projects, using the USBC with periodical articles (1987-1989); refining of USBC by means of expert systems (1986-1987); use of USBC to clean up the BLCMP database (1989-1991); and the QUALCAT Project, to set up a large bibliographic database integrating records from different databases and using USBC for merging, cleaning and control and to develop an expert system to select the best record from a num ber of duplicates (1989-1991). Reports briefly on the project, undertaken by Bradford University, Department of Computing, UK, to explore the application of USBC technology to the British Library Document Supply Centre's com puterized interloans system. Concludes that, although the USBC has never achieved the status of an accepted standard, it has more than made up for this by demonstrating its adaptability and power in a range of situations requir ing an ability to detect duplicate records and to merge and combine files.
Career development: follow-up studies of Sheffield MA graduates 1985/1986 to 1992/1993
Authors: Loughridge Brendan , Oates Julie , Speight Simon
Published: March 2007

Since the 1970s the Department of Information Studies, University of Sheffield, UK, have carried out (and published results of) regular surveys of the profess ional careers and activities of graduates of its Masters programmes. Summarizes the principal findings of two questionnaire surveys of graduates of the MA in Librarianship programme, undertaken in Summer 1994 as unpublished MA thesis work. One survey investigated former students who graduated between 1986 and 1989 while the other surveyed all former students thought to be still resident in the UK and Republic of Ireland (and one now resident in the USA). The same questionnaire was used in both surveys. Where possible, the results from both surveys were collated and, where appropriate, related to the earlier surveys for 1979-1985. Information was sought about: the first and subsequent posts taken up by graduates (including unemployment, wastage and mobility); their duties and responsibilities; opinions on the value and rel evance of the MA programme and their pre programme experience to their career; factors affecting job satisfaction; their continuing professional devel opment needs; acquisition of new skills; and their involvement with profess ional organizations. Concludes that the majority of graduates surveyed are still working in the library and information field and are generally satisfied with their career choice. However, there is some dissatisfaction with the perceived low status accorded to librarians and information workers and with poor salary levels. A substantial number have left or are actively considering leav ing the profession. While the majority are still working in academic and pub lic libraries, there has been a noticeable decline in those working in public libraries and a corresponding increase in employment in special libraries and in the information technologies (the 'emerging market'). Respondents expressed a need for more training in management and information technol ogy and for more geographically distributed and cheaper short courses. It was felt that library schools could play a bigger role in continuing education of its own graduates through update and distance learning courses.
Editorial
Authors: Stoker David
Published: March 2007

Reviews the technical failures, inefficiency, ineptitude and mismanagement involved in the planning and completion of the new British Library, St Pancras, London, as reported in three reports of the Committee of Public Accounts (1991), and the National Audit Office (1991 and 1996). Outlines the history of the British Library in the context of the 50 years that have elapsed from the inception of the new building to its final opening. Among the 230, 000 defects identified in the 1996 report are: poor quality and reliability of the movable book shelving, damage to electrical cabling, poorly designed ducting and the need for better emergency lighting. Concludes that these were caused by a lack of foresight and commitment to the ideals of the project by gov ernment, rather than by any incompetence on the part of individuals. Comments on unfair criticism of the outward appearance of the library building and the contrast between the stark appearance of the latter with the Victorian exuber ance of the neighbouring St Pancras railway station, blaming it upon the gen eral inability of British society to appreciate contemporary architecture.
Library services to the blind in the United Kingdom and Ireland
Authors: Williams Sinead
Published: March 2007

Reports results of a survey of library services to blind users in Ireland, con ducted as a follow up to the author's previous survey of such services in select ed institutions, including three sample public libraries in Dublin, and undertaken five years earlier (Sinead Taylor, An Leabharlann/The Irish Library, 7 (2) 1990, 51-4, 56-60. (LISA ref. 913498)). The present survey involved contacting the same libraries and institutions in order to see what changes had taken place in the intervening period. Results suggest that, with the excep tion of regional talking newspapers and initiatives by the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI), public library services for these users remain as disjointed and disorganized as before, and hopes of introducing a decen tralized system in Ireland with enhanced gateway type public libraries for the visually handicapped have not been realized. Summarizes the results of the survey with particular reference to: NCBI activities; the Cork Tape Library; NCBI Braille Library; Braille and talking magazines and newspapers; and Dublin Public Libraries. Contrasts this depressing situation in Ireland with similar services running in the UK. These have become even more vibrant with exciting new projects and facilities. Quotes extensively from the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) Annual Review of 1993/94 and refers to such projects as: the RNIB's 'See it Right' initiative; MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface); and new formats for talking books, including CD-ROMs and CD-I. Concludes with notes on two European Community sponsored projects: the EXLIB project (Expansion of European Library Systems for the Visually Handicapped) which involved both Ireland and the UK; and VISTAS (Visually Impaired Students Telematics Applications Support), designed to harmonize services for visually handicapped students and still awaiting approval at the time of writing.
A public library IT strategy for the millennium
Authors: Gallimore Alec
Published: March 2007

Argues that UK public libraries need to give priority to information technology (IT) if they are to continue as the main point of access for the general public seeking information. Outlines the production of an IT strategy document for Manchester Public Libraries, UK, which sets out the main features of an ideal public library IT strategy, including: a review of external influences need ing to be taken into account when formulating a strategy; an IT audit to establish the primary aims of the strategy and the interlocking influences of different parts of the IT systems; an assessment of current strengths and weaknesses of the library service as a starting point for planning new devel opments ; a plan for the training of library staff; consideration of joint projects between existing library co-operatives assisted by national initiatives designed to further the role of public libraries in the information superhighway. Considers some of the developments considered by Manchester's IT strate gy, such as self issuing terminals at heavily used issuing points, provision of online public access catalogues (OPACs) at all service points; retrospective con version of library catalogues; and access to the Internet and World Wide Web (WWW). Notes how these elements of the IT strategy were embodied in a coherent document for wider dissemination.
Flexible working in UK library and information services
Authors: Goulding Anne , Kerslake Evelyn
Published: March 2007

Reports results of a study designed to explore flexible working in different types of library and information services (LIS) and the perceptions of library managers. Defines some of the different types of flexible working: part time work; job sharing; temporary work; term time work; flexitime; and annual hours employment. The six month study was financed by the School of Education and Humanities, Loughborough University, and arranged in three parts: a literature review; a questionnaire survey of LIS; and case study interviews with library managers. Findings covered: the incidence of flexible workers in libraries; the incidence of flexible workers by library department; library managers' reasons for using flexible workers; library managers' opinions of flexible workers; and their future uses. Main areas of managers' concern were problems of co-ordination and communication. Concludes that library managers need to develop an understanding of flexible worker demands and requirements. There is evidence that flexible workers have different reasons for such working from their full time colleagues and, presumably, value different things in the workplace. In order to develop good practice in this area, suggests further research into the expanding use of temporary labour in LIS, the role of fixed term contracts and the nature of casual workers.
Demystifying Empowered Culture
Authors: Bagali M.M.
Published: March 2007

During turbulent days, organisations are increasingly seen to innovate ways to manage businesses. One of these innovations is in the area of developing and managing human resources. Experience has shown that developing human resources often results in achieving a sustained organisational growth. Various strategies are being adopted by business organisations in this regard. One also sees a paradigm shift from an approach understood as 'welfare approach' to that of an approach commonly known as the 'empowerment approach'. This approach of employee empowerment has seen interesting outcomes and hence has been accepted almost all across the world. This article is an empirical study of an Indian industry. It highlights some unique strategies adopted for managing human resources in this industry. The efforts have paid large divi dends to the company. The workforce is committed as well as efficient. The business organisation has succeeded and has been able to achieve global stan dards. This article makes an attempt to advocate the cause of employee em powerment and calls upon practitioners to shift their practices from that of welfare orientation to empowerment. The article also makes an attempt to demystify the concept of employee empowerment.
Small-scale Business in Rural Java: Involution or Innovation?1
Authors: Kristiansen Stein
Published: March 2007

The paper presents two case studies ofbusiness entrepreneurs in a rural and densely populated area of Indonesia. Findings are discussed against the background of theories on involution, innovative milieus and industrial clusters. The paper argues for taking an actor's point of view in analysing contexts for entrepreneurship. Proximity and close neighbourhood relations count for a potential easy spread of information and new business ideas, while the fear of knowledge leakage and spillover effects from business innovations is seen as factors that hinder the learning dynamics and thereby put a limit to social welfare gains. Local entrepreneurs are seen avoiding sharing of information due to the fear of imitation by competitors. The conclusion recommends that neighbouring university institutions be utilised for professional business services. There is a need for improved access to market information particularly for the rural small-scale enterprises.
Institutional Barriers to Small-scale Business Development: A Need for Flexibility in Tanzanian Tax and Regulatory Systems
Authors: Nkya Estomih J.
Published: March 2007

An enabling institutional framework for entrepreneurship should reduce transaction costs and create incentives for innovations and long-term business perspectives. In Tanzania, a mismatch is observed between economic policy reforms and restructuring of the institutional framework. The transition from state-centred to market-led development, if not properly managed, provides disincentives. This is particularly true with most of the small-scale entre preneurs. The mismatch between the slowly changing institutional framework and the fast moving economic policy reforms constrains entrepreneurial endeavour and also raises transaction costs. Based on in-depth interviews with fifteen entrepreneurs, a number of prohibitive taxes and regulations had been identified. Main policy recommendations made are a 'one-stop' regis tration system to be established, the taxing system is streamlined, and that net working and resources pooling are facilitated.
Wealth-Creating Entrepreneurship, Innovating Entrepreneurs, and New Ventures
Authors: Nix Joan
Published: March 2007

Some scholars believe that the traditional meaning of entrepreneurship, con fined to economic spheres alone, is too restrictive. There may be situations where creative individuals find it more satisfying to allocate their talents to non-pecuniary activities, depending on the reward structure in a society. Whatever the validity of this suggestion, promoting wealth-creating entre preneurship still remains a prime desideratum for economic development. Starting from this assumption, the paper pleads for minimising, through policy interventions, the threats to the returns the entrepreneur expects for himself from an innovative venture.
Entrepreneurial Attributes, Skills and Training Programmes
Authors: Ray Dennis M.
Published: March 2007

A characteristic feature of most educational and training programmes directed to developing entrepreneurship is a marked accent on moulding the person ality of the participant. Declaring this to be an ill-effect of the achievement motivation approach, the author finds this emphasis to be 'wrong-headed'. According to him, the curriculum for entrepreneurship education must have a larger input of knowledge and skills instead of being preoccupied with be haviour modification. Giving a tentative list of the competencies the entre preneur must possess, he pleads for discovering a 'science' of entrepreneurship development through intensive research.
Networking by the Indian Business Community in Northern Ireland
Authors: Ghaie Sunny , Birley Sue
Published: March 2007

The business success of Indian emigrants has attracted a great deal of popular attention in recent years. The number of systematic studies, however, is woe fully limited, and so is our understanding of the factors impinging upon the entrepreneurial manifestations of Indians abroad. This paper discusses an important aspect of the business behaviour of the Indian business community in the province of Northern Ireland in the United Kingdom.
Need for Achievement and Entrepreneurial Success: A Study of Entrepreneurs in Two Rural Industries in West Bengal
Authors: Sengupta Sankar K. , Debnath Suraj K.
Published: March 2007

There is a general consensus that need for achievement is a significant factor in entrepreneurial success. However, there is no agreement about how to assess entrepreneurial success. Contending that the health of a firm is reflected in its financial performance, the authors of this paper have used financial ratios to construct an entrepreneurial success index scale, and applied it to determine the relationship between the business success and achievement motivation of a group of entrepreneurs in one of the states in India.
Counselling and Helping Entrepreneurs
Authors: Pareek Udai , Rao T.V.
Published: March 2007

Psychological stress is a natural concomitant of any creative activity. It is much more so if the activity relates to an intensely competitive area like business. Entrepreneurs, being creative individuals, often experience such stress at various stages of the development of their enterprise. On such occasions, they may benefit by professional counselling. This paper, based largely on the authors' extensive experience, focuses on the counsellor's role and behaviour.
Determinants of the Propensity to Export: The Case of Small Firms in the Diesel Engine and Chemicals Industries in Gujarat1
Authors: Keshari P.K. , Kota Ranga
Published: March 2007

While much has been written about 'entrepreneurial traits', attempts to analyse whether, and to what extent, these traits determine the sectoral choice of an entrepreneur have been few and far between. Using a sample of small-scale enterprises in Gujarat, one of the most industrialised states in India, this paper attempts to examine the discriminating characteristics of exporting and non-exporting firms in terms of entrepreneurial attributes.
Gateways to Market Entry
Authors: Ali Haider
Published: March 2007

This paper explores the role of network usage, by the start-up self- employed, as a means of attracting customers. Following the theoretical rationale developed here, the network need only be used by business owners who sell goods/services which entail customer-perceived risk. For others, it may be possible to gain market entry by selling to people the business owner does not know—'outsiders'. Apartfrom its implications for future research, this study may be of utility for those involved in the training of people starting micro-businesses and the start-up setf-employed. The theoretical grounding of the study may have implications for similar enquiries across national and cultural boundaries.
Human Factors in Entrepreneurship Effectiveness
Authors: Sinha T.N.
Published: March 2007

Early experiments in entrepreneurship development through training in terventions were heavily influenced by the assumption that personality factors such as achievement motivation played a crucial role in creative business endeavours. Although the assumption has not lost much of its vigour, it has of late come under increasing attack by those who believe that managerial skills are a more important factor in entrepreneurial success. Stressing that it is human factors that make the difference between success and failure, the author reviews the performance of a segment of industrial units in an Indian state to underscore his point.