bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Publishing solutions for contemporary scholars: the library as innovator and partner
Authors: Thomas Sarah E.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to review the trend in academic libraries toward including scholarly communication, and by extension, electronic publishing, as part of their core mission, using the Cornell University Library as an example.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes several manifestations of publishing activity organized under the Library's Center for Innovative Publishing, including the arXiv (http://arxiv.org/), Project Euclid (http://projecteuclid.org), and DPubS (http://DPubS.org).

Findings

Libraries bring many competencies to the scholarly communications process, including expertise in digital initiatives, close connections with authors and readers, and a commitment to preservation. To add publishing to their responsibilities, they need to develop expertise in content acquisition, editorial management, contract negotiation, marketing, and subscription management.

Originality/value

Academic libraries are making formal and informal publishing a part of their core activity. A variety of models exist. The Cornell University Library has created a framework for supporting publishing called the Center for Innovative Publishing, and through it supports a successful open access repository (arXiv), a sustainable webhosting service for journals in math and statistics (Project Euclid) and a content management tool (DPubS) to enable other institutions (libraries, scholarly societies, presses) to engage in similar ventures to increase the dissemination of scholarship and to lower the barriers to its access.
Data for the future
Authors: Altenhöner Reinhard
Published: January 2007

Purpose

One of the unresolved problems of the global information society is ensuring the long‐term accessibility of digital documents. The project kopal tackles this problem head‐on: in a three‐year project kopal's objective is the practical testing and implementation of a cooperatively created and operated long‐term archival system for digital resources.

Design/methodology/approach

The system will be implemented in accordance with international standards for long‐term archiving and metadata within the Open Archival Information System (OAIS) framework. The project partners, Die Deutsche Bibliothek (DDB), Göttingen State and University Library (SUB Göttingen), IBM Deutschland GmbH and the Gesellschaft für wissenschaftliche Datenverarbeitung mbH Göttingen (GWDG), will establish a cooperatively transferable solution for cultural heritage institutions, as well as for business and industry.

Findings

Within the project, the project partners DDB and SUB Göttingen are developing software for the input and access of data, which will be released under an open‐source license.

Research limitations/implications

Long‐term preservation methods and strategies will be discussed in general in the paper.

Practical implications

The project will present a stable and reusable platform for additional partners and users, especially for cultural heritage organisations.

Originality/value

The solution is based on Digital Information and Archiving System (DIAS), jointly devised by IBM and the National Library of The Netherlands in The Hague, and it will be adapted to the needs of the project with several extensions. Establishing a collaborative solution for long‐term preservation is a milestone in the development of systems for the long‐term availability of digital objects.
DINI institutional repository certification and beyond
Authors: Dobratz Susanne , Scholze Frank
Published: January 2007

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to provide an overview on certification of institutional repositories as a means to support open access in Germany and a description of the DINI Certificate 2006 developed by DINI, the German Initiative for Networked Information. Design/methodology/approach – The “DINI certificate for document and publication repositories” shows potential users and authors of digital documents that a certain level of quality in operating the repository is guaranteed and that this distinguishes it from common institutional web servers. The certificate can also be used as an instrument to support open access. Findings – Repository certification will not be the main factor in achieving open access to academic information globally, but it can support the spread of institutional repositories and enhance visibility of the “institutional repository”‐service. Research limitations/implications – The DINI Certificate as a “soft” certificate aims towards interoperability of digital repositories, the coaching idea prevails. It does not provide an exhaustive auditing tool for trusted digital long‐term preservation archives. Practical implications – The “DINI certificate for document and publication repositories” pushed the development of institutional repositories in Germany according to certain organisational and technical standards and contributes to the interoperability amongst digital repositories worldwide. Originality/value – This paper describes a unique approach that has been implemented in Germany and could be transferred to other countries and communities.
ProSeBiCA: development of new library services by means of conjoint analysis
Authors: Hermelbracht Antonia , Koeper Bettina
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide a description of the project ProSeBiCA, carried out in order to adapt the marketing research tool conjoint analysis for the development of future library services. The paper describes the methodical approach, and provides an overview of the results gained by several user surveys.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodical approach includes the use of adaptive conjoint analysis (ACA) and choice‐based conjoint analysis (CBC).

Findings

Conjoint analysis is an appropriate tool for the strategic development of library services. It provides detailed results by identifying users' preferences towards concrete services, and allows to deduce general statements about future trends for library services.

Research limitations/implications

Future plans include cooperation with the Sheridan Libraries at Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, Maryland), the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), and other interested partners in order to adapt the ProSeBiCA framework for US libraries and to integrate techniques used by the partners (CAPM, LibQUAL+TM). The extension of conjoint analysis to the evaluation of services for a fee will be an additional area of research.

Practical implications

Service orientation in libraries can be based on a systematic approach. Depending on local circumstances, interested libraries can improve their service orientation in different ways, either by discussing the results of the analysis made in this project or by using the Conjoint Analysis questionnaire for a survey in their institutions.

Originality/value

The paper describes the current status and provides the latest results of ProSeBiCA. It is of interest to library managers and marketing researchers.
Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (BASE)
Authors: Pieper Dirk , Summann Friedrich
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the activities of Bielefeld University Library in establishing OAI based repository servers and in using OAI resources for end‐user‐oriented search services like Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (BASE).

Design/methodology/approach

Discusses OAI based repository servers.

Findings

BASE is able to integrate external functions of Google Scholar. The search engine technology can replace or amend the search functions of a given repository software. BASE can also be embedded in external repository environments.

Originality/value

The paper provides an overview of the functionalities of BASE and gives insight into the challenges that have to be faced when harvesting and integrating resources from multiple OAI servers.
E‐profile GeoScienceWorld™: A Premier Science Portal
Authors: McKiernan Gerry
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This article aims to describe GeoScienceWorld™: a premier science portal.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is prepared by a library professional and provides a summary of the main features. Findings – GeoScienceWorld (GSW) is a comprehensive, widely‐accessible, easy to use, integrated, and cost‐effective online resource for journals in the geological and earth sciences. (GSW) provides access to scientifically peer‐reviewed full‐text articles from high impact geoscience publications with linking between cited references and articles within the GSW database and outside of GSW through CrossRef. “It is a comprehensive internet resource for research and communications in the geosciences, built on a core database aggregation of peer‐reviewed journals indexed, linked, and interoperable with GeoRef”.

Originality/value

This article is a useful summary of a development of interest to library and information management professionals.
American Society for Engineering Education: 2005 Meeting Annual Report
Authors: Gelfand Julia
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Highlights annual conference of the American Society of Engineering Education, specifically the part for Engineering Librarians.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides a brief review of the conference.

Findings

Engineering Librarians are increasingly interested in information literacy in their subject areas and incorporating that in outreach activities. Scholarly publishing in Engineering in increasingly interdisciplinary with more interest in the Business/management Literature.

Research limitations/implications

More subspecialties are emerging in engineering curriculum and research.

Practical Implications

Partnerships between academe and industry and the federal government is increasingly important. No library however strong can be considered to have an exclusive engineering collection as interdisciplinary applications magnify.Value – Reinforcing good service reflecting instruction, collection development and subject strength contributes to effective responsibilities as an Engineering Librarian.
The Internet: Benefits of the Next Communication Frontier
Authors: Israelsen Amber
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Introduces readers to the background and ways that the Internet is used and is developing with wider applications. Access issues are also discussed as well as legal implications.

Design/methodology/approach

Introduces social science theory and applications.

Findings

That no definitive approach is clear about the future applications for the Internet and that it is still a maturing technology.

Research limitations/implications

More research is required in all areas to see what the next decade of development will suggest.

Practical Implications

Tests the ubiquity of the Internet and suggests that many new applications are still to be pioneered.

Value

Forces reader to consider what has contributed to the success of the Internet, and now that it is in its adolescence, what the future may be.
Thick or Thin? Evaluating Thin Clients in Sustaining Library Technology
Authors: Williams Robert L.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Aims to provide the reasons why libraries might consider using a thin client architecture for library public workstations.

Design/methodology/approach

A summary of the main features of thin clients.

Findings

This article provides an overview of terminal services: what it is, how it works, and its benefits.

Originality/value

This paper is useful for information management professionals who seek greater understanding of thin client architecture implementations in libraries.
Around the World – Back to Nigeria The Information Technology (IT) Centre at Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Agomah Adheoghenewosa
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To see the implications and challenges of an Information Technology Centre in higher education institutions and libraries for instruction and learning.

Design/methodology/approach

Describes how the Rivers State University of Science and Technology contributed to improved student competencies and higher rates of information and overall literacy and developed a new online presence.

Findings

Sustaining an IT Centre requires significant planning and ongoing resources not always readily available causing stress in the uncertainty of continued growth for the future.

Research limitations/implications

Supporting IT Centres is a management and financial challenge and as the success factors spread, the potential disappointments are greater when sustaining the accomplishments is such a challenge. Collaboration and partnerships are critical to the success of such programs.

Practical Implications

Start small, dream big and demonstrate the utility an IT Centre has for the entire campus and external communities.

Value

Educating readers globally that the digital divide is very real with institutional and support resources critical to the support of new programs such as establishing IT Centres.
15th Conference on Computers, Freedom and Privacy: Panopticon
Authors: Glover Barbara , Owen Eric , Storm Paula
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Contributions describing the 15th Conference on Computers, Freedom and Privacy: Panopticon, covering selective highlights of papers, presentations and the overall context of this meeting.

Design/methodology/approach

Observations and descriptions of key themes and ideas that were presented in a conference framework.

Findings

Significant participation at this conference.

Originality/value

This is the primary forum for the exploration of issues and challenges relating to the internet and freedom today, focusing on the impact that emerging surveillance societies have on the net and individuals particularly in light of the data mining and data sharing of personal information, combined with and the close partnership between corporations and government.

Research limitations/implications

How problems and issues are resolved by others and realizing that the power of sharing information is greatest when solutions are creative and openly shared.

Practical implications

Good to share information and network with colleagues on issues relating to privacy.
International CALIBER 2005: A Report
Authors: Chandrakar Rajesh , Sharma S.K.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To share with readers the scope and content of presentations made at the CALIBER 2005 meeting.

Design/methodology/approach

Descriptive case studies and innovation were presented in the context of how progress in these areas has been made in both developing and developed parts of the world.

Findings

Information technology infrastructure allows for all these themes to be developed. An increased awareness of how workflow leads to new product development and new libraries services evolve is described in this conference report. The digital arena is explored from many vantage points including digital resources, consortia development, eLearning and eScholarship, and the changing role of the internet.

Research limitations/implications

A scientific approach is tested in most of the research projects described with great dependence on a range of information technology tools that promote networking and digital library development.

Originality/value

International development takes place in a period of great collaboration and that spirit is widely pronounced at this conference and in the presentations made there. Practical Implications: Many different projects were shared ranging in scale from modest to highly sophisticated, involving one institution or a consortia. E‐Learning and distance education were environments that had high impact at this conference.
Libraries in the Digital Age: LIDA 2005
Authors: Faletar Sanjica
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This conference report of the 2005 LIDA Conference captures the varied presentations by speakers from the USA, Europe and the Baltic States.

Design/methodology/approach

Digital libraries are in a maturing state and different developments were shared and examples of projects were given.

Findings

This is an annual meeting in this region of the world that brings a talented list of speakers from North America and Europe.

Research limitations/implications

Small conference.

Practical implications

This is a focused conference that has proven itself over time to attract excellent keynote speakers that come to this part of the world to share expertise and ideas.

Originality/value

This conference attracts major prominent speakers so the themes are important and well documented. The annual themes lend to many subthemes such as user evaluation, usability, digital reference, and other new digital applications.
The Enriching Indigenous Southeast Asian Collections in Libraries Conference (e‐iseacol)
Authors: Miller Christopher A.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To offer a conference report on the Enriching Indigenous Southeast Asian Collections in Libraries Conference held in Makati City, Manila, Philippines, 20‐21 April 2005.

Design/methodology/approach

introduction and description of conference overview and specific paper presentations.

Findings

Southeast Asian librarianship and information retrieval both within the region and abroad is expanding to include the widespread collection of ephemeral, local indigenous materials, which presents certain challenges that are the focus of the conference.

Practical implications

Increasing the reach of a network of highly trained Southeast Asian librarians and information professionals.

Originality/value

Librarians, scholars, and students of Southeast Asian studies, equipped with increasingly peripheral materials, will possess the tools necessary for continued research beyond the confines of the traditional center and majority populations. Local librarians are becoming empowered with the knowledge and technical skills to better preserve and supply access to indigenous materials.
On Stage with IT: EDUCAUSE Southeast Regional Conference
Authors: Ryan Christine E.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To inform readers about these regional conferences that enhance the ongoing work of EDUCAUSE and to encourage the academic library and IT communities to share and communicate information and partner when opportunities avail themselves.

Design/methodology/approach

A report of the 2005 EDUCAUSE Southeast Regional Conference shared by one of this year’s EDUCAUSE Ryland Fellows.

Findings

Libraries are increasingly developing IT and digital solutions to most collection and service sectors of their work and dealing with many complex issues regarding technology.

Research limitations/implications

By having this population of colleagues conferring with library staff the benefits to each constituency are more meaningful and richer.

Practical implications

In addition to the research and long‐term work, there are many opportunities to develop services, share equipment and expertise that are born out of these kind of conferences. Also a good way to become acquainted with colleagues in your area, region and allows for professional development and networking opportunities.

Orginality/values

Expands horizons of librarians by bringing together IT personnel and administrators, teaching faculty, library administrators, library systems staff and other people interested in related academic and administrative computing issues.
5th International Conference of Animal Health Information Specialists (ICAHIS)
Authors: Youngen Greg
Published: January 2007

Purpose

A Conference Report from the 5th International Conference of Animal Health Information Specialists held for the first time on the African continent. To inform library colleagues about this specialty area of librarianship, the literature, concerns and work of animal science and veterinary librarians. The international scope of this meeting reinforced the importance.

Design/methodology/approach

Description of conference content and introduction of speakers and participants.

Findings

Information needs of animal health information specialists around the world appear to be the same but the digital divide is very significant with practitioners in Africa with issues concerning bandwidth, connectivity, local economies and other access related concerns continue to experience an information delivery gap.

Research limitations/implications

Suggests the technological and access concerns of this special librarian population.

Practical implications

Awareness and networking for this relatively small group of librarians.

Originality/value

Learning about this group which meets irregularly is of great value.
Nigerian Library Association Annual Conference: The Challenges of Libraries and Information Services Delivery in an Environment of Change and Reforms
Authors: Ogugua Jonathan C. , Emerole Nancy , Okiy Rose
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Conference report of the Nigerian Library Association 2005 Annual Conference.

Design/methodology/approach

To share conference culture and content with wider audience, especially global audience.

Findings

The most valuable activities of the conference were the pre‐conference seminars held simultaneously at various venues which inlcuded “Training the trainers on HIV/Aids prevention” and “Internet researching skills for the twenty‐first librarian”.

Originality/value

Provides information of value to information science professionals both in Nigeria and around the world about the state of librarianship in Nigeria and important current issues the profession there must address.
Conference Report: Better Understanding Your Users
Authors: Armstrong William W.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To describe new features covered in the earlier papers of the Special Libraries Association joint conference and reach a larger interested constituency.

Design/methodology/approach

Details of the poster sessions with meaningful discussion.

Findings

Informs readers in an entirely web‐based format for presentation the chemistry, physics, astronomy, mathematics and science/technology divisions of the Special Libraries Association joint conference that updated papers presented a year before at the Annual Conference.

Originality/value

Provides information of value to professional librarians who probably did not attend original session. Great impact for new members.
IFLA 2005: 71st World Library and Information Congress
Authors: Gelfand Julia
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To share with readers the issues and coverage of a large international conference.

Design/methodology/approach

Conference report of the IFLA 2005 71st World Library and Information Congress held in Oslo, Norway August 14‐18, 2005.

Findings

Different sections in each of IFLA’s Divisions held numerous meetings and programs and some highlights are shared. A large vendor and trade exhibition was held. Library visits to different sites were held in greater Oslo. One of the main attractions was the reopening of the Norwegian National Library after a major renovation that took several years.

Originality/value

Will be of interest to library and information professionals.
Relevant Issues in the Provision of Digital Information in Africa
Authors: Alemna A. , Cobblah M.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To share with a global readership the progress made and the infrastructure in the making to create digital resources and utilize digital resources in libraries in Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

Comparisons of how digital libraries evolved or transitioned in more developed parts of the world with Africa. Issues of intellectual property are key interests that need to be reinforced in Africa as the digital library movement matures.

Findings

Africa is ready to pursue developing digital libraries in a more earnest way but lacks some basic resources. Information technology is expanding throughout Africa but at a slower pace, yet with intense efforts directed towards training and implementing more automation.

Research limitations/implications

A more serious infrastructure needs to be established to see the launch of more digital library components in African libraries. The understanding is there but the resources remain undependable and costly to implement on any serious scale.

Practical implications

Serious infrastructure issues need to be resolved in addition to working out the economic and commercial limitations, the legal situation and creating a digital rights roadmap for seeing the digital library provision in place.

Originality/value

The need to catch up with trends in libraries worldwide is sincere and efforts are well underway to create more electronic resources and make digital libraries more of a reality in already information deprived regions of the world.
ARTstor: Enabling Cross‐Resource Communication
Authors: Rockenbach Barbara , Ying William
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To describe new features in ARTstor.

Design/methodology/approach

The piece includes descriptions of the new functionality – an XML gateway that will enable federated searches initiated locally via a metasearch engine to include results from the ARTstor Digital Library; and the development of a standard application programming interface (API) that will allow content stored in local repositories or other licensed resources to be searchable and retrievable via the ARTstor software.

Findings

ARTstor Digital Library is a repository of hundreds of thousands of digital images and related data; the tools to use those images; and a usage environment that seeks to balance the rights of content providers with the needs and interests of content users.

Originality/value

Provides information of value to information management professionals.
Interview with Ms Victoria Okojie, President of the Nigerian Library Association
Authors: Adomi Esharenana E.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To interview Ms Victoria Okojie, incoming president of the Nigerian Library Association. This introduction of her is timely as this issue also contains a conference report of the Nigerian Library Association Annual Meeting. Concern about library education, the public sector, information technology and nearly every other aspect of concern to professional librarians is touched on in this interview.

Design/methodology/approach

The work and career ladder of such highly visible people is captured via questions and leading statements.

Findings

The position of president of a national library association is a major role model for people entering the profession and those already deeply involved. Contemporary lay and professional leaders in the transformative library and information science environment are inspiring leaders and share priorities and goals about lobbying government for increased resources and commitments, and to foster partnerships and collaborations among many different sectors.

Originality/value

Professional development work is a very high priority and demonstrates to readers different styles and challenges leaders around the world face.
Blogging as a Tool: Innovative Approaches to Information Access
Authors: Bhatt Jay
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To describe new features and functionality of blogging and share a range of applications in the library environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Demonstrates the range of applications and suggests that this is a new information medium that is likely to have a keen presence for a long while as more users engage in the related activities and depend on Blogs and RSS for their sources of information.

Findings

Implementations in ways librarians never expected are now becoming common and the role of blogging and the challenges associated with tracking content on blogs remains of great interest. The wide spectrum of information sources and functionality of blogs proves to be ever‐changing.

Originality/value

Provides library community new ideas in how to implement blogs that will serve users in creative, positive and meaningful ways.
Brick and Click Libraries Symposium
Authors: Cox Christopher
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To share latest presentations and highlight discussion generated at this Annual Brick and Click Symposium.

Design methodology/approach

The need for new information technology applications to support new library functions is the focus of this annual symposium, now known as a mature conference.

Findings

Current technologies and products remain under utilized. Several presentations demonstrated many creative applications using packages such as ColdFusion and RefPole to name a few to provide newer and more efficient ways to handle statistical compilations, manage information services, contribute to in‐house library needs that measure transactions and more expedient and easy ways to do things.

Originality/value

Some very creative thinking and new ideas that have not made the traditional literature are introduced in this forum. Included this year are examples of software to track reference and other staff‐intensive interactions; appropriate technologies to create knowledgebases and institutional repositories, and to deliver government information in more consistent digital formats; compatibilities with course management software, distance delivery platforms and other larger technology‐based services.
The Best of Both Worlds: A Digital Preservation Project
Authors: Whitt Jennifer , Hastings S.K.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Using modern digitization techniques, seeks to create a searchable, full‐text representation of the first issue of The American Library Journal.

Design/methodology/approach

The original objectives of the project included designing a representation and surrogate to capture the look and feel of the original volume 1 of The American Library Journal dated 1876. Owing to the lack of uniqueness of the container of the journal, the project refocused on providing digital access to the intellectual content of the journal.

Findings

The digitization and subsequent creation of a digital collection provides and extends access and usability to the University of North Texas population to an otherwise deteriorating and unusable journal. Knowledge gained in the process may help others plan and implement other digitization projects.

Originality/value

This paper is useful for information management professionals who seek greater understanding of a small scale scanning project.
The Impact of ICT (Internet) on Research and Studies: The Experience of Delta State University Students in Abraka, Nigeria
Authors: Benson Adogbeji Oghenevwogaga , Amina Akporhonor Blessings
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This study seeks to explore how students are increasingly using the Internet to support instruction and research needs in addition to heavy e‐mail usage. The extension of this research suggests more positive impact from the Internet in almost every aspect of academic life and suggests the need for more access at reduced costs on and near this campus.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was used to survey a sample of students about their internet practices.

Findings

Students are now coming to university with more background in technology and the role of the internet and other ICTs. The demand for internet service will continue to grow and how the university should respond to meet this greater demand is the focus of this research.

Originality/value

Study suggests that the impact of the ICTs and internet service for e‐mail and other research activities related to the role of studying suggests that access is a key problem that must be scaled better so that students and faculty have improved access. This situation should continue to be monitored and the study suggests that more and more university affiliates will need improved access to internet resources.
Blogs and RSS: Powerful Information Management Tools
Authors: Davison‐Turley Whitney
Published: January 2007

Purpose

An introduction to blogs and RSS.

Design/methodology/approach

Describes what blogs and RSS are and what they can do Findings Blogs and RSS are a convenient and effective way to keep themselves informed, to share thoughts and ideas with each other, and to communicate with their patrons.

Originality/value

This paper is useful for information management professionals who seek greater understanding of blogs and RSS implementations in libraries.
Interview with Dr Mehdi Khosrow‐Pour President and Publisher of Idea‐Group Inc., Hershey, PA
Authors: Gelfand Julia
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To introduce one of the leading publishers today in information technology content provision and learn what issues he lays at night pondering.

Design/methodology/approach

Interview method.

Findings

Confirmation that the scholarly publishing industry is very competitive and that technology is now driving business decisions at a very fast pace.
Special Libraries Association (SLA) 2006 Annual Conference: Conference Report
Authors: Brown Mitchell
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To report on the SLA Annual Conference held in June 2006 in Baltimore MD.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides a review of some of the events of the conference.

Findings

The annual conference aims to provide attendees continuing professional education, vendor presentations, invited papers and social events. Exhibits from library vendors include technology, information materials and services.

Originality/value

A conference report of interest to information professionals in academia, corporate and governmental information centers and libraries.
Management Innovation and Library Services: The 3rd Shanghai International Library Forum, August 17‐19, 2006, Shanghai, China
Authors: Johnson Ian
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To describe the international conference and promote conference proceedings.

Findings

Taking advantage of the 2006 IFLA Meeting in Seoul immediately after, this 3rd Shanghai International Library Forum drawing a large number of international participants was deemed a great success.

Design/methodology/approach

Describes the 3rd Shanghai International Library Foum.

Originality/value

Gives an interview of the conference.
Google: Its Impact on the Library
Authors: Norris Benjamin P.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Aims to provide a comparison of a search results and relevancy ranking via Google Search, Google Scholar and InfoTrack Database.

Design/methodology/approach

A summary of the results from each search engine is compared.

Findings

This article provides an brief overview of impact of Google services on traditional library services.

Originality/value

This paper is useful for information management professionals who seek greater understanding of how the Google service compared with an aggregated subscription database.
International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) 2006 World Library and Information Congress Report and Emerald’s LibraryLink Program
Authors: Gelfand Julia
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To share and report information about the 72nd General Conference of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) held in Seoul, Korea.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the conference.

Findings

The general theme of this year’s conference was “Dynamic Engines for the Knowledge Society,” and generated 382 conference papers, 85 poster sessions and involved a total of 424 speakers and presenters.

Originality/value

A report of interest to all information management professionals.
2006 LITA National Forum: Conference Report
Authors: Riggs Colby
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To report the highlights of the annual LITA National Forum.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides a brief review of the conference.

Findings

This summary of presentations and information shared at the 2006 LITA National Forum, with the focus being on new technologies and their applications in a variety of library environments. The emphasis this year reinforced the theme of web services as library services. The forum offered a wide variety of timely presentations that were on new and emerging technologies and the application to the library environment.

Originality/value

This paper is a useful summary of a conference of interest to library and information management professionals.
Orientation on Library Use for New Students, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
Authors: Igun Stella E. , Benson Adogbeji Oghenevwogaga
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To provide a core library instruction and orientation program for new students entering Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.

Design methodology/approach

How to communicate with new students who have a variety of backgrounds when they enter the campus about navigating their way around the University Library. A course design is described that is content intensive about core library information.

Findings

Great utility for new students to the campus and reinforces the variety of library services and programs and resources with which they should be familiar as they pursue an academic course of study.

Originality/value

Shows that use of the web can help provide this information and create a way for library staff to update sources.
Using RFID to Transform Essex Libraries
Authors: Palmer Martin
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To describe the implementation of RFID technology in 35 Libraries in Essex (UK).

Design/methodology/approach

Brief overview of background to project, strategic aims and practical experience of implementation.

Findings

RFID self service has been popular with library customers, and has enabled significant changes to delivery of the service. Further exploration of stock management implications is required.

Originality/value

Aims to provide ideas for those considering introduction of RFID.
Economic development: corruption, complexity, wealth, and a triad of strains
Authors: Finnie Bruce W. , Gibson Linda K. , McNabb David E.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to use a multi‐disciplinary approach to analyze past and present economic and social explanations for development phenomena. A number of key factors may be missing from the current paradigm.

Design/methodology/approach

Comparative country surveys of corruption, ownership, freedom, and individualism are analyzed and discussed. Measurements on nine separate indices are evaluated for 97 nations. These interact to form a model labeled the Triad of Strains with three composite axes: ownership‐responsibility, freedom‐actualization, and control‐corruption.

Findings

Three theses are suggested from the comparative analyses: without ownership there can be no responsibility, freedom and responsibility go hand‐in‐hand, and unwise use of political control severely undermines economic development.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations include unavailable data for key areas such as North Korea.

Practical implications

Implications are that development policies should promote meaningful private ownership and personal freedom.

Originality/value

This research explores how ownership and freedom critically impact prosperity and provides a more complete, multi‐disciplinary framework for economic development.
A history of divorce and remarriage in the United States
Authors: Strow Claudia W. , Strow Brian K.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to review major historical trends in US divorce rates and the origin of divorce law in the USA, as well as several of the leading explanations for the increased rates of divorce in the 20th century and the impact of these trends on remarriage rates.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a historical review, the paper discusses the origins of regional differences, the factors contributing to trends in divorce and remarriage, and the transition in persons pursuing divorce and remarriage throughout the history of the USA.

Findings

The paper notes how the advent of industrialization transformed the family and contributed to rising divorce rates and examines common explanations for the dramatic increase in divorce throughout the 20th century. In particular, this review highlights how the feminist movement along with numerous legislative and demographic changes brought about the increased labor force participation of women and female economic independence, which allowed both men and women greater freedom to divorce. As divorce has become a more common event, the number of people eligible for remarriage has increased and the majority of those entering second marriages have shifted from widows and widowers to divorcees.

Originality/value

Once scholars better understand the historical background for trends in divorce and remarriage, they can more readily recognize and address the implications for marriage in the present day.
Organizational configuration as an antecedent to buying centers' size and structure
Authors: “Andy” Wood John
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Recent research suggests that organizations cycle through a small set of possible configurations. Each buying center as an informal organization within one of these four viable types of structure will exhibit distinct configuration attributes. Describing and predicting the buying center's configuration as indicated by organizational structure are the purpose of this research.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collected via mail survey are used to classify organizations into hypothesized segments via K‐means cluster analysis. Buying center structure is contrasted and tested for differences using MANOVA, MDA, and post hoc t‐tests.

Findings

The extensivity or level of participation in the buying center is significantly related to the type of organization. Organizational formalization and centralization are consistently related to the formalization and centrality of the buying center.

Research limitations/implications

The generalizability of the findings is limited as the sample is from a single US geographical area. Buying center participation and structure may be a function of the product. Research findings are limited to a specific service.

Practical implications

Awareness of the structure of the buying center is useful for marketing and sales managers. This knowledge can guide their efforts to allocate scarce sales resources at appropriate levels for business customers.

Originality/value

This paper closes a gap in the business‐to‐business marketing literature about antecedents to the buying center's structure.
Racial diversity in professional selling: an empirical investigation of the differences in the perceptions and performance of African‐American and Caucasian salespeople
Authors: Martin Craig A.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Although a significant number of employment fields and categories have followed the trend of increasing the number of minority employees in their profession, professional selling remains a profession dominated by the presence of Caucasian males. Racial minorities and their performance in a professional selling environment have yet to be examined in depth. Understanding why there are so few African‐Americans in professional selling is important. However, analyzing and comprehending what these salespeople accomplish once they obtain professional sales positions should also be of considerable interest, which this paper seeks to examine.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing a sample of 294 African‐American and Caucasian salespeople, the present manuscript empirically examines a variety of important work‐related perceptions and behaviors, and the performance levels of separate races of salespeople, to determine whether differences exist based on the race of the salesperson.

Findings

Results indicate that African‐American and Caucasian salespeople do not exhibit significant differences in terms of their psychological climate perceptions, customer relationship effort, and overall performance. Additionally, the results indicate that racial similarity between the sales manager and the sales representative significantly influences the aforementioned perceptions and performance of salespeople.

Originality/value

Managerial implications suggest that managerial‐level training should be utilized to create sales atmospheres that create equal opportunities for all salespeople. Sales executives will also be able to utilize the results from the present study as evidence that separate races of salespeople appear to be equally qualified to perform the job.
Salesforce control system in high‐tech contexts: do environment and industry matter?
Authors: Lapierre Jozée , Skelling Jimmy
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Aims to examine the influence exerted by two key actors – sales person and sales manager – on the salesforce control system used by high‐tech industries. First, since these industries evolve in a highly turbulent environment, external conditions can be expected to modify the relationships between the antecedents and the control system. Also seeks to study the differences in two industries' reactions to an uncertain environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The investigation was empirical, and a total of 200 managers were surveyed across two industries (the computer and the electrical/electronic industries) in the province of Quebec, Canada.

Findings

Results suggest that both sales person and sales manager characteristics predict the control system. Second, environment uncertainty and technological turbulence modify the relationships between most of the antecedents and the control system. Third, few differences were found in how the two industries respond to a turbulent environment. The results cannot be generalized, mainly because of the geographical context of this research, meaning that their use is somewhat limited for managers in other regions. The findings nonetheless give managers insight into which characteristics influence the control system and how environment influences the relationships investigated.

Originality/value

Contributes to the marketing literature since it is the only study other than Krafft's that measures the direct effects that the two key actors exert on the control system. This research is also the first to empirically show the indirect effects attributable to environment. The results are exploratory and should be replicated in other contexts to improve their external validity.
Transforming partner relationships through technological innovation
Authors: Zablah Alex R. , Johnston Wesley J. , Bellenger Danny N.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To develop and propose a conceptual model that explains why downstream channel members (e.g. retailers) are likely to adopt or resist the implementation of emerging partner relationship management (PRM) technologies by their channel counterparts (i.e. suppliers).

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual model is grounded in organizational innovation theory and utilizes select case examples to support posited relationships.

Findings

Resellers' level of commitment to new PRM tools deployed by suppliers is likely to be driven by their perception of the technology's impact on the equity (i.e. fairness) and efficiency (i.e. cost) of existing channel relationships. In turn, resellers' perceptions about the equity and efficiency implications of PRM technology adoption are expected to be influenced by several factors, including: environmental factors, suppliers' choice of influence strategies and the characteristics of the exchange relationship.

Research limitations/implications

Aside from offering several testable propositions, the paper also raises various questions that are worthy of investigation, such as: To what extent (if at all) do boundary‐spanning technologies alter the basic nature of channel relationships? Can the deployment of PRM tools simultaneously lead to both greater channel conflict and coordination? Do differences in reseller commitment result when different implementation partners (i.e. third‐party software firms) handle the deployment of the technology across geographic regions?

Originality/value

The paper builds on the inter‐organizational concepts of equity and efficiency to offer a new perspective on the adoption of boundary‐spanning technologies in a channel setting.