bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-power room-temperature CO laser
Authors: Arai Tsunenori , Kikuchi Makoto
Published: February 2003

A high-power room-temperature CO laser using a high convective-flow speed is described in this paper. With a simple conventional laser tube, a maximum laser output of 38.8 W/m and a maximum efficiency of 20.7% were obtained.
Surface morphology of epitaxial CaF2 films on Si substrates
Authors: Fathauer R. W. , Schowalter L. J.
Published: February 2003

The surfaces of epitaxial CaF2 layers grown on (100) and (111) Si by molecular beam epitaxy have been studied using scanning electron microscopy. The (111) surface exhibits small triangular hillocks, while the (100) surface exhibits a columnar structure. This latter structure can be accounted for by the prohibitively large free energy of the (100) surface. A dipole moment exists perpendicular to this surface which causes the electrostatic energy to diverge. This phenomenon explains the inferior (100) growth as compared to (111) and has important implications for possible applications of group II-A fluoride/semiconductor epitaxial structures.
Use of spatial time-division repetition rate multiplication of mode-locked laser pulses to generate microwave radiation from optoelectronic switches
Authors: Mooradian A.
Published: February 2003

Multiplication of the pulse repetition rate of a mode-locked laser beam using an all-optical technique has been used to generate microwave radiation from an avalanche photodiode as well as from an optoelectronic switch.
Origin of oriented crystal growth of radiantly melted silicon on SiO2
Authors: Biegelsen D. K. , Fennell L. E. , Zesch J. C.
Published: February 2003

We demonstrate directly that {100} texturing of lamellae in radiantly melted silicon on SiO2 derives from precursor seeds in the as-deposited solid film. The anisotropic interfacial free energy between crystalline silicon and SiO2 controls the orientation.
Structure of AlAs-GaAs interfaces grown on (100) vicinal surfaces by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Petroff P. M. , Gossard A. C. , Wiegmann W.
Published: February 2003

Hyperfine control of the interface structure and composition between GaAs and AlAs films grown by molecular beam epitaxy has been achieved by deposition on vicinal (100) GaAs substrates. This control is demonstrated by producing (GaAs)m-(AlAs)n submonolayer (m and/or n<1) superlattices over a wide temperature range. Analysis of these submonolayer superlattices by transmission electron microscopy shows that the layer growth regime is dominant and that layer nucleation is initiated preferentially at the step edges on the (100) vicinal surface. Potential applications of submonolayer superlattices including the growth of superlattice layers perpendicular to the substrate surface are described.
Interferometric high pressure gauge for the diamond anvil cell useful at high temperatures
Authors: da Jornada J. A. H. , Block S. , Piermarini G. J.
Published: February 2003

A new method of precise pressure measurement in the diamond anvil cell, especially useful at high temperatures, is presented. It is based on the measurement of the channeled spectrum of a miniature Fabry–Perot etalon interferometer placed inside the cell. The validity of the method has been verified with an interferometric gauge of ZnWO4.
Reduction of apparent dopant concentration in the surface space charge layer of oxidized silicon by ionizing radiation
Authors: Wei C-C. , Ma T-P.
Published: February 2003

We have observed significant reduction of apparent dopant concentration in the surface space charge layer of oxidized silicon resulting from exposure to either an Ar plasma or x rays. Such phenomenon has been found in both p-type (boron doped) and n-type (phosphorus doped) samples. In addition, the magnitude of this reduction depends systematically on the diameter of the gate aluminum dots used to form the metal/SiO2/Si capacitor. In the range (10–60 mil) studied, samples with smaller gate sizes exhibit less dopant reduction. These results may be explained by a model based on the majority-carrier reduction due to the radiation-induced deep electron and hole traps in the surface space charge region of silicon.
Photoluminescence and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements of InP surface treated by acid and base solutions
Authors: Krawczyk S. K. , Hollinger G.
Published: February 2003

A very strong effect up to three orders of magnitude of chemical treatment on photoluminescence (PL) intensity from InP surface is demonstrated by in situ and ex situ measurements. It is found that InP treatment by acid solutions gives generally high PL intensity, in contrast to the base solutions which give low PL amplitude. Very detrimental effect of H2O2 in H2O and/or in presence of bases is demonstrated. Similar results are obtained in situ, in liquid ambiance and ex situ, immediately after treatment. A reduction of the PL signal is always observed after low-temperature (150 °C) annealing in vacuum (10−6 Torr). Although HF, HNO3, and H2SO4 give similar PL intensity immediately after treatment, a great difference between these treatments becomes apparent after annealing. The amount and nature of oxide layers left by various treatments on In P surface were evaluated by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The average oxide thickness and composition do not seem to be directly correlated with fast surface state density and PL intensity. Our results suggest that InP surface treatment by oxidizing acid solution may be the most promising for device application.
Examining Clusters Formation from the ‘Bottom-up’: An Analysis of four Cases in the North of England
Authors: Atherton Andrew
Published: February 2003

The role of clusters and clustering in economic development is of current policy interest, in part because of analyses and studies that have associated these forms of collaboration with regional and local prosperity and development. Although some of the literature supports or starts from this association, there are also critiques of the clusters concept and its feasibility as a policy development and intervention strategy. Intrinsic to part of these concerns has been a view that clusters cannot be created without business involvement and input at the heart of the process. The paper addresses this issue via an examination of four cases of potential clusters development from the perspectives of the businesses involved. Although clear evidence for the existence of a cluster could only be established definitively in one of the four cases, there were extensive indications of clustering as a collaborative activity across all four cases. Based on this, a process of clusters formation and emergence was developed that applied to the cases. This process consists of several phases of clusters emergence and points to three stages of clusters development: potential, emerging, and established. A key implication is that processes of clusters formation may provide an opportunity for the formulation of ‘bottom-up’, contextually sensitive clusters development strategies for groups of businesses.
How Can We Reap the Fruits of Academic Research in Biotechnology? in Search of Critical Success Factors in Policies for New-Firm Formation
Authors: van Geenhuizen Marina
Published: February 2003

There is often a gap between the creation of knowledge and the use of new knowledge in the economy, a situation which has pushed many governments to establish programmes for knowledge transfer and new-firm formation. I examine the initiatives taken by the government in the Netherlands to advance new-firm formation in biotechnology. Drawing on experience in entrepreneurship—its institutional setting in general, and more specifically on developments in biotechnology start-ups—I aim to identify critical success factors for this policy. The policy seems promising in covering all development stages of start-up firms and in using a network approach—with implementation by an intermediary organisation as a solution for coordination problems. The low popularity of entrepreneurship, including some negative regulatory factors in biotechnology, and the danger of the policy focusing on the top innovative start-ups are threats to success. Other threats may be a fragmentation of ferees and a narrow focus on a national situation rather than cooperation with adjacent countries. I suggest a number of critical success factors that can be used in policies to enhance new-firm formation in biotechnology, and indicate some lines for further research.
Once More into the Sunset? Asian Clothing Firms after the National Minimum Wage
Authors: Ram Monder , Gilman Mark , Arrowsmith James , Edwards Paul
Published: February 2003

Intense global competition and the advent of a raft of employment regulations (notably, the national minimum wage, or NMW) have placed the UK garment industry under severe pressure. The prospects for a significant segment of this sector—ethnic-minority-owned businesses—appear to be extremely gloomy, although earlier predictions of its demise proved to be unduly pessimistic. Drawing on case studies of eighteen firms, we present an examination of longitudinal change in the Asian-dominated West Midlands clothing industry. In particular, the aim is to examine the responses of manufacturers to market and regulatory change (in particular, the NMW). The findings clearly illustrate that the sector is in decline, with firms finding it increasingly difficult to cope with cheap imports, labour shortages, and employment regulations. A range of responses was evident and included firms that resorted to operating in ‘grey’ markets; manufacturers that ‘retrenched’ their operations; ‘work intensification’; and businesses that attempted to move ‘up-market’. Finally, potential policy responses are considered. In particular, the case of the Coventry Clothing Centre is examined. The Centre worked with the grain of employment legislation, and appeared to have experienced some success in encouraging local firms to accommodate the NMW and improve working practices.
An Assessment of the Business Environment for High-Tech Industrial Development in Shanghai
Authors: Hong Wen
Published: February 2003

The author presents the analysis of a survey of 500 high-tech enterprises in Shanghai which was designed to examine the local social, political, and economic environment in which high-tech enterprises operate and compete. Information sought in this survey comes in two kinds: the characteristics of high-tech enterprises; and their assessments of specified elements constituting their business environment. Survey findings suggested that state-owned or quasi-state-owned enterprises are still the leading players although local private enterprises and transnational corporations are becoming indispensable actors in high-tech industrial development in Shanghai. Among these enterprises, those which are locally based are mainly small and medium-sized enterprises and are in the start-up stage of business; they are domestically oriented and are not strong enough to exploit foreign markets. Foreign-based enterprises in Shanghai are, however, mainly subsidiaries, branch plants, or assembly lines, rather than regional headquarters, suggesting that Shanghai occupies a relatively low position in the international division of labor. The second part of the survey suggests that, in boosting the development of high-tech businesses, Shanghai achieves tangible objectives and improves the physical environment efficiently. Nevertheless, it is still quite weak in some soft dimensions, such as dynamic entrepreneurial culture, adequate business-support services, sophisticated educational and professional systems, comprehensive legal framework, etc. However, these dimensions are key components of innovative milieu in which technological innovation and entrepreneurial activities are facilitated and nurtured.
Innovation and the Use of Technology in Manufacturing Plants and SMEs: An Interregional Comparison
Authors: Smallbone David , North David , Roper Stephen , Vickers Ian
Published: February 2003

In this paper we are concerned with the nature and extent of product and process innovation and adoption of information and communications technologies (ICTs) in manufacturing plants and SMEs. The paper is based on extensive postal surveys conducted in southeast (SE) England, Northern Ireland (NI), and the Republic of Ireland (RoI) with a harmonised survey instrument. We confirm the findings of a number of previous studies by demonstrating a positive association between product and process innovation and business performance. Data collected from all three surveys show that sales growth, employment growth, and profit margins were higher for innovators than growth, for noninnovators. It also appears that although foreign-owned plants show a higher propensity for innovation than indigenously owned plants, the latter grew faster than their foreign owned counterparts in all three regions. This suggests that a targeting strategy focused on innovative, indigenously owned SMEs may be particularly rewarding. With regard to the nature and extent of the use of ICT and electronic business (e-business), the survey found a higher level of adoption of nearly all ICT facilities in SE England compared with the levels in NI and the RoI. Differences in ICT capability between the regions are greatest in the case of smaller plants, with the adoption of various ICT facilities being particularly favoured amongst the smallest plants in SE England, most of which are indigenously owned. However, there is evidence to suggest that the technology may be underutilised in each region, possibly reflecting a lack of in-house knowledge and resources in some applications and external barriers in others. SE England was found to have the highest proportion of plants engaged in some R&D compared with the two Irish regions, particularly NI. Unsurprisingly, there is a tendency for the propensity of a firm to be engaged in R&D to increase with firm size. The surveys also underlined sectoral differences in explaining the relative importance of R&D. ‘Technology transfer’ was significantly more common in the two Irish regions, reflecting the higher proportion of externally controlled plants. With respect to the role of external linkages in innovation, links with customers and suppliers were the ones most commonly identified in all three regions. In SE England there is a particularly low propensity to engage in collaboration with external agencies and research institutions, indicating scope here for further policy intervention. We conclude with a number of suggestions for the agenda of the new regional centre of manufacturing excellence in SE England.
Achieving ‘Sustainable Business’: A Study of Perceptions of Environmental Best Practice by SMEs in South Yorkshire
Authors: Taylor Nick , Barker Karen , Simpson Mike
Published: February 2003

This paper provides an account of a questionnaire-based study of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their responses to the current requirements of environmental best practice. The study was based within South Yorkshire. We aim to explore the current relationship between SMEs and the environment and how this affects their concept of ‘sustainable business’. The main finding reported is that most manufacturing and service organisations surveyed believe environmental issues affect their business. However, meeting environmental requirements is seen as a business cost that is not transferable to customers in terms of added benefits and few organisations could show that it led to a competitive advantage. SMEs have only a generalist awareness of environmental legislation, and information provided by most local support services is not presented in a format that is efficient or effective. Our recommendations are that the assistance provided by local support agencies with regards to environmental best practice should be critically reviewed, and this review should seek to understand the reluctance and real difficulties faced by SMEs in comprehension and implementation of environmental legislation. This paper should therefore be used in conjunction with associated information when considering the best way to help prepare SMEs for greater involvement in environmental best practice and the achievement of sustainable business.
Developing a Coherent Enterprise Support Policy: A New Challenge for Governments
Authors: Henry Colette , Hill Frances , Leitch Claire
Published: February 2003

The role and importance of entrepreneurship and new business creation to the economy have been the subject of increased attention in recent years. Indeed, it is now widely recognised that the promotion of entrepreneurship is not only necessary for a healthy economy, but also critical for sustaining prosperity and creating new jobs. The authors discuss the debate on intervention in the business creation process, and pay particular attention to one aspect of such intervention, namely entrepreneurship training. The issue of the effectiveness of this type of training is also addressed, and the results of a comparative study of eight enterprise training programmes in five European countries, are presented. In addition to the intercountry comparison of entrepreneurship training programmes, the research undertaken comprised a three-year longitudinal study of participants in one of these programmes (CCNEA). The combination of the analysis of the comparative study with the more in-depth case study, has highlighted a number of issues which should be of particular interest to enterprise policymakers throughout Europe. These include the need for early stage awareness-raising through the education system, and the importance of providing secure funding for programmes; for pre-programme screening; for evaluation; and the need to ensure wide access.
Facilitating Innovation in Opto-Electronics in a National, Global, and Regional Context
Authors: Hendry Chris , Brown James , Ganter Hans-Dieter , Hilland Susanne
Published: February 2003

During the past twenty years, the emphasis of policy towards high-technology industry has shifted from national innovation systems to take account of globalisation and the formation of regional clusters. Support for high-technology sectors now takes place at a number of levels—regional, national, and international. However, the extent to which firms operate in these three arenas, and how relevant government action is for the needs and behaviour of firms in respect of these is open to question. The paper reports on a study into innovation in Germany and the United Kingdom, in a particular industry—opto-electronics—which has a highly global character, but is also characterised by concentrations of firms in clusters. The contrasting experiences of firms in two regions—Wales and Thuringia—and the different policy emphasis of the regional government provide a test for the relevance, appropriateness, and impact of government policies towards high-technology industry. By focusing on the experiences of innovating firms, the authors provide a conceptually rich understanding of innovation in terms of two processes, which are often conflated in public policy—stimulating knowledge and technology transfer, and providing resource support. The paper concludes with a suggestion that support for innovation needs to be based around the twin concepts of redundancy and systems thinking, and a series of questions policymakers need to keep in mind are proposed.
Optimal a priori error bounds for the Rayleigh-Ritz method
Authors: Sleijpen Gerard , van den Eshof Jasper , Smit Paul
Published: February 2003

We derive error bounds for the Rayleigh-Ritz method for the approximation to extremal eigenpairs of a symmetric matrix. The bounds are expressed in terms of the eigenvalues of the matrix and the angle between the subspace and the eigenvector. We also present a sharp bound.
Theoretical and numerical analysis for the quasi-continuum approximation of a material particle model
Authors: Lin Ping
Published: February 2003

In many applications materials are modeled by a large number of particles (or atoms) where any one of particles interacts with all others. Near or nearest neighbor interaction is expected to be a good simplification of the full interaction in the engineering community. In this paper we shall analyze the approximate error between the solution of the simplified problem and that of the full-interaction problem so as to answer the question mathematically for a one-dimensional model. A few numerical methods have been designed in the engineering literature for the simplified model. Recently much attention has been paid to a finite-element-like quasicontinuum (QC) method which utilizes a mixed atomistic/continuum approximation model. No numerical analysis has been done yet. In the paper we shall estimate the error of the QC method for this one-dimensional model. Possible ill-posedness of the method and its modification are discussed as well.
Developing Scientific and Policy Methods That Support Precautionary Action in the Face of Uncertainty—The Institute of Medicine Committee on Agent Orange
Authors: Tickner Joel A.
Published: February 2003

To be precautionary, decisions must be made to prevent the impacts of potentially harmful activities even though the nature and magnitude of harm have not been proven scientifically. The Institute of Medicine's Committee on the Health Effects in Vietnam Veterans of Exposures to Herbicides provides a novel example of science and policy structures that support precautionary action in the face of uncertainty. What makes this example unique is the clear set of precautionary decision rules that lowered the standard for evidence, which formed the basis for policy. These rules, established by Congress, strongly influenced the way scientific information was weighed and the subsequent compensation decisions. They encouraged committee members to think outside the confines of their disciplines and develop new tools and methods to fit their unique mandate. The result was a methodology, supported by strong institutional structures, that allowed scientists to discuss the evidence as a whole, reach decisions as a group, and clarify uncertainties.
Recently Duplicated Maize R2R3 Myb Genes Provide Evidence for Distinct Mechanisms of Evolutionary Divergence after Duplication
Authors: Dias Anusha P. , Braun Edward L. , McMullen Michael D. , Grotewold Erich
Published: February 2003

R2R3 Myb genes are widely distributed in the higher plants and comprise one of the largest known families of regulatory proteins. Here, we provide an evolutionary framework that helps explain the origin of the plant-specific R2R3 Myb genes from widely distributed R1R2R3 Mybgenes, through a series of well-established steps. To understand the routes of sequence divergence that followed Myb gene duplication, we supplemented the information available on recently duplicated maize (Zea mays) R2R3 Mybgenes (C1/Pl1 andP1/P2) by cloning and characterizingZmMyb-IF35 and ZmMyb-IF25. These two genes correspond to the recently expanded P-to-A group of maizeR2R3 Myb genes. Although the origins ofC1/Pl1 andZmMyb-IF35/ZmMyb-IF25 are associated with the segmental allotetraploid origin of the maize genome, other gene duplication events also shaped the P-to-A clade. Our analyses indicate that some recently duplicated Myb gene pairs display substantial differences in the numbers of synonymous substitutions that have accumulated in the conserved MYB domain and the divergent C-terminal regions. Thus, differences in the accumulation of substitutions during evolution can explain in part the rapid divergence of C-terminal regions for these proteins in some cases. Contrary to previous studies, we show that the divergent C termini of these R2R3 MYB proteins are subject to purifying selection. Our results provide an in-depth analysis of the sequence divergence for some recently duplicated R2R3 Myb genes, yielding important information on general patterns of evolution for this large family of plant regulatory genes.
Expression of Cytosolic and Plastid Acetyl-Coenzyme A Carboxylase Genes in Young Wheat Plants,
Authors: Podkowinski Jan , Jelenska Joanna , Sirikhachornkit Anchalee , Zuther Ellen , Haselkorn Robert , Gornicki Piotr
Published: February 2003

Expression of cytosolic and plastid acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase) gene families at the mRNA level was analyzed in developing wheat (Triticum aestivum) plants. The major plastid ACCase mRNA level is high in the middle part of the plant and low in roots and leaf blades. An alternative plastid ACCase transcript initiated at a different promoter and using an alternative 5′ splice site for the first intron accumulates to its highest level in roots. Cytosolic ACCase mRNA also consists of two species, one of which is present at approximately a constant level, whereas the other accumulates to a high level in the lower sheath section. It is likely that different promoters are also responsible for the two forms of cytosolic ACCase mRNA. The abundances of cytosolic and plastid ACCase mRNAs in the sheath section of the plant are similar. ACCase protein level is significantly lower in the leaf blades, in parallel with changes in the total ACCase mRNA level. Homoeologous ACCase genes show the same expression patterns and similar mRNA levels, suggesting that none of the genes was silenced or acquired new tissue specificity after polyploidization.
Overexpression of Arabidopsis Phytochelatin Synthase Paradoxically Leads to Hypersensitivity to Cadmium Stress
Authors: Lee Sangman , Moon Jae S. , Ko Tae-Seok , Petros David , Goldsbrough Peter B. , Korban Schuyler S.
Published: February 2003

Phytochelatin (PC) plays an important role in heavy metal detoxification in plants and other living organisms. Therefore, we overexpressed an Arabidopsis PC synthase (AtPCS1) in transgenic Arabidopsis with the goal of increasing PC synthesis, metal accumulation, and metal tolerance in these plants. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants were selected, designated pcs lines, and analyzed for tolerance to cadmium (Cd). Transgenic pcs lines showed 12- to 25-fold higher accumulation ofAtPCS1 mRNA, and production of PCs increased by 1.3- to 2.1-fold under 85 μm CdCl2 stress for 3 d when compared with wild-type plants. Cd tolerance was assessed by measuring root length of plants grown on agar medium containing 50 or 85 μm CdCl2. Pcs lines paradoxically showed hypersensitivity to Cd stress. This hypersensitivity was also observed for zinc (Zn) but not for copper (Cu). The overexpressed AtPCS1 protein itself was not responsible for Cd hypersensitivity as transgeniccad1-3 mutants overexpressing AtPCS1 to similar levels as those of pcs lines were not hypersensitive to Cd. Pcs lines were more sensitive to Cd than a PC-deficient Arabidopsis mutant,cad1-3, grown under low glutathione (GSH) levels. Cd hypersensitivity of pcs lines disappeared under increased GSH levels supplemented in the medium. Therefore, Cd hypersensitivity in pcs lines seems due to the toxicity of PCs as they existed at supraoptimal levels when compared with GSH levels.
Rapid Alkalinization Factors in Poplar Cell Cultures. Peptide Isolation, cDNA Cloning, and Differential Expression in Leaves and Methyl Jasmonate-Treated Cells
Authors: Haruta Miyoshi , Constabel C. Peter
Published: February 2003

A family of peptides inducing rapid pH alkalinization in hybrid poplar (Populus trichocarpa × Populus deltoides) cell culture medium was isolated from hybrid poplar leaves. Five related approximately 5-kD peptides were purified by high-performance liquid chromatography and analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry. The N-terminal sequence of one of the isolated peptides was very similar to a previously characterized peptide from tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), rapid alkalinization factor (RALF), which causes a rapid increase in culture medium pH when added to tobacco cell cultures (G. Pearce, D.S. Moura, J. Stratmann, C.A. Ryan [2001] Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 98: 12843–12847). Two unique poplar RALF cDNAs (PtdRALF1 and PtdRALF2) were isolated from a poplar cDNA library and used to study RALF expression in poplar saplings and cultured poplar cells. Both genes were found to be expressed constitutively in poplar saplings and cultured cells. However, PtdRALF2 was expressed in leaves at very low levels, and its expression in suspension culture cells was transiently suppressed by methyl jasmonate (MeJa). Although the function of these novel peptides remains enigmatic, our experiments suggest their role may be developmental rather than stress related. Overall, our study confirms the presence of active RALF peptides in other plants, and provides new data on the complexity of the RALF gene family in poplar.
Information marketing: seven questions
Authors: Rowley Jennifer
Published: February 2003

Seeks to encourage information professionals to take a critical perspective on the nature and practice of marketing as it relates to information‐based products and services. The following questions are explored: What is marketing? What is information marketing? Are you marketing or selling? When does marketing end and service delivery begin? Is it possible to brand an information service? Is it possible to “make friends and influence people” through a screen? Does marketing have any impact? From an academic perspective the exploration of these questions supports the development of an understanding of the nature of information marketing. For practitioners, the discussion surfaces some of the questions that marketers need to be prepared to answer.
Segmentation of library visitors in Singapore: learning and reading related lifestyles
Authors: Ah Keng Kau , Wirtz Jochen , Jung Kwon
Published: February 2003

Examines the learning and reading‐related lifestyles of users and non‐users of libraries in Singapore. Door‐to‐door personal interviews with over 800 respondents in the age group of over 15 were used to collect the data. Factor analysis was used to establish eight types of reading and learning lifestyles. Subsequently cluster analysis was used to segment the respondents into seven types of library visitors. Together with their demographic characteristics and usage patterns of libraries, distinct profiles of these segments of people could be constructed. Finally, implications for library policy planners are discussed.
Developing relationship marketing with customers: a Scandinavian perspective
Authors: Singh Rajesh
Published: February 2003

For long‐term survival and growth, libraries and information centres need to build, develop and maintain a relationship with their customers. Highlights the shifting paradigms that have affected the traditional concept of libraries and attempts to focus the emerging issues that influence the service‐provider and customer relationship. The foremost challenge witnessed by library managers is how to provide easy and quick access to information products and services without compromising service quality while maintaining customer focus at the same time. A relationship marketing approach, initially evolved in Scandinavia, is suggested as a way to build relationships with the customers. Some experiences drawn from a pilot study conducted in Finnish libraries have been interpreted in the framework of a relationship marketing approach. The key issues raised are how relationship marketing principles can contribute to developing relationships with customers in the library and information environment. Stresses that building relationships with customers has become more critical to meet their ever changing various needs, wants, and demands. A list of further reading relating to Scandinavia is appended.
User privacy in the digital library environment: an investigation of policies and preparedness
Authors: Sturges Paul , Davies Eric , Dearnley James , Iliffe Ursula , Iliffe Ursula , Oppenheim Charles , Hardy Rachel
Published: February 2003

With digital technology libraries can archive considerable resources of detailed information about their users. This data is generally regarded as confidential between the library and the individual, but it has potential interest for commercial organisations, law enforcement and security agencies, and libraries themselves, to assist in marketing their services. The Privacy in the Digital Library Environment project at Loughborough University, 2000‐2002, investigated the issues this raises. Findings suggested that users had low levels of anxiety about privacy when using libraries, but this was because they expected that libraries would not pass on personal data to other bodies. Librarians, whilst respecting privacy as a professional value in principle, did not give it a high rating against other values. Additionally, a significant minority of libraries was not well prepared for data protection. To assist the professional community, guidelines for privacy policy were drawn up on the basis of suggestions made by survey respondents.
Library directors under cross‐pressure between new public management and value‐based management
Authors: Ole Pors Niels , Gustav Johannsen Carl
Published: February 2003

Presents some of the main results from a comprehensive survey conducted in 2001 into leadership and management in Danish libraries. The survey focused on leadership roles, perception of future challenges, perception of educational needs and the employment of different leadership tools. The main theme for the paper is an analysis of the data in relation to new public management and value‐based management. The paper starts with a theoretical framework that emphasises the powers that create a certain sort of cross‐pressure. The broad concepts of new public management and value‐based management are outlined. The paper analyses the leaders’ knowledge of leadership tools, classified according to their place in either new public management or value‐based management. The paper also analyses the perception of future leadership roles. It was found that library leaders tend to perceive future roles as being greatly oriented towards people and towards values and see themselves as a kind of catalyst for change.
ICT and change in UK public libraries: does training matter?
Authors: Spacey Rachel , Goulding Anne , Murray Ian
Published: February 2003

A consideration of the implications of technological change for public library staff and managers in the UK is based on the selected results of a literature review. Recent developments affecting the growth of information and communication technology (ICT) in public libraries provide a context against which research into the effects of automation, the introduction of ICT in a variety of library environments and into society generally, are explored. The value of attitudes to ICT are questioned noting that attitudes are often seen as being important in determining the successful implementation of ICT in libraries. Training is suggested as an appropriate means of enabling staff to cope effectively with technological change. Successful training needs to appreciate that staff have different needs and so prefer different training methods. Resistance is also viewed as a natural response to change that managers should note and attempt to understand, if and when it occurs.
Women librarians in Kenya: a study of their status and occupational characteristics
Authors: Majanja Mabel , Kiplang’at Joseph
Published: February 2003

This study investigated the current status and occupational characteristics of women librarians in Kenya. The study’s objectives were to: compare their status to that of their male counterparts; establish their career advancement opportunities; investigate factors inhibiting their professional advancement; and suggest possible solutions to some of the impediments encountered by them in their professional advancement. The study was conducted using a survey research method. The findings indicated that the majority of women librarians in Kenya had adequate qualifications, but held lower positions compared to their male counterparts and were still specialising in cataloguing, circulation and children’s work. Concludes that Kenyan women librarians’ status has consistently been lower than men’s in terms of position, salary and other remuneration. Recommends that Kenyan women librarians need to be more assertive in job seeking and negotiating for higher remuneration and should be encouraged to venture into IT‐related jobs. Suggests proper supportive policies and legislation should be put in place to address issues of equal opportunities in education, training and employment.
The development and present state of library services to children in Japan
Authors: Kanna Kenji
Published: February 2003

Provides a general description of the movement for library services for children and children’s libraries, together with the modern public library movement in post‐war Japan. The Bunko as a home library, or a community‐based small library, is quite characteristic of Japan. The Bunko movement played an important role in improving the reading environment of children and the library service for children. The Chusho‐report (1963) and Shimin‐no‐Toshokan (1970) changed the concept of the public library in Japan. They contributed to an increase in reading facilities for children and the establishment of new public libraries. Children’s libraries at the national, public and private level are also described.
Management musings 10: everyone can be difficult at times
Authors: Line Maurice B.
Published: February 2003

Discusses the problems of handling difficult people in the workplace – why there might be out‐of‐character behaviour and how to handle it.
Continuing Professional Development and Workplace Learning: The Fifth World Conference on Continuing Professional Education for the Library and Information Professions, Scotland, August 2002
Authors: Anne Clyde Laurel
Published: February 2003

Discusses the papers presented at the Fifth World Conference on Continuing Professional Development for the Library and Information Professions organised by the Round Table on Continuing Professional Development of IFLA held August 2002. They included theoretical discussions, research reports, descriptions of best practice, case studies, project evaluations and state‐of‐the‐art reviews presented by library and information professionals.
Diversity: ALA holds 5th Annual Diversity Fair in Atlanta, June 2002
Authors: Layzell Ward Patricia
Published: February 2003

Reviews a Diversity Fair held at the American Library Association Conference, June 2002. Attention is drawn to the range of programmes organised in US libraries relating to diversity in its widest interpretation, and a number are highlighted.
Estimating the value enhancement effects of refurbishment
Authors: Chau K.W. , Wong S.K. , Leung A.Y.T. , Yiu C.Y.
Published: February 2003

There have been very few empirical studies investigating the value enhancement effects of refurbishment and most rely on cross‐sectional data, which cannot show the before and after effects conclusively because of the heterogeneous nature of the properties. The problem of refurbishment is more complicated in buildings or housing estates with multiple‐ownerships, since refurbishment is a collective decision, which can sometimes be difficult to achieve. Uses panel data in Hong Kong to estimate the impact of refurbishment on the market value of properties in a large housing estate. The results show that the refurbishment brought about approximately a 9 per cent increase in the market value of the properties, which far exceeds the cost of refurbishment. Suggests that property owners of a housing estate will benefit if they can reach a collective decision on renovation.
Improving the delivery of patient services: alternative workplace strategies in action
Authors: Gilleard John D. , Chi‐keung Tarcisius Law
Published: February 2003

Alternative workplace strategies (AWS) are more commonly associated with changes in the office environment, particularly those impacted by the adoption of technology. Using a case study, this paper attempts to interpret AWS by examining the redesign of a comprehensive paediatric rehabilitation centre at a general acute hospital. By adopting a non‐territorial work environment, the hospital facility management team was able to foster a shared and common vision: a “department without walls”. The paper describes how this resulted in an improvement in service quality for the handicapped children and enhanced communications between the professionals, patients and their families.
The effect of personal injuries claims as a result of mismanagement of multi‐storey buildings on property investment in Hong Kong
Authors: Leung Hing‐fung
Published: February 2003

A personal injury claim for compensation is one of the most common kinds of litigation in Hong Kong. In recent years, a number of cases have emerged which involve accidents resulting from mismanagement of buildings and, in particular, in which the unit owners within the buildings were held liable to pay a portion of the damages. The relevant court cases, relating to domestic property, are researched, to find out the amounts of damages awarded, the effects of the compensations on individual unit owners in the relevant buildings and on their return on investment and the factors that may affect the investment. This kind of litigation is likely to grow, owing to the increase in the proportion of old buildings as a result of the downturn in the local property development market. The research results are likely to be of use to other common law countries where multi‐storey buildings are the major form of property for property investment.
Digital libraries and organizations for international collaboration and knowledge creation
Authors: Allard Suzie
Published: February 2003

Knowledge creation relies on melding powerful technological tools with efficient human organizations. Digital libraries (DLs) provide the technological mechanisms to cross national and disciplinary boundaries, and promote an organizational structure that encourages communication between scholars who are both creating and consuming information. The DL is especially good at coordinating and integrating findings about a specific topic that is being studied by different disciplines and different nations, which is an essential component to further our knowledge. This paper will briefly outline the knowledge creation process, and will introduce the author’s SEEK model (structure for encompassing extensible knowledge) that provides a framework for exploring the relationship between technology and human organizations in international interdisciplinary knowledge creation. The paper will also introduce two models of electronically‐based scholarly organizations that promote international collaboration and facilitate knowledge creation, and will offer eight steps towards building the effective organization for utilizing DLs for international collaboration.
Server‐side includes made simple
Authors: Condit Fagan Jody
Published: February 2003

Server‐side include (SSI) codes allow Webmasters to insert content into their Web pages on‐the‐fly without programming knowledge. Using these codes effectively can mean an exponential decrease in the time spent maintaining a large or medium‐sized Web site. Most Web servers have server‐side functionality to some extent; a few allow great flexibility with if‐then statements and the ability to set variables. This article describes the functionality of SSI, how to enable the codes on a Web server, and a step‐by‐step process for implementing them. Examples of their use on a large academic library’s Web site are included for illustration.
Latin‐American initiatives in library and information science education: three models
Authors: Hallmark Julie , Gonzalez Maria
Published: February 2003

Three programs of the Graduate School of Library and Information Science (GSLIS) at The University of Texas at Austin support education in library and information science in Latin America and present contrasts in goals, participants, and outcomes. We describe briefly the history and development of these programs, discuss obstacles faced by residents in Latin America, and suggest possible future directions.
Distance education students speak to the library: here’s how you can help even more
Authors: Kazmer Michelle M.
Published: February 2003

Distance education students have unique needs from library services. This paper reports on a study of 17 distance learning students and describes what they say they need and want from the library. In talking to these distance students over time, we learned what general kinds of factors help them in their learning experience. Some of these are specifically related to library services, while some are more general but can be applied to the library. They range from changes in the provision of library materials and interpersonal services to large‐scale integration of the library with distance learning infrastructure and the governing institution as a whole.
Using the Internet to teach the Internet: an opportunistic approach
Authors: Pasch Grete , Stewart Quinn
Published: February 2003

Presents a conversation between Grete Pasch and Quinn Stewart, co‐developers of the Web‐based version of “Information in Cyberspace” (LIS312g) at the University of Texas Graduate School of Library and Information Science. The developers recount their experience from the initial idea, to experimentation with technologies and selection of tools, to course development, converting the class to a Web‐based format, using streaming media for content delivery, e‐mail and discussion boards for student‐faculty interaction, and PERL‐based tools for course management. Emphasizes using a team approach, testing the materials, getting student feedback, and counting on effective technical support as critical success factors. Also emphasizes making the most of existing as well as unexpected opportunities (such as the reuse of tutorials for other courses). Above all, the authors see the creation of Web‐based courses as an opportunity for instructors to research and experience various technologies for content presentation, to stay in touch with student needs, and to look toward the future of digital materials.
Not one or the other but both: hybrid course delivery using WebCT
Authors: Willett Holly G.
Published: February 2003

Hybrid course delivery combines conventional face‐to‐face instruction with distance education in the same course. At Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey, WebCT course management software is used in graduate library science courses to mitigate the effects of commuting and to integrate use of the Internet in teaching. Each WebCT course has its own password‐protected Web site for faculty and student use, providing access to lecture notes and class discussion from a distance, as well as other uses. Use of WebCT allows flexibility and continuity for all class members.
Distance education: changing formats
Authors: Woolls Blanche , Dowlin Ken , Loertscher David
Published: February 2003

Beginning with interactive television transmission (ITT) to an offsite campus at CSU Fullerton, the School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) at San Jose State University (SJSU) has been providing distance education to students in California for more than ten years. While ITT continues to be employed at SLIS, faculty members are moving into Web‐assisted and Web‐based courses in the Master of Library and Information Science degree program. This article provides background information, the current program, and compares research conducted elsewhere with research undertaken at SJSU. The problems to be overcome and their solutions both proposed and actual are given.