bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Education and training for accessible web design
Authors: Willson Jonathan , Craven Jenny , Eskins Richard 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on the web_access project, funded through the EC Lifelong Learning Programme. The paper aims to provide a context for the proposed study programme and describe current work in the development of the curriculum and content.Design/methodology/approachAnalysis has been undertaken of the state of the art in education and training for accessible web design in the English language, starting with the national situation in the UK and then further‐a‐field by highlighting international resources. The main outcome of the two‐year multilateral, multi‐partner project is to develop a joint study programme in accessible web design.FindingsWhile there is evidence of the inclusion of design for all in ICT teaching, as well as the provision of free and commercial tutorials and workshops, analysis has found provision to be fragmented and none to date has been identified as leading to a professional qualification or certificate in accessible web design that is recognised by industry or employers. The proposed curriculum for the study programme described in this paper aims to address this issue.Originality/valueWhile there is evidence of the inclusion of design for all in ICT teaching, as well as the provision of free and commercial tutorials and workshops, analysis has found provision to be fragmented and none to date has been identified as leading to a professional qualification or certificate in accessible web design that is recognised by industry or employers.
The usability and functionality of an online catalogue
Authors: Craven Jenny , Johnson Frances , Butters Geoff 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the usability of the user interface to an online catalogue and to explore how user assessment of both system usability and functionality can provide recommendations for the improved design.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on previous studies, the usability testing used a mixture of search tasks, interviews and a structured focus group. Representative users completed tasks designed to test the system's features and a “think aloud” protocol collected data about the users' responses when using the system and on its perceived functionality.FindingsThe analysis of the data on users' evaluation, preferences and expectations by a set of usability attributes enabled recommendations to be made with respect to key areas of the system functionality.Practical implicationsThe usability study helped to improve the “look and feel” of the interface and demonstrates how the user expectation of what constitutes a supported experience can help make recommendations for the design of a system that is both usable and useful.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates the benefits of using a mixture of approaches to test system usability and to gain a better understanding of usability from the perspective of the system's users, their expectations and perceived usefulness of the system.
The information needs of UK historic houses: mapping the ground
Authors: Brine Alan , Feather John 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to concentrate on establishments that are known as the “built heritage”, often described as “historic houses”. Many operate in a similar vein to small businesses and often have a more diverse range of needs. In the UK historic houses form part of the tourism and leisure market. Heritage encompasses a wide variety of establishments including historic houses, historic gardens, heritage centres, town centres, countryside and museums.Design/methodology/approachA model was developed for the study to show the information needs of historic houses and the information‐seeking behaviour of those managing historic houses. Data have been collected both via questionnaires to and interviews of those managing properties. The collection of data focused on diversity of activities, information provision, use of information, developments (including technology) and collaboration.FindingsThe conclusions discuss the management of information and the difficulties expressed for those managing historic houses as discovered during the research. Properties need to be able to make effective use of this to protect the heritage for future generations. Building on the empirical work recommendations are made on policy making, education, audits, co‐operation and technology to improve the provision and management of information within the sector to support these establishments.Originality/valueThe research represents the first study to investigate the existing situation of historic houses and their information needs in the UK, to try and provide an overview of the sector and information provision and how that might be improved.
Source preference criteria in the context of everyday projects
Authors: Savolainen Reijo 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to elaborate how source preference criteria are defined in the context of everyday projects that require the seeking of problem‐specific information. More specifically, to find out how information seekers explain their preference criteria by characterizing the perceived strengths and weaknesses of diverse sources.Design/methodology/approachThe approach takes the form of qualitative content analysis of empirical data gathered by semi‐structured interviews with 16 prospective home buyers in 2008. The source preference criteria were elicited by making use of the construct of information source horizon.FindingsNetworked sources were favoured most strongly, followed by printed media, human sources and organizational sources. Content of information was the primary source preference criterion. Availability of information was a fairly important criterion, while user characteristics, usability of information and situational factors were fairly marginal in this regard. In the definition of the preference criteria, more emphasis was placed on the perceived strengths than weaknesses of sources. Positive qualities such as “provides updated information” were referred to particularly while judging the relevance of the networked sources. Negative qualities like “outdated information” were primarily associated with printed media and organizational sources.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is exploratory, drawing on a relatively small sample recruited through a web‐based service. Thus, the findings cannot be generalized to prospective home buyers.Practical implicationsProspective home buyers tend to favour web‐based information sources and services. They should provide the customers with detailed information about the property, including photos.Originality/valueThe paper specifies the picture of user‐defined relevance judgment in the context of everyday life information seeking.
Information behaviour of women: theoretical perspectives on gender
Authors: Urquhart Christine , Yeoman Alison 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine whether there is a need to consider gender or sex differences as variables in information behaviour research and, if so, how?Design/methodology/approachA metasynthesis approach is used. A preliminary framework to categorise information behaviour research on women is developed by integrating main themes from feminist research and information behaviour research. Within each category, studies are compared and contrasted, to identify similar and divergent themes. Themes are then compared across categories, to synthesise the main concepts.FindingsThe categorisation works for most studies, apart from a group of studies on health information use, communicating risk and decision making. The meta‐synthesis indicates the importance of concepts such as situation (as mesh), intermediaries (as node with connections), and connecting behaviour. Gender‐related or, rather gender‐ascribed, constructs, such as concern for others, not gender alone are likely to be important variables in information behaviour.Research limitations/implicationsThe meta‐synthesis is a top‐level synthesis, as the number of studies prohibited a more detailed approach. Further meta‐synthesis of a few high quality research studies would help to confirm the findings.Practical implicationsThe synthesis illuminates a different perspective on information behaviour: the network of information users rather than the individual information seeker.Originality/valueThe synthesis integrates some feminist research themes with information behaviour research, and the findings have implications for general information behaviour research.
The autonomous detection and guiding of start welding position for arc welding robot
Authors: Chen X.Z. , Chen S.B. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe recognition and positioning of start welding position (SWP) is the first step and one of the key technologies to realize autonomous robot welding. The purpose of this paper is to describe a method developed to accomplish successful autonomous detection and guiding of SWP.Design/methodology/approachThe images of workpieces are snapped by charge coupled device (CCD) cameras in a relative large range without additional light. The recognized methods of SWP are analyzed according to the given definition. A two‐step method named “coarse‐to‐fine” is proposed to recognize the SWP accurately. The first step is to solve the curve functions of seam and workpieces boundaries by fitting. The intersection point is regarded as initial value of SWP. The second step is to establish a small window that takes the initial value of SWP as centre. Then, the SWP is obtained exactly by corner detection in the window. Both the abundant information of original image and the structured information of recognized image are used according to given rules, which takes full advantage of the image information and improves the recognized precision.FindingsThe detected results show that the actual and calculated positions by first step of SWP are identical for regular seam, but different for the irregular curve seam. The exact results can be calculated by the two‐step method in the paper for both regular and irregular seams. The typical planar “S‐shape” and spatial arc curved seams are selected to carry out autonomous guiding of SWP.Originality/valueThe experimental results are given based on the introduction of 3D reconstructed and guided method. The guided precision is less than 1.1 mm, which meets the requirements of practical production. The proposed two‐step method recognizes the SWP rapidly and exactly from coarse to fine.
Modular care and service packages for independently living elderly
Authors: de Blok Carolien , Luijkx Katrien , Meijboom Bert , Schols Jos 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show how modularity manifests in a service context, more specifically in the provision of care and services to independently living elderly.Design/methodology/approachFour case studies provide insight into the specification of relevant components and their subsequent assembly into a customized package of care and services.FindingsIn all cases, component specification and package construction take place in two phases: partly before and partly during care delivery. Early client involvement allows for a combination of standard components that have a lower level of customization, whereas late client involvement allows for adaptation of these components resulting in a higher level of customization. The paper proposes that modularity theory should distinguish between the creation of modular offerings in care provision versus their creation in goods production, since the findings are the exact reverse of the state‐of‐the art knowledge in manufacturing modularity.Research limitations/implicationsThe empirical part of this paper is limited to providers of elderly care and services in The Netherlands and is exploratory in nature. However, the newness of care and service modularity justifies the exploratory research approach.Practical implicationsThis paper offers elderly care organizations in‐depth understanding of their complex and multi‐faceted specification process. The insights help both care and service providers to make well‐considered decisions as to what level of client involvement to allow and the type of modularity to apply.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the emerging literature on service modularity.
Poets House Showcase – selected titles 2009
Authors: Balistreri Maggie 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present an annotated bibliography of the new poetry volumes from the Poets House 2009 Poetry Showcase.Design/methodology/approachThe titles were selected from the Poets House 2009 Poetry Showcase as titles that are both challenging and accessible.FindingsThis list provides the librarian and reader with a guide to collection development in poetry.Originality/valueThis is one of the few lists of its kind showcasing contemporary poetry.
The availability of e‐books: examples of nursing and business
Authors: Pomerantz Sarah 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine whether aggregator packages might be appropriate to replace or supplement print collections in business and nursing, it aims to identify e‐book equivalents for print books acquired for an academic library's collections.Design/methodology/approachThis paper provides a list of the library's acquisitions in two disciplines checked against e‐book aggregators' holdings. The comparison is analyzed and discussed.FindingsThe results confirm findings of a previous study showing that less than one‐third of print books acquired for this library's nursing and business collections have e‐book equivalents available from aggregators, so the aggregators' holdings do not strongly match the library's collecting profile.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study applies previous research to a different type of collection, and tests previous conclusions.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to assessment of the value of e‐book collections for academic libraries.
Odd girl in: expanding lesbian fiction holdings at Barnard College
Authors: Yan Lee Kam , Freedman Jenna 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a case study of a specialty collection implementation: lesbian fiction, in the Barnard College Library.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a multistep approach to implement the development of a lesbian fiction collection. First, a collection profile was created to assess the current state of collection, and then a checklist was developed to serve as a collection development tool.FindingsThe collection profile provides important information for the collection development process. Consistent subject heading access control is essential for collection assessment and maintenance.Practical implicationsThe collection proposal and the suggestions drawn by the study were adopted by Barnard Library for collection development and maintenance. The methodology applied and the resources consulted in the study can serve as references for academic librarians with similar collection development goals.Originality/valueVery few studies have been done to discuss issues related to the collection development of GLBT themed fiction, particularly lesbian fiction in an academic library. This paper provides a concrete example of how Barnard Library carried out the selection of lesbian novels.
Latin American and Spanish online videos: vendor offerings for US academic libraries
Authors: Alonso‐Regalado Jesús 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the availability and features of Latin American and Spanish online videos available through video vendors and other providers to US academic libraries.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines US, Spanish, and Latin American video vendors that offer online videos about and/or are produced in Latin America and Spain. The study focuses on: content, technical aspects, and terms of purchase. For video vendors providing digital delivery systems, searching capabilities and special features are also analyzed. The paper also evaluates video providers interested in working with academic libraries. The availability of videos integrated in major multimedia databases is also explored.FindingsThe paper concludes that the Spanish and Latin American online video marketplace for academic libraries is still emerging, especially for those video vendors located abroad. The relatively small number of offerings are mostly documentaries. Streaming via internet protocol access is the most common way of delivery. Term licenses are standard and access is allowed both off‐campus and on‐campus.Originality/valueLittle research has been done on the availability of Latin American and Spanish online videos. This research would be especially useful for librarians responsible for collection development in these subject areas.
Interview with Dan Roam
Authors: by Juliet Norton Interview 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present and an interview with Dan Roam, the founder and president of Digital Roam Inc., a management‐consulting firm that helps business executives solve complex problems through visual thinking.Design/methodology/approachThis briefing is prepared by an independent interviewer.FindingsDan Roam's current work concentrates on helping business executives solve complex problems through visual thinking. He claims that if we look to the technologies, people, and businesses that define true innovation today, we see that they thrive on being open, clear, and simple, which is why the power of pictures will become the business tool of this century.Originality/valueThe interview provides insights into how executives can solve complex problems through the use of pictures..
Taguchi techniques‐based study on the effect of mobile phone conversation on drivers' reaction time
Authors: Khan Zahid A. , Al‐Darrab Ibrahim A. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate application of the Taguchi method‐based conceptual signal‐to‐noise (S/N) approach and Pareto analysis of variance (ANOVA) to determine optimum level of three important factors related to mobile phone conversation during driving, namely time of drive (day or night), distance between cars, and mobile phone call duration that minimizes drivers' reaction time (RT) in braking response.Design/methodology/approachThree levels of each factor based on the experience, are considered in the present study. The design of experiment, in the form of an L18 orthogonal array, as proposed by Genichi Taguchi is used to conduct 18 experiments. A total of 27 young male subjects participated in the experimental study. The experimental task involved pressing the brake pedal of the car by the driver upon seeing another car in front while the driver is talking on a mobile phone. Drivers' performance, measured in terms of RT in braking response, is recorded. Conceptual S/N ratio and Pareto ANOVA are employed to investigate the drivers' performance.FindingsResults show that within the test range, drivers' performance, i.e. RT in braking response is optimum (minimum) when they performed the driving task at day time, distance between cars is long (20 meters), and mobile phone call duration is short (30 seconds). Mobile call duration is found to be the dominant parameter with a percentage contribution ratio of 41.882 percent towards the laid down objective followed by time of driving, 32.003 percent and distance between cars, 1.353 percent.Practical implicationsThis paper provides valuable information to the drivers with respect to the use of optimum level of these factors in order to minimize their RT in braking response.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, no study has been conducted in the past to investigate the effect of these factors on the performance of drivers when they use mobile phones for conversation during driving. In addition, no attempt has yet been made to find the optimal level of these factors from drivers' performance in braking response view point. This paper is an original research work of authors and in the opinion it carries significantly important values as it provides new information to the persons who talk on mobile phones during driving.
Customer relationship management as a business process
Authors: Lambert Douglas M. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeIncreasingly, customer relationship management (CRM) is being viewed as a strategic, process‐oriented, cross‐functional, value‐creating for buyer and seller, and a means of achieving superior financial performance. However, there is a need for a more holistic view of cross‐functional as it relates to CRM. The purpose of this paper is to describe a macro level cross‐functional view of CRM and provide a structure for managing business‐to‐business relationships to co‐create value and increase shareholder value.Design/methodology/approachIn order to identify the sub‐processes of CRM at the strategic and operational levels as well as the activities that comprise each sub‐process, focus group sessions were conducted with executives from a range of industries. The focus groups were supplemented with visits to companies identified in the focus groups as having the most advanced CRM practices.FindingsThe research resulted in a framework that managers can use to implement a cross‐functional, cross‐firm, CRM process in business‐to‐business relationships. Also, it should be useful to researchers interested in broadening their view of CRM.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is based on focus groups with executives in 15 companies representing nine industries and multiple positions in the supply chain including retailers, distributors, manufacturers and suppliers. While all companies had global operations, only one was based outside of the USA. Nevertheless, the framework has been presented in executive seminars in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia with very positive feedback.Practical implicationsThe framework can be used by managers. The view of CRM presented involves all business functions which extends the current thinking in the marketing literature.Originality/valueThe most common view of CRM involves fewer business functions than the one identified in this research.