bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AAAS 2009 annual meeting: our planet and its life: origins and future
Authors: Mihram Danielle , Arthur Mihram G. 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThe aim is to report on the 175th Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), held in February 2009 in Chicago.Design/methodology/approachProvides a concise review of the conference, whose theme was Our Planet and Its Life: Origins and Futures.FindingsNot surprisingly, because of the primary focus on Darwin and the ecology of the earth, there were few symposia that concentrated on the application of technology outside of the Life Sciences and of the Earth Sciences. However, in view of the current evolution of “cloud computing” and the formation of “mega grids,” there were two symposia devoted to these topics.Originality/valueThe paper is a useful summary of a conference of interest to library and information management professionals.
Library information and communication technology in Nigerian universities
Authors: Anie Sylvester O. , Achugbue Edwin I. 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThis study aims to examine the current state of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) policies in the provision and utilization of library services and resources.DesignThe population of the study consisted of all the Federal Universities of Nigeria. Out of the 80 questionnaires administered 36 (45 per cent) were answered and returned to the researcher.FindingsThe results revealed that most Nigerian Universities have not adopted library ICT policies, and where the policies have been adopted and implemented, the libraries are faced with various constraints.Originality/valueThe paper illustrates the current situation regarding ICT policies in Nigeria.
New work spaces: wikis for cataloging collaborations
Authors: Mincic‐Obradovic Ksenija 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThe paper seeks to describe how tools like wikis can be used to improve collaboration and communication in project‐based teams and general work groups.Design/methodology/approachOver the last few years a number of wikis have been used by New Zealand libraries for cataloging related purposes – two as project management tools, one as a repository for project documentation, one as a national knowledge repository, and one as a local institution‐based knowledge repository. The paper examines both positive and negative aspects of using wiki technology in this environment.FindingsWikis prove to be very efficient project management and knowledge management systems. Information can be shared very quickly, efficiency of communication increases, and team productivity is higher. In all described cases a free and open source platform was chosen. Externally hosted solutions were preferred because they enable wikis to be immediately available for use. They are also easier to edit, and there is no need for local IT support. There remain concerns about disaster recovery and the long term preservation of documentation.Originality/valueExperiences such as the ones presented in this paper can encourage other librarians to explore how new technologies can be used in their work environment.
E‐books at BookExpo in New York
Authors: Cassell Kay Ann , Mercado Marina I. 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on The 2009 BookExpo conference and exhibit, held at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City, May 29‐31.Design/methodology/approachThis is a descriptive report.FindingsIt was noted at the exhibit that publishers preferred to promote their actual books rather than their e‐books. All kinds of publishers offer e‐books, including university presses and scholarly and technical publishers.Originality/valueThe Bookexpo 2009 is of particular interest to libraries intending to examine their collection development policies and make decisions about purchasing e‐book titles for their collections.
QQML 2009 International Conference: “Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Libraries”
Authors: Welsh Teresa 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThis review reports on the first Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Libraries International Conference held in Chania, Crete, Greece.Design/methodology/approachThe methodological approach is anthropological participant observation.FindingsApproximately 150 attendees from 50 different countries participated and exchanged ideas, methodologies, and techniques related to library research.Practical implicationsPresentation of research related to various types of libraries is a way to disseminate research results as well as promote and stimulate further research.Originality/valueThere is a need to expand the body of both qualitative and quantitative LIS research related to library research, particularly the evaluation of library services.
An examination of the pay policy line in New Jersey libraries
Authors: Priestly Beatrice 
Published: December 2009

PurposeOver time, management theory has shaped the structure of libraries. No matter the current view of management by matrix, when it comes to library organizations, there is always going to be a hierarchical structure. The object then is for transparency to be in place, and a recognized sense of fairness and equality. This study aims to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews the concepts of the literature on management and organization theory, and details the literature on valuing human capital and its recent application to knowledge management work. It then discusses how the literature and its deployment over the years have resulted in the formation of pay policies, and shows the application of Fay Hensen's predictive validity testing to the pay policy line in the field of libraries through the study of the New Jersey Library Association'sGuidelines for Minimum Recommended Starting Salaries for Library Stafffrom the years 2007 and 2008.FindingsBy measuring for internal job values at libraries through one or more of the measures discussed here, one can arrive at an analysis of the pay policy of the institution. Using trendline analysis, the paper was able to calculate just what the value, worth or salary of the positions should be in order to have a predictive, orderly, hierarchical representation of salaries within the library organization structure.Originality/valueBy measuring for internal consistency in job values at libraries, one can be assured that there are fair demarcations among positions, and yield consistent expectations which are transparent to employees, who will then know what must be done to advance within the organization. A consistent organizational structure, with clearly delineated jobs and equal compensation lets a library know where it stands and where it needs to go from there. By periodically creating a pay policy line study for the organization, human resources personnel can make executives aware of how they may or may not have strayed from balance in fairness and transparent compensation.
The fiscal wonders of technology
Authors: Steele Kirstin 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider how – or whether – advancing technologies might affect library budgets.Design/methodology/approachThe paper represents a viewpoint.FindingsIt was found that less quantifiable factors complicate calculations.Research limitations/implicationsIt would be interesting to investigate the factors contributing to a library's place on the innovation curve: campus/community factors, individual movers and shakers, what else?Practical implicationsGiven the changes during the last 20 years, the expressed opinion here is that the library world in 2029 will be vastly different from today.Originality/valueThe paper provides an opportunity to speculate about the future.
Being diplomatic
Authors: Linn Mott 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThis paper seeks to argue that when managing strategically it is important for leaders to use diplomacy to collaborate with other units within the parent organization.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses and gives examples to illustrate how one can use diplomatic skills to improve the library.FindingsIt is helpful for library directors to use diplomacy when interacting with other units.Practical implicationsThe paper provides one point of view that should be considered when a leader contemplates what actions to take.Originality/valueThe paper will help librarians better manage their libraries by considering how to create alliances with other units.
Inviting the donor to give
Authors: Silverman Emily 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide suggestions for communicating library needs and opportunities to prospective donors.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses and gives examples of outreach communications that can inspire support.FindingsThe paper proposes that fundraising opportunities can be communicated and enhanced through a variety of methods.Originality/valueThe value of the paper is in its suggestions for promoting the library's needs and opportunities through external communication means.
Making the mainstream
Authors: Bisman Jayne , Liao Weini 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the results of an analysis of 137 articles concerning accounting in the People's Republic of China (PRC) published in 25 of the mainstream English language accounting journals from 1999 to 2008.Design/methodology/approachWithin the tradition of bibliometric evaluation of literature in scholarly accounting journals, a content analysis is undertaken of the journal articles to identify and evaluate a range of features and trends in relation to publication outlets, authorship, research design and methods and subject matter.FindingsWhile prior studies have suggested the literature on accounting in the PRC is relatively immature, the analysis reveals an increased sophistication in relation to the subject matter, research paradigms and methods and characteristics of authorship of this literature within mainstream accounting journals.Research limitations/implicationsSince a sample of only 25 mainstream international accounting journals is utilised, there remains obvious potential for examining the literature published in other types and other rankings of journals.Practical implicationsResults of the analysis reveal apparent scope for researchers of accounting in China to investigate a broader range of topics, utilise an extended panoply of research perspectives and methods, and encourage new and emerging researchers to the area.Originality/valueThe paper represents a follow‐up to an earlier study on the topic, providing comparisons and contrasts with that earlier work. Further, the current review also explores significant issues arising from the analysis and provides several suggestions for furthering the research effort in this field.
Can retail bank‐client relationships be developed online?
Authors: Ioannou Myria , Zolkiewski Judy 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThe intangible nature of banking services enables financial institutions to deliver them through electronic channels. In addition, the interactive and continuous nature of banking services is conducive to relationship development. It would, therefore, be beneficial for the dyad to build exchange relationships online. This exploratory research investigates the effect of e‐banking on the development of retail relationships in Cyprus.Design/methodology/approachThe perspective of both sides of the dyad is incorporated through face‐to‐face in‐depth interviews. The empirical base used is the Cypriot retail banking sector.FindingsThe findings suggest that in the specific context, e‐banking has a significant impact on relationship development, especially at the first stages of the developmental process, but it cannot substitute the other delivery channels.Research limitations/implicationsIn view of the contextuality of exchange relationships, it is recognised that the results may be context‐specific and as such, future research should investigate the impact of online delivery systems in alternative cultures and service settings.Practical implicationsThe findings create a number of managerial implications, including the need for banks to invest both in e‐platforms and in the development of their employees, as well as the need to systematically appraise customer relationships.Originality/valueThe paper is of value to both academics and practitioners as it addresses the pressing need to investigate exchange relationships using a processual perspective and offers insights into the developmental process of Cypriot retail bank‐client relationships.
Occupier perceptions of green workplace environment: the Australian experience
Authors: Kato Hikari , Too Linda , Rask Ann 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to shed light on the perceptions by occupiers of green workplace environments. It examines how occupiers (both management and employees) perceive and evaluate the role of green workplace environments, and subsequently assesses the effectiveness of a green workplace environment.Design/methodology/approachThe paper relies on a data set derived from a survey of 128 respondents who have occupied Green Building Council Australia's Green Star‐rated offices and buildings for more than 12 months.FindingsThe findings suggest that green workplace offers greater psychological benefits (taking pride of the workplace environment) to occupiers than physical improvements (health and productivity gains). Further, management perceived greater benefits of green workplace compared to employees.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper summarises the findings of the first phase of a longitudinal study. It is limited at this stage by a relatively small data sample, given that there are only a limited number of Green Star‐rated buildings that have been in operation for more than 12 months at this stage of data collection. However, the survey has a 36 per cent response rate and thus provides reasonable scope for generalisation of the findings.Practical implicationsThe results are useful to building owners and employers who need to be more aware of probable outcomes in terms of employee workplace satisfaction, and areas that may require particular attention in transitioning to green workplaces. The results are also useful to managers by highlighting areas of perceived deficiency in green workplaces and ensuring a more targeted effort in meeting the needs and expectations of employees.Originality/valueThe paper provides empirical findings of the strengths and weaknesses of a relatively new concept, i.e. the green workplace. The findings from the Australian experience serves as a good benchmark for future similar studies.
IFLA, sustainability and impact assessment
Authors: Bradley Fiona 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to talk briefly about IFLA's experiences with funders' evaluation requirements and the difficulties of finding an evaluation methodology that is appropriate for the type of international activities IFLA engages in.Design/methodology/approachThis review is based on IFLA's decision to increase the emphasis on evaluating the impact of its activities, especially through the use of impact assessment. The method was used as a trial in 2009 to evaluate FAIFE's activities.FindingsThis paper discusses the need for success stories and best practice in IFLA's advocacy work, and suggests that impact assessment offers a way to show the real value of library work to key partners and stakeholders.Originality/valueThe paper presents an overview of current thinking and progress in IFLA.
Gender and publication output of librarians in Edo and Delta State university libraries in Nigeria
Authors: Baro Emmanuel E. , Oni Osaheni , Onyenania George O. 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThis study aims to ascertain gender differences in librarians’ publication output in Nigerian university libraries; to spotlight the benefits librarians derive from publication, and to identify the problems encountered by librarians in their publication efforts.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a descriptive survey method supported by a questionnaire. The population of the study consisted of a focus group made up of a total number of 55 academic librarians from five university libraries in Edo and Delta States. The researchers also engaged both male and female academics in the various institutions using a semi‐structured interview.FindingsIt was revealed that male librarians publish more than their female counterparts. The interview responses also revealed that female academics noted family responsibilities as a major factor hindering them from publishing equally as their male counterparts. It was discovered that male and female librarians in the university libraries investigated publish their works mostly in the African continent, and enumerated promotion/career advancement, contribution to knowledge, personal and institutional prestige as the major benefits librarians derive from publication.Originality/valueIt is hoped that the study will help librarians to see the advantages in publishing in order to improve promotion prospects and advance in their careers. The findings of the study will also be useful in making library management and the university authorities aware of the need to enable improved conditions to support research and publication by librarians.
E‐government evolution in EU local governments: a comparative perspective
Authors: Pina Vicente , Torres Lourdes , Royo Sonia 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe an empirical study of the advances and trends of e‐government in transparency, openness and hence accountability in European Union (EU) local governments to determine the extent to which the internet promotes the convergence towards more transparent and accountable government. The paper also tests the extent to which different factors related to the implementation of information and communication technologies (ICTs), the number of inhabitants and the type of public administration style have influenced e‐government developments in the cities studied.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive content analysis of 75 local government web sites was conducted using a 73‐item evaluation questionnaire. The evaluations were performed in 2004 and 2007 and 15 EU countries were covered (five per country). To analyse the evolution of e‐government, several techniques were used: tests of difference of means, multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis. The contribution of the different contextual factors to the development of government web sites was tested with OLS regression analysis.FindingsThe results show noticeable progress in the application of ICTs and increasing EU local government concern for bringing government closer to citizens and for giving an image of modernity and responsiveness, although few web sites show clear signs of real openness to encouraging citizen dialogue. The evolution of the e‐government initiatives analysed shows that, at present, they are still overlapped with the public administration style of each country as an extension of traditional front offices with potential benefits in speed and accessibility.Originality/valueAlthough a growing number of e‐government studies are appearing, previous research has not analysed the evolution of EU local governments from a comparative perspective.
Do the third‐country effect and economic integration matter for Intra‐ASEAN FDI?
Authors: Uttama Nathapornpan 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore theoretical predictions and empirical investigation with respect to bilateral and third‐country determinants of Intra‐Association of Southeast Asian Nations Foreign Direct Investment (ASEAN FDI).Design/methodology/approachTheoretically, the augmented knowledge‐capital model of Baltagi et al. is refined by additionally assuming the presence of tariffs and economic integration. Subsequently, the theoretical predictions are hypothesized to be driven by numerical simulation of a derived general equilibrium model. Afterwards, bilateral and third‐country characteristics and economic integration influencing FDI in ASEAN are investigated using a spatial panel data technique, namely maximum likelihood estimator.FindingsUsing data on ASEAN inward FDI stock over the period of 1995‐2006, the results indicate that third‐country effect and economic integration are significant determinants of Intra‐ASEAN FDI. In addition, vertical FDI is proved to be the most effective investment strategy.Practical implicationsSome policy implications of investment policy and legislation in ASEAN economies are also provided. It is suggested that ASEAN investment policies should pay attention to how to enhance vertical FDI rather than the others.Originality/valueThe paper is useful to advance the theory of multinational enterprises. It assists Intra‐ASEAN investors for tracking FDI and location decisions in ASEAN countries.
The outplacement of placement agents? SEC proposes new “pay‐to‐play” rules
Authors: Rabitz Steven W. , Holob Marissa J. 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain the SEC's proposed new rules under the Advisers Act that would prohibit making or receiving various types of payments and political contributions that could be construed as direct or indirect efforts to win investment advisory business from government entities.Design/methodology/approachThe paper outlines the proposed rules, provides interpretive comments, and explains the background and motivation for the rules.FindingsThe proposed rules are aimed at over $2.2 trillion of assets in public pension plans. The SEC's action comes after a number of widely publicized pay‐to‐play scandals. However, some state systems have affirmatively decided not to ban placement agents, one of them affirming that placement agents can provide a useful service.Originality/valueThe paper provides practical interpretation and guidance from experienced employee benefits and executive compensation practice lawyers.
Joint DOL and SEC hearing on target‐date funds
Authors: Camillo Susan M. , Robertson Robert A. , Ziga Kathleen , Paulson Egbert Karl J. , Patel Alpa 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain the results of a June 18, 2009 Joint US Department of Labor‐Securities and Exchange Commission hearing regarding Target Funds as investment options for individual and company‐sponsored retirement plans.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explains the background of Target Funds, the meaning of “target” dates and “glide paths,” the popularity of Target Funds with investors, recent losses suffered by Target Funds, areas of confusion among investors and plan sponsors such as fund naming conventions and differing target date strategies, asset allocation strategies, and glide paths; improvements in disclosure that are needed; possible problems with proprietary funds; and the prospects for new SEC and DOL regulations.FindingsGiven the extensive use of Target Funds as an investment option in retirement plans, particularly as a safe harbor “default” option, the SEC and DOL are expected to promulgate regulations governing some aspects of Target Funds, in order to protect investors by providing greater disclosure, especially regarding the glide path.Originality/valueThe paper provides practical guidance by experienced employee benefits, executive compensation, financial services and private funds lawyers.