bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Six Sigma‐based method to renovate information services
Authors: Kim Yong , Jeong Kim Eun , Gyo Chung Min 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe a Six Sigma‐based method to renovate library and information services with great emphasis on the information acquisition process.Design/methodology/approachThe paper conducts a case study into a corporate research library of a telecom company in Korea to identify and remove ineffective components and unnecessary steps in library works and services. Specifically, it uses Six Sigma's DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve, and control) methodology to improve the process of purchasing overseas academic/scientific information and to enhance user satisfaction with information utilization.FindingsThe paper identifies 12 key factors, which have a great effect on information acquisition time and information utilization, and then proposes the improvement plans for those identified factors. Thanks to the successful implementation of Six Sigma, information acquisition time has been reduced from 25.9 days to 8.1 days, and the level of user satisfaction with information utilization has been greatly increased from 6.74 points to 8.46 points on the Likert scale.Originality/valueThis study is very meaningful in that it is the first attempt in Korea to apply Six Sigma to library and information services. In this work, Six Sigma has been applied only to an information purchase process, but can be extended to a variety of other library processes such as loan, cataloging, etc. for the purpose of raising the efficiency of library works and improving the quality of other information services.
OCLC's WorldCat Local versus III's WebPAC
Authors: Thomas Bob , Buck Stefanie 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to describe the results of a usability test performed at Western Washington University to determine whether users were as successful performing common catalog‐related tasks in WorldCat Local as they are in the library's current catalog, Innovative Interfaces' WebPAC.Design/methodology/approachA usability team developed a test based on tasks commonly performed in the library catalog. They then tested 24 participants of varying levels of experience and asked each to perform 20 common catalog tasks in either the WebPAC interface currently in use or the WorldCat Local interface. The WorldCat Local interface was a test version which reflected Western Washington University's library holdings, in addition to the Orbis Cascade Alliance consortial holdings and all WorldCat holdings.FindingsWhile the results found that there were tasks in which participants were more successful in WorldCat Local than in the WebPAC, they also identified common tasks in which users were far less successful in WorldCat Local than in the WebPAC.Originality/valueWorldCat Local is one example of a new generation of discovery interfaces that is being considered by a number of academic institutions. This paper provides some insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the product.
Evaluating and comparing discovery tools: how close are we towards next generation catalog?
Authors: Yang Sharon Q. , Wagner Kurt 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate and compare open source and proprietary discovery tools and find out how much discovery tools have achieved towards becoming the next generation catalog.Design/methodology/approachThe paper summarizes characteristics of the next generation catalog into a check‐list of 12 features. This list was checked against each of seven open source and ten proprietary discovery tools to determine if those features were present or absent in those tools.FindingsDiscovery tools have many next generation catalog features, but only a few can be called real next generation catalogs. Federated searching and relevancy based on circulation statistics are the two areas that both open source and proprietary discovery tools are missing. Open source discovery tools seem to be bolder and more innovative than proprietary tools in embracing advanced features of the next generation catalog. Vendors of discovery tools may need to quicken their steps in catching up.Originality/valueIt is the first evaluation and comparison of open source and proprietary discovery tools on a large scale. It will provide information as to exactly where discovery tools stand in light of the much desired next generation catalog.
Archiving in the networked world: LOCKSS and national hosting
Authors: Seadle Michael 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to answer questions about LOCKSS (Lots of Copies Keep Stuff Safe) that have arisen in the context of the German National Hosting study.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes what the LOCKSS software can do and how the LOCKSS community is organized. The descriptions come from direct experience with LOCKSS and from comments by the developers.FindingsLOCKSS offers a robust and cost‐effective mechanism to carry digital content undamaged into future centuries. It also offers a distributed network that is robust against natural, social, political or economic catastrophes at one or even several locations. Its financial and organizational philosophy avoids a single point of financial or administrative failure.Originality/valueRegardless of which national hosting system is selected, the chosen system ought to have qualities similar to these.
Return on investment (ROI) in German libraries
Authors: Grzeschik Kathrin 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to verify the proposition by the University of Illinois, Urbana‐Champaign (UIUC), that their return on investment (ROI) formula developed for academic libraries and based on hard facts is broad enough to be used throughout the world for ROI studies in academic institutions/libraries. It further aims to verify that UIUC's methodology is adaptable enough to work in other academic environments as well.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology developed by UIUC (an ROI formula developed for academic libraries based on grant proposal applications and citations) has been “copied” and thereby adapted to enable it to be used in an academic environment in Europe/Germany.FindingsThe methodology developed by UIUC was adaptable enough to be used in a German academic environment for calculating the ROI of a University library. However, the methodology was sometimes complicated and therefore simplified for this and possible further studies. Likewise, the ROI formula was very complex and this study found that it was possible to simplify it as well for further use.Research limitations/implicationsThere was difficulty in gathering all the information necessary for conducting such a study in Germany as grant proposals contain sensitive data that people are unwilling to display. Further, it was noticeable that German statistics on funding were unable to provide the necessary data without further enquiries, despite the German law that public institutions are obliged to disclose funding information.Originality/valuePreviously no one else has tried to verify the methodology for an ROI study developed by UIUC. This study gives evidence that UIUC was right in claiming that their ROI formula developed for academic institutions/libraries may be used for any academic library in the world. Further, this study shows how the formula and the methodology may be adapted to fit individual academic environments.
Higher learning as a business: what are library employees worth?
Authors: Steele Kirstin 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider library faculty and staff activities within an institution of higher learning in light of the recent ACRL report Value of Academic Libraries: A Comprehensive Research Review and Report.Design/methodology/approachUsing some of the student assessment measures listed in the ACRL report, the paper discusses possible ways to quantify library duties.FindingsThe paper finds that it is invigorating to ponder what libraries do, within a bigger picture.Research limitations/implicationsAvenues for possible research, with and without human subjects, include: library employees' effects on enrollment, retention, and graduation; using SCOPUS or other citation database, to evaluate libraries' effects on faculty research.Practical implicationsIt is important to expand assessment of libraries beyond the usual “internal” statistics such as circulation, to include wider institutional measures.Originality/valueThe paper provides a commentary on September 2010 ACRL report.
Directing the personnel search part I: the position announcement
Authors: Fitsimmons Gary 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThis paper's purpose is to consider what goes into a well‐done library personnel search beginning with the position announcement.Design/methodology/approachThe paper states reasons for conducting a well‐run search, defines general parameters for candidate contacts during the search and then discusses how to address specific points in the position announcement.FindingsThe paper finds that, in order to attract a qualified pool from which to choose, the position announcement must be both well‐worded and substantive in the opportunity being advertised.Practical implicationsThe practical implications of this paper have to do with saving time, trouble and money by hiring a good fit for library positions the first time.Originality/valueThe value of the paper is in learning what it takes to attract quality candidates for library positions.
A couple of miles down the road
Authors: Maxymuk John 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine some likely scenarios for the future of academic libraries.Design/methodology/approachTen scenarios concerning publishing, patrons and technology are discussed vis‐à‐vis their potential effect on libraries.FindingsThinking about the future is a necessary exercise for planning. Progress is inevitable and should be welcomed for its potential for positive change.Originality/valueThe paper provides useful predictions on the future of academic libraries.
Terms of service, cramped budgets, and good library citizenship: the Netflix dilemma
Authors: Harris Colleen S. 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the implications of libraries using Netflix to supplement their own audiovisual collections.Design/methodology/approachA review of the current discussion regarding breaking terms of service is presented along with several complications that arise from libraries disregarding the Netflix terms of service agreement.FindingsThe problem of providing patrons with access to materials that the library cannot afford to purchase and which cannot be acquired via interlibrary loan has no simple answer. Librarians may be in a unique position to encourage changes to terms of service that may be more friendly to lending institutions, but only if they do not squander their legitimacy by disregarding current terms.Research limitations/implicationsMost of the conversation is based on anecdote and recent practice. Very little has been written on how to fix this problem.Practical implicationsThis paper brings this issue to the forefront in an effort to engage librarians in a discussion about the ethical, practical and legal implications of breaking terms of service in the pursuit of serving patrons.Social implicationsThe culture of library practice could be affected by this issue, and may have wider ramifications in terms of future copyright, licensing, and terms of service agreements.Originality/valueThe paper is timely, addressing a current question and debate within their field. It proposes that librarians should find solutions only after seriously considering the legal, ethical, and economic implications of their actions.
Employee savvy is the key to fiscal success
Authors: Cottrell Terry 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to clarify employee financial prowess at every level as a key to good library management beyond the responsibilities of directors.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a general review.FindingsThe paper finds that all employees of a library must possess and exemplify a general sense of fiscal savvy.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper has implications for non‐library directors thinking about their role involving their library's finances.Practical implicationsLibrary leaders are looking for motivational strategies to expand beyond their own financial networking prowess.Originality/valueThe paper goes against the prototypical assumption that library managers are the only staff members who need to possess financial strategic skill.
In the beginning …
Authors: Walker Stephanie 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a first installment of a new column on human resource matters in libraries. It aims to focus on the beginning of a professional career in libraries.Design/methodology/approachThe paper looks at beginning a professional career in libraries, including exhibiting appropriate behavior and caution on professional discussion lists, understanding the realities of a difficult job market and utilizing opportunities for part‐time work and for professional development, highlighting exceptional attributes on a résumé, and doing research on hiring institutions.FindingsThe paper reveals advice for beginning a career in libraries.Originality/valueThe paper provides useful information for those who want to pursue a career as a librarian.
Economic principles and across‐the‐board cuts
Authors: Cross Roger L. 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to address the irrationality of making budget decisions without awareness of the economic foundation of these decisions. It aims to propose that, in lieu of a universal economic principle, librarians should at least adopt the maxim, “first, do no harm.”Design/methodology/approachThe paper argues the need to review budgetary distribution models in terms of economic principles and the argument incorporates the author's recent implementation of material cuts at his institution.FindingsThe paper finds that application of across‐the‐board materials cuts is inequitable and resembles a regressive flat‐tax.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper argues that sound economic principles are being ignored in budget decision making.Practical implicationsLibraries should evaluate the economic principles they apply, especially when they involve distributions of available funds.Originality/valueThe paper encourages readers to think about the economic impact of their actions.
The importance of visibility
Authors: Crumpton Michael A. 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the benefits of being visible in stewardship of an organization and the resources invested.Design/methodology/approachThe paper looks at the concepts of management by walking around and Gemba and how visibility can be used to best advantage in a library.FindingsThe paper finds that, in a tough economy especially, staff need supervisors to be visible and support changes that might have occurred, and patrons need to know that administrators are paying attention to how resources are used. A purposeful and meaningful effort by managers to be more visible and accessible can result in greater understanding of details, a better sense of loyalty, and higher levels of morale and patron satisfaction.Originality/valueThe paper provides useful information on the importance of visibility within the library working environment.
A vocabulary test to assess information security awareness
Authors: Kruger Hennie , Drevin Lynette , Steyn Tjaart 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe dependence on human involvement and human behavior to protect information assets necessitates an information security awareness program to make people aware of their roles and responsibilities towards information security. The purpose of this paper is to examine the feasibility of an information security vocabulary test as an aid to assess awareness levels and to assist with the identification of suitable areas or topics to be included in an information security awareness program.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire has been designed to test and illustrate the feasibility of a vocabulary test. The questionnaire consists of two sections – a first section to perform a vocabulary test and a second one to evaluate respondents' behavior. Two different class groups of students at a university were used as a sample.FindingsThe research findings confirmed that the use of a vocabulary test to assess security awareness levels will be beneficial. A significant relationship between knowledge of concepts (vocabulary) and behavior was observed.Originality/valueThe paper introduces a new approach to evaluate people's information security awareness levels by employing an information security vocabulary test. This new approach can assist management to plan and evaluate interventions and to facilitate best practice in information security. Aspects of cognitive psychology and language were taken into account in this research project, indicating the interaction and influence between apparently different disciplines.
Human‐related problems of information security in East African cross‐cultural environments
Authors: Asai T. , Hakizabera A.U. 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to find what kinds of problems, while implementing information security policy, may take place in foreign companies in the East African Community (EAC) because of cultural differences, and to suggest supplemental countermeasures in international frameworks such as Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and ISO/IEC27001.Design/methodology/approachSetting potential problems based on Hofstede's scores of cultural dimensions and the authors' experience, this paper predicts potential problems first by using the theory of level of potential. Local employees working for foreign companies were polled to evaluate the severity of the problems. Based on the survey results, the paper finds which problems may take place, what triggers them and how severe they are. Finally, it finds countermeasures to prevent the problems.FindingsOverall, British, US and Japanese companies are found to have higher potential of facing problems in the EAC. The problem of “using a previous company's confidential information” has been found to have the highest severity. British, US and Belgian companies have individualism‐originated problems. Japanese companies have the highest potential of facing problems due to masculinity. Chinese companies have the highest potential of facing problems due to long‐term orientation. In addition, a list of countermeasures is proposed to protect business information.Originality/valueThe paper has identified information security management (ISM)‐related problems with their severities for each of the selected investing countries in the EAC, applying a new method to predict potential problems concerning ISM in foreign companies. It has recommended practical countermeasures against the six serious problems identified.
Designing and aligning e‐Science security culture with design
Authors: Faily Shamal , Fléchais Ivan 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the key cultural concepts effecting security in multi‐organisational systems and align these with design techniques and tools.Design/methodology/approachA grounded theory model of security culture was derived from the related security culture literature and empirical data from an e‐Science project. Influencing concepts were derived from these and aligned with recent work on techniques and tools for usable secure systems design.FindingsRoles and responsibility, sub‐cultural norms and contexts, and different perceptions of requirements were found to be influencing concepts towards a culture of security. These concepts align with recent work on personas, environment models, and related tool support.Originality/valueThis paper contributes a theoretically and empirically grounded model of security culture. This is also the first paper explicitly aligning key concepts of security culture to design techniques and tools.
Information security education in South Africa
Authors: Futcher Lynn , Schroder Cheryl , von Solms Rossouw 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to argue that information security should be regarded as a critical cross‐field outcome (CCFO). This could assist in narrowing the evident “information security gap” that currently exists in undergraduate information technology/information systems/computer science (IT/IS/CS) curricula at South African universities.Design/methodology/approachThis paper briefly reviews existing literature relating to outcomes‐based education in South Africa with a specific focus on CCFOs. A literature review was also carried out to determine existing approaches to education in information security. A survey was carried out to establish the extent to which information security is currently incorporated into the IT/IS/CS curricula at South African universities and a discussion group was used to provide insight into the current situation at undergraduate level.FindingsEducation in information security has matured much more rapidly in postgraduate than in undergraduate programmes at South African universities. In addition, the extent to which information security is addressed at undergraduate level is on an ad hoc basis, with isolated attention being paid to a few information security aspects. An integrated approach to information security education is therefore proposed by considering information security as a CCFO.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research is required to determine how appropriate information security aspects can be seamlessly integrated into the various learning programmes at undergraduate level.Practical implicationsThe proposed integrated approach to information security education will require that IT/IS/CS educators develop strategies to incorporate relevant information security aspects into their learning programmes.Originality/valueThis paper proposes an integrated approach to information security education by considering information security as a CCFO.
Structure and flexibility in global research design
Authors: Gomez Ricardo 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to present the research methodology for the global study “Landscape of public access to ICT in 25 countries” (referred to as the Landscape study), a study conducted in 2007‐2009 by the University of Washington's Center for Information and Society, with a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.Design/methodology/approachThe study looked at public access venues (public libraries, telecenters, cybercafés, other) that offer public access to information, especially through information and communication technologies (ICT), in 25 countries around the world.FindingsThe paper describes here the criteria for the country selection, selection of local research partners in each country, research design considerations, data analysis, and limitations of the study.Practical implicationsThe scope of the research undertook meant sacrificing some depth in exchange for breadth resulting in a broad blanket of understanding over a variety of topics, but not enough depth to really understand their intricacies, causes or effects. In future steps the authors intend to explore ways to adapt the research framework to apply it to in‐depth studies of a particular country or context.Originality/valueThis paper presents a research methodology example that is transferrable to other multi‐national surveys.