bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex worker collective organization
Authors: Gall Gregor 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine contemporary sex worker labour unionism in a number of major western economies because it now faces an acute historical dilemma of being forced into acting as the antithesis of what it professes and aims to be, namely, elite pressure groups.Design/methodology/approachInterviews and structured e‐mail dialogues with sex worker union activists were supplemented with an array of secondary sources and documentation, the authors of which are sex workers union activists themselves.FindingsThis loss of initial momentum for sex worker unionization projects concerned paucity of human resources, the limited spread of a “sex work” consciousness among sex workers, and ambivalence from potential allies. Consequently, sex worker unions concentrated on engaging in political lobbying on public policy, projects of legal reform of sex work, and helping provide individualized assistance to sex workers inside and outside their worksites on health issues, criminal offences and business matters. Thus, nascent or weakened labour unions in the sex industry acted as pressure groups concerned with work issues in a way in which other pressure groups operate on non‐work issues, thereby forsaking a key characteristic of labour unionism, namely, the focus of collective self‐activity in and on the workplace and from a basis on having a tangible presence in the workplace through membership among workers.Practical implicationsThis research is of value to researchers, practitioners and policy makers, for it shows how workers seek collective interest representation through collective means in an environment of “atypical” work and employment.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to a growing body of work studying sex work and sex workers from what can be termed conventional, sociological and organizational behavioural approaches. The result of this is to be able to understand the processes and outcomes of their activities and exchanges as economic and social transactions rather than deviancy.
The crisis from the point of view of evolutionary economics
Authors: Lane Jan‐Erik 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to look at the 2008 financial crisis from the viewpoint of evolutionary economics.Design/methodology/approachThe paper links the shattering of economic expectations in 2007‐2008 with the coming energy‐environment conundrum.FindingsThe paper shows that responding to the challenges of the energy‐environment conundrum implies moving the entire global economy towards the evolution of a green economy away from the burning of fossil fuels with attending global warming effect.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper focuses upon the spontaneous coordination in the global market leading to the innovations that the handling of the energy‐environment conundrum requires.Practical implicationsThe paper engages in essential critical market regulation like higher capital requirements of financial institutions (Basel 3) and stimulate the green economy by some form of carbon tax or emissions trading scheme.Originality/valueInterpreting the financial market bubble in 2008 against the coming of the energy‐environment conundrum with its immense repercussions for the real economy in a long‐term, i.e. evolutionary perspective.
Protect your library's computers
Authors: Zimerman Martin 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe how malware can harm the library's computers, and how technology can be used to protect them, in a way that can be understood by the non‐technical.Design/methodology/approachThe searches encompassed articles and books on the issues of malware and technology‐based code organisms.FindingsThere were complex issues dealing with hackers and other malevolent and unscrupulous characters trying to break into computer systems for profit.Research limitations/implicationsOnly small indicators of the overall problem have been addressed. Much more has to be investigated and learned.Practical implicationsIt is advisable to learn to protect your computers more effectively when “online.”Originality/valueAlthough much has been written about the problem, few articles offer concrete solutions to the problems.
Readers' advisory interactions with immigrant readers
Authors: Dali Keren 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to address a somewhat under‐researched aspect of readers' advisory services in public libraries in North America, namely, readers' advisory for immigrant readers, with a particular emphasis on the readers' advisory interaction/interview.Design/methodology/approachThe argument draws on the review of relevant scholarly and professional literature and the author's experience in working with immigrant readers.FindingsIt is suggested that public libraries in North America are not actively involved in providing readers' advisory services to immigrant readers aside from developing and maintaining multilingual collections. This trend in readers' advisory practices is clearly reflected in professional and scholarly publications of the field. It is argued that personal interactions with immigrant readers, in the context of the readers' advisory interview, can be an efficient way to engage immigrant readers in the life of the host society, thus fostering their socio‐cultural integration beyond information needs and basic coping skills.Originality/valueThe paper offers practical insights and suggestions for the enhancement of readers' advisory interactions with immigrant readers in public libraries. It also places readers' advisory interactions with immigrant readers in the broader context of readers' advisory practices, public library services to immigrant users, and the theory of readers' advisory interviews.
Local studies collections, librarians and the Norwegian local history wiki
Authors: Sveum Tor 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the relevance of local studies collections and contributions from local studies librarians to a Norwegian local history wiki.Design/methodology/approachThe paper focuses on access to metadata in the form of bibliographies, databases and catalogues, in addition to general articles on local history. The methodological approach is qualitative and comparative based on semi‐structured interviews with librarians in charge of local studies collections and with the administrators of the wiki. The study includes an analysis of a selection of local studies collections and criteria for inclusion into the local history wiki. A short comparison with history wikis in other countries is added.FindingsLocal studies collections contain valuable and unique material for the wiki, especially metadata resources. The expertise of librarians could increase the value of the wiki. Generally, librarians are not active contributors. Strategies for involvement are needed.Originality/valueThe paper may encourage and inspire local studies librarians to contribute actively to the wiki and incorporate relevant parts of their collections.
Continuing professional education: ensuring librarian engagement
Authors: Massis Bruce E. 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this column is to discuss the importance of continuing professional education for working librarians whose skills and knowledge need to be kept up to date in order to best serve the public.Design/methodology/approachThe approach takes the form of a literature review and commentary on this topic.FindingsContinuing professional education and training for librarians is essential to enhance the skills and knowledge of those so engaged.Originality/valueThe value in addressing the issue is to proffer suggestions to libraries of the benefits of providing funding, even during an economic downturn, and of providing opportunities for librarians to expand their knowledge and increase their engagement in the workplace as a result of continuing professional education.
Optimizing library content for mobile phones
Authors: Jensen R. Bruce 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present evidence that academic and school libraries can serve users by offering readings in phone‐compatible files, and describe how to use readily available tools to cleanly and effectively format various types of documents for mobile devices.Design/methodology/approachA survey was made of a variety of utilities for preparing texts to accommodate mobile reading and the products were tested on several types of phones – from the least sophisticated to popular smartphones.FindingsCell phones are effective, convenient appliances for use as text readers. Though US subscribers have been slower than others to embrace their phones as readers, a fast‐growing segment of users is doing so. Course materials traditionally offered as reserves can easily be made available to students on a device that is familiar and comfortable.Practical implicationsFurnishing content in relevant formats increases user convenience and positions libraries to respond to technological change. Providing readings on mobile phones is a move toward the mainstream of today's networked mobile environment.Social implicationsIn the USA, people of color and youths have led others in internet access by phone. Libraries, in acknowledging the primacy of mobile devices in people's information universe and providing them with genuinely usable texts, can claim a place in users' pockets, as the commercial sector has already done.Originality/valueThe techniques presented in this paper are within the capabilities of all libraries and can dramatically broaden their service profile, enabling them to bring materials to readers in new, perhaps unexpected ways.
E‐learning contribution to the building of a multi‐generational workplace learning community in an academic library: observations drawn from practice
Authors: Fontanin Matilde 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to relate an experience which tried to veer the focus of traditional workplace learning towards blended learning in an Italian University. The question is whether this will really contribute to creating a community in a situation where people have little opportunities to have contact and exchange ideas and practices. Tutor support and careful induction sessions will help make everyone more comfortable with the new technology by showing the opportunities it opens up.Design/methodology/approachThe evidence taken into consideration refers to the initial phases of the project: leading a needs assessment survey and introducing library staff to the new system, both as learners and teachers. Courses have been organized and surveys have been drawn to collect the participants' impressions.FindingsActually, it seems that learning is enhanced when related to real situations, and so is interaction and involvement of participants, notwithstanding age and background differences: this seems to be even more true for online environments.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a report about a particular experience from which is drawn a series of considerations useful for practice: it is not intended as a wide scope study on e‐learning application to workplace learning and development.Practical implicationsThe experience described here builds up a basis for a new mode of delivering learning experiences at work, while at the same time trying to create a sense of belonging and community.Originality/valueThough not aiming at drawing conclusive statements on the subject, the paper analyzes the impact of blended learning in an organizational environment where differences in age, education and relative isolation of single workers are the rule. This applies to most library systems and larger organizations, therefore the experience can build up a basis for critical thought in sketching workplace development plans for larger libraries and library systems.
Persian websites for children and teenagers in Iran
Authors: Behzadi Hassan , Zahedi Noghabi Mahdi 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe Internet has attracted many of society's children and teens and it has become important for parents to be aware of reputable websites and the criteria for studying these. The purpose of this paper is to examine the condition of Persian websites for children and teenagers in terms of site support, design, contents, and promotion, and also examine the differences in websites which are supported by the government.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology was based on the criteria of the American Library Association's Association for Library Services to Children's “Great websites for kids.” In total, 18 Persian websites were examined, which were found in the first ten pages of a Google search, by different kinds of search.FindingsThe obtained results indicated that there was a lack of standards in designing children's websites, demonstrating that it is necessary to ask children, librarians, computer specialists, child psychologists, and teachers to improve websites geared to children and teenagers.Originality/valueThe paper shows that it is important to focus on standard solutions for website designs that take into account the special needs of children.
Computer analysis system of the physician‐patient consultation process
Authors: Katsuyama Kimiko , Koyama Yuichi , Hirano Yasushi , Mase Kenji , Kato Ken , Mizuno Satoshi , Yamauchi Kazunobu 
Published: May 2010

PurposeMeasurements of the quality of physician‐patient communication are important in assessing patient outcomes, but the quality of communication is difficult to quantify. The aim of this paper is to develop a computer analysis system for the physician‐patient consultation process (CASC), which will use a quantitative method to quantify and analyze communication exchanges between physicians and patients during the consultation process.Design/methodology/approachCASC is based on the concept of narrative‐based medicine using a computer‐mediated communication (CMC) technique from a cognitive dialog processing system. Effective and ineffective consultation samples from the works of Saito and Kleinman were tested with CASC in order to establish the validity of CASC for use in clinical practice. After validity was confirmed, three researchers compared their assessments of consultation processes in a physician's office with CASCs. Consultations of 56 migraine patients were recorded with permission, and for this study consultations of 29 patients that included more than 50 words were used.FindingsTranscribed data from the 29 consultations input into CASC resulted in two diagrams of concept structure and concept space to assess the quality of consultation. The concordance rate between the assessments by CASC and the researchers was 75 percent.Originality/valueIn this study, a computer‐based communication analysis system was established that efficiently quantifies the quality of the physician‐patient consultation process. The system is promising as an effective tool for evaluating the quality of physician‐patient communication in clinical and educational settings.
Building capacity for service user and carer involvement in research
Authors: Minogue Virginia , Girdlestone John 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the role of service user and carer involvement in NHS research and describe the nature of this involvement in three specialist mental health Trusts. It also aims to discuss the value of service user and carer involvement and present the perspective of the service user and research manager.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews patient and public involvement policy and practice in the NHS and NHS research. It examines the effectiveness of involvement activity and utilises a case example to demonstrate the impact of patient/service user involvement on the NHS and the individuals who take part.FindingsThe paper concludes that service user involvement is essential if research is to support the development of health services that clearly reflect the needs of the service user and impact positively on service quality.Practical implicationsService user involvement is an established element of NHS research and development at both national and local level. The Department of Health strategy for research, Best Research for Best Health, reiterates both the importance of research that benefits the patient and the involvement of the service user in the research process. Despite this, the changes in Department of Health support funding for research, introduced by the strategy, may inadvertently lead to some NHS Trusts experiencing difficulty in resourcing this important activity.Originality/valueThe paper illustrates the effectiveness of successful patient and public involvement in research. It also identifies how involvement has developed in a fragmented and uncoordinated way and how it is threatened by a failure to embed it more consistently in research infrastructure.
Clinical performance indicators: intolerance for variety?
Authors: Basu Abhijit , Howell Rosemary , Gopinath Deepa 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe performance of NHS UK hospitals is under continuous scrutiny as they are constantly under pressure to perform well. A recent document published by an independent body has recommended a host of clinical indicators to assess non‐financial performance of hospitals. This study aims to critically analyse the performance of a single UK hospital against several of these recommended indicators.Design/methodology/approachData presented to the Hospital Trust Board for 12 months were used for this study. Previous years' data were used wherever available.FindingsBased on data analysis, this hospital's performance is extremely difficult to calculate. The indicators use complex ratios and due to lack of standardisation, the hospital performance could be interpreted as better, worse or indifferent.Research limitations/implicationsThis study analyses most of the recommended indicators. Literature review did not reveal a similar analysis of another hospital against these indicators which precludes comparison.Practical implicationsThis study highlights the difficulty in comparing the performance of hospitals due to the inherent lack of consistency. Therefore it is apparent that any reward‐rebuke system linked to performance should interpret the data with caution. It is therefore suggested that easy to control single value activities and standardised routine activities could be used to measure hospital performance. Alternatively, the hospital could compare with its own statistics from previous years.Originality/valueLiterature acknowledges the difficulties in measuring clinical performance. This paper elucidates these difficulties applied to the NHS and suggests alternatives.
How to escape the differentiation proliferation trap
Authors: D'Aveni Richard 
Published: May 2010

PurposeIn our hypercompetitive times, product and service differentiation may start out as value innovation but end up as too many similar choices for customers. The risk of this happening increases when several or all segments of the market are crowded with competitors seeking differentiation. This paper aims to investigate this issue.Design/methodology/approachThe paper looks at how this brand proliferation currently grips the hotel industry.FindingsThe paper finds that, as illustrated by the hotel industry example, there are three primary ways that companies manage the threats from rivals who introduce similar products.Research limitations/implicationsA hotel industry case is analyzed from a current and historical perspective.Practical implicationsManagers who face this problem can: select certain threats to respond to; overwhelm the threats, choosing to fight on many fronts; and outflanking their rivals by opening new positions or at the extremes of the expected price line.Originality/valueThe paper applies some of the oldest strategic principles to a new challenge – differentiation proliferation:”overwhelm the threats” is a strategy of applying mass or scale to the challenge; “select the threats” is competing where you have the superiority of the defense; and “outflank the threats” is the strategy of the indirect approach.
Learning from corporate mistakes
Authors: Robins Fred 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contrast the business risks of seeking to hide “questionable” corporate activities with the benefits of achieving high levels of corporate transparency.Design/methodology/approachThe paper summarises three well‐documented cases of corporate malfeasance, simply and sequentially. Each is analysed separately.FindingsThe paper finds, in each case, that once the concealed “truth” comes out, the companies are in a much worse position than if they had come clean when initially challenged. The generalised finding is that once pressures mount, what is intentionally concealed tends to become exposed, with unanticipated and powerful negative consequences.Practical implicationsTo minimise business risk, managers are well advised to refrain from doing things behind a veil of secrecy and, instead, opt for greater transparency. Since what is hidden seldom remains hidden, a “policy” of corporate transparency is often in their interest. The lesson is that when under public pressure, for whatever reason, facts, risks and relationships will out.Originality/valueThis paper demonstrates how openness rather than secrecy can reduce business risk and raise ethical standards at the same time.
Mediating the media: a journalist‐centric media relations model
Authors: Pang Augustine 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe prevailing challenge faced by practitioners is to conduct effective media relations, especially with the proliferation of diverse media platforms both online and offline. For such a predominant and critical function, a systematic approach needs to be offered. This paper aims to address these issues.Design/methodology/approachA new model is developed, drawing on insights from corporate communications and journalism literature.FindingsThis model identifies two sets of influences that practitioners should seek to understand. The internal influences include journalist mindsets, journalist routines, and newsroom routines. The external influences include extra‐media forces and media ideology.Research limitations/implicationsAt this juncture, it is not able to predict causalities among the influences. What this model is able to establish is the connections among the influences. Future research can address that.Practical implicationsThis model is instructive for new practitioners to view media relations as a holistic process rather than merely an information subsidy function. For seasoned practitioners, it serves to encourage them to re‐evaluate their current strategies and to engage in strategic thinking on how to transform their current practices.Originality/valueThe author has developed a new model called mediating the media that is meant to equip practitioners to conduct media relations in a systematic manner with the primary objective of winning the journalists over by the knowledge of their work and their profession. This may form the basis for an initial trail that takes media relations to the next level.