bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing availability of learning resources on organic agriculture and agroecology
Authors: Sánchez‐Alonso Salvador 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the provision of existing learning object repositories with enhanced forms of describing digital resources on organic agriculture and agroecology.Design/methodology/approachThe approach followed was to investigate non‐invasive techniques for semantic annotation of learning objects, for which use was made of two tools. The first tool was a software application for the automated classification of learning resources stored in public learning object repositories. The second tool was an ontology in OWL derived from the knowledge in the Agrovoc thesaurus.FindingsCurrent digital repositories for educational resources and open access archives provide scholars with a number of features, such as the ability to search for materials according to given criteria, or to retrieve the full content of those materials from the repository. Many provide advanced features as well, such as browsing, assessing and collaboratively peer reviewing learning resources, but at the cost of using the specific tools and interfaces provided by each repository.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is part of the EU‐funded project Organic.Edunet, aimed at facilitating access, usage and exploitation of digital educational content related to organic agriculture and agroecology (OA&AE). Consequently, knowledge representation, thesauri and the educational resources reported herein are deliberately focused on the OA&AE domain, even though the concepts and techniques utilized may be easily applied in other contexts.Originality/valueThe paper describes two new approaches aimed at enhancing availability of learning resources: the potential use of ontologies for the description of learning resources, and the full use of the classification category in the IEEE LOM metadata standard.
How do virtual visitors get to the library?
Authors: Waller Vivienne 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present an exploratory and preliminary analysis of virtual visitors to the web site of the State Library of Victoria (SLV) in order to enable more understanding about the type of content people are accessing on library web sites.Design/methodology/approachMost of the analysis in this paper is based on web activity data sourced from Hitwise. Different uses of the library web site are investigated as well as the characteristics of the visitors, where they were on the internet before coming to the library web site and where they went afterwards.FindingsQueries on history, places and particular buildings were almost exclusively related to Victorian places or buildings, reflecting the content of the SLV web site. These three categories of query accounted for two fifths of all non‐SLV‐related queries. Most of the analyses presented in this paper have shown little difference over the years 2006‐2008.Research limitations/implicationsOne of the things that is very difficult to gauge from the data is whether the user obtained material of interest from the SLV site. To really find this out, one would need to ask the user directly.Practical implicationsThis analysis will have implications for libraries' management of their online presence.Originality/valueThis paper differs from most papers on web search as it attempts a manual classification of the long tails of upstream web sites, downstream web sites and search queries. This paper will be of interest to anybody interested in the use of library web sites or information search.
Web archiving in a Web 2.0 world
Authors: Crook Edgar 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the current state of web archiving in Australia, and how libraries are adapting their services in recognition of the expanding role that online material plays in their collections.Design/methodology/approachThe National Library of Australia is the lead institution for digital archiving and preservation in Australia. Its PANDORA Archive has been the repository for archived web resources in Australia for over ten years and is a mature but continually developing system. The archival management system PANDAS that underpins the Archive, is as of 2007, in its third major revision. Other web archiving activities also now include annual Australian Domain Harvests and the usage of Archive‐It, both of which are conducted in conjunction with the Internet Archive.FindingsFor many years it was considered that archiving could only ever completely capture a small, albeit representative, sample of the internet. Today the gap between what is available and what can be archived is decreasing. But as our archives and our archiving abilities increase, we are still confronted by new technologies and Web 2.0 applications.Originality/valueUsing as an example the 2007 Federal Election in which a large number of interactive sites such as Kevin07, MySpace and YouTube were archived the paper shows how Australian web archivers continue to adapt to and meet new challenges.
Smart Client approaches to digital archiving of e‐journals
Authors: Balnaves Edmund , Chehade Mark 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the results of a research project undertaken by Prosentient Systems and partially funded by the ALIA 2007 research study grant. The focus of the project was a proof‐of‐concept implementation of a Smart Client application for digital archiving of e‐journal subscriptions held by special libraries.Design/methodology/approachThis research comprised a survey of libraries in the area of electronic journal archiving and software development research. The quantitative survey was distributed to 254 member libraries of the GratisNet and GLASS special library networks in Australia. Seven questions explored current practice in e‐journal archiving. In total, 164 responses were received, of which only seven indicated current progress toward e‐journal archiving. Based on the survey results, the second phase of the project comprised software development research.FindingsThe research outcomes indicate that a cross‐platform “Smart Client” approach to e‐journal archiving is achievable and the presentation will review architectural design techniques that support cross‐platform deployment and simple installation using open source smart client tools.Practical implicationsThe transition to e‐journal subscriptions has not been matched with attention to methods for local archiving of e‐journal subscriptions. This research demonstrates the feasibility of simple solutions suitable for special libraries to implement local e‐journal archives.Originality/valueThis research presents an innovative approach to e‐journal archiving for special libraries. The approach differs from current, peer‐to‐peer approach by implementing a central metadata server and a simple easy to deploy desktop archiving agent. Furthermore, limitations imposed by copyright restrictions are the principal impediment that libraries face in implementing e‐journal archives, and the centralised metadata approach can help libraries distinguish journals for which local archiving is allowed.
Public library 2.0: some Australian experiences
Authors: Gosling Maryanne , Harper Glenn , McLean Michelle 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to share the experiences of three public libraries near Melbourne, Victoria, Australia of using Web 2.0 tools to reach existing and new users.Design/methodology/approachUsing blogs and other social software and mash‐ups, Casey‐Cardinia Library Corporation, Eastern Regional Libraries and Frankston Library Service are opening up their web sites and services to their communities and giving voice to their users. The various tools are described and how the libraries are making use of them is detailed.FindingsThat Web 2.0 tools can be successfully utilised by public libraries to provide enhanced services to their users.Originality/valueThe paper provides practical examples of how Web 2.0 tools can be used by public libraries. It is of particular value to public libraries that are interested in or already providing service to their users using Web 2.0 tools.
Self‐service technology for sales purposes in branch banking
Authors: Berger Sven C. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThis article aims to explain the adoption of self‐service technology with pro‐active sales applications (automated teller machines or kiosk systems) in brick‐and‐mortar outlets with special respect to personality traits, relationship characteristics and previous online banking usage.Design/methodology/approachA theoretical framework is proposed, extending well proven technology adoption models by moderating effects from personality traits and customer relationship characteristics. An empirical study using survey and customer account data from customers of a European retail bank assesses the usage antecedents, separately for adopters of online‐banking and non‐adopters.FindingsThe study validates the framework and identifies relevant moderating effects.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was carried out solely in one country, but provides a starting point for more international research.Practical implicationsThe results call for a clear decision in the multi‐channel strategy about which customer segment should be targeted, as previous online‐banking adopters show different adoption behavior. The development and the communication of self‐service technology (SST) should reflect the strong drivers of adoption and, e.g. use a socio‐technical approach. Customer personality traits require increased attention, should be systematically recorded and may support individualized promotional campaigns for SST.Originality/valueThe article is the first to explain the adoption of in‐branch self‐service applications for sales purposes and integrate the moderating effects of personality and relationship.
The different roles of switching costs on the satisfaction‐loyalty relationship
Authors: Augusto de Matos Celso , Luiz Henrique Jorge , de Rosa Fernando 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop and empirically test the antecedent, mediating and moderating role of switching costs on the relationship between satisfaction and loyalty.Design/methodology/approachCompeting models are proposed based on previous studies investigating the influence of switching costs on satisfaction and loyalty. A survey was conducted with 7,461 customers of a large Brazilian bank. The four competing models were tested using structural equation modeling technique.FindingsThe analysis revealed that: switching cost is a significant antecedent of both attitudinal and behavioral loyalty; the mediating effect of switching cost is stronger in the relationship between satisfaction and attitudinal loyalty; and the moderating effect of switching cost is stronger in the relationship between satisfaction and behavioral loyalty.Practical implicationsThis study emphasizes the relevance of the switching cost construct in the banking industry. Customers with different switching costs levels will manifest distinct relationship between satisfaction and behavioral loyalty. Thus, investment on marketing strategies and campaigns should be oriented to better convert switching perceptions into effective loyalty considering its mediating or moderating effects.Originality/valueEven though there are several different approaches (i.e. direct, mediator and moderator) concerning the effects of switching costs on the satisfaction‐loyalty relationship, there is a lack of integration between these approaches. The paper tests and compares the different roles of switching costs. Another contribution is the inclusion of both attitudinal and behavioral aspects of loyalty, given that the current literature is incipient concerning the role of switching cost when considering the distinct loyalty components.
Web banking layout effects on consumer behavioural intentions
Authors: Vrechopoulos Adam , Atherinos Evagelos 
Published: October 2009

PurposeElaborating on earlier research by Vrechopoulos et al., this paper aims to investigate web banking store layout effects on user‐consumer behaviour and to report on a laboratory experimental investigation into user acceptance of three different layout types.Design/methodology/approachA web banking store was developed in three versions equal to the number of the alternative layouts manipulated by the laboratory experimental design. Two layout types were transformed from conventional banking and one type was designed by incorporating users' preferences and suggestions. The relationships in technology acceptance model (TAM) in the three treatments are tested separately, and then the subjects' evaluations on TAM constructs are compared.FindingsThe findings imply that store layout affects online consumer behaviour, confirming the findings of Vrechopoulos et al. in a different sector. The study also confirms the TAM relationships in all treatments and indicates that layout has an effect on user acceptance of web banking in terms of TAM constructs.Research limitations/implicationsThis study confirms the available knowledge regarding a store layout's influencing role on consumer behaviour in the context of web commerce.Practical implicationsDirect managerial implications for web banking are provided through the design of the “improved future” layout, which is depicted in the form of an abstract interface design.Originality/valueThe paper adopts an innovative conclusive causal research design towards testing the research hypotheses. To that end, an experimental application was developed in the laboratory and the research hypotheses were “packed‐up” with references from different disciplines (i.e. marketing and information systems) providing through that an interdisciplinary nature on the present study.
Lack of lending behind the surge in company closures
Authors: McCabe Phil 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to present data on the situation for small businesses during the current recession in terms of financial services support.Design/methodology/approachA panel of members of the Forum of Private Business (FPB) were surveyed, seeking information about the services and support of financial services.FindingsWhilst some respondents reported a slight improvement in support, the number of insolvencies continues to rise.Research limitations/implicationsThe panel represents only members of the FPB.Practical implicationsThe data are very recent and report the current experiences of small businesses with messages to government and the financial services sector of a lack of support for small businesses.Originality/valueSmall businesses are hard to access and the article contributes to both policy and practice in the support of an important commercial sector.
Information and learning commons, faculty and student benefits
Authors: Bodnar Jon 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the benefits of information and learning commons to students and faculty.Design/methodology/approachBased on the experiences of its author, this paper considers two cases in which Georgia Tech faculty worked with the Georgia Tech Library's East and West Commons to expand their teaching practices and their students' learning and research opportunities. It then discusses the benefits of these activities to students and faculty.FindingsThis paper argues that, although information and learning commons are designed primarily to benefit college and university students, these spaces can, with little modification, benefit faculty as well.Originality/valueThe idea that information and learning commons benefit students is nothing new. They are explicitly designed for that purpose. But, the idea that information and learning commons might also support college and university faculty teaching and research interests is one that has received little attention in the library literature to date. This paper explores this idea.
Balancing both lives: issues facing librarians working in Second Life and real life worlds
Authors: Blankenship Emily F. , Hollingsworth Yolanda 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the ongoing issues and concerns of Second Life librarians who are attempting to balance both their virtual library tasks and assignments along with their real world library tasks and assignments.Design/methodology/approachMembers of the Library and Information Technology Association and, in addition, members of the Second Life Librarians group are invited to participate in an online survey during the summer of 2008. In addition to sharing issues and concerns of balancing their work lives in both virtual and real life worlds, survey participants suggest solutions for problem resolution.FindingsData from 161 survey participants show that virtual world librarians are passionate about their commitments to virtual world libraries to the extent that most librarians completed virtual library work at home and are not compensated by their libraries for this work. Issues and problems shared by respondents include inadequate computers and slow internet connections at work, lack of support by library administration, blocking of virtual world software by network technicians, and little response to requests for scheduled time for virtual world library tasks.Research limitations/implicationsThe number of respondents is comparatively small. The authors feel a larger percentage of members may have participated if the survey was conducted during either fall or spring semesters of the academic calendar year. A second survey may be conducted in spring 2009 to compare findings and to track solutions and concerns.Practical implicationsLibrarians may have more time to devote to real life library work and will not need to complete virtual world library tasks at home if they are provided adequate computers and Internet connections at work and are also scheduled for virtual library work.Originality/valueThis paper provides empirical data on the perceived allocations of virtual library work time for virtual librarians and also discusses suggested solutions for better time management of virtual work.
Using Kidder's dilemma paradigm to resolve conflicts in library core values
Authors: Dole Wanda V. , Hurych Jitka M. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify core values commonly held by library and information professionals and discusses whether Rushworth Kidder's concept of dilemma paradigms may be used to analyze and resolve conflicts between the right to access to information and other core values. Kidder identifies two types of dilemmas: “right‐versus‐wrong” and “right‐versus‐right”. He defines “right‐versus‐right” dilemmas as those that “however complex and varied, typically reduce themselves to one or more of the following dilemma paradigms: Truth versus Loyalty, Self versus Community, Short Term versus Long Term and Justice versus Mercy.”Methodology/design/approachThe paper discusses Kidder's theory and applies it to several situations or scenarios reported by practicing librarians.FindingsThe analysis of the scenarios highlights the complex nature of dilemmas faced by library and information professionals.Research limitations/implicationsThe scenarios are limited in number and drawn from only one country. The authors recommend more research on the application of Kidder's theory to authentic library scenarios.Originality/valueThere is little discussion of Kidder in library literature. Despite the limitations, this paper will introduce librarians to dilemma paradigms as one possible tool for resolving conflicts.
Information seeking and learning: a comparison of Kuhlthau's information seeking model and John Dewey's problem solving model
Authors: Isabella Fainburg Linda 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain how the users' information need could be compared with a learning, knowledge and research need where the purpose of information seeking is to find relevant information in relation to the fulfilment of a specific goal and information need in order to become information literate.Design/methodology/approachBy theoretical considerations and studies of research literature an analysis and comparison of Kuhlthaus's ISP‐model and Dewey's problem solving model are presented. According to epistemological pragmatism information seeking is primarily a process of finding relevant and useful information in relation to the fulfilment of a specific research need. This can be accomplished by a combination between rationalistic thinking and action. Therefore the paper stats that pragmatism is a fruitful epistemological view for library and information science research and practiceFindingsThis paper presents, compares, and discusses Kuhlthau's ISP‐model and Dewey's problem solving model. First, it is clear that both Kuhlthau and Dewey are focusing on the close relationship between thinking and action where both information seeking and problem solving is considered a learning process. Second, both Kuhlthau and Dewey find that information seeking is easier when the problem is more focused or the hypothesis more verified. However, when Kuhlthau rather extensively pays attention to the feelings of uncertainty during the ISP, Dewey finds only that problem solving initiates uncertainty and perplexity.Practical implicationsThis paper may provide guidelines for academic libraries interested in developing their information literacy program.Originality/valueThis paper points out that further epistemological, theoretical and empirical investigations of the relationship between Kuhlthau's ISP‐model and Dewey's problem solving model are necessary. In particular, further investigations of specific user groups of Research Libraries and their information seeking and problem solving are important in order to optimize Research Libraries' educational programmes.
Next‐generation technology: challenges and applications
Authors: Rudall B.H. , Mann C.J.H. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review current research and developments with particular reference to the next‐generation technologies.Design/methodology/approachA general review and survey of selected research and development topics is given, and some of the new challenges and applications of future technologies are considered.FindingsThe paper illustrates the multi‐ and trans‐disciplinary natures of studies in cybernetics, systems and management science, with a view to further research and development activity.Practical implicationsThe choice of reviews provides an awareness of current trends in these areas of endeavour.Originality/valueThe reviews are selected from a global database and give a studied assessment of current research and development initiatives.
Cybernetics and the White House
Authors: Andrew Alex M. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review proposals concerned with advice to President Obama from a cybernetics viewpoint, along with critical comments on the new administration by Noam Chomsky. Also reviewed are proposals for an international conference on the financial crisis.Design/methodology/approachThe aim is to review developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest.FindingsThere is enthusiasm about introducing cybernetics principles in the new administration. Reservations by Chomsky about some aspects are mentioned, as is also a separate initiative for application of cybernetics to world problems.Practical implicationsThe proposals relating to the Obama administration include not only giving off advice but also possible installation of a specialist on cybernetics in the White House, and founding of a new research facility. For the proposed international conference mentioned, the advice is to watch the CYBCOM list for developments.Originality/valueIt is hoped that this paper is a valuable periodic review.