bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using blogs in academic libraries: versatile information platforms
Authors: Schrecker Diane L. 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of the paper was to provide an in‐depth discussion of the poster session, Keep Blogging Along: Side by Side Library Blogs, presented at the American Library Association's Annual Conference in Washington, DC, June 27, 2007.Design/methodology/approachComplete with each blog discussed is a distinction of purpose, basic elements of blog design including organizational labels and tags, enhancement and usability tools, and a statement of success or failure for each project.FindingsComprehensive information concerning three academic library blogs; topics of collection development, children's literature review, a collaborative professional development project, and a supplemental academic course blog is provided.Practical implicationsTo make available basic tools and resources for readers to create a blog, or blogs; keep statistical and evaluative information on individual projects; and enhance project usability with tools and widgets.Originality/valueThis paper details various innovative uses for blogs, or web logs, in an academic library setting and provides constructive resources to assist readers with researching and utilizing this technology.
Diversity: the research and the lack of progress
Authors: Winston Mark 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to address the profession's focus on diversity, including the original research, and analyze the research beyond the profession to understand better the bases for the limited progress in fulfilling diversity goals. The paper focuses on the fact that diversity has been equated with race and the potential implications of that relationship.Design/methodology/approachAn overview and analysis of diversity research, including factors associated with the success of diversity programs, is presented, focusing on research regarding the relationship between diversity and race. The article also considers how perceptions of race and racism have been manifested across sectors and in various countries. Based upon the fact that diversity and race have been equated, the discussion focuses on the extent to which this relationship is connected to the limited progress associated with diversity goals.FindingsResearch related to race, diversity, and affirmative action indicate both the complexity of the concepts among scientists, social scientists, and members of the general public, as well as the biases reflected in the viewpoints, often manifested in public policy. The research among communication scholars also indicates a predisposition to avoiding communication about difficult topics, such as race and racism, reflective in the use of more benign terminology, such as diversity.Practical implicationsWhile diversity research continues to be necessary in the profession, going beyond that which documents the levels of under‐representation, there is also the need for further consideration of the applicability of research beyond the LIS profession. In this regard, the understanding of research related to diversity, race, and affirmative action, and the relationship among the three provides the basis for further research in LIS and a more informed approach in addressing diversity issues in the profession.Originality/valueThe primary focus of the discussion of the paper is that of the nature of diversity, race and racism, as defined in the context of the USA. However, research related to race, racial classifications and hierarchies, and diversity in other parts of North America, Australia, Europe, and Africa are considered to a limited extent as well.
Smart spaces: creating new instructional space with smart classroom technology
Authors: Wang Zhonghong 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to describe the Long Island University Brooklyn Campus Library's experience with a Smart Space Project. This paper recounts how the library creates new instructional spaces, through the use of smart technologies. This study illustrates challenges facing the library, recounts collaboration with other campus units, and describes support service provided by Library Information Technology. This account contributes to the sharing and discussion of experiences among modern academic libraries regarding needs assessment, space planning, and utilization of technology to support library services.Design/methodology/approachThe literature review includes space planning, building renovation and construction, and instructional technology. Various aspects of the Smart Space Project are described and analyzed. Studies and experiences from other academic libraries are also discussed.FindingsSpace renovation projects may be complex, requiring a systematic approach encompassing vision, needs assessment, funding, planning, technological considerations, and collaboration with other campus units. Creativity, flexibility, open‐mindedness, and attention to details are keys to the success of renovation projects.Research limitations/implicationsIn the areas of library space, student learning behaviour, utilization of technology, and smart technology's impacts on online/distance library instruction, more research needs to be conducted.Practical implicationsThis account provides useful information and first‐hand experience for library administrators and faculty planning instructional space projects.Originality/valueThis article provides a snapshot of the efforts of a mid‐sized urban library to address issues of limited space, budgetary constraints, growing collections, and increasing user needs. It provides practical lessons and suggestions for other library administrators and faculty seeking to make building and instructional technology improvements. It also offers valuable information for library information technology units implementing smart instructional projects.
User involvement in the Open University library building project
Authors: Hunt Mary 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to show that the Open University library building project was particularly successful for its inclusion of library staff. This was mainly due to the emphasis on a partnering ethos with integrated workshops. The paper identifies the value of such approaches in all building projects and highlights additional factors that enabled a full contribution from the Library.Design/methodology/approachThe Open University project is used as a case study of user involvement in a building project.FindingsThe paper finds that making partnering work is dependent on putting in place a structured approach that incorporates all the elements included in the definition: delivering better value for partners; reducing duplication and waste of resources; identifying and evaluating progress towards mutual objectives; developing an issue resolution process; and measuring through the use of performance indicators.Originality/valueThis is the only example of a partnering project used for a library building known to the author. Promoting the advantages of partnering and integrated teamworking is of value to the construction industry as well as to clients (Estates departments) and building users (library staff and customers).
Exploring common ground: US Writing Center/Library Collaboration
Authors: Mahaffy Mardi 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore how library reference departments and writing centers have extended their services to reach audiences beyond their respective locations, and to analyze the experiences of one university in collaboration between the two entities. The aim is to provide insight into the advantages and disadvantages of two approaches toward collaboration: that of a reference librarian holding office hours in a writing center, and writing center consultants providing service hours within the library.Design/methodology/approachReference/consultation logs and input from participating consultants and librarians are utilized to explore the usage and effectiveness of the two collaborative approaches.FindingsAnalyzing student participation in the library and writing center services indicate that, while students are not likely to seek library reference services in the writing center, they appreciate having writing consultation services available within the library at times when the writing center is not open. Observation also suggests that students use services differently at the two locations, preferring extended interactions at the writing center where hour‐long consultations are customary.Practical implicationsThis work conveys first hand experiences and makes suggestions regarding scheduling, staffing, equipment, and publicity.Originality/valueLittle has been written about the feasibility and practical implications of writing center consultants working within libraries.
How safe is your library?
Authors: Topper Elisa F. 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe paper seeks to draw attention to the fact that libraries need to be on alert about security in the workplace. Management needs to be sure that safety and security policies and procedures are in place for all types of libraries and staff is trained in how to deal with the various issues that may arise.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes the form of a literature review and provides suggestions that may be used to train staff.FindingsThere is awareness that situations happen in libraries but how well staff are trained in dealing with these situations is questionable.Originality/valueThe paper stresses the value of being aware of the safety and security issues that need to be part of ongoing training for all staff, no matter what type of library.
American Library Association Conference 2007
Authors: Ashcroft Linda 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is too provide a flavour of the content of the American Library Association Annual Conference held in Washington DC in June 2007.Design/methodology/approachAn outline description of the issues, content, networking, speakers and participants of this conference.FindingsThis major conference covered many topical issues and themes, latest trends and research and leading edge technology applicable to librarians and information professionals internationally. It facilitated many networking opportunities.Originality/valueA conference report of value to librarians and information professionals as the variety of themes apply to the various aspects of library and information work.
Catalytic effects of transition metals in the form of the salts of organic acids in the cross linking of alkyds
Authors: Šťáva V. , Veselý D. , Kalenda P. 
Published: April 2008

PurposeTo study the drying effects of cobalt, manganous and mixed salts for their catalytic action in cross linking reactions occurring during the creation of an alkyd resin film.Design/methodology/approachThe driers of Co‐octoate, Mn‐octoate, Mn‐octoate with an active organic ligand, and mixed drier containing the salts of Mn, Ca, and Zn were employed in the cross linking reactions of alkyls. The study verified the possibility of using manganese as an active cation in catalytic curing reactions. The course of the cross‐linking of alkyds was monitored on a model system of the reactions of drier with ethyl linoleate, using FTIR spectroscopy. Reaction‐rate constants corresponding to the first phase of cross linking were obtained. The driers under scrutiny were used to identify the time of the drying of alkyd resin modified with flax oil. The final phase of the cross linking reactions was monitored by means of measurement the hardness of the created alkyd film depending on time.FindingsThe driers under scrutiny were found to have catalytic effects in auto‐oxidation reactions. Very high efficiency was found with all of the driers. The highest efficiency was found with Co‐octoate resulting in the development of the highest hardness of coatings. Mn‐octoate and mixed driers show a steeper increase in film hardness than Co‐drier, yet the final films are suppler.Practical implicationsThe driers studied can be conveniently used to accelerate creation of alkyd coatings modified with natural oils and designed for both industrial and decorative purposes.Originality/valueThe method of identifying the kinetic parameters of the cross‐linking reactions of alkyds is relatively new and facilitates the localisation of driers that are optimum for specific paints formulations. Of benefit is also the study of Mn‐driers that are more environmentally acceptable than Co‐driers.
Effect of sequence concentrations on segmented polyurethanes properties
Authors: Elidrissi A. , Krim O. , Ousslimane S. 
Published: April 2008

PurposeTo evaluate in the first stage, the efficiency of changing the nature and the length of diols on the properties of perfectly hard sequences polyurethanes (PU). In the second, the thermal properties of a new series of segmented PU with different concentrations of soft sequences were determined.Design/methodology/approachThe synthesis of segmented PU has been realised in two stages known as the pre‐polymer method. Various compositions of PU were obtained by keeping the poly(tetramethylene glycol) – PTMG molecular weights constant, but varying its concentration. The products obtained were characterised by IR, NMR, gel permeation chromatography and studied by differential scanning calorimetry.FindingsThe level of phase segregation depends on several parameters, especially the nature of the soft segment and its average molecular weight, nature of the hard sequence and the number of hydrogen bonds established in the PU sequences.Research limitations/implicationsThe segmented PU obtained were synthesised from PTMG of number molecular weight 2,000. They could also be synthesised from PTMG of molecular weight 600, 1,000, 2,000, 4,000, etc. The effect of change of PTMG molecular weight on PU properties could also be studied.Practical implicationsBetter understanding of the morphology of segmented PU and its effect in the practical domains.Originality/valueNovel perfectly hard sequences PU have been synthesised and characterised. The effect of soft sequence nature and concentration on the phase segregation in these new series of segmented PU is discussed.
Synthesis of several new pyridine‐2(1H) thiones containing an arylazo function and their applications in textile printing
Authors: El‐Kashouti M.A. , El Molla M.M. , Elsayad H.S. , Ahmed K.A. , Helal M.H. , Elgemeie G.H. 
Published: April 2008

PurposeTo synthesise several new pyridine‐2(1H)thione containing an arylazo function and their applications in textile printing.Design/methodology/approachTo prepare substituted 5‐arylazopyridine‐2(1H)thione by the coupling of diazonium salts of aniline derivatives with dibenzoyl methane (1,3‐diphenyl‐1,3‐propanedione) to form arylhydrazone of dibenzoylmethane which react with cyanothioacetamide in boiling ethanolic sodium ethoxide to yield the 5‐arylazo‐2(1H)‐pyridinethione derivatives. The printing properties by screen printing or transfer printing technique of these dyes are reported by using sodium alginate as thickening agent.FindingsThe structure of 5‐arylazopyridine‐2(1H)thione dyes were established and confirm for the reaction products on the basis of their element analysis and spectral data (MS, IR and 1H‐NMR). The suitability of the prepared dyestuffs for either heat transfer printing or traditional printing on polyester and nylon 6 fabrics has been investigated. The prints obtained from dyes possess high‐colour strength as well as good overall fastness properties.Research limitations/implicationsSynthesis of azo dyes containing pyridinethiole moiety has never been reported in textile printing.Practical implicationsProduction of simple and less costly dyes.Originality/value5‐arylazo pyridine‐2(1H)thione, the result of our work aimed to define the scope of and limitation of our procedures for the synthesis of novel 5‐arylazopyridine‐2(1H)thione.
A soy‐based adhesive from basic modification
Authors: Wang W.H. , Li X.P. , Zhang X.Q. 
Published: April 2008

PurposeTo investigate a new approach for making soy‐based adhesive having appropriate properties for potential application in wood industry.Design/methodology/approachThree chemicals were used for modifying protein contained in soy flour. According to orthogonal experiment design, nine soy‐based adhesives were prepared. Shearing strength of plywood bonded with these adhesives was measured to evaluate the bonding strength of nine formulas. Based on statistic analysis, the main effect factor and an optimised formula were determined. Further investigation on the modification effect to protein molecule was conducted by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. In order to facilitate practical application, the viscosity of optimum formula adhesive was measured to determine possible working life. Three additives were added to optimise formula for reducing mould growth.FindingsBased on soy‐flour mass, the best combination of lime milk, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium silicate was 10, 2, and 20 per cent, respectively. NaOH was considered the main effect factor on bonding strength, and sodium silicate was of the second importance. The viscosity of the optimised adhesive changed lightly in 2 h, and significantly increased from 2 to 4 h. However, it still could spread on veneer, which indicated a reasonable working life for practical application. Based on soy flour mass, when 0.5 per cent sodium benzoate or 25 per cent phenol formaldehyde was added, mould growth could be restrained after early stage.Research limitations/implicationsThough the studied soy‐based adhesive had a good bonding strength and comparative water resistance, its pH was a little too high, which may cause risks of discolour of light coloured wood. Further study is needed to solve this problem.Practical implicationsThe approach provided a bio‐adhesive with good bonding strength, comparative water resistance, reasonable working life, and without formaldehyde emission. Soy‐based adhesive is considered a promising alternate adhesive in wood industry and other applications because of the above mentioned advantages.Originality/valueIt provided a potential way to utilise by‐product of agriculture, soy‐flour, as industrial raw material. This will benefit farmers significantly. Meanwhile, the modified soy‐based adhesive is promising to partly or completely replace urea formaldehyde resin that are mainly used in wood industry, avoiding formaldehyde emission and reducing the dependence on petroleum products.
Adsorption and corrosive inhibitive properties ofVigna unguiculatain alkaline and acidic media
Authors: Umoren S.A. , Obot I.B. , Akpabio L.E. , Etuk S.E. 
Published: April 2008

PurposeTo investigate the adsorption behaviour and inhibitive effect ofVigna unguiculata(VU) extract (agricultural waste material) for aluminium corrosion in 0.5 M NaOH and H2SO4.Design/methodology/approachThe inhibitive effect of the plant extract was assessed using weight loss method at 30 and 60oC. The trend of inhibition efficiency with temperature was used to propose the mechanism of inhibition and type of adsorption.FindingsVU extract effectively inhibited aluminium corrosion in both alkaline and acidic media. Inhibition efficiency (I %) of the extract increased with increase in concentration of the extract and temperature. Inhibitor adsorption characteristics were approximated by Freunlich and Temkin adsorption isotherms at all the concentrations and temperatures studied. The phenomenon of chemical adsorption is proposed from the activation parameters obtained.Research limitations/implicationsThe mechanistic aspect of the corrosion inhibition can be better understood using electrochemical studies such as polarization and AC impedance spectra.Practical implicationsThe findings may be useful in metal surface anodizing and metal coating.Originality/valueThis paper provides new information on the possible application of VU extract as eco‐friendly inhibitor. It has not been reported elsewhere.
Smoking cessation: why do smokers fail?
Authors: Wolburg Joyce M. 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to probe three explanations for the difficulty that cigarette smokers have in quitting: the addictive nature of the product; the failure to deliver messages with effective quit strategies; and the resistance to enacting smoking bans in bars and restaurants. It aims to argue that the latter two issues result in misplaced marketing.Design/methodology/approachThis article examines data from published research, interviews with smokers who have successfully quit, and government statistics to have a clearer picture of the issues.FindingsSmokers are exposed to anti‐smoking messages created to discourage youth from starting to smoke, but smokers seldom encounter smoking cessation messages that offer realistic quit strategies. Instead, too many messages offer overly simplistic solutions. Furthermore, smokers in many states continue to find smoking permitted in bars – a place that typically triggers the desire to smoke due to associations between drinking and smoking. Arguments favoring smoking bans have concentrated on the health benefits to those who want to avoid second‐hand smoke but have neglected to address the added benefits to smokers.Practical implicationsCreators of messages can focus more specifically on successful quit strategies, and legislators can add a compelling argument for banning smoking in bars and restaurants.Originality/valueThe article calls for an end to misplaced thinking that leads to ineffective campaign message strategy and resistance to smoking bans for bars and restaurants.
Chinese children's perceptions of advertising and brands: an urban rural comparison
Authors: Chan Kara 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how perceptions of truthfulness of television advertising and perceptions of brands vary among urban and rural children in Mainland China and also to collect information about the basis of judgment children used to determine whether commercials are true.Design/methodology/approachDescriptive statistics were compiled to give the perceptions of television advertising and brands of the overall sample, as well as the urban and rural sub‐samples. Chi‐square tests and independent sample t‐tests were conducted to examine the urban‐rural difference in perceptions of television advertising and brands. The sample was divided into two groups that were of similar size (age six to nine and age ten‐15). Chi‐square tests were conducted to examine the age difference in advertising perceptions.FindingsThe urban‐rural difference in consumer perceptions of advertising and brands indicates that children's development in consumer socialization depends on the environment. Urban respondents were more skeptical towards advertising than rural children. Urban and rural children shared two similarities: older children were less likely to perceive television commercials truthful than younger children. Younger children liked television commercials more than older children.Research limitations/implicationsThe three surveyed urban cities were highly advanced in terms of their economies and advertising development compared with all other Chinese cities. The seven surveyed rural counties cannot be generalized to the very poor rural provinces in China.Practical implicationsThe study should serve as an advertising guideline for marketers and advertisers that target urban and rural children in China.Originality/valueThis paper offers insights for employing different advertising message strategies to disseminate market information to urban as well as rural children in China.