bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Added value of information and information systems: a conceptual approach
Authors: Fattahi Rahmatollah , Afshar Ebrahim 
Published: July 2006

PurposeInformation, owing to its nature, has numerous capabilities. Through utilizing these capabilities, information systems can add to the value of information. The purpose of this paper is to explain where and how added value emerges from the work processes in library and information professions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper begins with a review of the related literature and then takes a conceptual approach to discuss different values of information and IR systems; elaborates on how each of the processes such as assessment of needs, selection, description/organization, storage/processing, search/retrieval, and dissemination generate capabilities that lead to added value.FindingsThe paper identifies that added value is generated through processes such as reproduction, exchange, transfer, refinement, analysis, interpretation, synthesis, and regeneration of information. Many such processes turn information into knowledge.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is based on the author's reflections on the matter of added value generated by library and information practice. Further empirical studies are needed to substantiate the extent to which such values are generated through information systems and services in the real world.Practical implicationsLibrarians and information specialists can find through their working practice how to design systems and services which can generate added value for information.Originality/valueIn the present evolving conditions, library and information professionals are able to add to the value of information by sharing their knowledge with the expertise of computer scientists and finding a variety of ways and up‐to‐date methods of optimizing existing systems, as well as designing new systems. These are the two strategies along which the profession should guide its educational, research and practical endeavors.
Accessibility and use of library resources by part‐time students A case study of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado‐Ekiti, Nigeria
Authors: Oluwadare Busayo Isaac 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis study seek to investigate the accessibility and use of the Federal Polytechnic Ado‐Ekiti Library Resources by the part‐time students of the institution.Design methodology/approachData were collected through a questionnaire administered on 210 HND 1, II and III students who all went through the part‐time National Diploma (ND) programme. A total of 190 respondents, representing 90.5 per cent were duly completed, returned and used for this study. Data were analysed using frequencies and percentages.FindingsThe result shows that the library was far away from the satellite campus and, therefore, not accessible to the majority of the part‐time students. Their use of the library resources was also below expectations. Recommendations for improvement were made, as appropriate.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was confined to one particular institution; the literature on the subject is not well developed, further underlining the need for greater research in this area.Practical implicationsPart‐time students have particular needs, which are easily ignored and which prevent their optimal use of such facilities; it is hoped that this research will give some insight into how this problem can be dealt with.Originality/value of paperThis contribution to an under‐researched area should stimulate further work on this topic.
Libraries, digitisation and disability
Authors: Joint Nicholas 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo point out the limitations of recent legislation designed to enhance digital library service provision to the disabled and, in general, to point out the impact of observing moral rights on the feasibility of larger‐scale digitisation services in libraries.Design/methodology/approachA simple, summary analysis of the legislation combined with brief observations of library practice.FindingsThat the law needs to be extended in important respects to help larger sections of the disabled community in Higher Education, and that quality control issues, as enforced by consideration of our legal obligations under moral rights legislation, will always restrict the level of digital service libraries can offer to readers who need either accessible or digitised texts.Research limitations/implicationsThis practice‐based supposition will be tested more extensively by investigation of the relevant legal and operational issues through practitioner experience.Practical implicationsSuggests that the library profession should lobby to improve legislation for services to the reading impaired, and that, in terms of on demand digitisation, general, all‐purpose digital short loan collections can only offer a limited spin‐off service to disabled users. Digitisation for reading and visual impairment will continue to have specialist features that make it a specialist activity.Originality/valueThe paper describes how copyright and moral rights are quite separate, distinct issues affecting library digitisation activity, and that it is easy to overlook the arguably more pronounced limiting effect of moral rights (as opposed to pure copyright) legislation on digitisation services to disabled users.
Putting awareness into practice: practical steps for conducting usability tests
Authors: Craven Jenny 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describes the methods and findings of two research projects undertaken to explore user behaviour and usability issues relating to the use of Web‐based resources by people with disabilities.Design/methodology/approachWhilst the aims of the research differed, the methods adopted were similar – including observation, talk aloud protocols, questionnaires and focus groups.FindingsThe findings from both studies provided evidence of the problems faced by disabled users when using Web‐based resources. It provided evidence of the types of features users liked and disliked, how they overcame navigational problems and what types of features enhanced their experience, all of which can be fed back into recommendations for the design of electronic resources.Practical implicationsThe richness of the data collected for both studies confirmed the importance of involving users in accessibility and usability assessments. Analysis of both the findings and the methods for both studies also enabled a checklist to be developed, outlining issues that should be taken into consideration when planning a usability test.Originality/valueDocument analysis of past and current usability studies revealed that suggested methods are often directed more towards expert usability testing, rather than managing the user testing in‐house. Although it may be preferable to engage an expert, in reality practical guidance is also needed. The checklist aims to address gaps in usability advice identified, by providing practical guidance to enable providers and developers of web‐based resources to conduct their own effective usability testing.
Characteristics of doctoral students who commit citation errors
Authors: Waytowich Vicki L. , Onwuegbuzie Anthony J. , Jiao Qun G. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the citation error rate and quality of reference lists in doctoral dissertation proposals. This research also sought to examine the relationship between perfectionism and frequency of citation errors and the adherence of the reference list to the fidelity of the chosen citation style among doctoral students. Also of interest was to determine which demographic variables predict citation errors and quality of the reference list.Design/methodology/approachParticipants were 64 doctoral students from various disciplines enrolled in a graduate‐level, dissertation preparatory course at a large southeastern university in the USA.FindingsFindings indicated that graduate students with relatively high levels of self‐oriented perfectionism and other‐oriented perfectionism tended to commit the least citation errors and construct reference lists that departed the furthest from the citation style stipulations. Participants’ dissertation proposals, on average, contained more than 12 missing or inconsistent citations. This indicated that for every three citations included, one of them represented some type of error. Regression analyses revealed that: students with the lowest expectation levels tended to commit the highest rate of citation errors; and students who have taken the most courses in their graduate programs tended to receive the lowest scores pertaining to the quality of reference lists.Practical implicationsThese findings suggest a need for more formal and more deliberate approaches for all instructors to instill in students the importance of avoiding citation errors.Originality/valueTo date, no research has investigated the role that perfectionism plays in relation to the commission of bibliographic citation errors.
Qualitative methods in management research: an introduction to the themed issue
Authors: Cassell Catherine , Buehring Anna , Symon Gillian , Johnson Phil 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to introduce the themed issue about qualitative research in the business and management fieldDesign/methodology/approachThe paper considers some issues about how to define the term “qualitative research”, and then introduces each of the papers in the themed issue.FindingsThe contents of this themed issue demonstrate the insights that qualitative research can make into the management field.Originality/valueA large amount of interest was generated in the themed issue. As a consequence, Emerald Publishing Group are launching a new journal which specifically focuses on qualitative research in this field.
More than a numbers game: qualitative research in accounting
Authors: Lee Bill , Humphrey Christopher 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to outline the development of academic research in the discipline of accounting, paying particular attention to the important contribution made by qualitative research projects.Design/methodology/approachProvision of a historical trajectory based on a review of developments in academic journals, the size and breadth of the academic community and other dimensions of the academic discipline of accounting.FindingsThe review indicates that accounting has developed into a pluralist discipline in the UK. Qualitative research features in many sub‐disciplinary areas of accounting.Practical implicationsThe paper identifies the sibling discipline of finance as an area where qualitative research has not developed fully. It makes some suggestions and provides some indicators of how qualitative research in the areas of accounting and finance may develop in the future.Originality/valueThe paper provides the only attempt to date to analyse and review developments of qualitative research in accounting.
Talking about change
Authors: Bryant Melanie 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on the understanding that can be gained about employees' use of voice as a response to organisational change using qualitative research and, in particular, narrative analysis. Narrative analysis of voice can provide insight into why voice is used and how voice differs from resistance.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses a constructivist approach to study the interpretations of participants and explores the qualitative research interview as a method of data collection that enables participants to report experiences of organisational change. Thematic narrative analysis explores inductive themes that are embedded within participants' stories.FindingsFindings suggest that qualitative research approaches are useful in exploring individual interpretations of voice, such as the forms in which voice is used, reasons why voice is used, and participant reports of management reactions to voice. Findings from the narrative analysis suggests that voice may be confused with resistance in the workplace and is likely to lead to negative reactions from management, even though both the literature and participants differentiate between intentions of voice and resistance to change.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper calls for further research concerning employee intentions surrounding the use of voice as well as management perceptions of employees' use of voice.Originality/valueQualitative studies can explore differences between voice and resistance through unlocking voices of employees who are marginalised in management literature. Such studies also derive feedback from staff about the effects of change programmes, thus providing managers with information from which communication/participation strategies could be tailored to individual organisations.
Meaning and context of participation in five European countries
Authors: Szabo Erna 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to summarise the findings of a qualitative cross‐cultural study of participation in managerial decision making.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper theme‐focused interviews were conducted with middle managers in five European countries and the transcripts were analysed using elements of the grounded theory method. In the context of the current study, grounded theory served as a suitable method for detecting both general patterns and country‐specific particularities.FindingsThe findings of the present study suggest that country‐specific models of participation exist which is embedded in broader country‐ and culture‐specific concepts. In addition, decision type, time‐related issues and conflict emerge from the study as the main general context factors influencing managerial choices on the use of participation. The comparison of the current qualitative findings with earlier quantitative research suggests a good match with two of the studies (that investigated participatory behaviour in context) but not the third (that investigated participatory values).Research limitations/implicationsThe exploratory character of the study imposes certain limitations on its findings which could be addressed in future research by studying other countries and cohorts and possibly by employing additional or different types of methodology.Practical implicationsThe qualitative study findings are of interest to organisations engaging in business relations abroad as well as to individual expatriates in each of the five European countries included in the study.Originality/valueIn contrast to earlier quantitative studies with a similar focus, this research initiative explores the meaning and enactment of participation from a holistic perspective, taking context factors into account and integrating the findings into earlier research.
Program: a record of the first 40 years of electronic library and information systems
Authors: Tedd Lucy A. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo provide a broad overview of the history of the journal Program: electronic library and information systems and its contents over its first 40 years.Design/methodology/approachAnalysis of content from the original published material, as well as from abstracting and indexing publications and from minutes of Editorial Board meetings.FindingsThe publication has grown from modest beginnings as a newsletter for UK university librarians to a respected refereed journal with a wide international readership.Originality/valueAn analysis of the content of articles published on computer systems in libraries and information units over the last 40 years.
Data migration from DOBIS/LIBIS to Horizon: experiences from the KFUPM Library in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Khurshid Zahiruddin , Mostafa Kadry Hamed 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo share the experiences in data migration of the KFUPM Library with libraries planning to move from legacy systems such as DOBIS/LIBIS to third‐generation systems.Design/methodology/approachA detailed analysis of DOBIS/LIBIS data structure, data extraction, including data mining, and data conversion of bibliographic, non‐bibliographic and bilingual data was carried out to provide maximum information to libraries about the complexities of source data and how to overcome them.FindingsThe majority of the problems came from the lack of full MARC support in DOBIS/LIBIS and because of some local practices.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to the KFUPM library experience in data conversion from DOBIS/LIBIS to Horizon.Practical implicationsThis study will have implications for libraries still operating under legacy systems. They are expected to be informed by the KFUPM library experience and hopefully will work on migrating to a new system sooner than later. On the other hand, libraries in the Middle East will receive encouragement from the authors' experience and will feel some relief that, despite the complexities of bilingual data, they have a good example to follow.Originality/valueThis is the first study of data conversion in the Middle East and has enormous value for libraries still struggling with legacy systems. Following the KFUPM library example, they can now plan for their own system and data migration.
Introducing RFID at Middlesex University Learning Resources
Authors: Hopkinson Alan , Chandrakar Rajesh 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo describe the first year of the implementation of radio frequency identification (RFID) in Middlesex University Learning Resources.Design/methodology/approachThe technology is explained in detail to set the scene. Information on the implementation is presented in chronological order.FindingsProblems which would generally be applicable to other installations in these early days of the use of RFID in libraries are pointed out.Practical implicationsIt is possible to implement RFID without too much lead time, although, had longer been available, some aspects would have gone more smoothly.Originality/valueContains valuable information for other libraries considering or intending to introduce RFID.
HACCP workshops – practical guidance for small fast food businesses
Authors: Worsfold Denise 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on the
utility of a food hygiene management system training workshop and guidance
pack to help small fast food businesses comply with new legal requirements.Design/methodology/approachA pre‐course questionnaire
was used to determine knowledge and attitudes towards food safety management
systems. Levels of compliance with best practice on operating hygiene management
systems were assessed. A series of workshops were delivered and evaluated
by means of a post‐course questionnaire.FindingsAlthough
some of the businesses had elementary prerequisite programmes in place prior
to the workshop, there was limited understanding of the requirements of good
hygiene practice and food safety management systems. There was little documentation
and a low level of hygiene training. Trainees welcomed the practical guidance
provided by the course and materials. Both were rated positively, with the
highest satisfaction being demonstrated by those with traditional businesses
that were best served by the sector specific training materials. Most of the
businesses asserted that they would require additional support, if they were
going to implement and document the system fully.Research limitations/implicationsSmall sample size.Practical implicationsMaterials
for use with small businesses need to be specifically developed for each industry
sector, as businesses have little ability to produce their own documentation.
Training and support materials need to be jargon free with information on
good hygiene practices in addition food hygiene management materials.Originality/valueAdds to the debate on the best methods to
be used to assist small food businesses comply with new legislation.
Mini nutritional assessment in the elderly: living alone, with family and nursing home in Turkey
Authors: Sanlier Nevin , Yabanci Nurcan 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis study was aimed at assessing the anthropometry and the nutritional status of a sample of the elderly in Turkey. It was designed as a cross‐sectional study using the mini nutritional assessment (MNA) scores to assess the nutritional status of the elderly living alone, with their family, and in nursing homes.Design/methodology/approachThe work was planned and carried out so as to assess nutritional status and MNA of 429 elderly people, aged 65 years and over living with their family (n  =  246), in nursing homes (n  =  127) or alone (n  =  56). Body weight, height, mid upper arm and calf circumference of elderly people was measured and they were asked personal questions. The list of questions included if the person pursues an independent life, the number of meals and food groups they consumed, the answers of which were scored and then assessed. With regard to MNA scale, a score of <17 is regarded as an indication of malnutrition, 17–23.5 indicates a sign for malnutrition risk and 24 and higher signifies normal level. The data were analysed with SPSS 10.0 for Windows. Means, standard deviations and cross tabulation tables were used as descriptive statistics. Pearson's correlation coefficients were determined in correlation analysis.FindingsA statistical analysis of the scores shows that 5.4 per cent of the elderly people living alone, 2.4 per cent of those living in nursing homes and 0.4 per cent living with families could be regarded as malnourished. It was also found that elderly people living in nursing homes have more risk for malnutrition. MNA scores, based on measurements such as body weight, BMI (body mass index) and mid upper arm indicated a significant correlation with the malnutrition.Practical implicationsMNA appears to be a practical and reliable method to assess the nutritional status of elderly people and more importance should be attached to those living alone or in nursing homes to prevent their nutritional problems.Originality/valueAssesses the nutritional status of the elderly living alone, with their family or in nursing homes in Turkey.
Shear strength of a fluid in the whole ranges of pressure and temperature
Authors: Zhang Y. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeSeeks to study the dependence of the shear strength of a fluid on the fluid pressure and the bulk fluid temperature, respectively, theoretically for given bulk fluid temperatures and fluid pressures in the whole ranges of fluid pressure and bulk fluid temperature.Design/methodology/approachThe analyses are, respectively, carried out with emphasis on the dependence of the shear strength of a fluid in liquid state, i.e. at low pressures on the fluid pressure and the bulk fluid temperature for given bulk fluid temperatures and fluid pressures based on the theory of the compression of the fluid by the pressurization of the fluid.FindingsThe fluid shear strength versus fluid pressure curve in the whole range of fluid pressure and the fluid shear strength versus bulk fluid temperature curve in the whole range of bulk fluid temperature, respectively, for a given bulk fluid temperature and a given fluid pressure are obtained. It is shown by this fluid shear strength versus fluid pressure curve that, for a given bulk fluid temperature, when the fluid is in liquid state, i.e. at low pressures, the value of the shear strength of the fluid is insensitive to the variation of the pressure of the fluid and is low: when the fluid is in solidification state, i.e. at medium and high but not extremely high pressures, the value of the shear strength of the fluid is the most sensitive to the variation of the pressure of the fluid and is very approximately linearly increased with the increase of the pressure of the fluid; when the fluid is in high solidification state, i.e. at extremely high pressures, the value of the shear strength of the fluid is insensitive to the variation of the pressure of the fluid and is the highest, i.e. approaches the value of the shear strength of the fluid in solid state.Originality/valueExtends one's knowledge of the shear strength of a fluid in the while ranges of pressure and temperature.