bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do academic enquiry services scare students?
Authors: Robinson Catherine M. , Reid Peter 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to clarify the ways in which students seek help in libraries, and their feelings about using library enquiry services. In this way, it should bring practical benefits to academic libraries seeking to design and introduce new forms of reference service. The paper also aims to touch on the issue of whether anonymity offered by digital reference services is likely to make more students ask for help. A major aim of this study is to find ways to encourage those students who need help, to seek it.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses the results taken from 12 qualitative interviews with undergraduate students to examine these students' help‐seeking methods and their use of academic library reference services.FindingsThe study finds that the reasons for not using enquiry services were various and complex and included a lack of awareness of services, embarrassment or shyness, anxiety caused by mechanical barriers and affective barriers. The interviews revealed that shyness is more widespread than libraries might imagine and seemingly confident students can find asking for help embarrassing in some circumstances.Originality/valueThis paper focuses on students' thoughts and opinions, and it is this student‐centred approach which gives particular insight into the reasons students do not seek help. This adds to the body of qualitative research examining undergraduates' help seeking methods and provides practical advice for encouraging students to ask for help.
From paper to electronic, the evolution of pathfinders: a review of the literature
Authors: Vileno Luigina 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the literature on pathfinders, from the 1970s to the present.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews a range of publications which describe the methodology of pathfinders, provide practical advice and information, present research results, to aid librarians and library administrators in how to best manage the production and marketing of pathfinders.FindingsIt was found that not much has been written on pathfinders. A few articles on traditional pathfinders were published between 1972 and 1995. In 1996, the electronic format took over. Most of the articles are of a practical nature although some describe empirical research. One void in the literature that has been found is librarians' lack of knowledge of users' needs and preferences. This results in much time and effort being dedicated to the production of pathfinders but without any consideration of users, thus discouraging them from using the available resources.Practical implicationsThis paper will be a useful source of information for librarians. It provides an overview of guidelines and best practices currently reported in the literature as well as the latest technical and educational trends.Originality/valueSuch an extensive review of the literature on pathfinders has not been done before. It provides practical information for librarians wanting to embark on the production of pathfinders. It also identifies possible areas of future study.
Viewing information needs through a Johari Window
Authors: Shenton Andrew K. 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to apply to the study of information needs the Johari Window framework that has long been accepted as a useful model for understanding interpersonal communication.Design/methodology/approachThe work presents a newly‐constructed version of the Window to delineate a typology of information needs and to identify implications that emerge for information professionals.FindingsThe paper finds that information needs can be seen to fall into five broad categories: needs that are known to the individual but not to the information professional; needs that are known to both parties; needs that are known to the information professional but not the individual; needs that are misunderstood by the individual; and needs that are not known to either the individual or the information professional.Practical implicationsConceptualising information needs in terms of the revised Johari Window highlights how information professionals are of crucial importance in helping clients satisfy their information needs, even in an era in which much information searching is done by end‐users themselves.Originality/valueNo previous paper has applied the Johari Window to the investigation of information needs and few authors have made an attempt to use the framework in any area of library and information science (LIS) whatsoever. The fact that the work deals with both theoretical and practical dimensions will interest LIS academics and library professionals who work regularly with information users.
Corporate governance research on the free web: a selected annotated guide
Authors: Bury Sophie , Leblanc Richard 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe web offers a large and ever expanding range of information sources on the popular and widely researched topic of corporate governance. This paper aims to introduce keys sites of quality and relevance to those interested in researching the field of corporate governance using freely available web resources. It will also aims to prove useful to librarians who wish to develop web‐based subject pathfinders in this field or who want simply to connect with and build their knowledge of major topics and participants in the field of corporate governance.Design/methodology/approachBy way of introduction important or groundbreaking works in the corporate governance literature are identified and cited in the paper to place selected web sites within the context of recent and historic developments in the area of corporate governance. A wide range of web‐based sources were consulted and critically evaluated in the study.FindingsThe result of this work is a significant sampling of quality web‐based information sources with evaluative annotations.Originality/valueGiven the recent explosion in information resources available on the topic of corporate governance, this paper will prove especially timely and useful to anyone interested in accessing and interacting with quality information on the free web from a wide range of significant players and stakeholders in the corporate governance arena.
Introducing CRM into an academic library
Authors: Wang Mei‐Yu 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThis case study was conducted with the purpose of discovering the possible barriers when a customer relationship management (CRM) implementing plan was initiated in the library context, and exploring its efficiency and effectiveness after implementation. The study aims to develop initial hunches or insights and to obtain concrete suggestions for a template to use in future developing and implementing efforts.Design/methodology/approachTo understand the dynamics present within single, real‐life settings during the implementation process, the case study method was adopted.FindingsThe findings highlight the importance to overcome libraries' inexperience in terms of CRM implementation management, and demonstrate that the biggest challenge facing a library is to raise internal awareness of the CRM functions and capabilities that are now provided, and to educate library staff on how these functions and features operate.Research limitations/implicationsThe biggest problem of implementing a CRM system in academic libraries is to raise internal awareness of the functions and capabilities that are now provided, to educate library staff on how these functions and features operate, and to clarify the different roles played by the automation system, online reference service and the CRM system.Practical implicationsThe initiation into CRM needs not only to address cultural issues, but deal with the fears and anxieties that library staff may have in relation to the adopting the CRM system.Originality/valueThe paper provides useful information for those wanting to implement a CRM system in a library context.
Continuing professional development (CPD) in state‐owned university libraries in Ghana
Authors: Adanu Theodosia S.A. 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe aim of the research was to find out if the work environment of professional librarians in the five state‐owned university libraries in Ghana encouraged continuing professional development (CPD) and to discover who the librarians felt should be responsible for this.Design/methodology/approachThe research was carried out among professional librarians in the five state‐owned university libraries in Ghana. The study was to find out if their work environment encouraged CPD. The study further investigated who the employees felt should be responsible for their CPD. The importance of a plan for effective CPD was also discussed. Finally, benefits of CPD to the individual professional were looked at. The survey method was used. The instruments for data collection were the questionnaire and interviews.FindingsThe study found that the library environment in the state‐owned universities was supportive to a large extent of CPD. The study revealed that the professional librarian's involvement in CPD was a shared responsibility of the library and the individual. Some benefits derived from CPD by the professional librarians were job advancement and updated skills leading to competence.Originality/valueIt is hoped that the study will encourage library management especially in universities to consider formulating and writing down CPD policies and also to adopt management styles that will make them “learning organisations.”
The quest for excellence: one library's experience
Authors: Chim Winnie 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to trace the development and implementation of the quality assurance system and its continuous review process at the Pao Yue‐kong Library of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. It aims to share with readers the experience gained in developing and implementing the system.Design/methodology/approachThe paper includes description of the Library's vision, mission and objectives, key performance indicators, multiple feedback mechanisms and quality assurance reporting to the University's senior management, all of which serve as quality control mechanisms monitoring the services, programmes and products the Library provides. It also describes the benchmarking and departmental assessment exercises conducted periodically to recruit further inputs to the quality circle for continuous improvement.FindingsThe study finds that setting up a quality assurance system is a good starting point for quality library service, but successful provision of quality services hinges on the implementation. Management's commitment to service excellence and willingness to respond to user feedback are critical. Other critical success factors noted are the establishment of a formalised quality assurance system, cultivation of staff commitment, understanding and educating the customers, and developing and sharing best practices among the library staff.Practical implicationsThis paper will be helpful to libraries planning to implement a quality assurance system to monitor library services for continuous improvement and to increase customer satisfaction.Originality/valueThe Library's quality assurance system is simple and yet highly effective. It is designed to ensure continuous improvement without being burdensome. Libraries planning to implement a simple, measurable, cost effective and common sense assurance system may find this paper helpful.
Promoting library services in a Google world
Authors: Schmidt Janine 
Published: July 2007

PurposeAs the younger generation of born digital library users and even well‐established scholars rely increasingly on Google, or its new products Google Scholar and Google Book, for information resource discovery and access, libraries are finding it increasingly difficult to ensure that their own well structured web sites and information services are being utilized appropriately. This paper aims to highlight some of the changes occurring in the information environment and suggests ways of marketing library services effectively to today's users.Design/methodology/aproachMarketing concepts are explored in the paper, focusing on a clear understanding of users, the library's products, the appropriate place for service delivery, an appropriate pricing strategy – and effective promotional strategies. Promotional strategies which are being used effectively by some commercial organizations, as well as approaches being developed by some libraries, are highlighted. Practical hints are provided so that libraries can ensure that their missions of ensuring that every book has its reader can be accomplished in a new age of access to information in real books and journals and virtual books and journals and other information resources.FindingsThe paper finds that libraries no longer operate in a “come and get it” environment and new ways of outreach are described which ensure that librarians are out amongst their communities, creating an awareness of the services available and ensuring effective use of resources through a variety of approaches used in university libraries in Australia and at McGill University in Montreal, Canada.Originality/valueThis paper provides useful information on the changes occurring in the information environment and ways of marketing library services effectively to today's users.
Some thoughts on legacy collections
Authors: McCarthy J.P. 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider the term “legacy collections” and aspects of their present and future states. This is a personal viewpoint.Design/methodology/approachExamples of the use of the term are given in the paper and the implied meanings are discussed. Issues surrounding future retention and disposal of such collections are highlighted including the ambiguity resulting from heritage versus inheritance perspectives.FindingsThe paper calls for more in‐depth consideration of these issues and perceptions among library professionals both academic and practitioner.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper seeks to highlight issue for discussion rather than offer solutions.Practical implicationsIt is timely to raise these questions as the shift from print dominant to digitally dominant libraries escalates.Originality/valueThe Boole Library at University College Cork has been used as a study model and many of the questions which have led to this paper have been composed in the context of the particular bibliographic heritage which it holds.
Assessing trends to cultivate new thinking in academic libraries
Authors: Rogers Sally A. 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present an organized view of current trends affecting academic libraries that one research library developed to encourage new thinking; this view could assist others seeking to help their organizations think differently about the future of information access and management.Design/methodology/approachOne strategy for identifying important trends using a small number of key resources is highlighted in the paper. A snapshot of the many trends affecting academic libraries is categorized to show interrelationships and to provide specific examples along with a general overview. Included is a brief description of how the snapshot was used by one library. Implications for the future and perspectives on the value of cultivating new thinking are presented in the conclusion.FindingsThe paper finds that rapid and far‐reaching change is challenging libraries to think very differently, to act much more quickly, and to set trends rather than merely react to them. Assessing trends can help libraries foster organizational change through exposure to new ideas and see where new partnerships and areas of expertise must be developed to meet new needs.Practical implicationsThe snapshot became the basis for two library‐wide events at Ohio State that better positioned attendees to inform and to accommodate decisions about service priorities, personnel and budget requests.Originality/valueThis paper organizes many diverse trends into a general overview to make inter‐relationships and implications more understandable to those unlikely to develop such a view on their own – for example: university personnel outside the library, middle managers and those they supervise within the library, students of library and information management.
Self‐managing work teams and their external leadership
Authors: Castiglione James 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to review the history, development and utilization of self‐managing work teams (SMWTs) in business and library work environments.Design/methodology/approachBased on a review of both the relevant management and library literature, this paper broadens the library literature related to SMWTs with the objective of finding relevant insights applicable to the management of SMWTs in the library environment.FindingsThe paper finds that the use of appropriately designed and implemented SMWTs has the potential to increase employee productivity and workplace satisfaction while reducing absenteeism and employee turnover. Organizational democracy and managerial support are the primary drivers of successful SMWTs. However, the use of SMWTs by library administrators appears to be underutilized.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the organizational and administrative benefits associated with the use of SMWTs are clear, the reasons why library administrators have not used this tool more frequently remains obscure. Additional research is required to understand the factors – both personal and institutional – that lead library administrators to either adopt or reject innovative managerial tools and techniques generally and SMWTs specifically.Originality/valueThis paper provides an important review of the library and management literature related to the use of SMWTs. The information is presented with the objective of increasing awareness, debate and additional research on the application of SMWTs in the library environment.
Collaborations and alliances: social intelligence applied to academic libraries
Authors: Anglada Lluís M. 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to analyze the different forms of library cooperation and the different types of relations that can be established for collaboration among libraries.Design/methodology/approachThe paper attempts to show how cooperation as an application of the social intelligence is a tool to improve library services. For that, the paper uses the situation of Spanish university libraries between 1980 and 2005. Adopting an evolutionary approach, the study shows how cooperation has affected library organizations, and concludes that the current situation shows an intelligent adaptation to the needs of society.FindingsUsing the evolution of the academic libraries in Spain between 1980 and 2005, the paper analyzes six different forms of relation or cooperation that can be established by libraries. Those are: companionship, collaboration, association, cooperation, alliances and fraternization. The paper attempts to provide some guidelines for cooperation that may be of value to university libraries in their path towards the future. The approach is global, systemic and evolutionary. It is global in the sense that Spanish university libraries are taken as a model for exemplifying trends that are applicable to all types of libraries all over the world. It is systemic in the sense that it sees the Spanish case as one of a wide range of processes that do not occur in isolation in a world in which libraries – even at an international level – form part of a whole. Finally, it is evolutionary in the sense that it considers that the future will be built on our current achievements, which in turn depended on those of the past.Originality/valueThe paper is of interest because it reveals that the development of individual living beings and species depends to a large extent on their ability to cooperate. Similarly, the development of organizations and groups of organizations depends on their ability to work together and to establish a framework in which individual goals are attained thanks to external achievements or situations. Libraries are no exception to this, and may in fact serve as a paradigmatic example. Throughout history they have tended to develop powerful mechanisms of cooperation.
The individual job seeker in the sphere of contractualism
Authors: Sol Els , Westerveld Mies 
Published: July 2007

PurposeActivation policies in most Western countries have discovered the private tool of contract and in a short period of time the contract has penetrated the whole domain. Among the forerunner countries contracts in different forms, collective as well as individual, have become the central steering instrument. The purpose of this article is to shed some light on what this change can and does entail for the individual job seeker on benefit. Job seekers are no longer expected to passive undergo treatment but expected to contribute actively to one's own return into the labour market. The main rationale behind this shift is the idea that working with contracts increases the level of involvement and, therefore improves results over time: results in terms of better motivated clients, more focused policymakers, providers and frontline workers delivering client‐orientated services.Design/methodology/approachUsing qualitative research the article maps the different types of contracts using empirical material from eight countries.FindingsThe findings are presented in the form of the practical potentials and pittfalls of contracts for the individual.Originality/valueA major added value is the multidisciplinary approach used by the authors; the phenomenon of contracts is analysed from a social science and a legal point of view.
Changing modes of governance in activation policies in France and The Netherlands: common path or countermodel?
Authors: van Gestel Nicolette , Herbillon Jean‐Michel 
Published: July 2007

PurposeTo explore and explain differences in reform of activation policies, comparing the shifts in governance in France and The Netherlands from the 1990s onwards.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on in‐depth case studies of the reform process in activation policies, using documentary sources and interviews with several stake‐holders. The theoretical scope is the debate on institutional change, path‐dependency and convergence.FindingsAlthough both countries demonstrate converging tendencies in the transformation of their activation policies, there are remarkable differences in the new modes of governance. Moving away from a traditionally hierarchical organisation, France is gradually developing a network model with more emphasis on decentralisation. Alternatively, The Netherlands privatised their public employment services and explore principal – agent realtions in activation. The institutional context of both nation, in particular the concept of path‐dependency, seems crucial in the explanation of these differences. However, some new elements are path‐breaking in a national context but do not illustrate converging trends.Research limitations/implicationsThis comparative study is aimed at the fields of employment services, social benefits and social assistance in two countries. For a more complete approach of the changes is activation policies, further research is needed to include other fields of social policy and other nations whithin Europe.Originality/valueThe paper develops both empirical and theoretical conclusions on the path‐dependent and convergin elements in transforming labour market coordination throughout Europe.