bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Information in the national liberation struggle: modelling the case of Namibia (1966‐1990)
Authors: Sturges Paul , Katjihingua Mbenae , Mchombu Kingo 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the Namibian liberation struggle, 1966‐1990, as an information war rather than a military conflict, so as to explore the dimensions of information activity under conditions of conflict. This builds on the idea, expressed by participants in earlier struggles of this kind, that the contest for “hearts and minds” is more significant than the armed confrontation that accompanies it.Design/methodology/approachA model that incorporates information and communication activity by both contestants, at their command centres, in the field and in the media, was elaborated in a previous paper using data from a number of conflicts, mainly in Southern and Central Africa. The present paper focuses on the Namibian struggle so as to examine the capacity of the model to assist in explaining the outcomes of the conflict. Using published sources, printed archive material and oral testimony, the range of information inputs, the incidence of suppression of information and information outputs are set out in the pattern provided by the model. This shows how both sides used covert intelligence gathering, secret communication, propaganda and disinformation accompanied by censorship and the suppression of critical comment by force to further their political/military aims.FindingsWhilst South Africa and its Namibian military structures were generally successful in armed confrontation with the forces of the chief liberation organisation (SWAPO), they were not able to bring the conflict to a successful military conclusion. This was because SWAPO's attention to the diplomatic war, based on strong and consistent information flows, convinced the United Nations and other allies to press for a negotiated solution. Once this was agreed, the success of the liberation movement's news and education campaigns in attaching the people to the cause of liberation was revealed by SWAPO's overwhelming success in free elections in 1989.Originality/valueIt is important to establish that the war in Namibia was much more a clash of information‐related activities directed at hearts and minds than it was of guns and bombs. When this is demonstrated, we can perhaps learn from the fact that the contestant most effectively committed to waging war by peaceful means was victorious.
Revisiting user studies and information needs
Authors: Wilson T.D. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to respond to Bawden's review of Wilson's 1981 paper, “On user studies and information needs”.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reflects on the context of the original paper, and on subsequent developments.FindingsThe paper comments on a variety of issues relating to information science as a discipline, and its research programme and methods, with specific emphasis on the understanding of human information behaviour.Originality/valueThe paper provides a unique perspective on the development of this aspect of the discipline.
User‐defined relevance criteria in web searching
Authors: Savolainen Reijo , Kari Jarkko 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to specify user‐defined relevance criteria by which people select hyperlinks and pages in web searching.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative and qualitative analysis was undertaken of talking aloud data from nine web searches conducted about self‐generated topics.FindingsAltogether 18 different criteria for selecting hyperlinks and web pages were found. The selection is constituted, by two, intertwined processes: the relevance judgment of hyperlinks, and web pages by user‐defined criteria, and decision‐making concerning the acceptance or rejection of hyperlinks and web pages. The study focuses on the former process. Of the individual criteria, specificity, topicality, familiarity, and variety were used most frequently in relevance judgments. The study shows that despite the high number of individual criteria used in the judgments, a few criteria such as specificity and topicality tend to dominate. Searchers were less critical in the judgment of hyperlinks than deciding whether the activated web pages should be consulted in more detail.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is exploratory, drawing on a relatively low number of case searches.Originality/valueThe paper gives a detailed picture of the criteria used in the relevance judgments of hyperlinks and web pages. The study also discusses the specific nature of criteria used in web searching, as compared to those used in traditional online searching environments.
Methods for evaluating dynamic changes in search engine rankings: a case study
Authors: Bar‐Ilan Judit , Levene Mark , Mat‐Hassan Mazlita 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to characterize the changes in the rankings of the top ten results of major search engines over time and to compare the rankings between these engines.Design/methodology/approachThe papers compare rankings of the top‐ten results of the search engines Google and AlltheWeb on ten identical queries over a period of three weeks. Only the top‐ten results were considered, since users do not normally inspect more than the first results page returned by a search engine. The experiment was repeated twice, in October 2003 and in January 2004, in order to assess changes to the top‐ten results of some of the queries during the three months interval. In order to assess the changes in the rankings, three measures were computed for each data collection point and each search engine.FindingsThe findings in this paper show that the rankings of AlltheWeb were highly stable over each period, while the rankings of Google underwent constant yet minor changes, with occasional major ones. Changes over time can be explained by the dynamic nature of the web or by fluctuations in the search engines' indexes. The top‐ten results of the two search engines had surprisingly low overlap. With such small overlap, the task of comparing the rankings of the two engines becomes extremely challenging.Originality/valueThe paper shows that because of the abundance of information on the web, ranking search results is of extreme importance. The paper compares several measures for computing the similarity between rankings of search tools, and shows that none of the measures is fully satisfactory as a standalone measure. It also demonstrates the apparent differences in the ranking algorithms of two widely used search engines.
Developing the information literacy self‐efficacy scale
Authors: Serap Kurbanoglu S. , Akkoyunlu Buket , Umay Aysun 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe main aim of this paper is to describe the development of a scale designed to measure self‐efficacy for information literacy.Design/methodology/approachCronbach's alpha, item analysis and item discrimination indices, principal component analysis, varimax rotation, and discriminant validity were used to measure reliability and validity of the scale. A 28‐item refined version of the scale was found highly reliable and of reasonable length.FindingsFurther refinement based on principal component analysis indicated three major components, which allow approaching information literacy skills regarding to their complexity levels.Originality/valueThe information literacy self‐efficacy scale is recommended to identify individuals with low self‐efficacy beliefs, which may be a significantly limiting factor for them to explore their information literacy skills.
Children's use of the internet for information‐seeking
Authors: Madden Andrew D. , Ford Nigel J. , Miller David , Levy Philippa 
Published: January 2007

PurposeA common criticism of research into information seeking on the internet is that information seekers are restricted by the demands of the researcher. Another criticism is that the search topics, are often imposed by the researcher, and; particularly when working with children, domain knowledge could be as important as information‐seeking skills. The research reported here attempts to address both these problems.Design/methodology/approachA total of 15 children, aged 11 to 16, were each set three “think aloud” internet searches. In the first, they were asked to recall the last time they had sought information on the internet, and to repeat the search. For the second, they were given a word, asked to interpret it, then asked to search for their interpretation. For the third, they were asked to recall the last time they had been unsuccessful in a search, and to repeat the search. While performing each task, the children were encouraged to explain their actions.FindingsThe paper finds that the factors that determined a child's ability to search successfully appeared to be: the amount of experience the child had of using the internet; the amount of guidance, both from adults and from peers; and the child's ability to explore the virtual environment, and to use the tools available for so doing.Originality/valueMany of the searches performed by participants in this paper were not related to schoolwork, and so some of the search approaches differed from those taught by teachers. Instead, they evolved through exploration and exchange of ideas. Further studies of this sort could provide insights of value to designers of web environments.
Disability issues and libraries: a Scottish perspective
Authors: Joint Nicholas 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo give an overview of recent advances in thinking on disability issues in libraries, with a particular emphasis on Scottish initiatives.Design/methodology/approachA summary of recent professional trends.FindingsThat service provision in this regard has improved significantly in recent years, but that there is still capacity for further advance.Research limitations/implicationsA descriptive account of past and present trends which only points to theoretical and research implications to be developed elsewhere.Practical implicationsThis opinion piece gives some clear and practical concepts which can illuminate the background to disability provision in modern libraries.Originality/valueThis editorial briefly sketches the legislative underpinning to advances in the area of library disability service provision, but points out the role of the customer service values inherent in the library profession which should not be underestimated as a contributing factor to this story of improvement. And in particular, this editorial emphasises the need to focus on the human rather than the technological side of this subject.
Person first, disability second: disability awareness training in libraries
Authors: Charles Sandra 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo look at disability awareness training from a practitioner's point of view, taking into account personal experience of organising training in an academic library, the impact of the Disability Discrimination Act (1995) and the subsequent publication of a training booklet.Design/methodology/approachA descriptive account.FindingsThat effective disability training can be carried out by libraries, either in house or by means of outside speakers, so long as relevance to practice is the underlying principle.Research limitations/implicationsThe practitioner approach to disability training taken by the paper excludes theoretical generalisations.Practical implicationsA highly practical account of the implementation of disability training in a given library context.Originality/valueIf a training programme is evolved and delivered with certain clear, practice‐oriented values in mind, libraries can significantly upgrade the quality of front‐line services delivered to disabled users.
Customers with disabilities: the academic library response
Authors: Pinder Chris 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe article surveys the general academic library response within the UK to disability legislation and the growing numbers of students declaring disabilities entering higher education.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a brief review of the provisions of legislation, particularly the Spe,"Integrated Manufacturing Systems" }Integrated_Manufacturing_Systemscial Educational Needs And Disability Act of 2001, and the response of funding and other bodies, the article addresses specific regional – that is, collaborative – and individual institutional initiatives.FindingsResponses from libraries are found to be very positive and offer a service‐level benchmark to libraries in other sectors or elsewhere.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a geographically focussed paper, looking at the UK and in particular the Scottish position, and other countries may present different findings.Practical implicationsAn account of the implementation of a variety of initiatives aimed at disabled users, with much relevance to practitioner concerns.Originality/valueThe paper gives a valuable overview of the progress made in academic libraries to date on disability issues in Scotland, and in the UK, and shows that both the legislation combined with the inherent customer‐service values of the library profession have helped raise the standard of library performance in this regard.
Glasgow City Council: library, information and learning services for disabled people in Glasgow
Authors: Beaton Marion 
Published: January 2007

PurposeAn outline of the public library service offered to disabled people in Glasgow, Scotland.Design/methodology/approachA descriptive account.FindingsIt is a great challenge for a public library service to be able to offer services to its large and diverse body of disabled users, who may need to use any part of the public library system at any time, and whose needs must be anticipated. This paper sketches how one particular public library service attempts to meet that challenge.Research limitations/implicationsA specific account of one particular example of good practice.Practical implicationsOffers clearly described models for service delivery to disabled users which will be of great interest to those in public library management, and library practice generally.Originality/valueThe finding that, despite the range and number of disabled users catered for by a large public library service such as Glasgow, it is possible to offer services that comply with legislation and anticipate the needs of disabled users.
The web, accessibility, and inclusion: networked democracy in the United Kingdom
Authors: Wallis Jake 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo highlight and offer guidance on good practice in web accessibility within the context of the United Kingdom government's agendas of social inclusion, widening access to education and the modernisation of public services.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on the most current data available from the Department for Education and Skills, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, and performance reports from the Cabinet Office. Conclusions on the current and future directions of government strategy are drawn from analysis of policy documents and statements, as well as from the data sets themselves. The paper makes reference to international web content standards and relevant legislation.FindingsArgues that the accessibility of the online environment is essential in relation to the government's attempts to shape the UK into a socially inclusive knowledge economy.Research limitations/implicationsFocuses on the United Kingdom and draws conclusions from data sets from the Department for Education and Skills and the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. Comparative studies could establish the relationship between web accessibility and government social and economic development policies in other countries.Practical implicationsHighlights the importance of accessibility on three levels (ethical, legal and commercial) and offers guidance on inclusive approaches to the design of online resources and services offered by the public, educational and commercial sectors.Originality/valueGood practice in accessible web design is contextualised within social trends and specific government strategies.
Studying with special needs: some personal narratives
Authors: McAulay Karen E. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe aim of this article is to interview three academic library users with different special needs, one of whom is a current undergraduate, whilst the others graduated two and five years ago. Acknowledging that disabled people in earlier generations have often been barred from the student experience, it was hoped that the interview process would serve to identify ways in which our modern, up‐to‐date libraries now made it possible for users with special needs to use our facilities with a better level of parity, and thus to achieve academic success.Design/methodology/approachA descriptive account based on conversations and emails with three volunteers.FindingsOur more modern, up‐to‐date libraries do now make it possible for users with special needs to use our facilities with a better level of parity, and thus to achieve academic success.Research limitations/implicationsWhilst the in‐depth interviews with three volunteers yielded interesting and informative results, a wider survey would be required to achieve a representative over‐view.Practical implicationsThe paper examines the measures that libraries can take to improve the learning experience for users with special needs.Originality/valueThe paper is written from the academic user's perspective, and demonstrates the importance of the staff‐user interface, as much as of specific assistive technology.
Strategies for managing digital content formats
Authors: Williamson Andrew 
Published: January 2007

PurposeWith heavy ongoing investment in the creation, storage and delivery of electronic content, it is important to consider the long‐term preservation of the resources produced.Design/methodology/approachA viewpoint paper based on extensive practitioner experience with the management of digitisation, digital preservation, and quality assurance procedures.FindingsThe choice of file and media formats for the content can have a significant effect on long‐term access to electronic content.Practical implicationsGives some useful insights on some of the issues surrounding the choice of open or proprietary formats. The paper also examines some of the pitfalls of a proprietary approach and suggests some strategies that might be employed for managing digital content formats in the long‐term.Originality/valueAn attempt to provide clear, experience based strategies on how best to engage in the long‐term management of digital content formats.
Topic familiarity and its effects on term selection and browsing in a thesaurus‐enhanced search environment
Authors: Shiri Ali 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo evaluate the extent to which familiarity with search topics affects the ways in which users select and browse search terms in a thesaurus‐enhanced search setting.Design/methodology/approachAn experimental methodology was adopted to study users’ search behaviour in an operational information retrieval environment.FindingsTopic familiarity and subject knowledge influence some search and interaction behaviours. Searches involving moderately and very familiar topics were associated with browsing around twice as many thesaurus terms as was the case for unfamiliar topics.Research limitations/implicationsSome search behaviours such as thesaurus browsing and term selection could be used as an indication of user levels of topic familiarity.Practical implicationsThe results of this study provide design implications as to how to develop personalized search interfaces where users with varying levels of familiarity with search topics can carry out searches.Originality/valueThis paper establishes the importance of topic familiarity characteristics and the effects of those characteristics on users’ interaction with search interfaces enhanced with semantic tools such as thesauri.
Shibboleth: a next‐generation view of the MLS
Authors: Holt Rachel E. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeShibboleth will examine the state of MLS (master of library science) education in the United States of America from the point of view of a recent MLS graduate. It will break out three particular problems with the MLS and propose solutions based on reviews of the literature and original analysis.Design/methodology/approachThe author conducts a brief review of the literature on librarian education and provides analysis based on these readings and original research.FindingsThe author finds the state of the MLS education to be wanting in its preparation of graduates who are expected to be leaders of change in the library and information science profession.Originality/valueThe debate over librarian education has been framed almost exclusively by LIS educators and the professional leadership. Shibboleth presents a new voice, that of the recent MLS graduate, into the dialogue. The MLS education has not yet been thoroughly examined from the point of view of its most recent recipients. The author seeks to fill this void and encourage more of her peers to engage their colleagues in shaping the future of the curriculum.
Risk assessment and copyright in digital libraries
Authors: Joint Nicholas 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo offer clear insights into methods for assessing the risk of mounting digital objects in a networked electronic library environment.Design/methodology/approachA brief, selective summary of work to date on relevant present day digital library investigations into this area.FindingsIt is possible to estimate the degree of risk involved in offering digital library services, in such a way as to manage this risk in a practical and responsible manner.Research limitations/implicationsFurther experience of digital rights issues will better inform discussion of these matters as digital library services grow and mature in the near future; immediate examples of digital library practice in this regard are minimal and remain uncertain in their interpretation as yet.Practical implicationsThe principles outlined may offer practitioners some useful insights into how to manage copyright aspects of their digital library collections on a day to day practical level.Originality/valueThis paper attempts to offer some clear principles to help practitioners grasp an area that has appeared new and intimidatingly uncertain to date.
Revising digital library content in response to user requests
Authors: Dawson Alan 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to use real examples to show how issues such as authority, currency, preservation, sustainability and trust are interrelated and can be affected by user contributions to digital libraries.Design/methodology/approachSeveral specific user requests to change digital library content are summarised, along with the relevant responses, to illustrate issues of library management and policy.FindingsThe examples demonstrate the need to adopt consistent but flexible policies for content updating, so that conflicting principles or requests can be handled effectively.Practical implicationsThe issues raised are likely to be relevant to anyone responsible for managing or updating digital library content.Originality/valueBy illustrating the relationship between specific small scale actions and significant long term issues, the paper highlights the need for digital libraries to follow a holistic approach to content management, and to think globally while acting locally.