bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The expanding library wall
Authors: Puente Mark A. , Gray LaVerne , Agnew Shantel 
Published: February 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain the process and results of a research project aimed at discovering the library use patterns and perceptions of library services of people from traditionally underrepresented ethnic minority groups. The main goal of the study was to identify opportunities for collaboration between the university library and institutional entities that provide services to those groups.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was utilized to gather data from students, faculty, and staff from ethnic minority groups. Electronic distribution of the instrument was augmented by in‐person marketing strategies. Findings are reported in a series of tables as well as a narrative summarizing input from respondents.FindingsThe results indicate that there are misconceptions about how and why students from underrepresented groups utilize library services at the University of Tennessee. The majority of patrons expressed little difficulty finding resources and information was positive and affirming of institutional efforts to improve services.Research limitations/implicationsThe research sample primarily consisted of students, faculty, and staff affiliated with multicultural or international student centers on the campus of the University of Tennessee, or academic programs with a related focus. Results may be generalized for institutions with similar outreach infrastructures.Practical implicationsThe results have been used to inform decisions regarding library outreach and services to multicultural/international constituencies on campus.Originality/valueThe paper confirms the applicability of the instrument designed by Scott Walter et al., with adjustments to reflect local practice and policy. Analysis of information seeking behaviors of minority groups can help inform the development of programs and services to this constituency and identify possible collaborations between the university library and the multicultural/international student centers on campus.
Academic librarian and English composition instructor collaboration
Authors: Mounce Michael 
Published: February 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an annotated bibliography of resources on the topic of academic librarians collaborating with English composition faculty and instructors for the implementation of information literacy instruction into English composition courses.Design/methodology/approachIn order to find relevant resources for the bibliography, the author consulted a library catalog, the WorldCat database, to find books not available in the local library, and databases to find journal articles. Databases consulted include a general database, an information science‐related database, and a library and information science‐related database.FindingsWhenever librarians collaborate with English composition faculty for information literacy, students' information literacy skills are improved.Research limitations/implicationsThis bibliography is limited to the time period 1998‐2007. Articles and books published before 1998 are not included. Also, popular magazines articles and newspapers articles are not included.Practical implicationsThis paper will be helpful to academic librarians who want to collaborate with English composition faculty members for information literacy instruction. Several examples of this type of collaboration are provided.Originality/valueThis paper is a useful contribution on this topic to the library literature. Particularly, it contributes to the library literature pertaining to information literacy. Also, a database search indicates that this paper is the first annotated bibliography on its topic.
Using Meebo's embedded IM for academic reference services
Authors: Breitbach William , Mallard Matthew , Sage Robert 
Published: February 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the successful implementation of an embedded instant messaging (IM) reference service using Meebo. The article provides data to legitimize the development of such services and demonstrates a successful model.Design/methodology/approachA pilot study to assess the usefulness and functionality of Meebo's embedded IM as a reference service tool was conducted. Detailed data on all reference transactions were collected and analyzed for comparative purposes. Also included in the study is a survey of librarians and staff involved in providing the service.FindingsAdding the embedded Meebo chat widget increased the use of synchronous virtual reference services by 49 percent. Embedded IM reference transactions take significantly less time to answer than QuestionPoint transactions. Higher level reference questions (research questions) take nearly the same amount of time to answer over IM as they do in person.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research to determine why IM reference transactions are significantly shorter than those conducted with QuestionPoint is needed. A limitation of the current study is that there was no patron feedback collected.Practical implicationsThe data collected suggest that embedded IM is a viable alternative and perhaps a better alternative to other vendor‐based synchronous chat reference systems. With very low capital and personnel investment, a successful synchronous and local IM reference service can be launched. Institutions that have not begun to offer synchronous virtual reference services have a free and viable option to do so.Originality/valueEmbedded IM is a relatively new technology. Although several libraries are using embedded IM, there are no published articles analyzing its use and comparing it to other virtual reference services.
Where have all the government documents librarians gone?
Authors: Mack Thura , Prescod Janette 
Published: February 2009

PurposeEffectively accessing government documents is often a challenge for frontline reference staff working in a merged public service environment. The purpose of this paper is to build a case for establishing sustainable information literacy that incorporates government publications information into research and reference services.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes the reasons for, and challenges of, incorporating government documents training for reference staff, and suggests suitable strategies and techniques.FindingsKeeping up with knowledge in related fields other than a chosen specialty is a challenge facing librarians today, but knowing how to find print and online government resources is critical for reference desk staff to help meet the information needs of the public. A variety of techniques and strategies may be employed to help mine these important resources. Web 2.0 tools and internet‐based tutorials on government publications may be used to facilitate training.Practical implicationsStaff are encouraged to develop collaborative training relationships to motivate, teach, facilitate, and equip others for self‐sufficiency and competency.Originality/valueThe paper shows how reference staff knowledge of government publications can be enhanced through training with both traditional and new technologies. Training can be accomplished through self‐motivation and partnering and need not be always formal.
Sufism: a guide to essential reference resources
Authors: Francesconi Danilo 
Published: February 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to give a starting point to non‐specialists to understand Sufism by introducing the essential works about this broad subject.Design/methodology/approachThe paper identifies and lists bibliographies, indexes, encyclopedias, dictionaries, and handbooks about Sufism.FindingsInterest in Sufism is growing, and references to books, articles, essays, and even theses and dissertations under the subject headings Sufism and Sufis are now considerable. Resources are scattered, posing challenges to students and scholars, as well as librarians. Additionally, there is a deficiency of specialized databases, bibliographies, and indexes related to Sufism.Originality/valueTo date, this is the only guide of this kind.
Key issues surrounding virtual chat reference model
Authors: Wan Gang (Gary) , Clark Dennis , Fullerton John , Macmillan Gail , Reddy Deva E. , Stephens Jane , Xiao Daniel 
Published: February 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the use of co‐browse in live chat, customers' question types, referral to subject experts, and patrons' usage patterns as experienced in the virtual reference (VR) chat reference services at Texas A&M University Libraries.Design/methodology/approachChat transcripts from 2005 to 2007 were sampled and analyzed by peer reviewers. Statistical data in that period were also examined. A set of methods and a pilot study were created to define the measurement components such as question types, expert handling, and co‐browsing.FindingsCo‐browsing is used in 38 percent of the sampled chat sessions. The Texas A&M University live chat service group considers co‐browsing a useful feature. Of questions received on VR, 84 percent are reference questions. Only 8.7 percent of the total questions or 10 percent of the reference questions need to be answered by subject experts. The use of VR increases dramatically in the past two years at the Texas A&M University. The findings also reveal users' logon patterns over weekdays and weekends.Originality/valueThe study contributes and advances understanding in the role VR plays in a large academic library and the role co‐browsing plays in VR services. The study also provides a comprehensive method for transcript and usage data analysis. It is believed that a similar methodology may be replicated elsewhere by other institutions engaging similar services or evaluation.
Towards the development of a desktop virtual reality‐based system for modular fixture configuration design
Authors: Gaoliang Peng , Jun Gao , Xu He 
Published: February 2009

PurposeModular fixture configuration design is a complicated task requiring both intensive knowledge and experience. Automated or semi‐automated computer‐aided modular fixture systems based on computer‐aided design packages do not appear to have made a significant impact within the manufacturing industry. Modular fixture designers still prefer traditional systems such as paper or physical model; as such models provide a more intuitive interaction and immediate feedback. The objective of the paper is to present an application of the desktop virtual reality (VR) to develop an interactive modular fixture assembly design system.Design/methodology/approachDesktop‐based friendly interface is designed and the low‐system requirement key techniques, namely assembly modeling and collision detection approach, to make proposed system run smoothly on a desktop PC, are presented.FindingsThe paper finds that the proposed system is an efficient tool for modular fixture configuration design.Practical implicationsThe proposed system is a portable and affordable solution for modular fixture design.Originality/valueA low‐cost VR application for modular fixture configuration design is presented.
Automation of a complex transfer operation using a polar manipulator
Authors: Moradi Dalvand Mohsen 
Published: February 2009

PurposeThe objective of this paper included developing a polar robot (SPBot) for rotating and transferring car engine block (CEB) around and along two different axes in a confined workspace envelope.Design/methodology/approachThe complex transfer operations of the CEB requires sweeping complete surface of the half sphere, and thus a polar robot is best suited to such a task in a confined space. Considering the limited space for this operation, a specially designed manipulator is built comprising 2 degrees of freedom driven by electrical servo motors. Also due to the special form of CEB, an especially designed pneumatic gripper is developed. Kinematics models, static and dynamic equations, together with trajectory planning for such a manipulator are described.FindingsThe high‐speed complex transfer in a limited environment is successfully implemented.Originality/valueThe developed polar robot provides for complex transfer operations that significantly increases the speed of the product line and thus reducing the cycle time from 60 s using manpower to just 20 s using the robot.
Why thought leadership is more important than ever
Authors: Gibbins‐Klein Mindy 
Published: February 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce executives to the idea of creating a writing and publishing strategy as part of their public relations (PR) and profile buildingDesign/methodology/approachThe paper provides a perspective on creating an executive writing and publishing strategy – why and how to do it.FindingsThe paper reveals that business leaders who write and publish have a higher profile and hence more business opportunities than their competitorsPractical implicationsThe practical implications are how to view writing and publishing as part of the marketing mix; how to organize one's ideas into a coherent plan; and how to maximize the return on investment of time and effort.Originality/valueThis is paper is based on a proven methodology (ten years in practice, 100+ books and articles produced by business leaders). In a competitive market, executives have a hard enough time keeping their eye on the business and the bottom line. In times of stress, many people forget about marketing and strategic marketing of the company's top executives is rarely done. It is a well known fact that people buy from people, and top executives are starting to realize the importance of being seen and heard, and sharing personal views on key issues. A good writing and publishing strategy is the most effective way to do this and leading writing and publishing strategist Mindy Gibbins‐Klein shares her best ideas in this timely article.
Interview with Rowan Gibson
Authors: by Ruth Young Interview 
Published: February 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present and an interview with Rowan Gibson, a global business strategist, bestselling author and an expert on radical innovation.Design/methodology/approachThis briefing is prepared by an independent interviewer.FindingsRowan Gibson teaches some of the world's largest and most successful organizations how to seize new growth opportunities, create new markets and even transform industries by recalibrating their whole organizational system around the paradigm of innovation..Originality/valueThe interview provides insights into how to build and sustain a company‐wide innovation capability.
Franchisee personality
Authors: Weaven Scott , Grace Debra , Manning Mark 
Published: February 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to make the first attempt to examine franchisee personality within the context of alternative franchisee ownership structures (single unit versus multiple unit ownership) and service type (standardised versus customised).Design/methodology/approachA self‐report mail survey was used in the paper to collect data from a random sample of 363 franchisees drawn from 83 franchise groups. Personality was represented by the Big‐Five personality traits (IPIP‐B5 scales), two dimensions of Empathy (IRI scales of empathic perspective taking and empathic concern) and Emotional Intelligence (EIS). Two separate between‐subjects MANOVAs were conducted for each of the independent variables.FindingsSignificant differences were found between franchisee ownership groups on four personality measures (conscientiousness, emotional stability, empathic perspective taking and emotional intelligence) and service type groups on two measures (extraversion and empathic perspective taking). Theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed.Research limitation/implicationsFuture research should investigate the personality of franchisors and different types of franchisees within the context of organisational outcomes such as franchisee performance, commitment, organisational learning and intention to remain and grow within the network (within different international settings).Originality/valueThis paper supplements the channels literature by using standard personality measures to differentiate franchisees that are likely to engage in different behaviours within franchise systems.
The effects of relationship quality on export performance
Authors: Ural Tulin 
Published: February 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper was to empirically examine the effects of relationship quality between exporter and importer on export performance in Turkish firms, and further, how small and medium‐sized exporting firms are segmented based on quality of their relationship with importers.Design/methodology/approachThe paper includes Structural Equation Modeling and Cluster Analysis.FindingsThe findings demonstrate that there is the positive impact of: information sharing on financial export performance and satisfaction with the export venture; long‐term orientation on financial export performance, strategic export performance and satisfaction with the export venture; and satisfaction with the relationship on financial performance, strategic performance and satisfaction with export venture. Three segments of firm are profiled such as “long‐term thinkers”, “dissatisfactioners” and “information keepers”.Research limitations/implicationsThe data incorporate only the view of one player (the exporter) around the exporter‐importer relationship and do not take into account views from the other side of the dyad. However, since this study focused on first, the measuring relationship quality from the exporter's perspective and, second, the formation of exporter relationships as perceived by the exporter, ideal participants to be examined in this study are exporters. Future researches should be encouraged to test similar hypotheses in other international settings and compare their findings.Practical implicationsInformation exchange between exporter and importer fosters the export performance of small and medium sized firms. If exporters openly enter into contact with importers and share confidential information and strategic issues, satisfaction with export venture will be increased. The long run relationships will probably involve cooperation, goal sharing and risk sharing. Export managers should work by cooperative manner, avoid the short‐term alternatives instead of long‐term benefits and not act opportunistically. Relational satisfaction impacts to the financial and strategic export performances, and satisfaction with the export venture. When an exporter meets the expectations of importer based on evaluations of the tangible product or non‐product related attributes such as delivery, service, or relational investments, his/her export performance will improve.Originality/valueThis study can increase exporting firms' awareness and understanding about relationship quality in handling international operations. Additionally, this study differs from similar studies, which are related to relationships quality, by suggesting a classification of firms based on relational quality dimensions. Therefore, it provides more specific knowledge.
Consumer evaluation of unbranded and unlabelled food products
Authors: Sogn‐Grundvåg Geir , Østli Jens 
Published: February 2009

PurposeThis study sets out to explore how consumers evaluate unbranded and unlabelled food products and to what extent they are able to select the products with the highest potential to meet their expectations regarding eating quality.Design/methodology/approachThe study focused on Portuguese consumers and their purchase of bacalhau, i.e. salted and dried cod, which is sold unpacked, unbranded and unlabelled in supermarkets. The collection of data encompassed observations of shoppers in supermarkets, individual interviews and focus groups with consumers, and a consumer panel that conducted quality assessments and rankings of nine different bacalhaus and subsequent taste assessments of the same products following desalting and cooking.FindingsResults indicate that Portuguese consumers – in spite of substantial experience with buying, preparing and consuming bacalhau – are uncertain in their in‐store quality assessment. Shoppers used multiple criteria to assess the quality of the bacalhau, such as the appearance and dryness of the product. Some rather curious quality criteria that were not related to “objective” product quality were also discerned. Touching the dried and salted cod trying to “feel” the quality was common. Some even broke the fish tail to assess the dryness. Findings from the consumer panel showed large discrepancies between how the same products were assessed before and after desalting and cooking.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to one food product and one national market. Marketing implications, such as focus on packaging, quality labelling, and branding are discussed, as well as implications for future research.Originality/valueThe paper shows that although unlabelled and unbranded food products are common, relatively little research addressing how consumers assess such products in a wider sense, including which strategies consumers apply and to what extent they are able to select products that meet or exceed their expectations regarding eating quality, has been conducted. The paper also addresses the role cultural rules and rituals may play in the assessment of traditional food products such as bacalhau.
“A witches' dance of numbers”
Authors: Evans Lisa 
Published: February 2009

PurposeThis paper's purpose is to show how literary texts can be used as a source for gaining insights into social practices, including accounting. It aims to deepen our understanding of such social practices in their cultural, social, economic and political contexts by examining portrayals of business and accounting transactions and of reflections of social and economic concerns in two German novels set during a time of economic and political crisis, namely the Weimar Republic's hyperinflation period.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyses, against the historical, social and economic backgrounds of the inflation period, the novels' authors' social and political perspectives as reflected in the novels; the literary devices employed; the way in which the description of business and accounting matters aids our understanding of everyday inflation period transactions and underlying economic and social concerns; and the links made between accounting/business, money and inflation on the one hand, and morality and rationality on the other hand.FindingsThe paper finds that in this exceptional economic situation, the relationship between accounting and morality as explored by Maltby is reversed. The portrayal of (often unusual and creative) economic transactions is used to illustrate the lack of economic, legal and moral certainty experienced by individuals and to evoke and critique the damage caused by the hyperinflation on German society and on human relationships, including the commoditisation of all aspects of life and the resulting moral decline.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the literature exploring the role of representations of business/accounting and finance in narrative fiction. The novels examined here provide an alternative means for observing, interpreting and critiquing social phenomena, specifically in a setting where financial considerations dominate human interaction and social relationships.