bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Creating and evaluating a subject‐based blog: planning, implementation, and assessment
Authors: Blair Joanna , Level Allison V. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to outline the creation of a subject‐based blog and to suggest unique evaluation techniques for library blogs.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology involved an online survey, web tracking software, RSS feed tracking, and the use of blog search engines.FindingsA successful blog was launched and statistics show a marked increase in visitors in the second semester when it was available.Research limitations/implicationsThis article reports on a survey which is not statistically valid. The results, however, provide some insight into users of the blog.Practical implicationsThe paper outlines several methods of evaluating library blogs and outlines successful planning for a library subject‐area blog.Originality/valueThe paper provides information about setting up a relevant information service, and using web tools to evaluate the success of the service.
Incorporating information literacy into the building plan
Authors: Ritchie Lorin , Ray Kathlin 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show how, in planning and building a new library at a US‐style higher education institution in the Middle East, special attention was paid to the need to encourage and enhance student information literacy competencies. This was a core purpose behind the building design, activity zones and Information Commons layout.Design/methodology/approachLibrarians visited a wide range of academic libraries in the USA and Canada as a means of benchmarking best practice in space and building design. Extensive feedback was also gathered from the campus community and their desires reflected in the final design.FindingsThe library classrooms and adjacent Information Commons are key components in facilitating student information literacy skills.Practical implicationsStudent attainment of core information literacy skills can be facilitated and enhanced through library facility design, particularly through the careful placement of instruction classrooms and a central computing or information commons area.Originality/valueThe paper shows how planning a new library at a US‐style higher education institution in the Middle East incorporated the need to encourage and enhance student information literacy competencies
Digital reference access points: an analysis of usage
Authors: Lewis Krystal M. , DeGroote Sandra L. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show how an academic library added access points to its digital reference service outside its traditional library web pages (e.g. online catalog, subscription databases). It seeks to determine whether, how, and to what extent these access points were used by patrons.Design/methodology/approachAlmost 1,200 chat, e‐mail, and instant message digital reference transactions were examined. The data collected included: status of user; format by which questions were submitted (chat, e‐mail, IM); subject area of the question; type of question, and the access point from which the patron submitted the question. The data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software.FindingsPatrons used the access points in external resources over 25 per cent of the time. They took advantage of the access points as their research needs arose. An increase in the amount of reference transactions received was observed after the addition of the external access points.Practical implicationsThis study may be useful in planning, administering, and staffing digital reference services.Originality/valueThis is currently the only comprehensive study that has examined digital reference transactions in multiple formats, the correlation between access point and information need, and the impact of adding access points to digital reference in external resources.
Twenty‐first century game studies in the academy: libraries and an emerging discipline
Authors: Smith Brena 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore and emphasize the impact of academic computer game studies programs on library services and collections.Design/methodology/approachA review of the literature related to the relationship between gamers, game studies, and libraries, precedes discussion of the background of academic computer game studies programs. The potential challenges and opportunities concerning collection development, information literacy instruction, and reference within academic libraries are addressed along with highlights of emerging best practices.FindingsThe paper provides analysis of game studies as an emerging academic discipline and of the scholarly communication within this field. It also highlights emerging practices within academic librarians serving students and faculty in this field.Research limitations/implicationsBecause game studies is a new discipline, best practices to meet users' needs are just beginning to be established for academic libraries. Further research is needed in the area of information‐seeking behavior, perception of game studies' students and faculty, and their information literacy skills.Practical implicationsThis is an opportunity for librarians who serve students and faculty in game studies to learn about the history of this discipline and what several academic librarians are currently doing to meet their needs in collection development, information literacy instruction, and reference services.Originality/valueWhile discussing the history of game studies as an academic program, the paper also highlights the issues related to library services and collections for the emerging academic discipline of game studies in an effort to support academic librarians who work with game studies students and faculty.
An empirical analysis of the NZX's price query system
Authors: Marsden Alastair , Poskitt Russell , Wang Cherry 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the proposition that unexplained price and volume movements detected by the New Zealand Exchange's (“NZX”) surveillance staff reflect speculative trading.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines a sample of 98 price queries issued by the NZX between 1996 and 2004 where the company responded with a “no news” announcement to the NZX query. The sample is partitioned between queries of price increases and queries of price decreases. A market model is employed to estimate abnormal returns over the event window period [−30, 30] where day 0 is the date the price query is issued.FindingsThe paper finds evidence of large abnormal returns in the immediate pre‐query period but only a partial reversal in the post‐query period following the “no news” announcements.Research limitations/implicationsThe absence of a full reversal of the pre‐query abnormal return is interpreted as evidence that prices are being set by informed traders rather than by uninformed or speculative traders. Further research is required to determine whether this reflects breaches of either the continuous disclosure regime or insider trading regulations.Originality/valueThe paper presents the first systematic analysis of the NZX's price query system. The empirical results show that price movements that generate price queries and subsequent “no news” announcements should not be dismissed as mere speculation.
Financial returns from new public management: a New Zealand perspective
Authors: Luke Belinda 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to consider the potential for profit under new public management, through a study of New Zealand's state‐owned enterprises (SOEs).Design/methodology/approach“Examination from the outside” involved analysis of financial data from 2001 to 2005 for the SOE sector. “Inquiry from the inside” involved interviews with senior executives from 12 of the 17 SOEs operating in New Zealand.FindingsFindings indicate the potential for SOEs as profitable government investments, with clear support for financial returns under NPM.Research limitations/implicationsWhile this study is limited to SOEs in New Zealand, it provides valuable insight into one country's SOE sector, and offers a platform for similar studies in other countries. Strong financial returns from several SOEs highlight the potential for SOEs as valuable investments, and an important alternative to traditional sources of government funding. However, variations noted in the financial returns of individual SOEs also indicate that profitable and commercial operations may not be possible in all cases.Originality/valueThe value of this paper lies in the combination of quantitative and qualitative data, to provide insight not only into SOEs' financial performance, but also into the operational and strategic issues underlying that performance.
Client industry audit expertise: towards a better understanding
Authors: Kend M. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider the supply of audit firm industry specialisation in the market for statutory audits of publicly traded companies in Australia. The purpose of this study is to seek to gain a better understanding of the dynamics within the market for industry specialist audit services.Design/methodology/approachA structured interview process is used to investigate certain issues with the suppliers of industry specialist audit services (in this case all the then Big 5).FindingsThis paper found that industry specialisation involves the Big 5 audit firms developing a specialised knowledge of what clients do within any given industry and the issues and audit risks they face. The Big 5 have industry “focus” groups that are responsible for providing “leading edge” practices to their clients. According to many of the auditor interview respondents, the large number of Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) classifications has meant that audit firms have sought a more manageable means of partitioning their practices into different industry focus groups. The ASX classifications were described by some of those interviewed as being irrelevant. This raises questions regarding prior auditor industry specialisation research that has relied on these classifications.Research limitations/implicationsThe study does suffer from two limitations. First, the research only questioned the Big 5 firms, despite evidence that non‐Big 5 firms can create specialisations. Second, the study's data is relatively dated being collected in the late 1990s, so there is a possibility the findings may now be out of date, particularly given as indicated before, specialisation premiums are not generalisable across time.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates the criticality of the relationship between audit market participants in developing an underlying framework that can universally explain the interactions that occur in the market for specialised audits.
An e‐distinctivity parameter to evaluate an e‐business idea
Authors: Capece Guendalina 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a new metric that aims to quantitatively support the selection phase of a new e‐business idea by performing an evaluation of its distinctness. The paper seeks to explain the reasons for the creation of a new parameter, called “E‐distinctivity”, the identification of the metrics to assess it and aims to present the results of its evaluation.Design/methodology/approachIn order to visualize the new parameter and to execute all the needed evaluations a two‐dimensional radar chart has been created “ad hoc”. The radar chart is built on eight crucial characteristics divided into four principal zones representing the strategic aspects of the E‐distinctivity. In order to assess the soundness of the identified parameter its evaluation on a reference group of well‐known e‐business ventures has been performed.FindingsThe E‐distinctivity parameter permits easy comparison among many different alternative ideas during a feasibility phase and provides quantitative data to evaluate these ideas without requiring huge investments.Research limitations/implicationsThis parameter is not intended to be sufficient for an exhaustive feasibility assessment of an e‐business idea. Additional investigation is necessary to determine other parameters and evaluation tasks to improve the accuracy of the model. The aim is to support the selection phase of a new e‐business idea with the aid of new parameters that integrate traditional methods of business analysis.Originality/valueThe study identified an original parameter to be evaluated on a given e‐business idea in order to provide a quantitative measure of its distinctness.
Internet and supply chain management: adoption modalities for Italian firms
Authors: Michelino Francesca , Bianco Federica , Caputo Mauro 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe aim of this paper is threefold: giving a description of how much internet‐based tools are used in inter‐firm supply chain relationships in Italy; analysing the different adoption behaviours of such tools held by Italian firms; and describing the main features of the firms using the internet for supply chain (SC) management, in terms of structures, players, processes and governance.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a survey carried out by involving Italian firms having more than 50 million euros turnover: 1,458 firms were involved and 463 answered, with a 31.8 per cent response rate. Firm referents were first‐level managers from SC, distribution, procurement or the IT/IS areas. The questionnaire was designed in five sections investigating: general SC features; internet‐based tools diffusion; main effects in terms of efficacy, effectiveness and customer value; relationships governance; general information about the firm.FindingsThree adoption modalities can be pointed out: firms are divided in those mainly oriented to SC execution processes, from those mainly driven to collaboration in new product development or marketing processes. Most of the former operate with high‐order frequency and low product complexity in a make‐to‐catalogue environment, while the latter face higher product complexity, variability and customization: the use of the tools is consistent with firms' strategies. Correlation is found between the use of internet‐based tools and the collaborative environment within the SC, as marked by intense information and knowledge sharing among partners.Originality/valueThe paper gives a description of the adoption modalities of internet‐based tools by large Italian companies. Because of the high response rate and the international context characterizing such firms – most of them are branches of international companies, findings are generalizable and can be used to understand adoption behaviours of most firms.
An exploratory analysis of factors affecting users' adoption of corporate intranet
Authors: Mosbeh Rim , Soliman Khalid S. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to test previously developed models to identify factors that are perceived to affect the decision to adopt corporate intranet (CI) in a developing country.Design/methodology/approachThe study used survey methodology. A set of questionnaires was returned from 436 intranet users at four major companies in Tunisia.FindingsSeveral factors identified as significantly affecting users' adoption of CI in Tunisian companies: perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, information quality, compatibility, computer self‐efficacy, personal innovativeness, superior pressure, peer pressure, self‐image, tech support, and top management support. Practical implications –The findings of this study can benefit practitioners as it provides organizations and top managers with a short list of factors that can significantly affect the adoption and usage of CI.Originality/valueThe study extends previously tested theories and models to a developing country environment.
Exploring a successful magazine web site
Authors: Ellonen Hanna‐Kaisa , Kuivalainen Olli 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to provide a multifaceted exploration of the motives and success factors of a magazine web site.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents an explorative single case study of a Finnish magazine web site. The analysis is based on triangulated data (semi‐structured interviews, observation, statistics, and documents provided by the magazine publisher).FindingsThe case illustrates that a magazine web site supports all the three functions (editorial, circulation, and advertising) that are vital to a magazine's success. Moreover, virtual community activities seem to have enhanced customer loyalty and added a more lifelike dimension to the magazine concept.Practical implicationsMedia managers should look at internet presence from a more multifaceted perspective rather than merely focus on the revenue streams. Operating online services should be valued and exploited alongside the development of the print product.Originality/valueThe value of this research lies in the notion that the web site may complement rather than replace the print magazine.
Application of the KISA concept to innovation dynamics and its impact on firms’ performance
Authors: Albors Jose , Luis Hervas Jose , Marquez Patricia , Martinez‐Fernandez M. Cristina 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute to the analysis of firms’ innovative activities from the knowledge‐intensive service activities (KISA) point of view and analyse their relation to the firms’ competitive performance in the case of a mature industry, the Spanish ceramic tile cluster.Design/methodology/approachThe research is based on a field survey. Through a selection of variables multivariable tests were applied to map the industry from the KISA standpoint and evaluate the impact of certain knowledge intensive service activities on innovation and performance.FindingsInternal and external knowledge‐intensive service activities were related to their output in terms of innovation, competitive advantages and economic performance.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research must consider and segment customers, suppliers, and other firms in the industry as other sources of KIBS.Practical implicationsUnderstanding how firms access and employ the variety of innovation‐related KISA available to them in different industries, and at different times, will help policy makers to design targeted policies and programs to actively stimulate innovation across them. For firms, KISA offers a strategic choice in their innovation objectives.Originality/valueThe present analysis contribution to KISA validates a mathematical model to simulate the relation between KISA and the competitive advantage of the firm in the case of a mature medium‐tech industry.
Management 2.0: a primer on blogging for executives
Authors: Wyld David C. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how corporate executives of companies are using blogging as a new communications channel.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents an overview of the blogging phenomenon, placing it in context of the larger growth of Web 2.0 and user‐generated content. The paper provides the reader with a primer on blogs and how they can be used effectively by executives, as well as looking at the importance of monitoring the blogosphere for what is being said by and about a company.FindingsOver 50 corporate CEOs were found who are presently engaged in blogging. The research also identifies companies where employees have been fired for blogging and presents best practices in blogging and blog policies.Research limitations/implicationsThe principal limitation of the research is that as blogging is a rapidly growing and evolving area, the present results on executive blogging are accurate only for the moment. The implications of this research are that it provides the foundation for surveying not only the status of blogging by managers but also an agenda for blogging research, which might examine blogging behaviours, develop blog metrics and look toward the return on investment of blogging.Practical implicationsThe paper reveals the benefits of managerial blogging for both the company and the individual. It also examines issues concerned with human resources, financial disclosure and policy development that have arisen because of the rise of blogging within companies.Originality/valueThe paper represents a timely review of a rapidly evolving social network and its associated communications technology, providing both management practitioners and academicians with insights into managing in a new age.
Blueprint for Thailand: S&T information resource sharing
Authors: Ruenwai Narumol , Morris Anne 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThis article aims to define a clear strategy for the future development of S&T services in Thailand.Design/methodology/approachThe article examines the history of S&T information resource sharing in Thailand and presents the results of research designed to identify current problems in the provision of these services.FindingsThe article finds that S&T researchers in Thailand would benefit from much greater resource sharing, either via consortia or computerised networks, as part of a cohesive national strategy.Practical implicationsThe article makes detailed recommendations regarding the future management of S&T services in Thailand.Originality/valueThis paper defines a best practice strategy for the future development of support to S&T researchers in Thailand.
Disaster: response and recovery at a major research library in New Orleans
Authors: Corrigan Andy 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to describe the experience of the largest among many academic libraries in New Orleans severely impacted by Hurricane Katrina. In this case, at Tulane University, a remarkable early effort was undertaken to save collections and stabilize flooded library buildings. Other daunting challenges followed.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reports observations on critical aspects of the library's recovery, which was still ongoing at the time of this writing more than two years after the hurricane.FindingsThe paper draws preliminary conclusions about disaster planning and response to actual disasters.Originality/valueThe event covered maybe unprecedented in many ways even apart from its scale, since its location was a major city that was almost entirely evacuated apart from military personnel. Effective disaster response is a context sensitive and complex undertaking. In this case special problems arose initially in just responding to the scene and later in ways connected to the staggering scope of the damage to the region surrounding. Nonetheless, tapping the expertise and resources of a skilled disaster mitigation company, Tulane and its library were able to stage a broad recovery effort.
Perceived service quality, perceived value and recommendation
Authors: Ladhari Riadh , Morales Miguel 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of the present study is to propose a conceptual model and empirically test the relationships between perceived service quality, perceived value, and recommendation in the public library setting.Design/methodology/approachThe LibQUAL+TM 2004 instrument was administered to 439 Canadian public library users.FindingsThe results show that affect of service, library as place, and information control significantly explain perceived value. There is a strong relationship between perceived service value and recommendation. The results also support the validity of the LibQUAL+TM measure used in this study and its relevance in the public library service context.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research can focus on comparing the proposed relationships across different types of libraries. Another direction of research for future research is the study of these relationships in different cultural settings.Originality/valueThe paper provides valuable results concerning the determinants of the perceived value of library services from the users' perspective.