Digital Commons Network^™

Globalization And National Information Policy In Nigeria, Augonus Nnamdi Uhegbu

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The paper focuses on the need for a national information policy in Nigeria in the face of globalization. The paper is not anti-globalization, but believes that although globalization facilitates global access to information and its generating media, it also has the potential of exposing Nigerians to obscene information materials, and of dumping unwholesome, improperly packaged and substandard information resources in the country. The conceptual explanation of both globalization and information policy is discussed. Also discussed is Nigeria 's contemporary information environment, which this paper sees as highly risky, volatile and uncoordinated. The paper argues that with national information policy, globalization …

Library Visits And Consultation: A Case Study Of Universities In Northwestern India, Chetan Sharma

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Libraries have always been houses of knowledge for their organizations, and they play an important role in research and scholarship. The present study evaluates the use of university libraries of Northwestern India by teachers and research scholars and assesses their satisfaction.

The Changing Role Of Researchers In Nigeria : The Internet As An Alternative Future To Modernity, Manir Abdullahi Kamba

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Researchers in Nigeria have traditionally depended on conventional libraries, and information centers, where they can physically access their needed information. Their main source of information has been traditional sources such as books, journals, and newspapers. The Internet has simplified the research process. The paper further examines how the Internet has become a tool for academic research, and also a publisher that Nigerian academics and researchers should maximally use. The paper focuses on the role played by the Internet in academic research and highlights opportunities and challenges it presents. It explores the status of Internet connectivity in Nigeria and examines the …

The University Library, Information Provision, And Use By Policymakers In Olabisi Onabanjo University (Oou), Nigeria, Abiodun O. Odunewu

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Availability and timely access to information is indispensable in policy formulation and implementation. It is often believed that a library is as good as its patronage. This study is an attempt to relate the level of patronage of Olabisi Onabanjo University Library by its policymakers to its information delivery capability. A questionnaire was used to gather data, with 102 copies administered at the senate level and 18 copies administered at the Governing Council level. A total of 89 copies were returned, representing an 80 percent response rate. The study reveals inadequate patronage of the library by policymakers. The study concludes …

Information Needs And Information-Seeking Behavior Of Arts And Humanities Teachers: A Survey Of The University Of The Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan, Muhammad Tahir, Khalid Mahmood, Farzana Shafique

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study explores the information needs and information-seeking behavior of humanities faculty members of the University of the Punjab, Lahore . It investigates the methods and sources used to acquire information, the importance of various information resources for their teaching and research activities, their preferred formats, the purpose of their information-seeking and problems faced. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted to get a response from the targeted population which consisted of 90 teaching and research staff of humanities departments. The response rate was 69 percent. The study reveals that most of the humanities faculty members rely heavily upon books and experts …

Overlap In Web Search Results: A Study Of Five Search Engines, Rafiq Ahmad Rather, Fayaz Ahmad Lone, Gulam Jeelani Shah

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This paper presents the results of an empirical investigation that measured the degree of overlap between the results retrieved through Google, Altavista, Hotbot, Scirus, and Bioweb using twenty queries in biotechnology. Among the selected search engines, Hotbot had the most overlap (followed by Google) with other search engines except Bioweb. Compound and complex queries produced more overlap than simple queries.

Minority Degree College Libraries In Andhra Pradesh: A Study With Special Reference To Naac Standards, Syamalamba Rani

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study reviews the development of college education and library management at Degree Colleges of the minority-communities in India and Andhra Pradesh. A survey included physical conditions, administrative procedures, human resources management and workforce availability, the quality and variety of services offered, verified whether NAAC library standards are being followed, and studied the extent of computer use or phases of computerization; availability of systems, and type of software being used.

The State Of Information And Communication Technology (Ict) In Nigerian University Libraries: The Experience Of Ibrahim Babangida Library, Federal University Of Technology, Yola, Benki S.H. Womboh, Tukur Abba

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This paper gives an overview of the state of the ICT in Nigerian university libraries and traces the development and management of ICT facilities in the Federal University of Technology of Technology Yola library. Some problems militating against proper functioning of such facilities are highlighted and suggestion for possible solutions proffered.

Library Education In Bangladesh: Strengths, Problems, And Suggestions, A.I.M. Jakaria Rahman, Momena Khatun, Dr. Mohammed Mezbah-Ul-Islam

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This article examines the historical development and current trends of library education system in Bangladesh, identifies educational institutions involved, and determines the strength of current l

Citation Analysis Of Theses In Library And Information Science Submitted To University Of Pune: A Pilot Study, R.V. Chikate, S.K. Patil

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This is a bibliometric study that used 27 LIS dissertations with a total of 6,257 citations. Most citations are from periodicals (42.2%), mostly from US and Indian journals. Nearly half of the citations recorded are from journal articles: 2,639 (42.2%) Nearly three quarters of the journal articles were from LIS journals, with the remainder from 33 other subject areas. College and Research Libraries is the most cited journal, followed by Scientometrics. Most of the citations are from 55 journals out of the total number.

Library And Information Support For New Partnership For Africa 'S Development (Nepad), Christopher Nkiko, Felicia O. Yusuf

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) was created in October 2001 as an way of helping Africa extricate itself from the malaise of underdevelopment and exclusion in a globalizing world. Its major objectives include: eradication of poverty, promotion of accelerated growth and sustainable development, halting the marginalization of Africa in the globalizing process, and the empowerment of women. The paper examines preconditions for its success and the specific roles expected of libraries and information centres. Such roles include; popularizing the initiative, providing continental information database, human development, eradication of diseases and poverty through information, information brokerage and environmental scanning, partnering …

Importance Of Information And Communication Technologies (Icts) In Making A Heathy Information Society: A Case Study Of Ethiope East Local Government Area Of Delta State, Nigeria, Monday Obaidjevwe Ogbomo, Esoswo Francisca Ogbomo

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

ICTs are crucially important for sustainable development in developing countries. For the past two decades, most developed countries have witnessed significant changes that can be traced to ICTs. These changes have been observed in economics, education, communication, and travel. Many initiatives have been taken at the international level to support Africa's efforts to develop a communication infrastructure and. This study uses a survey that employed a two-part questionnaire that collected data on the personal characteristics of the respondents and their use of ICTs. A sample of 120 respondents was used. The respondents were drawn from the Ethiope East local government …

Faculty Opinion As Collection Evaluation Method: A Case Study Of Redeemer's University Library, Osagie Oseghale

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Library users judge the quality of a collection by the extent to which it can meet their teaching, learning, and research requirements. University faculty must have a library collection that meets their curricular and accreditation needs. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 70 academic staff who participated in the study. Findings revealed that most respondents find useful material in the library occasionally, but that the collection needs to be strengthened in particular subject areas and in print serials. Faculty judgments about the library might become even more critical in an environment where they do not have any means …

Value Added Services: Publishing Continuum At The University Of Nebraska–Lincoln, Joan Giesecke, Paul Royster

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries: Conference Presentations and Speeches

During its 3 years of operations, the institutional repository at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln has gathered and posted over 19,000 documents, which, together with its hosted ETD collection, make it the country’s 3rd largest IR. Usage records also indicate it is one of the busiest, as well, furnishing almost 120,000 downloads during the most recent month (October 2008).

The IR has also become the cornerstone for a bundle of electronic publishing services developed and provided by the UNL Libraries. Indeed, these services may be seen as the enablers or preconditions of the IR’s successful track record.

To facilitate and accelerate …

Unl Libraries Liaison Program, Elaine L. Westbrooks

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries: Conference Presentations and Speeches

My Framework
• The purpose of the library has not changed-- our role has
• Liaison librarians play a central role in representing the library
• Librarian’s Roles are changing and expanding
• Support and engagement of academic units is critical
• We must expect ongoing demands to acquire, organize, and provide access to locally held resources
• Research universities are under fire
• Our users prefer convenience over quality
• The library has become a virtual destination
• It is our responsibility to ask “What is the future of the academic library?” and “How can they be transformed in …

Collection Development Policy For General Interest Newspapers, Jeanetta Drueke

UNL Libraries: Collection Development Policies

General interest newspapers are those that contain news, articles of opinion, features, and advertising. They do not include subject specific periodicals such as W or Barron’s. The audience for newspapers is wide-ranging: undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, and community users.

The University Libraries provides newspapers and newspaper articles in a variety of formats: print, microfilm, electronic full facsimile collections (such as ProQuest Historical Newspapers Online), online aggregators (such as LexisNexis), free newspaper websites, and online-only newspapers.

The goal of newspaper collection development is a full and appropriate transition from print to online newspapers.

Most Downloaded Documents For October 2008, University Of Nebraska–Lincoln Digital Commons

Digital Commons / Institutional Repository Information

In October 2008, the repository furnished 121,393 downloads; 78.3% of available files were downloaded at least once. The average for all 19,107 documents was 6.35 downloads. The archived spreadsheet shows the top 200 documents, downloaded at least 50 or more times during the month.

Top 25 Downloads for October 2008 (and their authors)
Electronic Rodent Repellent Devices: A Review of Efficacy Test Protocols and Regulatory Actions — Stephen A. Schumake
Online Dictionary of Invertebrate Zoology: Complete Work — Mary Ann Basinger Maggenti, Armand R. Maggenti, & Scott Lyell Gardner
The Constitutions of the Free-Masons (1734). An Online Electronic Edition. — …

Faculty Use Of A Cybercafé For Internet Access, Akobundu Dike Ugah, Victoria Okafor

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The University has a cybercafé that provides Internet services to the members of the university community and their neighbors. This study analyzed the use of the Internet facilities by faculty members. Of the 224 copies of the questionnaire distributed, 120 were completed and returned. Result showed that more than half of the respondents acquired their Internet skills through self study/instruction and more than one-third ) rated their Internet skill as average. One fifthuse the Internet daily, while only 10 percent spend 10-20 hours per week on the Internet. Only 30 percent use the Internet facilities on campus and research is …

Growth And Development Of Scholarly Literature: An Analysis Of Scopus, Mehmood Ul-Ajaz Wani, Sumeer Gul

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Researchers require access to a variety of information sources, in order to stay current with developments in their own and related fields, to work collaboratively with others, to critically evaluate and examine the work of others, and to contribute to teaching. This study is assesses the SCOPUS database bibliometrically to explore the growth of scholarly literature.

Introduction To Data Curation, Elaine L. Westbrooks

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries: Conference Presentations and Speeches

Few people as yet, outside the world of expert librarians and museum curators and so forth, know how manageable well-ordered facts can be made, however multitudinous, and how swiftly and completely even the rarest visions and the most recondite matters can be recalled, once they have been put in place in a well-ordered scheme of reference and reproduction.

Budgeting For Library Technical Services In An Electronic Age, Adetoun A. Oyelude, C.O. Ola

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Library budgets have serious implications for the smooth operation of services. In an electronic age, technical services become more relevant and it is essential to budget for personnel, equipment, supplies, and maintenance. A large number of academic, research, and public libraries in Nigeria were surveyed, and virtually none had a technical services budget. In light of those results, the need for budgeting in libraries and budgeting techniques in technical services are examined. The decentralization and democratization of fiscal management are recommended.

The Development Of Academic Journals In Institutions Of Higher Learning In Kano State, Nigeria, Ahmed Mohammed

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Academic journals are one of the primary media through which new knowledge is disseminated. This article reports on research that studied the academic journals in fifteen institutions of higher learning in the Kano state of Nigeria. The study revealed that five of the institutions produce academic journals, and that a total of 37 academic journals exist in institutions studied, including both active and ceased titles. The study further identifies problems associated with journals and measures to address the problems.

Counting More Than The Gate: Developing Building Use Statistics To Create Better Facilities For Today's Academic Library Users, Daniel S. Dotson, Joshua B. Garris

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

What areas and types of seating do users of academic libraries use? These authors contend that using sampling methods to conduct building-wide surveys can provide better data for more substantial analysis of user trends in order to more accurately respond to patron needs.

The Importance And Influence Of Philosophical Thinking For Librarians, Nazli Alkan

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Nazli Alkan The Importance and Influence of Philosophical Thinking for Librarians (html) PDF September 2008 This paper explores the importance and influence of the adoption of philosophical thinking by today's librarians and to encourage them in such thinking. The principal findings of the paper include the following: that the librarian's philosophical thinking is a process through which something is systematically and critically questioned in the framework of the library, the librarian and the profession of librarianship; related meanings, values and purposes are identified; and a meaningful judgement is reached. Although there are some librarians today who are engaged in intellectual …

Use Of The Internet And Electronic Resources For Dental Science Information: A Case Study, Rajeev Manhas

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

A study was undertaken to assess dentists' attitude towards the Internet and electronic resources. A questionnaire was distributed among the dental teachers and students of ten dental colleges and hospitals of Punjab State of India to find out the use of Internet services and electronic resources. The colleges under study are affiliated to Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, India. The responses were gathered from 171 dental teachers and students (75 teachers, 96 students). The findings of the survey include that a majority of the dental teachers and students (73.7%) under study have their own personal computers or laptops; …

Web-Based Citation Management Compared To Endnote: Options For Medical Sciences, Melissa Gomis, Carole Gall, Frances A. Brahmi

UNL Libraries: Faculty Publications

The authors of this article analyzed the differences in output when searching MEDLINE direct and MEDLINE via citation management software, EndNoteX1^®, EndNoteWeb^®, and RefWorks. Several searches were performed on Ovid MEDLINE and PubMed directly. These searches were compared against the same searches conducted in Ovid MEDLINE and PubMed using the search features in EndNote X1, EndNote Web, and RefWorks. Findings indicated that for in-depth research, users should search the databases directly rather than through the citation management software interface. The search results indicated it would be appropriate to search databases via citation management software for citation …

Most Downloaded Documents For September 2008, University Of Nebraska–Lincoln Digital Commons

Digital Commons / Institutional Repository Information

The following pages show 2 reports:

1. The 225 documents downloaded 40 or more times during the month of September 2008, by descending order of downloads; with totals for the entire repository.

2. The 105 series with 250+ total downloads during the month of September 2008, by descending order of total downloads.

Some highlights:

• Total downloads rose by 11,672 (13%) over the total for August, to 104,975.
• 14,242 of 18,443 (77%) of available open-access documents were downloaded at least once during the month. The average number of downloads per document was 5.69.
• Downloads were furnished to more …

The Words You Brought Us: Digital Lexicon Of The Recognized American Indian Treaties [Article], Charles D. Bernholz, Brian Pytlik Zillig, Cokie G. Anderson

UNL Libraries: Faculty Publications

Machine readable files of the complete corpus of recognized American Indian treaties, derived from Charles Kappler’s multi-volume Indian Affairs: Laws and Treaties and a few additional sources, were obtained from the Oklahoma State University Library Electronic Publishing Center and converted for text analysis with TokenX, a web application developed at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's Center for Digital Research in the Humanities. The analysis and visualization capabilities of TokenX reveal the diversity of the terms found in these 375 treaties, and the observed frequencies offer a prospect upon legal thought of the times and upon the vocabulary used to express the …

At The Watershed: Preparing For Research Data Management And Stewardship At The University Of Minnesota Libraries, Leslie M. Delserone

UNL Libraries: Faculty Publications

Like many research universities, the University of Minnesota (UMN), and its Libraries, attempts to understand the nature and intensity of data produced by its researchers, and address the management and stewardship of its institutional research output. The recent activities of the Libraries, in support of and in conjunction with campus-wide efforts, illustrate a set of approaches that show the Libraries to be at the watershed, integrated into and contributing leadership to the growing river of campus-wide exploration and planning of cyberinfrastructure needs. This brief article highlights the hiring of the “science librarian cohort,” the Libraries’ study concerning the needs and …

The Palmer And Stevens “Usual And Accustomed Places” Treaties In The Opinions Of The Courts, Charles D. Bernholz, Robert Weiner

UNL Libraries: Faculty Publications

One hundred fifty years ago, Joel Palmer, as Superintendent of Indian Affairs for the Oregon Territory, and Isaac I. Stevens, as Governor and Superintendent of Indian Affairs of the Washington Territory, negotiated a series of treaties with tribes of the Pacific Northwest. These 10 instruments have affected the gathering rights of tribes and of others in this area and throughout the United States and have generated a substantial amount of litigation. This article reports on the 512 citations to these specific documents in 354 opinions, between the years 1874 and 2005, in various jurisdictions ranging from territorial courts to the …