Digital Commons Network^™

An Exploratory Study Of Indian Science And Technology Publication Output, G. Buchandiran

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The contribution of a nation to research promotes the knowledge building process. Understanding the research contribution of a nation is the basic component in science policy. In reality, science auditing is a complex process. The science policy makers employ a large number of science indicators - not all are equally important. Metrics employed in this study are not comprehensive as they are limited to scientific publications. Science auditing is not confined to a small set of indicators. To arrive at a broad science policy, we need to use many other indicators.

The paper presents the data and analyses and the …

A Model For Adoption And Application Of Isbd In Book Publishing In Nigeria, Oshiotse Andrew Okwilagwe

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Schuman (1995) posits that the publishers are beginning to realize that although they create books, librarians have tremendous power to influence readers. This statement may not totally apply to the situation in Nigeria. This is because the intellectual and commercial processes through which books are written, published and distributed, sold and used have become systematically and rigorously distorted by the unwholesome activities of some of the publishers, government officials and their agencies. The librarians have slim chances to influence readers through a professionally planned collection development policy in Nigeria.

The paths of the publishers and librarians hardly across in Nigeria. …

The School Library As A Foundational Step To Childrens’ Effective Reading Habits, Isaac Oluwadare Busayo

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Reading is recognized as an art capable of transforming man’s life and his entire society. However, in the state of the World Children Report by (UNICEF,1999), it was stated that nearly a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or write their names. The Hindu newspaper (2004) also put forward that in an age when browsing the net, playing with funky handsets and passing non-stop SMSs seem to be the order of the day, reading a book in a peaceful corner of a library has become an archaic idea for most people. While technology is slowly …

Internet Use By Social Scientists At The Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan: A Survey, Rubina Bhatti, Mahe Bushra Asghar, Sarwat Mukhtar, Tariq M. Chohan

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan South Punjab, Pakistan

Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan was established in 1975 by an act of the Punjab Legislative Assembly. To pay tribute to the Great Saint Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya, the name was changed in 1979. The University offers a wide range of programmes: M.A., M.Sc. MBA, M.Com., MCS, M.Phil and Ph.D. It is divided into seven faculties: Faculty of Arts and social Sciences, Faculty of Commerce, Law and Business Administration, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Islamia Studies and Languages, Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Veterinary Science (Prospectus, 2009 p.14).

Bahauddin Zakariya University Library, Multan

The library …

Use Of Information Resources And Services At Delhi Public Library (Dpl): A Survey, Sunil Tyagi

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This research sought to determine the use of Information Resources and Services at Delhi Public Library, Delhi. A well structured 120 questionnaires were distributed among DPL users during the academic session 2010-11 to find out the use Information Resources and Services at Delhi Public Library. The questionnaires were checked and out of 109 filled questionnaires returned 105 (96.33%) were found fit for analysis and out of which 04(03.67%) were considered unusable. The present study demonstrates and elaborates the various aspect of use of information resources and services, physical facilities available and collection of DPL. Identifies the levels of use of …

Students' Level Of Study And User Of Library Resources In Nigerian Universities: A Comparative Study, Idayat Odunola Agboola, Olusola Bamidele Bamigboye

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study examined the level of study of students and use of library resources in three Nigerian Universities. The study sample population comprises 1300 students in the three universities. Only one research question were posed. The instrument used for data collection in this study was questionnaire. The major findings of the study revealed that use of library resources increase as the level of students increases at University of Ibadan (U.I) and University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (UNAAB) while only year three students used more library resources at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) as compared to the two other Universities. The study recommends …

Building Institutional Repositories In Bangladesh Using Dspace: A New Paradigm Of Scholarly Communication, M. Hossam Haider Chowdhury, Nazim Uddin, Hasina Afroz, Abdul Hayee Sameni

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Institutional Repository (IR) and Digital Library (DL), are relatively new concepts in Bangladesh. IR may be considered as the first step of open access to research output. Library professionals in Bangladesh understand and realize the benefits of open access, yet open access initiatives have been very few at higher learning institutions. The Government of Bangladesh also issued the Right to Information (RTI) Act 2009 in the Bangladesh Gazette on 6 April 2009, encouraging open access. However, there are many challenges, difficulties, resources constraints, and other limitations in establishing IR and DL. Despite these difficulties, some research organizations and institutions, such …

An Investigation Of Use Of Information Sources By Social Scientists, Ajay Kumar, S. N. Singh, Akhilesh K. S. Yadav

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study is based on data collected through questionnaires given to social scientists of Mizoram University, a central university in India. Goals of the research were to investigate the use of formal and informal sources of information by social scientists; to discover the degree to which they make use of various types of information; methods used to communicate, and availability of information sources and services in Mizoram University.

Smes And Business Information Provision Strategies: Analytical Perspective, C. Okello-Obura, James Matovu

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of business information provision mechanism for SMEs with a view of highlighting aspects critical in any business information provision modalities. It makes a reflection on SMEs as information user groups, highlights notable challenges faced in the business information chain and gives an account of the ICTs impact on business information provision to SMEs. To inform decision making regarding appropriate business provision, some aspects from three countries are highlighted. The guiding principles for developing effective business development services are outlined. The article concludes by a call for the adoption of serious …

Job Descriptions Of Government Librarians In Pakistan, Saima Qutab, Farzana Shafique

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Libraries all over the world are facing diversified service challenges posed by a mix of traditional information seekers and Google generation’s call of technology features. These multi-facet demands and kinds of users’ community have increased the list of responsibilities and skills required by the librarians. Selection of right person for the right job is the greatest challenge for library administration. This includes two main elements; nature of job descriptions defined or advertised by the administration and the availability of required human resources in the market. Only the right mix of these two essentials can ensure the selection of appropriate personnel …

Ict Facilities In University Libraries: A Study, K. S. Sivakumaren, V. Geetha, B. Jeyaprakash

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This paper examines ICT infrastructure available in university libraries. A majority of the libraries surveyed have automated library activities. The survey results also reveal the software and other technologies implemented in the libraries. A majority of the libraries have not introduced new services such as a digital library, e-learning service, and digitization.

Influence Of Locus Of Control And Computer Skills On The Use Of Internet Resources By Undergraduate Students In Nigerian Universities, O. O. Adeagbo

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study examined the influence computer skills and locus of control on the utilization of Internet resources by undergraduate students in Nigerian universities. Data were collected through the use of questionnaire. A study sample of 201 students randomly selected from a federal, a state and a private university in Osun State were used for the study. The resulting data were analysed using percentages, tables, Pearson Correlation and t-test analysis at 0.05 level of significance. The result indicated that 98.5% of the undergraduate students use Internet resources. 71.6% use them mostly for educational or academic activities. The general level of computer …

Reality Versus Expectations: A Survey Of University Of The Punjab's Libraries Using Servqual, Alia Arshad, Kanwal Ameen

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The purpose of this study was to determine the user's priority expectations and their perceptions of quality services of university libraries. Survey method was used to assess user's perceptions and expectations. A revised version of SERVQUAL was used to determine user's perceived and expected service levels along seven point Likert scale. A sample of 390 respondents was chosen and selected using stratified random sampling through proportional allocation. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS. The results of the study revealed that respondent's priority expectations are related to knowledgeable and competent staff, library staff’s ability to develop confidence in their users, …

The Library Is A Growing Organism: Ranganathan's Fifth Law Of Library Science And The Academic Library In The Digital Era, Keren Barner

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This article seeks to explore some possible creative options all aimed for finding unique ways for the academic library to grow in the digital era. The paper use terms and ideas derived from Darwin's theory of evolution but based first and foremost on the philosophical infrastructure phrased by Ranganathan (1931) at his fifth law for library science: the library is a growing organism because those classical theories can give strength and real support to the academic library institution to innovate with a solid framework instead of random actions here and there. It is a conceptual paper based on literature review …

Preservation Of Cultural Heritage: The Strategic Role Of The Library And Information Science Professionals In South East Nigeria, V. O. Ekwelem, V. N. Okafor, S. C. Ukwoma

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

One of the primary problems confronting library profession today is lack of commitment by the available human resources, particularly, in the areas of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and preservation of resources on cultural heritage. The exploitation of knowledge as warranted by the increasing technological interventions are adding new dimension to education and thus making training an essential ingredient to most human development endeavours. This paper seeks to look at the various forms of professional training received by library and information science professionals, the available resources on cultural heritage in libraries and information centres, methods of their preservation and the …

Mapping Of Indian Science And Technology Output In A National And Global Context, 1997-2007, B. M. Gupta

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study examines India’s performance in S&T based on country publication share in various subjects in the national context and in the global context. It also compares similarities of Indian research profile with top other 19 top productive countries, particularly with China, South Korea, and Brazil. The study uses 11 years publications data in science and technology on India and other top 19 productive countries, drawn from Scopus database covering the period 1997 to 2007. The findings of the study should be of special significance to the planners & policy-makers.

Assessment Of Information Literacy Skills Among Science Students Of Andhra University, C. Sasikala, V. Dhanraju

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Information literacy (IL) plays a prominent role in the knowledge based society; especially effective use of IT based services and collaborative learning in the various levels of the educational system. This paper presents the findings of a survey on the level of information skills among the students of higher education. The scope of the study covers various aspects like awareness about the use of library resources, both print and electronic; knowledge about various sources of information including Internet; familiarity with and use of information communication technologies and copyright and fair use of information, etc.

The Challenges Of Software Use In Nigerian University Libraries: Review Of Experiences From 1990- 2009, Nwabuisi T. Imo, Uche H. Igbo

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This work examined the challenges faced by Nigerian university libraries in implementing software regimes in their automation/computerization projects. The study argued that Nigerian university libraries have had a long history of attempts at automating/computerizing their operations, but most have not made appreciable efforts. The major problem has been that of selecting the appropriate software to drive these projects. The specific objectives of this study include: to identify the types of software available in these libraries, to identify the extent of use of the available software, to identify the problems associated with software use in these libraries and to suggest the …

One Among The Twelve: How Library Professionals Constitute A Serious Challenge To The Provision Of Library Services In The 21st Century, Isaac Echezonam Anyira

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This paper explores the librarian-based factors that pose serious challenges to the delivery of library services in the 21st century. It is not just funding, but also the librarian that hinders the 21st century library. Factors include inflation of costs, embezzlement, bribery, misappropriation of funds, lack of relevant skills, fear, bias, dogmatism, and ageism. Librarians should develop themselves by seeking ICT training; take full advantage of training and development, and take advantage of the knowledge and education offered by conferences and workshops; ICT skill should be accorded priority in recruiting and retaining librarians; the LIS curriculum should include 21st century …

Libraries Driving Access To Knowledge In The 21st Century In Developing Countries: An Overview, Olaronke Fagbola, Comfort Uzoigwe, Veronica Olufunmilola Ajegbomogun

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Libraries are critical contributors to knowledge generation and management. The paper discusses the advances in computing and telecommunication technology which have turned the world into a global village. It highlights the role of the library in knowledge management, delivery, and dissemination, and asserts that library is indeed the home of knowledge. The paper further maintains that the role of the library as a repository and provider of knowledge has been accentuated as fully developed virtual and digital libraries appear to render limitless services. Finally, some of the challenges that hinder libraries from achieving the role of driving access to knowledge …

A User Survey Of Five Women’S College Libraries In South Campus, University Of Delhi, India, Akhtar Hussain, Uzma Muzeeb, Nishat Fatima

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study examines the user survey of five women’s college libraries in south campus, University of Delhi. A well structure questionnaire was used for collecting opinions of the library users about uses of documents collections and services. Out of 500 users, only 425questionnaires were selected for analysis of data from the respondents. The present study demonstrates and elaborates the various aspects of library collections uses within the available resources, frequency and purposes of visit, adequacy of library hours, use of library services & collections, ways of document searching, infrastructure facilities, and users satisfaction with the overall function of the library. …

Influence Of Locus Of Control And Job Satisfaction On Organizational Commitment: A Study Of Medical Records Personnel In University Teaching Hospitals In Nigeria, Bruno I. Igbeneghu, S. O. Popoola

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study examines the influence of work locus of control and job satisfaction on organizational commitment of medical records personnel in university teaching hospitals in Nigeria. The research design was the ex-post- facto. A total of 359 medical records personnel from federal and state university teaching hospitals in Nigeria participated in the study. The instrument for data collection was the questionnaire. The results of the study reveal that organizational commitment has a significant inverse relationship with work locus of control (r = -.131, P < 0.05), but has a significant positive relationship with job satisfaction (r = . 340, P < 0.05).The study also revealed that a combination of work locus of control and job satisfaction have significant influence on the organizational commitment of medical records personnel in university teaching hospitals in Nigeria. (F = 24.900, df = 2; 356, P < 0.05). A combination of work locus of control and job satisfaction have significant influence on the organizational commitment of medical records personnel in university teaching hospitals in Nigeria.

Comparative Analysis Of Students’ Information Seeking Behaviour In Adventist Universities: A Survey Of Babcock And Solusi Universities, Uloma Doris Onuoha, Adedamola Adesola Awoniyi

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study examined the information seeking behaviour of undergraduate students in two Seventh - day Adventist institutions. The population was made up of 4,741 students from three faculties registered during the first semester of 2009/2010 academic session. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select 474 students who took part in the study. A questionnaire adapted from Patitungkho and Deshpande (2005) was used for data collection. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square. Findings reveal that most of the respondents from Babcock University sought information mainly to update knowledge, while majority of the respondents from Solusi University did …

Ict Skills Of Lis Professionals In Engineering Institutions Of Orissa, India: A Case Study, Sunil Kumar Satpathy, Rabindra K. Maharana

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The purpose of the paper is to study the ICT skills of LIS professionals working in various engineering institutes of Orissa (India) to examine their exposure to ICT tools and services. It also attempts to evaluate the use of these skills by professionals in libraries. Moreover, it intends to elicit the barriers in acquiring the ICT skills by the LIS professionals. The paper examines the ICT skills of LIS professionals working in engineering institutes of Orissa (India) through structured questionnaires. Statistical methods such as percentage, Weighted arithmetic mean, ranking method etc are used for data analysis. The LIS professionals are …

Use Of Ict Among Faculty Members Of Self Financing Engineering Colleges In The Changing Higher Education Environment, S. Thanuskodi

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

In recent years, the Internet has emerged as a powerful educational and information tool. With the increasing impact of information technology on higher education, all those concerned with higher education today are attempting to grasp how information technology could help in modernizing the process of teaching, research, and learning. In this context, Internet has emerged as a formidable social and cultural institution of global proportions facilitating access to a wealth of information on the web for the academic society to support their academic and research activities. The study is aimed at analyzing the Internet use and its impact among the …

Mets: A Survey Of Recent Literature And Applications, Lindsey Wagner

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

METS is a standard which is used to preserve and transmit digital objects and their metadata. This paper surveys the literature about METS and describes the standard itself, as well as the history and different issues involving the standard.

The Impact Of Gender On The Use Of The Digital Library At The University Of Ibadan, Sylvester Ozioma Anie

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Digital libraries have the potential to offer unprecedented resources to enhance effective use of library services and resources. This paper addresses gender as a factor in digital library use, how digital library resources are located, and factors inhibiting effective use of the digital library. The paper uses a descriptive survey to explore gender in the use of digital libraries.

Information Sources Used By Postgraduate Students In Library And Information Science: A Citation Analysis Of Dissertations, R. I. Echezona, V. N. Okafor, Scholastica C. Ukwoma

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This paper is a citation analyses that assesses references of theses submitted to the Department of Library and Information Science at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka from 1997 to 2007 The results revealed that journals are cited more than other information resources, and online resources cited were very rarely from 1997-2005, but increased from 2006 and 2007. College and Research Libraries is the most cited journal. The major subject area covered in their research is library management/administration; user studies, information communication technology, and collection development while bibliometrics, preservation, special and public libraries were less commonly researched.

Information Use Patterns By Scientists: A Case Study Of Neist, Jorhat, North East India, Rabinarayan Mishra

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Information has pragmatic value for scientists for research and development. In the changing industrial climate in the North Eastern Region of India, institutes like North East Institute of Science and Technology (NEIST) play a significant role. NEIST is an R&D institute and a reservoir of technologies that have added to the rural development of the region. Working scientists spend one third of their time searching for information and the cost of this search represents one fifth of all the money allocated to science. Socio-economic development and technological progress depend on the effective use of the information generated in science and …

Providing Access To Knowledge In Africa: The Need For Capacity Building In Classification, Indexing, And Abstracting Skills, Nwabuisi T. Imo, Uche H. Igbo

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The realities of the present era of globalization and information and communication technologies (ICT) culminating to the African Virtual Library and information Network (AVLIN) have made it expedient that African information professionals should be able to develop, showcase and make accessible African indigenous information to the knowledge world. This literature- based opinion paper has tried to identify with the view of the conference organizers that “Major digital initiatives involving African content are currently being undertaken by non-African organizatiosn without widely accepted protocols and agreement” and therefore, argues that there is a serious need for a theoretical and policy framework necessary …