Digital Commons Network^™

The Challenges And Frustration Of Software Adoption In Nigeria Libraries: A Survey Of Some Selected Libraries, Ibrahim Ayandare Ayankola

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The article presents the result of a survey on the challenges and frustrations of software adoption in Nigerian libraries. This is done through questionnaire administered to some selected libraries that cut across academic, research and seminary libraries. Many libraries are now moving towards in-house development of new software to meet their requirements and to provide efficient services. It is hoped that frustration of adopting software will soon fizzle out and libraries would be in for problem free software era.

Prospects And Challenges Of Prison Libraries In Ghana: A Case Study Of The Nsawam Medium Security Prisons., Christopher Mfum

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

ABSTRACT

The study explored the provision of library services at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison in Ghana. Incarcerated people are confronted with isolation and are often faced with limitations of personal choices and quality decision making. Library services remain an important service in every society that values freedom. The prison library is one of the few places that offer solace and escape in the extremely regulated lives of prisoners. The report is the result of a study into the information needs of prisoners and the resources and services that are available for this special population. A total of 100 male …

Public Health Information Service In The Northern Region Of Bangladesh: An Exploratory Study, A.K.M. Eamin Ali Akanda, Kazi Mostak Gausul Hoq

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Abstract

Public health information service plays a crucial role in upgrading the health status of the population of any country by providing valuable information on issues like health, sanitation, nutrition and family planning.Bangladesh, with one of the highest concentrations of non government organizations in the world, has been grappling with many health related problems including weak and insufficient infrastructure, corruption, population explosion, lack of health professionals, lack of awareness, etc. Although the organizations working in the region are making considerable efforts for reaching out to the larger cross-sections of rural people, their efforts are hampered by various socio-economic problems and …

Open Access Initiatives: A Boon To Academic Libraries, Anupama N. Joshi, R M. Vatnal, Manjunath G. A

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Abstract:

The article gives the meaning and definition of open access. It throws light on emergence and development of open access initiatives and various declarations in the world. The types of open access and their characters are given. The gradual increase of journals in DOAJ is shown. The impacts of OA are various facts of the academic community and the challenges for OA are dealt. The OA initiatives in India are listed.

Scientific Publications Of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, Tamilnadu: Scientometric Analysis, A. Thirumagal

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study is based on the scientific publications generated by the Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, Tamilnadu. The data was collected from the Web of Science. The analysis highlights yearly output of research product. This study focuses on publishing trend, impact factor, authorship pattern, types of articles, institutional collaboration of authors, affiliated institutions of authors, countries of contributing authors and individual author’s research productivity and their TLCS (Total Local Citation Score), TGCS (Total Global Citation Score) TLCR ( Total Local Citation References) and TLCSb (Total Local Citation Score in the beginning).

The Effect Of Tacit Knowledge For Effective Teaching And Learning Processes Among Lecturers At The Delta State University, Abraka, Rexwhite Tega Enakrire, Ndubuisi Gloria Uloma

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study was carried out to look at the effect of tacit knowledge for effective teaching and learning processes among lecturers at the Delta State University, Abraka. The review of related literature were sourced and discussed in detail under the following concepts: concepts of tacit knowledge, history of tacit knowledge, types of ICTs/technologies used by lecturers for tacit knowledge sharing, the use of tacit knowledge by lecturers in their teaching and learning processes, benefits of tacit knowledge for effective teaching and learning process, factors militating against the effective use of tacit knowledge among lecturers. A descriptive survey research design was …

Web Impact Factor (Wif) And Link Analysis Of Indian Institute Of Technologies (Iits): A Webometric Study, Rabindra K. Maharana, K.C. Panda, J. Sahoo

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This paper examines and explores the web impact factor through a webometric study of the present 16 Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) of India. Identifies the domain systems of the websites; analyzes the number of web pages and link pages, and calculates the simple web impact factor (WIF), self link web impact factor and external web impact factor of all the IIT. Also reflects that some IIT have higher number of web pages, but correspondingly their link pages are very small in number and websites fall behind in their simple, self link and external link web impact factor.

User Preferences On University Websites: A Study, S. Kothainayaki, K. S. Sivakumaren, S. Gopalakrishnan

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The rapid development of information and communication technology has made it very easy to access information through various channels of communication. Website is one of the important medium wherein one can find all kinds of information relating to their area of interest. Websites of the universities reflect the activities and programmes that are carried out in the universities. The usability of these websites plays a significant role and an attempt has been made in this paper to find out the same. For the study, a structured questionnaire was used to collect the data from the research scholars who are currently …

University Libraries In Kerala: A Swot Analysis For Marketing, P.K. Suresh Kumar

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

In view of the social, economic and technological changes, University libraries have begun to realize that marketing of information products and services is an integral part of administration. On account of information explosion, the technological revolution and escalating library costs are responsible for encouraging the university library profession to develop a professional marketing approach in its operations and services. This paper makes an objective analysis of the strength, weakness, opportunities and threats (SWOT analysis) of four university libraries in Kerala viz. Kerala University Library (KUL), Mahatma Gandhi University Library (MGUL), Cochin University of Science and Technology Library (CUSATL) and CH …

Information Needs And Seeking Behavior Of Law Faculty Members: A Survey Of The University Of Peshawar And Its Affiliated Law Colleges, Ghalib Khan, Rubina Bhatti

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This article reports the results of a study of information needs and seeking behavior of the law faculty members in the University of Peshawar and its seventeen affiliated law colleges, Khayber Pakhtookhawa (North Western Frontier Post NWFP, Pakistan). Their preferences regarding various information sources, channels, methods, library use patterns, convenient study places, satisfaction level and problems encountered by them in their information needs and seeking have been explored though quantitative survey. A structured questionnaire was designed and distributed among one hundred randomly selected law faculty members. The response rate was 86%. Results of the study revealed that majority of the …

Driving On The Green Road: Self-Archiving Research For Open Access In India, Mallikarjun Dora, Bulu Maharana

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The basic purpose of this paper is to review the relevance of Institutional Repository in the context of India and to prepare an account of the present state and future prospects of Institutional Repository in India. The paper is an outcome of a review of works in the area of Institutional Repository with specific reference to India. For this purpose, quite a good number of sources of information have been explored, analysed and assessed. The Study reveals that India has a huge potential for the growth of Institutional Repository. Hundreds of universities and thousands of colleges and other institutions including …

Present Status Of Library Cooperation, Networking, And Resource Sharing In Bangladesh: Web-Based Library Cooperation For Access To World-Wide Information, Mirza Mohd. Rezaul Islam

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Libraries have been cooperating and collaborating on collection building and resource sharing for many years. The cooperation was based on inter-library loan and preparation and publication of union catalogue. But the ways of cooperation in building resources and access to information resources was not easy and effective. Library cooperation for access to information resources was limited to the formation of networking among the libraries having homogeneous interest. Like many other countries, Bangladesh also formed networks of libraries of different disciplines of knowledge, which could not sustain due to lack of appropriate communication system. To ascertain the status of collection of …

Perceptions Of Information Professionals About Knowledge Management In The Information Institutions Of Bangladesh: An Exploratory Study, Md. Abul Kalam Siddike, M Nasiruddin Munshi

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The main purpose of the study is to explore the perceptions of information professionals about Knowledge Management (KM) in Bangladesh. The study was conducted through survey using a pre-structured questionnaire. A short, well-structured both open and close ended questionnaire was sent 80 information professionals who had been working in different libraries of Bangladesh by post. The respondents were selected from each division of Bangladesh (30 respondents from Dhaka division, 10 each in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal and Sylhet division). We received 40 responses and the response rate was 40 percent. The results of the survey show that 90 percent of …

A Similarity Threshold-Based Tool For Generating And Assessing Essay Computer-Based Examinations, Olumide B. Longe

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Most computer-based assessments (CBA) employ test generators that produce multiple choice questions usually with our options. The limitations of these types of evaluation are that students can randomly select or guess answers with a 25% chance of choosing the right answer per question. The implication is that there is a one out of four probability that students can pass such examinations without understanding the contents taught in class; without studying for the examination and by just guessing answers. In the light of the foregoing, the effectiveness of multiple choice and objective questions as a tool for evaluating students’ mastery of …

Use Of Information Sources By Faculty Members, Research Scholars And Students Of The Faculty Of Commerce, Amu, Aligarh: A Survey, Abdul Mannan Khan

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The purpose of this study is to find out the level of use of information sources by faculty members, research scholars and students of the faculty of commerce, amu, aligarh. a structured questionnaire was administered to the faculty members, research scholars and students of the Faculty of Commerce, AMU, Aligarh. The survey reveals that the maximum number of Faculty Members as well as Research Scholars uses Journals for getting their required information, while Students prefer general books for getting their required information. After general books they consult journals as well as supervisors/seniors. It is also found that most of the …

Student-Based Societies And The Development Of Library And Information Profession In Nigeria: Any Nexus? A Case Study Of Larissa, University Of Ibadan, Oludayo John Bamgbose

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The roles of Library Schools in the contemporary world transcend being ivory towers where Library and Information Professionals are trained. Besides, Library schools provide platform for students to develop their leadership potentials and abilities through participation in student-centred programmes. This paper chronicles the activities of one of such societies – the Library, Archival and Information Studies Students’ Association (LARISSA) in the University of Ibadan, Nigeria from the perspective of its activities in relation to the development of Library and Information Practice (LIP) in Nigeria. The study shows that a number of the LARISSA activities have direct positive impact on LIP …

Motivation, Job Satisfaction And Service Delivery: Mid-Level Staff At Kenneth Dike Library, University Of Ibadan, Nigeria, Christopher O. Ola, Bolarinwa M. Adeyemi

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This is a study on motivation and job satisfaction of mid-level staff in Kenneth Dike Library (KDL), University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Survey method was adopted where responses were elicited through a questionnaire administered on the staff. Answers were sought to questions on staff welfare, satisfaction and productivity. The data collected was analyzed through frequencies, percentages and inferences. It is shown that the morale of staff in the target group was doused due to: frustration resulting from lack of involvement in decision making and inadequate tools and materials with which to work; over-centralization of authority; lack of proper incentives by way …

The Use Of Google And Yahoo By Internet Users In Nigeria, Obiora Nwosu, Isaac Anyira

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This paper investigated the use of Google and Yahoo in retrieving relevant information resources by Nigerian Internet users. It was found that Nigerians prefer the search services of Google to Yahoo. This is because with Google search engine, they are able to retrieve the exact information that they need; they obtain more relevant and adequate information resources than Yahoo; Google is easier to use than Yahoo; and Google retrieves faster than Yahoo. Most Nigerian Internet users have personal access through their mobile devices such as mobile phones, lap tops, palm tops etc. It was therefore recommended that Google should incorporate …

Job Openings For Library Professionals In Pakistan: A Content Analysis, Ghulam Mustafa, Munira Nasreen Ansari

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The purpose of the study is to discover the status of the job market for library professionals in Sindh Province, Pakistan, and to examine the job titles used in advertisements. Content analysis was applied to discover the status of the job market. LIS professional vacancies from 2004 to 2008 in four leading newspapers were analysed. There were 282 announcements during that time. Findings of the study reveal a lack of consistency in job titles. Academic librarianship predominated in the LIS job market during those years. Most of the job titles do not address the requirements of the job market. This …

The Availability And Persistence Of Web Citations In Iranian Lis Journals (2006-2010), Amirhosein Mardani, Mahmoud Sangari

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

To discover the current situation and characteristics of Web citations accessibility, the present study examined the accessibility of 4,253 Web citations in six key Iranian LIS journals published from 2006 to 2010. The proportion percentage of Web citations increased from 11% in 2006 to 30% in 2010. The most widely cited top level domains in URLs include the .edu and .org with respectively 37% and 23%. This study provides further evidence that organizations Websites have become increasingly vulnerable to URL decay .The results show that only 3,467 Web citations remain accessible in 2011, of which 71% allowed easy and long-term …

Teaching Information Literacy To Students Of The Long-Tail Market: A Pedagogical Approach, Ashley Paige Ireland

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This paper presents the perspective that the information-seeking behavior of the “Google Generation” is a product of the market economy in which this generation reached adulthood. This economy is marked vendors who make available everything in a given market, such as iTunes or Amazon.com. Using critical theory and pedagogy, instructors of information literacy are able to stimulate critical thinking, and encourage students to seek the motives for creating information appearing in all types of resources, rather than just those available on the Web.

Free And Open Source Software Movement In Lis Profession In Pakistan, Ata Ur Rehman, Khalid Mahmood, Rubina Bhatti

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) movement has brought a series of alternative software solutions for almost all categories of software including Operating Systems, Database Systems, Web Servers, Programming Languages, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Graphics, Games, Networking, and System Administration.

FOSS Movement has got a major share in the market of software from its beginning. Libraries are the early institutions which adopted computer packages for management of information and automation of library procedures. FOSS Movement is very popular in libraries around the world. Libraries have been blessed with Free and Open Source Software including Integrated Library Software, Digital Library Management, …

Information As A Major Criterion For Success In Women's Group Activities In Borno State, Nigeria, Adam Gambo Saleh

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Women's groups constitute an important segment of the labour force in Borno and Nigeria in general. As early as 1930s, women groups such as Aba Market Women, The Amazons, and Matan Arewa had engaged in various activities aimed at improving their lives and contributing towards national development. Government on its part has recognized this fact and involved women groups in various development programs such as Family Economic Advancement Program (FEAP), Better Life Programme for Rural Women (BLRW), and National Program for the Eradication of Poverty (NAPEP); establishment of a ministry for Women Affairs; a host of NGOs; and spends huge …

Sfx, Information Needs, The Academic Library, And Its User, Keren Barner, Sharon Tal

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Introduction

Libraries need an efficient way to manage their diverse electronic resources. At the same time, they need a tool that provides users with easy access to those digital items. Guaranteed simple and reliable access to full text sources (depending on existing subscriptions of course) is one of the main concerns of libraries in the digital age. The tool that supplied the solution to this problem is the OpenURL link resolver. (Ponsford, Stephens & Sewell, 2011).

Today, SFX by Ex Libris is the most widely used OpenURL link resolver (Robertson &. Soderdahl, 2004). This article examines whether SFX can be …

Impact Of Ict Skills On The Use Of E-Resources By Information Professionals: A Review Of Related Literature, Ganiyu Oluwaseyi Quadri

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Introduction

Today libraries are shifting their role from the custodian of traditional information resources to the provider of service-oriented digital information resources. Widespread use of computers, increased reliance on computer networks, rapid growth of the Internet and explosion in the quality and quantity of information compelled libraries to adopt new means and methods for the storage, retrieval and dissemination of information.

The modernization of libraries and information centers enabled information transfer and access, there by establishes a network of libraries and information centres. This initiative helped in resource development, resource sharing and their utilization at various levels. Information professionals subscribe …

Web Based Information Sources And Services: A Case Study Of St. Stephen’S College, University Of Delhi, Raj Kumar Bhardwaj, Parmjeet K. Walia

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Introduction

The college library plays an important role in the overall development of students. Undergraduate students often visit the library to consult previous question papers and syllabi, to borrow books and other material, and to use other services. With the application of information technology and the advent of Web-based services, contents are now available to students on their desktop. Various consortia provide access to digital contents any time and in any place. Students want to see traditional services transformed into digital information services. College libraries provide information that can help lead students to graduate, post graduate, and research studies (Jefferson …

Addressing Change In Academic Libraries: A Review Of Classical Organizational Theory And Implications For Academic Libraries, Glenn S. Mcguigan

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Introduction

While in the literature of Library and information Science (LIS) there is much discussion of organizational approaches to solve the problems and opportunities posed by change, there is surprisingly little reference to the “classical” foundations of organizational theory. While by no means comprehensive, the purpose of this article is to provide an overview of classical organizational theory for academic librarians to inform the discussions of change.

How should academic libraries respond to change? Change impacts academic libraries from many dimensions, causing an intensity of introspection and soul searching never before seen in the field’s history. This self-reflection brings into …

Lis Curriculum Review Using Focus Group Interviews Of Employers, Khalid Mahmood

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Introduction

The employers of library and information science graduates are many and varied in nature. Designing an LIS educational program for diversified needs and expectations of the employers is very difficult. Library schools are always expected to get input from the consumers of their product about their changing expectations and needed skill set of the graduates. IFLA guidelines (2000) and ALA standards (2008) for LIS educational programs also acknowledge the employers’ right to know whether a given program is of good standing. They recommend the involvement of employers in planning and evaluation of program goals/objectives and curriculum. They also recommend …

A Review Of Problems And Challenges Of Library Professionals In Developing Countries Including Pakistan, Shakeel Ahmad Khan, Rubina Bhatti

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Introduction

“A librarian is a person who looks after the storage and retrieval of information. In a workplace, the librarian is usually a professional who is trained and educated to deal with information in a wide variety of formats and settings” (WordiQ, 2010). Librarian helps users to navigate into the voyage of internet and evaluate information efficiently. Librarian offers a helping hand for users to find out the required piece of information and to use it for personal and professional purposes (BLS, 2011). Due to the advent of Internet, World Wide Web and proliferation of online catalogue, the role of …

Challenges Of Public Libraries Patrons In The Use Of Information Services For Attainment Of Health Millennium Development Goals, Abiola Modupeola Omotosho, Olatokunbo Christopher Okiki

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Introduction

Nigeria, as a country is still at the implementation stage of attaining the MDGs because of her slow developmental process and political instability, which has been a bane to achieving any set target aimed at improving the lives of her citizenry. The area of health related issues are included, maternal and child mortality has plagued the country through time. Lately, government and stakeholders are discussing development of health policies, establishment of health centres, and setting up information management centres on health for some hospitals in the country. However, Public libraries have been overlooked in this regard. Undermining the role …