Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons™
Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 30 of 56
Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Obstacles To Information Access And Use In Developing Countries, Akobundu Dike Ugah
Obstacles To Information Access And Use In Developing Countries, Akobundu Dike Ugah
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)
Information is an important economic and political resource. It is vital to development and progress. A society that lacks information or access to it will find it difficult to make meaningful progress. This paper examines obstacles to information access and use. lack of awareness; inaccessibility; information explosion; bibliographic obstacles: environment; poor infrastructure; declining budgets and rising costs; costs for users; staff attitude toward users; and crime. The paper suggests how the obstacles can be overcome.
Attitudes Of Librarians In Selected Nigerian Universities Toward The Use Of Ict, Paul Adesola Adekunle, Rosnold Ogie Omoba, Adeyinka Tella
Attitudes Of Librarians In Selected Nigerian Universities Toward The Use Of Ict, Paul Adesola Adekunle, Rosnold Ogie Omoba, Adeyinka Tella
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)
This study uses a descriptive survey to study the attitude of selected librarians in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria, toward information communication technology (ICT). The population includes 41 librarians in four institutions. Data were collected using an instrument adapted from the Igberia and Chakrabarti (1990) Computer Anxiety and Attitude Towards Microcomputer Utilization (CAATMU) scale, and the librarian attitude questionnaire developed by Ramzan (2004). Two research questions were developed to guide the study. The results show that librarians have a positive attitude toward ICT and that training and knowledge are the sine qua non for a positive attitude. The fear of ICT …
The Effect Of Medical Libraries On Medical Education: Evidence From Osun State, Nigeria, Gboyega Adio, M. A. Akewukereke, Samual Olukayode Ibitoy Ibitoye
The Effect Of Medical Libraries On Medical Education: Evidence From Osun State, Nigeria, Gboyega Adio, M. A. Akewukereke, Samual Olukayode Ibitoy Ibitoye
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)
The study assesses the affect of medical libraries on medical education. It explains vividly, the various constituents connected with value and effectiveness of information to medical practitioners, what to do and what doing them will mean in qualitative terms. In carrying out the research, a survey was conducted through the use of a self developed 24-item questionnaire which tried to improve ways of accessing, assessing and communicating information effectively through strategic planning, statistical measurement, personnel appraisal and budgeting. The finding revealed that medical libraries are playing relevant and statutory roles in their various institutions. This is in spite of the …
Editorial: Our Professional Image, Steve Mckinzie
Editorial: Our Professional Image, Steve Mckinzie
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)
Librarians continue to be preoccupied with out professional image and with lingering stereotypes in popular culture and media. We should follow the example of other professions and take these depictions in stride.
Digital Library Initiatives At Higher Education And Research Institutions In India, N. Varatharajan, M. Chandrashekara
Digital Library Initiatives At Higher Education And Research Institutions In India, N. Varatharajan, M. Chandrashekara
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)
Digital libraries and Digitisation play an important role in preserving and disseminating knowledge in art and culture, education, science and technology, literature and humanities, media and entertainment, cultural heritage, and history. In India, a substantial number of libraries and information centres have initiated digital library activities. Indian society has created and preserved the resources of traditional and cultural heritage in various forms; however, thousands of ancient books and manuscriptsl remain in perishable palm leaves and urgently need digitization. This article describes some of the digital libraries and institutional repositories of India.
The Evolution Of Instruction In Grant Writing And Research In The Libraries At The University Of Utah, Peter L. Kraus
The Evolution Of Instruction In Grant Writing And Research In The Libraries At The University Of Utah, Peter L. Kraus
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)
An investment in continuing education in the area of grantsmanship for a public services librarian has resulted in the teaching of Grant Writing & Research offered at the J. Willard Marriott Library and the Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library on the campus of the University of Utah . This has led to an unexpected method of library outreach to the university faculty and to the community at large, promoting the overall collections and services of the libraries on campus.
A Better Response Rate For Questionnaires: Attitudes Of Librarians In Nigerian University Libraries, Esharenana E. Adomi, Blessing T. Ayo, E. D. Nakpodia
A Better Response Rate For Questionnaires: Attitudes Of Librarians In Nigerian University Libraries, Esharenana E. Adomi, Blessing T. Ayo, E. D. Nakpodia
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)
This study investigates librarian attitudes towards the completion of questionnaires in Nigerian university libraries. Data was collected from 57 librarians in three Nigerian university libraries. Respondents receive several questionnaires each year. Most respond to all, but those who do not cite lack of time. Those who respond to questionnaires mostly do so to assist the researchers. Library and information science (LIS) students send most questionnaires that are received, followed by LIS professionals. Lengthy questionnaires and lack of relevance to their field of specialization are some problems militating against questionnaire completion. LIS professional association and library management should organize workshops for …
Study Habits Of Postgraduate Students In Selected Nigerian Universities, Stella E. Igun, Oghenevwogaga Benson Adogbeji
Study Habits Of Postgraduate Students In Selected Nigerian Universities, Stella E. Igun, Oghenevwogaga Benson Adogbeji
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)
The paper discusses study and reading habits of postgraduate students in selected Nigerian universities. Two hundred questionnaires were sent to five Nigerian universities. A total of 156 (78%) were returned. Students were asked about time and duration of study, learning styles and methods, materials used, and motivation. The results showed that the students did not see the library as a primary place to study. Students' purposes for study include personal knowledge and skills, and examination preparation.
Evaluating The Use Of University Libraries In Nigeria: A Case Study Of Michael Okpara University Of Agriculture, Umudike, Akobundu Dike Ugah
Evaluating The Use Of University Libraries In Nigeria: A Case Study Of Michael Okpara University Of Agriculture, Umudike, Akobundu Dike Ugah
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)
This study evaluated the use of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Library, Umudike, Nigeria. The population of the study comprised 1,000 library registered users. A random sample of 200 was selected and administered a questionnaire. There were 154 usable responses. Result showed that a total of 130 (84.5%) used the library on daily basis, 50 (32.5%) came to read library books, and 42 (27.3%) to consult reference materials. Textbooks were the most used reading material and were located by direct approach to the shelves. Assistance was needed in locating reference materials and staff cooperation was rated good by 84 (54.5%).
Pioneer Bachelor Degree: Citation Analysis Of Covenant University Students' Research Projects, Christopher Nkiko, Niran Adetoro
Pioneer Bachelor Degree: Citation Analysis Of Covenant University Students' Research Projects, Christopher Nkiko, Niran Adetoro
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)
The paper reports a citation analysis of the pioneer Covenant University bachelor degree students' research project reports of 2006, accepted by the university academic departments and submitted to the university library. The analysis was performed to help the library determine which materials that are most sought after and used by students. 557 research reports were analyzed, which generated a total of 14,655 citations, an average of 26.3 citations per research report. The type of material cited, number of Internet/electronic resource citations, and recency of citations were analyzed. The result corroborated the findings of citation analyses from the literature. Books (53.3%) …
Privacy Policy Assessment For The Livingston Lord Library At Minnesota State University Moorhead, Stacy Voeller
Privacy Policy Assessment For The Livingston Lord Library At Minnesota State University Moorhead, Stacy Voeller
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)
Libraries are not doing all they should to protect users' privacy. Several sections of the USA PATRIOT Act potentially encroach on this privacy. To preserve intellectual freedom and the flow of information in a democratic society, libraries must adopt privacy policies that tell library users their rights and demonstrate the library's willingness to be held accountable for such protections. The current privacy policy at the Livingston Lord Library at Minnesota State University Moorhead does not take into consideration the various ramifications of the PATRIOT Act because the policy predated the Act by more than 20 years. An updated policy is …
The Evaluation Of A Diversity Program At An Academic Library, Zheng Ye (Lan) Yang, Brenda White
The Evaluation Of A Diversity Program At An Academic Library, Zheng Ye (Lan) Yang, Brenda White
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)
This article describes recent diversity programming at Texas A&M University Libraries, and the evaluation of that programming. The Libraries created a Public Relations Associate for Diversity Programs and Events Coordinator position, who works with a Diversity Program Coordinating Committee. The coordinator and committee worked to meet diversity goals in communication, coordination, and celebration. They surveyed Libraries' faculty and staff on the impact of diversity programming. Most favorable programming included panel discussions by international students and by Libraries staff members with disabilities. The survey results have identified strengths and weaknesses in the program as well as suggestions for future programming.
A Swot Analysis Of The University Library Of Michael Okpara University Of Agriculture Library, Umudike, Nigeria, Akobundu Dike Ugah
A Swot Analysis Of The University Library Of Michael Okpara University Of Agriculture Library, Umudike, Nigeria, Akobundu Dike Ugah
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)
The Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, which began in 1993, is located at Umudike, Ikwuano Local Government Area, Abia State, Nigeria. In addition to many undergraduate programmes, the university set up a postgraduate school in January 1997. In addition to the traditional tripartite mission of universities – teaching, research, and community service, the University of Agriculture Umudike has adopted “training” as a fourth mission, to ensure that its products can go from “Lab to Land.” The University commits it self to the production of educated farmers, the conduct of multi-disciplinary and relevant organized research, and the systematic propagation of new …
Information Literacy For Branch Campuses And Branch Libraries, James Hooks, Carl Rahkonen, Chris Clouser, Kelly Heider, Rena Fowler
Information Literacy For Branch Campuses And Branch Libraries, James Hooks, Carl Rahkonen, Chris Clouser, Kelly Heider, Rena Fowler
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)
Although information literacy objectives are a constant, teaching methods and pedagogy must be structured differently in different teaching-learning environments. The Libraries of Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) created a new model of library instruction for its branch libraries and branch campuses, based on the embedded or college librarian model. Librarians for music, science, education, and the IUP Northpointe campus have been integrated into the instruction and curricular activities of those locations, some of which include distance education programs. While this model has logistical and political challenges, it has proved beneficial in improving information literacy for both faculty and students, and …
Libraries And The Balance Of Liberty And Security, David E. Woolwine
Libraries And The Balance Of Liberty And Security, David E. Woolwine
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)
The USA Patriot Act has presented librarians with the dilemma of balancing national security against the freedom of access to information and the protection of confidentiality of library records. The paper examines forms of argumentation put forth by the American Library Association in its defense of access and confidentiality rights. It finds that utilitarianism and rights discourse are the most dominant forms of ethical reasoning in the ALA and suggests that these might be replaced or supplemented by other forms of reasoning. Modernist notions as well as postmodernist views are explored and a synthesis of the two positions is offered. …
Evaluation Of The Practicum Trainee Librarians At Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria, P.A. Tiemo, Andrew Ogheneruemu
Evaluation Of The Practicum Trainee Librarians At Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria, P.A. Tiemo, Andrew Ogheneruemu
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)
Trainee librarians at Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria, were surveyed about their library practicum experience. A questionnaire and observation elicited information to find out if the Industrial Training Programme has bridged the existing gap between theory and practice in librarianship. The population of the study were all the 17 trainee librarians and 12 out of the 19 practicing librarians were randomly sampled for a better representative of the population understudy. The major questions were put into table and they were analyzed accordingly.The trainee librarians made suggestions and recommendations for the improvement of the programme. The article makes further recommendations for …
A Survey Of Digital Information Literacy Of Faculty At Sambalpur University, Bulu Maharana, Champeswar Mishra
A Survey Of Digital Information Literacy Of Faculty At Sambalpur University, Bulu Maharana, Champeswar Mishra
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)
Information now plays a vital part in the lives of individuals, organizations, and institutions, and information literacy is the key to the optimum use of information. Digital media pose new challenges for individuals in collecting, organizing, accessing, evaluating, and using it. This survey presents the results of a survey of faculty, who were asked about their use of digital resources and their knowledge of searching for and evaluating these resources.
Use Of Ict In Libraries: An Empirical Study Of Selected Libraries In Bangladesh, Md. Shariful Islam, Md. Nazmul Islam
Use Of Ict In Libraries: An Empirical Study Of Selected Libraries In Bangladesh, Md. Shariful Islam, Md. Nazmul Islam
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)
Bangladesh began to adopt information technology in 1964, but library automation is still in its infancy. The results of a survey of nine libraries and information centers in Bangladesh are presented. Public and private universities and research organizations were surveyed to determine the extent of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Recommendations for solving problems associated with the implementation of ICT are included.
Greek Primary School Teachers Dream Of The Ideal School Library, Ioanna Arvaniti, Argyris Kyridis, Konstantinos Dinas
Greek Primary School Teachers Dream Of The Ideal School Library, Ioanna Arvaniti, Argyris Kyridis, Konstantinos Dinas
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)
School libraries have been the subject of a number of regulations since the establishment of the Greek nation, but school libraries have never been treated as an essential feature of educational programmes. They lack space, funds and equipment. Moreover, teachers are not aware of their role and services in contemporary schools. This article reports on a study that analyzed written texts produced by primary school teachers, discussing the function, role, and potential of school libraries. The teachers participating in the research described the ideal library, which is quite different from the reality in primary schools.
Metadata: A New Word For An Old Concept, Amin Yousefi, Shima Yousefi
Metadata: A New Word For An Old Concept, Amin Yousefi, Shima Yousefi
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)
Metadata is a relatively new word for a concept with an long history. This article takes a general look at metadata as a means of cataloging electronic resources. Various definitions and types of metadata are presented and interpreted. Terms related to metadata are illustrated and some major metadata projects such as Dublin Core are discussed. Finally, some problems of metadata development are mentioned.
The Effect Of Library Policies On Overdue Materials In University Libraries In The South-South Zone, Nigeria, Christina Ndedde Udoumoh, Clara Chinyere Okoro
The Effect Of Library Policies On Overdue Materials In University Libraries In The South-South Zone, Nigeria, Christina Ndedde Udoumoh, Clara Chinyere Okoro
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)
This study sets out to examine the extent to which library policies influences book overdue in university libraries in Nigeria . The study used a survey research design and a researcher made questionnaire as an instrument. Three universities were used for the study. 1000 registered library users comprising 800 students and 200 lecturers were used as sample for the study. One null hypothesis was formulated and tested using t-test analysis.
A Rough Measure Of Copy Cataloging Productivity In The Academic Library, John Buschman, F. William Chickering
A Rough Measure Of Copy Cataloging Productivity In The Academic Library, John Buschman, F. William Chickering
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)
A benchmark for copy cataloging productivity at a medium-sized academic library was developed in response to management challenges. We posited that too many details have obscured an informative rough productivity benchmark after reviewing local results. Data reviewed in the aggregate over time measured against hours worked produced comparable results in three larger studies.
Nebraska's Library Depository Retrieval Facility, Debra Pearson, Nancy J. Busch
Nebraska's Library Depository Retrieval Facility, Debra Pearson, Nancy J. Busch
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)
High-density storage of library materials, while becoming more commonplace, is still uncharted territory for many academic libraries. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries undertook the challenge of planning, construction and implementation of a Library Depository Retrieval Facility (LDRF) as a preservation and money-saving solution for expanding collections and decreased funding. The project was a library-system wide undertaking, with project management being the chosen method of organizational structure and process. This article describes the process in several phases, from initial discussions through development of a program statement, funding, planning, construction, load-in, and operations. The discussion will provide those considering a similar project …
Door-In-The-Face: Understandings Of Scholarship For Academic Instruction Librarians, Shilpa Shanbhag
Door-In-The-Face: Understandings Of Scholarship For Academic Instruction Librarians, Shilpa Shanbhag
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)
As academic librarians, we prescribe an intellectual framework to students by referring to the ‘family of terms scholar-scholarly-scholarship ' and by touching upon the mechanics of peer-review in our instruction. While there are rich and varied perceptions of scholarship underlying information literacy literature, there have been no reports of attempts to make them visible to students. In this article I present the door-in-the-face technique to enable instruction librarians to reflect on the ideals of scholarship underlying instruction. In psychology, the door-in-the-face technique is a method of persuasion whereby asking a big outrageous request to be rejected and following it with …
Developing Students' Awareness Of Plagiarism: Crisis And Opportunities, Amrita Madray
Developing Students' Awareness Of Plagiarism: Crisis And Opportunities, Amrita Madray
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)
Plagiarism is an important issue for higher education. Research shows that college students do not always understand the the process of research and writing. This misapprehension of the research and writing process can lead students to plagiarize without intending to do so. The library can be a leader in raising students' awareness, and can partner with teaching departments in developing ways to educate students about plagiarism. This study examines students' understanding of plagiarism as it relates to their ability to write research papers. Freshmen were given a pre-test, followed by instruction on plagiarism and how to avoid it, and then …
Skeptical Medical Reference: Helping Patrons Find Critical Resources For Consumer Health Issues, Samantha Hypatia Thompson, Ambrose A. Thompson
Skeptical Medical Reference: Helping Patrons Find Critical Resources For Consumer Health Issues, Samantha Hypatia Thompson, Ambrose A. Thompson
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)
With the popularization of the Internet, there has been a vast proliferation of consumer health material available to the public. Unfortunately, this has only accelerated a pre-existing trend- the fact that much of the material made available is unproven, unreliable, or outright fraud. This requires librarians to make a choice: are they passive and uncritical dispensers of information or are they critical educators who help patrons choose the best information available? In this article we examine the issues facing librarians in this matter and presents skeptical materials that may help librarians to answer critical health questions.
Faculty-Librarian Collaboration On Developing Reading Skills In Tertiary Institutions, Isabella Idomu Awale-Ale
Faculty-Librarian Collaboration On Developing Reading Skills In Tertiary Institutions, Isabella Idomu Awale-Ale
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)
A quiet revolution is taking place in the Nigerian higher education system. Information Communication Technologies (ICTs), prevailing unemployment, and competition by graduates for limited employment spaces are forcing faculty to rethink the curriculum in most academic disciplines, in terms of content and teaching for functional education and nation building. This paper looks at higher education in Nigeria and the role of academic librarians as partners in promoting skills for entrepreneurial education in Nigeria. It reviews the state of ICT in some Nigerian universities and hindrances to the effective use of university libraries in Nigeria for instructional purposes. The paper concludes …
No Shhing: Giving Voice To The Silenced: An Essay In Support Of Critical Information Literacy, John J. Doherty
No Shhing: Giving Voice To The Silenced: An Essay In Support Of Critical Information Literacy, John J. Doherty
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)
The Information Literacy agenda of academic libraries has recently been critically examined to uncover some of its inherent problems. This paper frames these discussions in the critical theoretical perspective present in educational research, suggesting that the emergence of critical information literacy is long overdue and in need of serious examination by library practitioners who wish to empower student learning.
Bridging The Lis-Practitioner Gap: Some Frames For Research, Felix T. Chu
Bridging The Lis-Practitioner Gap: Some Frames For Research, Felix T. Chu
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)
There is a divide between published research from library school (LIS) faculty and the use of these publications by practitioners in the field. This article suggests ways to bridge the gap between theory and practice. The suggestions are ways to frame the analyses of useful research areas that can help us improve the practice of librarianship. The first two, structural secrecy and improvisation, are operational in nature and deal with the day-to-day procedures. The third, naturalistic decision making, concerns making choices in the performance of duties. The fourth area, tacit knowledge, is the assumptions rooted in our knowledge of professional …
“Have You Searched Google Yet?” Using Google As A Discovery Tool For Cataloging, Jennifer Lang
“Have You Searched Google Yet?” Using Google As A Discovery Tool For Cataloging, Jennifer Lang
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)
This paper demonstrates how some of Google's search functionalities can be used to locate information to assist in the cataloging process. In addition, the results of an informal survey of catalogers shows that while some respondents never considered using Google or prefer different methods for finding information, others find Google to be a good supplement to "traditional" cataloging tools.