Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Other Social and Behavioral Sciences

2009

Articles 1 - 30 of 36

Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

The Environment Of Higher Education Libraries In India, S Thanuskodi Jun 2009

The Environment Of Higher Education Libraries In India, S Thanuskodi

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

India has significant advantages in the 21st century knowledge race. It has a large higher education sector – the third largest in the world in student numbers, after China and the United States. The library is the chief instrument for accumulating and using our intellectual heritage. Formal education can be conducted effectively and efficiently only with well-equipped libraries. Today, libraries are connected to a vast ocean of Internet-based services. Electronic resources are developing rapidly. Academic libraries are the nerve centres of their institutions, and must support teaching, research, and other academic programmes. The situation in academic libraries in India is …


An Empirical Study Of Accessibility And Use Of Library Resources By Undergraduates In A Nigerian State University Of Technology, Fadekemi Omobola Oyewusi, Samuel Adeolu Oyeboade Jun 2009

An Empirical Study Of Accessibility And Use Of Library Resources By Undergraduates In A Nigerian State University Of Technology, Fadekemi Omobola Oyewusi, Samuel Adeolu Oyeboade

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study investigated the accessibility and use of library resources by undergraduate students of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Ogbomoso, Nigeria. The sampling design used for the study was the simple random sampling technique. A total of 600 respondents were chosen to represent the minimum number of students that visits the library on monthly bases. Twenty-one (21) item close ended questions were designed to be answered by the respondents. A total 393 questionnaires were returned giving a response rate of 65%. The results indicated that students do not have adequate access to electronic resources as compared to printed resources …


The Relationship Of Academic Role And Information Use By Engineering Faculty, M Doraswamy Jun 2009

The Relationship Of Academic Role And Information Use By Engineering Faculty, M Doraswamy

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study looks at teaching and research and their relationship to information use by members of engineering faculty. Four research hypotheses tested the proposed dimensions of information use. The matched pairs Wilcoxon signed ranks test was employed to test the hypotheses as a directional one tailed test at the 0.05 level of significance. Data was collected through a questionnaire method. Results showed that the role accounts for a significant proportion of frequency of information use. Of the six hypotheses tested, four hypotheses were supported by the data collected, and two hypotheses could not be supported. Results also showed that of …


Computer Skill Among Librarians In Academic Libraries In Ondo And Ekiti States, Nigeria, D.T. Ademodi, E. O. Adepoju Jun 2009

Computer Skill Among Librarians In Academic Libraries In Ondo And Ekiti States, Nigeria, D.T. Ademodi, E. O. Adepoju

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

A survey looked at the computer skills and competence of librarians in academic libraries in Ondo and Ekiti states, Nigeria. Results revealed no automation of library automation and most computers found in the libraries used for administrative duties and Internet browsing. Recommendations are made to improve librarians' computer skill competence.


Quality Assurance And The Implication For The Management Of University Libraries In Nigeria, E.L. Adebayo Jun 2009

Quality Assurance And The Implication For The Management Of University Libraries In Nigeria, E.L. Adebayo

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Peer group assessment is one means of measuring the quality library services. Library standards for the 21st century are pointed out. Areas of weakness in service provision in Nigerian libraries are explored. These include funding, ICT, and staffing. The implications of the weaknesses for library managers are discussed.


Searchers' Perception Of Access Regulations In Nigerian National Archives, Abiola Abioye Jun 2009

Searchers' Perception Of Access Regulations In Nigerian National Archives, Abiola Abioye

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Access is a fundamental issue in archives administration and information management. This study investigated the perception of searchers to access regulations in National Archives of Nigeria. A descriptive survey was adopted for the study with questionnaire and interview as the research instruments. One hundred copies of the questionnaire were administered on searchers who were students of tertiary institutions, scholars, legal practitioners, litigants, government officials and politicians, and seventy-two copies were returned and analyzed. Interviews were also conducted with some of the searchers who were randomly selected. The study revealed that searchers, with varying level of education, used records in the …


Information Needs Of Faculty Members And Research Scholars Of Chaudhary Charan Singh University: A Case Study, Devendra Kumar Jun 2009

Information Needs Of Faculty Members And Research Scholars Of Chaudhary Charan Singh University: A Case Study, Devendra Kumar

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This paper analyzes the information needs and use pattern among faculty members and research scholars of Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut's university campus and six district colleges: Meerut, Bulandshahar, Muzaffarnagar, Saharanpur, Baghpat, and Ghaziabad. A structured questionnaire was distributed among 425 faculty members and research scholars, of whom 200 (47.05%) responded. The study examines the purpose of visits to the library, use of different types of information sources, current literature in the field of interest, and difficulties faced in accessing information. The paper examines the preference for information sources and their use. Statistical analysis was done by applying simple percentage …


Assuring Quality In Distance Education For Library And Information Science: The Role Of The Library, V Gopkumar, A Baradol May 2009

Assuring Quality In Distance Education For Library And Information Science: The Role Of The Library, V Gopkumar, A Baradol

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The concept of distance education and its use in Library and Information Science (LIS) education are presented. The importance of providing library and information services for LIS distance learners to enhance quality is discussed. The paper points out that web based information services can be used to extend library and information services to distance learners. Options and resources available are discussed in detail. A way of re-engineering of library and information services is highlighted.


Libraries And The Future Of Search, Judith O'Dell May 2009

Libraries And The Future Of Search, Judith O'Dell

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Libraries have traditionally created records classifying and describing sources of information which are then organized into a system used to retrieve or locate those sources. Google, in contrast, is focused on creating a search engine that in theory would alter or eliminate the need to organize records. Are these strategies in direct competition or are they leading to some mutual system? Is Google's approach a realistic expectation given the technological, business, social, political, and legal trends of today? Assuming the creation of this or a similar capability, what will it mean for the future of searching in libraries? Will it …


Societal Transformation And Reference Services In The Academic Library: Theoretical Foundations For Re-Envisioning Reference, Pamela N. Martin May 2009

Societal Transformation And Reference Services In The Academic Library: Theoretical Foundations For Re-Envisioning Reference, Pamela N. Martin

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This paper draws on theories of societal transformation, specifically the information society and postmodernism, to pinpoint challenges and offer concrete advice for re-envisioning reference services in the academic library, including traditional reference work and formal library instruction. Rather than acting as experts to whom all patrons should defer, reference librarians should serve as helpful guides and fellow explorers of the information universe.


The Role Of Library And Information Science Education In National Development, Fatemeh Malekabadizadeh, Farhad Shokraneh, Akram Hosseini May 2009

The Role Of Library And Information Science Education In National Development, Fatemeh Malekabadizadeh, Farhad Shokraneh, Akram Hosseini

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Rapid expansion of knowledge and new technology have had an effect on national development. Development is influenced by factors such as culture, economy, and education. Libraries are important indicators of growth and development. They provide scientific services, fulfill social needs, and help individuals flourish. Librarians and library and information science (LIS) programs must recognize the need to change in order to strengthen development. This study discusses changing LIS curricula and the necessity of curricular changes in this field in Iran as a key factor in national development. The study provides some guidelines for these objectives.


The Role Of The Iranian Library And Information Science Association In The Informal Education Of Librarians, Mohammad Zerehsaz, Tania Azadi, Fatemeh Pazouki May 2009

The Role Of The Iranian Library And Information Science Association In The Informal Education Of Librarians, Mohammad Zerehsaz, Tania Azadi, Fatemeh Pazouki

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This article reports on a survey of librarians on their view of the role of the Iranian Library and Information Science Association in informal education of librarians. The survey uses a descriptive-analytical approach with categorized sampling of two groups of members in Tehran and Khorasan. The results show that the association is successful in holding informal training programs for librarians. The T test indicates no significant difference between librarians in Tehran and in Khorasan except in two factors. The difference is shown in positive effect on job evaluation, and suitability of scheduled dates, date of monthly seminars, and level of …


Small Group Teaching In Library And Information Science, Razieh Zahedi May 2009

Small Group Teaching In Library And Information Science, Razieh Zahedi

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Educational systems must recognize and develop students' potential. The educational environment is very influential in doing this. Small group teaching provides such an environment. In this method, students are divided into groups where they discuss ideas, communicate opinions, and solve problems. Types of small group teaching include seminars, problem solving classes, and tutorials. Small group teaching helps develop intellectual skills such as reasoning and problem solving, critical thinking and other communicative skills, such as listening, asking, and answering. The current paper is a review article that includes the concept of small group teaching and its characteristics. The role, place, and …


Chat Reference: Training And Competencies For Librarians, Atefeh Noorizadeh Ghasri May 2009

Chat Reference: Training And Competencies For Librarians, Atefeh Noorizadeh Ghasri

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Chat reference is an increasingly popular service. This article introduces chat reference as a new concept that is not extensively used in libraries in Iran, and discusses the knowledge and competencies that librarians must use in the process. Training courses in chat reference that have been used are noted and suggestions are made for including chat reference training in LIS curricula.


Librarians' Education In The Age Of Knowledge: Consideration Of Skills, Methods, And Tools, Akram Fathian Dastgerdi May 2009

Librarians' Education In The Age Of Knowledge: Consideration Of Skills, Methods, And Tools, Akram Fathian Dastgerdi

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The demands of a knowledge-based society require librarians to have new skills. This article analyzes the necessary skills and means of acquiring them. Librarians need skills in knowledge management, information science, use of information and communication technologies, the ability to facilitate and support of electronic learning and sharing of information with other organizations. Methods of learning both inside and outside the organization are considered, including in-service training, workshops, web-based learning, and visits to other libraries.


Third Wave Changes: The Role Of Information And Communication Technology (Ict) In The Definition Of Librarianship, Faezeh Sadat Tabatabaee Amiree, Bentolhodah Khabbazan May 2009

Third Wave Changes: The Role Of Information And Communication Technology (Ict) In The Definition Of Librarianship, Faezeh Sadat Tabatabaee Amiree, Bentolhodah Khabbazan

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

A scientific revolution began in the 1950s, bringing what have been called “third wave changes.” Science and information technology brought innovations and inventions with increasing speed. One of the fields affected by information technology is education, with resulting changes for librarianship. This article discusses methods of digital education and its application in librarianship.


Rss Applications In Libraries And Information Centres, Sadanand Bansode, N.B. Dahibhate, Kishore Ingale Mar 2009

Rss Applications In Libraries And Information Centres, Sadanand Bansode, N.B. Dahibhate, Kishore Ingale

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

RSS feeds can be used to aggregate and disseminate a great deal of web content efficiently. Libraries are making use of RSS feeds and creating them for a number of library services. The use of RSS can create efficiencies in managing information and communicating with library users.


A Student Profile Of Information And Records Management Departments In Turkey, Fatoş Subaşıoğlu, Erkan Özdemir Mar 2009

A Student Profile Of Information And Records Management Departments In Turkey, Fatoş Subaşıoğlu, Erkan Özdemir

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Using information well is a significant part of daily life. In an environment that depends on information, university Information and Record Management (IRM) Departments have an important role in the education of professionals. This paper contributes to efforts to depict the profile of future information professionals and, in the light of information gathered this way, to help rearrange relevant curricula, provide environments conducive to students learning needs, and plan for the future.


Academic Status And The Doctoral Degree Requirement For Promotion Of Librarians In Nigerian University Libraries, M.O. Salaam, F.N. Onifade Mar 2009

Academic Status And The Doctoral Degree Requirement For Promotion Of Librarians In Nigerian University Libraries, M.O. Salaam, F.N. Onifade

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Librarians in federal universities in Nigeria have had academic status since 1993. They have a research and publication requirement for promotion, and are prominent in the professional literature. While the terminal degree remains the master's in library and information science, it is increasingly common for a doctorate to be required for librarian promotion in Nigerian universities. One problem with this requirement is the small number of doctoral programs in library science that are available. A survey of academic librarians was conducted. A questionnaire sought information on whether or not Nigerian university libraries have introduced the PhD as a requirement for …


Hec National Digital Library: Challenges And Opportunities For Lis Professionals In Pakistan, Nosheen Fatima Wairrach, Muzammil Tahira Mar 2009

Hec National Digital Library: Challenges And Opportunities For Lis Professionals In Pakistan, Nosheen Fatima Wairrach, Muzammil Tahira

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Challenges and opportunities presented by the HEC National Digital Library programme (NDLP) are presented. The case of the University of the Punjab represents the major challenges faced by LIS professionals in the use and awareness of this programme. The study is based on the interviews with library professionals working in the Punjab University Library, relevant issues as described in local literature, and researchers' observations and experiences. A diagnostic-cum-prescriptive approach is used in discussing and making conclusions.


Databases: From Paper-Based To Web-Based, Alireza Isfandyari Moghaddam Mar 2009

Databases: From Paper-Based To Web-Based, Alireza Isfandyari Moghaddam

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Organizing and retrieving information in traditional databases with a limited amount of information is relatively straightforward, but the power of the Internet creates positive change as well as challenges. This article describes the nature and use of web-based databases (WBDBs), including their purpose, definition, functions, search capabilities and maintenance.


Online Social Networking Sites And Privacy: Revisiting Ethical Considerations For A New Generation Of Technology, Peter Fernandez Mar 2009

Online Social Networking Sites And Privacy: Revisiting Ethical Considerations For A New Generation Of Technology, Peter Fernandez

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Libraries in the US have a different ethical obligation regarding privacy than do the companies behind the most popular social networking websites. By maintaining a presence on social networking sites, libraries risk legitimizing companies whose primary goal is profit, and whose profit is based on the free flow of information about their customers. This article outlines a model for thinking about these two seemingly contradictory perspectives on privacy. Despite legitimate concerns over privacy, social networking sites are not entirely incompatible with the mission of most libraries. Responsible appropriation of this technology however, requires a nuanced understanding of both libraries commitment …


Effects Of Information Literacy Skills On The Use Of E-Library Resources Among Students Of The University Of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, Abdulwahab Olanrewaju Issa, Amusan Blessing, Umma Dauda Daura Mar 2009

Effects Of Information Literacy Skills On The Use Of E-Library Resources Among Students Of The University Of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, Abdulwahab Olanrewaju Issa, Amusan Blessing, Umma Dauda Daura

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study investigated the effects of information literacy skills on the use of e-library resources among students of the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. A survey was used to collect data from 72 students, and interviews were conducted with some library staff. The study reveals that although a majority (61.11%) claimed awareness of the availability of e-resources, only 25 (34.72%) make use of them.The study recommends that the university adopt information literacy standards and being teaching information literacy.


Recruitment And Retention Of Personnel Directing Rural Libraries: A Review Of Literature In Preparation Of A Study For Idaho, Thomas Ivie Feb 2009

Recruitment And Retention Of Personnel Directing Rural Libraries: A Review Of Literature In Preparation Of A Study For Idaho, Thomas Ivie

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

“There is an assumption that the public library is predominantly an urban institution, and while that depends on how the words ‘urban' and ‘rural' are defined” (Sager, p. 5), the statistics reveal that the majority of public libraries tend to exist in towns or population centers of under 25,000 (Vavrek, May 1983, p. 966). Whether or not one agrees with the projection that “…most public libraries, even the smallest, will be led by professional managers” (Kirwin, p. 7), the library and information science profession needs to increase its knowledge about those among its ranks who manage the majority of the …


Availability And Use Of Icts In Collection Management In University And Special Libraries In The Niger-Delta Region, Nigeria, Daniel Emojorho, K.I.N. Nwalo Feb 2009

Availability And Use Of Icts In Collection Management In University And Special Libraries In The Niger-Delta Region, Nigeria, Daniel Emojorho, K.I.N. Nwalo

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study investigated the availability and use of ICTs in collection management in university and special libraries in the Niger-Delta region, Nigeria. The study uses an ex post facto descriptive design, with a questionnaire to collect data from users, library staff, and heads of libraries. From the target population of 27,730, the researcher sampled 845 subjects through simple random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics were used for the research questions while chi-square statistic was employed to test the research hypotheses in the study. The hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. There was a significant difference in the availability of …


Patterns Of In-Service Training For Special Libraries: A Pilot Study, Queenette Doh-Ilomechine Feb 2009

Patterns Of In-Service Training For Special Libraries: A Pilot Study, Queenette Doh-Ilomechine

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Training is essential for every organization. It is important for motivation and productivity. The Petroleum Training Institute has undertaken a number of training efforts. This study is a pilot project using a small population at one institution to assess the types of training programs available and the impact of training on the employees, the purpose and benefit of training to both staff and management of the Petroleum Training Institute. This pilot study gathered data using the survey method and employing a questionnaire. The Petroleum Training Institute library has 26 employees. This study is a census of the entire population. The …


Higher Education And Information Literacy: A Case Study Of Tai Solarin University Of Education, C. Amalahu, O.O.E. Oluwasina, O.A. Laoye Feb 2009

Higher Education And Information Literacy: A Case Study Of Tai Solarin University Of Education, C. Amalahu, O.O.E. Oluwasina, O.A. Laoye

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study explores students' use of information and communication technology (ICT) for research and the reason for choosing ICT as a tool. A questionnaire was distributed at a university of education, using a stratified sampling method to select respondents. The library and the e-learning centre were covered. The results revealed a high use of electronic media. Respondents prefer the Internet over the library. Problems include slow server speed, lack of computer knowledge, inadequate number of computers, noise from staff and students in the library, and an inadequate library collection.


Information Seeking Behavior And User Satisfaction Of University Instructors: A Case Study, Muhammad Rafiq Feb 2009

Information Seeking Behavior And User Satisfaction Of University Instructors: A Case Study, Muhammad Rafiq

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study investigates information-seeking behavior and satisfaction level of teachers of National Textile University, Pakistan. A questionnaire collected data on preferred types of information sources and formats, methods for getting information, and level of user satisfaction of library services. The findings reveal that books, communication with colleagues and friends within NTU, journal articles, and communication with colleagues and friends in industry were the most preferred information sources. Both electronic/digital and printed formats were equally preferred by the respondents. The use of Internet and email is widespread. A majority of respondents prefer to visit the library themselves to get the required …


Alive And Well: Revisiting Sable's "Death Of Book Selection", Okoro C. Chukwu Feb 2009

Alive And Well: Revisiting Sable's "Death Of Book Selection", Okoro C. Chukwu

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This paper revisits a debate on the role of book selection that began in the 1960s, and articles by Lawrence Thompson and Arnold Sable that reflect the two sides of the debate. The state of libraries in Africa and other developing countries due to inadequate funding argues in favor of Thompson's book selection dogma, that uses careful selection to balance the needs of users with limits on funds and space.


Effectiveness Of Library Resources In The Libraries Of Agricultural Research Institutes In Nigeria, Lily Oluebube Ezeala Feb 2009

Effectiveness Of Library Resources In The Libraries Of Agricultural Research Institutes In Nigeria, Lily Oluebube Ezeala

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study used surveyed 340 researchers from all the 14 agricultural research institutes in Nigeria. The response rate was 73.5%. The research objective was assess the effectiveness of agricultural research institute libraries. The study revealed that library resources and services are inadequate, largely due to underfunding by parent institutions.