The Strategic Management Practices In Academic Libraries In Kenya: The Case Of Usiu Library, Paul Maku Gichohi Mr.

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Abstract

This research investigated the practices of strategic management in academic libraries. The paper is based on a study that was conducted in 2009-2010. Using USIU library as a case study, it aimed to find out the nature of shifting paradigms in information management, establish the key challenges and ascertained how strategic management was practiced. A descriptive research design was used with a sample size of 153 drawn from students, library and teaching staff. Descriptive, inferential statistics and factor analysis were used. The volatility in information industry has necessitated the application of strategic management principles in information management. This is …

Deaccession Of Print Books In A Transitional Age Ii: Business, Science, And Interdisciplinary Studies, David E. Woolwine

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The paper, by means of citation studies, studies on information seeking behavior, and book format preferences and use, draws conclusions about the deaccession of print books in business, science and interdisciplinary studies in academic libraries. It is argued that deaccession of print books in business and science can proceed more quickly than in the humanities and social sciences. This is especially true for the sciences, with some evidence that print books continue to play a role in business scholarship and teaching. It is difficult to produce generalizations about deaccession in interdisciplinary studies.

Problems Of Library User Education In Nigerian Unity Schools, Nkechi, Anthonia Idoko, Brendan E. Asogwa, Richard N. C. Ugwuanyi

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the strategies that may be adopted for the enhancement of Library User Education for the acquisition of library use skills (LUS) in Unity Schools in South East Nigeria. Survey research design was adopted for the study. Out of a population of 29,358, multiple-stage sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 1,053 comprising 480 JS I students, 469 SS III students and 104 staff from the 12 Unity schools under study. Two research questions guided the study. Questionnaire titled Library User Education Questionnaire (LUEQ) was the instruments for data collection. …

Feminist Markup And Meaningful Text Analysis In Digital Literary Archives, Hannah M. Schilperoort

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

In this research paper, I examine three digital archives of women writers--University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Willa Cather Archive, Northeastern University’s Women Writers Online, and University of Alberta’s Orlando Project--for evidence of encoding practices and computational text analysis experimentation that supports feminist scholarship. I provide a brief overview of text encoding practices and controversies in digital literary studies, emphasizing research that suggests heavily detailed and interpretative markup results in more meaningful text analysis outcomes. I situate feminist text encoding and analysis practices and technologies within a larger argument for the use of detailed, interpretative and critical markup. I begin my research on …

Training And Development Issues: Evidence From Polytechnic Libraries In Ghana, Edward Asante, Anaba Alemna

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study sought to assess training and development issues in Polytechnic Libraries in Ghana. The mixed method approach was used as the research design for the survey. Questionnaire and interview schedules were used for data collection. Out of one hundred and forty-four copies of questionnaire distributed to the Librarians/Directors and Library Staff, one hundred and ten were retrieved, representing 76.4%. All the Librarians /Directors of the Polytechnic Libraries were also interviewed. The study revealed that all the Polytechnic libraries did not have their own training and development policies. The study brought to light that, majority of the staff of Polytechnic …

The Nigeria Freedom Of Information Law: Progress, Implementation Challenges And Prospects, Funmilola Olubunmi Omotayo

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Abstract

Freedom of Information (FoI) refers to the right which citizens in a society are expected to have to access information held by government institutions and officials. This paper reviews the Nigeria Freedom of Information Act, 2011 and discusses the progress that has been made so far with the enactment of the law. Challenges that are confronting the implementation of the Act are highlighted while solutions are proffered to the overcome these challenges. The paper also looks at the practicability of the law in relation to the current Nigerian context in terms of the understandings and attitudes of citizens and …

Preservation Of Information Resources In Selected School Libraries In Ibadan North Local Government Area Of Oyo State, Nigeria, Sunday A. Oluwaniyi

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Abstract

This study investigated the preservation of information resources in selected school libraries in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. The study examined the existence of preservation of information policies in school libraries, preservation measures in place, preservation equipment and materials available in school libraries, level of support given to preservation by the school management, level of training given to library staff on preservation in school libraries and barriers to effective preservation of information resources in school libraries.

The study adopted a descriptive survey research design and the instruments used were structured questionnaire administered to the school …

Use Of Information Resources By Student Nurses, Adebayo Afolabi Olajide, Aderonke O. Otunla Mrs

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Introduction: Information is crucial to the learning process and students explore various sources to meet their information needs.

Methodology: This work employed descriptive research design using a self-developed questionnaire to gather data from student nurses on the various information resources they use.

Result: The results of the research show that prints materials are the major information resources used by the students, who are active users of the library. Asking colleagues and librarians ranked highest among sources contacted for information. Ease of access and availability of information resources in the library were the most favoured characteristics when looking for information. Student …

Planning For Digitization Of University Libraries In Ghana: Challenges And Prospects, Perpetua Sekyiwa Dadzie, Thomas Van Der Walt

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study investigates the availability of strategic plans or policies for the development of digital libraries in selected universities in Ghana. A case study approach was adopted and interviews were held with three university librarians to determine their views on planning and budgeting for digitization. The findings reveal that all three university libraries have strategic plans, though some are outdated and therefore, rely on policies to ensure that digitization activities are enhanced. Budgetary support for digitization activities range from 16.6% - 50% of the total library budget. The study recommends that the libraries should have an up-to-date strategic plan which …

Local Model Of Crisis Management In Libraries Of Iran’S Research Centers (Mixed Research), Faezeh Farhoodi, Fahimeh Babalhavaeji

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Abstract

Present research aims to provide a local model of crisis management in libraries of Iran’s research centers. Research method is mixed of grounded theory and survey analytics. Research population (qualitative section) is composed of crisis management specialists and managers of research centers who was selected by an objective method, and quantitative section composes of 144 managers of research centers and libraries. Semi-structured interview and questionnaire were used. Principle areas of crisis management include: values (moral, religious and social values); human force (using experienced forces) and techniques (correct budgeting, increased skills, information process improvement, improvement of IT infrastructures and preventing …

Demographic Variables And Ict Access As Predictors Of Information Communication Technologies’ Usage Among Science Teachers In Federal Unity Schools In Nigeria, Kolawole Akinjide Aramide Dr, Sunday O. Ladipo Rev., Ibitayo Adebayo Mr

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study investigated the extent to which demographic variables and ICT access predict ICT use among science teachers in FUS in Nigeria. Out of the Four hundred and sixty four (464) copies of questionnaire administered on science teachers in 25 FGUSs only 353 copies were returned with useful responses. The findings of the study revealed ICT accessibility (B = .431), educational qualification (B = -.187), teaching experience (B = -.154), ICT use experience (B = .152), and location of ICT access (B = .144) as best predictors of ICT use among science teachers in FUSs in Nigeria. Also, the study …

Metadata And Linked Data In Word Sense Disambiguation, Matthew Corsmeier

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Word Sense Disambiguation (WSD) can be assisted by taking advantage of the metadata embedded in the various ontologies, lexica, databases, etc… that exist in the Semantic Web. Automated processes that exploit the links already present in the Semantic Web can strengthen parsing of word senses by using user-contributed and semantically-linked data. These processes are only possible because of a commitment to interoperability and the creation of shared standards. This paper will review some of the most heavily used Linguistic Linked Open Data (LLOD) tools and models which show the most promise for using metadata to alleviate problems caused by polysemous …

The Use And Application Of Open Source Integrated Library System In Academic Libraries In Nigeria: Koha Example, Emeka C. Uzomba Mr., Oluwatofunmi Jesudunni Oyebola Mrs., Anthony Chukwuma Izuchukwu Mr.

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study examined the use of open source integrated library system in academic libraries in Nigeria, with the aim of highlighting the capabilities and potentials of open source software (Koha) and its practical importance to academic libraries across the globe. The study was guided by five objectives and five research questions. A descriptive survey design was adopted in this research, with population of twenty-five (25) staff selected randomly from 25 different higher institutions that uses open source software in Nigeria: 19 universities (federal, state and private), 4 polytechnics (federal and state) and 2 colleges of education. The instrument used to …

Use Of Bioinformatics Resources And Tools By Users Of Bioinformatics Centers In India, Meera Yadav, Manlunching Tawmbing

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Information plays a vital role in Bioinformatics to achieve the existing Bioinformatics information technologies. Librarians have to identify the information needs, uses and problems faced to meet the needs and requirements of the Bioinformatics users. The paper analyses the response of 315 Bioinformatics users of 15 Bioinformatics centers in India. The papers analyze the data with respect to use of different Bioinformatics databases and tools used by scholars and scientists, areas of major research in Bioinformatics, Major research project, thrust areas of research and use of different resources by the user. The study identifies the various Bioinformatics services and resources …

Marketing Of Web-Based Library Resources In Nigerian Universities, Effiong Emmanuel Okon, Inyang John Ime, Etim Ima-Obong A

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This research work assessed the strategic issue of marketing of web-based information resources and services via library websites in academic libraries in Nigeria. Current status of university library websites was examined in terms of visibility, online services/resources and networking with subject gateways, professional associations etc. The study adopted survey design, with population of 44 university library websites and sample size of 16 library websites. Checklist was used for data collection and analyzed using simple percentage. The study revealed that academic library websites were under utilized for marketing of information resources as this development is evolving. It recommended that there should …

Awareness And Usage Of Cloud Computing Application Among Lis Professionals: A Case Study Of 17 Indian University Libraries, Sabiti Majhi, Sarika Meher, Bulu Maharana

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study was conducted in seventeen Indian university Libraries to assess the familiarity and usage of cloud computing applications among Library and information Science professionals. The investigator collected responses from 56 number of LIS professionals working at 17 Indian University Libraries, through a structured questionnaire. Results revealed that the usage of cloud computing applications in library operation and services is not very significant. However, LIS professionals are using those applications for different personal purposes like, Store Files Online, Store Personal Videos and photographs online and for Collaborative writing. However, majority of the librarians showed their concern over the security. Further, …

Effects Of Job Specialization And Departmentalization On Job Satisfaction Among The Staff Of A Nigerian University Library, Samuel Olu Adeyoyin, Florence Agbeze-Unazi, Olatundun Oluwatoyin Oyewunmi, Adewale Isau Adegun, Rafiu Olabamiji Ayodele

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Job specialization is the degree to which the overall task of the organization is broken down into smaller component parts. Departmentalization, on the other hand, is the grouping of jobs according to some logical arrangement. The effect of these two variables on job satisfaction among the staff of a library was the focus of this study. A descriptive research design was adopted while a survey method was employed to elicit information from the respondents for this study. Fifty (50) copies of questionnaires with 30 structured questions were distributed among the staff of Nimbe Adedipe Library, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta …

Research Outputs Of State Government Universities Of Odisha: A Bibliometric Study, Dr Sunil Kumar Satpathy, Manoj Kumar Sa

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study highlights the bibliometric analysis of research productivity of Odisha's state universities during 2010 to 2014 indexed in SCOPUS Database which is 490. The study analyzes different aspects of bibliometric study and found that Utkal University is the most productive institutions with 37.76% of total publications and growth rate of publication of the study is -105.63%. Physics and Astronomy is most preferred subject area having 20% of total publications. The most preferred journal for publications is Optics Communications and Indian Journal of Physics with 1.63% of contributions each and P.K. Mishra. Is the most productive author having 3.06% of …

Gandhian Philosophy And Literature: A Citation Study Of Gandhi Marg, Shiv Singh, Madan Singh Rana

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Gandhian Studies is at the brink of becoming as an established discipline. On the basis of a pilot study conducted, the journal "Gandhi Marg" was considered as a primary source in this field. Thus, a citation study of journal "Gandhi Marg" for the period of 1994 to 2013 has been conducted in order to understand the development and distinctiveness of the discipline i.e. Gandhian Study. For this purpose every issue of the journal “Gandhi Marg" has been examined for the period of 1994-2013 and all necessary information, related to references/citations appended were collected and tabulated in the Excel database. The …

Study On Information Need And Seeking Behavior Of The Health Science Students Of An Indian Deemed University, Manoj Mishra, D B. Ramesh, Susama Nanda, Sucheta Jena, Susanta Kumar Khuntia

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Objective: The objective of this study was to find out the study habit of health science students by using library of SIKSHA ‘O’ ANUSANDHAN University, Bhubaneswar. Methods: All the information are collected form students of four health science institutions of this University (N=420). All data were analyzed with the help of SPSS 20 software.

Results: This study found the use of e-resources for information retrieval by the students regularly or daily through internet /e-library which is higher than other retrieval process. Text, reference books and e-journals are also cited frequently by the students.

Conclusions: Though popular, …

Accessing Academic Library Services By Distance Learners, Samuel Owusu-Ansah, Chris K. Bubuama

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study seeks to investigate the accessibility of academic library services to distance learners, with specific reference to University of Ghana Library System (UGLS). A survey was conducted and one hundred and thirty eight (138) Level 400 distance learning students. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) is used to analyze the completed questionnaire.

The results revealed that a greater proportion of the respondents were not aware of the library services because they were not available on the UGLS. Distance learners had no remote access to library electronic resources and other databases and therefore did not strongly agree to …

Awareness And Use Of Information And Communication Technology (Ict) Among Farmers In Kerala: A Study, Akshaya Kumar K. S, Dr. Vijayakumar K.P.

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can be used as a potential tool to develop rural India, but the awareness and positive attitude towards the facilities offered by it is a necessity to use it to the full potential. The study tries to analyze the awareness of farmers about the various ICT tools in agriculture. Survey using questionnaire was resorted to collect data from user group. The user group under consideration consists of farmers registered to four KrishiBhavans in Nedumangad block, Thiruvananthapuram District of Kerala. Farmers with more than 1 acre of land registered in KrishiBhavans in the four selected blocks …

Management Of Indigenous Knowledge (Ifa And Egungun) In Osun State, Nigeria, Tunde Idris Yusuf, Kayode Joseph Olusegun

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study discussed the Management of Indigenous Knowledge (ifa and egungun) in Osun state, Nigeria. The literature is replete with indigenous knowledge and its cultural expression and heritage. In order to successful carry out the study, a survey research method was adopted using interview as the main instrument and personal observation to complement the main instrument, data gathering, the interview questions was analyzed and interpreted. Thus, the study concluded that knowledge has to be documented and managed for future reference, aid in decision making, education and for archival purpose. Appropriate recommendations were put forward for solving the present situation. Some …

Librarians, Research Scientists And Ict Adoption In Research Institutes In Ghana, Kodjo Atiso, Denice Adkins

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Since the inception of ICTs, there has been concern about the position of developing nations in relation to the technology. Whilst some studies opine that developing nations would be marginalized, other studies see a real opportunity for explosion through the technology. Indications are the technology can be a potential boon, if well managed or burden if not given the right attention. This study looks at technology adoption among librarians and research scientists in Ghana.

Comparative Analysis Of The Preservation And Conservation Techniques Of Selected Special And Academic Libraries In Nigeria, Janet O. Adekannbi, Femi-Wale Wasiu Wahab

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study was carried out to compare the techniques for the preservation and conservation of library resources in special and academic libraries in Nigeria. The study investigated the causes and types of deterioration, use of ICTs for conservation and preservation, preservation and conservation policies, and the challenges faced by both special and academic libraries in the conservation and preservation of their materials.

Survey method was employed and twenty libraries (13 special and 7 academic) were purposively selected from Lagos and Oyo states of Nigeria because of their use of preservation and conservation techniques. Data was collected using structured questionnaire and …

The Experience Of Information Literacy In Evidence-Based Practice (Ebp) Among Professional Nurses In The Ho Municipality Of Ghana, Dominic Dankwah Agyei, Christian Yaw Kofi, David Fiankor, Hawa Osman

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Purpose: This study aims to find out the information literacy competence of professional nurses in the Ho Municipality of Ghana in their pursuit of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP).

Design/methodology/approach: This study used the descriptive research strategy to describe the experience of information literacy among professional nurses in the Ho Municipality of Ghana. It used the purposive sampling method to select the various health facilities and the professional nurses. A total of 138 questionnaires out of 151 questionnaires that were administered were retrieved. The responses were presented and analysed based on the objectives of the study.

Findings: The study discovered that …

A Qualitative Coded Analysis Of Undergraduate And Graduate Student Library Instruction Feedback, Tina Budzise-Weaver, Susan P. Goodwin, Michael L. Maciel

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Student Feedback has become increasingly important as libraries tailor their services to the customer. A team from Texas A&M University Libraries analyzed student feedback forms to determine impressions from library information literacy classes. This paper analyzes student feedback forms through both traditional assessment and a coded-analysis using ATLAS.ti. These analyses determined student participation by number of attendees, student classification, and departmental majors. Overall themes emerged from students’ comments that provided insight into the information literacy sessions. The study found that reaching undergraduate students in their first–year and seeing graduate students more than once, makes a greater impact on their …

Influence Of Gender Difference On Reading Habit And Academic Achievement Of Undergraduate Medical Students In University Of Ibadan, Nigeria, Sunday O. Ladipo Rev., Sunmade Ajibola Gbotosho Mr

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study investigated the extent to which gender difference determine the reading habit and academic achievement of undergraduate medical students of University of Ibadan. Questionnaire was used to collect data from four hundred and twenty nine medical students randomly selected from the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Findings from the study revealed gender difference in the academic achievement of medical students in favour of male students. On the other hand, there was no gender difference in the reading habit of medical students. Findings on relationships between gender and academic achievement established a positive relationship just as a positive …

A Survey Of The Needs And Utilization Of Health Information Among Young Adults In Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, Samuel Olu Adeyoyin, Fadekemi Omobola Oyewusi

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Good health is an indispensable prerequisite for the socio-economic development of any country. The increasing number of health related problems among young adults in Nigeria warrants urgent and special attention. This study, therefore focused on health information needs and utilisation among young adults. Correlational research design was adopted for this study using descriptive survey method. Questionnaires were designed and used as survey instruments. The target population for this study were young undergraduates within the ages of 16-24 years. Federal University of Agriculture and Crescent University were selected because they are the two universities within the city of Abeokuta. The study …

Mapping Of Oceanography Research Productivity In India: A Scientometric Analysis, Ranganathan Chandrakasan

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study examines Oceanography Research in India as revealed by the scholarly publication indexed in Aquatic Science and Fisheries Abstract (ASFA) data base for a period of fifteen years from 2008 to 2013. It was seen that the analyses included research growth, author productivity, authorship pattern, Geographical distribution of the literature, global publications’ share, of international collaborative papers and major collaborative partner countries and patterns of research communication in most productive journals. The study reveals that, most of the researchers preferred to publish their research results in journals; as such 61.78% of articles were published in journals, more numbers of …