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Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

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Full-Text Articles in Library and Information Science

The Use Of Information Sources And Services And Its Effect On The Research Output Of Social Scientists In Nigerian Universities, S.O. Popoola Apr 2008

The Use Of Information Sources And Services And Its Effect On The Research Output Of Social Scientists In Nigerian Universities, S.O. Popoola

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This article investigates the effects of the use of information sources and services on the research output of social scientists in the Nigerian federal government-owned universities. Simple cluster sampling with equal allocation method was used for sample selection. A self-developed questionnaire with a reliability coefficient (α = 0.78) was used for data gathering on 315 social scientists, of which 281 responded. The study found no significant difference between male and female use of information sources in social science research. The mean number of journals read on a regular basis by the respondents is seven. They occasionally use electronic information services …


Growth And Development Of Oriental Libraries In India, Sumeer Gul, Samina Khan Apr 2008

Growth And Development Of Oriental Libraries In India, Sumeer Gul, Samina Khan

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

India is a vast repository of different cultures, both because it was invaded by a number of foreign countries and peoples, and because of its contacts with people from the East. The languages from those Eastern countries are part of Indian literature. The literature in those Eastern languages created India 's Oriental libraries. This article traces the history of those libraries, which contain the literature pertaining to Oriental studies and languages. "Oriental" in this context refers to the ancient Near East, including India, Persia (Iran), and ancient Arabia, among other places, and the languages and literatures of those places and …


Should The American Canon Be Discussed In A Public Library? The Selection Of Classic American Authors In One Book Reading Projects, David C. Kupfer Apr 2008

Should The American Canon Be Discussed In A Public Library? The Selection Of Classic American Authors In One Book Reading Projects, David C. Kupfer

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This report considers four issues; the validity of an American canon; whether public libraries have a mandate to support it; whether the canon is supported in national One Book clubs; and the implications of support. A measurable appreciation of our literary heritage is found by comparing bestsellers with classics in One Book projects for adult discussion. In this program, supervised by the Library of Congress Center for the Book, libraries have selected venerated American authors three times as frequently as those with the greatest current sales. In the 21st century, patrons will continue to find a stimulating non-traditional study of …


Free Websites Of Value For Humanities Students And Faculty Researchers, Eileen Mcelrath Apr 2008

Free Websites Of Value For Humanities Students And Faculty Researchers, Eileen Mcelrath

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Studies show that faculty members, particularly those in social sciences, arts, and humanities, question the accuracy, reliability, and sufficiency of web resources for research. Undergraduate students, on the other hand, report that the web provides them information that they use to complete assignments. The purpose of this study is to find free web sites of value for humanities researchers and librarians. The study uses a content analysis of the annotated lists of librarian-evaluated free websites published in Reference & User Services Quarterly from 1999 to 2005 to determine the ones of value for Humanities researchers. Findings to date include approximately …


Parallel Systems: The Coexistence Of Subject Cataloging And Folksonomy, Elaine Peterson Apr 2008

Parallel Systems: The Coexistence Of Subject Cataloging And Folksonomy, Elaine Peterson

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Catalogers have always had to balance adherence to cataloging rules and authority files with creating cataloging that is current and relevant to users. That dilemma has been complicated in new ways because of user demands in the world of Web 2.0. Standardized cataloging is crucial for communication between computer systems, but patrons now have an expectation of social interaction on the Internet, as evidenced by the popularity of folksonomy. After a description of traditional subject cataloging and folksonomy, this article discusses several institutions where subject cataloging is still used, but where patron interaction is also encouraged. User-generated tags can coexist …


Information Repackaging And Library Services: A Challenge To Information Professionals In Nigeria, Enemute Basil Iwhiwhu Apr 2008

Information Repackaging And Library Services: A Challenge To Information Professionals In Nigeria, Enemute Basil Iwhiwhu

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study examines information packaging and re-packaging in library services. The survey research design was used for the study with a questionnaire as instrument for data collection. Forty professional staff available in academic and research libraries were surveyed. The study reveals that while the concept of information repackaging is not new, a majority of library staff are not adequately informed about it. Libraries in Nigeria can take a marketing approach to consider the potential for products and services. Repackaging information could increase user satisfaction, be a source of revenue, and help libraries achieve their goals.


Facilitating Scientific Research With Library Services: A Case Study Of The Ipr Library, Saroj Das, P.J. Pathak Apr 2008

Facilitating Scientific Research With Library Services: A Case Study Of The Ipr Library, Saroj Das, P.J. Pathak

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Research libraries have always played an important role in scientific developments. The Institute for Plasma Physics (IPR) and its library exemplify that important relationship. This paper describes the role played by the IPR library in the organizational research process.


The Use Of International Standard Bibliographic Description (Isbd) And The Quality Of Books Published In Nigeria, Uduak U. Enang Mar 2008

The Use Of International Standard Bibliographic Description (Isbd) And The Quality Of Books Published In Nigeria, Uduak U. Enang

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study sought to determine the extent to which Nigerian publishers use the International Standard Bibliographic Descriptions (ISBD) in Nigerian published books. Publishers and documentary evidence were used for the study. Two hundred and fifty publishers and one thousand books were used as sample for the study. The instruments used for the study were a standardized checklist of the book and a questionnaire. One null hypothesis was formulated and tested. The data collected were analysed using percentages and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). The study found out that use of ISBD significantly influences quality book publishing and affects the process …


A Survey Of Collection Development Practices In Technical Institutes In Ghaziabad, Utter Pradesh, India, Krishna Kumar, Akhtar Hussain, Neetu Singh Mar 2008

A Survey Of Collection Development Practices In Technical Institutes In Ghaziabad, Utter Pradesh, India, Krishna Kumar, Akhtar Hussain, Neetu Singh

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study surveyed the collections of the technical Institute libraries. The vast majority of collections are English language material (93.33%), followed by Hindi (16.67%). Most of the institutions in the population do not have substantial library collections in any format. The libraries of the technical institutes in the population serve faculty, research scholars, graduate students, and undergraduates. The budget for library materials is variable in the population. Some have no special library allocation. Most of the institutions devote their budget to the purchase of science and engineering material. Two-thirds of the institutions in the population offer the B. Tech. degree …


Marketing Of Library And Information Services And Products In University Libraries: A Case Study Of Goa University Library, M. Madhusudhan Mar 2008

Marketing Of Library And Information Services And Products In University Libraries: A Case Study Of Goa University Library, M. Madhusudhan

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Indian universities are facing issues such as budget cuts, increased publication costs, and money devaluation,and coping with ever-increasing information requirements of readers. There is an urgent need for the libraries and information centers to provide better library and information services. Libraries and librarians in Indian universities are forced to adopt marketing tools to become more competent and alert. This paper describes the marketing of library services and products with particular reference to Goa University Library. There is discussion of marketing concepts, on the investigation of potential markets, planning, targeted services to accurate market segments, and identification of competitive advantages.


Student Characteristics And Use Of Library Services In The University Of Uyo, Anthonia E. Omehia, Boma B. Obi, Henry Itohowo Mar 2008

Student Characteristics And Use Of Library Services In The University Of Uyo, Anthonia E. Omehia, Boma B. Obi, Henry Itohowo

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study investigated students' characteristics and their use of library services in the University of Uyo. Students' academic discipline, year of study, and socio-economic status were considered. The results of a structured questionnaire, returned by 528 students (81%) were subjected to t-test analysis, ANOVA, and multiple classification analysis (MCA) at 0.05 alpha level of significance. The findings revealed that students' academic discipline with 59%, year of study with 51%, and socio-economic status with 64% affected their use of library services.


Making E-Reference Books Findable, Mohan Ramaswamy, Tara Baillargeon, Charlene N. Simser Mar 2008

Making E-Reference Books Findable, Mohan Ramaswamy, Tara Baillargeon, Charlene N. Simser

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The Internet has significantly changed the ways in which information is provided, particularly in libraries. Libraries are buying increasing numbers of electronic reference (e-Reference) materials which are buried in the catalog or on web pages, not to be easily found by the user. Unlike print reference books, e-Reference books are not found on libraries’ reference shelves and, therefore, are underused. Libraries face the dilemma of how to make e-Reference books more accessible to patrons. Kansas State University Libraries are addressing this challenge by using the powerful metadata behind OPAC records to create browsable e-Reference lists. These lists are also published …


What Do Students Want? A Focus Group Study Of Students At A Mid-Sized Public University, Michael A. Weber, Robert Flatley Mar 2008

What Do Students Want? A Focus Group Study Of Students At A Mid-Sized Public University, Michael A. Weber, Robert Flatley

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Presents the findings of a focus group study to determine how students find information and what role they see the library playing on campus. Results indicated that relied heavily on the Internet for their information needs but felt the played a vital role.


Implications Of Hypertext Theory For The Reading, Organization, And Retrieval Of Information, Megan Fitzgibbons Mar 2008

Implications Of Hypertext Theory For The Reading, Organization, And Retrieval Of Information, Megan Fitzgibbons

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Hypertext, the creation of links within or among texts in a digital environment, is the basis on which documents are transmitted electronically. This paper explores implications of hypertext theory for how users read, seek, and understand information. Hypertext does not necessarily change reading cognition, but its nodal structure affects readers' interactions with texts on a conceptual level. From a broader perspective, hypertext applications create and organize networks of literature that can be retrieved on a multiplicity of levels. Hypertext and its connecting properties allow 1) information seekers to accomplish their tasks in a digital environment, and 2) information professionals to …


Librarians And The Attention Economy, Karl Bridges Mar 2008

Librarians And The Attention Economy, Karl Bridges

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

With the advent of Web 2.0, libraries began not only developing innovative technology, but also new economic paradigms for library services. The present economic situation for libraries is unsustainable. Libraries, as a practical matter, cannot pay attention to everything, to every node, to every leaf on the tree of knowledge. Through creation of multiple points of interaction with users the result is an increase in the level of attention paid by the user compared to the static nature of Web 1.0 technologies which were mostly passive in regards to the users.Web 2.0 also represents an attempt to deal with the …


Bridging The Information Divide Among Engineering College Libraries In Tamil Nadu, India: A Network Design, S. Sivaraj, S. Mohammed Esmail, M. Kanakaraj Mar 2008

Bridging The Information Divide Among Engineering College Libraries In Tamil Nadu, India: A Network Design, S. Sivaraj, S. Mohammed Esmail, M. Kanakaraj

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The pattern of engineering education and research is changing in response to new methods, techniques, and applications of technology. Engineering colleges are in constant need of information about developments in science and technology. In today's environment, it is impossible for any library to stand alone. No library can singlehandedly obtain all the material that is needed or requested. Engineering libraries must share resources and organize cooperative services. Advances in information technology offer methods of networking and resource sharing among the geographically dispersed and remotely located library and information centres. This paper discusses ways that engineering colleges can share resources in …


Self-Creation And Communal-Creation: A Philosophy Of Reference Service, Kristina Jung Mar 2008

Self-Creation And Communal-Creation: A Philosophy Of Reference Service, Kristina Jung

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Academic library reference service is vital to students. In the academic setting, reference service is closely tied to library instruction. Library instruction provides learning tools for the search for information. The academic library reinforces this idea by providing different channels for reference service, including the collection, the librarian, and instruction. Reference service can also be a part of open-ended semiosis for both the individual and the community. The academic library fosters relationships that create meaning through both self-creation and communal-creation.


Application Of Johari Window Theory To Understanding Librarian's Changing Roles As Information Providers, M. A. Akewukereke, Ibitoye Samuel Olukayode Mar 2008

Application Of Johari Window Theory To Understanding Librarian's Changing Roles As Information Providers, M. A. Akewukereke, Ibitoye Samuel Olukayode

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The Johari Window is a tool for improving organizational communication. It contains four quadrants, which represent how individuals are known to themselves and others. Using this tool can reveal more about librarians' self-image and can lead to stronger organizations and better service.


Development Of Public Libraries In India, Zahid Ashraf Wani Mar 2008

Development Of Public Libraries In India, Zahid Ashraf Wani

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This paper is an overview of public library development in India from ancient times to the present day. It describes initiatives undertaken by private foundations and by local, state, and central government, and details the particular characteristics of Indian society and their relationship to library and information systems.


The Reference Interview: Theories And Practice, Stephanie Willen Brown Feb 2008

The Reference Interview: Theories And Practice, Stephanie Willen Brown

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The reference librarian's task is to translate the patron's question into one that can be answered with the library's resources. The first element of that task is to know what the patron wants; the second is to know what resources the library has and how to use them. Reference librarians must learn continuously throughout their careers, both because new resources become available, but also because patrons present questions requiring new resources. This article will focus on how to determine what kind of information the patron needs through the reference interview.


Dialectic Schemes In Thesaurus Creation, Maziar Amirhosseini Feb 2008

Dialectic Schemes In Thesaurus Creation, Maziar Amirhosseini

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This article looks at the logical relationships between the categories that have led to the development of the thesaurus, including the historical origins of thesaurus construction. The research uses the dialectical, logical relationships of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis. Each step in the dialectic of thesaurus creation includes subjective and objective thought as part of the thesis and antithesis, resolved by the more absolute thinking of the synthesis.


An Assessment Of The Impact Of Book Aid International (Bai) On The Development Of Libraries In Kano State, Nigeria, Ahmed Mohammed Feb 2008

An Assessment Of The Impact Of Book Aid International (Bai) On The Development Of Libraries In Kano State, Nigeria, Ahmed Mohammed

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study looks at the impact of Book Aid International (BAI) on the development of libraries in Kano State, Nigeria. The study population is eighteen libraries that are benefiting from the BAI program. A questionnaire was used to obtain data. The respondents strongly believe that BAI is beneficial, and that it has improved library collections and services. Recommendations for programme donors and the beneficiaries are included.


Implementing Universal Basic Education (Ube) Through The Strategic Provision Of School Library Services, Amanze Onyebochi Unagha Feb 2008

Implementing Universal Basic Education (Ube) Through The Strategic Provision Of School Library Services, Amanze Onyebochi Unagha

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This paper examines the ways school libraries can provide services for the successful implementation of Universal Basic Education (UBE) in Nigeria. After tracing the origin and objectives of UBE, it discusses the concept of school libraries and their role in education. Library services are crucial to the success of UBE in Nigeria. They include library space in all schools, extension services, adequate and relevant information sources, recreational reading material, library work and study rooms, and resource-sharing between school libraries and public libraries.


Obstacles To Information Access And Use In Developing Countries, Akobundu Dike Ugah Dec 2007

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 Dec 2007

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 Dec 2007

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 Dec 2007

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 Dec 2007

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 Nov 2007

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 Nov 2007

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 …