scholarly journals The Transition from Print to Electronic Journals: A Study of College and University Libraries in Indiana

2011 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jo McClamroch
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
College And University ◽  
Student Preference ◽  
Small Collection ◽  
Print Journal

Objectives – This study examines what factors are considered by college and university libraries in Indiana when making the decision to cancel subscriptions to print journals when an electronic equivalent is available. The study also looks at who the primary decision makers are in this regard. Libraries at public and private institutions of varying sizes were included in the study. Methods – An online survey was sent to seventy-three libraries in the consortium, Academic Libraries of Indiana. Structured interviews with administrators at nine libraries were also conducted. Results – Academic libraries in Indiana use subscription cost, redundancy of formats, student preference, budget reductions and usage as the primary factors in canceling print journal subscriptions in favor of their electronic counterparts. There is also a preference for the electronic format for new subscriptions even when a print version is also available. Conclusions – The study indicates that subscription cost is the most important consideration in the journal cancelation process with other factors also having an effect on the preference of libraries for electronic versions of journals. The study also shows that libraries at public and private colleges and universities are at different stages of moving away from print to an online-only journal format. At the same time, there is consensus that a small collection of print titles will still be needed. The primary decision-makers are librarians, faculty, and library administrators.

scholarly journals Measuring service quality in public and private sector university libraries of Pakistan

2012 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shafiq Ur Rehman
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Service Quality ◽  
Private Sector ◽  
Information Control ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Individual User ◽  
Small Collection ◽  
Zone Of Tolerance ◽  
Public And Private Sector

The problem addressed in this study investigates the perceived service quality of public and private sector university libraries of Pakistan from its users' perspective. More precisely the study compares the following four aspects between public and private universities: zone of tolerance for overall and individual user groups, dimension wise zone of tolerance for overall and individual user group, gaps between desires and perceptions, and significant differences in the service quality. The data were collected through LIBQUAL print questionnaire from 1473 library users (faculty, graduates and undergraduates) of 22 public and private sector university libraries (main/central) of Pakistan. The psychometric properties of instrument were established through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. The comparisons of overall, individual service level, and dimension wise gap scores revealed that private sector university libraries were generally meeting the minimum requirements of their users (except information control dimension) but, on the other hand, public sector libraries were not meeting minimum requirement in information control and affect of service dimensions. The study also found significant difference on service quality between private and public sector university libraries. The researcher found very interesting findings that small collection creates small expectations, and it is easy to meet or satisfy the needs of the users of small collection. The article also discusses findings, implications of results and limitations of the study at the end.

scholarly journals Seedbed of Professionalism in Southeastern College Libraries, 1890-1920

2014 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick M. Valentine
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Professional Growth ◽  
The United States ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Full Time ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
College And University ◽  
Consistent Basis ◽  
The 19Th Century

ABSTRACT:  The creation of academic libraries was a fundamental element in the rapid growth of higher education and mature literary culture in the United States at the end of the 19th century. This was the period when college and university libraries began their transformation from minor book depositories into centers of information. Southern colleges too were part of this transition and began developing their libraries and using full-time librarians during the Gilded and Progressive Eras.  Southern libraries, however, have seldom been studied on a consistent basis. This talk will explore the growth of academic libraries and the spread of academic librarians in the Southeast during this period.  These libraries, while remaining limited in size and numbers compared to those in other parts of the country, were quite aware of changes and attempted to keep up with professional growth.

scholarly journals Free Scholarly Electronic Journals: What Access Do College and University Libraries Provide?

2000 ◽  
Vol 61 (6) ◽  
pp. 500-508 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Fosmire ◽  
Elizabeth Young
Keyword(s):  
Random Sample ◽  
Web Sites ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
American Mathematical Society ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Electronic Journals ◽  
Scholarly Journals ◽  
Print Version ◽  
College And University ◽  
Abstracting And Indexing

Results of a survey of the level of access provided to selected, free scholarly electronic journals by academic libraries is reported. A list of scholarly journals that are available electronically without any access limitations was compiled, and for each title the number of holding institutions on OCLC and its coverage by major abstracting and indexing services were determined. The twenty-five most popular titles, determined by number of holding institutions on OCLC, were searched on a random sample of library Web sites and catalogs to provide a separate gauge for access levels provided by institutions. Despite approximately half the titles being indexed by major vendors, including 88 percent of the top twenty-five, access levels were fairly low and decreased dramatically with size of the institution. The Bulletin of the American Mathematical Society and Journal of Extension provide examples of free e-journals with print counterparts. Approximately one-half and one-third of the institutions, respectively, provide access to only the print versions of these journals (in the latter case, the print version is no longer produced, so access to current issues is not provided).

scholarly journals Teachers’ Readiness to Implement Digital Curriculum in Kuwaiti Schools

10.28945/3685 ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
pp. 105-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamed Mubarak Al-Awidi ◽  
Fayiz M Aldhafeeri
Keyword(s):  
Public Schools ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
School Curriculum ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Instructional Materials ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Digital Curriculum ◽  
Effectiveness Of Teacher Education

Aim/Purpose: The goal of this study was to investigate how Kuwaiti teachers perceive their own readiness to implement digital curriculum in public schools, and the factors that affect Kuwaiti teachers’ readiness to implement digital curriculum from their perspectives. Background: In order to shift from the traditional instructional materials to digital and more innovative resources, teachers have to be prepared for the transformational curriculum. Teachers need to acquire all the technical and pedagogical skills that enable them to integrate digital technology effectively and efficiently into the school curriculum. Methodology : Using a mixed-method research methodology, a random sample of 532 teachers participated in an online survey to determine the level of their readiness. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sub sample of the participants (21) to explore the factors that affect their readiness. The researchers developed and implemented a technology readiness survey in two domains (technical and pedagogical). Contribution: The study demonstrated that Kuwaiti teachers were not highly ready to im-plement the digital curriculum, and some issues should be considered to ensure the digital curriculum is effectively implemented. Findings Teachers are moderately ready for implementation of the digital curriculum in both components of readiness (technical and pedagogical). Teachers identified some factors that that hinder their readiness. These factors are related to time constraints, knowledge and skills, infrastructure, and technical support. Recommendations for Practitioners: This paper will guide curriculum decision makers to find the best ways to help and support teachers to effectively implement the digital. Future Research: Follow up studies may examine the effectiveness of teacher education pro-grams in preparing students teachers to implement the digital curriculum, and the role of education decision makers in facilitating the implementation of the digital curriculum.

scholarly journals Formal Mentoring Programs Can Provide Organizational and Professional Benefits, but are Few and Far Between in Canadian Academic Libraries

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsay J. Alcock
Keyword(s):  
Career Counseling ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Career Planning ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Mentoring Programs ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Informal Mentoring ◽  
College And University ◽  
New Graduates

A Review of: Harrington, M. R., & Marshall, E. (2014). Analyses of mentoring expectations, activities, and support in Canadian academic libraries. College & Research Libraries, 75(6), 763-790. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.5860/crl.75.6.763 Abstract Objective – To determine the extent to which formal and informal mentoring is present in Canadian academic libraries and how such activities meet expectations for new librarians, practising librarians, and library administrators. Design – Online surveys. Setting – Canadian college and university libraries. Subjects – Three groups were defined and surveyed: graduates from one Canadian MLIS program; librarians practising in a Canadian academic library, and library administrators directing a Canadian academic library. Methods – Participants were selected using stratified, purposeful sampling and were invited to participate in an online survey in December 2010. Three surveys were distributed in total; one for each of the three target groups defined. The surveys contained both closed- and open-ended questions. Students from one specific MLIS program graduating in December 2010 and Spring 2011 were directly invited to participate. An incentive was offered to the student group and the librarian group to encourage participation. Main Results – Mentoring programs in Canadian colleges and universities are present but are largely informal. Mentoring activities are positively correlated with student population, how long a mentor has worked professionally, and whether or not librarians had been mentored early in their careers. 83% of new graduates expected to be mentored when hired by a Canadian academic library while less than one quarter of librarians and no administrators reported having similar expectations when starting their professional academic careers. Over 50% of the students who responded to the survey reported that they had experienced some form of mentoring while completing their MLIS, though that may be related to the cooperative placement component of their educational program. All respondents, with the exception of university administers, indicated that library colleagues are appropriate mentors, while academic librarians and administrators felt that the mentorship relationship would not benefit were the mentor also the supervisor. Respondents placed the greatest weight of importance on mentoring activities related to academic expertise, career guidance, psychosocial support and role models, while indicating that evaluation was not considered to have a significant place in the mentor-mentee relationship. Networking, cultural complexities, general encouragement, and career counseling were seen as important mentorship aspects for both new graduates and practising librarians. Administrators in both college and university libraries were less likely to support mentoring particularly in the areas of assisting with grant writing, evaluation, and career counseling. In general, administrators were reluctant to develop or support formal mentor programming even though a significant percentage agreed that it would benefit succession planning. Conclusion – New graduates and practising librarians expect to participate in some form of mentoring activities yet there are very few Canadian academic libraries providing formal mentorship programming. The value of the mentor-mentee relationship with respect to organizational planning, recruitment and retention, as well as career planning, is perceived as high amongst new graduates, practising librarians, and administrators.

Recruitment and retention of information professionals: library leaders’ perspectives in Pakistan

2019 ◽  
Vol 68 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 568-580
Author(s):  
Nosheen Fatima Warraich ◽  
Kanwal Ameen ◽  
Amara Malik
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Dynamic Environment ◽  
Continuing Professional Development ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Settings ◽  
Information Professionals ◽  
Public And Private Sector

Purpose This study aims to highlight the issues and concerns specific to information professionals (IPs) in academic libraries of Pakistan. It identifies the problems that academic libraries face in attracting and hiring competent IPs along with the strategies to be used to recruit and retain them in the dynamic environment of academia. Moreover, it provides a list of required skills that employers would look for while hiring IPs in academic settings. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews of 20 library leaders involved in hiring process were conducted from 16 public and private sector universities. Findings Findings identified interpersonal skills as the most desired followed by the subject knowledge and IT orientation while hiring IPs for the present and foreseeable future. Good salary package, conducive work environment with opportunities for learning and continuing professional development and speedy promotion were significant perceived factors to attract and retain the talented professionals in university library settings. Practical implications The study would be helpful for policymakers and administrators to hire and retain the IPs capable of developing user-centered services in academic libraries. Originality/value Practical suggestions made for hiring, retaining and developing IPs in academic libraries would be beneficial for other developing countries with similar context. It addressed an unexplored area in the context of a developing country and reported original research that will assist policy and decision-makers to hire and retain competent human resources.

scholarly journals Analyses of Mentoring Expectations, Activities, and Support in Canadian Academic Libraries

2014 ◽  
Vol 75 (6) ◽  
pp. 763-790 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marni R. Harrington ◽  
Elizabeth Marshall
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Career Guidance ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Mentoring Programs ◽  
Mentoring Relationships ◽  
Mentoring Program ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
College And University

Mentoring expectations, activities, and support in Canadian college and university libraries were investigated by surveying 332 recent MLIS graduates, practicing academic librarians, and library administrators. Findings indicate that the presence of a mentoring program will help attract new librarians, retain them, and aid in restructuring efforts that are currently facing many academic libraries. Preferred mentoring activities include those belonging to psychosocial support, career guidance, and role modeling themes. Other results find that librarians who were mentored as new librarians, have more than 10 years of experience, and work in large academic institutions are significantly more likely to mentor others. Although currently not well-supported by academic administrators, this research shows that mentoring programs could be sustainable. Mentoring improves the professional experience for librarians who are more satisfied and engaged with their careers, which in turn benefits the organization with less turnover. Practical information from this research will guide academic library practitioners in current mentoring relationships, and library leaders can extrapolate results to support planning and implementation of mentoring programs. Implications for LIS education are also discussed.

The current influential factors in adoption of innovations in university libraries of Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sania Awais ◽  
Kanwal Ameen
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Local Context ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adoption Of Innovations ◽  
Library Staff

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the salient factors in adoption of innovations in university libraries of Pakistan. The topic is important because academic libraries need to be innovative for meeting the new vision/mission of higher education. A previous study conducted by the same researchers concluded an inappreciable state of a large majority of university libraries in Pakistan (Awais and Ameen, 2018). It is, therefore, necessary to examine and investigate the ground realities and important factors influencing in the local context.Design/methodology/approachQualitative design is used to explore the important influencing factors. Data are collected through conducting a series of semi-structured interviews from 15 academic library leaders belonging to traditional and 15 with a better status of innovations.FindingsMajor factors like behavioral issues of library staff, lack of trainings, lack of budget and leadership skills are causing hindrance in leading to adopt new trends and innovations. Vision of higher authorities, library team with new skillsets, funding by the Higher Education Commission, etc. favor adoption of innovations. All leaders of the academic libraries need to have a positive strong attitude, vision and planning to overcome the barriers in the path of adoption of innovations to survive and thrive.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is conducted in local context of Pakistan. Only viewpoints of librarians at top level are taken. Viewpoints of higher authorities, library staff and users are not taken for this study. Similarly, viewpoints of only 30 library leaders are taken, which is also a limitation of this study.Practical implicationsTraditional-type library leaders can overcome the barriers by going through the findings and conclusion. They can get ideas from the discussion of innovative-type library leaders.Social implicationsUniversity libraries can be improved by the help of policy makers and higher authorities. Eventually, users would get better learning, teaching and social environment.Originality/valueThe study is conducted in a local context of Pakistan. It may provide a guideline for some future planning and development of university libraries. The research will be also useful in creating awareness among professionals of other developing countries.

scholarly journals Bioinformatics in Mexico: A diagnostic from the academic perspective and recommendations for a public policy

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0243531
Author(s):  
Dagoberto Armenta-Medina ◽  
Christian Díaz de León-Castañeda ◽  
Brenda Valderrama-Blanco
Keyword(s):  
Public Policy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Public Investment ◽  
Academic Programs ◽  
Private Institutions ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Economic Sectors ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Technological Infrastructure ◽  
Current State

In this work, we present a diagnostic analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of the current state of Bioinformatics in Mexico. We conducted semi-structured interviews among researchers and academics with key expertise in this field, identified by bibliometric analyses and qualitative sampling techniques. Additionally, an online survey was conducted reaching a higher number of respondents. Among the relevant findings of our study, the lack of specialized human resources and technological infrastructure stood out, along with deficiencies in the number and quality of academic programs, scarce public investment and a weak relationship between public and private institutions. However, there are great opportunities for developing a national Bioinformatics to support different economic sectors. In our opinion, this work could be useful to favor a comprehensive network among Mexican researchers, in order to lay the foundations of a national strategy towards a well designed public policy.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document