Evidence Based Library and Information Practice (Journal)
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An Assessment of Information Control: Understanding Library Service Quality from Users’ Perspectives
No full textObjective – This study aims to measure library users’ perceptions of the quality of information control using LibQual, a survey instrument that measures library users’ minimum perceived and desired levels of service quality across three dimensions: Effect of Service, Library as Place, and Information Control. Numerous studies using LibQual have emphasized the service aspect, while quality of information control has received less attention. Previous studies have reported low quality of information control in academic libraries.
Methods – A descriptive survey was conducted at the library of the Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara (UINSU), Medan, Indonesia, where active members of the library total 49,892. Using proportional random sampling, 100 completed surveys were obtained from a total population of 49,892.
Results – This study shows that the quality of information control in the library of UINSU Medan does not meet minimum user expectations. Nevertheless, ease of navigation of information was perceived as acceptable. The study also reveals that the library has promoted information services through exhibition activities, user education activities, and social media.
Conclusion – The findings suggest the need for libraries to improve the quality of information services, including content of information, access protocols, search time, ease of navigation, interface, and access from outside the campus. Further, libraries need to conduct continuous service quality evaluation on a regular basis (using tools such as LibQual) to understand the needs of users in terms of information control better. The results from the present study provide strong evidence to support a recommendation that, in general, universities should provide required resources and funding for libraries to improve information services to ensure that the libraries meet quality standards
The Use of Search Request Forms Can Identify Gaps in a Consumer Health Library Collection
No full textA Review of:
Giannopoulos, E., Snow, M., Manley, M., McEwan, K., Stechkevich, A., Giuliani, M. E., & Papadakos, J. (2021). Identifying gaps in consumer health library collections: A retrospective review. Journal of the Medical Library Association: JMLA, 109(4), 656–666. https://doi.org/10.5195/jmla.2021.895
Abstract
Objective – The objective of this study was to determine if search request forms, which are used when a patron’s request for information cannot be fulfilled at the time of contact with the library team, can be used to identify gaps in consumer health library collections while offering some explanation for the gaps.
Design – Retrospective case study of search request forms.
Setting – A consumer health library at an academic cancer center in Canada.
Subjects – Library patrons: Patients, Patient family, other members of the center, and unspecified.
Methods – The researchers reviewed 260 search request forms submitted between 2013 and 2020. Of those, 249 records met inclusion criteria and were analyzed and coded. Coding included patron type, cancer diagnosis, information delivery, and content themes. This information was then used to identify gaps in the library collection and the reasons for the gaps.
Main Results – Patients were the primary patrons, asking 62.9% of the questions, followed by family members at 22.5%. The most common cancer type researched was breast at 23.3%, then hematology at 16.5%. gynecology, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and sarcoma were next between 10% and 8.4%. The remaining cancer types ranged between 6.0 % and 2.0%, with brain being the lowest. Of the questions asked, 60% revealed a gap in the collection. The gaps included rare cancer diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis. There were data collected on why the information was unavailable. While 53% of the gaps were a result of limited health consumer information, 25% were a result of paywall restrictions or content restricted to members.
Conclusion – Search request forms can be an effective tool in evaluating gaps in collections. In this study, the researchers were able to identify that breast cancer patients made up the most significant proportion of patrons, and the biggest gaps in the collection were related to their treatment decisions. One opportunity to bridge this gap is through collaboration with clinical teams in developing patient friendly resources on this topic. In addition, inter-institutional collaboration between libraries may also help. Continued review of forms can help inform collection decisions to better meet the needs of patrons
Flexible Work Agreements: Here to Stay but Uneven in Equity and Promoting Success
No full textA Review of:Hosoi, M., Reiter, L., & Zabel, D. (2021). Reshaping Perspectives on Flexible Work: The Impact of COVID-19 on Academic Library Management. portal: Libraries and the Academy 21(4), 695-713. doi:10.1353/pla.2021.0038
Objective – The article seeks to assess the current state and the future of flexible work agreements (FWAs) in research libraries.
Design – The authors held semi-structured interviews with 31 individuals in library leadership roles.
Setting – Large American or Canadian research libraries during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Subjects – 31 individuals in senior leadership roles (ex: associate dean, director) at the top 50 research libraries in North America (based on the Association of Research Libraries Investment Index).
Methods – Interviews were conducted and recorded over Zoom with participant, investigator, and note taker. Investigators developed a quantitative coding instrument based on a selection of the interviews, then coded all interviews independently. Coded data were evaluated for broader themes in a collaborative fashion.
Main Results – All participants had employees working partially or fully remotely at the time of the interviews. Half of participants observed gains in productivity during the pandemic, although even more commented on technology challenges. Other positives included remote project success and more inclusive meetings; other negatives included caregiving and job duties that did not allow for remote work.
Conclusion – While FWAs were widely available pre-pandemic, they were not normative. The majority of participants think flexible work will only increase in libraries and will influence recruitment and retention of employees, as well as utilization of library space
Approaches to Negotiating Change Through Evolving Library Management Styles in Australian University Libraries
No full textA Review of:Gunapala, M., Montague, A., Reynolds, S., & Vo-Tran, H. (2020). Managing change in university libraries in the 21st century: An Australian perspective. Journal of the Australian Library and Information Association, 69(2), 191-214. https://doi.org/10.1080/24750158.2020.1756598
Objective – Investigating current change management practices to create a conceptual management framework for the 21st century.
Design – Interviews using a qualitative constructivist approach.
Setting – Australian university libraries.
Subjects – Chief university librarians of 18 public universities out of 37 in Australia.
Methods – Chief university librarians in more than half of the public university libraries in Australia were interviewed. The interviews were completed face-to-face using a semi-structured questioning approach, based on themes and concepts derived from the literature review. Observation data were also gathered through physical visits to the libraries. The data analysis was conducted using two Microsoft Excel matrices, one grouped thematically and the other populated with relevant literature review commentary when it aligned with interviewee commentary. The conceptual framework used to guide the research is made up of six fundamentals of performance improvements to effectively manage change: resources, relevance, stakeholders, strategy, government policy, and university infrastructure. The research focused on current change management practices of chief librarians as they address these issues.
Main Results – The research revealed that the influence of, or the relationship between, the factors affecting changing university library environments creates a complex administrative environment where decision making addressing one of the fundamentals can have negative unintended consequences in one or more of the other key areas. The authors note that the literature and views of the informants show a change in the objectives of the future academic library characterized by, but not limited to, initiatives that are designed to meet changing needs of a diverse group of stakeholders. These objectives must be “innovative” and “add value to the university business rather than continue to do what was traditionally done” (Gunapala et al., 2020, p. 203).
Conclusion – The authors profess that the study provides theoretical insight to help library leaders address the many challenges currently in place and emerging across the Australian university library landscape. They assert that the research reveals the need to shift focus from a more traditional transactional oriented model to an engagement orientated model, due to the introduction of market forces coupled with declining public funding. They conclude by claiming to provide a theoretical framework that when practically implemented will allow library leaders to successfully navigate and negotiate emerging changes across the spectrum of higher education
Transforming Academic Libraries into Information Commons: A Proposed Model
No full textObjective – The main objective was to create an information commons (IC) model for the existing library with minimum structural changes to achieve maximum benefit. The subdivisions of the main objective were:
to find out students\u27 expectations and perceptions of an ideal learning environment;
to find out the factors which influence the satisfaction level of the students for the library;
to find out how satisfied are students from the existing library; and
to find out the current library usage pattern of the students.
Methods – Based on the available literature on the topic, an online questionnaire survey was constructed with Google Forms and sent to current cohorts studying at the institute through e-mail, along with the study\u27s rationale and a request for participation. We contacted 294 students, of which 199 responded. The data were analyzed and presented using Microsoft Excel.
Results – The findings of the study showed the keen interest of the students in library resources and services. It also showed that the students were not fully satisfied with the current library space and working hours. They wanted enhanced quiet areas and collaborative spaces where information experts help them use the current technology to improve their learning experience. Based on the gathered data analysis, an IC model for redesigning the existing library has been recommended.
Conclusion – The present study was the first step in research on ICs in the Indian context. This pilot study captured the perception and expectations of all levels of students: postgraduate, working executives, and senior-level executives. Most of the suggestions have been incorporated into the plan. With very few construction changes and new furniture, this model can be easily implemented in a small academic library without discarding the old furniture