Library and Information Research (LIR)
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RANKIN, Carolyn and BROCK, Avril (eds.) Library Services for Children and Young People: Challenges and Opportunities in the Digital Age. London: Facet. 2012.
Get PDFThe “use” of an electronic resource from a social network analysis perspective
Get PDFThis article employs social network analysis as a mechanism to bridge the typical ways of talking about usage statistics and to provide a context-specific perspective about the mediated use of electronic resources. The article reports on an analysis of data gathered at the Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles, California) about standard usage statistics as well as library Information Desk encounters during which an electronic resource is mentioned. Our analysis demonstrates that e-resources are suggested and used in concert; there are central resources that are mentioned together, instead of a single e-resource being suggested alone to resolve a given information need. We also learned that half of the available electronic resources are not suggested once during the year analyzed. The conceptual results of this work support the use of social network analysis in examining other relational aspects of library work. Practical results are reported as well, most notably the use of more than one resource to fulfil an information need
The Relationship between International Student Library Use and Information Needs
Get PDFThis study examines how international student library use relates to their information needs and the factors influencing their information needs. The collected quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentages) and inferential statistics (ordinal regression). The regression analysis confirms that demographics, human capital, and library use variables play significant roles in predicting international student information needs. Demographic variables such as age, human capital data such as education level, databases, interlibrary loan, e-journals, library reserve, ready reference, online subject guides, browsing the Internet, email and print materials are significant predictors of international student information needs, but this study indicates that gender, library catalog, and remote access to the library offerings make no difference. The findings will help library directors, managers and librarians to reflect on the factors’ influences and to use the results to break down international students into smaller groups and evaluate, develop and enhance services and resources to satisfy their increasing information needs
Using social media to create a participatory library service: an Australian study
Get PDFPublic libraries are increasingly using social media in an attempt to meet users in their own spaces. Social media can be useful when used to create a participatory library service emphasising engagement with users. However, there has been little empirical investigation into the success of social media use by public libraries. This article reports on the findings of a research project that explored the use of social media by Australian public libraries.
Two organisations participated in case studies that involved interviews, document analysis, and social media observation. To contextualise the use of social media in the case study organisations, a sub-study was undertaken involving observation of an additional 24 public libraries across Australia. This article focuses on the findings from the observation sub-study. It presents and applies a methodology for classifying social media content to determine whether the sample libraries’ social media use is indicative of a participatory approach to service delivery.
This article explores how a range of social media platforms are used by the sample libraries and considers what best practice in participatory library service looks like. The two case study organisations’ use of social media is highlighted as exemplary practice
Library value and impact: Taking the step from knowing it to showing it
Get PDFThe National Documentation Centre on Drug Use (NDC) is a unique Irish information resource that embraces elements of several library types: national, public, special, academic, digital, and health. This paper presents the results of an evaluation study carried out by NDC staff in two parts, a value survey and impact interviews. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to examine aspects of the value and impact of the NDC’s resources and services. Many elements of our approach worked well and contributed to the achievement of our aims and objectives. We outline our approach and suggest some modifications that we might make if we were to repeat the study
Reading lists – time for a reality check? An investigation into the use of reading lists as a pedagogical tool to support the development of information skills amongst Foundation Degree students
Get PDFThis article presents the results of an action research project exploring the use and value of reading lists for Foundation Degree students. The focus of the research was to look at the potential of reading lists to act as a pedagogical tool to support information skills development. The research methodology included focus groups with students, interviews with academic staff and reading list analysis. It was found that reading lists were being used by students to identify and find resources for their academic studies. Qualitative data from students and staff illustrate how reading lists are being used and the gaps between student and staff expectations of them. The article provides recommendations on how reading lists can be utilised to help students to develop their information skills
