115 research outputs found
Evaluating the interface features of New Zealand academic library OPACs by using a checklist approach
No full textVarious studies have been carried out to evaluate the interface usability of OPACs. However, none of them have been conducted to assess the user interfaces of New Zealand academic library OPACs. To evaluate user interfaces of OPACs, there are some different methods that can be applied. In this research, the author used a guideline checklist approach. Data regarding the interface features of thirteen academic library OPACs in New Zealand were collected via the internet and analyzed through using the Microsoft Excel program. The research found that there were many improvements from usability across all feature categories of the surveyed OPACs. In general, most OPACs received high scores in the areas of bibliographic display, text, layout, labels, and user assistance. However, most of these enhancements had been done related to features that libraries can customize for their users such as bibliographic displays, text, or user assistance. Most new features that are related to the ability of search engines such as word cloud, faceted navigation, the most popular ranking, and related items were not found in the surveyed OPACs. Compared to other software-based OPACs in the current research, the Voyager-based OPACs, on average, scored higher in most feature categories that were designed in the checklist. The results show that three of four libraries that used Voyager products occupied the highest positions in the thirteen New Zealand academic library OPACs.
Moreover, during the research process, the author recognized that some features which existed in the surveyed OPACs were not included in the checklist. On the basis of the findings, some recommendations were offered
Topological quantum transitions in a two-band Chern insulator with n = 2
No full textBased on a two-band Chern insulator with Chern number n = 2, we study the transport properties and the topological phase transition induced by either an external magnetic field or disorder. In this paper, a characteristic topological phase transition from n = 2 to n = 0, which is in sharp contrast to the plateau-plateau transition in the integer quantum Hall effect, is observed. This unique feature of the phase transition should be ascribed to the minimal two-band feature of this high Chern insulator. We prove this result by studying the transport properties of many different geometrical structures and the evolution of the Chern number in the presence of magnetic fields and strong disorder.Physics, Condensed MatterSCI(E)[email protected]
How much do subject headings help keyword searches? : the effect of Library of Congress Subject Headings on keyword relevance search results in the National Library of New Zealand's National Bibliographic Database :
No full textThe popularity of Internet search engines means library users are increasingly using keyword searches to seek items through web-based online public access catalogues (OPACs). Previous studies have found that library users find subject searching in OPACs difficult. It is important for libraries to explore ways to improve subject access through OPACs in light of continuing technological developments. This research project aims to assess the usefulness of Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) when National Library of New Zealand National Bibliographic Database (NBD) users carry out keyword relevance searches to seek information on a particular subject area. In theory, the addition of LCSH to a catalogue should increase the number of relevant records retrieved, since the subject headings provide more access points for document retrieval and control synonyms and homographs. To evaluate the theoretical benefits, this study used real search terms drawn from the transaction logs of searches conducted by NBD users. Their searches were then replicated by the author and the retrieved records examined to assess to what extent LCSH helps improve subject access. The findings indicate that LCSH helps users find relevant records in NBD, but its effects are inconsistent, thus limited. Possible improvements to the subject access mechanism of NBD OPAC are suggested, including automatic truncation of search terms and online thesaurus based on LCSH authority records
SMS-alapú könyvtári katalógus
No full text-GOH, Tiong T. – LIEW, Chern Li: SMS-based library catalogue system: a preliminary investigation of user acceptance. = The Electronic Library, 27. köt. 3. sz. 2009. p. 394–408
Digitális könyvtári kutatás 1997–2007. Szervezeti és személyi kérdések
No full text-LI LIEW, Chern: Digital library research 1997–2007. Organisational and people issues. = Journal of Documentation, 65. köt. 2. sz. 2009. p. 245–266
Planning approach used by New Zealand public libraries for mobile library services
No full textResearch problem: Little research has been published on mobile library planning. This research aimed to determine the planning approach used by public libraries for mobile library services in New Zealand and gain insight into their perceived impact.
Research Methodology: An interpretivist research paradigm necessitated a qualitative methodology. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants from North Island public libraries. A collective case study covering four mobile libraries was used and data was collected through semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was guided by the constant comparative method.
Conclusions: Planning included a service review, presentation to council, general library policy, benchmarking, community consultation, timetable reviews, tendering and building. Planning involved a team and took up to eighteen months. Planning methods associated with beneficial mobile library service outcomes were community consultation, benchmarking activities, needs assessment, liaison with bus builders, and tailoring the service to meet changing needs. Also recommended were defining purpose, promotion and a team approach. Other factors affecting outcomes were politics, demographics, community attachment, technological infrastructure, and staff issues. Implications for practice and suggestions for further research are given
Knowledge management within library teams : to what extent is this practiced in Crown research institutes
No full textThis research project addresses the lack of information about knowledge management (KM) within special library teams in library literature. While there are numerous papers on libraries helping their wider organisation manage knowledge, little is to be found on the application of that same practice to the library team itself. Its purpose therefore, was to investigate the extent of KM practice in special library teams at Crown Research Institutes. An integrative literature review was carried out to obtain a list of favourable characteristics towards successful knowledge management in teams, examples of KM practice in libraries, and models to consider in best practice framework. A collective case study of CRI libraries ensued with exploratory email questionnaires to key contacts, followed by a descriptive online survey of all CRI library staff. The latter used a mixed qualitative and quantitative approach, employing Likert scales for empirical data collection. Empirical evidence shows that while CRI library teams strongly display the necessary characteristics for successful KM, not all CRI library teams consistently practice KM to a high extent at present. A best practice document for CRI library teams was compiled as a research outcome
The impact of cloud software’s agile development on staff roles and delivery of client services: A case study of the University of Auckland Libraries & Learning Services
No full textResearch problem:
In 2014, the University of Auckland replaced its legacy Voyager library management system installed in 1998 with the Ex Libris Alma system, which has been developed around Software as a Service (SaaS) architecture. The objective of this research was to investigate the impact of cloud software’s agile development on staff roles and client services delivery in a tertiary library environment, using University of Auckland Libraries and Learning Services as a case study.
Methodology:
Framed by organisational change management in the context of technological innovation, a detailed exploration of the University of Auckland’s shift to the cloud software was carried out, from an employee perspective. As a means of collecting rich data from a variety of sources and multiple perspectives from within the organisation, an online survey about Alma Fulfillment, the functional area of Ex Libris Alma used to deliver client services, was distributed to frontline staff six months after Alma’s implementation.
Results:
The research found that, notwithstanding the perceived strengths of the new cloud software to deliver enhanced client services from the staff-user perspective, there was a strong preference for ongoing dissemination of information and instruction for frontline staff, particularly on the enhancements and new features regularly deployed by the service provider.
Implications:
This research enables further understanding of factors affecting engagement for employees in new systems and potential barriers to effective and efficient service during significant cultural, functional, and technical change
Investigation into the key factors influencing the decision to subscribe to print and/or electronic Education serials in New Zealand's publicly funded tertiary institutions
No full textThis research aimed to investigate which factors influence the decision serial acquisition librarians make when deciding whether to subscribe to print and/or electronic education serials. Five major factors were found which continually re-occur in the literature. These were: cost, access, prestige, storage (of print serials) or archiving (of electronic serials) and timeliness of delivery. The majority of the literature available on this topic is predominantly based on North American case studies or situations meaning there is little or no relevant data for New Zealand. It was decided to survey all of New Zealand's publicly funded tertiary institutions (i.e. the universities, polytechnics and colleges of education), as these are a very separate group under the umbrella of New Zealand's tertiary institutes. All 30 of these institutions were sent a copy of a survey addressed to the serials acquisition librarian. The survey attempted to find out if New Zealand tertiary serial acquisition librarians agreed that the five factors (listed above) were major factors in their decision making processes. Or if they weren't, what other factors did they consider to be important. It was found that New Zealand tertiary serials acquisition librarians consider all of the factors from the literature (access, cost, prestige, archiving, storage and timeliness of delivery) important. However their order of importance is dependent on the size of the institution, though cost is always the most important factor (in both the literature and for all the New Zealand tertiary institutions regardless of size)
Geographic Information Systems and Geospatial Data in New Zealand and Australian Academic Libraries
No full textResearch problem: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) offer a means of gathering, viewing, managing and analysing spatial information. Technological changes are making GIS more widely accessible to researchers in many disciplines. Academic libraries have responded to growing demand by implementing GIS support services. Little research has been undertaken regarding GIS services provided by academic libraries in New Zealand and Australia. This research project aimed to discover the extent and nature of GIS services offered and librarians’ perceptions regarding factors influencing implementation of library GIS services.
Methodology: A quantitative study was carried out of tertiary academic libraries in New Zealand and Australia. 78 academic libraries or library networks were invited to complete an online questionnaire regarding GIS services in their library and wider institution.
Results: 17 libraries (22%) completed the survey. 59% of surveyed academic libraries offer one or more GIS services. These are primarily university libraries at larger institutions. Non-university libraries offer few GIS services. Services relating to geospatial data management and information literacy are the most frequently offered. The implementation of new GIS services is driven primarily by stakeholder demand, while lack of demand, library staff knowledge of GIS and funding are the main barriers to implementation of new GIS services.
Implications: Academic libraries in the region need to be aware of the growth of GIS in academia and responsive to the needs of GIS users by monitoring demand for GIS services and introducing tailored, relevant and sustainable GIS services
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