UseofDigitalResourcesAmongSocialScientists:AnEvaluativeStudy
Thanuskodi, Alagappa University, India
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Title: Challenges and opportunities of open educational resources management / S Thanuskodi, editor
Description: Hershey, PA : Information Science Reference, [2020] | Includes bibliographical references and index | Summary: “This book explores the challenges and opportunities of open educational resources management”
Identifiers: LCCN 2019054330 (print) | LCCN 2019054331 (ebook) | ISBN
Subjects: LCSH: Electronic information resources Management Developing countries | Libraries Information technology Developing countries |
Open educational resources Developing countries | Digital libraries Developing countries | Education Effect of technological innovations on Developing countries
Classification: LCC ZA4045 C45 2020 (print) | LCC ZA4045 (ebook) | DDC
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2019054330
LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2019054331
This book is published in the IGI Global book series Advances in Library and Information Science (ALIS) (ISSN: 2326-4136; eISSN: 2326-4144)
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Data Analysis and Ethical Considerations of Qualitative Research Projects
Silas Memory Madondo (CeDRE International Africa Pvt, Tanzania)
Information Science Reference • © 2020 • 200pp • H/C (ISBN: 9781799844471) • US $175.00
Metamodernism and Changing Literacy Emerging Research and Opportunities
Valerie J Hill (Texas Woman’s University, USA)
Information Science Reference • © 2020 • 283pp • H/C (ISBN: 9781799835349) • US $165.00
Internationalization of Library and Information Science Education in the Asia-Pacific Region
Reysa Alenzuela (The University of the South Pacific Emalus Campus, Vanuatu) Heesop Kim (Kyungpook National University, South Korea) and Danilo M Baylen (University of West Georgia, USA)
Information Science Reference • © 2020 • 322pp • H/C (ISBN: 9781799822738) • US $195.00
Measuring and Implementing Altmetrics in Library and Information Science Research
Information Science Reference • © 2020 • 162pp • H/C (ISBN: 9781799813095) • US $195.00
Handbook of Research on Connecting Research Methods for Information Science Research
Patrick Ngulube (University of South Africa, South Africa)
Information Science Reference • © 2020 • 639pp • H/C (ISBN: 9781799814719) • US $275.00
Innovations in the Designing and Marketing of Information Services
John Jeyasekar Jesubright (Forensic Sciences Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, India) and P Saravanan (Lekshmipuram College of Arts and Science, India)
Information Science Reference • © 2020 • 293pp • H/C (ISBN: 9781799814825) • US $195.00
Handbook of Research on Emerging Trends and Technologies in Library and Information Science
Anna Kaushik (University of Kota, India) Ashok Kumar (Maharishi Markandeshwar University (Deemed), India) and Payel Biswas (Institute of Urban Transport, India)
Information Science Reference • © 2020 • 434pp • H/C (ISBN: 9781522598251) • US $275.00
Managing and Adapting Library Information Services for Future Users
Nkem Ekene Osuigwe (African Library and Information Associations and Institutions, Nigeria)
Information Science Reference • © 2020 • 284pp • H/C (ISBN: 9781799811169) • US $185.00
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Chapter 1 Use of Digital Resources Among Social Scientists: An Evaluative Study 1
Chapter 2 Exploring the Literature on Utilization of Open Educational Resources in Nigeria: Current Context, Potential Determinants, and Future Pathways 24
K N Igwe, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana, Nigeria
Chapter 3 Information Literacy Skills Among Students of Higher Education Institutions With Special Reference to Tamil Nadu 40
A Alagu, Alagappa University, India S Thanuskodi, Alagappa University, India
Chapter 4 Impact of Academic Libraries on Career Development: An Evaluative Study 63
K Sakkaravarthi, Anna Centenary Library, Chennai, India M Aravinthan, Annamalai University, India
Chapter 5 User Satisfaction With Library Information Resources and Services: Improvement and Innovation of Effective Activities of Research Scholars 81
S Muthuvennila, Alagappa University, India P Kannan, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India
Chapter 6 Usage of Social Media Among Information Technology Students of Alagappa: A Case Study 103
Use of E-Resources Through Consortia With Special Reference to College Libraries 124
M Suresh, Alagappa University, India R Natarajan, Annamalai University, India
Chapter 8 Research Output on Encephalitis Literature: A Scientometric Analysis During 2008 to 2017 143
N Rathika, Alagappa University, India S Thanuskodi, Alagappa University, India
Chapter 9 Authorship Pattern and Degree of Collaboration in Marine Pollution Research 162
Chapter 10 Information Literacy Among Rural Women: A Study 184
M Aravinthan, Annamalai University, India R Natarajan, Annamalai University, India
Chapter 11 Use of Open Access Resources Among Legal Professionals: An Evaluative Study 204
S Ravi, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, India S Murali Krishnan, Central Law College, Salem, India
Chapter 12 Assessment of the Social Media in Knowledge Sharing: A Sociological Study 224
Chapter 13 Redefining Public Library Reach Through New Outreach Service Delivery Models 237
Sanmati Jinendran Jain, Tata Consultancy Services, Chennai, India R Kothandaraman, Government Arts College for Men (Autonomous), Nandanam, India
Chapter 14 Usage of ICT Resources in Academic Libraries With Special Reference to Engineering Colleges 250
G Stephen, National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology, India
Role of Public Libraries in Building Knowledge Society 267
N Nageswari, District Central Library, Madurai, India R Natarajan, Annamalai University, India
Chapter 1 Use of Digital Resources Among Social Scientists: An Evaluative Study 1
S Thanuskodi, Alagappa University, India Information is more important for decision makers, policy makers, planners, technologists, scientists, doctors, lawyers, etc Information is a livelihood for many people One can imagine the importance and the role of information from the fact that in America most of the people are working in information service sectors User needs and the requirements are also changed in the technology-driven society Information is not only available in one source but scattered in different forms as well The findings of the study show the respondent satisfaction of various e-resources About e-books 28.68% of respondents were satisfied followed by 27.50% neutral, 16.03% respondents dissatisfied, 14.70% respondents highly dissatisfied, and only 13.09% respondent highly satisfied About e-journal, 35.15% were satisfied and 30.73% highly satisfied with only 0.73% highly dissatisfied.
Chapter 2 Exploring the Literature on Utilization of Open Educational Resources in Nigeria: Current Context, Potential Determinants, and Future Pathways 24
K N Igwe, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana, Nigeria
This chapter explores the evolution and conceptualization of open educational resources (OER) in Nigeria, examining their utilization, potential determinants, and future pathways as vital learning tools for 21st-century education and training The open access movement encourages researchers to publish their findings in open access journals or deposit them in repositories, ensuring free online access to their work OER are increasingly recognized as essential resources for education, supporting diverse learning needs across various societal groups To maximize the benefits of OER, it is crucial to prioritize the development of ICT infrastructure at all educational levels in Nigeria, enabling seamless access to these valuable resources.
Information Literacy Skills Among Students of Higher Education Institutions With Special
Academic institutions are experiencing rapid growth in computer networks and computerized databases for library access, leading to the emergence of hybrid libraries that combine e-library features with traditional services Effective use of electronic information resources requires training, as students must develop skills to efficiently obtain information from these sources, becoming information literate The unique human ability to create, innovate, and accumulate knowledge is central to the information age, where the economy increasingly relies on the exchange of facts, ideas, and knowledge This chapter delves into the importance of information literacy skills among higher education students.
ExploringtheLiteratureonUtilizationofOpenEducationalResourcesinNigeria:Current Context,PotentialDeterminants,andFuturePathways
InformationLiteracySkillsAmongStudentsofHigherEducationInstitutionsWithSpecial ReferencetoTamilNadu
Alagu, Alagappa University, India S Thanuskodi, Alagappa University, India
Academic institutions are experiencing rapid growth in computer networks and computerized databases for library information access, leading to the development of hybrid libraries that combine e-library features with traditional services Effective use of electronic information resources requires training, as students must acquire skills to quickly and efficiently access information, thereby becoming information literate The unique human ability to create, innovate, and discover is crucial in the information age, where the economy increasingly relies on the exchange of facts, ideas, and knowledge This chapter delves into the importance of information literacy skills among higher education students.
Impact of Academic Libraries on Career Development: An Evaluative Study 63
K Sakkaravarthi, Anna Centenary Library, Chennai, India
Career development is an ongoing process that evolves over time, focusing on the progression towards desired career goals It emphasizes the importance of utilizing training and development programs to enhance job-related skills A study revealed that one-third of MBA graduates perceive library resources for career development positively Additionally, nearly 49.5% of respondents viewed the overall usefulness of these resources as moderate, while 27.7% had a low perception, and 22.8% expressed a high level of appreciation for the career development resources offered by libraries.
User Satisfaction With Library Information Resources and Services: Improvement and Innovation of Effective Activities of Research Scholars 81
P Kannan, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India
This chapter explores the stratification of library resources and services for users at Alagappa University, highlighting the essential role of users in library operations The Alagappa University Central Library offers a range of services, including RFID, Web OPAC, SMS and email alerts, ETD, DLNET services, and mobile-based digital services The study analyzed responses from 76 out of 82 distributed questionnaires across 10 departments in the Faculty of Arts, employing statistical techniques such as frequency analysis, cross tables, and descriptive statistics It addresses the utilization of library resources and services, the access to e-resources, the scope and limitations of the study, and the objectives for leveraging these resources Overall, research scholars at Alagappa University predominantly engage with the library’s resources and services.
ImpactofAcademicLibrariesonCareerDevelopment:AnEvaluativeStudy
Sakkaravarthi, Anna Centenary Library, Chennai, India M Aravinthan, Annamalai University, India
Career development is an ongoing process that evolves over time, focusing on achieving a desired future career through the effective use of training and development programs to enhance job-related skills A study revealed that one-third of MBA graduates perceive library resources for career development positively, while nearly half (49.5%) view these resources as moderately useful Additionally, 27.7% of respondents reported a low perception of the usefulness of career development resources provided by libraries, and 22.8% expressed a high level of perception regarding their overall effectiveness.
User Satisfaction With Library Information Resources and Services: Improvement and Innovation of Effective Activities of Research Scholars 81
P Kannan, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India
This chapter explores the purpose of library resources and services at Alagappa University, highlighting the significance of users as the core component of libraries The Alagappa University Central Library offers a variety of services, including RFID, Web OPAC, SMS and email alerts, ETD, DLNET service, and mobile-based digital services The study analyzed responses from 76 out of 82 distributed questionnaires across 10 departments in the Faculty of Arts, employing statistical techniques such as frequency analysis, cross tables, and descriptive statistics It details the utilization of library resources and services, the specific offerings for users, access to e-resources, as well as the study's scope, limitations, and objectives Ultimately, the findings indicate that research scholars at Alagappa University predominantly engage with the library's resources and services.
Usage of Social Media Among Information Technology Students of Alagappa: A Case Study 103
This study conducted at Alagappa University examines the use of social media applications among information technology students, collecting 163 questionnaires from various departments, including computer science, computer application, library and information science, and computational logistics The analysis utilized ANOVA, chi-square, and independent t-tests to test the hypotheses Results from the ANOVA t-test indicated a significant relationship between social media usage frequency and departmental affiliation, with an F-value of 5.192 and a p-value of 0.002 The findings reveal that information technology students frequently engage with social media platforms such as WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, primarily for educational purposes.
UserSatisfactionWithLibraryInformationResourcesandServices:ImprovementandInnovation ofEffectiveActivitiesofResearchScholars
Muthuvennila, Alagappa University, India P Kannan, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India
P Kannan, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India
This chapter examines the stratification of library resources and services for users at Alagappa University, emphasizing the importance of users as a key component of libraries The Alagappa University Central Library offers a variety of services, including RFID, Web OPAC, SMS and email alerts, ETD, DLNET, and mobile-based digital services The study analyzed responses from 76 out of 82 distributed questionnaires across 10 departments in the Faculty of Arts, utilizing statistical techniques such as frequency, cross tables, and descriptive statistics It highlights the usage of library resources and services, access to e-resources, the scope and limitations of the study, and the objectives for utilizing these resources Overall, the findings indicate that research scholars at Alagappa University predominantly engage with the library's resources and services.
Usage of Social Media Among Information Technology Students of Alagappa: A Case Study 103
This study conducted at Alagappa University examines the use of social media among information technology students, with 163 questionnaires collected from various departments, including computer science and library science Statistical analyses, including ANOVA and chi-square tests, revealed a significant relationship between social media usage frequency and academic department, with an ANOVA result of F=5.192 and a p-value of 0.002 The findings indicate that information technology students frequently utilize platforms such as WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram for educational purposes.
Use of E-Resources Through Consortia With Special Reference to College Libraries 124
A consortium is a collaboration between two or more entities—such as individuals, companies, organizations, or governments—aimed at achieving a shared goal by pooling resources for a common activity In the context of libraries, a library consortium allows smaller collections to access various products at a reduced cost Data indicates that 31.53% of assistant professors occasionally utilize library consortia, while 23.92% use them frequently, 21.2% do so rarely, 14.14% use them very frequently, and 9.24% have never engaged with these resources.
UsageofSocialMediaAmongInformationTechnologyStudentsofAlagappa:ACaseStudy
Suresh, Alagappa University, India R Natarajan, Annamalai University, India
A consortium is a collaborative group formed by individuals, companies, organizations, or governments aimed at achieving a shared objective by pooling resources In the context of libraries, a library consortium allows smaller collections to access a wide range of products at affordable prices Research indicates that 31.53% of assistant professors use library consortia occasionally, while 23.92% use them frequently, 21.2% rarely, 14.14% very frequently, and 9.24% never utilize these resources.
Research Output on Encephalitis Literature: A Scientometric Analysis During 2008 to 2017 143
This study evaluates publications in the Encephalitis journal from 2008 to 2017, utilizing data from the Web of Science database and analysis tools like HisCite and Microsoft Excel It employs various metrics, including relative growth rate, exponential growth rate, and collaboration degree, to examine document types, publication distribution by year, authorship patterns, institutional contributions, and keyword distribution The findings indicate that Encephalitis published a total of 6,405 articles, with the highest number in 2017, followed by 2016 Notably, 93.97% of the papers were co-authored, while only 6.02% were authored by individuals Vincent A emerged as the most prolific author, contributing 65 articles (1.01%) The USA led in contributions, accounting for 2,331 articles (36.39%).
ResearchOutputonEncephalitisLiterature:AScientometricAnalysisDuring2008to2017
Rathika, Alagappa University, India S Thanuskodi, Alagappa University, India
This study evaluates publications in the Encephalitis journal from 2008 to 2017, utilizing data from the Web of Science database and analyzed through tools like HisCite and Microsoft Excel It employs methods such as relative growth rate, exponential growth rate, doubling time, and degree of collaboration, focusing on aspects like document types, year-wise publication distribution, authorship patterns, institutional involvement, and keyword distribution The findings reveal that Encephalitis published a total of 6,405 articles, with the highest number in 2017, followed by 2016 Notably, 93.97% of the papers were co-authored, while only 6.02% were single-authored, with Vincent A being the most prolific author, contributing 65 articles (1.01%) The USA emerged as the leading contributor, accounting for 2,331 articles (36.39%).
Authorship Pattern and Degree of Collaboration in Marine Pollution Research 162
Marine pollution has been a persistent issue since large-scale agriculture and industrialization began, with significant international laws emerging only in the mid-20th century during the United Nations Conventions on the Law of the Sea Prior to this, many scientists believed that the vastness of the oceans could dilute pollution, rendering it harmless to marine life A study analyzing marine pollution literature from 1994 to 2018, sourced from the Web of Science database, found a total of 1,412 papers, with a peak of 112 publications in 2018 The growth rate of publications surged from 16 in 1994 to 112 in 2018, with an average collaborative index of 4.48 and a collaboration coefficient of 0.61, indicating a strong trend towards multi-author contributions Notably, Bellas, J emerged as the leading author with 22 articles Geographically, England contributed the most publications at 560 (39.66%), while India ranked sixth with 23 (1.63%).
AuthorshipPatternandDegreeofCollaborationinMarinePollutionResearch
Information Literacy Among Rural Women: A Study 184
In today's technology-driven world, information and communication technology (ICT) plays a crucial role in national and global development, facilitating knowledge generation and sharing However, a significant digital divide exists, particularly affecting rural communities in India, where access to these essential tools is limited This study aims to assess digital awareness and literacy among rural women, defined as the ability to find, evaluate, utilize, share, and create content using various digital devices like smartphones and laptops Conducted in the Ramanathapuram and Sivagangai districts, the research employs a simple random sampling technique with a total of 140 respondents, highlighting the urgent need to bridge the gap between digitally privileged and underprivileged populations.
InformationLiteracyAmongRuralWomen:AStudy
Aravinthan, Annamalai University, India R Natarajan, Annamalai University, India
Career development is an ongoing process that evolves over time, focusing on advancing towards a desired career path It emphasizes the importance of utilizing training and development programs to enhance job-related skills A study reveals that one-third of MBA graduates perceive library resources as highly beneficial for their career development Additionally, nearly 49.5% of respondents view these resources as moderately useful, while 27.7% have a low perception of their effectiveness Conversely, 22.8% of respondents acknowledge a high level of usefulness in the career development resources provided by libraries.
User Satisfaction With Library Information Resources and Services: Improvement and Innovation of Effective Activities of Research Scholars 81
P Kannan, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India
This chapter explores the stratification of library resources and services for users at Alagappa University, emphasizing the crucial role of users in libraries The Alagappa University Central Library offers a range of services, including RFID, Web OPAC, SMS and email alerts, ETD, DLNET service, and mobile-based digital services The study analyzed responses from 76 out of 82 distributed questionnaires across 10 departments in the Faculty of Arts, utilizing statistical techniques such as frequency analysis, cross-tabulation, and descriptive statistics It details the utilization of library resources and services, access to e-resources, and outlines the study's scope, limitations, and objectives Overall, the findings indicate that research scholars at Alagappa University predominantly engage with the library's resources and services.
Usage of Social Media Among Information Technology Students of Alagappa: A Case Study 103
This study conducted at Alagappa University examines the use of social media applications among information technology students, gathering data from 163 questionnaires across various departments, including computer science and library science Utilizing statistical methods such as ANOVA, chi-square, and independent t-tests, the analysis revealed a significant relationship between social media usage frequency and the students' departments, with an ANOVA result of F=5.192 and a p-value of 0.002 The findings indicate that information technology students frequently engage with social media platforms like WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, primarily for educational purposes.
Use of E-Resources Through Consortia With Special Reference to College Libraries 124
A consortium is a collaborative group formed by two or more entities, such as individuals, companies, or governments, aimed at achieving a shared goal through resource pooling In the context of libraries, a library consortium allows institutions with smaller collections to access a wider range of products at reduced costs Recent findings indicate that 31.53% of assistant professors use library consortia occasionally, while 23.92% use them frequently Additionally, 21.2% report rare usage, 14.14% use them very frequently, and 9.24% never utilize these resources.
Research Output on Encephalitis Literature: A Scientometric Analysis During 2008 to 2017 143
This study evaluates publications in the Encephalitis journal from 2008 to 2017, utilizing data from the Web of Science database and analyzing it with tools like HisCite and Microsoft Excel Various metrics, including relative growth rate and degree of collaboration, were employed to assess document types, yearly publication distribution, authorship patterns, and keyword analysis The findings indicate that Encephalitis published a total of 6,405 articles, with the peak publication year being 2017, followed closely by 2016 Notably, 93.97% of the papers were co-authored, while only 6.02% were single-author contributions Vincent A emerged as the most prolific author, with 65 articles (1.01%) published Furthermore, the USA contributed the highest number of publications, totaling 2,331 (36.39%).
Authorship Pattern and Degree of Collaboration in Marine Pollution Research 162
Marine pollution has been a persistent issue since the rise of industrialization and large-scale agriculture, with significant international regulations emerging only in the mid-20th century during the United Nations Conventions on the Law of the Sea Prior to this, many scientists believed the ocean's vastness could dilute pollution, underestimating its impact on marine life A study analyzing marine pollution literature from 1994 to 2018, based on the Web of Science database, found a total of 1,412 publications, with a peak of 112 papers in 2018 The research noted a growth in publications from 16 in 1994 to 112 in 2018, an average collaborative index of 4.48, and a collaboration coefficient of 0.61, indicating a strong presence of multiple authors Notably, Bellas, J emerged as the most prolific author with 22 contributions Geographically, England led with 560 publications (39.66%), while India ranked sixth with 23 publications (1.63%).
Information Literacy Among Rural Women: A Study 184
In today's technology-driven world, information and communication technology (ICT) plays a crucial role in national and international development, facilitating knowledge generation and sharing However, there is a significant digital divide, particularly in rural India, where access to ICT tools varies greatly between the privileged and underprivileged communities This study focuses on assessing digital awareness and literacy among rural women, defined as the ability to find, evaluate, utilize, share, and create content using digital devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops Conducted in the Ramanathapuram and Sivagangai districts, the research utilized a simple random sampling method, encompassing a total of 140 respondents to provide insights into the digital literacy landscape in these areas.
Use of Open Access Resources Among Legal Professionals: An Evaluative Study 204
S Ravi, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, India
S Murali Krishnan, Central Law College, Salem, India
E-resources have rapidly transformed the landscape of library and information studies, evolving from a few computerized databases to an extensive array of digital content, including online catalogs, journals, databases, and e-books This dramatic growth underscores the urgent need for guidance on effectively utilizing these resources Research findings indicate that users of varying ages face significant challenges in accessing e-resources, such as computer viruses, insufficient IT knowledge, and limited computer access.
UseofOpenAccessResourcesAmongLegalProfessionals:AnEvaluativeStudy
Ravi, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, India Murali Krishnan, Central Law College, Salem, India
S Murali Krishnan, Central Law College, Salem, India
E-resources have rapidly transformed library and information studies, evolving from a few computerized databases to an extensive array of digital materials, including online catalogs, journals, databases, and e-books This growth highlights the urgent need for guidance in navigating these resources A recent study reveals that users face significant challenges in accessing e-resources, such as computer viruses, insufficient IT knowledge, and limited computer access, underscoring the necessity for improved support and training.
Assessment of the Social Media in Knowledge Sharing: A Sociological Study 224
Social media has become an integral part of modern life, with platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, and YouTube reshaping personal relationships and creating new opportunities and challenges for collaboration Organizations must prioritize not only the development of new products and services but also effective knowledge sharing, which is crucial for their success The advantages of adopting and implementing social media are significant However, despite the growing interest in these platforms, many data specialists and managers remain hesitant to engage, often due to a lack of motivation or awareness of the benefits these tools can bring to their work.
AssessmentoftheSocialMediainKnowledgeSharing:ASociologicalStudy
K Muthukumar, Annamalai University, India
Social media has evolved into a vital component of modern communication, with platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, and YouTube reshaping personal interactions and creating new opportunities for collaboration Organizations must prioritize not only the development of new products and services but also effective knowledge sharing, which is crucial for their success The advantages of adopting social media are significant, yet many data specialists and managers remain hesitant to engage in this collaborative environment, often due to a lack of motivation or awareness of the benefits these tools can offer for professional purposes.
Redefining Public Library Reach Through New Outreach Service Delivery Models 237
Sanmati Jinendran Jain, Tata Consultancy Services, Chennai, India
R Kothandaraman, Government Arts College for Men (Autonomous), Nandanam, India
Library outreach is focused on providing services to infrequent users, non-users, and traditionally underserved communities, aiming for equitable access to library resources This chapter explores the various public library outreach service models, highlighting their development and assessing their strengths, weaknesses, costs, benefits, and opportunities The goal is to enhance engagement with the public through targeted programs and policies that ensure all individuals can access and benefit from library services.
RedefiningPublicLibraryReachThroughNewOutreachServiceDeliveryModels
Usage of ICT Resources in Academic Libraries With Special Reference to Engineering
G Stephen, National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology, India
Academic libraries in India leverage Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to fulfill the information needs of students and faculty These libraries are integral to their parent institutions, supporting their goals of enhancing teaching, learning, and research Consequently, they cater to the diverse needs of the academic community, including students and lecturers To effectively address these needs, academic libraries offer a range of services such as user education, inter-library loan services, abstracting and indexing, referral services, and circulation services However, users often face challenges while utilizing these resources.
A recent survey of 732 respondents highlighted significant challenges in accessing ICT-based resources and services, with 74.18% (543 individuals) citing insufficient computers with internet access and 57.51% (421 individuals) indicating a lack of subscriptions to foreign journals as their primary issues.
Role of Public Libraries in Building Knowledge Society 267
The District Central Library in Madurai, India, exemplifies the vital role of libraries as social institutions within the global educational framework Libraries are tasked with delivering knowledge to all individuals, regardless of their educational background, through various media such as books, films, and recordings Serving as a public resource, the library supports self-education and provides free access to information that meets the social, economic, cultural, and recreational needs of diverse community members It operates without discrimination based on caste, creed, age, gender, or educational status, earning the title of 'People’s University.' A recent study indicates that a significant portion of library visitors, particularly 73 individuals (11.62%) aged 56-65, primarily utilize the library to read Tamil newspapers.
Libraries are evolving rapidly in response to technological advancements and innovative information management methods The digital era has transformed the traditional roles of libraries, leading to the emergence of digital, virtual, and electronic libraries as a result of extensive research in ICT Key developments such as e-resource management, open access repositories, and artificial intelligence are enhancing library services The rising demand for simultaneous access to information poses challenges for traditional libraries, highlighting the need for cost-effective digital solutions By embracing technological innovations, contemporary libraries can ensure quality services, bridge knowledge gaps, and enhance user satisfaction, ultimately becoming integral to their institutions.
Technology encompasses various methods for processing and transmitting information, and libraries are leveraging social media to promote their services and resources effectively By sharing information about seminars, conferences, and workshops on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+, librarians can keep professionals informed The rise of mobile applications has transformed how individuals connect and access information, allowing libraries to meet the demand for quick information retrieval in today’s fast-paced society As libraries enhance access to digital collections through mobile devices, users will increasingly enjoy the convenience of accessing these resources via smartphone apps Furthermore, advancements in technology within contemporary libraries are essential for fostering global competencies among users and encouraging the integration of technology in academic settings.
Research methods are essential in library and information science (LIS) scholarship, with numerous scholars examining various methodologies Recent trends highlight the increasing use of mixed or multiple methods for data collection and analysis in LIS research This emphasis underscores the critical role that research methods play in LIS and reflects the value that researchers place on robust methodologies in their academic pursuits Developing a proper methodology is vital for the success of any research study in this field.
The methodology section is crucial for investigators as it guides the collection and analysis of data to effectively address the research problem Researchers may employ various methods, such as experiments, surveys, or observations, depending on their study's objectives It is essential for Library and Information Science (LIS) scholars to thoughtfully select and combine these methods rather than randomly aggregating them Additionally, they must determine the appropriate research approach, whether quantitative, qualitative, or a mix of both, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the study's aims.
The rapid growth of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), particularly the Internet, has highlighted the significance of information and knowledge, leading to the rise of a "Knowledge Society" that empowers its citizens Knowledge acts as a catalyst for societal transformation, and a learning society fosters innovation while effectively generating and disseminating knowledge to create economic wealth Library and information professionals, as knowledge managers, are crucial in organizing and sharing information, necessitating a revamp of library and information science education in India to align with the demands of this emerging society Balancing traditional librarianship with modern technology is essential, emphasizing capacity building and a vision for 21st-century librarianship to meet national and global job market needs Professional forums should focus on redesigning LIS education and retraining existing professionals as information and knowledge experts The evolving library and information profession requires integration of knowledge and skills, including library automation, database management, and digital library development Information professionals must leverage technology to enhance their roles as knowledge managers, information officers, and content managers, ensuring they possess the competencies to manage information organizations, resources, and services effectively.
Modern libraries are integrating advanced technologies and applications to meet the evolving needs of education and research in an era where information is readily accessible The prevalence of digital information enables users to obtain resources effortlessly, overcoming obstacles related to space, format, and time, further enhanced by the principles of open access.
The Preface access initiative enhances access to scholarly literature, addressing the challenges users face in locating information amidst vast data in various formats Libraries and information professionals play a crucial role in educating users on extracting accurate information effectively Embracing emerging technologies, libraries have evolved into hubs of content generation, utilizing automation, RFID, and mobile apps like QR codes They leverage social media and mobile technology for marketing resources and services while emphasizing the importance of information literacy and research integrity Information professionals are expected to possess a diverse skill set, adapting to the evolving information landscape as knowledge managers and consultants Staying updated with technological advancements is essential for driving the knowledge market Libraries must blend traditional librarianship with tech-driven services to enhance visibility in learning, research, and consultancy The first chapter underscores the critical role of information for various professionals, highlighting the shift in user needs in a technology-driven society Electronic resources are vital across all sectors, including corporate environments, where quick and convenient access to information is essential A study revealed varying satisfaction levels with e-resources, with significant percentages of respondents expressing satisfaction with e-journals and e-theses, while also indicating neutral or dissatisfied responses for other resources like e-books and CD-ROM databases.
The second chapter provides an overview of Open Educational Resources (OER), tracing their evolution and conceptual development It reviews existing empirical literature on the use of OER in Nigeria, identifies potential factors influencing OER utilization, and explores future pathways for integrating OER as vital resources for effective education.
The 21st century emphasizes the importance of open access in research and education, urging researchers to publish their findings in open access journals or deposit them in online repositories for free public access Open Educational Resources (OER) have emerged as crucial tools for education and skill acquisition, distinguishing themselves from less credible vanity press publications OER can effectively meet the diverse learning needs of individuals across various educational settings To fully leverage these resources, it is essential to prioritize the development of ICT infrastructures at all educational levels in Nigeria, enabling seamless access to OER worldwide.
The third chapter highlights the rapid growth of computer networks and computerized databases in academic institutions, emphasizing the importance of information literacy for college students and teachers to navigate new online services effectively Many academic libraries now feature hybrid models that integrate e-library capabilities with traditional services, providing a competitive edge in today's information-driven society However, effective use of electronic resources requires training to equip students with the necessary skills to access and utilize information efficiently The Information Age distinguishes itself by the commodification of knowledge, where nations' economies increasingly rely on the exchange of facts and ideas Enhanced telecommunications allow for the instantaneous transmission of text, images, sounds, and data worldwide, fundamentally transforming the global market Consequently, competition now hinges more on the strategic use of information and technological advancements than on traditional economic factors.
Chapter four explores the continuous nature of career development, emphasizing that it evolves throughout life and encompasses job management, administration, and learning This process is vital for achieving a personally defined career future and involves utilizing training and development programs to enhance job-related skills The study found that one-third of MBA graduates perceive library resources—such as books, journals, online materials, and job portals—as beneficial for their career development However, half of the respondents reported a moderate perception of these resources, while a significant portion indicated low levels of perception Overall, 49.5% of respondents viewed the career development resources provided by the library as moderately useful, with 27.7% rating them low and 22.8% rating them high Additionally, one-fifth of the respondents acknowledged that career development services offered by the library outside the campus, like career guidance and counseling, are valuable.
The study evaluates the effectiveness of various career development services offered by libraries outside the campus, including internship programs, placement agencies, job fairs, career guidance through community agencies, and industrial visits Findings reveal that one-third of respondents perceive these services as fair, while another third view them as poor Specifically, 39.9% of respondents rate the overall quality of career development services as fair, 39.6% as poor, and only 20.5% consider them good This highlights a significant opportunity for improvement in the career support provided by external library services.