What users want and what users do in E-books: Findings of a study on use of E-books from NTU Library
By: Choy Fatt Cheong & Ng Chay Tuan, pp. 1-32.
Abstract:
This paper presents the findings of a survey on the use of e-books at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) during a 6-week period in January/February 2010. The purpose of the survey was to obtain a snapshot of users’ behaviour in using e-books so as to assist the Library in providing a more effective service for e-book provision. The survey questions were designed to reveal useful information about users’ behaviour, from their level of awareness of e-books to their preference for print and electronic formats. Information about how they access the current collection, the features they desired, the frequency and intensity of use, what and how they read and their main purpose for using e-books could also provide useful comparative data for other libraries.
Access and use of electronic information resources by scientists of the National Physical Laboratory in India: A case study
By: Shailendra Kumar & Manisha Singh. pp. 33-49.
Abstract:
The paper aims to determine the usefulness of e-resources to the scientists of National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi, India and their skills in using various search methods and techniques to access and utilize these resources. The study further aims to investigate the level of satisfaction with the information accessed by the scientists through the available e-resources and various challenges faced by them in their field. The survey was conducted with the help of a questionnaire and personal interview. The questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of 75 scientists from different fields of physical sciences available at the time of study and the response rate was 80 percent. The responses received from the available scientists are presented in tables and figures and data is analyzed by using a simple calculation of percentage method. The findings reveal that access and use of e-information is an important component of research activities for scientists, also qualitative and quantitative developed e-collections overcome conventional resources with the characteristic of fast accessibility. Title field, simple search techniques and self-taught methods are used to access the e-information. E-journals are most preferred e-resources and scientists are very highly satisfied with the retrieved e-information. Also, research indicates that as the internet is the most preferred medium of access, there is a need to provide high bandwidth to overcome poor network connectivity. Also, there is a constructive suggestion for developing an automated library system and increased electronic resources with improved library services.
High yields from course guides at Li Ka Shing Library
By: Yeo Pin Pin. pp. 50-64.
Abstract:
At the Li Ka Shing Library, the librarians started building course guides to support students working on their assignments. The reasons for creating course guides and examples of course guides with their usage statistics are explored. The research librarians got high returns from their course guides as shown by usage statistics and unsolicited feedback from faculty. It was a good way to embed the Library and its resources into the courses taught, to increase awareness of library resources and to keep the library visible.
The contribution of environmental scanning to organizational performance
By: Xue Zhang, Shaheen Majid & Schubert Foo. pp. 65-88.
Abstract:
Environmental scanning, the radar to detect environmental signals, is serving as an effective way for organizations to cope with uncertainties and formulate adaptive strategies. Strategists and strategic management scholars also believe that effective environmental scanning would help organizations to achieve better alignment with rapidly changing external factors and hence improve their performance. It is, therefore, desirable to explore the relationship among environmental uncertainty, environmental scanning, and organizational performance. This paper starts with the definition and process of environmental scanning, followed by the introduction of environmental uncertainty as well as the indirect impact of environmental scanning on organization performance. Prior empirical studies trying to discover or demonstrate the potential relationships are also reviewed. Finally, the refined theoretical model, as well as the proposed research methodology, is presented.
Ergonomics and technostress among library professionals of engineering colleges of Anna University
By: Mahalakshmi K & S. Ally Sornam. pp. 89-102.
Abstract:
The degree of computer usage in libraries had been greatly increased in recent decades carrying the risk of several health hazards. The purpose of the present study is to analyse the utilisation and purpose of workspace design and to determine the prevalence of self-assessment of physical discomforts to conduct an interventional ergonomic health education program. A study was conducted on library professionals in the engineering colleges of Anna University, Tamil Nadu. A questionnaire was issued to library professionals and consists of 1) Demographic Details and 2) Ergonomics and stress.