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Purpose This paper aims to justify the relevance of student-centred teaching – learning in influencing their motivation to shed library fear, source resources, attain higher-order learning, garner intellectual prowess and invent new theories.Design/methodology/approach To assess the validity of association between guidance, pedagogy, library access and intellectual prowess, a close-ended questionnaire is used. This questionnaire was administered on 350 undergraduate students in Kuwait. The step helped to gather their responses and initiate correlation analysis. Also, correlation analysis was used to review the association between the items selected in the questionnaire, interpret outcomes and draw valid inferences.Findings The outcome highlights that such students show keen interest to learn when faculty members give credence to educational psychology, teaching-learning quality, knowledge transfer and their transformation into knowledge seekers. The realization of such scholastic capabilities makes it possible for them to shed library fear and search disappointments, circumvent procedural complexities and pay least importance to size of library structure. Such mental state heightens their desire to use library services optimally, learn and contribute to new knowledge.Originality/value Few attempts have been made to study the impact of mentoring and pedagogy on mitigation of library stress undergraduate students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the effectiveness that a social function, an international student reception, has on making international students comfortable with library services and resources in an American academic library at Kent State University.Design/methodology/approach A structured questionnaire was used to collect responses from attendees of an international student reception. The questionnaire was distributed both in-person and by e-mail. Ninety-three valid responses were received. The descriptive survey method was used in the study.Findings The findings reveal that the reception is attracting its target market, international students who have been enrolled at the university for less than one year. Food selection is critical to the success of the reception. However, there is room for improvement in many areas, such as the timing of the event, physical location and interactions between library staff and the international students.Research limitations/implications The survey was limited to only the international students who could attend the reception.Practical implications The study shows that partnership between the library and another department on campus (Office of Global Education) was a major key in the success of these receptions. Also, findings support that the comfort level of the students is a critical factor for the introduction of library services to international students. Future research is needed to measure the long-term impact of social event on library use.Originality/value This is the first case study in the literature where an academic library evaluates the impact of a social function, a reception, to gauge its ability to make international students comfortable with the library and its services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This paper aims to discover the extended reference needs of Andrews University students by studying their understanding, value and use of library services; and receive input for setting up a reference kiosk.Design/methodology/approach Students from various buildings on campus filled out a self-administered 16-point anonymous survey during a two-week period in 2014. Researchers used descriptive statistics to analyze the data collected.Findings Students have an understanding of what libraries can do for them, and yet, they do not consider the librarians or use the library services as their first choice for completing their assignments. The respondents feel confident about their library skills and would rather consult their peers or use Google first before consulting a librarian or the information desk. Some of them claim that their classes do not require library use. Students are ambivalent about using an extended reference service outside the library.Research limitations/implications This study was limited to one university and during a specific time period. Further research topics could cover why students start with Google or their peers before they use library services, verify the claim that classes do not require library use and evaluate how students’ use of electronic devices affect library use.Originality/value The study helped determine the students’ extended reference needs and how they understand, use and value the library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this study was to determine whether engineering master's students at a medium-sized university use library-provided abstracting and indexing (A&I) services (e.g. Compendex), and if they do, to what extent, in what manner and for what purposes. Design/methodology/approach -- A mixed methodology approach was used to explore electronic information-seeking patterns of engineering master's students at New Mexico State University. Usage statistics, a focus group and a Web-based survey were used, the latter composed of 17 questions using a critical incident approach and direct questions to probe: reasons for and method of search, types of materials used (with relative frequencies), means of obtaining materials and evaluations of the usefulness of five library-provided A&I services. Findings -- Only 15 per cent of respondents used a subscription A&I service such as Compendex when searching specific terms. The majority of sources used were located through known term searches, and master's learned of these information resources through article citations or conversations with colleagues. Half the respondents reported using Google Scholar to find the last scholarly article they had read. Engineering master's students -- similar to practicing engineers -- evaluate the costs associated with obtaining information, and may "satisfice". Even so, students expressed interest in increasing their knowledge of skills and strategies to find worthwhile electronic information. Originality/value -- This study sheds light on engineering master's students' use of A&I services, and examines their perceptions of five of these services commonly provided by academic libraries. Paper type Research paper [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the advantages of developing a simulation model of the activities of a university library, in order to balance the available resources with demand for services. Meeting the demand is an essential part of managing a modern library. Inadequate levels of resources will result in excessive waiting times for the patrons. Design/methodology/approach – A simulation modeling approach is undertaken and the library activities of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) are simulated. Simulation modeling is an invaluable tool to understand the resource usage patterns and making intelligent budgeting choices. In the epoch of severe budget cuts, available financial resources must be carefully allocated where there is a critical need. Such a simulation modeling of the critical operations of an academic library of a campus upward of 11,000 students is presented in this study. Findings – A simulation model of the arrivals, flow, and usage patterns of library resources by the patrons described in this research, determined that there were four critical resources: the number of reference librarians, the number of checkout assistants, the number of computers, and the number of electronic gadgets. This study illustrates the need for careful analysis of arrival of patrons, resource levels, and resource usage with the objective of developing a resource level decision strategy that will result in an optimal level of resource usage by patrons. Practical implications – With the application of simulation models, it is possible to determine the needs for the limited resources at the library and coordinate the availability of the resources with the needs. Originality/value – Research in the use of simulation models for the determination of the resource levels that are best suited for an anticipated level of patron arrivals in the libraries is limited at best. This research adds value by providing information to fill this dearth of literature. The results of the simulation provided in this study can be used to develop budget priorities and to validate those priorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper seeks to analyse the results of a case study conducted in 2008/2009 investigating workplace stress in a further education college library service. Design/methodology/approach – Results from questionnaires and a series of semi-structured interviews held with library staff are analysed and discussed in the paper. Findings – Librarians reported that interaction with students can be stressful or enjoyable, depending on context. The need to control noise levels, modify student behaviour and balance the needs of different user groups are cited as stressors. The results also show that the library staff exhibit a degree of humour and self-awareness in their work and employ a range of methods to cope with stress. Research limitations/implications – Repeating the study more widely amongst a range of differing library services would add credibility to the findings. Practical implications – This study shows that positive stress may motivate librarians to engage actively with students and thus create job satisfaction. Negative stress may be managed by measures such as zoning and flexible governance. Originality/value – The study contributes to knowledge and understanding of stress in the library profession by contributing a case study of stress in the college sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive literature review on the utilisation of intelligent agent technology in the library environment. Design/methodology/approach - Research papers since 1990 on the use of various intelligent agent technologies in libraries are divided into two main application areas: digital library (DL), including agent-based DL projects, multi-agent architecture for DLs, intelligent agents for distributed heterogeneous information retrieval and agent support to information search process in DLs; and services in traditional libraries, including user interface for library information systems, automatic reference services and multi-agent architecture for library services. For each paper on the topic, its new ideas or models, referred work, analyses, experiments, findings and conclusions are addressed. Findings - The majority of the literature covers DLs and there have been fewer studies about services in traditional libraries. A variety of architecture, framework and models integrating agent technology in library systems or services are proposed, but only a few have been implemented in the practical environment. The application of agent technology is still at the research and experimentation stage. Agent technology has great potential in many areas in the library context; however it presents challenges to libraries that want to be involved in its adoption. Practical implications - The survey has practical implications for libraries, librarians and computer professionals in developing projects that employ intelligent agent technology to meet end-users' expectations as well as to improve information services within limited resources in library settings. Originality/value - The paper provides a comprehensive survey on the development and research of intelligent agents in libraries in literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to determine undergraduate students' information-seeking behavior and their thought processes involved in, criteria applied to, and methods of, evaluating the results of their searches, in determining which information to apply to their research. Design/methodology/approach - The paper observed, recorded and analyzed the processes and sources used by undergraduate students when seeking information on a given topic. Findings - Students did not use as many of the criteria necessary for evaluating sources for a research paper as the authors had hoped to observe; therefore, the students identified relatively few scholarly sources. Practical implications - Even though many of the students had had a course-integrated library instruction session before participating in the study, it did not seem to increase their evaluative skills, leading the authors to think that research skills need to be integrated in the curriculum in more meaningful ways by teaching faculty. Originality/value - The paper raises awareness of the search strategies and criteria that undergraduate students use to find information for their research papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This study aims to investigate the use of a popular portable e-reader device, the Kindle 2, among library and information science (LIS) students and its effects on individual reading practices and the potential applications for library services. Design/methodology/approach - Using journal logs and diary-interviews as methods of data collection, the study analyzes the use of the Kindle over a one-week period by a pool of 20 LIS students at Pratt Institute's School of Information and Library Science. Findings - The findings reveal four key areas that provide a framework for data interpretation: usage patterns, user interaction, effect on reading habits, and future applications. One major finding is that the portability of the device and its convenience of use anywhere and any time is pivotal for enhancing the students' reading experience and outweighs the limitations of the device's usability. Research limitations/implications - Results may not be generalizable due to the small size and homogeneity of the sample. Originality/value - The social and cultural impacts of e-book readers in everyday life have received little attention so far. In particular, questions about the effects of e-readers on individual reading practices and the potential applications for library delivery systems have yet to be examined. This study is one of the first to investigate the use of portable e-book readers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study which examines and addresses different challenges that public libraries are facing. It cites various problems analyzed in the study such as the state of the economy, inconsistencies among the role of libraries and the spread and emergence of new services. The study conducted separate surveys including a nationwide poll for high school students, in detail review of users and non-users in Copenhagen, Denmark and the views of citizens of the libraries' roles. Results reveal discrepancies in the insights of citizens towards the traditional constitution of public libraries.

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present findings of an electronic survey to determine the extent of use of social software programs. Design/methodology/approach - The study was conducted to discover the extent to which students use social software programs, namely Facebook, MySpace, Instant Messaging and Second Life, and to determine their level of desire for having a librarian or library presence within those settings. A web survey was developed and distributed using convenience sampling. The survey was distributed to students at two college campuses located in the state of Colorado in the USA. Findings - The majority of respondents use social software programs, but are apathetic about using these programs for library questions or research. Research limitations/implications - This research has several limitations to its findings: limited response rate, ambiguous phrasing of survey questions and geographic limitations all affect the results. Practical implications - Owing to constraints on librarian time and resources, involvement in social software programs should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Originality/value - Social software programs are discussed in library literature, but few research projects have been undertaken to determine patron expectations for librarian involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on the experiences of 65 five library students who visited one of three selected libraries on the campus of the University of Ghana to find out the extent to which the principles of reference services were being adhered to. Design/methodology/approach – The unobstrusive method for evaluating reference services was used. Students were specifically asked to pose two questions (specific-search or research questions) of their choice to two different library staff at the reference desk of the selected library (The library staff were unaware of this evaluation and exhibited their real behaviors to the clients.). The choice of these types of questions was to allow the library staff to engage them in a reference interview. Their observations were to be summarized in a two page report. Findings – Students were not only concerned with correct answers to their questions, but were influenced to return to the same library staff by certain factors such as approachability of the library staff, effective assessment of their information need, good communication skills and the attentiveness of the library staff. Practical implications – This exercise gave students a first-hand experience of being information seekers and directly experiencing what ordinary users are subjected to whenever they visited libraries. This experience it is hoped would guide them when they are later employed in libraries to conform to behaviors that enhance the quality of reference interview and user satisfaction. Originality/value – This is a modest contribution to the literature on reference services from a developing country's perspective as very few empirical studies are carried out in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This work aims to report the experience of implementing a university digital library by introducing all the technical/administrative and scientific production in the education field. Design/methodology/approach - The paper describes the process of conception, information architecture, the steps and methodology for structuring and establishing of the Digital Library of the Faculty of Education of the State University of Campinas (BDE - FE/UNICAMP), with the partnership of the UNICAMP Libraries System (SBUIIJNICAMP), which manages he Nou-Rau software and stores the Digital Library of UNICAMP (BDU). It also identifies the skills and abilities the information professional must have, concerning the definition of criteria for the evaluation and selection of documents to be scanned, and establishes management procedures for the implementation of services derived from this new tool for retrieving information in the educational area, Findings - The paper finds that the constitution of a multidisciplinary staff and the skills and abilities required of an information professional involved in designing digital libraries is the object of discussion in several forums. The technical-scientific skills are the most important ones, since this professional must be able to act in a changing environment, from an analogical to a digital culture. The attitude of the information professional, always related to a strictly technical situation, observed along this career's development, also goes through changes, and demands a professional who is a manager, a leader, visionary and strategist or, in other words, a real agent of changes. Originality/value - The purpose of the BDE - FE/UNICAMP is to store and make electronically available to users the production of professors, students, employees (technicians) and the administration staff, generated within the Faculty. The implementation of this source of research, therefore, meets the expectation of the users and helps to spread the information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this article is to discuss a project to enhance Texas A&M University at Qatar Library's (TAMUQL's) engineering curriculum, graduate, and research programs with newly acquired monographs and maps. Design/methodology/approach - The project was carried out with the partnership and cooperation of TAMUQL, YBP Library Services and TAMUL. Findings - The project succeeded in meeting the objectives of the project, which included supporting the needs of freshmen to senior levels of the liberal arts curriculum as well as those of the faculty. Originality/value - This paper adds to the growing documentation of the value of working partnerships between libraries and vendors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — The paper aims to describe a framework for a summer research/writing workshop for new university students, and its evolution over time and across institutions. Design/methodology/approach — The University of Toronto at Scarborough (UTSC) has successfully offered its award-winning two-day Summer Learning Institute on Research, Writing and Presentation Skills for four years (2004-2007), to increasing enrolments. Memorial University of Newfoundland (Memorial) adapted the UTSC model and successfully piloted its four-day workshop, Summer Program in Academic Research and Communication (SPARC), in August 2006. Both programs were low-cost, non-credit summer workshops for new students to help them prepare for university-level research and writing. Memorial offered its program a second time in August 2007. This paper focuses on the Memorial experience. Findings — The success of these programs is attributed to a common framework used in each case: program planning, marketing, and delivery and assessment. Practical implications — The framework described in this paper could be adapted by other institutions wishing to implement such a program. In addition, the SPARC team will continually improve the program by reflecting on each part of the framework. Originality/value — Much research has been done to identify and address the specific needs of first-year university students. For example, some institutions offer "first year experience" courses for credit, while others place first-year students into Interest Groups. Most academic libraries offer information literacy sessions to groups of undergraduate students during the regular semester. This paper presents a model for reaching first year students before they take their first class at university. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper argues that, while one needs to logically decide on an organization's strategy, it does not need to be a product of a lengthy strategic planning process. Design/methodology/approach - The paper discusses and gives examples to illustrate why an institution does not need to go through an intricate strategic planning process. Findings - A laborious process is not needed to plan a library's strategic direction. Practical implications - A library can more efficiently use its money and time to satisfy its customers than by spending them on a drawn-out strategic planning process. Originality/value - Hopefully, this article will motivate librarians to find the proper balance between having no strategy and wasting too much time and money on creating a lengthy strategic plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to investigate pupil use of a newly-created section of a school intranet established to promote greater interest in the organisation's library. Design/methodology/approach -- In October 2006, data collected over a two-week period via Microsoft SharePoint, the software which supports the intranet, were examined in order to explore overall levels of use of the library pages, differences in interest between girls and boys, variations in use among youngsters in the particular year groups and the extent to which use changed over time. Findings -- Although an equal number of girls and boys visited the library pages, the former recorded more hits. Use was greatest among Year Eleven females but few youngsters of either gender or any age returned to the library section on a day subsequent to their initial visit. Interest fell away rapidly within days of the principal phase of data collection commencing. Research limitations/implications -- The data employed were limited to the usage figures provided by the SharePoint log. Future research should, if possible, address whether the new intranet section has led to greater use of the actual library. Practical implications -- To ensure that consultation of library pages is sustained over a prolonged period, much needs to be done to tie their content into wider school activities. Originality/value -- This is the first paper devoted to pupil use of a section of a school intranet specifically developed to publicise the organisation's library, and it will interest both academics studying young people's information behaviour and school librarians considering ways of promoting their libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to bring awareness to all factors that impact on the cost of an integrated library system (ILS). Design/methodology/approach - Using a total cost of ownership approach, a bigger view of all the factors impacting on cost is explored. Findings - The paper finds that many libraries focus entirely on direct costs when selecting a new ILS, rather than factoring in staff time and other long-term costs that will be associated with choosing a system. Originality/value - When the direct and indirect costs are considered, systems that have higher initial costs may be cheaper to own through their entire lifespan than other, seemingly cheaper, products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The paper analyses students' use of public libraries for study purposes and discusses the public library as a substitute or a complement for educational or academic libraries. The paper also investigates which segments of students rely heavily on public libraries as services for study purposes. Design/methodology/approach - The research is based on a comprehensive survey of Danish students from both universities and other higher institutions of education. The data collection was carried out by an online survey and the sample consists of students from all over the country covering a multitude of different institutions and subject areas. Findings - It is evident from the research that students do not bypass the physical library and it is also evident that the use of physical libraries and digital resources complement each other. The place of Google in the students' information behaviour is prominent and positively correlated to use of traditional library resources. Nearly 60 per cent of all students use the local public library for study purposes. A small group consisting of 7 per cent of the students uses the public library as their only library for study purposes. One of the more striking findings is that the service level of public libraries in relation to study topics appears to be very uneven, which means that different groups of students have very varied probabilities of success using the public library. The data also indicates that students tend to look at libraries as a whole and do not make clear distinctions between different types of libraries, expecting the whole system to be seamless. The paper also relates the findings to the general body of literature on students' information seeking behaviour. Research limitations/implications - The research raises questions concerning the detailed behaviour of students' information behaviour, for example, how they combine formalised resources with more general resources. The paper also indicates that it is probably counter-productive to evaluate students as one group. Different segments of students have very different and varied information behaviour patterns depending on study topic, study year, psychological dispositions and other demographic factors. Practical implications - The paper raises important managerial questions and concerns in relation to both the mission of public libraries and the service level given to different segments of students. Originality/value - The research supports existing international research on students' information behaviour. The research is based on a comprehensive and nation-wide sample and it emphasises students' information behaviour in relation to several important demographic factors, and it also asserts that it is important to investigate further the differing modes of behaviour. The paper points to the interplay between formalised information resources and search engines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — To discuss the challenges of developing a branch library of Texas A&M University Libraries to serve the faculty and students in a new degree-granting program as part of Education City in Quatar. The goal of the program is to provide students in Qatar an authentic "Aggie" education and experience. Design/methodology/approach — Discusses the development of this new branch library to support undergraduate degrees in electrical, mechanical, chemical and petroleum engineering. Findings — Library service in support of these degrees was developed so that duplication of resources and size of collections that had to be managed in Qatar were minimized. The TAMUQ library has successfully provided a full range of information services in support of this innovative collaboration between the university and the government of Qatar. Originality/value — This paper provides a model for the development of a branch library using the resources of the main campus as much as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose ? The paper aims to give a presentation of a rich dataset to illuminate graduate students' rating of their satisfaction with library collections and services. Design/methodology/approach ? The study is a qualitative investigation based on focus groups. Findings ? The paper finds that, although rich detail is provided, the study is part way through and data need more analysis for trends to emerge. Research limitations/implications ? The study is a research project which is ongoing. Practical implications ? Rich data collected are indicating areas for improvement in service, which will be synthesized as the research progresses. Originality/value ? It is rare for data of this richness to be offered to readers. It will help others by confirming or illuminating their own investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a survey of users' levels of satisfaction with reserve collection services at Delta State University Library, Abraka, Nigeria. By means of a questionnaire, data were collected. Findings revealed the personal characteristics of the respondents and their levels of satisfaction with reserve collection, loan policy, staff, condition of reading room, opening hours and the time it takes to serve users. The paper concludes by making recommendations for improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author, appointed University Librarian in 1999, saw that the library was not fulfilling its potential from the perspectives of congenial environment and student awareness. She used student marketing projects to examine perceptions of the Patrick Power Library, and develop ways of raising its profile within the university community. The tired-looking building, a product of the 1970s, undermined the quality of staff and services. She used the information gathered through the projects to enhance services as well as make the library a more welcoming and vibrant space to attract students, without a major infusion of funds. This article charts the development of the library over a two-year period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to profile the academic "Learning Commons," a model of library service adopted by numerous institutions of higher education to attract students seeking a "one-stop" library experience. Design/methodology/approach - The paper takes the form of a literature review and commentary on this topic that is now being addressed by cost-conscious colleagues. Findings - Many academic libraries have adopted the "Learning Commons" model in order to adapt to the new reality of library usage in the present environment. Originality/value - The value in addressing this issue is to expand the discussion of this evolution of academic library service to offer possibilities for other academic libraries' consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to discuss how text messaging offers a variety of ways to stay vital and visible to younger patrons with whom libraries most need to establish a relationship to ensure their future. Design/methodology/approach - The paper discusses narrowcasting, one-to-one communication and reference queries, all methods of text messaging Findings - Even with the inherent drawbacks of message length and the incurring of charges by library users, there seems to be a place for text messaging services within the library framework. Because of the portability, popularity and pervasiveness of cell phones among our users, particularly our younger ones, this service is a way for us to stay current. Originality/value - The paper provides an original viewpoint on how text messaging could be used in libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to expound upon integrity, which is the first of the "leadership performance standards" introduced in the last installment of this column. It shows how integrity in the library staff is foundational to good cost-effective library service and how it can and should be modeled and encouraged by the library administrator. Design/methodology/approach - The article sets forth several assertions regarding integrity and then explains and supports them one at a time, concluding with a checklist for developing an atmosphere of integrity. Findings - Integrity is the most highly sought after attribute in library directors and is foundational to all good cost-effective library service. An atmosphere of integrity for the workplace can and should be fostered by the example of the library administrator. Originality/value - Learning why integrity is necessary and how to foster it in library staff and in the atmosphere of the library is the first step toward ensuring that the library will be able to fulfill its mission in a cost-effective manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This article seeks to describe the challenge of providing impactful research assistance to college students. Design/methodology/approach – The article discusses student perceptions of librarians, and the lack of awareness students have about the reference and research support provided by librarians. Findings – The article suggests alternative approaches to engaging students may break down barriers, but are no replacement for individual consultation. Originality/value – The article provides thoughts around retention of librarian approachability in the digital age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses various reports published within the issue including one by Schepman and colleagues on data protection in the library and the privacy of library users, one by Pors on Danish high school student's use of libraries and digital resources, and one by Arnold and colleagues on the impact of leadership institutes on librarians' career.

The article discusses various reports published within the issue, including one by Hua Yi and Catherine S. Herlihy in assessing students and faculty searching activities and another by Synnove Ulvik and Gunhild Salvesen on better understanding of the ethical implications of the reference interview.