Search results
1 – 10 of 44The review begins with a study of several analyses of statistics relating to interlibrary loan. The subjective nature of some of these is stressed and the danger of using…
Abstract
The review begins with a study of several analyses of statistics relating to interlibrary loan. The subjective nature of some of these is stressed and the danger of using statistical data in isolation is highlighted. Statistical evidence is also brought into the discussion about the conflict between interlending and preservation which centres on the difference between the book and the text. Whilst two authors take a rather conservative approach, the third looks on the problem with a more liberal attitude. Although the intrinsic safety of the materials involved is a partial barrier to interlending in developing countries, writers from both Africa and Latin America emphasize the major obstacles to advancing ILL are professional attitudes and jealousies. The proceedings of a seminar in India are reported in which a number of participants put forward possible interlending models for their country. The deliberations in Australia also centre round the alternative models available, and arguments over the costs involved persist leading to some novel arguments about making ILL a free service. The development of interlending in Illinois is examined in some detail. The impact of interlending on acquisitions policies is discussed in two papers which show that interlending is still a backup for low use material when viewed in this context. The review closes with a discussion of the future particularly in terms of money and resources which are likely to become more and more limited. The demise of the US plan for a National Periodicals Center is used to show that money and power are major elements in deciding the fate of interlending schemes.
This paper aims to examine the adoption of the open source library management system, Koha, amongst Australian special libraries.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the adoption of the open source library management system, Koha, amongst Australian special libraries.
Design/methodology/approach
The spread of Koha in Australian special libraries and the opinions of Koha users on the system have been examined by a survey distributed to all known Australian Koha users. A case study of the Greater Western Area Health Service (GWAHS) library network is also presented, demonstrating many of the practical issues involved in the decision to convert to an open source system.
Findings
The main reasons given for conversion to Koha were practical economic grounds, coupled with dissatisfaction with conventional library systems. Libraries found the conversion to Koha reasonably trouble‐free. Satisfaction ratings on most aspects of Koha performance were “above average” to “good”. Library expectations of value for money and overall cost savings appear to have been realised.
Research limitations/implications
The sample of responding libraries (46.67 per cent of all Koha libraries found) included hosted and non‐hosted installations, and a representative mix of health and non‐health libraries, including three from the tertiary sector. Results were consistent across all groups. Many Koha installations have commenced operation since 2008, and a more comprehensive survey should be undertaken in the future, when the long‐term effects of open source adoption are more evident.
Practical implications
Koha has proved well suited to small health libraries, and the GWAHS experience has been successfully replicated amongst many other Australian special libraries.
Social implications
The switch to open source has enabled many libraries to greatly enhance services to remote users. Financial restrictions which prevented many libraries establishing a web presence have been overcome by open source, resulting in greatly increased contact with library clients
Originality/value
Results of the first survey of Australian Koha users are presented. A case study of the first Australian health library network installation of Koha is also included.
Details
Keywords
Discusses the arguments for and against the trend of charging forinterlibrary loans. Considers the costs of interlending, sources ofinformation, the charging situation in the…
Abstract
Discusses the arguments for and against the trend of charging for interlibrary loans. Considers the costs of interlending, sources of information, the charging situation in the United Kingdom, Europe, former USSR, USA and Canada, and Australia, as well as the reasons for not charging: transaction size, political reasons, income retention/use and moral objection. Concludes that the trend towards charging is likely to widen the gap between those who can afford to pay for documents and those who can′t, to the detriment of library co‐operation.
Details
Keywords
Describes a number of experiments with electronic documentdelivery, and the copyright problems that are affecting its use.Considers the inadequacies of interlending for the user…
Abstract
Describes a number of experiments with electronic document delivery, and the copyright problems that are affecting its use. Considers the inadequacies of interlending for the user, the interlending in Eastern Europe and Australia. Outlines the impact of CD‐ROM on document supply and suggests that interlending can be a social, cultural and economic measure.
Details
Keywords
Examines some of the special problems raised by the Caribbean′scultural diversity when it comes to considering a regional interlibraryloan and document supply system. Considers…
Abstract
Examines some of the special problems raised by the Caribbean′s cultural diversity when it comes to considering a regional interlibrary loan and document supply system. Considers some of the barriers that cannot be controlled by librarians; those which can partially be controlled; and others that are created by librarians. Suggests that all nations of the Caribbean should become resources for their own output. Emphasizes simplicity and ease of operation, with the aim of pointing the way towards the establishment of a manageable and efficient interlibrary lending system.
Details
Keywords
Colleen Casey, Jianling Li and Michele Berry
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the institutional and social forces that influence collaborative data sharing practices in cross-sector interorganizational networks. The…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the institutional and social forces that influence collaborative data sharing practices in cross-sector interorganizational networks. The analysis focusses on the data sharing practices between professionals in the transportation and public health sectors, areas prioritized for collaborative action to improve public health.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed methods design is utilized. Electronic surveys were sent to 57 public health and 157 transportation professionals in a large major metropolitan area in the USA (response rate 39.7 percent). Focus groups were held with 12 organizational leaders representing professionals in both sectors.
Findings
The application of the institutional-social capital framework suggests that professional specialization and organizational forces make it challenging for professionals to develop the cross-sector relationships necessary for cross-sector collaborative data sharing.
Research limitations/implications
The findings suggest that developing the social relationships necessary for cross-sector collaboration may be resource intensive. Investments are necessary at the organizational level to overcome the professional divides that limit the development of cross-sector relationships critical for collaborative data sharing. The results are limited to the data sharing practices of professionals in one metropolitan area.
Originality/value
Despite mandates and calls for increased cross-sector collaboration to improve public health, such efforts often fail to produce true collaboration. The study’s value is that it adds to the theoretical conceptualization of collaboration and provides a deeper understanding as to why collaborative action remains difficult to achieve. Future study of collaboration must consider the interaction between professional specialization and the social relationships necessary for success.
Details
Keywords
Undertakes a pilot study, the results of which are reported here, into the degree to which marketing techniques are being applied in the local authority sports/leisure centre…
Abstract
Undertakes a pilot study, the results of which are reported here, into the degree to which marketing techniques are being applied in the local authority sports/leisure centre situations in the UK. Details the use of a questionnaire which focused attention on both marketing tools and major aspects of marketing philosophy. Finds evidence of marketing thinking having penetrated various organisational areas. Concludes that the study may have been of a pilot nature but there is evidence so far at least of marketing thinking being applied under one or more of the topic areas included in the questionnaire.
Details
Keywords
Ellen Baker, Melanie Kan and Stephen T.T. Teo
The purpose of this paper is to examine a collaborative non‐profit network which is undergoing organizational change.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine a collaborative non‐profit network which is undergoing organizational change.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors present a case study of an employment‐services network in its first year of change, as the network implemented various activities to enhance its performance. A grounded‐theory approach was adopted to study the organizational and collaborative processes within the member‐site and Head‐Office levels.
Findings
It was found that member‐site leadership was the critical factor influencing site culture and site performance, and that high‐performing sites were initiating collaborative activities with other sites. Head‐Office leadership also influenced site performance and collaboration, but its initiatives were only moderately successful. The findings also indicate that change efforts should focus on leadership at both the site and network levels, and may need to begin with low‐performing sites.
Practical implications
The paper discusses the implications of leadership on the implementation of collaborative networks in the employment services sector.
Originality/value
The qualitative findings of the study add to, and help to explain, earlier research findings on the questions of how public sector organizations utilize various activities to implement collaborative networks and their impact on managerial practice.
Details
Keywords
This study aims to understand in what way municipal mediators can function as a cooperation network, promoting better social and economic inclusion of Roma community.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to understand in what way municipal mediators can function as a cooperation network, promoting better social and economic inclusion of Roma community.
Design/methodology/approach
To fulfil this objective, a qualitative approach was adopted, holding semi-structured interviews with various partners involved in an inter-organisational cooperation network: the DiverCity project. This project aims to combat the discrimination of Roma community living in the local authority.
Findings
The empirical evidence obtained shows that the most important factors for the successful social and economic inclusion of Roma community are networking and the trust created between the parties involved. Communication, flexibility and common goals are other essential relational factors for the social and economic inclusion of the Roma community in this cooperation network.
Practical implications
This study shows how trust and networking are fundamental for the social and economic inclusion of Roma community. When minorities and the majority community are in harmony and consider factors such as trust and communication, social inclusion is found to be the case. From networking and the trust established between partners, this study shows how municipal mediators can facilitate inclusion of Roma community.
Originality/value
As there is little research on the role of municipal mediators in social inclusion, this study is particularly important and innovative by proposing a model for project development aiming for the inclusion of minority groups such as Roma community.
Details
Keywords
Chowdhury Hossan, Christopher Dixon and David Brown
The purpose of this article is to re‐appraise the significance of Lewin's group dynamics theory empirically in the context of technology related change in local government.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to re‐appraise the significance of Lewin's group dynamics theory empirically in the context of technology related change in local government.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper examines qualitatively the change management processes in the five city councils selected for this study that have developed eservices. A total of 23 face‐to‐face, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with key managers of participating city councils.
Findings
The present study finds that participating Australian city councils are experiencing some degree of disconfirmation of functions, while some participating Australian city councils still maintain a quasi‐stationary equilibrium state. There are some challenges in terms of inter‐department integration and empowering business units to demonstrate explicit ownership of Eservices adoption. Empirical evidence presented in this study supports Lewin's argument that the main focus of change should be on group behaviour rather than individual behaviour.
Research limitations/implications
This study covers five organizations that are from the same geographical proximity and metropolitan area. The findings are limited to government organisations.
Practical implications
The findings of this study would be useful for facilitating technology oriented change in public sector organisations.
Originality/value
This paper reinforces Lewin's argument that to understand change and the individual in the changing organisation, it is necessary to identify, plot, and establish the dynamics of the group. Some insights are provided regarding the complexity of group dynamics and the impact they have when implementing organisation wide‐change.
Details