Ying Kit Cherry Kwan, Mei Wa Chan and Dickson K.W. Chiu
In the 21st century, libraries are experiencing a significant decline in users due to shifting reading habits and the impact of technology, necessitating library transformation…
Abstract
Purpose
In the 21st century, libraries are experiencing a significant decline in users due to shifting reading habits and the impact of technology, necessitating library transformation and a heightened emphasis on library marketing. Special libraries, in particular, rely heavily on patrons for survival, often due to their private ownership and limited resources. This paper aims to discuss the aforementioned objectives.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper examines the Taste Library, a special library in Hong Kong, and analyzes its current practices based on an interview with its founder, website content, and social media presence. The 7Ps Marketing Mix model is employed to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the library's current market position.
Findings
The Taste Library's existing practices exhibit limitations in attracting young patrons. To address this issue, we propose marketing strategies focused on enhancing social network presence, offering digitized content, and engaging in school outreach.
Practical implications
By concentrating on youth marketing, this study offers valuable insights for special libraries in developing strategic plans for transitioning and maintaining sustainability.
Originality/value
Few studies concentrate on marketing small special libraries, particularly in the East, within today's digitized economy.
Details
Keywords
Yanti Herlanti, Shinji Nobira, Yasunobu Kuboki and Qumilaila Qumilaila
This study developed an online lesson study, investigated teacher professionalism after following an online lesson study and examined students' environmental literacy.
Abstract
Purpose
This study developed an online lesson study, investigated teacher professionalism after following an online lesson study and examined students' environmental literacy.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a mixed-method research design. The qualitative approach entailed observing science learning focussing on environmental issues during Zoom meetings and interviews with teachers to gain insight into the online lesson study design. The quantitative approach involved testing learning outcomes, focussing on students' environmental literacy after one year of learning science by integrating environmental issue.
Findings
The result reveal that the online lesson study design is both asynchronous and synchronous. The teachers' teams asynchronously conduct the planning sessions. The implementation, observation and discussion sessions are conducted synchronously using an online meeting platform. Analysis of online learning during the lesson study shows that mind-on activities are performed using an online meeting platform. By contrast, hands-on activities are performed asynchronously with homework assignments. The relationship between teachers’ participation in lesson study and students' environmental literacy acquisition is positive. To improve the students' environmental literacy, online or hybrid lesson study in the future should synergise with environment-based co-curricular activities and science learning using a problem-based approach.
Research limitations/implications
The limitations of this study are linked to the research subjects, who were situated in South Tangerang, an urban area in Indonesia. The outcomes may differ if the teachers and students are situated in rural areas. Additionally, an online lesson study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Indonesia was under lockdown. Consequently, students and teachers must be required to engage in remote learning from their homes using digital devices. Online teaching has caused suboptimal environmental literacy among students (64.55 ± 9.04), especially in terms of knowledge, skills and participation. Therefore, it is imperative to strategize for an enhanced teaching approach towards environmental issues in the classrooms. Teaching methods that actively engage students with their surrounding environment positively affect their environmental knowledge and awareness (Kalyanasundaram et al., 2024). In future lesson plans, educators should create learning activities within the classroom (intra-curricular) and involve family members at home (co-curricular). It is pivotal to incorporate tasks into online teaching that facilitate direct interaction between students and nature to shape their attitudes, behaviours and concern for the environment (Douglas et al., 2024).
Practical implications
This study’s practical implication is that integrating environmental issues with science learning by framing them as crucial problems for students significantly influences students’ environmental literacy. Teachers strive to meet environmental education objectives that encompass knowledge, awareness, attitudes, skills and participation. Furthermore, teachers use problem-based learning to further improve their students' environmental literacy.
Originality/value
This study focuses on an analyses of an online lesson study design for science learning integrated with environmental issues. It examines the direct impact of online lesson study on increasing teacher professionalism and its influence on students' environmental literacy.