Categorizes barriers to effectivc library use aspsychological, practical or physical. Highlightsindividual barriers including the image of the librarianas perceived particularly…
Abstract
Categorizes barriers to effectivc library use as psychological, practical or physical. Highlights individual barriers including the image of the librarian as perceived particularly by the working class, inadequate use of library guides and information, the introduction of online catalogues – viewed as an added compilcation by many users, and library provision for the disabled, for whom libraries present physical barriers. Gives details of Wythenshawe Area Libraries′ recognition of geographical placing as a possible barrier to library use, and Derby Library′s efforts to dispel a variety of misconceptions about libraries which have arisen. Concludes that, to minimize barriers to library use, libraries should adopt flexible efficient management structurcs which put the user first – an attitude of customer care producing a service of potential benefit to all.
Raisins Although nowadays chiefly regarded as a useful ingredient of puddings, cakes and mincemeat, or as a pleasant dessert extra, raisins are a foodstuff of great antiquity…
Abstract
Raisins Although nowadays chiefly regarded as a useful ingredient of puddings, cakes and mincemeat, or as a pleasant dessert extra, raisins are a foodstuff of great antiquity, forming for many centuries a staple food of nomadic peoples. Raisins appear first in recorded history among the Ancient Egyptians, who had a high regard for this fruit.
Alexander W. Salter and Abigail R. Hall
This paper applies the logic of economic calculation to the actions of autocrats. We model autocrats as stationary bandits who use profit-and-loss calculations to select…
Abstract
This paper applies the logic of economic calculation to the actions of autocrats. We model autocrats as stationary bandits who use profit-and-loss calculations to select institutions that maximize their extraction rents. We find in many cases autocrats achieve rent maximization through creating and protecting private property rights. This in turn yields high levels of production, with expropriation kept low enough to incentivize continued high production. Importantly, while this leads to increasing quantities of available goods and services over time, it does not lead to true development; that is, the coordination of consumer demand with producer supply through directing resources to their highest-valued uses. We apply our model to the authoritarian governments of Singapore and the United Arab Emirates, showing how they function as quasi-corporate governance organizations in the business of maximizing appropriable rents.
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Lorri Mon and Abigail Phillips
As adults and young adults have become increasingly active on social media, public libraries have incorporated social media alongside their more traditional services. However…
Abstract
As adults and young adults have become increasingly active on social media, public libraries have incorporated social media alongside their more traditional services. However, libraries are faced with the challenging task of determining how to successfully engage with their users through social media. This chapter examines research literature from both social media and information studies to explore evidence-based results on providing popular information services and resources for adult and young adult users in social spaces. Key elements of social media use by libraries identified in this review include promotion of information resources and services, participation and engagement, social care, pastoral care, outreach, cocreation and motivation of users, advocacy and crowdsourcing, and measurement and assessment. Based on results from current research, best practices and assessment methods for social media are discussed which offer practical considerations for selecting social media platforms appropriate to a library’s mission, goals, and objectives, with examples relevant to a variety of social media platforms. The chapter also offers a review of social media platforms, practices, and assessment designed to inform librarians and library managers in decision-making about library social media efforts.
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The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the impact of the arrival of the motor car on streets, communities, life styles and health. It documents the environmental…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the impact of the arrival of the motor car on streets, communities, life styles and health. It documents the environmental, economic and social sacrifices that societies have made, in order to accommodate car traffic; and suggests some of the early signs of the dynamics of resistance.
Design/methodology/approach
In style this is an opinion piece, although based upon and backed by extensive research, some of it cited here. Historical and cultural changes are mapped out with ironic references also to architectural fashions, and contemporary film culture in the sub-headings.
Findings
Prioritising pedestrians in urban areas and encouraging walking would have beneficial impacts in terms of public health and environmental quality and deliver economic savings.
Originality/value
With increasing focus on public and preventive health, and concerns to develop, for example, more age- and/or “dementia-friendly” environments, the paper suggests that new-build housing, in-fill and redevelopment will need to consider the streets between our homes as a key aspect of neighbourhoods and housing policy.
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The following bibliography focuses mainly on programs which can run on IBM microcomputers and compatibles under the operating system PC DOS/MS DOS, and which can be used in online…
Abstract
The following bibliography focuses mainly on programs which can run on IBM microcomputers and compatibles under the operating system PC DOS/MS DOS, and which can be used in online information and documentation work. They fall into the following categories:
Joana Kuntz and Abigail Roberts
The purpose of this study was to investigate the unique contributions from social (i.e. trust climate, departmental integration) and organisational factors (i.e. managerial…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to investigate the unique contributions from social (i.e. trust climate, departmental integration) and organisational factors (i.e. managerial recognition, goal clarity and technology support) to work engagement and identification with the organisation in a human resource offshoring (HRO) context.
Design/methodology/approach
Participants were recruited from a large Australian financial institution with an HR centre located in the Philippines. Ninety-one members of the captive HR centre completed the anonymous online questionnaire consisting of quantitative items and open-ended fields. Regression analyses were conducted to ascertain the relationships hypothesised.
Findings
The findings suggest that goal clarity is a key predictor of both engagement and identification with the organisation, and that technology support and managerial recognition also influence offshore staff members’ motivation and workplace attitudes.
Research limitations/implications
The cross-sectional, self-report nature of the study, along with the small sample obtained, are noted as limitations of the study. Nevertheless, the high response rate (91 per cent) and availability of qualitative data provide valuable insight into the key factors that impact HRO operations and performance.
Practical implications
The study uncovers social and organisational variables that affect staff motivation and attitudes in an HRO context, and offers a number of guidelines for practitioners operating in these settings, focussing on goal clarity, managerial recognition and technology support.
Originality/value
The study contributes to a growing body of research into the organisational and human capital factors that account for HRO performance and sustainability, and offers preliminary evidence for their unique contributions to key performance drivers. Guidelines for future research and business practice are proposed, namely, the consideration of multilevel and temporal approaches to the management and investigation of HRO operations.
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Are education and efficiency antithetical? Does the pursuit of efficiency in education inevitably lead to misguided practices and measurement attempts that distort the character…
Abstract
Are education and efficiency antithetical? Does the pursuit of efficiency in education inevitably lead to misguided practices and measurement attempts that distort the character and purposes of education? Despite legitimate fears about misguided efforts at efficiency, history shows that efficiency and enlightened educational leadership can be combined beneficially. Indeed, if we want to use educational resources as wisely and effectively as possible, to benefit as many students as possible, we must evaluate the efficiency of alternative policies and practices. This article explores the issues involved, and steps required, for a balanced and appropriate pursuit of efficiency that preserves educational values and avoids the dangers of the “cult of efficiency.”