Georgina F. Payne and David Bradbury
Online Personal Academic Librarian (OPAL) is an Open University research project looking at the development of a fully automated 24/7 online system designed to respond to routine…
Abstract
Online Personal Academic Librarian (OPAL) is an Open University research project looking at the development of a fully automated 24/7 online system designed to respond to routine and repeat enquiries from Open University distance learners. Looks at the desk and field research conducted to date, and is divided into five sections. First, the reason and need for such an automated question‐answer service are considered. Then examines the current digital reference climate, and a range of possible solutions and technologies is described, including the use of real‐time technologies such as chat and Web contact software, and also the use of fully automated online conversational robots. Then looks at enquirer behaviour and enquiry patterns, drawing on data collected through field research and a data analysis of user e‐mail enquiries. Further research has also revealed the importance of the user’s context and the need for user profiling in delivering an appropriate response to the user, and this is briefly discussed. Concludes with a description of the OPAL prototype to date, and looks ahead to some possible future directions.
Details
Keywords
The year 1986/87 was a year of consolidation and continued work on initiatives reported last year, rather than one featuring many new interlending developments. The ritish Library…
Abstract
The year 1986/87 was a year of consolidation and continued work on initiatives reported last year, rather than one featuring many new interlending developments. The ritish Library has continued to expand its lending services following its reorganization; the National Committee on Regional Library Co‐operation (NCRLC) is still examining its future role; the Arthur Young Transport Review was completed, but was only pub‐lished in June 1987;2 co‐operation in the field of music and audio‐visual material continued to make steady progress; and the VISCOUNT Project developed further, but still did not reach the full trial stage.
Early in 1992 the British Library′s Document Supply Centre decidedthat it would be timely to review its existing strategy and to developits strategy to take it into the next…
Abstract
Early in 1992 the British Library′s Document Supply Centre decided that it would be timely to review its existing strategy and to develop its strategy to take it into the next century. Describes the process which was undertaken to produce a ten‐year strategic plan for the Document Supply Centre. Presents the mission statement, business objective and key strategies which resulted from the review, along with an outline of the six functional strategies which support the key objectives – marketing, services, collections, information technology, human resources and finance. Discusses the relationship between these strategies and the British Library′s Statement of Strategic Objectives, which was developed in parallel with the Centre′s Plan.
Details
Keywords
Glenn Richards and Chris van Staden
This paper aims to compare the readability of narrative annual report disclosure pre- and post-International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adoption using a computational…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to compare the readability of narrative annual report disclosure pre- and post-International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adoption using a computational linguistics programme to determine if annual report disclosures have become more difficult or easier to read following the adoption of IFRS.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper empirically measures narrative annual report disclosure readability pre- and post-IFRS adoption using a computational linguistics programme. In this analysis, the authors control for variables that have been identified as relevant to the understanding of financial disclosures, such as size, business volatility, financial leverage and industry.
Findings
Significant relationships have been identified between IFRS adoption and reduced readability indicators using readability formulas, and also using other factors such as increased length of annual report disclosures and increased use of tables. Findings suggest that the adoption of IFRS has added complexity and resulted in reduced readability of annual report disclosures.
Practical implications
Academic backing to claims of IFRS’s negative implications for financial statements and their ultimate users should encourage action on the part of standard setters and report preparers to address the negative impacts of IFRS adoption.
Originality/value
This paper is the first to provide evidence that New Zealand equivalents to IFRS adoption have resulted in not only longer disclosures but also more complicated disclosures.
Details
Keywords
Since its origins during the Second World War, the computer industry has grown more rapidly than any other technology in history, and this growth has spawned a wealth of new terms…
Abstract
Since its origins during the Second World War, the computer industry has grown more rapidly than any other technology in history, and this growth has spawned a wealth of new terms and manners‐of‐speaking to describe computers and the uses to which they can be put. Such terms are often referred to collectively as computerese. The thesis of Barry's entertaining book is that the use of computerese is increasingly being extended to a wealth of other subjects that are often totally unrelated to computing. Barry refers to this use (or abuse) of language as technobabble: the subject matter and the pleasingly tongue‐in‐cheek style can be judged from the introduction, which starts as follows: ‘This paper‐based, productized bookware module is designed to support the robust implementation of a friendly, context‐driven interface between the developer and the end‐user. Did you understand this sentence? If so, you are fluent in technobabble’.
David Baker, Ian Ellery, Iain Reeman and Ann Wood
This paper summarises the development, current position and future proposed enhancement of the University of East Anglia (UEA)'s electronic document delivery service. The service…
Abstract
This paper summarises the development, current position and future proposed enhancement of the University of East Anglia (UEA)'s electronic document delivery service. The service has been developed in conjunction with the British Library Document Supply Centre (BLDSC) and began in September 1993. It now handles up to 20 documents a day, via the Library. It is hoped to transfer to desktop delivery, subject to copyright restrictions.
Interlending activities in various countries, particularly inacademic libraries, are examined. The growth of networking and theimportance of a strong infrastructure are discussed…
Abstract
Interlending activities in various countries, particularly in academic libraries, are examined. The growth of networking and the importance of a strong infrastructure are discussed. A system of cost recovery for large net‐lenders is outlined. Developments in copyright are reviewed.