Kodjo Atiso, Jenna Kammer and Denice Adkins
This study aims to examine the information needs of Ghanaian immigrants who have settled in Maryland in the USA.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the information needs of Ghanaian immigrants who have settled in Maryland in the USA.
Design/methodology/approach
Using an ethnographic approach, immigrants from Ghana shared their information needs, challenges and sources they rely upon for information. In total, 50 Ghanaian immigrants participated in this study.
Findings
Findings indicate that like many immigrant populations, Ghanaians who have immigrated to the USA primarily rely on personal networks, mediated through social media, as their primary sources of information. Despite the availability of immigration resources in the library, Ghanaian immigrants may not view it as a useful resource.
Social implications
While this study examines a single immigrant population, its social implications are important to libraries who aim to serve immigrant populations in their community.
Originality/value
This study provides new information about African immigrant population, a population whose information needs have rarely been covered in the literature.
Details
Keywords
Hyerim Cho, Denice Adkins and Alicia K. Long
The current study investigates the reader demographics, appeals and reading motivations of Webtoon, a born-digital emerging multimedia reading platform that is widely available…
Abstract
Purpose
The current study investigates the reader demographics, appeals and reading motivations of Webtoon, a born-digital emerging multimedia reading platform that is widely available via mobile applications. This study aims to contribute to existing reader studies by exploring a novel reading platform in order to create future recommendation services.
Design/methodology/approach
An online survey was distributed, targeting Webtoon readers 18 years old or older. Descriptive and exploratory statistical analyses based on 1,117 valid survey responses were conducted to better understand the readers of Webtoon.
Findings
Seventy-six percent of Webtoon readers fall into the 18–33 age range, indicating the medium’s popularity among young adult readers. Among 14 appeal elements identified, Webtoon-specific appeals include visual/artistic style, sound and interactivity, time commitment, user-friendliness, and cost and price. Frequently selected Webtoon reading motivations include relaxation, changing one’s emotional state, escapism and achieving new experiences. Lastly, a cluster analysis yielded six distinctive Webtoon reader profiles: Habitual readers, emotionally-responsive readers, occasional readers, convenience-seeking readers, socially aware readers and Webtoon expert readers.
Originality/value
The current study adopts a persona concept from user experience research to suggest a way to understand Webtoon readers and improve recommendation services, a unique approach in reader studies. It aims to understand Webtoon readers from readers’ advisory and media studies perspectives, bridging two areas.
Details
Keywords
This chapter provides a review of diversity management as framed in business and organizational management literature, and relates that literature to the current state of…
Abstract
Purpose
This chapter provides a review of diversity management as framed in business and organizational management literature, and relates that literature to the current state of diversity theory development in library and information science (LIS).
Methodology/approach
This review begins with a theoretical orientation, focusing on organizational theories, diversity management models, and diversity conflict frameworks. It then summarizes some empirical literature for organizations seeking to create a diverse environment. It concludes with a discussion of diversity models developed in and for LIS.
Findings
Library and information science has lagged behind organizational science in research and theory development related to diversity. Most of the LIS research that has been done has focused on individuals rather than library systems or the larger organizational systems in which they are embedded. Practical questions are raised about the extent of diversity concerns in the day-to-day operations and practices of libraries, and where diversity concerns come into conflict with librarians’ professional values.
Details
Keywords
Musa Wakhungu Olaka and Denice Adkins
The purpose of this paper is to examine how Kenyan academic librarians, with varying education levels, solve and handle copyright issues when presented to them by library users.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine how Kenyan academic librarians, with varying education levels, solve and handle copyright issues when presented to them by library users.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey questionnaire was administered to 253 librarians in 14 universities in Nairobi, Kenya. Of those who responded to the survey, a think aloud protocol and critical incident technique interview were administered to a convenience sample of 32 librarians.
Findings
Learned helplessness was found to exist among librarians who were Certificate and Diploma holders when faced with copyright queries. Librarians from the different education levels differed in their ranking of problem‐solving strategies they employ when it comes to stopping copyright infringement in libraries.
Practical implications
This study helps to inform internal library policies regarding copyright and the type of staff member a library can utilize to serve library users whenever they present queries on copyright issues. The study supports the need for thorough copyright education for librarians.
Originality/value
This is the first time that a study has tried to compare how academic librarians in Africa with varying education levels in Library Science respond to copyright queries presented to them and approaches they use to fight copyright infringement.
Details
Keywords
Denice Adkins, Jenny Bossaller, Ericka Butler, Wilson Castaño, Hyerim Cho and Joe Kohlburn
This chapter presents the final results of a three-phase research project conducted between January and November 2022, consisting of a survey, interviews, and an environmental…
Abstract
This chapter presents the final results of a three-phase research project conducted between January and November 2022, consisting of a survey, interviews, and an environmental scan. During Phase 1, a survey was distributed to library managers and directors representing a variety of socioeconomic settings across the United States. It focused on population density and the urban/rural divide. Results from that survey revealed public librarians’ concerns about their local government’s response, patrons’ refusal to receive accurate information, and the propagation of misinformation on social media. Phase 2 involved interviewing 29 library managers and directors, focusing on their pandemic response stories. The interviews found that library leaders were frustrated by uncertainty, a lack of authoritative, trusted local information to guide their decision-making, which they could provide to the public, and the politicization of data and information. Phase 3 consisted of an environmental scan of 13 communities, from small towns to urban hubs, examining how external community factors influenced libraries’ community engagement and staff support. Across each phase of the study, the authors found examples of libraries and management committed to their communities despite uncertainties and political differences.
Details
Keywords
Anne M. Dannerbeck Janku, Jenny Bossaller, Denice Adkins and Rachel Thudium
Drug Treatment Courts (DTCs) offer a form of alternative sentencing for people who have been convicted of a crime related to drug or alcohol abuse. The work of rehabilitation in…
Abstract
Drug Treatment Courts (DTCs) offer a form of alternative sentencing for people who have been convicted of a crime related to drug or alcohol abuse. The work of rehabilitation in DTCs is client-centered, meaning that it takes into account all of the client’s needs that affect their life in regards to completion of the program and rehabilitation. DTCs employ teams of people made up of judges, lawyers, educators, clinicians, and community supervisors. There are specific ways that librarians might become involved with DTCs regarding both literacy and, more specifically, health literacy. Existing programs could be adapted to solve common health literacy problems of participants, and librarians could also forge relationships with DTCs. Training for librarians should include education about the health and literacy problems faced by this population so they can successfully connect DTC participants with people and information that will contribute to their success completing the program and building healthier lives. This chapter looks to established best practices within DTCs and to some current related programs within public libraries to find grounds for expanding services to this population.
Details
Keywords
Diane L. Barlow and Paul T. Jaeger
This chapter introduces the roles and challenges of diversity and inclusion in library and information science, as well as the goals and efforts to promote diversity and inclusion…
Abstract
Purpose
This chapter introduces the roles and challenges of diversity and inclusion in library and information science, as well as the goals and efforts to promote diversity and inclusion such as the James Partridge Outstanding African American Information Professional Award.
Methodology/approach
This chapter begins with a brief review of the issues of race and other forms of diversity in the field and the importance of addressing them. After articulating the need for this volume, the chapter introduces the sections of the book: The James Partridge Award and Other Efforts in Higher Education; Equitable Service to All; Toward a More Inclusive and Supportive Profession; Intersections of Race and Other Forms of Diversity; and Conclusions.
Findings
This chapter introduces a book that explores the historical and current issues related to diversity, inclusion, and equity in library and information science professions, professional organizations, institutions, education, and scholarship from a range of first-hand perspectives of winners of the James Partridge Award and other scholars and professionals.