S.A. Walters, J.E. Broady and R.J. Hartley
A key area affecting library management is the effective and efficientmanagement and development of information systems. The concept of aninformation systems development…
Abstract
A key area affecting library management is the effective and efficient management and development of information systems. The concept of an information systems development methodology (ISDM) is a management approach that has been virtually ignored in the context of library management. Provides a critique of the literature relating to ISDMs with a view to exploring their use by libraries in the future. Examines the historical development of ISDMs, followed by a definition of the term, and an outline of the requirements for ISDM. Subsequently discusses themes in information systems development in relation to the main types of ISDM associated with them, leading to a consideration of the problems with ISDMs and with their usage. Outlines the need for the further refinement of ISDMs in the light of these problems. Finally, suggests theoretical reasons for the use of ISDMs by library managers.
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Judith Broady‐Preston and Tegwen Williams
This paper reports the results of a research project undertaken in 2002, examining the degree to which organisations use information to create business value in a sample of law…
Abstract
This paper reports the results of a research project undertaken in 2002, examining the degree to which organisations use information to create business value in a sample of law firms in the City of London. A range of small, medium and large firms were surveyed and managers with strategic responsibility for information flow were interviewed. Results indicate that information is perceived as a valuable asset by law firms, although few could offer hard evidence to support such assertions.
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Jan Stejskal, Petr Hajek and Viktor Prokop
The study aims to analyse library user preferences in the willingness to read and pay for e-books, using a sample of both active readers (users of public library services) and…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to analyse library user preferences in the willingness to read and pay for e-books, using a sample of both active readers (users of public library services) and non-users (the general population).
Design/methodology/approach
Two empirical surveys were conducted from August to November of 2019; the research sample consisted of 1,334 users from the Municipal Library of Prague and 1,101 non-users from the general Czech population. The research was focussed on e-book user preferences. The willingness to pay (WTP) for e-book services and the determinants that affect this willingness were also examined.
Findings
The results show the specific approach of Czech readers, whose main determinant of WTP is not the content, but the price and method of its payment (allocation). Some people prefer a cheaper annual lump sum, whereas others may prefer a charge of small regular fees. The decision to pay depends on their reading or payment habits.
Originality/value
This study also aims to clarify the demand for various types of digital media in Czech libraries and the preferred distribution models. Furthermore, the study determines the dependence of the preferences of library users in their WTP for e-books using different evaluation models. The originality of this study is in the evaluation of the determinants of WTP for e-books, which makes this study unique, and the findings should contribute to the expansion of existing knowledge in the field of information science.
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Kau Ah Keng, Jochen Wirtz and Kwon Jung
Examines the learning and reading‐related lifestyles of users and non‐users of libraries in Singapore. Door‐to‐door personal interviews with over 800 respondents in the age group…
Abstract
Examines the learning and reading‐related lifestyles of users and non‐users of libraries in Singapore. Door‐to‐door personal interviews with over 800 respondents in the age group of over 15 were used to collect the data. Factor analysis was used to establish eight types of reading and learning lifestyles. Subsequently cluster analysis was used to segment the respondents into seven types of library visitors. Together with their demographic characteristics and usage patterns of libraries, distinct profiles of these segments of people could be constructed. Finally, implications for library policy planners are discussed.
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Mohamad Noorman Masrek, Norhayati Hussin and Norashimawati Tarmuchi
The purpose of the paper is to investigate the status of systems development methodologies (SDM) usage for developing web‐based application in Malaysian organizations. In…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the paper is to investigate the status of systems development methodologies (SDM) usage for developing web‐based application in Malaysian organizations. In addition, it also seeks to investigate the use of techniques and tools for web‐based application development.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employed the use of a cross‐sectional survey method with 200 questionnaires sent to information systems managers. A total of 66 usable questionnaires were returned.
Findings
The use of SDM that are meant for web‐based applications is still very low among Malaysian organizations. The majority of respondents indicated that the SDM being used were adapted on a project basis. Malaysian systems developers were more inclined to use techniques that were much suited for traditional applications. Nevertheless, the use of systems development tools was quite overwhelming. Despite acknowledging the merits of using SDM, respondents also indicated problems associated with their usage.
Research limitations/implications
The number of respondents participated in the study was low and furthermore data were collected employing a cross‐sectional design instead of longitudinal design.
Originality/value
The paper provides empirical evidence regarding the use of SDM, techniques and tools for developing web‐based applications.
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Yean-Fu Wen, Ko-Yu Hung, Yi-Ting Hwang and Yeong-Sung Frank Lin
The purpose of this paper is to establish a social-network sp.orts lottery system to support users in predicting and simulating sports lottery betting. The community data were…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to establish a social-network sp.orts lottery system to support users in predicting and simulating sports lottery betting. The community data were generated to support user decision and featured instant game records and odds data synchronisation. Furthermore, the next development cycle were evaluated through a questionnaire.
Design/methodology/approach
An extended prototype website development methodology was applied to develop the system. An online sample was collected to evaluate the function, interface, operation, and prediction designs. The χ2 test and variance analysis were used to determine the association between facets and basic demographics. Finally, the regression model was used to identify the potentially essential predictors that influence the measurement facets.
Findings
The high frequency of Facebook users, sports lottery purchases, and sports game viewers prefer the ability to predict the results of future sports games as advanced decision-making functions. However, the agent-based virtual gift presentation function was the least preferred function.
Research limitations/implications
The study sample was limited only to users: who used PTT and Facebook; were of uneven age, education, and gender; and none segment groups. The study sample primarily comprised Taiwanese respondents. These differences might influence the practicality and prediction bias of the designed website and related models.
Practical implications
The proposed method integrates social-network messages with real-time data access by using APIs, crawler schemes, and prediction mechanisms that enable developers to devise strategies for obtaining high system satisfaction. The system can be improved by adding the results of future sports games and excluding authorised Facebook message posts.
Originality/value
A social-network-based sports lottery and prediction prototyping website was evaluated through a user-preference survey regarding design functions. The measurement results indicated that users share their opinions, predictions, and personal betting results and interact with their friends.
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Allison S. Gabriel, David F. Arena, Charles Calderwood, Joanna Tochman Campbell, Nitya Chawla, Emily S. Corwin, Maira E. Ezerins, Kristen P. Jones, Anthony C. Klotz, Jeffrey D. Larson, Angelica Leigh, Rebecca L. MacGowan, Christina M. Moran, Devalina Nag, Kristie M. Rogers, Christopher C. Rosen, Katina B. Sawyer, Kristen M. Shockley, Lauren S. Simon and Kate P. Zipay
Organizational researchers studying well-being – as well as organizations themselves – often place much of the burden on employees to manage and preserve their own well-being…
Abstract
Organizational researchers studying well-being – as well as organizations themselves – often place much of the burden on employees to manage and preserve their own well-being. Missing from this discussion is how – from a human resources management (HRM) perspective – organizations and managers can directly and positively shape the well-being of their employees. The authors use this review to paint a picture of what organizations could be like if they valued people holistically and embraced the full experience of employees’ lives to promote well-being at work. In so doing, the authors tackle five challenges that managers may have to help their employees navigate, but to date have received more limited empirical and theoretical attention from an HRM perspective: (1) recovery at work; (2) women’s health; (3) concealable stigmas; (4) caregiving; and (5) coping with socio-environmental jolts. In each section, the authors highlight how past research has treated managerial or organizational support on these topics, and pave the way for where research needs to advance from an HRM perspective. The authors conclude with ideas for tackling these issues methodologically and analytically, highlighting ways to recruit and support more vulnerable samples that are encapsulated within these topics, as well as analytic approaches to study employee experiences more holistically. In sum, this review represents a call for organizations to now – more than ever – build thriving organizations.
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Judith Broady‐Preston, Joanna Felice and Susan Marshall
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the results of two surveys conducted at the University of Malta Library, 2003‐20044 and Lanchester Library, University of Coventry…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the results of two surveys conducted at the University of Malta Library, 2003‐20044 and Lanchester Library, University of Coventry, 2005‐2006. Relationships between library staff and their customers are explored using a customer relationships management (CRM) framework.
Design/methodology/approach
Focus groups were used to ascertain customer and staff perceptions of the quality of library service and the existing nature of customer/librarian relationships.
Findings
CRM was a useful framework for analysing the perceived worth of university libraries. In the contemporary competitive environment, librarians needed not only to ascertain and meet customer need, but to form active collaborations with their customers if the true market potential of academic libraries is to be realised. Good communication strategies are essential for CRM to be successful. Training for staff and customers in information skills and/or new systems is an essential element of a CRM approach.
Research limitations/implications
Further large‐scale research is desirable to test the basic premise and the methodology employed in greater depth.
Practical implications
Involving customers actively in the design and delivery of library services has positive benefits vis‐à‐vis the perceived worth and value of the service within the wider institution.
Originality/value
Demonstrates the value of adopting a CRM strategy within university libraries.