Lauren Goodchild, Charles Oppenheim and Marigold Cleeve
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the content and usability of a sample of 50 UK MPs' web sites.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the content and usability of a sample of 50 UK MPs' web sites.
Design/methodology/approach
Score sheets were developed for the evaluation of web sites based on an extensive review of the relevant literature. In addition, a questionnaire was sent to all MPs who had a web site at the time of the research.
Findings
The web sites in general scored poorly in terms of content and usability. Liberal Democrats' web sites scored the highest overall. The main reason why MPs set up web sites was to improve communications with their constituents. However, many MPs had problems finding the time and funds to set up and maintain their web sites. There is a growing interest in interactive web sites.
Research limitations/implications
Not every MP's web site was evaluated, nor was every MP approached regarding their attitude to web sites.
Practical implications
A series of recommendations on how MPs can improve their web sites is provided. It is clear that MPs' web sites are a long way from being ideal. Funding issues need to be addressed.
Originality/value
This is the latest such survey for a number of years.
Details
Keywords
Navin Kumar, Kamila Janmohamed, Jeannette Jiang, Jessica Ainooson, Ameera Billings, Grace Q. Chen, Faith Chumo, Lauren Cueto and Amy Zhang
The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) has been broadly successful but less so in the Global South. This paper aims to effectively design interventions that to…
Abstract
Purpose
The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) has been broadly successful but less so in the Global South. This paper aims to effectively design interventions that to mitigate tobacco-related harms in the Global South, further understanding of interventions in this environment will be helpful, in line with FCTC recommendations. The first objective was to locate and review all published literature relating to tobacco control interventions in the Global South. The second objective was to provide information on research trends within Global South tobacco control interventions.
Design/methodology/approach
A literature search was conducted across six databases.
Findings
Despite the FCTC detailing the significance of the research, studies are still lacking in the Global South. There are significant research gaps such as longitudinal studies, harm reduction and randomized controlled trials.
Research limitations/implications
Limitations arose from differences in study designs of reviewed studies, making it more complex to assess all studies under the same rubric.
Practical implications
Results indicate significant potential for tobacco control interventions in the Global South, potentially moving toward FCTC goals, but also highlight several areas of concern.
Originality/value
There is much evidence on the effectiveness of tobacco control in the Global North, especially in some parts of Europe and the USA. However, the evidence base in the Global South is far more limited. This paper provides an overview of Global South tobacco control interventions and suggests areas of concern, in line with the FCTC 15 years on.
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Lauren Heather Mandel, Bradley Wade Bishop and Ashley Marie Orehek
The purpose of this paper is to explore library research that uses geographic information systems (GIS) as a tool to evaluate library services and resources to ascertain current…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore library research that uses geographic information systems (GIS) as a tool to evaluate library services and resources to ascertain current trends and establish future directions for this growing research area.
Design/methodology/approach
The study searched full text for geographic information systems in two databases: Library and Information Science Source (LISS) and Library, Information Science and Technology Abstracts (LISTA), replicating the method used in a prior literature review. The titles and abstracts of the search results were analyzed to gather only the research that used GIS as a tool to measure and analyze library services.
Findings
This study found growth in the last decade for library research using GIS. There remain two ways the tool is primarily used: to analyze service areas and to manage facilities and collections.
Practical implications
The findings are relevant for library and information science researchers and practitioners because they summarize a specific area of research that has grown and changed and that still has potential to be used more widely. Using GIS in practice and research could benefit all library users and nonusers because spatial analysis facilitates more precise and informed delivery of services and resources.
Originality/value
The paper provides future directions for use of GIS in library research and attempts to define subdivisions within this research area to clarify the area for researchers and practitioners.
Details
Keywords
Bradley Wade Bishop and Lauren H. Mandel
The purpose of this research paper is to explore library research that uses geographic information systems (GIS) as a tool to measure and analyze library services and establish…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research paper is to explore library research that uses geographic information systems (GIS) as a tool to measure and analyze library services and establish future directions for this research area.
Design/methodology/approach
This study reviews the library literature using GIS. The study searched full text for geographic information systems in two databases, Library Literature and Information Full Text and Library, Information Science and Technology Abstracts (LISTA). The titles and abstracts of the search results were analyzed to gather only the research that used GIS as a tool to measure and analyze library services.
Findings
This review of the literature reveals research using GIS as a tool in two ways: to analyze service area populations, including facility site location and other service and resource decision making; and to manage facilities, including in‐library use and occupancy of library study space.
Practical implications
The findings are relevant for library and information science researchers and practitioners because they summarize a specific area of research that may be confusing for the novice, but beneficial to the field. Using GIS in practice and research could benefit library services by generating maps to convey more information than tables and text alone and by allowing spatial analysis of library services inside the library as well as in a library's service areas.
Originality/value
The paper provides future directions for an emerging research area and attempts to define subdivisions within this research area to clarify the area for researchers and practitioners.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this study is to describe the role of geographical information system (GIS) in public libraries. The study shed light on various functions of GIS in the public…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to describe the role of geographical information system (GIS) in public libraries. The study shed light on various functions of GIS in the public library scenario. It further elaborates on the scope of GIS, its functions and the multiple challenges faced by library staff in implementation in public library.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative study was conducted by exploring articles published in top databases like Elsevier, Taylor and Francis, SpringerLink, Google Scholar, etc. The study reveals that GIS has been part of multiple businesses for the past few years, and its role is expanding at an alarming rate in public libraries for the past 10 years.
Findings
The study reveals that GIS deals with the geospatial characteristics of the data set, and the public library’s prime role is to visualize large quantities of disparate data in one data set.
Originality/value
The study will further wider the scope of the GIS in public library scenario. Experts in GIS and library field will get an extensive information and optimum benefits by reading this paper.