The purpose of this paper is to provide a selective review of current research and practice on user feedback in academic libraries. By dividing user feedback studies into four…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a selective review of current research and practice on user feedback in academic libraries. By dividing user feedback studies into four categories: Library as Place, Navigation, Satisfaction, and User Experience, it aims to provide a framework for academic libraries embarking on a process of systematic user feedback.
Design/methodology/approach
By reviewing the literature on user feedback activities undertaken by several academic libraries, this paper offers insights into how users experience library services, collections, and space.
Findings
User feedback activities, particularly concerning noise and seating, are widespread in academic libraries.
Practical implications
The studies reviewed in this paper may be replicated by other libraries and used as a tool for managerial decision making.
Originality/value
The review is valuable for its analysis of the recent contributions to user feedback practice, as well as its description of the different methodologies employed and changes implemented.
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The growing need for libraries to minimise expenses and reduce the number of labour‐intensive tasks has prompted the ILL unit of the library at the University of Haifa in Israel…
Abstract
The growing need for libraries to minimise expenses and reduce the number of labour‐intensive tasks has prompted the ILL unit of the library at the University of Haifa in Israel to undertake a systematic process of automation. The article describes the process and development of this automation and assesses the extent to which it has improved customer service. Also outlined are ways in which the library has benefited from the automation.
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Lynne Porat and Sara Fine
The aim of this study is to investigate whether there are differences between users and non‐users of ILDS and whether users of ILDS perceive certain factors as contributing to…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to investigate whether there are differences between users and non‐users of ILDS and whether users of ILDS perceive certain factors as contributing to satisfactory ILDS outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employed survey research in the form of a specially‐compiled web questionnaire which was distributed by e‐mail to a sample of faculty and doctoral students at two Israeli research institutions.
Findings
One of the main findings was that an ILDS user is a senior, productive, humanities, faculty member – someone who frequently uses the library's services and resources, has a deep style of information‐seeking. An additional finding was that many non‐users of ILDS believed that all their research needs were met by the internet. The other main finding was that ILDS users who perceived the consulting of secondary information sources and receiving reference assistance prior to requesting ILDS as being beneficial, achieved satisfactory ILDS outcomes which exceeded their expectations and which were ultimately integrated into their research.
Practical implications
The findings contribute to librarians' understanding of users and non‐users of ILDS and may enable them to identify and encourage potential ILDS users and find ways to promote satisfactory ILDS outcomes. Future research could study whether users of ILDS actually produce better quality research than non‐users.
Originality/value
The research shows that ILDS users have a deep style of information‐seeking and uncovers the reasons for non‐use of ILDS. In addition, it confirms Stone's (1983) finding that secondary information sources promote patron satisfaction with ILDS outcomes.
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Lynne Porat and Snunith Shoham
The recent establishment of academic colleges in Israel not only has affected the make‐up of Israeli higher education, it also has affected university libraries, particularly the…
Abstract
The recent establishment of academic colleges in Israel not only has affected the make‐up of Israeli higher education, it also has affected university libraries, particularly the interlibrary loan (ILL) departments. This article describes a study that characterised the ILL borrowing practices of Israeli college libraries in general and, in particular, those of libraries that send the majority of their requests to universities. It also identified the disciplines of college library ILL requests and determined that there is a connection to the disciplines prevalent in their own collections. In addition, it identified the Israeli university libraries that received increased requests between 1997 and 2001, assessed the effects on them and identified changes implemented in interlibrary loan departments in order to deal with the increased demand.
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The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the most recent literature concerning document supply and related matters.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the most recent literature concerning document supply and related matters.
Design/methodology/approach
The approach is based on the reading of over 150 journals as well as monographs, reports and web sites.
Findings
Electronic books remain a minority market but the literature at least remains optimistic and readers are improving in quality and acceptability. Open access continues to grow but with continuing and widely differing views on its impact. Recent mandating decisions will mean a step change in both the creation and the growth of institutional and subject repositories. Increasing concerns are being expressed about the monopolistic implications of Google and there are some stout counter‐arguments. A number of interesting articles on document supply show it to be in robust health.
Originality/value
The paper represents a useful source of information for librarians and others interested in document supply and related matters.
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This paper aims to show the viability of consociational power-sharing as a conflict-resolution tool in Syria. It further argues that a subsequent movement from consociational to…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to show the viability of consociational power-sharing as a conflict-resolution tool in Syria. It further argues that a subsequent movement from consociational to centripetal power-sharing is vital to ensure sustainable peace.
Design/methodology/approach
A theoretical overview of power-sharing as a conflict-resolution tool provides the basis for this paper, supported by empirical evidence and qualitative research analysis for its proposed application in Syria. Perceived obstacles to a negotiated settlement are outlined, with suggestions made as to how these issues can be transformed into incentives for invested parties. Such obstacles include Bashar al-Assad remaining in power, and calls for the implementation of Shari’a law by some opposition groups.
Findings
While previously the conditions of the conflict were not conducive to peace talks, this paper finds that regional developments, including the rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, have re-opened the possibility of, and indeed the necessity for, political negotiations. Detailing the complexity of a conflict that goes far beyond a mere sectarian divide, the findings of this paper dispel the notion that a sectarian partition is a viable model for Syria. The paper highlights the multiple cleavages occurring simultaneously, and shows how a power-sharing model is best suited to deal with them.
Originality/value
The paper analyses the ongoing inertia of political negotiations to peacefully resolve the conflict. It offers an approach to conflict-resolution in Syria that has, thus far, not been adequately considered in academic – or political – spheres.