Margaret Kendall and Sarah Wilkinson
Enhanced communication between citizens and local government is envisaged as a key role for the proposed UK public library network. Improved internal partnerships between the…
Abstract
Enhanced communication between citizens and local government is envisaged as a key role for the proposed UK public library network. Improved internal partnerships between the library and local government departments and representatives will be required. An example of the potential for the development of partnerships with social services departments is discussed, drawing upon recent research reports. However, an emphasis on citizenship information alone would be unfortunate. Partnerships with other information, advice and community networks will be essential to further the aims of increasing social inclusion through electronic networks. This recommendation is supported through a review of partnerships throughout the history of community information, and discussion of recent initiatives including the growth of community information and community information networks in the UK.
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Gillian A Burrington, Margaret Kendall and Christine Talbot
The history and significance of equal opportunities are outlinedand the development of initiatives within the library profession inGreat Britain is examined. Two relevant research…
Abstract
The history and significance of equal opportunities are outlined and the development of initiatives within the library profession in Great Britain is examined. Two relevant research projects in Manchester Polytechnic′s Department of Library and Information Studies are discussed and outlined by their authors.
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Discusses nine areas for action in relation to improving servicesin libraries to ethnic minorities and heightening multiculturalism inlibraries. Reviews the literature relating to…
Abstract
Discusses nine areas for action in relation to improving services in libraries to ethnic minorities and heightening multiculturalism in libraries. Reviews the literature relating to these areas and considers some of the issues involved in implementing changes. Looks at some of the areas in which race relations can be improved through better organization of the various stock arrangements of reading matter and the employment of local ethnic/black librarian staff in front line positions.
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To evaluate the impact of an interactive online tutorial aiming to improve student citing and referencing practice.
Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the impact of an interactive online tutorial aiming to improve student citing and referencing practice.
Design/methodology/approach
Action research involving three cycles of activity: identification of the most frequently occurring errors made by new undergraduates and postgraduates following instruction in citing and reference practice given in the autumn of 2002; creation of the tutorial for use by the same students in spring 2003, with the quizzes contributing to a portfolio assessment for the undergraduates. Comparison of the students’ performance before and after using the tutorial, monitoring through WebCT tracking facilities and usability tests with dyslexic students; adoption of the tutorial as the standard departmental practice, repeating the monitoring activities to compare the results with the previous year.
Findings
The results of the first cycle of activity showed a high number of errors, despite the instruction received by students, and the need to start the tutorial at an unanticipated basic level. The students responded positively to the tutorial and some improvements in practice were identified, although the tracking facilities revealed limited use by some undergraduates. Comparison of the errors made in 2003‐2004 with those of 2002‐2003 showed improvements all round.
Research limitations/implications
Some of the improvements may be accounted for by the change of practice part way through the previous academic year and other interventions.
Originality/value
The methods used will inform others wishing to carry out and evaluate online learning initiatives. It shows a qualified success in the use of online learning for this purpose.
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The important role which public library services can play in the lives of older adults has been highlighted over the last decade. Reviews the literature, with an emphasis on more…
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The important role which public library services can play in the lives of older adults has been highlighted over the last decade. Reviews the literature, with an emphasis on more recent research. Categorizes practical recommendations for developments into those of low or marginal cost, and those which require further allocation of resources in the medium or long term.
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This study examines how asking employees to self-assess their performance during the compensation setting process, when they are unaware of their marginal contribution to firm…
Abstract
This study examines how asking employees to self-assess their performance during the compensation setting process, when they are unaware of their marginal contribution to firm profit, affects employer welfare. Previous research suggests that giving employees a voice in the compensation setting process can positively affect employee performance and firm profit (Jenkins & Lawler, 1981; Roberts, 2003). However, the study proposes that asking employees to assess their own performance as part of the compensation setting process can have unintended consequences that ultimately lead to higher employee compensation demands. This is because asking employees to assess their performance increases their overconfidence in their own performance and their compensation demands. As a result, employers may face the dilemma of whether to meet these higher compensation demands or risk economic losses due to employee retaliation if their demands are not met. Through experimental evidence comparing a control condition without self-assessments and three self-assessment reporting conditions, the study provides evidence that supports the notion that eliciting employee self-assessments as part of the compensation process reduces employer welfare. Data on employee perceptions of performance further support the notion that asking employees to evaluate their performance leads to an inflated perception of their performance. These findings provide a theory-based explanation of why, in practice, many companies disentangle employee performance assessments from the compensation setting process and that companies are well advised in doing so.
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The Scottish Branch of Aslib held its 1951 Conference in Edinburgh on 25th May. The meetings were held at the Royal Society of Edinburgh and delegates were welcomed by Professor…
Abstract
The Scottish Branch of Aslib held its 1951 Conference in Edinburgh on 25th May. The meetings were held at the Royal Society of Edinburgh and delegates were welcomed by Professor James Kendall, F.R.S. The opening address was given by Miss Margaret Herbison, M.P., Joint Under‐Secretary of State for Scotland. Notes of her speech follow:
Roger T. Couture, Mohan Singh, Wayne Lee, Paul Chahal, Leonard Wankel, Margaret Oseen and Gary Wheeler
The study investigated the effects of two mental training strategies separately and combined on subjects’ shooting performance following an endurance march. Further, the study…
Abstract
The study investigated the effects of two mental training strategies separately and combined on subjects’ shooting performance following an endurance march. Further, the study examined the suitability of a ten‐session training programme for the police force. On Trial 1, following a three hour march, 44 subjects shot 25 rounds. Subjects were then randomly assigned to four groups (biofeedback, relaxation, combined biofeedback and relaxation and control). After two weeks of mental training, subjects performed both tasks again on Trial 2. A repeated two‐way ANOVA indicated a significant improvement (p < 0.01) in shooting accuracy by the combined group. Suitability for this mental training programme was strongly supported by the experimental groups (71 per cent to 80 per cent). Subjects were generally better able to relax and focus. They were also more aware of their body and their physiological control. Results are discussed in light of potential benefits for cognitive strategies in precision tasks following endurance activities.