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Article
Publication date: 8 February 2016

Raymond Pun

This paper aims to explore the library’s on-going relationship with the academic resource center (ARC), and how over the past two years, there have been new services and programs


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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the library’s on-going relationship with the academic resource center (ARC), and how over the past two years, there have been new services and programs thriving as a result of this collaboration. The paper presents three case studies that demonstrate the library’s collaboration with the ARC and assesses the opportunities and challenges in working with this department in a new university.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach of this paper is to explore three case studies on how the library collaborated with the ARC in supporting students. The case studies explore the opportunities for partnerships in developing innovative services, programs and resources. Librarians are integral members of the ARC and are embedded in this community by providing support to the department as well.

Findings

The paper finds that collaborations between the library and the ARC are mutually beneficial: academic libraries may consider partnering with tutoring centers to create synergies in enhancing the students’ research experience. However, not all collaborative projects or programs are successful or repeatable in success. They are still opportunities to build and strengthen the relationship between the library and the ARC.

Originality/value

This paper presents three case studies on how the library works closely with the “Global Academic Fellows” (GAF) from the ARC. The GAFs work closely with faculty and librarians as they teach, tutor and collaborate with different university departments to create programs or initiatives that enrich the student experience and the university. Their roles have been instrumental in collaborating with the library to create innovative programs, events and support services throughout the two years since the university opened in 2013.

Details

Digital Library Perspectives, vol. 32 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-5816

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Article
Publication date: 3 August 2015

Raymond Pun

The purpose of this paper is to address how New York University Shanghai Library utilizes WeChat to support students’ research and information needs. WeChat is a mobile text and


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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address how New York University Shanghai Library utilizes WeChat to support students’ research and information needs. WeChat is a mobile text and voice messaging communication service developed in China. Released in 2011, it currently has over 355 million users worldwide. The paper explores the information exchanges and interactions as well: what are students asking and what they can gain from this app; and features of the app are explored: WeChat can send files, support video-chat and group and voice messaging. By examining the opportunities and challenges of this app, the paper offers best practices to maximize WeChat as a library virtual service.

Design/methodology/approach

The design approach of this paper is to analyze the information exchanges and interactions from participants. By collecting and analyzing the responses, the paper presents the opportunities of the app in supporting patrons who are often mobile and also how the app can be used for student engagement that is beyond reference services.

Findings

From virtual reference to social media outreach, this paper finds that the app can offer a wide range of support and service through the library. Based on the positive daily interactions in the app, the research notes that the app can be utilized in many contexts: to support virtual service, to create student engagement, to promote library services and to create an online community of student users.

Originality/value

This paper introduces in the context of an American institution and how this app can be utilized to support virtual reference and student engagement. The most important feature of this work is to demonstrate how to use this app to promote and to provide library services remotely. The paper introduces an alternative virtual reference service that can be utilized in any university setting.

Details

Library Hi Tech News, vol. 32 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0741-9058

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Article
Publication date: 10 August 2015

Raymond Pun

The purpose of this paper is to explore the various roles of academic librarians in a particular startup university and how they embrace the “entrepreneurial spirit” by


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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the various roles of academic librarians in a particular startup university and how they embrace the “entrepreneurial spirit” by collaborating with many departments as the “embedded librarian”. The paper examines how embedded librarians can become entrepreneurs in generating new opportunities, collaborations and support within this university and through several departments. The paper also suggests how librarians can become embedded and entrepreneurial in academic librarianship.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach of this paper is to explore several case examples of how librarians who are embedded in a startup university demonstrate and possess the “entrepreneurial spirit” that redefine traditional roles of a librarian by opening up new opportunities for collaboration and support.

Findings

The paper finds that these case examples can serve as paradigms for other librarians to become entrepreneurs in their universities or communities; these examples also show that librarians can and must adapt to new changes whether they are economic, political, social or technological: librarians can be innovative and entrepreneurial in startup or non-startup environments.

Originality/value

The paper examines how librarians, particularly embedded ones in a department, can be entrepreneurs that can add tremendous value to the university and community in a way that transcends and redefines traditional roles of librarians.

Details

Reference Services Review, vol. 43 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0090-7324

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Article
Publication date: 16 March 2015

Raymond Pun

The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize how digital humanities (DH) projects can be integrated into instructional services programs in libraries. The paper draws on three


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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize how digital humanities (DH) projects can be integrated into instructional services programs in libraries. The paper draws on three digital projects from the New York Public Library (NYPL) and explores how librarians can creatively utilize these resources to teach new digital literacy skills such as data analysis and data management. For patrons, they can learn about the content of these crowd-sourcing projects as well. By integrating DH projects into library instruction, the possibilities and opportunities to expand and explore new research and teaching areas are timely and relevant.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach of this paper is to explore NYPL’s three digital projects and underscore how they can be integrated into instructional services: “What’s On the Menu,” “Direct Me NYC” and “Map Warper” all offer strengths and limitations but they serve as paradigms to explore how digital resources can serve multipurpose use: they are databases, digital repositories and digital libraries but they can also serve as instructional service tools.

Findings

The paper conceptualizes how three DH projects can serve as teaching opportunities for instructional services, particularly teaching digital literacy skills. By exploring the content of each digital project, the paper suggests that users can develop traditional information literacy skills but also digital literacy skills. In addition, as crowdsourcing projects, the Library also benefits from this engagement since users are adding transcriptions or rectified maps to the Library’s site. Patrons develop visual literacy skills as well. The paper addresses how librarians can meet the needs of the scholarly community through these new digital resources. While the paper only addresses the possibilities of these integrations, these ideas can be considered and implemented in any library.

Practical implications

The paper addresses positive outcomes with these digital resources to be used for library instructional services. Based on these projects, the paper recommends that DH projects can be integrated into such instructions to introduce new content and digital skills if appropriate. Although, there are limitations with these digital resources, it is possible to maximize their usage if they are used in a different and creative way. It is possible for DH projects to be more than just digital projects but to act as a tool of digital literacy instruction. Librarians must play a creative role to address this gap. However, another limitation is that librarians themselves are “new” to these resources and may find it challenging to understand the importance of DH projects in scholarly research.

Originality/value

This paper introduces DH projects produced in a public research library and explores how librarians can use these digital projects to teach patrons on how to analyze data, maps and other content to develop digital literacy skills. The paper conceptualizes the significant roles that these DH projects and librarians can play as critical mediators to introducing and fostering digital literacy in the twenty-first century. The paper can serve as an interest to academic and public libraries with large research collections and digital projects. By offering new innovative ideas of integrating DH into instructional services, the paper addresses how DH projects teaching tools can support specific digital skills such as visual literacy and data analysis.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 33 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

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Article
Publication date: 10 January 2020

Brittany Paloma Fiedler, Rosan Mitola and James Cheng

The purpose of this paper is to describe how an academic library at one of the most diverse universities in the country responded to the 2016 election through the newly formed


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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how an academic library at one of the most diverse universities in the country responded to the 2016 election through the newly formed Inclusion and Equity Committee and through student outreach.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper details the context of the 2016 election and the role of social justice in librarianship. It offers ideas for how library diversity committees can address professional development, recruitment and retention efforts and cultural humility. It highlights student outreach efforts to support marginalized students, educate communities and promote student activism. Finally, it offers considerations and suggestions for librarians who want to engage in this work.

Findings

This paper shows that incorporating social justice, diversity, equity and inclusion requires individuals taking action. If institutions want to focus on any of these issues, they need to formally include them in their mission, vision and values as well as in department goals and individual job descriptions. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas University Libraries fully supports this work, but most of the labor is done by a small number of people. Unsustainable practices can cause employee burnout and turnover resulting in less internal and external efforts to support diversity.

Originality/value

Most of the previous literature focuses either on internal activities, such as professional development and committees, or on student-focused activities, such as outreach events, displays and instruction. This paper is one comprehensive review of both kinds of activities.

Details

Reference Services Review, vol. 48 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0090-7324

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Article
Publication date: 24 April 2007

Alan Poulter

Discusses the nature of Raymond Irwin's notion of the “compleat librarian” and develops this theme into the present day and the current stat of the library profession.

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Abstract

Purpose

Discusses the nature of Raymond Irwin's notion of the “compleat librarian” and develops this theme into the present day and the current stat of the library profession.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is a literary essay.

Findings

The “compleat librarian” concept is useful as a tool to view the current state of the profession.

Practical implications

This article would be of interest to anyone interested in the perceptions of librarians of old vs today.

Originality/value

Novel view of an old concept.

Details

Library Review, vol. 56 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0024-2535

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Article
Publication date: 1 March 1999

Dale Buckmaster and Elizabeth Buckmaster

Chaucer’s Shipman’s Tale is a satire of late medieval mercantile culture, and it is replete with commercial and accounting language. Literary critics have examined some of the


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Abstract

Chaucer’s Shipman’s Tale is a satire of late medieval mercantile culture, and it is replete with commercial and accounting language. Literary critics have examined some of the relevant commercial elements such as the influence of double entry bookkeeping and the operations of late medieval foreign exchange markets. This paper introduces the tale to accounting historians by reviewing the literature that examines the business and accounting elements. A review of the critical studies helps us avoid misreading the tale and, thus, distorting inferences about the role of the merchant and his practices in medieval society. There are, however, a number of instances where critics may have misread the tale because of inadequate understanding of accounting and accounting history. Also, we find critics’ descriptions of accounting and business practices to be less efficient and precise than the sources upon which they relied. We conclude that literary critics would benefit from collaboration with an accounting historian when making inferences about technical issues. Further, accounting historians will benefit as well from collaboration with the appropriate literature specialist when attempting to analyze a piece of literature as history.

Details

Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, vol. 12 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3574

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Article
Publication date: 10 June 2014

Juan D. Gomez, Guido Bologna and Thierry Pun

The purpose of this paper is to overcome the limitations of sensory substitution methods (SSDs) to represent high-level or conceptual information involved in vision, which are


301

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to overcome the limitations of sensory substitution methods (SSDs) to represent high-level or conceptual information involved in vision, which are mainly produced by the biological sensory mismatch between sight and substituting senses. Thus, provide the visually impaired with a more practical and functional SSD.

Design/methodology/approach

Unlike any other approach, the SSD extends beyond a sensing prototype, by integrating computer vision methods to produce reliable knowledge about the physical world (at the lowest cost to the user). Importantly though, the authors do not abandon the typical encoding of low-level features into sound. The paper simply argues that any visual perception can be achieved through hearing needs to be reinforced or enhanced by techniques that lie beyond mere visual-to-audio mapping (e.g. computer vision, image processing).

Findings

Experiments reported in this paper reveal that the See ColOr is learnable and functional, and provides easy interaction. In moderate time, participants were enabled to grasp visual information of the world out of which they could derive: spatial awareness, ability to find someone, location of daily objects and skill to walk safely avoiding obstacles. The encouraging results open a door toward autonomous mobility of the blind.

Originality/value

The paper uses the “extended” approach to introduce and justify that the system is brand new, as well as the experimental studies on computer-vision extension of SSDs that are presented. Also, this is the first paper reporting on a terminated, integrated and functional system.

Details

Journal of Assistive Technologies, vol. 8 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-9450

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Article
Publication date: 17 July 2007

Ebrahim Soltani and Pei‐Chun Lai

This paper seeks to shift the focus to the implications of various quality management systems, as a pervasive feature of modern organisational life, for business excellence.

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to shift the focus to the implications of various quality management systems, as a pervasive feature of modern organisational life, for business excellence.

Design/methodology/approach

A mail‐based survey is conducted among a total of 150 UK‐based European Foundation for Quality Management‐affiliated organisations. This quantitative methodology sounds appropriate, given that there is a relative dearth of evidence regarding the nature of quality management systems as quality‐driven organisations pursue continuous improvement through such systems.

Findings

Together, International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) series and other total quality management (TQM) models were seen as helping organisations in the journey towards business excellence. Despite the apparently high level of interest in various forms of quality management systems, however, a major discrepancy was found between the rhetoric of these systems and the reality of their practice. For example, little evidence was found that the surveyed organisations were developing a more strategic approach to managing soft aspects of quality management. The results also highlighted the fact that the approach emerging in many organisations seems to be relatively the antithesis of that of the TQM‐driven organisations.

Research limitations/implications

A fundamental limitation of this study relates to its research method and the fact that it draws its data from only a mail‐based survey. Therefore, additional follow‐up research in the form of case studies – qualitative methodology – should be conducted in order to examine more deeply and validate the survey results.

Practical implications

Specifically, despite being viewed as potentially a threat to quality management initiatives, indeed, the paper is in many respects a spirited defence of the distinctive contribution and value of ISO 9000 as a basis and stepping‐stone for TQM success.

Originality/value

This paper updates the earlier work and significantly highlights the move to broaden the aims and process of quality management systems by using international‐wide quality management frameworks.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 14 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

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Book part
Publication date: 10 December 2024

Su-Jung Hwang and Jae-Hyeok Choi

Technological innovation is crucial for businesses to achieve development and profitability through enhancing core capabilities and differentiating competitive advantages. The key


Abstract

Technological innovation is crucial for businesses to achieve development and profitability through enhancing core capabilities and differentiating competitive advantages. The key to organisational survival is boosting innovation performance focused on technological innovation, as SMEs lack resources and competencies compared to large companies. Entrepreneurship is a topic of active research to overcome SMEs’ resource and size limits. This is because entrepreneurs’ capabilities are considered more important in small and medium-sized enterprises closely related to corporate success than in large enterprises that can receive organisational support. In addition, a company’s holding capacity is a direct driver of creating differentiated competitiveness because it can pursue product differentiation through high levels of market capabilities and technology capabilities. Therefore, this study attempts to demonstrate entrepreneurship and technological innovation for SMEs. Reviewing previous studies, the authors derive the organisational capabilities needed by the organisation for innovation and examine how these organisational capabilities (technological, market, and operational capabilities) relate to entrepreneurship and technological innovation.

Details

The Finance-Innovation Nexus: Implications for Socio-Economic Development
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83608-730-4

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