Hybrid gatekeeping framework for value-added information services

Information control processes designed to prioritize the most relevant information are important for enhancing the service experience of users. Gatekeeping is the process of filtering and disseminating information in online information services. This study investigates the effects of gatekeeping activities on information services and the resulting impact on the value of such services from a user's perspective in an information service environment characterized by online and offline transactions. Various hybrid gatekeeping activities are derived through focus group interviews with information services planners. A survey of information service users reveals values that could be obtained from the information services. The results of these two data gathering tools suggest an information service framework for hybrid environments. The findings enable the development of value-added information services for users through efficient information control in hybrid online and offline environments.     

面向用户需求的图书馆信息服务

在知识经济环境下,传统图书馆的服务方式将会发生新的变化。文章从用户需求的几种趋势出发,根据信息服务的特点,结合效用分析、服务管理以及部分信息经济学的理论,从用户、服务者和管理者三个角度阐释图书馆信息服务的基本内涵,提出了图书馆信息服务质量的评估体系及标准。     

Legislation for library and information services in French-speaking Africa revisited

The aim of this article is to review the situation regarding legislation on library and information services, and in particular, the changes that have taken place over the past 20 years in French-speaking African countries. Our study concerns 24 African countries, located in North Africa (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia), West Africa (Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, Togo), as well as East and Central Africa (Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Rwanda), Djibouti, the Comoros, Madagascar and Seychelles.The institutions examined in this study are primarily national libraries and documentation centres. Nevertheless, we will also look at legislative decisions affecting national information systems and public and university libraries, as well as some decisions governing the practice of the librarian profession.The main changes that took place over the past two decades concern the setting up of international Francophone institutions and the support provided to information and library infrastructures in developing countries. We also note a definite improvement in documentation systems, due largely to a greater priority placed on information and the action of professionals trained in library science faculties and colleges, who continue to promote the need for adequate legislation to ensure well-performing institutions.     

User needs: the key to changing library services and policies.

A user survey and a series of faculty interviews are discussed as methods that can be used by a public relations librarian to change library policies and services in the direction of patrons' needs.     

图书馆项目制信息服务研究

项目制信息服务以项目为对象,在项目的各个阶段开展有针对性的信息服务,形成系统的信息。文章介绍了在项目不同阶段信息服务的主要内容,分析了项目制信息服务的优势和面临的问题,并认为基于项目的信息服务使图书馆的信息服务方式、服务效果及图书馆自身的角色地位都有明显的改变。     

Building bridges: towards integrated library and information services for mental health and social care

This research focuses on identifying the information needs of health professionals, social workers and staff from voluntary agencies, who work together in the provision of services for people with a mental illness. The aim is to provide a fully integrated library and information service for mental health and social care. A number of recent government reports have prompted this research. These have culminated in the publication of the National Service Framework for Mental Health. It was decided to conduct a qualitative study using 17 semi‐structured interviews with individuals and multi‐professional groups. A thematic analysis highlighted a number of key themes including: information need, information seeking behaviour and information flows. Results have indicated that because of the dispersed nature of mental health services, across primary and secondary care, and from statutory and non‐statutory organisations, information technology is viewed as the only realistic vehicle to provide the required information. As specialist mental health trusts are configured, covering wider geographical areas, this can only increase the reliance on information technology, for information access and information sharing.     

信息时代的图书馆传统业务

本文以剪报为例,论证了在网络时代,图书馆作为文献信息的中心,一些传统的业务及资料保存仍然有存在的必要性,应发挥其应有的作用.     

The health information specialist: a new resource for hospital library services and education programs

Growing pressures for more effective education programs at community hospitals demand better and more responsive hospital library resources and services. It is suggested that, with a modest amount of additional training and support, a community hospital librarian can play a key role in (1) improving the effectiveness of the hospital's library services and resources, (2) assisting hospital educators with the task of developing, implementing, and evaluating education programs, and (3) facilitating coordination of health information resources and services with all aspects of hospital education programs. An expanded, more active role, that of the Health Information Specialist, is suggested for hospital librarians. A one-week training program for librarians and special orientation for hospital educators and administrators plus followup field consultation for all three is described and proposed as an implementation strategy to provide the background and impetus needed to help hospital librarians evolve and expand their functional role into that of a Health Information Specialist.     

An information behaviour investigation of the community pharmacists in Greece for developing library and information services

Background and objectives: Community pharmacists require a constant provision of high quality information for updating their knowledge and improving their practices and skills. The development of library and information services for the pharmacists in a meaningful way should take into consideration their information behaviour and needs. This study is an investigation of the information behaviour of community pharmacists in Greece, as well as their perceptions regarding the contribution of library and information services in their future professional development. This is the only empirical investigation which has been made available regarding the information behaviour of the community pharmacists in Greece. Methods: An empirical investigation has been conducted between March and April of 2008 through the development and the distribution of a semi‐structured questionnaire. The sample of the respondents consists of 92 community pharmacists from 22 pharmacy associations in Greece. Results: The community pharmacists have access to the Internet, with limited access to specialized information resources, and they are increasingly utilizing information services in their everyday practices. The pharmaceutical associations (national and local) could play a significant role as information providers and specialized hybrid libraries and information services are required in order to satisfy the current information needs of the community pharmacists. Conclusions: Meaningful library and information services depend on setting specifications relevant to the community pharmacists’ information behaviour. Indeed, in the near future, structured information services may come to rescue the role of the community pharmacists and empower their irreplaceable position in serving the local communities.     

信息生命周期管理对图书馆信息服务的启示

本文在分析信息生命周期管理理念的基础上，探讨了图书馆可从延长馆藏信息资源生命周期、采用动态藏书模式、分级存储数字资源等方面着手，以提高信息服务质量。     

以优质信息服务打造名牌图书馆

文章以信息服务为切入点,指出创建名牌图书馆就要以提供优质信息服务为着眼点,同时对优质信息服务的标准给以界定,并提出如何提供优质信息服务以打造名牌图书馆.     

Enhancing library services: an exploration in meeting customer needs through total quality management

Total Quality Management (TQM) is a process which focuses on understanding customer needs and improving customer service and satisfaction. A TQM committee was created at the Devereux Foundation's Professional Library to assess user satisfaction and make recommendations for improving library services to better meet consumer needs. The committee distributed a satisfaction survey to 156 of the most likely library users and 84 (54%) were returned. Overall, survey results indicate that most consumers are satisfied with the materials and services provided by the Professional Library. Recommendations for improving library services and strategies for implementing these recommendations are discussed.