Use of on-line databases by faculty members and research scholars of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), New Delhi (India): A survey

The study is focused on finding out the level of use of on-line databases by faculty members and research scholars of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), Delhi (India). Both are Central Universities and are funded by the University Grants Commission (UGC). A well-structured questionnaire was administered to faculty members and research scholars of the JNU and JMI to collect data regarding the use of on-line database. The survey reveals that all of the faculty members and research scholars are aware of the availability of on-line databases and largely use them for reference purposes in their research work and studies. The degree of usefulness and utilization of on-line databases is high among the universities' faculty members and research scholars. The survey further reveals that the respondents from both universities are aware of the search options for accessing on-line databases. It is also found that a large number of respondents of JNU and JMI are using field searching and Boolean operators to access information from on-line databases.     

Information searching behavior in the Internet age: A users’ study of Aligarh Muslim University

This study reports the results of a survey conducted at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) to determine the extent to which Internet users are aware and make use of the Internet resources and services. The study examines the information searching behavior of Internet users. A questionnaire and follow-up interviews with the postgraduate students, research scholars and academic staff were conducted to collect data. A total of 489 questionnaires were distributed to the selected sample of eight faculties; 405 valid samples were collected. The data were analyzed according to the background of Internet users, Internet information searching behavior, use of Internet resources and services, quality of Internet information, problems of the Internet access and need for Internet literacy. The study found that the majority of respondents had a 5 year history of Internet access. The academic staff spent more time on the Internet than the students and research scholars. Although Internet search engines were the preferred information searching tool, other methods such as databases, gateways and World Wide Web (WWW) were also used. Online journals and databases were the preferred information sources among the Internet users. Respondents chose e-mail, WWW and search engines as important Internet services. About 60% of respondents believed that the good quality of information on the Internet made it a useful tool for education and research. Slow speed, lack of training and information overload were indicated as some of the factors affecting Internet usage. Further, recommendations are made to improve the use of Internet, including a well-planned Internet literacy program and preparation of subject gateways.     

Users' perceptions of library effectiveness: A comparative users' evaluation of central libraries of AMU,BHU, ALU and BBRAU

This study examines user perceptions regarding level of satisfaction with library collections, organization, facilities as well as traditional and IT enabled services. A questionnaire was administered to the faculty members, research scholars and students of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Allahabad University (ALU) and Baba Bhim Rao Ambedkar (BBRAU). Overall, respondents indicated that library collections are adequate. In the case of newly centralized university libraries, users were dissatisfied with library collections, particularly at BBRAU, though they were satisfied with the existing infrastructure. Overall, satisfaction levels of users at old centralized universities are good.     

Beyond Satisfaction: Understanding and Promoting the Instructor-Librarian Relationship

This article reports upon the assessment and research activities undertaken by a research group of faculty librarians at Hunter College regarding the perceptions, awareness, and usage of library services by non-librarian faculty members. Given the initial directive to measure faculty satisfaction with library services, the research group developed an ongoing action-research protocol to pursue more meaningful assessments of faculty awareness and use of library services and resources. The researchers employed both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, gathering data through informal information groups with faculty members and through an online survey measuring faculty awareness of library resources and services (Faculty Awareness of Library Services (FALS)). The findings show that while Hunter faculty value relational engagement with the library, they are more frequently aware of non-relational, self-service library resources. Further, the data suggest that tenured faculty members are aware of library services at a higher rate than tenure-track faculty. This data forms the foundation of an on-going action-research protocol to assess long-term trends, the products of which will continue to inform faculty services, outreach, and programming.     

Opinions and experiences of university faculty regarding library research instruction: Results of a web-based survey at the University of Southern Colorado

In March 2000, all 188 University of Southern Colorado (USC) nonlibrary faculty members were surveyed to determine their needs and opinions regarding library research instruction. Forty-four (23.40%) of the faculty responded to questions concerning their past experiences with library research instruction, the frequency with which they use various library and Internet resources, the types of library research instruction they currently use with their students, and their level of support for proposed new programs. Results showed an overwhelming interest on the part of respondents for an online library research skills tutorial. The survey also revealed the need for professional development opportunities for faculty. A higher proportion of respondents with 10 years or less of teaching experience than those with more than 10 years of experience indicated they had received formal library instruction from a librarian. However, no direct correlation could be shown between years of teaching experience and respondents' perceived value of library research instruction. Nor did a correlation exist to show that respondents with fewer years of teaching experience were more likely to ask a librarian to provide formal library instruction to their students. In fact, respondents with more than 20 years of teaching experience provided most types of library instruction more often than less experienced respondents. Overall, USC faculty rated their students' abilities to conduct library research very low. However, they had slightly more confidence in their students' abilities to find, evaluate, and use information they found on the Internet over information from traditional print sources.     

Measuring Effectiveness and Efficiency of an Academic Library's Collection and Services of the Central Library,Allahabad University: Users’ Point of View

The main purpose of this study is to know the users opinion regarding the adequacy of the library's collection and to analyze the level of users’ satisfaction about the library collection, organization, facilities, and services. A well-structured survey was administered to the faculty members, research scholars, and students of the Allahabad University Library to collect data. Data show that the majority of the respondents believess that not only does the library possess an average collection, but the overall library's function, i.e., library collection, organization of collection, attitude of library staff, services, and IT-based services, is also rated average.     

Faculty Audiovisual Materials Use and Collection Planning at Georgia State University

Nine hundred eighty-six faculty members at Georgia State University were surveyed in May, 1985 on audiovisual materials use. Three hundred and seven or 31% responded to the questionnaire. One hundred and fifteen respondents indicated that they do not use audiovisual media; 192 respondents were audiovisual media users. Twenty-one active media users were selected from the survey and personally interviewed. Videocassettes proved to be the most frequently used media type, followed by film, slide sets and audiocassettes. Media were most often used as a required part of the course curriculum (66.7%), and were most often shown to large groups (54.7%). Implications of the survey and personal interview results for planning the media facility and collection development policy are discussed.     

Determinants of library's effectiveness and efficiency: A study of collection development, organization and services of Maulana Azad Library, AMU (India)

The study is focused on users' opinion as regards the adequacy of library collection and analyzes the level of users' satisfaction about library collection, organization, facilities and services both traditional as well as, IT enabled services. A well structured questionnaire was administered to faculty members, research scholars and students of the AMU to collect data regarding the adequacy of library collection and analyze the level of users' satisfaction. The survey reveals that the library collection in the AMU library is adequate enough for their users. AMU library users were also satisfied with the existing infrastructure of library and organization of their collections. The researcher observed that the overall satisfaction levels of the users regarding the AMU library is good.     

Psychology applied to librarianship

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the perception of faculty members at King Abdulaziz University (KAAU) towards online search service in the Jeddah main campus. Survey methods were used to determine the demands of the faculty members from different faculties and to find out the subject areas for which more search requests are made. The data for this study were collected by administering a specially designed questionnaire to all the chairmen of departments within each faculty. Personal interviews were conducted with the library staff responsible for the online search service at the KAAU Central Library. Analysis of relevant data indicates that out of 73 questionnaires delivered to chairmen, 51 completed questionnaires were received, a 70% response rate. Further analysis revealed that 139 requests were made by 11 faculties and institutions during 1989 and 1990. Forty-five percent of respondents used online search service to conduct personal research.     

Communicating the Value of an Institutional Repository: Experiences at Ghana's University for Development Studies

ABSTRACT

The quality of research depends greatly on access to existing information. Institutional repositories (IRs) have the potential to enhance and promote the dissemination of knowledge and research. This may lead to discoveries and innovation alongside maximizing return on investment in research and development. Following some background information, this article briefly discusses the processes involved in the establishment of Ghana's University for Development Studies (UDS) IR (UDSspace). Marketing and advocacy strategies employed to engage Faculty to enable them to contribute meaningfully and effectively in the populating of the IR are outlined and benefits described. The study uses a quantitative method. A questionnaire was used to elicit data from faculty. This article describes the various communication methods used to promote the IR and evaluates their effectiveness in getting users to participate in populating the IR. The survey found that although as high as 80.3% of respondents were aware of the benefits of an IR and 66.2% were aware of the existence of the UDS IR, 86.8% of respondents had not submitted to the IR.     

Access to the online evidence base in general practice: a survey of the Northern and Yorkshire Region

Aims: To assess the awareness and use of NHSnet within general practice. To investigate the presence of skills necessary to maximize the benefits of NHSnet connections. Methods: Postal survey of general practice staff in the Northern and Yorkshire Region. Results: At least one completed questionnaire was obtained from 65% of the general practices surveyed, and the individual response rate to the general practice survey was 44%. Ninety per cent of all respondents reported that their practice was connected to the NHSnet, with 59% of respondents reporting that they use NHSnet at least once a week. Although NHSnet was used to search for research information or guidance, all respondents in this survey still reported greater access to and use of paper‐based information resources. Respondents indicated that they still needed further training on how to use NHSnet (42%), how to search the Internet (31%) and how to search electronic databases such as medline (49%). Conclusions: Since our 1999 survey, reported NHSnet connectivity has increased greatly, with a majority of respondents reporting that they use NHSnet at least once a week. Although encouraging, this level of usage suggests that using the Internet/NHSnet to find research has yet to become a core activity in general practice.     

Information literacy skills of occupational therapy graduates: promoting evidence-based practice in the MOT curriculum

Are Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) graduates more successful than BS graduates in accessing and analyzing research literature? This retrospective cohort study used a survey sent to Ohio State University MOT graduates, asking why they need information for their practice, what types of information they seek, and how they search for and use it. Results suggest that the MOT program has fostered higher-level skills than did the BS program in independent writing, a greater focus on evidence-based practice, and the use of bibliographic databases. The MOT graduates report high confidence in their ability to apply research to practice and high satisfaction with the lifelong learning skills they learned. The survey findings support the importance of collaboration between Occupational Therapy faculty and medical librarians in developing MOT educational programs.     

The relationships between work roles and information gathering of the faculty at SUNY,college at Fredonia

A survey of the faculty at the State University of New York (SUNY), College at Fredonia provided data for an investigation into the effect of faculty work roles upon information gathering. Faculty roles of teaching, research, and service are the key components of academic work. The extent to which these roles influence the faculty member's use of six categories of information sources forms the basis of this investigation. The findings indicate that there are discernible patterns in the faculty's use of various sources of information and that one's commitment to teaching, research, and service are factors that influence information gathering, although not always in the manner that had been predicted. Additional investigation of the research role reveals that the faculty member's age, possession of a doctoral degree, and quality of the doctoral degree have a relationship with commitment to research.     

Use of Internet services and resources in the engineering colleges of Punjab and Haryana (India): A study

This article reports a survey on the use of Internet services and resources in the engineering colleges of Punjab and Haryana states of India. Data were collected by using a questionnaire and follow-up interviews with Internet users, i.e. teachers and students of engineering colleges. The response rate was 80.8%. Results showed that all the respondents make frequent use of the Internet because they have access either at college or at home. The survey revealed that the majority of the respondents, i.e. 65.6%, access the Internet from college or their workplace. More than 75% of the respondents use the Internet services mainly for educational and research purposes. Google and Yahoo search engines are found to be more widely used than other search engines. More than 70% of the respondents feel that the Internet is useful, informative, easy to use, inexpensive and time saving.     

Use of Internet services and resources in the engineering colleges of Punjab and Haryana (India): A study

This article reports a survey on the use of Internet services and resources in the engineering colleges of Punjab and Haryana states of India. Data were collected by using a questionnaire and follow-up interviews with Internet users, i.e. teachers and students of engineering colleges. The response rate was 80.8%. Results showed that all the respondents make frequent use of the Internet because they have access either at college or at home. The survey revealed that the majority of the respondents, i.e. 65.6%, access the Internet from college or their workplace. More than 75% of the respondents use the Internet services mainly for educational and research purposes. Google and Yahoo search engines are found to be more widely used than other search engines. More than 70% of the respondents feel that the Internet is useful, informative, easy to use, inexpensive and time saving.     

Usage of E-journals by researchers in Aligarh Muslim University

Abstract

This article presents a study that seeks to examine the usage of e-journals by the researchers at Aligarh Muslim University. The survey reveals that all the researchers are aware of e-journals in AMU. From this survey, the investigator has been able to find out that many research scholars are consulting e-journals from their departmental labs and computer centers, not only for research purposes but also to update their own knowledge. However, the study also revealed several problems, including lack of training and slow downloading. The researchers’ feelings about the need for print journals as well as electronic journals are also discussed.     

Promotion and Knowledge of Online Patent Literature Search to Enhance Scientific Output in Tanzania: Case of Two Universities in Zanzibar

Abstract

This study examines the promotion and knowledge of online patent literature search among students, librarians, and instructors to enhance university scientific output in Zanzibar. The study was guided by four key questions: What is the level of awareness of students, instructors and library staff about patent documents as source of information? To what extent do students and instructors access online patent databases? What is the library experience in training students about online patent literature searching?, and what are the challenges facing library and instructors in promoting patent literature search? The study used survey approach whereby questionnaire and interview were used to collect data. The recent literatures regarding online patent literature searching were also critically reviewed. A survey was conducted at two Universities in Zanzibar namely the State University of Zanzibar and Zanzibar University, whereby 20 library staff, 10 instructors and 140 undergraduate students from the School of Computing and the Faculty of Engineering were involved in this study. The findings show that more than three quarters of respondents were either partially aware or not aware at all about the existence of free online patent databases. Likewise, the majority of students had no enough skills of patent literature searching. However, usually the library organizes training on general online literature searching skills but patent literature searching was not effectively taught and a big challenge observed in this study regarding promotion of patent literature searching is inadequate patent searching skills among library and instructors. Based on the findings, the study proposed several recommendations to rectify the existing problem.     

Situating Information Literacy: A Case Study Exploring Faculty Knowledge of National Disciplinary Standards and Local Program Learning Outcomes

Considerable research argues the importance of situating information literacy in disciplinary curriculums. Arguments within this body of publications frequently share a common recommendation, to look towards national disciplinary standards and curriculum learning outcomes to develop relevant learning outcomes for librarian-led information literacy instruction. The assumption underlying this recommendation is that disciplinary faculty are knowledgeable of and use national standards to design their curricula and learning outcomes. This paper presents the results of a single-institution survey that explored California State University, Los Angeles faculty's knowledge of national disciplinary standards and program learning outcomes and tested if that knowledge is related to disciplinary faculty teaching information literacy. The findings suggest that faculty are generally more aware of program learning outcomes (PLOs) than national standards and that there is an association between knowledge of PLOs and teaching information literacy.     

Information-seeking behavior and the use of online resources: a snapshot of current health sciences faculty

Objective:

The research assesses the information-seeking behaviors of health sciences faculty, including their use of online databases, journals, and social media.

Methodology:

A survey was designed and distributed via email to 754 health sciences faculty at a large urban research university with 6 health sciences colleges.

Results:

Twenty-six percent (198) of faculty responded. MEDLINE was the primary database utilized, with 78.5% respondents indicating they use the database at least once a week. Compared to MEDLINE, Google was utilized more often on a daily basis. Other databases showed much lower usage.

Conclusions:

Low use of online databases other than MEDLINE, link-out tools to online journals, and online social media and collaboration tools demonstrates a need for meaningful promotion of online resources and informatics literacy instruction for faculty.

Implications:

Library resources are plentiful and perhaps somewhat overwhelming. Librarians need to help faculty discover and utilize the resources and tools that libraries have to offer.     

Using Buttons to Better Manage Online Presence: How One Academic Institution Harnessed the Power of Flair

This article provides a case study of how the University of Nebraska College of Law and Schmid Law Library use “buttons” to manage Law College faculty members’ and librarians’ online presence. Since Google is the primary search engine used to find information, it is important that librarians and libraries assist Web site visitors in finding relevant information about faculty members at an academic institution. Easily identifiable buttons allow visitors to navigate to faculty scholarship in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Digital Commons, SSRN Web site, or both, in an academic service such as lessons from the Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction and in social software sites like Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn. The case study includes (1) how the project was implemented, (2) the feedback and results of a survey, and (3) an analysis of Web site statistics, clicks, and links data gathered via Google Analytics. This project was a partnership between the Law College Communications Department, Law College Administration, and the Law Library, involving law faculty, staff, and librarians. The buttons project was considered a successful venture by participating faculty members; it also provided an opportunity for face-to-face conversation between faculty members and librarians about digital scholarship and social media in the academic environment.