Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
The current study aims to examine doctoral research works produced by Pakistani universities in the field of library and information science (LIS). The study provides an understanding of the perspective of PhD level research in Pakistan and aims to determine developmental patterns, popular focused areas, current trends, and the most productive universities. The content analysis method was used to conduct this study. A self-structured questionnaire was used for the collection of data. A total of five universities were selected for the collection of softcopies of theses for this study. The information was gathered from department heads at five LIS schools in Pakistan. MS-Excel was used to analyze and present the data in the form of tables and charts to achieve the study’s objectives. The findings show that Pakistani LIS schools have produced a total of 62 PhD theses from 1981 to 2021. Steady development has been observed until 2010. However, the growth of LIS research has increased significantly during the last decade. The study has explored LIS research trends at the doctoral level and presents an agenda for future research to inspire potential LIS scholars. The findings are useful to improve research quality at the doctoral level for LIS scholars and faculty members of LIS schools in Pakistan and other developing countries.
Perceived values to personal digital archives and their relationship to archiving behaviours: An exploratory research based on grounded theory
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
Personal digital archiving (PDA) is a type of personal information behaviour related to personal memory and identity construction. The aim of this study is to discover and define individual’s perceived values in relation to personal digital archives, and to explore their relationship between PDA behaviours. Based on the grounded theory, drawing on in-depth interviews with 14 Chinese college students, both the perceived values in relation to personal digital archives and the PDA behaviours were coded through open, axial, and selective coding processes. This study found the perceived values in relation to personal digital archives mainly include subject value, object value, intermediary value, value to other subjects and social value, PDA behaviours mainly include accumulation behaviour, use behaviour, appraisal behaviour and disposal behaviour. Moreover, the value cognition of personal digital archives is the intermediary link between perceived values and PDA behaviours and is the core connecting the two. Value cognition can be divided into judgement on whether personal digital archives are valuable, subdivision of value types of personal digital archives, value evaluation of personal digital archives, and cognition of enhancing or weakening the value of personal digital archives. The study comprehensively analysed the perceived values, value cognition that drive PDA behaviours, built the relationship between perceived values, value cognition and PDA behaviours, and answered the question of why individuals want to archive from cognitive and behavioural perspectives. The findings of the study can help librarians to conduct more targetted PDA education and improve the public’s awareness and literacy in PDA.
Personal digital archiving (PDA) is a type of personal information behaviour related to personal memory and identity construction. The aim of this study is to discover and define individual’s perceived values in relation to personal digital archives, and to explore their relationship between PDA behaviours. Based on the grounded theory, drawing on in-depth interviews with 14 Chinese college students, both the perceived values in relation to personal digital archives and the PDA behaviours were coded through open, axial, and selective coding processes. This study found the perceived values in relation to personal digital archives mainly include subject value, object value, intermediary value, value to other subjects and social value, PDA behaviours mainly include accumulation behaviour, use behaviour, appraisal behaviour and disposal behaviour. Moreover, the value cognition of personal digital archives is the intermediary link between perceived values and PDA behaviours and is the core connecting the two. Value cognition can be divided into judgement on whether personal digital archives are valuable, subdivision of value types of personal digital archives, value evaluation of personal digital archives, and cognition of enhancing or weakening the value of personal digital archives. The study comprehensively analysed the perceived values, value cognition that drive PDA behaviours, built the relationship between perceived values, value cognition and PDA behaviours, and answered the question of why individuals want to archive from cognitive and behavioural perspectives. The findings of the study can help librarians to conduct more targetted PDA education and improve the public’s awareness and literacy in PDA.
Library and information science and the positivist paradigm: Some critical reflections
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
The employment of the positivist paradigm in Library and Information Science (LIS) research is commonplace, by at least those who have cared to declare their research paradigms, especially at masters and doctoral levels of their studies. Inspired by such widespread use of positivism in LIS, this paper interrogates the applicability and appropriateness of this paradigm as a philosophical bearing for LIS researchers. Although the thrust of the paper is to critique the applicability of positivism to LIS research, it is itself not a lampoon on the scientific nature of LIS, neither is it in the interest of the paper to challenge any researchers who have employed positivism in the conduct of their research in the area of LIS. Instead, it is a critical reflection on some of the glaring challenges of employing positivism in LIS research, and warns against falling into the trap of what the author calls “positivist paradigmatic sophistry.” The paper is not prescriptive or conclusive, but opens new opportunities for critically reflecting on the utility of positivism in LIS research, and a more careful use of this paradigm by LIS scholars and researchers. The discussion unfolds by first putting LIS into perspective by way of briefly tracing the development of the sciences through the lens of Comte. It proceeds by way of explaining the nature of LIS in order to put it into perspective and goes on to unpack the concept of a paradigm before zeroing in on positivism as a paradigm of research. The paper finally presents some challenges that are associated with the application of positivism to LIS research. It argues that positivism is largely incompatible with LIS as a social science and concludes by imploring LIS researchers to engage in a deliberative and progressive discourse on whether positivism is appropriate for LIS research.
The employment of the positivist paradigm in Library and Information Science (LIS) research is commonplace, by at least those who have cared to declare their research paradigms, especially at masters and doctoral levels of their studies. Inspired by such widespread use of positivism in LIS, this paper interrogates the applicability and appropriateness of this paradigm as a philosophical bearing for LIS researchers. Although the thrust of the paper is to critique the applicability of positivism to LIS research, it is itself not a lampoon on the scientific nature of LIS, neither is it in the interest of the paper to challenge any researchers who have employed positivism in the conduct of their research in the area of LIS. Instead, it is a critical reflection on some of the glaring challenges of employing positivism in LIS research, and warns against falling into the trap of what the author calls “positivist paradigmatic sophistry.” The paper is not prescriptive or conclusive, but opens new opportunities for critically reflecting on the utility of positivism in LIS research, and a more careful use of this paradigm by LIS scholars and researchers. The discussion unfolds by first putting LIS into perspective by way of briefly tracing the development of the sciences through the lens of Comte. It proceeds by way of explaining the nature of LIS in order to put it into perspective and goes on to unpack the concept of a paradigm before zeroing in on positivism as a paradigm of research. The paper finally presents some challenges that are associated with the application of positivism to LIS research. It argues that positivism is largely incompatible with LIS as a social science and concludes by imploring LIS researchers to engage in a deliberative and progressive discourse on whether positivism is appropriate for LIS research.
Overcoming barriers to te reo Māori usage in libraries: Providing access to Māori knowledge
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
Over the last 40 years, New Zealand libraries and information management institutions have been undergoing cultural change in an attempt to improve the services and resources made available to Māori clients. Previous studies have demonstrated that Māori have not been regular users of these institutions, so a critical part of the transformation process has focused on the promotion of the benefits that library and information institutions can provide. This has led to institutions reviewing how they can incorporate distinctively Māori elements within their existing structures. A critical part of this innovation has been the introduction of te reo Māori into areas such as signage, intellectual access, website and online catalogue designs and client services. This article reports on research that has focused on how Māori language into services, and the challenges and opportunities that its usage has for Māori clients and the libraries and information management institutions in New Zealand.
Over the last 40 years, New Zealand libraries and information management institutions have been undergoing cultural change in an attempt to improve the services and resources made available to Māori clients. Previous studies have demonstrated that Māori have not been regular users of these institutions, so a critical part of the transformation process has focused on the promotion of the benefits that library and information institutions can provide. This has led to institutions reviewing how they can incorporate distinctively Māori elements within their existing structures. A critical part of this innovation has been the introduction of te reo Māori into areas such as signage, intellectual access, website and online catalogue designs and client services. This article reports on research that has focused on how Māori language into services, and the challenges and opportunities that its usage has for Māori clients and the libraries and information management institutions in New Zealand.
Overcoming barriers to te reo Māori usage in libraries: Providing access to Māori knowledge
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
Over the last 40 years, New Zealand libraries and information management institutions have been undergoing cultural change in an attempt to improve the services and resources made available to Māori clients. Previous studies have demonstrated that Māori have not been regular users of these institutions, so a critical part of the transformation process has focused on the promotion of the benefits that library and information institutions can provide. This has led to institutions reviewing how they can incorporate distinctively Māori elements within their existing structures. A critical part of this innovation has been the introduction of te reo Māori into areas such as signage, intellectual access, website and online catalogue designs and client services. This article reports on research that has focused on how Māori language into services, and the challenges and opportunities that its usage has for Māori clients and the libraries and information management institutions in New Zealand.
Over the last 40 years, New Zealand libraries and information management institutions have been undergoing cultural change in an attempt to improve the services and resources made available to Māori clients. Previous studies have demonstrated that Māori have not been regular users of these institutions, so a critical part of the transformation process has focused on the promotion of the benefits that library and information institutions can provide. This has led to institutions reviewing how they can incorporate distinctively Māori elements within their existing structures. A critical part of this innovation has been the introduction of te reo Māori into areas such as signage, intellectual access, website and online catalogue designs and client services. This article reports on research that has focused on how Māori language into services, and the challenges and opportunities that its usage has for Māori clients and the libraries and information management institutions in New Zealand.
Behavioral intention to use electronic resources by distance learners: An extension of the technology acceptance model
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
This study aimed to discover the factors affecting behavioral intention to use electronic resources by distance learners of the Open University of Sri Lanka, and to develop a model explaining behavioral intention to use such resources. Using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as the theoretical basis, this study explored the effect of five external factors on the behavioral intention of distance learners toward using e-resources. A quantitative research approach was used, and data were collected from a survey of 379 active undergraduates of the Open University of Sri Lanka. Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was conducted to obtain the results of the study. The results of PLS-SEM reveal that the distance mode of learning and relevance of information are the two major external factors that affect behavioral intention to use e-resources. Computer self-efficacy and user satisfaction also have a significant influence on the dependent variable. Social influence, on the other hand, shows no significant impact. Of the TAM constructs, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user attitudes significantly affect e-resource utilization behavior.
This study aimed to discover the factors affecting behavioral intention to use electronic resources by distance learners of the Open University of Sri Lanka, and to develop a model explaining behavioral intention to use such resources. Using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as the theoretical basis, this study explored the effect of five external factors on the behavioral intention of distance learners toward using e-resources. A quantitative research approach was used, and data were collected from a survey of 379 active undergraduates of the Open University of Sri Lanka. Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was conducted to obtain the results of the study. The results of PLS-SEM reveal that the distance mode of learning and relevance of information are the two major external factors that affect behavioral intention to use e-resources. Computer self-efficacy and user satisfaction also have a significant influence on the dependent variable. Social influence, on the other hand, shows no significant impact. Of the TAM constructs, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user attitudes significantly affect e-resource utilization behavior.
Indicators for Modernising the LIS Internship: Evidences from a systematic literature review
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
This systematic literature review was conducted to analyse the existing literature on the internship programme in library and information science (LIS) education. The review was guided by the RAMESES (Realist and Meta-Narrative Evidence Syntheses: Evolving Standards) method. The data source was Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. In addition to the three main phases of the review process, mainly identification, screening, and eligibility, data abstraction and analysis are also reported. Findings reveal that studies on LIS internship have focused on satisfaction, educational benefits, educational setting, programme design and roles of the stakeholders involved in internship programmes. Modernising the LIS Internship programme requires a focus on the design of the programme structure with an emphasis on the learning outcomes relating to career readiness. Collaborative learning, service-learning and personal objectives are found to be beneficial. However, there is also an increasing demand for needs of the stakeholders and not just the student-centred learning. Further works into the assessment of the learning outcomes is recommended by the literature.
This systematic literature review was conducted to analyse the existing literature on the internship programme in library and information science (LIS) education. The review was guided by the RAMESES (Realist and Meta-Narrative Evidence Syntheses: Evolving Standards) method. The data source was Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. In addition to the three main phases of the review process, mainly identification, screening, and eligibility, data abstraction and analysis are also reported. Findings reveal that studies on LIS internship have focused on satisfaction, educational benefits, educational setting, programme design and roles of the stakeholders involved in internship programmes. Modernising the LIS Internship programme requires a focus on the design of the programme structure with an emphasis on the learning outcomes relating to career readiness. Collaborative learning, service-learning and personal objectives are found to be beneficial. However, there is also an increasing demand for needs of the stakeholders and not just the student-centred learning. Further works into the assessment of the learning outcomes is recommended by the literature.
Allocation of attention to metadata and retrieval functions: Implications for perceived value and open data discovery and reuse
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
Metadata and retrieval functions play a vital role in aiding researchers in the discovery and reuse of open data. However, the diversity of metadata elements and retrieval functions poses a challenge to data searchers’ limited attentional resources. This study aims to examine the allocation of attention to metadata elements and retrieval functions and its implications for perceived value and intentions to discover and reuse open data by drawing upon the attentional drift-diffusion model, flow theory, and perceived value literature. An experiment with 48 participants was conducted to explore the proposed relationships. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to analyze the data. The results suggest that researchers’ attention to high-value functions amplifies the perceived value and motivates data discovery intention. Attention to high-value metadata elements motivates data discovery and reuse intention. In contrast, attention to low-value metadata elements hampers the perceived value and inhibits data discovery and reuse intention. These findings put forward a new lens for exploring the attention mechanisms underlying perceived value, data discovery and reuse intention and highlight the important role of the value of metadata and retrieval functions in attention mechanisms. Additionally, this paper identifies the positive effect of perceived ease of use on users’ intentions to find, evaluate, and access open data. Perceived usefulness positively affects users’ intentions to evaluate open data. However, in contrast to perceived intentions to reuse open data assessed by self-reported measures, perceived value is not a salient motivator of open data reuse intention measured by behavioral indicators. These findings reveal the distinct effects of perceived value on perceived intention and intentional action in data reuse. With these insights, this study develops practical strategies to optimize the design of metadata and retrieval functions in data retrieval systems.
Metadata and retrieval functions play a vital role in aiding researchers in the discovery and reuse of open data. However, the diversity of metadata elements and retrieval functions poses a challenge to data searchers’ limited attentional resources. This study aims to examine the allocation of attention to metadata elements and retrieval functions and its implications for perceived value and intentions to discover and reuse open data by drawing upon the attentional drift-diffusion model, flow theory, and perceived value literature. An experiment with 48 participants was conducted to explore the proposed relationships. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to analyze the data. The results suggest that researchers’ attention to high-value functions amplifies the perceived value and motivates data discovery intention. Attention to high-value metadata elements motivates data discovery and reuse intention. In contrast, attention to low-value metadata elements hampers the perceived value and inhibits data discovery and reuse intention. These findings put forward a new lens for exploring the attention mechanisms underlying perceived value, data discovery and reuse intention and highlight the important role of the value of metadata and retrieval functions in attention mechanisms. Additionally, this paper identifies the positive effect of perceived ease of use on users’ intentions to find, evaluate, and access open data. Perceived usefulness positively affects users’ intentions to evaluate open data. However, in contrast to perceived intentions to reuse open data assessed by self-reported measures, perceived value is not a salient motivator of open data reuse intention measured by behavioral indicators. These findings reveal the distinct effects of perceived value on perceived intention and intentional action in data reuse. With these insights, this study develops practical strategies to optimize the design of metadata and retrieval functions in data retrieval systems.
Behavioral intention to use electronic resources by distance learners: An extension of the technology acceptance model
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
This study aimed to discover the factors affecting behavioral intention to use electronic resources by distance learners of the Open University of Sri Lanka, and to develop a model explaining behavioral intention to use such resources. Using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as the theoretical basis, this study explored the effect of five external factors on the behavioral intention of distance learners toward using e-resources. A quantitative research approach was used, and data were collected from a survey of 379 active undergraduates of the Open University of Sri Lanka. Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was conducted to obtain the results of the study. The results of PLS-SEM reveal that the distance mode of learning and relevance of information are the two major external factors that affect behavioral intention to use e-resources. Computer self-efficacy and user satisfaction also have a significant influence on the dependent variable. Social influence, on the other hand, shows no significant impact. Of the TAM constructs, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user attitudes significantly affect e-resource utilization behavior.
This study aimed to discover the factors affecting behavioral intention to use electronic resources by distance learners of the Open University of Sri Lanka, and to develop a model explaining behavioral intention to use such resources. Using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as the theoretical basis, this study explored the effect of five external factors on the behavioral intention of distance learners toward using e-resources. A quantitative research approach was used, and data were collected from a survey of 379 active undergraduates of the Open University of Sri Lanka. Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was conducted to obtain the results of the study. The results of PLS-SEM reveal that the distance mode of learning and relevance of information are the two major external factors that affect behavioral intention to use e-resources. Computer self-efficacy and user satisfaction also have a significant influence on the dependent variable. Social influence, on the other hand, shows no significant impact. Of the TAM constructs, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user attitudes significantly affect e-resource utilization behavior.
Indicators for Modernising the LIS Internship: Evidences from a systematic literature review
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
This systematic literature review was conducted to analyse the existing literature on the internship programme in library and information science (LIS) education. The review was guided by the RAMESES (Realist and Meta-Narrative Evidence Syntheses: Evolving Standards) method. The data source was Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. In addition to the three main phases of the review process, mainly identification, screening, and eligibility, data abstraction and analysis are also reported. Findings reveal that studies on LIS internship have focused on satisfaction, educational benefits, educational setting, programme design and roles of the stakeholders involved in internship programmes. Modernising the LIS Internship programme requires a focus on the design of the programme structure with an emphasis on the learning outcomes relating to career readiness. Collaborative learning, service-learning and personal objectives are found to be beneficial. However, there is also an increasing demand for needs of the stakeholders and not just the student-centred learning. Further works into the assessment of the learning outcomes is recommended by the literature.
This systematic literature review was conducted to analyse the existing literature on the internship programme in library and information science (LIS) education. The review was guided by the RAMESES (Realist and Meta-Narrative Evidence Syntheses: Evolving Standards) method. The data source was Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. In addition to the three main phases of the review process, mainly identification, screening, and eligibility, data abstraction and analysis are also reported. Findings reveal that studies on LIS internship have focused on satisfaction, educational benefits, educational setting, programme design and roles of the stakeholders involved in internship programmes. Modernising the LIS Internship programme requires a focus on the design of the programme structure with an emphasis on the learning outcomes relating to career readiness. Collaborative learning, service-learning and personal objectives are found to be beneficial. However, there is also an increasing demand for needs of the stakeholders and not just the student-centred learning. Further works into the assessment of the learning outcomes is recommended by the literature.