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Bergholm, Marcus. "Clustering users based on the user’s photo library." Thesis, KTH, Skolan för elektroteknik och datavetenskap (EECS), 2018. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-230901.
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For any user-adaptive system the most important task is to provide the users with what they want and need without them asking for it explicitly. This process can be called personalisation and is done by tailoring the service or product for individual users or user groups. In this thesis, we explore the possibilities to build a model that clusters users based on the user’s photo library. This was to create a better personalised experience within a service called Degoo. The model used to perform the clustering is called Deep Embedding Clustering and was evaluated on several internal indices alongside an automated categorization model to get an indication of what type of images the clusters had. The user clustering was later evaluated based on split-tests running within the Degoo service. The results shows that four out of five clusters had some general indication of types such as vacation photos, clothes, text, and people. The evaluation of the clustering impact on the split-tests shows that we could see patterns that indicated optimal attribute values for certain user clusters.Det ultimata målet för alla användaranpassade system är att ge användarna det som de behöver utan att de begär det explicit. Denna process kan kallas användaranpassning och görs genom att skräddarsy tjänsten eller produkten för enskilda användare eller användargrupper. I denna avhandling undersöker vi möjligheterna att bygga en modell som grupperar användare baserat på användarnas fotodata. Motivationen bakom detta var att skapa en bättre personlig upplevelse inom en tjänst som heter Degoo. Modellen som används för att utföra grupperingen heter Deep Embedding Clustering och utvärderades på flera interna index tillsammans med en automatiserad kategoriseringsmodell för att få en indikation av vilken typ av bilder grupperna hade. Användargrupperingen utvärderades senare baserat på flera split-test som körs inom Degoo tjänsten. Resultaten visar att fyra av fem grupper hade en allmän indikation på typer som semesterbilder, kläder, text och människor. Utvärderingen av grupperingseffekten på split-testerna visar att vi kunde se mönster som indikerar optimala attributvärden för vissa grupper.
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Ao, Ieong U. "Clustering users from user profiles in the digital library." Thesis, University of Macau, 2002. http://umaclib3.umac.mo/record=b1636961.
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Shaw, Anita Janis. "Adolescents as public library users." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2000. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/7817.
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Summary in English.|Bibliography: leaves 161-170.The primary objectives and scope of this research are to examine the library usage behaviour of adolescents, specifically those attending a high school in Grassy Park and those using Grassy Park Library. A central aspect of this research was to identify the types of library needs (curricular and non-curricular) that these two groups might have and how they went about to satisfy these needs. Their library usage patterns and reading behaviour were also investigated.
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Sambo, Precious Kholomile. "Investigating information needs of library users : a case of Bushbuckridge Community Library." Thesis, University of Limpopo, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10386/2253.
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Thesis (M.Inf.) --University of Limpopo, 2018The purpose of this research is to investigate the information needs of rural communities in Bushbuckridge. Investing information of communities is vital because information plays an important role in enabling communities to meet their development needs, such as employment, education, health, safety, food security, and leisure. Libraries are therefore instrumental in helping library users to meet these needs. The study utilised triangulated (quantitative) and (qualitative) research methods. Participants in this study included 100 library users, four librarians and one library manager drawn from four local libraries through a combination of random (probability) and purposive (non-probability) sampling. The quantitative part of the study i.e. survey measured the perceptions of users on library services through questionnaires, while unstructured interviews elicited the experiences of librarians in addressing the information needs of library users in the four libraries of Bushbuckridge. Findings from the survey revealed, inter alia, that: most (65%) users had access to library services, although high travelling costs were a major barrier for those living in remote villages; a large number of users (60%) still depended on librarians to help them find information, while a growing number of users (33% had begun using computers and the internet to meet their information needs; the most important reasons for using the library were: assignments, study and careers, and, the majority of users in all four libraries were generally satisfied with the quality of the services rendered, although significant improvements were required in the supply of materials and water. Findings from interviews with librarians demonstrated that significant steps had been taken to address information needs of users across the four libraries. Common examples include: books and materials; computers and internet services; study groups; user training, and outreach programmes – although these were hampered by shortage of staff and vehicles. Cross-cutting problems included delays in purchasing of library materials; shortage of water and low perceptions about the benefits of library services in the community. In light of these results, it was concluded that information needs of library users had been partially met, with greater room for improvement in areas like human resources, information technology, transport and procurement systems and processes. The research findings have demonstrated that if provided well, library information services may help reduce the challenges of illiteracy, poverty and unemployment in this area. In light of these findings, the study recommended, inter alia, that the skills of library staff along with procurement systems and processes be upgraded in order to satisfy the information needs of library users in the study area. The study further recommended that outreach programmes be scaled up to increase awareness in the community about the role and benefits of library services in facilitating community development, particularly in Bushbuckridge where challenges of illiteracy, poverty and unemployment continue unabated.
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Carr, Abigail R. "An Experiment with Art Library Users, Signs, and Wayfinding." Thesis, School of Information and Library Science, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/1901/256.
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This paper discusses the effects of stack end signage on user wayfinding success in searches in academic libraries. Site visits to the Chapel Hill Public Library and the Cameron Village Branch Library provided models for test signage for the study, as did the available literature on wayfinding and effective library signage. A three week study was conducted to survey the effects of three different iterations of signage on the success of subjects performing test searches—the subjects used the UNC Chapel Hill online catalog and the posted signage to locate materials in the Sloane Art Library. The results of the study were evaluated qualitatively and suggestions were made for further study and suggestions for elements of effective academic library signage were made.
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Lee, Jesse Han-Leng. "Identifying users' information needs: A case of SIDC library." School of Communication & Information, Nanyang Technological University, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/105258.
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The Securities Industry Development Centre (SIDC) is the education and training arm of the Securities Commission (SC), and the SIDC Library serves both SC staff and the securities industry. The SIDC Library is a specialised library that has its resources focused on the capital market. Identifying usersâ information needs is a first step towards analysing the information needs of SIDC Library members and the SC staff. The study was motivated by the fact that an analysis of information needs help identify the SIDC Library resources for further development to ensure the delivery of information services matches usersâ needs. In this paper, we would like to share a study that was conducted to analyse how the SIDC Library services were tailored to meet the information needs of users. By studying this aspect, we will be able to see how the library defines and classifies its user types, and addresses issues impacting information services through proper operation planning and practices.
The respondents for this paper were mainly SIDC Library members and SC staff. The result of the study is based on a collection of survey questionnaires, personal interviews and records of user requests for documents. From this study, a profile of user information needs was established; enabling the library management to identify, support and provide an efficient delivery mechanism for meeting usersâ information needs. This study helped SIDC librarians identify the kind of information that was needed and generated, and to support those which are not readily available by further developing a comprehensive new subject/collection of SIDC Library information resources. This will also provide an insight into the users' expectations on content resources and services of the SIDC Library, as well as for developing library user education programmes. Thus, the study of usersâ information needs is one tool that enables SIDC Librarians to discover, evaluate, implement, maintain and improve its management of information resources.
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Eklöf, Sophi, and Therese Hellberg. "Strengthening the relationship between librarians and library users : A study of librarians’ and library users’ views on librarianship, services and resources at the Library of National University of Rwanda." Thesis, Högskolan i Borås, Institutionen Biblioteks- och informationsvetenskap / Bibliotekshögskolan, 2009. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hb:diva-19522.
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In this thesis we aim to study the librarians’ and library users’ views on librarianship and the library at National University of Rwanda. Accordingly, we have gathered information from these groups. The information is based on qualitative interviews as well as observations and participation in a work group for library promotion. The latter made it possible to investigate how respondents consider these issues and how librarians’ self image is expressed in their daily work and in promotion. We analyze the most important frame factors that impede on librarians’ self image and library users’ perception of library services. This makes it possible to understand what probably affects the actual situation at NUR’s library. Marked impeding frame factors established are for example the economy and the organization. Information provided through this thesis could to be shared among library personnel and used as a base for their further development of library services. Our thesis points out library users’ opinions about the library in general as well as the areas that are most critical to improve. These areas are service at the circulation desk, acquisitions and courses in how to retrieve information. It also points out the need for a more explicit professional librarian identity and that the librarians need to work more as knowledge librarians. An explicit identity would imply unified library personnel that would make it possible to work towards common goals and clarify how to conduct daily work.
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Al-Faresi, Sumayyah Hassan. "Mobile digital library acceptance." Thesis, Brunel University, 2014. http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/13867.
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Mobile digital library service could make students’ lives easier and may help academic libraries to enhance their image by offering their services through smartphones, which are very popular among students nowadays. However, the literature lacks a comprehensive theoretical framework to understand factors affecting the adoption of such a service. This research focused on factors affecting the intention to use a mobile digital library within the context of the UAE and explored features and services that would encourage students to adopt such technology. The research design considered users’ perspectives, comprised a number of phases and employed mixed methods. The first phase involved designing a preliminary prototype and framework based on the literature and the technology acceptance model (TAM). This prototype was used in the second (exploratory) phase as a stimulus material when students and librarians were interviewed in 10 focus groups. Based on their comments and views, factors that affect their intention were explored and hypotheses were generated. This exploratory phase allowed the development of a theoretical framework for mobile digital library adoption. Focus group results, card sorting methodology and usability testing produced a final prototype that was sent to all students at Zayed University within UAE with an experiential online questionnaire through e-mail. This testing phase was conducted to test the hypotheses and confirm the importance of the same factors extracted in the second phase. The results obtained from the 211 respondents supported a number of paths in the proposed theoretical framework. First, Perceived usefulness, Perceived ease of use, Mobile and web experience, Distinctiveness/prestige, and Trust were found significantly affecting the Behaviour intention directly. Second, Mobility, Library assistance, Interface design, and Social influence were found to affect the intention to use indirectly through Perceived ease of use. Finally, the relationship between Perceived ease of use and Perceived usefulness was found significant. The results lead for producing a final framework for mobile digital library acceptance consisting of seven external factors falling in the three general categories: interface characteristics, personal characteristics and system characteristics. It consists of Interface design, Social influence, Mobility, Library assistance, Distinctiveness/prestige, Mobile and web search experience and Perceived trust. This research contributed in understanding factors affecting mobile digital library adoption within the developing world.
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Elaiess, Ramadan F. M. "Developing information services for special library users in Libya by designing a low cost digital library." Thesis, University of Strathclyde, 2011. http://oleg.lib.strath.ac.uk:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=15580.
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Leung, Chun-keung, and 梁振強. "Browse or search?: a behavioral study of library catalogue users." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2004. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B29960630.
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Wallace, Rick L., and Nakia J. Woodward. "Using Checklists to Train Users to Use the Mosaic of Library Resources and Services." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2016. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/8705.
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Objectives: The purpose of this study was to create a checklist that could be used in the training of a college of pharmacy faculty so that there were no gaps in their information literacy; to implement the checklist; and to measure the users response to the intervention.
Methods: A checklist was developed that covered the information resources of the library and the information skills needed by pharmacy faculty. All faculty were required to meet with a librarian during the academic year and cover everything on the checklist in one or multiple sessions. Faculty were surveyed as to their responses to the training.
Results: Librarians learned the value of using a checklist. Better relationships were developed with the college of pharmacy faculty. Weaknesses in the libraries training of pharmacy faculty were discovered and remedied. Conclusions: Checklists are used in medicine to obtain quality. Checklists can be used in medical librarianship for the same purpose.
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Davids, Arnoldus Rudolph. "Users' attitudes towards the library of the University of the Western Cape." University of Western Cape, 2000. http://hdl.handle.net/11394/7445.
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Magister Bibliothecologiae - MBiblFor any academic work at a university, students and staff are entirely dependent on the adequacy of the library. That is why the reason for the existence of university libraries is to provide essential study and reference material to supplement the instruction given to students in the lecture-rooms, as well as to support academic progress and research. the problem addressed in this study is to look into lecturing staff and full-time students' attitudes towards the University of the Western Cape Library. An attempt is made to identify their attitudes toward the services and the materials they are offered. In order to assess, the success of one particular library, the University of the Western Cape Library; in appeasing the needs of its users, a survey of its full-time students and lecturing staff population of six faculties was undertaken during 1999 to solicit their views on the library and its ability to fulfill their needs. The study is approached within the context of user studies as a scientific discipline around which a growing body of theoretical concepts have been formulated. It is also an area of research in which many surveys around the user and her / his needs have been conducted over the preceding decades. In particular the user of the academic library and his needs, especially at undergraduate as well as postgraduate level have been the objects of investigation. There seems to be a need to involve library staff in continuing education programmes. This will assist library users, who can expect to be informatively supported by the library .staffwho are both knowledgeable and up to date in their fields. It all helps to add to the professional competence of the staff and the skills that they produce to satisfy user needs. There are also issues for debate with regard to books and periodicals collections. It is hoped that with a better library orientation, better search strategies will be encouraged and then, probably, even more users will be satisfied with the stock. However, bearing in mind that the majority use of the library stock, on most occasions, is limited to the items available in the reserve section. Care should be taken that selection criteria are strictly adhered to, and that all the subjects taught at the university are covered, so that there are no gaps in the collections. A very real problem to the university is one of finance. The cost to duplicate, for example, prescribed texts sufficiently, will absorb a large proportion of book funds, which will mean less money left for building a balanced research, book and periodical collection. It is therefore suggested that the Senate Library Committee should try and put a well-balanced library budget in place. This will insure that the library that is regarded as the heart of the university will remain a relevant and integral part of every student's life on campus.
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Evans, Paul, of Western Sydney Nepean University, and Faculty of Visual and Performing Arts. "A multimedia system to instruct novice users of online library catalogues." THESIS_FVPA_XXX_Evans_P.xml, 1996. http://handle.uws.edu.au:8081/1959.7/342.
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The research reported here focuses on the application of multimedia to the teaching of information skills in academic libraries. Specifically, the research project has involved the development and evaluation of a multimedia system to instruct novice users of online library catalogues. The research has included an investigation of the characteristics and needs of novice library users. The ways in which novices approach using library-based information technologies which may be applied to any instructional programme for teaching novices how to use library-based information technologies. The research project has involved the development of a comprehensive multimedia system based on the theoretical model. The multimedia system was designed using Macromedia Director v.4.04. The production techniques and operation of the multimedia system are described in some detail. The multimedia system was evaluated and tested using formative evaluation strategies. The evaluation involved the prototype system being reviewed by expert librarians, and multimedia producers, as well as novice users of online library catalogues. The information gathered during the evaluation was used to make suggestions about improvements to the design of the prototype. The results of the evaluation are reported and analysed.Master of Arts (Hons)
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Evans, Paul. "A multimedia system to instruct novice users of online library catalogues." Thesis, View thesis, 1996. http://hdl.handle.net/1959.7/uws:342.
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The research reported here focuses on the application of multimedia to the teaching of information skills in academic libraries. Specifically, the research project has involved the development and evaluation of a multimedia system to instruct novice users of online library catalogues. The research has included an investigation of the characteristics and needs of novice library users. The ways in which novices approach using library-based information technologies which may be applied to any instructional programme for teaching novices how to use library-based information technologies. The research project has involved the development of a comprehensive multimedia system based on the theoretical model. The multimedia system was designed using Macromedia Director v.4.04. The production techniques and operation of the multimedia system are described in some detail. The multimedia system was evaluated and tested using formative evaluation strategies. The evaluation involved the prototype system being reviewed by expert librarians, and multimedia producers, as well as novice users of online library catalogues. The information gathered during the evaluation was used to make suggestions about improvements to the design of the prototype. The results of the evaluation are reported and analysed.
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Evans, Paul. "A multimedia system to instruct novice users of online library catalogues." View thesis, 1996. http://library.nepean.uws.edu.au/about/staff/thesis.html.
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Xu, Beijie. "Understanding Teacher Users of a Digital Library Service: A Clustering Approach." DigitalCommons@USU, 2011. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/890.
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This research examined teachers' online behaviors while using a digital library service--the Instructional Architect (IA)--through three consecutive studies. In the first two studies, a statistical model called latent class analysis (LCA) was applied to cluster different groups of IA teachers according to their diverse online behaviors. The third study further examined relationships between teachers' demographic characteristics and their usage patterns. Several user clusters emerged from the LCA results of Study I. These clusters were named isolated islanders, lukewarm teachers, goal-oriented brokerswindow shoppers, key brokers, beneficiaries, classroom practitioners, and dedicated sticky users. In Study II, a cleaning process was applied to the clusters discovered in Study I to further refine distinct user groups. Results revealed three clusters, key brokers, insular classroom practitioners, and ineffective islanders. In Study III, the integration of teacher demographic profiles with clustering results revealed that teaching experience and technology knowledge affected teachers' effectiveness in using the IA. The implication, contributions, and limitation of this research are discussed.
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Bagger, Karin Fex-Fritz Katarina. "Ett folkbibliotek och dess användare : användares uppfattningar av service relaterade till verksamhetens intentioner = [A public library and its users] : [users conceptions of service related to library intentions] /." Borås : Högsk. i Borås, Bibliotekshögskolan/Biblioteks- och informationsvetenskap, 2004. http://www.hb.se/bhs/slutversioner/2004/04-21.pdf.
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Arishee, Jebreel. "Personal and cultural values as factors in user satisfaction a comparative study of users of library services /." Full text available online (restricted access), 2000. http://images.lib.monash.edu.au/ts/theses/Arishee.pdf.
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Trianti, Alexandra. "Implementing New Generation Catalog in an Academic Library : Users’ Views and Wishes." Thesis, Linnéuniversitetet, Institutionen för informatik (IK), 2015. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-46153.
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In an accelerating Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) environment, academic libraries’ catalogs have always been part of students’ and faculty members journey of resources discovery. The master thesis intents to focus its interest in Information Systems (IS) ground related to the implementation of a new search engine at the University of Piraeus Library. The Library wants to change the search features of its traditional online services and to implement a new discover tool with Web 2.0 characteristics. The aim of this master thesis is to investigate users’ views and desires interest according to their scholarly needs and expectations about VuFind in order to facilitate the Library to customize the integration. Therefore, critical systems theory will be employed for “therapeutic” reasons to enlighten the Library’s users about their current situation. Qualitative analysis is expected to recognize discrimination against traditional Library’s search engines. Qualitative data of the user impression and reaction when operate with the VuFind interface will lead to recommendations for enhancement and improvements. Findings will assist implementers to modify the discovery layer by meeting users’ needs of the academia community. The research will collect data through qualitative method on how participants operate with the VuFind search engine merging librarians’ professional views and users’ expectations and propositions. Participatory Design (PD) will be built upon Future Workshop method.
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Thomas, Lorensia Valerie. "The impact of reduced hours on public library services in Cape Town: The case of Eersterivier Public Library." Thesis, University of the Western Cape, 2006. http://etd.uwc.ac.za/index.php?module=etd&action=viewtitle&id=gen8Srv25Nme4_6968_1210751242.
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The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of reduced hours on public library services in Cape Town through taking the Eersterivier Library, as a case study. The research problem comes from the author's personal experience as a librarian in the City of Cape Town whose library's usage seems to have increased since the reductions in hours in two neighbouring libraries, Melton Rose and Kuils River. The reductions in their hours are due to libraries losing staff and not being replaced.
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De, Wee Janice A. "An investigation into how mobile technologies can advance service delivery for library users at the University of Pretoria Library Services." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/43790.
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Mobile technologies are seen as an emerging technology that affects individuals and organizations. These technologies are becoming more affordable and accessible over time with advanced designs and computing capabilities. These technologies affect how people use and access the internet, how people create and access content or services, and how people choose to communicate. In addition these technologies have infiltrated the educational sector, and effected how educational institutions such as a university deliver services to academics, students and staff.
As these technologies are effecting educational institutions academic libraries that support such educational institutions have had to embrace these technologies by adapting and adding additional services to accommodate users. Examples of such new and emerging services can be seen through the establishment of mobile library websites, mobile library applications available for users from various types of mobile devices such as cell phones, mobile tablets, and e-readers. Libraries are adapting traditional services such as catalogues, resources and other services to be accessible and usable from such devices.
This study is focused on a South African academic library, taking a closer look at mobile library service delivery, to investigate whether library services delivered from mobile devices can enhance service delivery. The study is focused on an established mobile library website, and looks at the post implementation of the mobile library website from the perspective of Natural and Agricultural Sciences students at the University of Pretoria, South Africa.Mini-dissertation (MIT)--University of Pretoria, 2013.
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Micheluz, Anna <1983>. "Microbiological assessment of a contaminated library : implications for book preservation and users health." Doctoral thesis, Università Ca' Foscari Venezia, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10579/8335.
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Negli ultimi anni, una nuova tipologia di contaminazione fungina è stata riscontrata all’interno di numerose biblioteche ed archivi italiani, specialmente quelli in cui le condizioni climatiche erano ben controllate (18-20 °C e 50-60% di umidità relativa). Conservati all’interno di scaffalatura Compactus®, migliaia di libri sono risultati soggetti ad evidente crescita di tipo miceliare in corrispondenza delle copertine, ad opera di una particolare specie xerofila, l’Eurotium halophilicum. Questo fungo, infatti, è capace di germinare e svilupparsi preferenzialmente in corrispondenza di micro-ambienti con situazioni di ristagno d’aria. A causa della scarsità di informazioni concernenti le caratteristiche ecologiche, fisiologiche e metaboliche di questo fungo, la presente tesi è stata incentrata sull’approfondimento relativo al fenomeno di biodeterioramento, sia dal punto di vista della conservazione del materiale librario che da quello relativo all’aspetto salutistico dei lavoratori e degli studenti. Come caso studio è stato considerato un deposito contaminato della Biblioteca di Area Umanistica (BAUM) dell’Università Ca’ Foscari di Venezia. In totale sono stati eseguiti tre campionamenti, sia prima che dopo il massivo intervento di disinfezione dei libri, distribuiti nell’arco di due anni, che hanno permesso di caratterizzare l’ambiente indoor dal punto di vista sia microbiologico che chimico. Eurotium halophilicum è stato riconosciuto come il principale fungo cresciuto sui libri, grazie all’isolamento con tamponi sterili, su idoneo terreno di coltura per la crescita selettiva di specie xerofile. La sua presenza è stata documentata grazie a specifiche osservazioni al microscopio elettronico a scansione e le sue ideali condizioni di crescita sono state testate. Inoltre, più di 120 specie fungine sono state isolate dal deposito librario e identificate con analisi microbiologiche classiche associate ad analisi molecolari (DNA). I principali generi fungini riconosciuti sono stati Aspergillus, Cladosporium e Penicillium. Le specie fungine A. creber e A. jensenii, appartenenti al gruppo Aspergillus section Versicolores recentemente revisionato, sono state isolate per la prima volta da ambienti di conservazione di materiale librario. Le principali specie fungine isolate dal deposito contaminato sono state, inoltre, soggette ad indagini chimiche relative alla loro produzione di composti organici volatili e ad analisi dei metaboliti secondari tramite le tecniche di gascromatografia-spettrometria di massa e cromatografia liquida ad alte prestazioni accoppiata alla spettrometria di massa tandem. I risultati hanno confermato le attività metaboliche dei funghi più noti (come A. penicillioides, A. vitricola, C. cladosporium, E. chevalieri, P. breviciompactum e P. chrysogenum), incrementando allo stesso tempo le informazioni relative alle specie meno conosciute (come A. creber, A. jensenii, A. protuberus e E. halophilicum. Tali informazioni, poi, sono state correlate con reali casi studio, come libri contaminate, campioni d’aria e di polveri sedimentate. Considerando tutti i diversi substrati, varie similarità sono state riscontrate. In particolare, sostanze come 1,4-pentadiene, alcool isopropilico, acetone e 2-butanone sono state evidenziate come potenziali marker chimici di derivazione fungina. L’analisi dei metaboliti secondari delle polveri ha contribuito all’incremento della comunità microbica del deposito, identificando sostanze metaboliche appartenenti a specie non isolate dai diversi campionamenti microbiologici eseguiti. La combinazione di tutte queste analisi ha permesso di identificare lo status quo conservativo del deposito, riconoscendo gli effetti positivi dell’opera di disinfezione eseguita ed evidenziando i punti deboli che ancora inficiano una corretta conservazione del patrimonio librario.
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Mohlin, Alice. "Med kunskap i centrum: En studie med metodtriangulering om relationen mellan biblioteksplaner och icke-användare." Thesis, Malmö universitet, Fakulteten för teknik och samhälle (TS), 2019. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:mau:diva-20007.
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I denna studie undersöks relationen mellan biblioteksplaner och folkbibliotekets icke-användaremed hjälp av en metodtriangulering. Syftet med studien är att skapa en större förståelse förvarför icke-användare avstår folkbiblioteket, samt att peka ut vilka specifika användaranpassadeutvecklingsområden beskrivna i biblioteksplanerna som kan prioriteras baserat på anledningarnatill varför icke-användarna avstår. Datainsamling och analys utfördes i en domino-liknandeordning där en dokumentundersökning av biblioteksplanerna följdes av en online-enkät, som isin tur följdes upp med kvalitativa intervjuer med icke-användare. Resultaten visar att det finnsen brist på specifika åtgärder beskrivna i biblioteksplanerna som riktar sig till icke-användare,men att planerna beskriver flera metoder för att nå fler användare. Ur enkätsvaren gjordes entolkning att både användare och icke-användare har relativt lite kunskap om folkbiblioteketsverksamhet, ett problem som i studien föreslås kunna åtgärdas med hjälp av en mer synligmarknadsföring. Intervjusvaren diskuteras med en teoretisk modell över folkbiblioteketssamhällsroller, vilket resulterar i slutsatsen att de intervjuade icke-användarna främst serfolkbiblioteket som ett kunskapscentrum som de på många sätt förknippar med skola ochstudier.This study examines the relationship between the public library plans and the non-users, using amethod triangulation. The purpose of the study is to gain understanding to why the non-usersabstain the public library, and also point out specific user based developing areas described inthe plans which can be prioritized based on the reasons to why the non-users abstain. Thecollection and analysis of data was performed in an order similar to a domino effect, where thedocument research of the library plans was followed by an online survey, which was followedby qualitative interviews with non-users. The results show that there is a lack of specificmeasures described in the library plans directed to the non-users, but that the plans are filledwith methods of how to reach more users. The survey showed that there seems to be a relativelysmall knowledge of the daily activities and function of the public library among both users andnon-users. The answers from the interviews are discussed with a theoretical model of the rolesthe public library can have in society, which results in the conclusion that the non-usersinterviewed in this study solely see the public library as a knowledge centre which in manyways are associated with school and studies.
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Majal, Sulaiman. "Redesigning academic library spaces for 21st century users with special reference to CPUT Libraries." University of the Western Cape, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/11394/5540.
Full textAbstract:
Magister Bibliothecologiae - MBiblThe use and design of library spaces in higher education is a theme that has come to the forefront of user needs in the past few years. Academic libraries are redesigning their spaces to accommodate the 21st century user. The 21st century user is often labeled as Generation Y and requires a different set of knowledge and skills. In today’s knowledge economy, core skills include creativity, problem solving and collaboration. Libraries are creating space to accommodate the needs of these new users. They are developing group work areas, relaxation or pause areas, technology hubs and discussion rooms. This study has investigated how to redesign academic libraries, using Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) Cape Town branch as a pilot study. The researcher used the concept of library "as place" or "3ʳᵈ place" as a theory. The framework interrogated the ten qualities of a good library space. The researcher used a mixed method research design to conduct this study. A questionnaire of which multiple copies were made, interviews and internal statistics were used to gather data. The results of the study reflected that the library is functional, can be adapted, the space is accessible and varied, it is conducive to motivating and inspiring people, it does promote interactivity between users and library services, and is environmentally suitable, flexible and has a wow factor. All of these characteristics conform to McDonald’s ten qualities of a good library space.
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Düzer, Gözde. "Embracing Twitter : Marketing the Public Library on Social Media." Thesis, Uppsala universitet, Institutionen för ABM, 2013. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-200578.
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The aim of this master's thesis is to study public libraries' marketing on the social media site Twitter. To achieve this goal, the Twitter accounts of four Swedish public libraries were studied for several months. The four libraries that were studied consist of Stockholm library, Lidingö library, Malmö library, and Gothenburg library. The marketing theory that inspired me is called the seven Ps of marketing, which is a marketing mix that is specifically developed for service industries. My main sources in the application of the theory have been the works of Ned Potter and Eileen Elliott de Sáez, which combine marketing with the field of library and information science. Netnography, a qualitative method that studies online communities, has been applied as methodology. The methods that have been used consist of online observations and e-mail interviews. It was seen that the libraries use Twitter as a marketing tool to attain more users and to strengthen their ties with the existing users. Through Twitter, libraries promote their products to users. The communication between the library and its users becomes an important factor in marketing the library on Twitter. It was observed that users play an active role in marketing the library on Twitter. Users not only shape the marketing of the library through their responses but they also contribute to the marketing of the library by retweeting libraries' tweets or "mentioning" the libraries on Twitter. This is a two years master's thesis in Archive, Library and Museum studies.Syftet med denna uppsats är att studera folkbibliotekens marknadsföring på det sociala mediet Twitter. För att uppnå detta mål, har aktiviteterna på fyra specifika folkbiblioteks Twitterkonton studerades i drygt fyra månader. De fyra folkbiblioteken vars Twitterkonton undersöktes består av Stockholms stadsbibliotek, Lidingö stadsbibliotek och Malmö stadsbibliotek samt Stadsbiblioteket Göteborg. Den marknadsföringsteori som inspirerade mig kallas för de sju P:na, vilket är en marknadsmix som är speciellt utvecklad för tjänstebranscher. Mina huvudsakliga källor i tillämpningen av teorin har varit verk av Ned Potter och Eileen Elliott de Sáez som kombinerar marknadsföring med biblioteks- och informationsvetenskap. Netnografi, en kvalitativ metod som studerar samhället på Internet, applicerades som metodik. Online-observationer och e-post-intervjuer har även utförts som en del av analysmetoden. Resultaten visar att biblioteken använder Twitter som ett marknadsföringsverktyg för att nå fler användare, göra reklam för sina produkter och för att stärka sina band med de befintliga användarna. Kommunikationen mellan biblioteken och dess användare blir en viktig faktor i marknadsföringen av biblioteket på Twitter. Användarna spelar en viktig roll, eftersom de både formar marknadsföringen av biblioteket genom sin respons och bidrar till ökad reklam för biblioteket genom att retweeta deras tweets eller nämna biblioteken i sina egna tweets. Detta är en tvåårig masteruppsats inom programmet Arkivvetenskap, Biblioteks- och informationsvetenskap samt Musei- och kulturvetenskap.
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Wallace, Rick L. "Implications of Web-based LOANSOME DOC for Librarians and End-Users: Preliminary Research Findings." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 1999. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/8804.
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Paden, Shelley L., Andrea L. Batson, and Rick L. Wallace. "Web-based Loansome Doc, librarians, and End Users: Results from a Survey of the Southeast Region." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2001. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/8697.
Full textAbstract:
Objectives: The study examines how Loansome Doc services are implemented and used by libraries in the Southeast Region and describe end users' experiences with and attitudes toward Loansome Doc.
Methods: 251 active DOCLINE libraries and 867 Loansome Doc users were surveyed.
Results: Roughly one half of the libraries offered Loansome Doc services. Of those that did not, most indicated no plans to offer it in the future. The majority had a small number of end users and experienced minimal increases in interlibrary loan activity. Problems were relatively rare. Satisfaction with Loansome Doc was high among all types of libraries. End users were usually physicians or other health care professionals who requested articles for research and patient care. Most learned about Loansome Doc through PubMed or Internet Grateful Med. End users appeared to be largely self-taught or received informal instruction in Loansome Doc. Loansome Doc filled document requests in a timely manner, and end users reported being satisfied with the service.
Conclusions: Greater promotion of what Loansome Doc is and how it can benefit libraries can increase the number of participating libraries. While satisfaction of Loansome Doc end users is high, satisfaction could be increased with more help on the PubMed screen, more library training, and faster delivery methods.
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Kenney, Brian Figa Elizabeth Gremore. "The transformative library a narrative inquiry into the outcomes of information use /." [Denton, Tex.] : University of North Texas, 2008. http://digital.library.unt.edu/permalink/meta-dc-9764.
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Malmgren, Pema. "Surviving : not Living: A Study on a Library and its Users in Northern Tanzania." Thesis, Högskolan i Borås, Institutionen Biblioteks- och informationsvetenskap / Bibliotekshögskolan, 2000. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hb:diva-18337.
Full textAbstract:
This master thesis concerns a library in Eastern Africa and the users of that library. The aim is to describe the situation and try to assess what the users' needs and wants are. It was my belief that different cultures need different libraries. We need to ask ourselves: can we help if we do not understand the needs? There is a chapter on what has been written on libraries in Africa and African literature, including one section devoted to giving a broad background on Tanzania and the Tanzania Library Service, including history and a quick glance at Swahili and Arusha. The chapter on Arusha Regional Library makes use of the statistics from the library regarding the number of visits and the number of members. In the next chapter there is a presentation of the results of a questionnaire grouped around the different areas - literature both written and oral as well as libraries and attitudes toward literature and libraries. Followed by a section on the point of view of the library staff. They express some opinions that are contradictory both to what some of the users think and what the statistics say. In the conclusion, I bring up the fact that there are many library service needs that remain unsatisfied. The financial situation has forced Tanzania Library Service into solutions that are less than ideal. Furthermore, I make some suggestions based on my observations and on the comments made by the respondents of the questionnaire.Uppsatsnivå: D
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Alazemi, T. R. "Users' information seeking behaviours, their interactions and experience with the academic library web interface." Thesis, University of Salford, 2015. http://usir.salford.ac.uk/36705/.
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The websites provided by academic libraries are challenged by the rapid developments in information and communication technology (ICT). These developments have created diverse options and channels for information sources that can be accessed easily by users through the Internet. Because of these alternate sources, many users no longer physically visit the library. Instead, they depend on the library’s website to obtain information online, or they use Internet searches to obtain the information they require. This research addresses the following question: How do the users of academic libraries search for information and interact with the libraries’ web interfaces? The research draws on models from the disciplines of information-seeking behaviour (ISB) and human-computer interaction (HCI). A unified model based on the models in ISB and HCI is created and investigated. In addition, a qualitative study has been conducted to investigate users’ information needs, information-seeking behaviours, and difficulties and experiences with the websites of academic libraries. Interpretive case studies were conducted at two universities, one in the UK and one in Kuwait. Qualitative data were collected in interviews, focus groups, and observations of diverse groups of library users. Furthermore, a content analysis approach was applied to analyse the data. The findings revealed seven steps taken in searching for information and interacting with academic libraries’ web interfaces, but exposed variance in the order in which users executed these steps. The findings also revealed several issues regarding the use of library websites to search for information. In particular, these concerned the complexity of finding information, the content organisation of the library websites and the use of incomprehensible terms on the library websites. As a result, the library users relied heavily on Google to find information. The thesis concludes with suggested guidelines for how academic library interfaces can best support the way users search for information, as well as their interactions, experiences and needs. Keywords: information-seeking behaviour, human-computer interaction, users’ needs, user experience, academic library website, usability, content analysis, postgraduate students, academics, library staff, Kuwait, UK.
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Yusoff, Hashimah Mohd. "The use of electronic information resources among the users of Penang Public Library Corporation." School of Communication & Information, Nanyang Technological University, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/105641.
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Public libraries place importance on information technology for the delivery of quality services. One aspect of quality services is knowing the usage in the electronic information resources (EIRs) among the users. This study was carried out to investigate the use of the EIRs at the Penang Public Library Corporation (PPLC). The findings revealed that EIRs services provided by PPLC are being regularly used by the users. It was noted that the younger group relied more on the EIRs. The most preferred EIRs were Internet (51.9%) and OPAC (43.2%). The preference of Internet was higher among school students with 25% users and college students with 17.2% users, whereas preference of OPAC was higher among the professional group with 30% users. It was determined also that most of the users who used Internet were for information searching. For OPAC, they seemed more likely to use title search in searching library materials and they learned to use the OPAC by themselves. The usage of other EIRs were less popular with Electronic Journals (19.1%), Online databases (16.0%) and CD-ROMs (7.4%). It is recommended that PPLC must strive aggressively to promote the less popular EIRs that are provided but seldom used by the library users. PPLC also needs to improve its training programme in order to help users to enhance the use of EIRs.
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Kim, Seonho. "Visualizing Users, User Communities, and Usage Trends in Complex Information Systems Using Implicit Rating Data." Diss., Virginia Tech, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/27286.
Full textAbstract:
Research on personalization, including recommender systems, focuses on applications such as in online shopping malls and simple information systems. These systems consider user profile and item information obtained from data explicitly entered by users. There it is possible to classify items involved and to personalize based on a direct mapping from user or user group to item or item group. However, in complex, dynamic, and professional information systems, such as digital libraries, additional capabilities are needed to achieve personalization to support their distinctive features: large numbers of digital objects, dynamic updates, sparse rating data, biased rating data on specific items, and challenges in getting explicit rating data from users. For this reason, more research on implicit rating data is recommended, because it is easy to obtain, suffers less from terminology issues, is more informative, and contains more user-centered information. In previous reports on my doctoral work, I discussed collecting, storing, processing, and utilizing implicit rating data of digital libraries for analysis and decision support. This dissertation presents a visualization tool, VUDM (Visual User-model Data Mining tool), utilizing implicit rating data, to demonstrate the effectiveness of implicit rating data in characterizing users, user communities, and usage trends of digital libraries. The results of user studies, performed both with typical end-users and with library experts, to test the usefulness of VUDM, support that implicit rating data is useful and can be utilized for digital library analysis software, so that both end users and experts can benefit.Ph. D.
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Beecher, Ann B. "Wayfinding tools in public library buildings: A multiple case study." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2004. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc4470/.
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Wayfinding is the process of using one or more tools to move from one location to another in order to accomplish a task or to achieve a goal. This qualitative study explores the process of wayfinding as it applies to locating information in a public library. A group of volunteers were asked to find a selection of items in three types of libraries-traditional, contemporary, and modern. The retrieval process was timed and the reactions of the volunteers were recorded, documented, and analyzed. The impact of various wayfinding tools-architecture, layout, color, signage, computer support, collection organization-on the retrieval process was also identified. The study revealed that many of the wayfinding tools currently available in libraries do not facilitate item retrieval. Inconsistencies, ambiguities, obstructions, disparities, and operational deficiencies all contributed to end-user frustration and retrieval failure. The study suggests that failing to address these issues may prompt library patrons-end users who are increasingly interested in finding information with minimal expenditures of time and effort-may turn to other information-retrieval strategies and abandon a system that they find confusing and frustrating.
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Mogale, Mpho Gift. "Social Media and the Provision of Library and Information Services at the University of Limpopo Library." Thesis, University of Limpopo, 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/10386/3048.
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Thesis (M.Inf) --University of Limpopo, 2019.The use of social media (SM) tools in both public and private institutions is growing remarkably. Academic libraries, in particular are confronted with serious challenges of becoming the leader in adopting various SM platforms to enhance the delivery of library and information services to their users. This study investigated the extent and ways in which librarians attached to the University of Limpopo library use SM platforms in the provision of library and information services to their patrons. The study examined types of SM tools used, purposes that SM tools are used for in academic libraries, factors that determine and impede the use of SM, as well as the attitudes of the library staff towards the use of SM in providing library and information services. The study adopted a qualitative research approach through the use of a semi-structured interview (administered face-to-face) with 10 academic librarians at the University of Limpopo (UL) as a data collection method. The findings of the study show that UL library staff largely use SM platforms such as Facebook to market and promote library services as well as Library-Blog to liaise with the schools or faculties. The study further revealed that librarians at UL are not in charge of SM applications. Instead the Marketing and Communication Department administrator is responsible for the management of SM in the university. The study notes that library personnel are aware of various SM platforms. Therefore, it has a direct influence on their use in work-related tasks. Moreover, the ease of use, low cost, high demand and usefulness of SM applications are contributory factors which motivated the librarians to want to use it. The study further reveals factors that inhibit the effective use of these applications and recommends that library management should create SM policies to boost the effective use of SM for the benefit of library patrons.
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Restoum, Maysoun F. "Improving library performance in Syrian private academic libraries based on end-users' expectations and requirements : case study : the library of Arab International University." Thesis, University of Huddersfield, 2016. http://eprints.hud.ac.uk/id/eprint/31104/.
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In spite of improving the library performance (LP) of academic libraries (ALs) is based on a set of standards and criteria, improving the SPALs is relied on the vision of the ALs’ decision-makers; and subjected by a number of barriers that hinder improvement. This research aims to improve the LP of the Arab International University (AIU) in Syria. The focus is made to achieve improvement based on the end-users’ expectations and requirements (EUERs). Thus, identifying the EUERs is aimed in this research also. Data was collected by adopting a mixed methods approach, embraced to a single case study (LAIU). Primary quantitative data was collected by distributing two questionnaires to the end-users (undergraduates & academics). A printed-format questionnaire was designed for the undergraduates, while the academics’ questionnaire was designed using Smart-survey. The aim of these questionnaires was to understand the end-users’ perspectives, expectations, and their requirements of the LAIU. 11 semi-structured interviews were conducted with 8 librarians and 3 administrators to identify the situation of the LAIU, and understand the library staffs’ perspectives about the EUERs and end-users’ ISB. SOWT analysis was used to address the strengths, weakness, and threats facing the library, and their suggestions to improve the LP. Furthermore, the analysis of the secondary statistics collected from the LAIU and related websites took place in this study to support the primary data collected. A total of 228 undergraduates, and 30 academics have participated in this study. The data collected from the questionnaires were analysed using PASW software; version 18.0, while the collected data of the interviews was analysed thematically using NVivo 10.0 software. To maximise the outputs of the research and understand the holistic situation of the LAIU, the tools of the SSM were implemented. This assists in identifying the problematic areas of the situation. A number of challenges and barriers have been discovered relating to four categories: EUERs, end-users’ information-seeking behaviour, end-users’ satisfaction, and the LP. The analysis showed that although the EUERs are academic in the first place, there are differences regarding their demographic variables. It presented that end-users are not strongly satisfied with their LP. Furthermore, the findings reflected the need to improve the LP. They addressed the end-users’ behavior during their journey in seeking information. Based on the use of the rich picture, these barriers have been classified into internal and external barriers. The focus was limited to investigate internal barriers. Additionally, the implementation of the SSM’s tools helps in developing the root definitions and related conceptual models that led to improving the situation of the LAIU. This study contributes to establish an appropriate and vital strategy to improve the LP based on a set of recommendation driven from the implementation of the SSM’s tools. It contributes to generate the S-diamond model addressing the requirements of improvement. It develops a model of the end-users’ ISB in the SPALs. Furthermore, this study reflects a theoretical significance by providing unique findings discovering the relationships between the themes under the investigation (EUERs, LP, end-users’ ISB, and EUS).
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Nguyen, Linh Cuong. "A participatory library model for university libraries." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2014. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/76288/1/Linh%20Cuong_Nguyen_Thesis.pdf.
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This research investigated the ways academic libraries are using social media and adopting participatory principles in their programs and services. Using the Grounded Theory method the research developed an empirically derived model for participatory libraries. The research revealed three core categories representing the participatory library: community, empowerment, and experience. The research provides library professionals, researchers and the library community, with a fresh perspective and holistic picture of the contemporary library. The findings can be used to guide the development of participatory libraries in Australia and internationally.
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Beaudoin, Joan Elizabeth Abels Eileen G. "An investigation of image users across professions : a framework of their image needs, retrieval and use /." Philadelphia, Pa. : Drexel University, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/1860/3160.
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Kenney, Brian. "The transformative library: A narrative inquiry into the outcomes of information use." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2008. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc9764/.
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This qualitative study uses narrative analysis to explore the outcomes of information seeking and use among public library users. Twelve women between the ages of 51 and 72, all residents of Fayetteville, Arkansas who self-identified as regular library users, were interviewed to gather their life stories and their experiences using the public library. The participants in this study used information to enable learning and, often, a change in their affective state. The participants used the new information they encountered constructively, to engage with the knowledge and experience they possessed; this use of information always involved reflection, dialogue, or both. The outcomes from these actions are the creation of new knowledge, a change in the participants' meaning schemes, and/or an affective change. In addition, the narratives strongly suggest that information seeking and use by adults in public libraries can sometimes facilitate or, on its own, precipitate a perspective transformation and the adoption of new meanings. Overall, the findings support Mezirow's theory of transformative learning as a model for understanding information use and outcomes among users of the public library. The major implications of this study are two-fold. One, it introduces to information science Mezirow's theory of transformative learning which could provide greater understanding of how adults use information, and the outcomes that arise from this use. Two, it provides library professionals with information about the library in the lives of their users and concrete information about how libraries can enable transformative learning.
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Barret, Beverley, and n/a. "Users and an online catalogue : an evaluation of the OPAC at the Dixson Library, University of New England." University of Canberra. Information, Language & Culture Studies, 1989. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20060607.162838.
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This thesis reports on a study undertaken at the Dixson Library, University of New
England. The purpose of the study was to develop an understanding of users of online
public access catalogues (OPACs). The understanding gained from the study will assist
in the development of improvements to the Library's OPAC, and increase user ability to
access information from the OPAC. The study replicated the user questionnaire of the
Online Patron Access Project, sponsored by the Council on Library Resources (CLR) in
1981/83. The questionnaire was modified slightly to suit conditions at the Dixson
Library.
The study addressed nine research questions relating to the users, their reactions,
attitudes, experiences and problems. The user task and their suggestions for
improvement were also addressed. The study formally tested three propositions between
the variables user task, success and attitudes in relation to OPAC users.
The findings show the analysis of the responses for the population as a whole, and,
where relevant, for eight groups of student respondents based on their academic
affiliation. The student population was of particular importance because of the
preponderance of external students at the University of New England. The differences in
the findings between the groups of students were discussed, and where possible,
explained. The three formal propositions were tested by carrying out Chi square tests for
the values of each variable. Nine significant relationships were found.
Comparisons were made between the Dixson Library findings and those of the CLR
study. Recommendations and conclusions were drawn from the study, including areas
for further research.
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Kistain, Lisa. "Information seeking behaviour of users of a special collection and the role of social media in the provision of academic library services." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/51275.
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The purpose of this study was to investigate how users of a special collection library of an academic institution in South Africa sought information and how social media could play a role in library service provision. Data for the empirical component was collected in September 2015. The study used a mixed methods approach to collect quantitative data which was analysed using Excel spreadsheets and qualitative data which was analysed using thematic analysis. A total of 36 self-administered printed questionnaires were used to solicit information on how users of the special collection library sought information for academic purposes using social media. Information was collected on the concerns, barriers and motivations that influence or deter users from using social media for academic purposes. Semi-structured interviews involving 11 participants were used to collect information on the views, experiences, thoughts and opinions of participants as regards the role that social media can play in providing library services. The study used purposive sampling in selecting participants for both the quantitative and qualitative study. Participants were users visiting the Special Collection Library at Institution A (a tertiary institution in South Africa), as well as users recommended by librarians of the Special Collection Library at Institution A. The participants included researchers, academics, undergraduate and postgraduate students at the academic institution as well as outside users (users not enrolled at Institution A or not staff members). The key findings include: (a) The most preferred social media tool used for academic purposes was Twitter, used mainly for sharing information and notification purposes. (b) Most preferred features of social media were those that provided for more engaging communication. (c) Users preferred more subject specific information on social media. (d) The concern listed as very significant by the largest number of participants was breach of privacy. Based on the findings of this study, recommendations were made for the library to give greater support to diversity of expression of knowledge and foster participation with the user as content creator and not just a consumer of knowledge. Also, the library should consider using strategies that promote the discoverability of the special collections. Such strategies include: using the social media tool of the users’ preference (for example Twitter in this case) to raise awareness of the collections (such as, maps and artefacts) that are unique to the library; using social media such as WhatsApp to post reference lists related to particular topics that refer users to the special collection resources such as manuscripts and artefacts. Using WhatsApp also provides opportunity to start conversations/chats around special collection resources. Training should be developed and provided to librarians and users that focus on those features that promote the display of special collections resources such as the uploading of photographs. Recommendations were made for further research.Mini Dissertation (MIT)-University of Pretoria, 2016.
Information Science
MIT
Unrestricted
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CHENG, YI-TING, and 鄭伊婷. "Factors related to Library Anxiety for Public Library Users." Thesis, 2013. http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/70611793537802534135.
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碩士輔仁大學
圖書資訊學系
101
The purpose of this study is to examine the cause of library anxiety with public library users, and the relationship between library anxiety and personal background, library using, different area and level of libraries. Subjects were public library users in different counties in Taiwan. It is divided into four areas of northern, central, southern and eastern in Taiwanese libraries, and then took sample survey from 25 public libraries in these four areas. By interviewing and referring to other questionnaires, the questionnaire of library anxiety and library using were designed. 52 questions related to library anxiety questions and reader’s age, occupations were included in the questionnaire. Moreover, different areas and levels of the library using situations were also used as the observed variables. There were 756 valid questionnaires totally. The results showed that： 1. The main factors of the library anxiety in the public library are the barrier of resource, facility and technology. 2. The library anxiety had significantly difference between public library users’ age and career. 3. There is a significant different between the frequency of library using and library anxiety. 4. The library anxiety had significant difference in the purpose of library using. 5. Different arrears of public library users had significant related to barrier of facility and affective barrier. 6. Different level of library users had significant related to barrier of knowledge.
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PAN, SHU-MIN, and 潘淑敏. "Research on the Library Users’ Satisfaction to School Library Service." Thesis, 2019. http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/99969x.
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碩士南臺科技大學
行銷與流通管理系
107
In recent years, in order to attract students to school, in addition to excellent teachers, teaching software and hardware, campus environment and other conditions, the equipment provided by the library and the quality of service are indispensable factors. This study explores the satisfaction of library users when using library resources and participating in activities. The research purpose is：1. Understand the satisfaction of library users with the school library services. 2. Analyze the difference in the satisfaction of users with different background variables on school library services. This study is based on the users of the S University Library in southern Taiwan. A total of 200 questionnaires were sent out in this study, and 21 invalid questionnaires were deducted. A total of 179 valid questionnaires were obtained. Data analysis methods include reliability analysis, validity analysis, independent sample t-test, and one-way ANOVA. The results show that the satisfaction order is the highest in spatial planning, the second is service attitude, and then is hardware device, and the lowest is the promotion activity. Among the gender and the satisfaction of each aspect index, there are only two indicators that achieve significant difference. The other four facets and 15 indicators do not reach a significant level, indicating that there is no difference in the satisfaction of the 15 indicators of different genders. In the satisfaction of grade and various aspect indicators, hardware equipment and service attitudes are significant differences. The average student satisfaction is in the fourth grade > third grade > second grade > first grade. Promotional activities and spatial planning have not reached a significant level. Based on the above findings, this study suggests：1. It is recommended that the library increase the propaganda method. Do not just do the online propaganda, but do publicity in places where there are many people on campus. 2. In order to be fair and resources be used more effectively, it is recommended that the library limit the time of computer use.
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Huang, Yu-chian, and 黃于倩. "Library Anxiety Among Academic Library Users at National Chung Hsing University." Thesis, 2007. http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/57725845300673357113.
Full textAbstract:
碩士國立中興大學
圖書資訊研究所
94
As libraries are making great efforts to provide user-oriented services at present, whether users experience uncomfortable feelings resulted from encountering library staffs, library collections, library building, and library facilities has caused growing concerns among librarians. The purpose of this study is to examine if library anxiety is present among academic library users, and to discover whether groups of users experience different levels of library anxiety. Meanwhile, it also investigates the views of users and librarians about library anxiety. The study conducted a case study at the National Chung Hsing University. The study included literature analysis, survey method with a questionnaire and interview. The purpose of literature analysis was aimed to explore the significance and context of library anxiety, and use library anxiety scale to assess levels of library anxiety experienced by users. From 300 copies of questionnaire distributed, 222 valid questionnaires were returned, with a return rate of 74.0%. Then, there were interviews with thirteen users and nine librarians, to get in a more depth opinions on library anxiety. The major findings of this study were listed as follows: 1.Library anxiety is not an overwhelming phenomenon, only few users are high-anxious users; 2.There are significant differences for some dimensions among the variables of academic user’s gender, college, and year of study; 3.Users who display signs of library anxiety tended to experience significantly higher levels of library anxiety associated with mechanical barriers than general users; 4.Librarians perceive users experience library anxiety, but consider that their level of library anxiety are not serious. Based on results of the study, the author made the following suggestions: 1.Libraries should implement user study on a regular time to understand users’ feelings; 2.Library instructions should be customized to meet individual user’s requirements, to improve their abilities to utilize the library; 3.Libraies should actively promote library services, to raise users’ familiarity with the library services; 4.Librarians should enhance professional image and abilities, to encourage users’ willingness to interact with librarians; 5.Public services division should improve communication with technical services division, to reduce library anxiety among users.
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Lai, Li-Hsiang, and 賴麗香. "How Library Contexts and Individual Attributes Shape Users'' Evaluation of Library Service Qaulity." Thesis, 2008. http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/20967839438064852089.
Full textAbstract:
博士國立臺灣大學
圖書資訊學研究所
96
Library-oriented or objective evaluation and user-oriented or subjective evaluation are two major approaches to evaluate library service quality. However, less is known about the relationship between the results of the two evaluation approaches, particularly about the effects of library contexts on users’ subjective evaluation. The present study employs a combination of library- and user-oriented evaluation approaches to develop an integrated evaluation model of library service quality with multi-level and multi-dimension. Based on this evaluation model, the purposes of the present study are (1) to analyze whether users’ subjective evaluation of library service quality varies among user individuals and libraries, (2) to examine the effects of individual attributes and library contexts (service and structural context) on users’ subjective evaluation, (3) to diagnose if the relationship between users’ self-reported usage of and user satisfaction with a library is mediated by users’ perceived library service quality, and (4) to test how the mediated effects are influenced by the library contexts, if the relationship between users’ self-reported usage and user satisfaction is mediated by users’ perceived library service quality. The present study utilizes a cross-sectional survey designed to collect library and user level data respectively in 51 university libraries in Taiwan. There are eight factors of library level as library contexts. Six are indicators of objective, quantitative quality of library service context and two are variables of structural context. Library input and output data are standardized and weighted as six indicators of objective, quantitative quality of library service context: (1) manpower quality, (2) collection quality, (3) facility quality, (4) library visit quality, (5) circulation quality, and (6) support service quality. Two variables of library structural context are population size and public/private sector of a library. For the user level, there are six indicators of subjective evaluation and three individual attributes. Six indicators of subjective evaluation are (1) self-reported library use frequency, (2) library use width, (3) perceived content service quality, (4) perceived system service quality, (5) perceived support service quality, and (6) satisfaction. Individual attributes are user type (faculty and student), discipline (humanity, social science, and science) and self-efficacy. The sample size for the library level is 51 university libraries and for user level is 29,916 respondents from the faculty and students of the 51 universities. The hierarchical linear model (HLM) or multilevel analysis is utilized to estimate the effects of user-level and library-level factors on users’ six subjective evaluations. The findings show that users’ six indicators of subjective evaluation of library service quality vary among user individuals and libraries respectively, when there are no factors of user level or library level considered. More than 88% of the variance in users’ subjective evaluation is at the user level, while about 12% is at the library level. The findings also show that users’ six indicators of subjective evaluation differ by the level of users’ type, discipline and self-efficacy; but there is no self-efficacy difference in user satisfaction. Four of eight factors of library contexts (population size, manpower quality, facility quality and library visit quality) have significant effects on most of the users’ six indicators of subjective evaluation. User satisfaction is the most affected indicator by population size, facility quality and library visit quality. However, users’ perceived support service quality does not vary by the library contexts. Further analyses show that users’ perceived service quality (perceived content quality, perceived system quality and perceived support service quality) is the partial mediation between self-reported usage (library use frequency and use width) and user satisfaction. In other words, self-reported usage has direct and indirect effects on user satisfaction through perceived service quality. Users’ library use frequency positively affects user satisfaction, while users’ library use width has a negative effect on user satisfaction. Moreover, seven factors of the library contexts, except for collection quality, have effects on some of the partially mediated effects. The effect of users’ library usage on user satisfaction does not differ by the library contexts. Finally, the implications of these findings and needs for future research are discussed.
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Shrestha, Nina. "A Study on Students Use of Library Resources and Self-efficacy." Thesis, 2008. http://eprints.rclis.org/22623/1/NinaShrestha.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
This study has been undertaken to determine the "Students use of the library resources and self-efficacy". This study has tried to find out the information seeking behavior of the graduate level students and their knowledge about the library resources and services made available to them. And how their familiarity with the resources and technology develops self-efficacy.
The study has tried to find out how the integration of the Internet has affected the information searching habit on students.
The study has collected empirical data on the information searching behavior of the students of the three respective colleges taken under study they are Thapathali College, NCCS(National College of Computer Science) and Kathmandu University. These data has been gathered from 25% of the actually targeted group of study. Questionnaire method has been obtained to collect primary data from the 200 full time students of which 127 has been returned which is the exact number of questionnaire tabulated for the study.
After tabulating and analyzing the data the findings of the study indicated that students are most in the need of intervention as they often come to college unprepared. The guidance in the use of library resources and services is necessary to help students meet some of the information requirements. It is also found that library books, e-journals and Internet are the most popular source of information for the course work and research and the place of Google in the student’s information behavior is prominent and positively co-related to use of traditional library resources.
The study shows that in today’s fast paced world the desire for expediency has promoted students to place a premium on information that can be found easily and quickly. To this end, many students limit their search to electronic resources, choosing format over substance and convenience over accuracy. In particular reliance on the world wide web as a primary and often sole research tool has impacted the quality and rigor of students projects and reduced students familiarity with more traditional print resources and bibliographical databases in their college library collection.
Internet has rapidly become one of the most powerful global sources of wide range of information presenting many possibilities for the efficient and unlimited dissemination of information. It has contributed positively in enhancing the search effectiveness. Which has lead to giving students psychological boost and problem solving ability. The newfound confidence due to the easily accessible information resources has upgraded the learning ways among them. Students have become more competent and confident about what they could achieve in the given situations and knowledgeable about the ways that leads to the achievement.
With the popularity of the electronic resources as the major information sources the study has also found that all the libraries is automated with some having their own online catalogue system with subscription to electronic journal sites and bibliographic indexes. Even if the library did not have various electronic resources they gave Internet services through computer labs and online catalogue. But without proper knowledge of accessing the information sources both electronic or print students are vulnerable to the overloaded information and was not seen so much keen on using the library’s electronic resources they preferred internet resources as its interface is easy to use and they could get unlimited information on the subjects.
Proper guidance and lack of professional person along with the inadequate collection in the material as well as insufficient networking computers has been the main drawbacks on students exploring the resources. For them to be more interested towards libraries librarians along with the faculty members need to work together in educating them about the services and resources that is available and library should also work towards networking with other libraries so that it could provide better range of materials in given subject.
In this study even though students are drawn to information sources that allow them to complete their research in “the easiest least painful way” the large percent of students are still motivated to learn about accessing their present library resources. With such a strong bias among students towards using the web as their primary research tool, library instruction should be considered a crucial means of introducing students to print resources of the library beside the web. Numerous studies have shown that positive change in student’s research skills and knowledge of the library and its resources after library instruction. This study has also tried to point towards that aspect of the library where it could educate its users by giving orientation so they can become an accurate searcher and make use of the right information at the right time.
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Fang, Fu-Yuan, and 方祜媛. "Understanding Users’ Perception of Special Library Service Quality and Satisfaction: A Case of X Library." Thesis, 2015. http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/63550468203974441079.
Full textAbstract:
碩士淡江大學
資訊與圖書館學系數位出版與典藏數位學習碩士在職專班
103
Libraries around the world are facing insufficient manpower and budget difficulties in the 21st century. Meanwhile, user-oriented assessment on service quality can help libraries understand readers’ needs and opinions. It’s a good tool for the improvement of service quality in special libraries. The libraries will turn crisis into opportunity if they can provide more valuable services to meet the needs of readers. Methods of this study included literature analysis and questionnaire survey. This study integrated the SERVQUAL、E-SERVQUAL, and LibQUAL+TM and proposed the five dimensions including librarian service, library resource, information retrieval, physical environment, and convenience. The objectives were to understand readers’ expectation and perception for the library service quality and explore the correlation and differences between library usage, service quality, and overall satisfaction. A survey was conducted by purposive sampling.The target population was the researchers of X scientific research institution. There were 338 questionnaires completed. The results could offer decision maker to draw up the strategy of the library development. Major findings of the study are as follows: (1) Resource on library premises is the most commonly resource used by readers. The main purpose of users is to borrow book; (2) Over the last year, some of the readers were too busy and far away, so they did not use library resources; (3) The two main factors which influence the resource use frequency are users’ job positions and affiliated departments; (4) A clean library environment is affirmed; (5) The library has a quiet environment for reading, but needs to improve reading chairs; (6) Librarian courtesy and enthusiasm are affirmed, but needs to strengthen personal service; (7) Library website needs to be improved, and information retrieval screen should be designed to be more friendly; (8) A big gap between expectation and perception in the library resource dimension, needs to be improved; (9) According to the quadrant diagram analysis, some of the service quality items should be investigated in-depth; (10) The five main factors which influence the service quality are users’ age, years of service, education level, job positions and affiliated departments; (11) The overall satisfaction of library is rated at a satisfactory score; (12) The three main factors which influence the overall satisfaction are users’ education level, job positions and affiliated departments; (13)The positive correlation exists between the library resource use frequency, service quality, and overall satisfaction. According to the results, this study makes eight recommendations as follows: (1) Opening more training courses about the library utilization; (2) Establishing mobile library; (3) Creating customer-oriented services to fulfill readers’ requirements; (4) Outreaching library services and marketing library products; (5) Enhancing librarians professional skills and work passion; (6) Increasing the amount of books, periodicals and electronic resources; (7) Improving search tools and information retrieval dimension; (8) Establishing a new main library in order to create high quality reading and research environment space.
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Hsu, Mei-Huei, and 許美惠. "A Study of Information Needs and Information Uses of Library Website Users in Technological Colleges." Thesis, 2005. http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/16085930587900141162.
Full textAbstract:
碩士國立臺灣大學
圖書資訊學研究所
94
The purpose of this study is to explore information needs of technical and vocational college students and their attitudes toward the library website. It is with the expectation that the design of existing and future library website would be more user-oriented to increase its utilization. The research uses the Library Website of Dahan Institute of Technology to investigate the information needs of the institute’s students. Interviews and questionnaires are applied from both quantitative and qualitative perspectives to find out the student’s using experience and their opinions on an ideal library website. Two focus groups were interviewed and a total of 348 valid questionnaires were collected. Concluded results are listed as follows: 1、The students’ information needs are inevitably various and numerous, not only in supporting their studies, but also those necessary to their daily lives, like information on finding a job, studying further, financial aids, entertainments, etc. 2、The contens that most university library websites provide could not meet the information needs of vocational students. 3、The top ten items the library website should offer are linkages to information on scholarship/financial supports; jobs/careers; professional certificates; library collection retrieval; part-time job announcements; studying further; Chinese database retrieval; industrial/commercial information; daily life related and electronic references. 4、Students pay less attention to the structure of the library website. Services and contents count first. At the end, the research come to some suggestions: 1、The institute’s home page should provide an obvious linkage to the library website. 2、The library website should be designed and schemed in accordance to the institute’s features. 3、The library should provide instructional programs and activities to promote the utilization of the library website. 4、The library website should provide services of all kinds based on the students’ information needs. 5、The library website should be enhanced by increasing its attaching values. 6、The librarian should develop their capabilities on organizing information.
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Yu, Xiaoyu. "Exploring how library users navigate indoor spaces with indistinct landmarks." 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10222/35407.
Full textAbstract:
Libraries are filled with indistinct landmarks, such as rows of identical bookshelves, which make it difficult for patrons to navigate and locate books. Call numbers are the primary resource that can be utilized while locating books, and these consist of letters and digits that are incomprehensible to many library users. With libraries increasingly offering both physical and digital resources and mobile devices being more common, we aimed to investigate the potential for mobile devices to assist in locating books within the complex physical spaces of libraries.
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Chu, Wang Kui, and 王貴珠. "A Study on Central Police University Library Users'''' Information Literacy." Thesis, 2000. http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/80559059975305020090.
Full textAbstract:
碩士輔仁大學
圖書資訊學系
88
Library information service is different from the so-called "service" in the traditional sense. "Supply" is not the ultimate end of library information service; it is the means. Thus emerged such currently prevailing topics for study and forms for practical services as "library instruction" and "user education". In earlier days, library user education focused mainly on the introduction of library skills. It is due to the advent of the information technology that the library users need to equip themselves with the skills to use computers, internets and some other high-technology media to acquire the information needed. This thesis tries to discuss the issue about " information literacy" in a broader way. Compared with the other types of libraries, the university library is to be discussed from many aspects in terms of the roles the university library should play in teaching and research. Thus this thesis starts from the literature review of university library instruction, in order to understand the university library''''s overall development background in Taiwan and in USA. This background knowledge explains the importance of information literacy to user education in university libraries. In addition, this thesis intends to explore the information literacy essence and spirit by the elements, the traits, and the program of the USA six information technology ( Big 6 ). At last, this thesis learns and draws the inspiration from the other information literacy programs carried out by the university libraries in Taiwan and in the United States of America. This research adopts a study method by surveying the opinions and needs of the Central Police University student body which includes the undergraduate, graduate and two-year college students. The research outcome is collected and analyzed from the questionnaires filled out by the whole student body at the Central Police University regarding library literacy, media literacy, computer literacy and network literacy. With the analysis of the outcome, the author attempts to use this thesis for suggestions about the user education programs in general, and the in-classroom programs in particular, to the university libraries. To sum up, in a campus environment, plan of curricula, teaching styles of the professors, the campus cultural climate, and other the needs of library user education, are the important factors which have great impacts on library user education. These factors mentioned above are also the issues this thesis will cover and explore in the study of information literacy and user education.
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Zhang, Yu-Jung, and 張育蓉. "A Study on Library Users’ Satisfaction Evaluation Using Sentimental Analysis." Thesis, 2012. http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/56957526812708508356.
Full textAbstract:
碩士國立中興大學
圖書資訊學研究所
100
As the quality of library service is closely linked with the users’ satisfaction, the libraries usually employ the questionnaire to collect and analyze the users’ satisfaction annually. However, due to difficulty of questionnaire design, low recycle rate and difficulty of statistics analysis and explanation, the results obtained from questionnaire cannot show the real users’ satisfaction. Moreover, as the questionnaire method cannot provide the on-line users’ satisfaction, the librarians cannot deal with the related service problems immediately. On the contrary, as the rapid growth of social network, the opinions can be collected from Internet and analyzed to understand sentiments, i.e., positive or negative, and sentimental trend of the users easily. Thus, this dissertation employs the sentimental analysis to extract the users’ positive or negative opinions from the social network, e.g. Plurk. First, the library users’ opinions are collected from social network and used as the corpus. This corpus is annotated manually to tag sentimental words, negative words, sentimental collocation words, degree words and users’ sentiments. Then, the related dictionaries for sentimental analysis are extracted. In order to cluster the users’ opinions into 5 categories, i.e., librarians, collections, services, equipments and environment, KNN, NB and SVM are used to evaluate the classification performance. Additionally, two sentimental analysis methods, which are weighted degree words methods and polarity-strength methods, respectively, are proposed to study the performance of sentimental analysis. As the experimental results are similar to the results of both using questionnaire method and manual annotations, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed methods can be proved. Besides, as the graph representations, i.e., radar charts and bar charts, approaches are employed to show the evaluation results, the users’ satisfaction can be easily obtained and understood so as to be able to improve the library services in time and enhance the users’ satisfaction.