Abstract. The aim of the present study is to report the results of a meta-synthesis of the empirical literature on scholars' attitudes towards Open Access (OA) journals. A total of 16 articles published in scholarly journals since 2002 (when the Budapest Open Access Initiative was released) were included in the study and five major themes emerged from their examination and analysis. The literature indicates that attitudes and perceptions of OA are varied across countries and across disciplines. Free access, which is perceived to facilitate wider dissemination of research outputs, is a strong incentive for publishing in OA. However, quality and reputation are the most important factors in selecting a journal and take priority over the availability of free access. Although OA is perceived to have many advantages over the traditional publication model, it raises some concerns too, especially in regard to the author-pays model, the quality of peer-review and the impact of the journals.
Job satisfaction and burnout are two multidimensional constructs, which represent affective work responses. The present study was designed to examine: the multivariate relationship between burnout and job satisfaction, and the degree of their distinctiveness. Self‐reported questionnaires were administered to 135 academic librarians to assess burnout (Maslach burnout inventory) and job satisfaction (employee satisfaction inventory). A two‐factor model with correlated factors was postulated and supported. Structural equation modeling procedures showed that the two constructs although highly correlated (r=−0.75) represent distinct responses to work.
Library and information science (LIS) is a very broad discipline, which uses a wide range of constantly evolving research strategies and techniques. The aim of this chapter is to provide an updated view of research issues in library and information science. A stratified random sample of 440 articles published in five prominent journals was analyzed and classified to identify (i) research approach, (ii) research methodology, and (iii) method of data analysis. For each variable, a coding scheme was developed, and the articles were coded accordingly. A total of 78% of the articles reported empirical research. The rest 22% were classified as non-empirical research papers. The five most popular topics were "information retrieval," "information behaviour," "information literacy," "library services," and "organization and management." An overwhelming majority of the empirical research articles employed a quantitative approach. Although the survey emerged as the most frequently used research strategy, there is evidence that the number and variety of research methodologies have been increased. There is also evidence that qualitative approaches are gaining increasing importance and have a role to play in LIS, while mixed methods have not yet gained enough recognition in LIS research.
Purpose -The purpose of the present study was to expand the knowledge of student computer competencies and IT self-efficacy in two LIS departments in Greece. Design/methodology/approach -The participants in the study were students in the two LIS departments of the Technological Educational Institutes (TEI) situated in Thessaloniki and Athens, Greece. The survey was addressed to sophomores, juniors and seniors, because IT courses are taught after the first year of study. The instrument of the survey was a structured questionnaire comprising three parts, measuring a total of 48 variables. Findings -The levels of students' IT self-efficacy is rather high, while the mean score of computer competence indicates a rather low level of perceived ability in using computers. Students were more competent in using e-mail and Facebook, as well as using the internet for personal purposes. IT self-efficacy and perceived computer competence were positively related to the frequency of use of certain electronic activities and previous PC/internet experience. In addition, the frequency of IT use was a strong predictor of IT self-efficacy, and both frequency of use and experience were predictors of computer competence. The findings also suggested that increased levels of self-efficacy and computer competence were associated with higher grades. Originality/value -By being aware of the factors that predict self-efficacy and perceived ability, educators in both LIS departments can design instruction or other interventions in a way that will boost self-efficacy beliefs. Such an approach is likely to increase the acceptance and use of IT and help LIS students meet the learning objectives of IT courses.
Purpose -The purpose of the present study is to measure levels of burnout among Greek academic librarians and to assess its relation with certain background characteristics. Design/methodology/approach -The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was administered to 136 academic librarians across Greece. Findings -Findings suggested that respondents experienced low levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization and moderate levels of personal accomplishment. Of the background characteristics, age, number of years as a librarian and participation in decision-making were found to be independent of experienced burnout. Direct contact with library users seemed to enhance feelings of personal accomplishment. In addition, employees with short-term contracts reported higher levels of emotional exhaustion in comparison to their colleagues holding lifetime positions. Research limitations/implications -Future research can focus on different types of libraries where the predominance of different organizational characteristics might have a different impact on individual burnout. Another direction for future research is the study of the specific job conditions that might contribute to burnout. Originality/value -Provides valuable results concerning burnout among library professionals in Greece.
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