This paper investigates how academic librarians perceive the role of social networks in enhancing the professional skills of library staff, and how they can be used to promote library services. It is based on case study design in real organizational settings, which are two academic libraries in Jordan, namely the University of Jordan library and Al-Balqaa’ Applied University library. The authors used questionnaires to collect the required data in order to investigate the perceptions of library staff in relation to social networks and how they used social networks to promote library services. The results indicate high awareness and extensive use of social networks for professional development. However, it appears that social networks were not fully exploited to promote library services. It was noted that “job title” (staff position) was the only factor that affected the results, while other factors such as gender, experience, frequency of use and age had no effect on the results. It is concluded that academic libraries in Jordan should make better use of social networks to promote library services.
The increased volume of medical datasets has produced high dimensional features, negatively affecting machine learning (ML) classifiers. In ML, the feature selection process is fundamental for selecting the most relevant features and reducing redundant and irrelevant ones. The optimization algorithms demonstrate its capability to solve feature selection problems. Reptile Search Algorithm (RSA) is a new nature-inspired optimization algorithm that stimulates Crocodiles' encircling and hunting behavior. The unique search of the RSA algorithm obtains promising results compared to other optimization algorithms. However, when applied to high-dimensional feature selection problems, RSA suffers from population diversity and local optima limitations. An improved metaheuristic optimizer, namely the Improved Reptile Search Algorithm (IRSA), is proposed to overcome these limitations and adapt the RSA to solve the feature selection problem. Two main improvements adding value to the standard RSA; the first improvement is to apply the chaos theory at the initialization phase of RSA to enhance its exploration capabilities in the search space. The second improvement is to combine the Simulated Annealing (SA) algorithm with the exploitation search to avoid the local optima problem. The IRSA performance was evaluated over 20 medical benchmark datasets from the UCI machine learning repository. Also, IRSA is compared with the standard RSA and stateof-the-art optimization algorithms, including Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Genetic Algorithm (GA), Grasshopper Optimization algorithm (GOA) and Slime Mould Optimization (SMO). The evaluation metrics include the number of selected features, classification accuracy, fitness value, Wilcoxon statistical test (pvalue), and convergence curve. Based on the results obtained, IRSA confirmed its superiority over the original RSA algorithm and other optimized algorithms on the majority of the medical datasets.
Purpose -The paper's purpose is to examine the process for the acquisition of print and electronic periodicals acquisition process in academic libraries using a business process modelling technique, role activity diagram (RAD). Design/methodology/approach -A literature review examined process modelling in academic libraries. Multiple methods were used for data collection, including documentary analysis, and interviews (n ¼ 8) with library staff (mostly recorded) provided other details about the library processes. Two sites were studied. Direct observation was used occasionally as a less formal method. RAD was used as a modelling technique; this is part of the Riva business process-modelling suite (Ould). Findings -The role activity diagram examples illustrate the differences in processes between the sites and the paper explores how they were used to discuss comparisons and possible improvements with the library staff. In many ways this is a type of action research study, as discussions with the research participants and ongoing evaluations are integral to the research. Research limitations/implications -This work is limited to one process in academic libraries; periodical acquisitions. It is also limited to two cases, although these are two contrasting sites, one in the UK and the other in Jordan. Practical implications -The modelling technique used was feasible, and provides a basis for improvement and management by supporting the analysis of process performance and behaviour. Originality/value -A particular important aspect in bridging the gap between research and practice is communication, through presentation of information in a structured way -the pictorial representation in the business process analysis is used to assist in discussions between researchers and practitioners.
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