PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss issues involved in navigating the modern information environment where the relevance of cloud computing is unavoidable. This is a way of shifting from the hardware and software demands of storing and organizing data, to information access concerns. That is because with the exponential growth in information sources and all accompanying complexities, the limited capacity of libraries to host their own in its entirety necessitates opting for alternatives in the cloud.Design/methodology/approachA review of current literature about the topic was performedFindingsLiterature used reveals that currently, libraries are using the cloud for putting together user resources, i.e. using Software as a Service (SaaS), such as in library catalogues, WorldCat, Googledocs, and the aggregated subject gateways like SUMMON, and others; the web Platform as a Service (PaaS) as in the use of GoogleApp Engine; or Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) as in the use of D‐Space, FEDORA, and others. The cloud is confirmed as a facilitator in storing and accessing information in addition to providing a unified web presence with reduced local storage capacity challenges.Originality/valueThe value of these findings is to remind librarians of the shift in focus towards which devices provide the easiest access to data and applications. This is one of the reasons they in many instances are currently having to address issues relating to the use of electronic media tools such as smartphones, iPad, e‐book readers, and other handheld devices. The largely borderless information resources also bring to the forefront considerations about digital rights management, fair use, information security, ownership and control of data, privacy, scholarly publishing, copyright guidance, and licensing that the librarian has to be knowledgeable about. It has become necessary for librarians who make use of commercial cloud services to be conversant with the implications on institutional data. To avert the ever present dangers and risks involving cyber‐security, it is usually practical for institutions to keep policies, procedures, fiscal, and personnel data in private clouds that have carefully crafted access permissions. Being aware of these implications enables thoughtful, adaptive planning strategies for the future of library practice and service.

Background: This article underscores the fact that society is becoming more and more knowledge-based, and that the organisations that can identify, value, create and evolve their knowledge assets are likely to be more successful than those that do not. Knowledge management (KM) is about enhancing the use of organisational knowledge through sound practices of KM and organisational learning. KM practices encompass the capture and/or acquisition of knowledge, its retention and organisation, its dissemination and re-use, and lastly responsiveness to the new knowledge.Objective: The focus of this study was on KM principles and practices that may be in place in the Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY). The argument is that KM and its survival principles and tools may help the College to improve performance. However, there is uncertainty about whether the use of KM principles and tools can partly solve the College’s approach to improving the quality of education it provides.Methods: A mixed methods research methodology encompassing a questionnaire, observation, interviews, and use of institutional documents was used in the investigation.Results: The findings of the study indicate that KM concepts were not universally understood at MCNY.Conclusion: There is a need to create a knowledge inventory at MCNY. This may help the College to develop appropriate institution-wide policies and practices for proper and well organised methods of integrating work processes, collaborating and sharing (including the efficient use of social media), and developing an enabling institutional culture.

… not managing or organizing books or journals, searching the internet for clients or arranging the circulation of materials. However, each of the activities can in some way be part of the knowledge management spectrum and process. Knowledge management is about enhancing the use of organizational knowledge through sound practices of knowledge management and organizational learning. The theory behind KM is that knowledge is not an end in itself. According to Williams, Giuse, Koonce, Kou and Giuse (2004:99), "when information and knowledge flow can be captured, organised and made accessible for reuse, there exists the potential for subsequent creation of new knowledge". New knowledge has a possibility of enhancing performance and improving services provided to clients.The reason why KM theory is becoming increasingly significant in libraries is that rapid technological changes alter the way in which library services are provided. The concept of ownership of items has become more fluid because of the prevalence of new communication technologies that include social software such as blogs, wikis and MySpace. The collection development function of librarians now consists of deciding which items to provide straightforward access to besides the traditional services of issuing print publications to users. One can say that libraries are now expected to build and maintain "knowledge gateways" (Ravi 2008) and in the process pull together a range of information resources and sources that address the research needs of their user communities.Library support at the MCNY is in the form of print and online resources, reference services and information literacy classes for all library users. The library is currently unable to provide every resource and service students and faculty require. This is confirmed by the MCNY's self-study review (2009:51), which states that there is consensus among students and staff that "library resources and services are not adequate". The reasons are financial as well as practical.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to establish and compare the provision of information literacy (IL) skills to university students both at undergraduate and graduate levels in South Africa (SA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This could in turn inform the development of appropriate/suitable IL programmes to support teaching and learning. Design/methodology/approach – A review of available scholarly papers is performed for information collection. Findings – The findings can identify variations in IL provision within and across disciplines, deficiencies in local current and ongoing research. Research limitations/implications – It must be noted that this is a review and conclusions from it are expected to reveal areas that require more in-depth study. Practical implications – The study’s contribution to the field of IL lies in its revelation of what is understood by IL provision and how the ACRL standards are used to guide practice in the two different regions of the world. Originality/value – The study is the first of its kind which compares IL practices at university libraries in SA and the UAE. It will assist policymakers and librarians in the development of appropriate IL programmes in support of teaching and learning.

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PurposeThis paper seeks to comment on the information seeking behaviour of Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY) library users.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on studying database usage patterns from January 2007 to December 2010, as well as a literature review.FindingsThe results of the study suggest the position that database usage statistics can give insight into information behaviour and help inform collection management decisions, but on their own are not sufficient to give the complete picture.Practical implicationsThe outcomes may be useful in the design of library instruction sessions in future student groups in the College as well as in postsecondary settings, in addition to informing collection management decisions.Originality/valueA study of library database use patterns by library users brought out relevant information relating to the tailoring and enhancement of library service.

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PurposeThis paper aims to examine the increased lack of clarity about the professional role of academic librarians, and where the future lies in the academic environment during this period of fast information environment change.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes the form of a literature review and commentary on developments in the area of academic librarianship in a new information environment.FindingsThe profession is finding ways to become equipped and incorporate new technologies into the existing framework of high‐quality information service delivery. As the demands and wishes of end users transform, librarians have sought to re‐define what the library building and services mean to those who use the library. Because the nature of the content librarians work with is dramatically re‐structuring, so the profession is experimenting with new ideas for its capture, organization and delivery.Practical implicationsIt is important for academic librarians to work towards the transformation of their relationship with faculty to emphasize an ability to assist them with integrating information technology and library resources into courses. This is based on collaboration and networking.Originality/valueThe paper reveals that change is happening in a new, increasingly competitive information environment in which the academic library is no longer necessarily the conventional resource of first choice for the academe it exists to serve.