Evaluates the evidence for and against the effectiveness of electronically delivered information literacy programmes in comparison with personal contact teaching. Shows that computer-aided learning approaches to user education have great strengths but also undeniable weaknesses. The way to promote higher levels of information literacy in the electronic library environment is to increase the levels of computer-led delivery, as long as this is done in such a way as to maximise the strengths of the format. This is best done in the context of an integrated virtual learning environment (VLE). Such an environment would promote information literacy synergistically as one of a suite of multiple electronic literacies that can be learnt alongside each other. Exploiting a VLE in this way would also facilitate the integration of information literacy into the broader curriculum. Computer-based user education to date could be viewed as having been constrained by a need to imitate well-established, tutor-delivered user education methods. Without an ambitious programme of integration into larger scale e-learning models, this pattern of constraint will continue
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to give an overview of larger developments in the international research information environment, and to outline their impact on the open access movement within libraries.Design/methodology/approachA narrative account of recent historical developments such as national current research information systems (CRIS), and their local campus equivalents, together with an analysis of the relationship of these systems with national research policies, and particularly their relationship with research evaluation policy.FindingsDevelopments in the research landscape have important effects on grass‐roots LIS practice, and have given a great boost to open access repositories while preserving the traditional role of commercial journal publications. This complementary relationship was completely unexpected at the outset of the open access movement, which was specifically intended to reduce the importance of commercial journal publications.Research limitations/implicationsThis is an exploration of the relationship between open access and current research information environments. This relationship is of enormous significance and will need to be analysed and better understood in future. The analysis in this paper is thus an initial attempt to increase this understanding, and further, extended investigation is recommended.Practical implicationsPractitioner librarians must come to grips with the role of repositories within the CRIS environment, as well as the relationship of repositories to the local campus research information system.Originality/valueThis paper investigates trends in the broader research information environment which will be unfamiliar to many LIS practitioners, and puts them in the context of everyday professional practice.
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine recent thinking about reference services and library use of virtual reference (VR) software, in order to put into context the value of advanced social networking technologies such as Second Life to libraries and their users.Design/methodology/approachA brief review of the main developments in the recent history of VR, combined with a comparison of the relevant features in common between generic VR packages and Second Life.FindingsThat the key weaknesses of established VR services are also found in Second Life, but that these weaknesses should be readily overcome as technical advances are made and librarians clarify to software providers the type of functionality they require from their services.Research limitations/implicationsThe need for a higher level of complex authentication functionality, as necessitated when combining digital library subscription services with interactive virtual library environments, is outlined and defined. This is a fertile area for service provider research and development.Practical implicationsThe practical benefits of VR and Second Life services to libraries will be limited until the authentication issues summarised in this paper are addressed.Originality/valueThe paper attempts to enlarge the literature on Second Life by discussing this recent innovation in terms of the broader historical context against which such digital library services have evolved. In particular, it points out the ironic similarity between digital reference environments and declining traditional reference services, which both are disadvantaged by their “distance” from core, authenticated digital library content.
Purpose of this paperTo investigate ways of developing positive partnerships between practice-based librarians and those active in library and information (LIS) research. Design/methodology/approach An opinion piece reflecting on issues currently discussed in the practitioner and research communities. FindingsThat there are a number of practical strategies that practitioners, researchers and funding bodies can adopt to maximise the potential for mutually beneficial collaboration. Research limitations/implicationsAn expression of opinion about the value of partnering in research to the library practitioner community, and about the reasons why partnerships in this area may not occur as frequently or fruitfully as they could. Practical implicationsIf taken further, the suggestions made in this editorial would enhance the quality and increase the quantity of practice-based LIS research collaborations. What is original/value of the paper?This opinion piece attempts to shed light for researchers on attitudes to research among the practitioner community, creating perspectives which cannot be gained from the standpoint of the research community alone.
PurposeThis paper is the final one in a series which has tried to give an overview of so‐called transformational areas of digital library technology. The aim has been to assess how much real transformation these applications can bring about, in terms of creating genuine user benefit and also changing everyday library practice.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides a summary of some of the legal and ethical issues associated with web 2.0 applications in libraries, associated with a brief retrospective view of some relevant literature.FindingsAlthough web 2.0 innovations have had a massive impact on the larger World Wide Web, the practical impact on library service delivery has been limited to date. What probably can be termed transformational in the effect of web 2.0 developments on library and information work is their effect on some underlying principles of professional practice.Research limitations/implicationsThe legal and ethical challenges of incorporating web 2.0 platforms into mainstream institutional service delivery need to be subject to further research, so that the risks associated with these innovations are better understood at the strategic and policy‐making level.Practical implicationsThis paper makes some recommendations about new principles of library and information practice which will help practitioners make better sense of these innovations in their overall information environment.Social implicationsThe paper puts in context some of the more problematic social impacts of web 2.0 innovations, without denying the undeniable positive contribution of social networking to the sphere of human interactivity.Originality/valueThis paper raises some cautionary points about web 2.0 applications without adopting a precautionary approach of total prohibition. However, none of the suggestions or analysis in this piece should be considered to constitute legal advice. If such advice is required, the reader should consult appropriate legal professionals.
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