Library 2.0 versus other library service models: A critical analysis

Abstract

Literature on library service models is scarce and exists mainly in non-traditional formats such as blog entries and Web pages. Nonetheless, the subject evokes heated debate among librarians with many supporting the model they are using, sometimes without understanding that there are other options which perhaps could be better for their circumstances. Through critical documentary analysis, this study explores the library service models that exist as well as how they compare with each other. The findings have revealed that although there are many library service models, it is not possible to get a clear-cut model which is exclusive of all the others in practice. It is also evident that the models are continuously evolving along general socioeconomic and technological development patterns in society. Similarly, the study suggests that none of the models can suit all library service provision contexts. However, it is also apparent that some models may yield more benefits than others to specific library communities at a particular time. In deciding the model to apply, libraries should be careful to accommodate the prevailing characterization of their user communities and their contexts.

Beyond use statistics: Recall, precision, and relevance in the assessment and management of academic libraries

“…She points out that subject librarians can help conceptualize new research, develop proposals, identify funding opportunities, seek new information, manage information, discover and curate data, encourage collaboration, disseminate results, measure impact, and ensure compliance with intellectual property laws. These tasks are highly compatible with the embedded library model described by Kwanya et al (2011).…”

Exploring the adoption of digital libraries in the mobile context

“…Digital libraries have gone from a curiosity to mainstream during the past three decades (Arms, 2012;Yan and Zha, 2014), and most digital libraries aim at catering for users' academic needs (Kwanya et al, 2011). Mobile libraries are the logical extension and augmentation of digital libraries in the web context (Marchionini, 2000;Marchionini and Fox, 1999).…”

Comparing digital libraries in the web and mobile contexts from the perspective of the digital divide

“…On the one hand, more than 50% of the budget was committed to purchase online electronic resources in many academic libraries (Noh, 2012). On the other hand, a shift from traditional to digital library service models has taken place to meet the dynamic needs of users (Kwanya et al, 2011). The major benefits of digital libraries include no physical boundary, round the clock availability, multiple access points to services and collection, user-friendly interfaces (Kwanya et al, 2011).…”

“…On the other hand, a shift from traditional to digital library service models has taken place to meet the dynamic needs of users (Kwanya et al, 2011). The major benefits of digital libraries include no physical boundary, round the clock availability, multiple access points to services and collection, user-friendly interfaces (Kwanya et al, 2011). In China, CALIS leads the construction of university digital libraries.…”