http://hdl.handle.net/1889/18 2013-05-20T17:58:06Z http://hdl.handle.net/1889/484 Title: Perceptions of empowerment and the pitfalls of communication: an exploratory case study at the University of Trieste Library System Authors: Arabito, Stefania Abstract: The management of change has become a top priority in academic libraries. A viable model is the learning organization, as it aims at enhancing the capacity of the staff at all levels for innovation and growth. This study investigates the relations between empowerment – considered to be the hub of this management practice - and communication – considered to be a strategic imperative in participative organizations. The research questions were:  How do the Library System staff feel about empowerment?  How do library directors feel about empowerment?  How can communication affect empowerment practices? Both empowerment and communication are amply described in the literature as being context-bound, multi-faceted and multi-dimensional concepts, which can only be explored in a given environment from a constructivist perspective and with no a priori assumptions. This is accordingly an exploratory case study, based on a qualitative approach and on intensity sampling. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews (with library directors), mini focus groups (with the staff), and observations of meetings (of the Library System steering committee). Cross-analysis showed that there was common ground to build on through adequate negotiation, such as the aspiration for a people-centred organization and the importance of having a project and a vision. Both empowerment and communication, however, leave room for pitfalls and may create divisiveness if organizational communication is deficient and defective. Strategic and interpersonal communication turned out to have a fundamental role in building up the trust that makes empowerment practices possible by overcoming “us and them” feelings, local subcultures and defensive behaviours. The Library System should offer opportunities for meeting and exchanging opinions, sharing the vision, and developing a common sense of belonging and ownership. 2005-04-30T22:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/1889/477 Title: Ain Mediatheque (France) Authors: Giorgi, Gianna Abstract: The public Mediatheque in department of Ain in France is a public utility with the mission to contribute to the permanent learning, and to provide cultural activities to all the citizens. Nowadays this Mediatheque is one of the most information resources. A public Mediatheque is, like school, an institution which, in particular in France, should incarnate the principles contained in the currency constitution: liberté, égalité et fraternité. Keeping fixed the principles the libraries could and should change the way on the service are delivered. This idea conduit to an enlarged definition of Mediatheque: now and in the future the Mediatheque and specifically the public Mediatheque is defined by its services, proposed both inside and outside the building, the internal and the external resources available, the physical places as the services on line. Close examination on previous studies revealed that the use or non-use of Mediatheque can be related to a multiplicity or factors, very often differently combined, such as: number titles and their availability promotion lack of technical skills insufficient hardware resources information access Mediatheque services personal information seeking and use behaviours Promotion appeared to be one of the most important key aspect for the professional engaged. Promotion can mean any activity which aims to foster the awareness and use of the service, including publicity and marketing, education etc. Promotion has a high impact on awareness, which is one of the most relevant factors influencing the use or non-use of the Mediatheque. The purpose of the present research is to investigate the Mediatheque organisation from a users perception, in order to find out what influence the approach adopted by the Mediatheque may have on Mediatheque use. The aim is to reassess the role of Mediatheque of Ain, to know if it starts from this definition and conviction to be a Mediatheque of 21st century. Research aims, objectives and questions In order to make the Mediatheque services more effective this research identifies outcome in order to delineate the social profile and the expectations of its users. The inquiry investigate the quality expected and perceived from the customers, analysing the services Mediatheque and centralizing the attention in the relationship System/user, in order to acquire the necessary information to grown aligned with customer expectation. The interviewed customers have supplied feedbacks on: Aspect of the physical structures, of the equipments and the instruments of communication Ability to supply ready precise and reliable service Professional competence and courtesy of the librarians and they ability to in-still confidence Prompt and personalized attendance Particularly the findings analyse the followings aspects: Which Mediatheque idea emerges from the search? The perception of the quality in Mediatheque corresponds to the searched quality? : In deep: A customers satisfaction based on monitoring feedbacks as essential elements for a correct management Mediatheque Mediatheque organisation Documentary patrimony increasing Moreover the research collects information detailed about the interviewed (sex, study, profession), on their motivations about their presence in Mediatheque, and about their preferences about the documents consulted or loaned 2005-12-31T23:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/1889/476 Title: Information Literacy and Reflective Learning. An action-research experience at the University of Parma Authors: Vezzosi, Monica Abstract: Information literacy is a “catalyst” that can empower students’ learning and is therefore becoming an important focus of academic libraries. Action research is being increasingly adopted in the field of LIS, due to its characteristics of bringing together enquiry, practice and reflection. This dissertation describes a piece of action research carried out at the University of Parma. A homogeneous group of 25 students are offered an Information Literacy activity grounded on the principles of reflective learning. Students’ experience of the information seeking and research process is investigated before, during and after the learning activity. The experience of action research itself is evaluated from the point of view of the teaching librarian, with the goal of reflecting on the research process as well as on the findings. Two parallel cycles of action research are developed, with different investigating techniques: focus groups, analysis of students’ tasks, observation and individual interviews are adopted to analyse students’ learning and the variations occurred in their experience, while reflective journal and peer observation are related to the analysis of researcher’s experience of action research. The outcomes defined for the learning activity have been attained by most participating students, who have started to perceive information seeking and bibliographic research as recursive processes requiring reflective thinking skills. Among positive changes occurred in students’ experience, there is an awareness of their own personal development, a feeling of empowerment and a sense of independence. The learning activity itself has been positively evaluated both by students and by peer observers. Action research revealed to be a valuable, even if highly demanding approach, suitable for librarians aiming to connect their teaching activity to educational research and to improve their own practice through reflection. It appeared also an effective way to promote change in Information Literacy activities in an academic context. 2005-05-31T22:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/1889/473 Title: Book selection and acquisition: the role played by libraries between publishers, vendors and customers in university and public research institutes in Italy Authors: Giraudo, Maria Agnese Abstract: Selection and acquisition have mostly been considered in international literature as a collateral aspect of Collection Development and many surveys have been carried out to assess library acquisitions, such as the evaluation of collections through comparisons with well-known bibliographic lists, users data regarding loans, user requests, etc. Recently a considerable number of publications have dealt with the evaluation of bibliographic sources on the Internet and the integration and interoperability of library management systems with vendor systems for selection and acquisition purposes. Considering the scant information and data regarding Italian libraries, the aim of the research was to describe and explore the situation in Italian university and public research libraries regarding selection and acquisition procedures with the focus on books. Taking into account the increasing importance of journals, this choice was dictated by many factors, such as the increasing cuts in funds for books, the intention to understand their role in the scientific environment, also considering the evolution of the electronic publishing sector. Moreover, the objectives were also to explore vendors operating on the Italian market, their policies and attitudes toward libraries and how they are coping with the tremendous changes in the sector: the Internet, the aggressive policies of publishers and the shifting of publishing from printed to the electronic format. The research followed a qualitative approach with the purpose of describing and exploring libraries. Therefore a questionnaire was drawn up. After carrying out a pilot test, it was sent to university and public research libraries all around the country. Although , due to the low rate of respondents, there were not sufficient quantitative data to develop a more complex analysis, some significant data could be analysed. At the same time, from 9 Vendors contacted 6 (Blackwell, Burioni, Casalini, Celdes, DEA and Esia) were interviewed using the technique of non-structured interviews. The conversations provided interesting information and suggestions on issues not previously considered, thanks also to the collaboration and the interest shown by vendors in the initiative. The interviews of two librarians, chosen in the scientific environment, provided more insight and additional information during the survey. After the analysis of data from the questionnaires and interviews and the following data processing, the findings were shown to the Key Informant, an expert in library management and electronic resources at the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture of the University of Parma. From a comparison of the questionnaire and interviews issues emerged that would need more in-depth analysis, such as: acquisitions procedure integration, purchasing power of the structure and competence of actors, terms of contract with vendors. A stimulating question was proposed, “Why don’t librarians and vendors develop a path of collaboration and partnership so that both can cope with the aggressive policies of publishers? Moreover, collaboration is needed to keep up with innovations and to cope with fund reductions and lack of recognition the profession of a librarian receives. 2005-04-30T22:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/1889/447 Title: Library Consortia and E-Journals Authors: Rogani, Joseph Frank Abstract: The interest in academic library consortia has recently grown: this seems to indicate the necessity of collaboration for academic libraries, particularly in spite of increasing costs of collection materials and electronic resources. Furthermore, libraries now need new guidelines for conducting cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analyses and benchmarks for making decisions. Instruments and practices are needed to assess whether users are really satisfied with the resources libraries provide. Academic libraries need more and more reliable, comparative, quantitative baseline data across disciplines and institutions as a context for interpreting qualitative and quantitative data, in order to understand what is happening locally and how to improve services. Given for granted the importance of such issues, this research intends to focus on the use of a library consortium service, the Emeroteca Virtuale, at the University of Calabria, Italy. The purpose is also to better understand users’ satisfaction with this particular consortium service and their expectations as regards the library system’s electronic services. A short, introductory but important analysis is reported in this research, concerning the online services that some main editors provide users with. This allows the reader to better understand the state-of-the-art of online services related to e-journals. Some details are given in this research, underlining the most important services currently available on the international market for both researchers and librarians. Then, after having defined a literature review, in order to get usable results both quantitative and qualitative methodologies were used, according to the observing and questioning technique so to obtain triangulation. For each methodology that was used, purposes, advantages and limitations for this research are clearly stated. First of all, after a focus group that meant to gather illuminative and generalized data, a questionnaire was carefully prepared and then submitted to patrons, choosing a sample made of 1,350 people. The questionnaire, composed of twenty questions, was submitted both on person (meeting people, not only at libraries but also at laboratories, faculty departments and other places around the campus) and via e-mail. Then, twenty of them were also interviewed and important findings were gathered. Quotes from users are reported in this research, showing feelings and observations that will certainly help us to better manage a future change in the e-journals service provision at our campus. The questionnaire’s response rate was quite good (41.48%), as 560 people over 1,350 answered the questionnaire. This research shows how, notwithstanding a good familiarity xii with the Library System web page (43% of users), 64% of respondents do not use the Emeroteca Virtuale in their study or research activity. Frequency of use, as well as reasons for use and non use of this tool were investigated and results are reported in this research, which also shows what are the main problems users face while performing their searches in the Emeroteca Virtuale. Furthermore, thanks to this research, we now know what kind of suggestions users can give in order to improve the use of the Emeroteca Virtuale, while their research habits were investigated. The questionnaire also intended to measure users’ satisfaction with the services provided by the Emeroteca Virtuale and to evaluate the impact on users of some initiatives that the Library System could propose. Results reported in this research are quite interesting and they demonstrate not only that users are interested in having more journal titles available and an improved service for remote access, but also that they would be particularly satisfied if more information and more training on the use of electronic tools were provided at the libraries. What is more, a usability test was performed, involving 5 people from different categories, in order to assess the ease of use and the usefulness of the Emeroteca Virtuale. The participant observation intended to focus on this digital tool, while comments from users were carefully noticed by the researcher, outlining users’ behaviour while performing the scheduled three different tasks. Furthermore, the number of clicks of the mouse and time needed to perform each task were also measured. Finally, a post-test questionnaire was submitted and results show that most users find it easy to perform searches in the Emeroteca Virtuale. The final analysis led to the drawing up of logical findings and conclusions based on data. Results of the whole investigation are reported using graphs and citing quotes from interviewed users, adding a qualitative perspective to the research. Results finally allow us to define the level of users’ satisfaction with the electronic services at our campus and, in particular, with the Emeroteca Virtuale. Recommendations for further research are also given, together with a definition of the limitations of this research. Finally, since no previous study had been done at our University, this work can be considered useful in order to fill the gap and is a good starting point for further improvements:we know our patrons deeper and we are now prepared to manage new changes to improve access to e-journals at our campus especially through consortium agreements, as well as to improve new services in order to meet users’ satisfaction. 2005-05-31T22:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/1889/399 Title: Are the librarians of the Polytechnic trained enough to train user? Authors: Garanzini, Maria Cristina Abstract: Until now the librarians of the Polytechnic have taught the users the contents of the devices (catalogues and bibliographies). Now librarians have to give the users the skills to use, to find and to show autonomously the information. Librarians will have to learn the new search methods and the skills to utilize the technology. The education of the user implies a new professional development and obliges to new relationships with other professionals. Users will frequently need highly specialized assistance to fully utilize the systems that librarians provide for them. Staff must be adequately trained if they are to provide this assistance. This research project asks the question - are the library staff of the Polytechnic trained enough to train user? This study provides information about the skills and training needs of the librarians and the information needs of the students. It should promote training and staff development programmes and the development of new courses for the students’ information needs with the involvement of the academic staff. A questionnaire for the students formed the main data collection tool to establish the students’ information needs, within an essentially quantitative approach. The structured interviews and a questionnaire for librarians provided the qualitative element of the study. The research findings conclude that the librarians have the necessary skills to become an information professional and instructor but have a lack of knowledge about the learning styles and the teaching methods. However, the librarians have demonstrated to know clearly how the studies of their users are organized and their characteristics. The study recommends continuing training for librarians and a new course for the students. 2003-09-30T22:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/1889/397 Title: The distant learning librarian: information needs and the use of university libraries for the master in information studies Authors: Rio, Francesca Abstract: The research explores the perceptions and behaviour of the students of the Master in Information studies provided by the University of Northumbria (UK) and the University of Parma (Italy). The description of the framework in which the students prepare their assignements is obtained with informal consultation of different key informants. The teachers of the Master are consulted to explore what they demand from the students as to information resources; the librarians involved with the service to distant learners are also consulted. The project focuses on a specific cathegory of distant learners: the librarians and information specialists who are continuing their education and professional development. It studies their strategies and problems with personal, local and remote information sources and facilities, in the context of their everyday information seeking activity. Key findings are that, in the complexity of students behaviour, a general pattern is recognizable. Their use of the libraries and other information resources is intense: they make extended use of electronic resources with International scope, and they refer to the libraries that offer faster and convenient services: they exploit the “traditional services” of their own library, the Library of Northumbria University, for electronic resources, and other Italian libraries for document delivery. The libraries of the University of Parma are not considered by students that cannot easily reach them. However, there is a minority of students that make prevalent use of materials in paper format and in Italian, and do not exploit the information resources of Northumbria University. 2003-09-30T22:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/1889/391 Title: Teens and library services: experiences, expectations, perspectives: an exploratory study Authors: Corradini, Elena Abstract: Young adults visit public libraries all over the world, but they receive in some cases, particularly in Italy, no high attention from the librarians’ side. Research on the relationship between adolescents and library use is not abundant. Mainly, studies on young adults concentrate on their reading habits, thus remaining bound to sociological aspects. The researcher noticed a research gap in considering young adults as key informants to their needs as potential / real users of the library. Hence, this study investigating experiences, expectations and perspectives on library use was developed and carried out. This study should promote greater understanding of the factors affecting library use by young adults. It is likely to be of interest to other librarians, teachers, educators and carers working with adolescents. Also administrators and funders of public libraries which provide services to this age group might be interested in this study, since some specific recommendations are provided. A mixed-method, essentially qualitative approach was deemed to be particularly suitable to the research project. A small quantitative element to the study was provided by some of the questions devised for the questionnaire, while further qualitative data were collected through a limited number of in-depth interviews and focus groups. Key findings are that young adults believe libraries are important institutions that they fancy as places where communication and dialogue is fostered. The key factors affecting their frequency to the libraries, as emerged from data collected, are linked with how they spend their free time. 2004-05-31T22:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/1889/23 Title: Organising e-journals from the point of view of humanists: a case study at the University of Parma Authors: Bevilacqua, Fabrizia Abstract: L’organizzazione dei periodici elettronici è uno degli strumenti di promozione del servizio, in quanto può contribuire a incrementare la conoscenza e l’uso delle risorse disponibili. Una ricerca effettuata all’Università di Parma ha preso in esame un gruppo di studenti e professori di area umanistica e ha analizzato l’organizzazione dei periodici dal loro punto di vista, per scoprire se l’approccio adottato delle biblioteche dell’Ateneo influenzasse l’uso dei periodici full-text e come occorrerebbe organizzare il servizio per facilitare l’identificazione delle risorse disponibili. Per la ricerca è stata utilizzata una metodologia mista, basata su focus group, osservazioni degli utenti, interviste e un questionario. Come i risultati della ricerca hanno indicato, gli utenti di area umanistica sembrano ancora restii all’uso dei periodici elettronici e manifestano una scarsa conoscenza del servizio e una generale diffidenza nei confronti degli strumenti elettronici. Gli utenti esaminati accolgono favorevolmente la possibilità di accedere ai periodici full-text da più punti di accesso e tendono a preferire i sistemi che percepiscono maggiormente familiari e vicini all’organizzazione della biblioteca fisica che utilizzano. 2004-03-05T08:29:16Z