CD-ROM Services Research Articles

Marketing Strategies and Use of Library Information Services in Academic Libraries in Lagos State, Nigeria

Despite the avalanche of works done on library service utilization, there is a research gap on the role of marketing strategies in enhancing the utilization of information services in academic libraries in Lagos State. Therefore, this study examined the influence of marketing strategies on the use of library information services (LIS) in academic libraries in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study adopted survey research design. The study population comprised 473 librarians. Total enumeration was used. A validated structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The reliability coefficients values ranged from 0.681 - 0.937. A response rate of 92.9% was achieved. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that marketing strategies significantly influenced the use of LIS in academic libraries in Lagos State, Nigeria (R2 = 0.211, β = .460, t (179) = 6.948, p<0.05). Library information services in academic libraries in Lagos State, Nigeria was sometimes utilized (average weighted mean = 2.38, on a scale of 4). The extent of marketing strategies utilized in marketing LIS in Lagos State academic libraries, was high (Average Weighted Mean =3.09, on a scale of 4). The study has shown that the 'Seven Ps' marketing strategies are vital to enhancing use of library information services (LIS) in academic libraries in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study recommended that management of the academic libraries should pay attention to low usage of radio services, extension services, teleconferencing, TV shows, indexing and abstraction services, book talk, display and exhibition, CD-ROM services and exhibition display services.

Utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and library operations in state university libraries in south-south Nigeria

This study examined utilization of information and communication technology (ICT) and library job operations in state university libraries in South-South Nigeria. Two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Survey research design was used. The population for the study constituted 143 librarians (professionals and paraprofessionals). A sample of 93 librarians was selected using purposive sampling technique. The instrument was validated by experts. The research data was analyzed with descriptive (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (One-Way ANOVA). All hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that there was a significant influence of online databases services on library job operations, (f=4.447*, P<.05, df=2,728, F-critical=3.00) and there was a significant influence of CD-ROM services on library job operations, (f=2.671*, P<.05, df=2,728, Fcritical= 3.00).From the result of the study, it was recommended among others that librarians should utilize more ICT tools to facilitate their job operations in the library. Keywords: Utilization of ICT, Online databases Service, CD-ROM Service, Library job operations, State University, Libraries, South-South Nigeria

English

The study examines the marketing of information products and services in public libraries in South West, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population comprises professionals and library officers. Questionnaire was used as means of data collection. The sections consist of A and B. Section A dwells on the socio-economic variables of the respondent, Section B consist on availability of information products and services as well as marketing and promotional strategies adopted by the libraries. One hundred and thirty copies of questionnaires were administered and data analysed. The study reveals that the public libraries in South West, market their information products and services and also shows that lending of materials, user education, school services, referral services are highly available. Quick and long queries, adult literacy programmes, reading list and bibliographies, indexing and abstracting among others were available whereas translation services, rental of premises and CD-ROM services are not available. Findings on promotional strategies for marketing information products and services reveals that majority agreed with display and exhibition as well as creation of conducive environment as the type of promotional strategies adopted in the public library boards studied. On the marketing management strategies adopted, the study reveals that respect to users along with paying attention to users rated highest as the commonest marketing practice among the studied public library boards. Based on the findings, it is concluded that marketing of information products and services by the libraries has a lot to do towards entrenching marketing principles and practices. Key words: Marketing, Information,Library services, Information product.

A Comparative Study of Faculty Members' Expectations of Academic Library Services in Three Universities in Ogun State, Nigeria

This study assessed the library services provided in federal, state and private universities in Ogun State, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Questionnaire was the tool used for data collection. The study population consisted of 110 respondents from University of Agriculture (UNAAB), Abeokuta, 287 respondents from Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijebu-Ode and 215 respondents from Redeemer’s University (RUN), Mowe, given a total of 612 respondents from the three selected universities in Ogun State, Nigeria. Purposive sampling was used to select the universities and the respondents. A total of 612 questionnaires were administered on all the respondents and 403 questionnaires were retrieved and analyzed given a response rate of 70%. A descriptive statistical method was used to analyze the data displayed in tables and percentage while hypotheses formulated was tested using the Kruskal-Wallis analysis and Chi-Square. A pre-test of 65 questionnaires were first administered and analyzed to estimate reliability co-efficient. The instrument yielded reliability co-efficient of 0.866%. We therefore concluded that the instrument was reliable. Finding from the study shows that electronic information resources services, internet services and circulation services were the services fully provided and utilized by the respondents, as displayed on Table 3; while CD ROM services, online public access catalogue (OPAC), user education, selective dissemination of information (SDI) and current awareness were the services moderately provided. It was also evident from this research that reprographic services, abstracting and indexing and literature search services were the least provided as shown on Table 3. The result of the formulated hypotheses shows there was significant difference in the library services provision and services expectation by Academic staff of federal, state and private universities. The findings affirmed that service provision in any library is an essential activity. University libraries should ensure to provide effective and adequate services to match with the expectations of library users especially the academic staff.

Information needs and seeking behaviour of Tanzanian forestry researchers in the electronic environment

This study examined information needs and seeking behaviour of Tanzanian forestry researchers in the growing global electronic environment. A questionnaire based survey was conducted in three forestry research institutions. The findings indicated a wide range of information needs among forestry researchers in the studied institutions. Findings also revealed that researchers depend mostly on printed sources but evidence also suggests that they use electronic information resources such as CD-Rom databases and Internet services in varying levels. Researchers depend mainly on their institutional libraries, other forestry research institutional libraries as well as those of international and governmental organizations to meet their information needs. The paper recommends that there is a need to improve forestry research institutional libraries and that they should be networked in order to facilitate resource sharing. University of Dar es Salaam Library Journal Vol.6(1) 2004: 78-89

The Impact of CD-ROM in the University of Ghana Medical School Library

Reports on a study of the impact of CD-ROM on access to health information in the Ghana Medical School Library by faculty members, students, residents or medical officers and other health personnel. In particular, it assessed the impact of CD-ROM use on faculty research output and clinical practice of doctors. The results indicate a generally low level of CD-ROM use among respondents. Only 21 percent were found to use the service. Faculty members accounted for 47 percent of CD-ROM users, and the study showed that the use of CD-ROM has had a great effect on faculty research outputs. However, clinicians have been able to make only limited use of the service in support of clinical practice. In general, the CD-ROM service has had a positive impact due to its comprehensiveness and effectiveness in bibliographic identification and the useful abstracts it provides. Includes recommendations for the improvement of the service.

CD-ROM services in Ethiopia: a survey

This study seeks to ascertain the use in Ethiopia in 1997 of CD-ROM databases. Analysis of data recorded in 15 questionnaires (responses were obtained from 89% of libraries believed to use CD-ROMs) on the use of CD-ROM products indicated that academic libraries in Ethiopia use CD-ROM databases to a greater degree than other types of library responding to the survey (47% academic, 27% research and development, 27% non-government). Medline was the main CD-ROM product used. It was available in 40% of the libraries. Funding for CD-ROM services has been haphazard and is often based on projects and donations. Now, the issue of sustainability is crucial. In addition to input from the Government, long-lasting project preparation, integration of CD-ROMs into existing library budgets, cooperative subscriptions to databases and the sharing of CD-ROM data in a networked environment are recommended.

Brief Communication. CD-ROM services in Ethiopia: a survey

Brief Communication. CD-ROM services in Ethiopia: a survey

Managing CD-ROM Service in Malaysian Academic Libraries

ABSTRACTProper management and promotion of CD-ROM service is desirable to make it more popular and cost-effective for developing countries. This article explores the management of CD-ROM service in Malaysian academic libraries and marketing strategies used to popularise it. The study revealed that these libraries use a variety of marketing and promotional channels, some of which need improvement. Similarly, Malaysian academic libraries need to strengthen their end-user education programs to suit users with different levels of computing and information retrieval skills. This paper also suggests several measures for enhancing the use of CD-ROM service in Malaysian academic libraries.

Erratum

This article has been withdrawn as it was published elsewhere and accidentally duplicated. The original article can be seen here: 10.1108/10650749710187626. When citing the article, please cite: Satish Kumar, (1997), “Deploying networked CD-ROM services in a research institute: a case study”, Campus-Wide Information Systems, Vol. 14 Iss: 3, pp. 93 - 98.

Expectations and Effectiveness Using CD-ROMs: What Do Patrons Want and How Satisfied Are They?

As academic libraries wrestle with how to provide more CD-ROMs and more online remote access to databases to keep pace with demands, they first need to evaluate the effectiveness of their current services. This study identifies students’ preferences and effectiveness using CD-ROMs and assesses the whole CD-ROM environment at one university library. A questionnaire was used to ask students their preferences, confidence levels, skills, and training in searching CD-ROM databases, as well as their satisfaction with CD-ROM services (see the appendix). Analyses of the data revealed that users are satisfied and prefer CD-ROM databases over the print indices. Although students indicated they are confident searching, they admitted that they need to know basic search strategies and that they want more personal assistance, hands-on training, and remote online access to databases. Moreover, how can academic libraries meet increasing user demands for more database access and services when their resources are not increasing?

CD-ROM in Ghanaian Libraries : a survey

Summarizes the main findings of a survey of the availability and use of CD-ROM services in three Ghanaian libraries : the National Science and Technology Library and Information Centre (NASTLIC) at the Ghana Science and Technology Information Network (GHASTINET); the University of Ghana Medical School Library; and the Balme Library of the University of Ghana. The survey found that all the CD-ROM facilities are on open access; that no library is charging fees for CD-ROM use at present; and that users are very satisfied with CD-ROM services. Presents recommendations for future development of CD-ROM services in Ghanaian libraries.

RESPONDING TO RESEARCHERS' AND FACULTY USE PATTERNS AND PERCEPTIONS OF CDROM SERVICES

This paper provides a brief report on a study of faculty and researchers' use patterns and perceptions of CDROM services at King Fahd University of Petroleum &amp; Minerals (KFUPM) Library in Saudi Arabia, as background information to measures taken as a result of the study. The main objectives of the study were to ascertain use patterns and perceptions of CDROM services: another objective was to elicit comments which would be used in developing a planning strategy to expand and enhance CDROM services. Two main methods were used in the study: CDROM search forms and a questionnaire survey. The results of the study revealed that the majority of the faculty had used CDROM services; they felt satisfied with the service but also felt that there was a strong need for user training. Several problematic areas have been identified including need for new vision CDROM hardware and software systems, publicity, user training and document delivery. The report then considers measures that have been taken to address the problematic areas and discusses how effective those remedial actions have been. The paper concludes that the KFUPM Library planned and developed user‐oriented services in response to the findings of the study, but still faces further challenges in developing a CDROM service that is fully integrated with other electronic resources and services.

CDROM: A MEDIUM FOR AFRICA IN THE YEAR 2000 AND BEYOND

When I was invited ‘to shoot arrows at the year 2000’ to predict what would happen with the use of CDROM products and services in Africa by then, mixed feelings and thoughts first came to mind. To begin with it was easy for me to be taken by the wishes and enthusiasm of the day where technological developments, particularly with regard to electronic communications such as the Internet, are so soon to become the everyday means of access to information on the African continent. My other reaction, however, was influenced by the grim facts of the information provision scenario prevailing on the continent, which will be the prime factor in deciding the direction of any development taking place for years to come: low financial input available, weak technological bases, and absence of conscious and informed guidance and support from governments. My realistic view in the end prevailed, which left no room for wishes but only reality, and I will be looking hard at where we will be by the year 2000, four years from now, and putting together what I know and am convinced of.

Computer Services in Libraries and Information Centers of Saudi Arabia

Computer technology is flourishing rapidly in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Saudi libraries and information centers benefited from it by implementing integrated information systems such as DOBIS/LIBIS, MINISIS and STAIRS to automate their activities. Online access and CD-ROM services are available free of charge to researchers by a large number of libraries and information centers. However, since its establishment in 1977, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) has become the center for all computerized activities in the country. KACST established a local area network (KACSTNET) connecting more than 55 Saudi research institutes, libraries and information centers. A wide area network (GULFNET) was also established by KACST connecting 11 public institutes in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait with the aim of connecting all Arab Gulf countries in the near future. Access to international networks such as BITNET and EARN is also available to GULFNET members. These computer services have some shortcomings that can be summarized by manpower shortage, language barriers and lack of cooperation. These problems should be addressed in depth in order to find suitable solutions and fulfill the information needs of end-users

Partners in Developing CD-ROM Services for Developing Countries

This article contends that although CD-ROM is probably the most appropriate media of access to information for developing countries at the moment, the application of the CD-ROM technology in developing countries is fraught with many problems which may be overcome through joint ventures of donor agencies, recipient local institutions and CD-ROM publishers. It is argued that many CD-ROM products do not meet the information needs of the majority of the potential user population. Peasants and workers who constitute the majority of the population are illiterate, or semi-literate, and lack computer literacy. Thus, they cannot effectively use CD-ROM products. Nonetheless, the paper asserts that CD-ROM has many advantages over other media of information storage, distribution and access in developing countries. Some major shortcomings of CD-ROMs within the context of developing countries are discussed. It is contended that donor agencies, national institutions, and publishers can cooperate in producing databases pertinent to the needs of developing countries. This may be accomplished through, among others, inter-donor agency cooperation or cooperation with individual regional information systems. Donor agencies may also cooperate with indigenous information systems or information professionals.

The transiency of CD-ROM? A reappraisal for the 1990s

In an earlier article, Tony McSean and Derek Law suggested that CD- ROM is a transient technology likely to be supplanted. This article re- examines the authors' hypothesis in light of subsequent developments. Compares CD-ROM with online information retrieval, suggesting that the poorer currency of CD-ROM may be solved by providing complemen tary online and CD-ROM services. Discusses the provision of parallel printed, online and CD-ROM ver sions, networking issues, and the impact of CD-ROM on printed prod ucts. McSean and Law failed to pre dict the revolution in personal computers and to appreciate the effect of networking capabilities. The per ceived problem of CD-ROM disc capacity and low retrieval speeds still remain problems for very large data bases. Considers current applications of CD-ROM for enabling electronic libraries and for document and data base delivery, particularly over net works such as JANET. Concludes that McSean and Law's assertion that CD- ROM is a transient technology has proved to be quite correct in that all information technology has proved to be transient. However, CD-ROM has proved a useful and attractive technology, offering an alternative to online databases which is much more user friendly, and, depending upon sufficient volume of end-user use, more economical than online.

Faculty and Student Assessment of a Journalism Library

Academic library collections and services have contributed to the development of education in journalism and mass communication for almost a century in North America. Their character has followed the lead of academic programs, beginning in midwestern state universities, where a small number of departmental libraries developed to support on-site needs of journalism instruction and academic study of the journalism profession, and to encourage current periodicals reading (Wilhoit, 1993). Today, the traditional role of journalism/communication libraries is changing radically with the availability of CD-ROM and on-line database services (see Wilhoit, 1991).(1)While academic libraries operate in an era of shrinking budgets and struggle to maintain their book and serial collections (Cummings et al. 1992), they are challenged to accommodate the expansion of electronic-based services that would supply extensive bibliographic or full-text sources of information. Some academic libraries are progressing toward a cybrary model with the development of local area networks (LANs) and digitalization processes, in which users would access library materials and databases anywhere on- or off-campus (see Bauwens, 1994; Kurzweil, 1993).(2) Students could consult reserve materials directly at their terminals in residence halls or apartments instead of reviewing them on-site in the library.Here lies the dilemma for library decision-makers in a time of budgetary cutbacks or stagnation: As some sources of information shift from print to cyberspace,(3) academic libraries are reallocating funds and stretching their staff resources to provide access to electronic sources. This do more with less strategy has led some libraries to consider alternatives to buying expensive serials subscriptions, such as electronic delivery of articles.Guideposts on how to create optimum journalism/communication library services are needed, but to date no research has even assessed how faculty and students in journalism and mass communication programs use the library. The few studies that surveyed U.S. journalism libraries deal exclusively with administration and operation matters (Allcorn, 1987; Paine & Paine, 1987; Wilhoit, 1991), not with patrons' uses, needs, or attitudes. The only study that shed some light on library usage reported that communications respondents use magazines more frequently and visit the library more frequently than the average respondent (Prather & Clemons, 1981). This article attempts to fill this gap found in the literature by surveying users of the Journalism Library at Indiana University.(4)The Journalism Library,(5) a branch library housed in the School of Journalism, serves the needs of three populations (faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students) from three departments (journalism, speech communication, and telecommunications). The special qualities of the IU Journalism Library--its multidisciplinary mission and central location--make it an ideal case for the study of communication(6) library patrons. Furthermore, although the Journalism Library, like any other library, has specific characteristics, the data reported here can be useful to other communication libraries, as well as to communication programs, throughout the country.This study will provide communication educators with an understanding of how a journalism library is being used, as well as help library administrators establish priorities to meet communication faculty and students' needs better. As indicated above, most academic libraries are under severe budgetary pressures to contain costs while still being expected to offer the best resources to their users.Review of the LiteratureAlthough there is virtually no research investigating user services and resources in journalism/communication libraries, there is a growing body of literature that has surveyed users at large institutions, suggesting several general trends (for a review of early studies, see Prather & Clemons, 1981). …

REPORT ON THE THIRD NATIONAL MEETING OF CDROM/ONLINE USERS NICLAI, CLRI, MADRAS, INDIA, 9–10 AUGUST 1994

The Third National Meeting of CDROM/Online Users was sponsored by National Information System for Science and Technology (NISSAT), Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), New Delhi; organised by the National Information Centre for Leather &amp; Allied Industries (NICLAI); and held at the Central Leather Research Institute, Madras during 9–10 August 1994. The previous two Meetings were held at New Delhi in 1992 and 1993. The Meeting's objective was to assess the current national and international situation, the utility of CDROM services, and their popularisation within the country, and to provide a forum for exchange of experiences on this new technique. The Meeting focused its attention on databases available, demand for search services, target users, problem areas and possible solutions. The Meeting was attended by 205 participants from 91 institutions all over the country, representing a galaxy of R&amp;D, academic, corporate, entrepreneurial and so forth institutions. Eleven industries engaged in information technology products participated in the Meeting. The Meeting included technical sessions where 39 presentations were made.

Developing a CD-ROM service in Saudi Arabia: some lessons for developing countries

Discusses the first-hand experience of the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) Library in Saudi Arabia in setting up and developing a public access CD-ROM service. The article firstly gives brief background information on the University and the Library. This is followed by a discussion of the rationale for embrac ing CD-ROM. Then, the KFUPM Library CD-ROM system components are considered under hardware, software, databases and local area network. The other aspects of the CD-ROM service discussed include: organisation and staffing, including CD-ROM search policy; publicity and end-user education; impact on services and resources, and the future direction. Finally, drawing on the KFUPM Library experience, the article advances suggestions on developing a CD-ROM service in developing countries.