Knowledge Of Information Resources Research Articles

Over-Professional Skills and Professional Knowledge of Library Specialist: Demands of the Time

Library specialists having competencies in the field of modern information technologies and knowledge of information resources, capable to analyse and synthesize heterogeneous information, process data, solve non-standard tasks, are able to develop innovative trends, increase the importance and competitiveness of libraries in the information space. The purpose of this study is to determine the most important skills and knowledge of librarians for the development of new forms and trends in the activities of research libraries: assistant services to scientists, work with research data, creation of intellectual centres, centres of intellectual leisure, organization of communication platforms, etc. The author highlights the key knowledge necessary for librarian: knowledge of modern and advanced information technologies (social networks, cloud, mobile technologies, new generation analytics, etc.), knowledge of the world market of information resources, as well as technologies of collection and processing of information/data. The article presents competences of librarians in the research data management, who provide consulting and assistant services to scientists in the life cycle of research. It is determined that the research data management librarian should know the methods of data management plan preparation, management methods, categories, metadata standards and schemes, data classifications and identifiers, data citation requirements, copyright, data repositories, long-term data preservation technologies, etc. The author concludes that the possession of non-specialized over-professional (“soft”) skills (communication skills, emotional intelligence, thinking by “results” and “processes”, etc.) along with the complex of professional knowledge is the key to the improvement of efficiency and demand of libraries in the conditions of intensively developing environment.

Knowledge of Drug Information Resources among Students of College of Pharmacy and Nursing, University of Nizwa in Oman

Background: Drug information is all information provided on the safe and effective use of therapeutic and diagnostic pharmaceuticals. Health providers require information resources for therapeutic decision support, implementation, and monitoring of outcome, thus, improve the quality of care, enhance the use of evidence-based treatments, maintain and updated knowledge. Objective: This study aims to assess the knowledge of drug information resources and the type of drug information resources that are commonly used by students of College of pharmacy and nursing at the University of Nizwa, Oman. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Questionnaires in both Arabic and English language were distributed among the first and final year students of pharmacy and nursing students in University of Nizwa. Descriptive analysis was performed. Results: Questionnaires were distributed to 200 students of pharmacy and nursing. (4% male, 96% female). As students, the enrolled sample showed that 40% gain the knowledge about drugs through their instructors. The majority of students (37%) used tertiary resources for searching drug information. The main reasons for the respondents to search for drug information are because of study purpose, curiosity about the medicine and examination which made up 51%. Conclusion: Up to date information about medicine are necessary for practicing the profession of pharmacy and nursing. The study managed to find that the students had enough knowledge about drug information resources which will make them capable of valuing the evidence-based practice. However, they showed that their classical way of getting information is through books and main reasons were because of study purpose, curiosity about the medicine and examination. Interestingly the students of pharmacy and nursing showed similar responses. Establishing drug information resources knowledge among students is crucial for better practice in the future.

A Study of Information Needs and Seeking Behaviour of Research Fraternity of Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar (India)

The aim of the present study is to investigate the information needs and seeking behaviour of the users of Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar (Haryana). A sample of 200 users was taken from various categories of users covering faculty members, research scholars and postgraduate (PG) students. A questionnaire was designed and distributed among the users to collect the primary data. Statistical tools like percentage analysis are used to analyse the data. The paper discusses various aspects of information needs and seeking information, such as knowledge of information resources, frequency of use, usefulness of library resources, information search preferences, adequacy of library collection and Information Technology IT based information resources and services, barriers in seeking information and perception towards helpfulness of library staff and so on. The findings revealed that 85% users were aware about the information resources available in the library. More than 80% research scholars were given preference to electronic-resources (e-resources) for getting their desired information. Cent percent research scholars were using Internet facilities and e-resources, whereas 17.88% PG students were using CD-ROM databases. 60% users (all categories) were satisfied with the performance of library staff. In the end, the study suggests that library staff, preferably in-charge of Readers Service Division, should focus on assisting users for their requirement of information resources and should improve the user's skill.

Information Seeking in Context: Results of Graduate Student Interviews

Abstract We conducted a qualitative research study examining the information seeking behaviours of Psychology, Sociology and Women’s Studies graduate students at a large research intensive university to determine how graduate students find information; the roles that faculty members, fellow graduate students and librarians play in the information search; and graduate students’ knowledge of information resources and services. The context of graduate student information seeking was uncovered through an analysis of the data using the trichotomy of people, place and information. Across the disciplines, Master’s students were more likely to ask for librarian assistance than PhD students. The interview findings will be used to improve librarian support to this user group via an instruction plan aimed at those graduate students most in need of librarian assistance: Master’s students. We recommend a series of several (e.g., approximately four to eight) strategically timed brief (e.g., ten-minute) sessions offered via a first-year mandatory research methods course. Sessions would introduce students to key resources, explain the role librarians can play in their research and advertise the office hours service. This enhanced librarian support will ensure that all new graduate students have a common information seeking knowledge base and that they understand the services offered by their liaison librarians. Most importantly, it places librarians in close proximity to graduate students providing opportunities to uncover and address their actual research needs. Future research will look at the effectiveness of this plan in supporting graduate students with their research.

The Management of SciTech Libraries: Services, Staff, Facilities, and Outsourcing

SUMMARY Professional and personal competencies in librarianship relate to the practitioner's skills and knowledge of information resources, access, technology and management, and the ability to use this knowledge as a basis for providing the highest quality information services in the performance of their job. This paper discusses best practices, experiences and knowledge in the management of sci-tech libraries.

Information professionalism in a digital age: cutting edge competencies in a competitive community

The paper contends that the need for developing new professional skills is predicated on the evolving electronic environment. The emerging electronic systems provide better and broader platforms for the actualisation of the professional hallmarks of contact, communication and co-operation. Situated at the frontline or technological advancement, librarians and information professionals must redefine their work in a knowledge-based economy that is devoted to information management in order to meet the demands of the new environment. With professional activities and institutions migrating to the Web, professionals with the appropriate skills will have a competitive edge over others lacking in skills required to operate in the emerging practice environment. Both professional and personal skills are inevitable. Professional skills relate to knowledge of information resources, access, technology and management and using this to provide the best information services. Personal skills deal with skill sets, attitudes and values required for work efficient, communication and value-added contribution to their organisations. The paper recommends computer, Internet, Information and Information professional of the digital age. Keywords : competencies, competitive community, cutting edge, digital age, information, professionalism Lagos Journal of Library and Information Science Vol. 1(2) 2003: 95-100