OPAC Research Articles

Postgraduate Research on International Tertiary Students: The Case of Malaysia

This paper sought to enumerate theses produced by postgraduate researchers of Malaysian universities that focus on international students enrolled in Malaysian tertiary institutions. Using the Malaysian Theses Online (MyTO) and the university libraries’ Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) databases to gather the initial data, this paper went on to present metadata about the researchers as well as the participants of these postgraduate studies. It concluded that though there has been quantitative progress since the first thesis on international students was produced in 1999, there is a need to address the unevenness of focus that was leaning more towards the experiences of postgraduate students in public institutions of higher learning and less on those enrolled in undergraduate programs, especially at private institutions of higher learning in Malaysia.

Perilaku Pemustaka Dalam Penelusuran Informasi di Perpustakaan Politeknik Wilmar Bisnis Indonesia

Information seeking behavior occurs because of a person's perceived need for information. This need can be caused by pressure from outside, such as tasks that must be completed, or because of other factors. The purpose of this research is to find out the behavior of users in searching for information at the Wilmar Bisnis Indonesia Polytechnic library, which uses qualitative research methods. The information search technique applied at the Wilmar Bisnis Indonesia Polytechnic Library is an information search technique by asking directly to the librarian, through the collection shelves in the library, through the internet that has been provided by the library, through the OPAC (online public access catalog), through the collections provided by the library. provided by the library of the Wilmar Bisnis Indonesia Polytechnic to meet the information needs of users.
 Keywords: User Behavior, Information Search and Libraries

The Perspective of Library Management in Bhutan: Roles, Challenges and Opportunities

Across all libraries in Bhutan, the development of infrastructures, collections, and professional capacity has been partially neglected resulting in a lack of well-provisioned and responsive services. The advent of modern libraries in Bhutan is relatively new, thus limiting its contribution to achieving the goals of respective parent organizations, in turn, the national goals. This study examined the roles of Bhutanese libraries and librarians, library collaboration mechanisms, challenges and opportunities. Convenience sampling was adopted for this study, and we used a structured online survey questionnaire for data collection from 180 librarians across the country. The results revealed that the main roles of libraries were providing access to information and services, managing resources and supporting learning. Collection developments have evolved from a few scripture collections to scholarly journals and e-resources. Bhutanese library management systems advanced from basic arrangements to card catalogs to Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC). Currently, libraries are transitioning toward web-based integrated library systems using Koha, particularly in academic libraries. Most of the libraries are operated by Library Assistants without prior training or library-related academic qualifications. Administrative assistant, housemaster and examination committee member roles were assigned as ancillary roles for librarians. As a result, for some, the main library role became obsolete. Inter-library collaborations are limited, and professional experiences and best practices are rarely shared. Lack of professional development and funding are the key challenges. This study also demonstrated the need for a national strategic library development plan that prioritizes investment in ICT-based infrastructure, services, and digital resources for netizens.

Access of Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) Services by the PG Students of J.S.S.P. College, Goveli: A Study

Access of Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) Services by the PG Students of J.S.S.P. College, Goveli: A Study

Seleksi Bahan Pustaka dalam Pengembangan Koleksi Di UPT Pepustakaan UIN Prof. KH. Saifuddin Zuhri (SAIZU) Purwokerto

<p>The quality of collections in the library is an important parameter in the assessment of a library. As an information provider unit, the library must be able to ensure that the library materials that are held and stored must be in accordance with the needs of the users and the library needs to develop collections for the needs of the users. This study discusses the selection of library materials in the development of collections at the UPT library of UIN Saizu Purwokerto. The purpose of this study was to find out how the selection process for library materials was carried out in developing collections at UPT Saizu UIN library. The research method used is qualitative research by taking four respondents consisting of one head of the library and three librarians in the management of UIN Saizu. The interview technique was carried out in a structured manner using interview guidelines. The observation technique used non-participants by visiting directly to the research location for two weeks. The data validity technique is source triangulation and descriptive research data analysis. The results of this study indicate that the selection of library materials does not run smoothly when carried out by professional librarians who can build collections. Selection of library materials carried out by UPT Saizu UIN library firstly the librarian submits proposals from students who have completed the list of recommendations given by the library, checking library catalogs through OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog) searches, verifying by checking and completing bibliographic data for each title. The tools used by the UIN Saizu library are book scales and publisher catalogs.</p>

Knowledge Organization Approach in Online Public Access Catalogues (OPAC) for Search and Navigation

Effective organization, discovery, and retrieval of resources have always been essential functions for any library. Libraries have implemented various new information systems along with traditional library systems such as federated search, webscale discovery, next-generation catalogue, etc. Faceted navigation, known as faceted search, faceted browsing, or guided navigation, has been applied in many e-commerce sites and dominates features in the interaction paradigm. Faceted approach to knowledge organization in searching and navigation features in the online catalogue supports users in finding the information needed in the most effective and efficient manner. This paper discusses faceted searching and navigation application in library Online Public Access Catalogues (OPAC).

ANALYSIS OF USER SATISFACTION LIBRARY ONLINE CATALOG AT UPN VETERAN EAST JAVA USING EUCS METHOD

The development of information technology in this digital era has prompted numerous changes in many aspects of life, notably in the field of libraries, that are necessary to satisfy the demands of librarians to locate information easily, quickly, and precisely. OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog), often known as Online Catalog, is a website-based catalogue system used to search for information on library materials so they may be accessible whenever and wherever. One of the academic libraries that have used the Online Catalog is Universitas Pembangunan Nasional "Veteran" East Java. The purpose of this study is to determine what factors influence online catalogue user satisfaction using the End-User Computing Satisfaction (EUCS) model approach with two additional independent variables, System Speed and System Reliability. End-User Computing Satisfaction is one of the methods used to evaluate the overall system for user satisfaction. Proportional stratified random sampling was employed as the sample collecting method in this study, with a total of 303 respondents. The research data obtained from the questionnaire results were processed using SmartPLS 3.2.9 software. Based on the results obtained, accuracy, format, and ease of use are the three factors that have a positive and significant effect. In addition, the most influencing factor for Online Catalog user satisfaction is the format.

OPAC:Catalogue of Modern Library

OPAC stands for “Open Public Access Catalogue”. The online public access catalogue depicts the online library database of resources like books, journals, newspapers, e-books, etc. The students can get access to any books as well as e-content from anywhere & at any time with the OPAC .All they need is to search for keywords such as – name of the book, title, author’s name, volume number, and much more. Thus, OPAC can contribute to students’ success in the long run by helping them carry on their e-learning journey. The purpose of OPAC or the Online Public Access Catalogue to make the digital resources search faster & easier for the students by offering a digital library catalogue

Modelling Open Access Catalog (OPAC) Success using DeLone and McLean models in Library Agriculture Polytechnic of Samarinda

Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) is one of the systems used and utilized by the Samarinda State Agricultural Polytechnic library to provide information regarding the availability and collection of books owned by the library. The purpose of this study was to determine the success in implementing OPAC using the Delone and McLean Model. Consists of seven variables, namely information quality, system quality, service quality, usage, user convenience, interest in using, and net benefits. The data obtained from this study were obtained from the distribution of questionnaires using Google Forms and in writing, the research sample was obtained by 40 respondents. The results obtained in this study are in the form of conditions for each variable in the Delone and McLean Model. The user satisfaction and net benefit variables are in the high category, while the information quality and system quality variables are in the fairly high category. From the results obtained, it is necessary to prioritize improvements to the indicators owned by the Delone and McLean Model variables with the average percentage of each indicator which is below the average percentage of all indicators.

Recall dan Precision pada Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) Dinas Arsip dan Perpustakaan Kota Bandung

Disarpus Bandung is a technical institution that has the task and function of developing the habit of reading fondness through library empowerment. The role of the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) as an information retrieval system is very supportive as a means or facilities to improve services to the community, especially in the field of libraries in the city of Bandung. This study aims to determine (1) How is recall and precision in the OPAC of the Disarpus Bandung. (2) effectiveness of OPAC as an information retrieval system in the city of Bandung. The data collection method used is by conducting keyword searches on the OPAC of the Disarpus Bandung through the website page http://layanan.dispusip.bandung.go.id/inlislite3/opac/. These 10 keywords were the most searched or searched by library users in March 2022 in Disarpus Bandung. Every keyword used in the search process, the result is a number of catalog data. The catalog data obtained is then analyzed and determined which data are relevant and irrelevant to the information needs sought based on the title, the subject of the book, and the availability of the collection. Then the recall and precision calculations will be carried out to determine the effectiveness of the INLISLite application retrieval. Based on the results of testing on the OPAC of the Disarpus Bandung with 10 keywords most frequently searched by users during March 2022, it can be concluded that the information retrieval system has been effective. This can be seen from the average recall value of 0.96 or 95.79% and the average precision value of 0.92 or 92.31%. Of the 10 keywords, namely nursing, human resources, communication, research methods, accounting, taxation, information systems, skills, parenting, and psychology, the keywords with the highest recall and precision values are research methods and parenting keywords, namely the recall value of 1 or 100% and a precision value of 1 or 100%. Meanwhile, the lowest recall and precision values are communication keywords, with a recall value of 0.90 or 90.34% and a precision value of 0.88 or 88.33%. Overall, the OPAC at the Disarpus Bandung has been effective as an information retrieval system.

USER RESPONSES ABOUT AUTOMATED SYSTEM FOR CIRCULATION SERVICES AT UTHMAN BIN AFFAN LIBRARY, MUSLIM UNIVERSITY OF INDONESIA

The purpose of this study is to describe how the response of users about automation in the Uthman bin Affan library at the Indonesian Muslim University. This type of research is using qualitative research or field research. The research location is in the Uthman bin Affan library at the Indonesian Muslim University. There are two sources of data in this study, namely secondary data sources and primary data sources. The methods in collecting research data are Observation, Interview and Documentation using Data Processing and Analysis Techniques Data Reduction, Data Presentation and Conclusion Drawing. The results of this study are the responses of the users about the automation system in the Uthman Bin Affan Library, Muslim University of Indonesia are: a. the ease of finding library materials in the circulation service at the Uthman Bin Affan Library of the Muslim University of Indonesia is very easy and fast. b. The process of borrowing library materials, returning library materials, making membership cards, paying fines and visitor statistics is very easy and satisfying, but the automation system implemented at the Uthman Bin Affan library at the Muslim University of Indonesia has not been able to extend the borrowing of library materials or collections online. and the infrastructure is still lacking such as a computer or laptop. c. transactions for borrowing library materials do not use self-service machines. d. there are still many users who have not mastered the OPAC search service (online public access catalog) this is due to the lack of socialization to users, especially new users. The implications of the research are expected for librarians at the Uthman Bin Affan Library, Muslim University of Indonesia to maintain their services by using the slims automation system, the excellent service carried out by librarians in the circulation section has a positive impact on users, including the process of returning library materials, borrowing library materials, making membership cards library, fines, visitor statistics, friendliness of librarians, greeting librarians in providing information, speed in serving users, and the neat arrangement of library materials on the collection shelf are very satisfying in the hearts of users. towards officers in circulation services in order to improve the quality of their services and the Uthman Bin Affan Library of the Muslim University of Indonesia should recruit members for additional librarian officers in circulation services so that the service process in the circulation section is further improved.

Utilisation of Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) among Students of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria

Libraries house information in various forms such as prints and non-print materials. Considering the avail ability of various resources in the library, there is need for information retrieval systems that will enable users to have access to required information as at when needed. Modern libraries are increasingly being rede fined to provide unrestricted access to information in various sources and formats. Academic libraries differ from one another in many respects, but they all have the same basic function, which is to aid the parent institu tion to carry out its objectives in the areas of teaching, learning, and community development. Libraries con tribute to the realisation of these objectives and support

Digital Agricultural Knowledge Platform (IDEAL) using KOHA for National Agricultural Research and Education System

Digital libraries are equipped to provide access to multiple contents with potentially infinite number of resources to users. The libraries of the Indian National Agricultural Research and Education System (NARES) mainly the ICAR institutions and Agricultural Universities have a collection of huge literature of immense value available in various print and digital forms. These resources if made available at a single platform will go a long way in facilitating its sharing and minimizing the duplication efforts by the partner libraries. Realizing its importance, a requirement of a national level union catalog was felt to ensure single point access for the valuable information on the vast resources of NARES libraries. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) brought solution to a lot of challenging issues to all facets of the university system and the library is not an exemption. The Indian Digital Ensemble of Agricultural Libraries (IDEAL) is a customized platform for Agricultural Libraries of Indian National Agricultural Research and Education System (NARES) by adopting the KOHA-an open source integrated library management software for their routine operations in all libraries. KOHA is a software platform built on ‘Software as a Service’ (SaaS) concept to provide hassle free, ready to use based platform for sharing library holdings through a union catalogue as per the international standards. In this catalogue, the information can be shared at a single platform for all the users for example, students, researchers and faculties, extension workers and others. The system also provides search facilities through various parameters example, title, author, subject, number etc. The libraries of the State Agriculture Universities and its constituent colleges (SAUs) and ICAR institutes have been connected at a central server for its routine activities through IDEAL Platform. An online public access catalog (OPAC) of each library has been created, which provides easy and enhanced experience of accessing the library resources 24 × 7 to the users. This has greatly facilitated sharing and access of library resources among the NARES partners.

“Tinkering is underrated”: librarians' use of single-board computers and microcontrollers outside of makerspaces

PurposeThis research seeks to better understand the potential uses of maker technologies, such as single-board computers and microcontrollers, more broadly within libraries and not simply confined to the makerspace. Through interviews with librarians creating such projects, this study illustrates their successes, challenges, means of acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge, as well as their perceptions of the broader benefits and challenges to other library and information science practitioners.Design/methodology/approachThis research study employed semistructured interviews with 12 librarians who have created projects with maker technologies for broader library use. Inductive qualitative analysis of the interview transcripts was conducted to identify themes of interest to the stated research questions.FindingsLibrarians' projects included: displaying digital signage, hosting online public access catalog stations, tallying reference desk interactions, counting patrons at the gate and monitoring 3-D printing statistics, among others. Participants appreciated the low-cost, flexible and creative nature of such technologies, and though they also encountered technical and organizational challenges in their use, relayed a potential series of benefits to librarians and library staff were these technologies to be more widely used.Originality/valueAlthough significant research efforts have focused on aspects of makerspaces across all types of libraries, little work has formally collected and assessed library practitioners' work with maker technologies outside of the makerspace. Participants help detail the potential benefits of having a deeper understanding of this work, and the successes it could bring to librarians' work.

Library Service Program Evaluation Web-Based Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) at Polytechnic of Health Ministry of Health Jakarta III

This research is about evaluating the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) web service program at Poltekkes Kemenkes Jakarta III. The implementation of the OPAC web has been implemented since 2007 to provide easy, fast, and accurate information retrieval system services for users. The problem is how are the achievement, benefit, and impact of the OPAC service program? Evaluative qualitative research method using the Context Input Process Product (CIPP) model. The number of informants is 15 people consisting of elements of leadership, lecturers, students, and education staff. Data collection with interviews, observations, and document studies. Data analysis by triangulation is linking the three sources of information with a careful test of the validity of the data. The results of the study are as follows; 1) evaluation of context: 70% is achieved with a match between policies and leadership support in developing ICT-based library service programs. Meanwhile, 30% has not been achieved, because there is no written policy. 2) evaluation of inputs; includes the availability of collections, facilities, infrastructure, and library human resources. Achievement of 80% with adequate collections and adequate computer facilities. While the shortage of 20% is a shortage of librarians who have not met the National Library Standards. 3) the evaluation process can run quite well, the users do not experience problems, which means that 100% is achieved. 4) Product evaluation was achieved quite well 100%. Users feel the benefits of the OPAC web service in disbursing information to optimize the utilization of the Poltekkes Library of the Ministry of Health Jakarta III.

The Use of Information and Communications Technologies by Library Users at the University of the Western Cape

Information and communications technology (ICT) has taken over all spheres of human endeavours. ICT has exerted a profound influence on traditional academic libraries. This study sought to investigate the impact of information and communications technologies (ICTs) on academic library services provision and operations, as well as how ICTs have influenced the use of library information resources by undergraduate and postgraduate students at the University of the Western Cape. The study draws attention to the importance of implementing ICT policies and practices for library operations and practices bounded by the technology acceptance model (TAM). Findings from the study indicate the emergence of ICTs in libraries has drastically changed the dynamics of library operations and services in areas including the online public access catalogue (OPAC), wireless networks, library marketing and online reference services. The findings also revealed that although the use of ICTs in academic libraries enables libraries to offer faster and more efficient services, challenges and obstacles are prevalent, including a lack of training in ICTs and insufficient ICT infrastructure. The findings suggest libraries should formulate and implement an ICT strategy. It is pivotal for libraries to formulate and implement an ICT strategic plan to be used as a guideline for ICT planning of short and long-term developmental programmes. The findings suggest sufficient funding and effective training programmes should also be of the utmost importance to ensure sustainability and relevancy.

Exploring the university research scholars’ information literacy competency: a focus on the knowledge and skills

PurposeThis study aims to determine the level of knowledge in searching, evaluating, information management competency and to find differences among research scholars’ in terms of their information literacy (IL) competency with regards to gender and academic designation.Design/methodology/approachA survey method was conducted to collect the data from the research scholars’ pursuing their doctoral degrees in Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tamil Nadu, India.FindingsThe results of this study revealed that the majority have used simple search and were not using the Online Public Access Catalogue. They were not able to assess the information retrieved and the assistance from the library staff to locate the resources was found to be minimal. This study also highlighted some of the problems faced by the research scholars and provided some suggestions based on the findings. This study highlights the need to adopt a new IL framework and conduct user literacy training programmes for effective use of the resources.Practical implicationsThis study also has practical implications in terms of assessing the IL competency among the research scholars and significant variations which identified through demographics and assessment of IL competency will enable policymakers to develop a framework for brand new literacy instructions. The results may help to frame long-term strategies to motivate and train the research scholars in the effective use of technologies for improving their academic performance.Originality/valueThis study used a questionnaire as tool to collect the data. The outcome of the results will help the librarians and authorities to discuss research scholars’ IL competency and take appropriate decisions to improve their IL skills.

Digital library services to support online learning amid COVID-19: a study of a private university library in Bangladesh

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the East West University Library’s (EWUL’s) response to COVID-19 situation through their transformation to digital services. The paper tries to explain how these digital library services support the user community of East West University (EWU) in online teaching and access to information resources.Design/methodology/approachThis paper describes the EWUL’s several digital services that are used to meet the needs of its user community during the COVID-19 pandemic. The reflective practice approach has been undertaken for this study on the basis of the authors’ personal experiences working at an academic library. The authors used the reflective practice approach to assess the library’s practice during crisis situation, make the use of technological interventions in service providing and also to re-innovate the digital services for future.FindingsDuring the pandemic, the library shifted all the possible physical or on-site services to digital services, i.e. online resource facilities and remote access to these, federated searching, Web online public access catalog, engaging users through social media, specialized knowledge space, online document delivery, article on request, information literacy training, virtual reference service, etc. The user engagement in all these services is also notable.Research limitations/implicationsThe nature of this study is limited to the COVID-19 pandemic and within a particular geographic location.Practical implicationsThis paper has implications and possible applications for other university libraries in developing countries, which intends to transform their services into digital for ensuring better service quality for their respective user community.Originality/valueThis paper makes a valuable contribution to the literature on how a private university library of a developing country is responding to pandemics such as COVID-19.

Knowledge Organization Affordances in a Faceted Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC)

ABSTRACT Faceted navigation is already a standard feature of contemporary Online Public Access Catalogs (OPACs). The article aims to indicate practices in this area and new affordances that faceted navigation provides. The content of 55 Polish university library websites and their OPACs using faceted navigation was analyzed. After selecting the subject facets, the source of the terms constituting their content was analyzed using the MARC 21 bibliographic record format structure. During the transfer of traditional KOS affordances to those of faceted navigation, the former knowledge organization (KO) structures were deconstructed, which may require the creation of a new kind of KOS.

Developing an open source mobile app in library services: the case of a national university in Malaysia

PurposeA surge of library activities and technological advances have increased the demand for data accuracy and agility among library clientele. Therefore, novel approaches are needed to extend library services. This paper aims to introduce the implementation of a prototype mobile library application (app) designed using an in-house open source system, Koha.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents a case study using a metamorphosis process to create mobile apps. This case study is tested based on the library services with a set of activities during the system acceptance test (SAT) and also user acceptance test (UAT). An application programming interface (API) used to support two-way communication, including system-to-component and system-to-system connectivity. The design, features and advantages of this mobile app are discussed, illustrated and analyzed. The case study reports the mobile app version development from the Koha Open Source Library Information System.FindingsThe app was tested using user acceptance test (UAT) and system acceptance test (SAT) by library staffs who found it functional, accessible, appealing and useful. Features such as Online Public Access Catalog search, library collection scanning, patron accounts, patron personal book collection, circulation, librarian chat, QR codes for borrowing books, social media integration and notifications of library activities and events were successfully tested. This process was useful for the creation of a mobile app based on the existing library System-Koha Open Source System.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited to a case study of a national university in Malaysia.Practical implicationsThis study has some practical implications for implementing library mobile applications, e.g. it will encourage librarians to implement library applications in libraries.Originality/valueThis study is useful for mobile developers and libraries that plan to offer mobile library services to their patrons. This paper presents a case study of metamorphosis existing process of library open source System-Koha Open Source System.