?4U (Question for you): implementing a SMS reference service at the University of the Free State
- Authors: Lombard, H.
- Date: 2010-05-18
- Subjects: Library reference services , University of the Free State , Academic libraries , Information technology , Electronic posters
- Type: Presentation
- Identifier: uj:1569 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3302
- Description: Since its inception in 1960 the Internet was exalted as the technology that would revolutionise communication access. However, widespread use in Africa was hampered by the lack of quality telecommunication infrastructure. In just two decades, the cell phone has become the fastest-selling, most loved consumer product. Nobody envisioned how popular text messaging, also referred to as short messaging service (SMS) would become. Research shows that 76% of all subscribers or 3.1 billion subscribers use the SMS actively. The abundance of cell phone users is also noticeable in today’s academic library. While some universities has responded to the widespread use of cell phones by delivering educational content and administration of tests via the cell phone, libraries have begun to reach out and serve students’ information needs through the use of the SMS. The University of the Free State Library and Information Services initiated a SMS reference service in 2009. This paper briefly describes the widespread use of text messaging and text messaging technology. The system and services implemented at the UFS LIS is described, as well as the lessons learnt. The paper will end with a short review of cell phone use in libraries and how it could be used to enhance library operations.
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Knowledge sharing practices within an organisation's information services division
- Authors: Radebe, J.
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Information services , Academic libraries , Information technology
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/237743 , uj:24363
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Abstract: Advances in technology and the changing demands of library clients have brought about a demand for innovative, higher quality services from academic libraries. Academic libraries find themselves in a position where they have to either re-evaluate their service models to meet the technologically influenced needs of the library clients, or face redundancy. Research has proven that the practice and implementation of knowledge management (KM) aids an organisation in gaining a competitive advantage, which is at the pinnacle of ensuring that an organisation remains a preferred service provider. In order to address these issues, this research focused on exploring the knowledge sharing (KS) practices of employees within the Library and Information Services (LIS) division at a higher education institution. The researcher employed a qualitative research design, guided by a case-study research strategy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, with seventeen respondents who were purposively selected for the sample. Data was analysed using thematic analysis, creating categories of subjects relating to the identified research questions. The findings of the study revealed that KS was limited within the LIS and mostly occurred informally between employees within the same section. Furthermore, it was found that the culture at LIS was not conducive for the advancement of KS, as respondents felt unsupported by the LIS' management in terms of KS endeavours. A silo culture, encouraging the creation of specialists in specific roles, was identified as a barrier to potential KS practices within the LIS. In terms of encouraging KS within the LIS, the findings showed that respondents were most enthusiastic about the concepts of rewards and incentives. A need for a formalised KM strategy and consequent policies guiding the acquisition and implementation of KS tools and mechanisms, was also identified. Recommendations arising from the study included: 1. A need for renewed commitment by LIS management in terms of encouraging a KS culture. 2. A drive to find affordable technologies that would enable the storage, retrieval and sharing of knowledge within the LIS, to ensure that the right knowledge reaches the right person, employee or client, at the right time.
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Optimizing ICT trends to enhance Open Distance Learning : impact of a practical assignment on professional relationships.
- Authors: Henning, J. C.
- Date: 2010-05-17
- Subjects: Distance learning , Open distance learning , Academic libraries , Information technology
- Type: Presentation
- Identifier: uj:1584 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3317
- Description: The image of librarians and the Academic Library’s role in teaching and learning has always been a topic close to the heart of these professionals. Equally important for librarians are positive relationships with management and colleagues within the institution. Interdependencies between faculty and the library impact on the performance and delivery of services and require careful management as well. This paper focuses on how a library manager as a member of the Extended Management Committee of a university interacted with colleagues in senior management on a topic of mutual interest to complete a group assignment. The role played by the library manager and the changes in and impact on the relationships will be highlighted. The topic of the assignment “Optimizing ICT trends to enhance Open Distance Learning (ODL)” provided ample opportunity to demonstrate the changed role of the Academic Library in ODL as well as in online teaching and learning. A brief overview of ODL, information on the assignment and methodology followed will be presented. Information on the findings will be shared and the views of participants in the audience on these findings will be invited. An opportunity to share similar or different experiences will also be provided. The findings indicate that there is a better understanding of the role of the academic library in teaching and learning as well as appreciation for the way the library optimizes ICT developments to improve service delivery and access to services and resources. Another finding is that there is enhanced collaboration with the library as well as increased awareness of possibilities to utilize technologies in ODL. As leader / coordinator of the assignment and as a result of the interaction with the group, I experienced closer collaboration and improved communication with members of the group not only during the assignment but also on an ongoing basis.
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The future is now : new roles and relationships for academic libraries
- Authors: University of Johannesburg Library and Information Centre
- Date: 2010-05-17
- Subjects: Academic libraries , Information technology , Academic publishing , Internet access , e-Learning , Conference proceedings
- Type: Other
- Identifier: uj:1585 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3318
- Description: Welcome to this very exciting conference focusing on the changing roles and relationships of academic libraries which goes hand in hand with the rapid development of information technology. Last year, when we started planning for the conference we came to the conclusion that the title ‘The Future is Now’ expresses our experience of being overtaken by technology, in a unique and innovative way. However, when we did a Google search on the phrase we found that it was a widely used phrase which gives expression to the global village’s experience that developments which we thought lie in the future are overtaking us as a result of the rapid development of Internet and mobile technologies. Despite its lack of originality, we decided to stick to the title, because there was no better way of saying what we wanted to say. I repeated the Google search about a year later, when I was busy writing this welcome note to you, and this time carefully noted the number of hits: 128 000 000. Most significantly I found two websites relating to the impact of information technology on the world of libraries within the first 20 hits. One was the website of an eponymous ALA conference on libraries and museums in the virtual word held on 5 and 6 March 2010 (http://www.opal-online.org/finindex.htm). The conference dealt with the use of Second Life in libraries and museums. The other was an article on the launch of Elsevier’s ‘Article of the Future‘ project (http://www.cell.com) on 7 January 2010. Both these hits underlined the impact of technology on our world and the need to consider the way forward as a result of it. George Will said that ‘the future has a way of arriving unannounced’. It is the sincere hope of the Conference Organising Committee that this conference will help prevent the future of taking us unawares. We believe that your presence here will inspire and motivate you to explore the new technologies and harness it to sustain and improve on academic libraries’ proud tradition and history of moving with the times. - Dr Anette van Vuren, Conference Chair.
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