Pub Date : 2022-12-07DOI: 10.1108/pmm-06-2021-0034
S. Ahmed, M. Shoeb
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the psychometric validity of the LibQUAL+® instrument in a developing country context in Bangladesh.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted a paper-version of the original LibQUAL 22 core-items to survey library users' perceptions of minimum, desired and perceived levels of service quality of university libraries in Bangladesh. The survey accumulated a total of 544 valid responses over a period of two weeks. The means and standard deviations for each service item were computed for the three service levels. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test the original three-factorial structure and to assess the psychometric validity of the LibQUAL instrument. A one-factor CFA and separate CFAs by gender and user group on perceived services were conducted to determine the original three-factor structure of LibQUAL scale. Exploratory factor analyses (EFAs) were also performed on the perceived scores to examine the potential factor structure of the scale. The descriptive statistics including EFAs and the CFA models were performed through IBM® SPSS® Statistics and IBM® SPSS® Amos, respectively.FindingsThe findings of this paper showed that all perceived services fell below the minimum scores. The confirmatory factor analyses found poor model fits for the original three-factor solution of the LibQUAL scale. The EFA results also showed no factorial structure similar to the original LibQUAL dimensions. The findings exhibited a low psychometric quality of LibQUAL in academic library settings in Bangladesh.Originality/valueThis study is the first of its kind to empirically examine the psychometric validity of the LibQUAL scale in a developing country perspective in Bangladesh.
{"title":"A psychometric evaluation of the applicability of LibQUAL+® in a developing country perspective in Bangladesh","authors":"S. Ahmed, M. Shoeb","doi":"10.1108/pmm-06-2021-0034","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/pmm-06-2021-0034","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the psychometric validity of the LibQUAL+® instrument in a developing country context in Bangladesh.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted a paper-version of the original LibQUAL 22 core-items to survey library users' perceptions of minimum, desired and perceived levels of service quality of university libraries in Bangladesh. The survey accumulated a total of 544 valid responses over a period of two weeks. The means and standard deviations for each service item were computed for the three service levels. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test the original three-factorial structure and to assess the psychometric validity of the LibQUAL instrument. A one-factor CFA and separate CFAs by gender and user group on perceived services were conducted to determine the original three-factor structure of LibQUAL scale. Exploratory factor analyses (EFAs) were also performed on the perceived scores to examine the potential factor structure of the scale. The descriptive statistics including EFAs and the CFA models were performed through IBM® SPSS® Statistics and IBM® SPSS® Amos, respectively.FindingsThe findings of this paper showed that all perceived services fell below the minimum scores. The confirmatory factor analyses found poor model fits for the original three-factor solution of the LibQUAL scale. The EFA results also showed no factorial structure similar to the original LibQUAL dimensions. The findings exhibited a low psychometric quality of LibQUAL in academic library settings in Bangladesh.Originality/valueThis study is the first of its kind to empirically examine the psychometric validity of the LibQUAL scale in a developing country perspective in Bangladesh.","PeriodicalId":44583,"journal":{"name":"Performance Measurement and Metrics","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2022-12-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41345747","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-12-06DOI: 10.1108/pmm-05-2022-0018
G. B. Amoah, Mabel K. Minishi-Majanja
PurposeThis study aims to audit the key performance indicators (KPIs) in Ghanaian university libraries. It aimed at finding out the KPIs used by Ghanaian university libraries and how effective they have been in correcting lapses in staff performance.Design/methodology/approachEmploying a quantitative research approach, the views of 218 librarians were elicited from nine universities in Ghana. Due to the manageable size of staff population in the libraries, the census sampling technique was adopted.FindingsResults indicated even though staff members were unaware of KPIs in their libraries, most of the respondents understood the concept and perceived is to be measuring the success and tracking performance in libraries. It was also revealed that most of the libraries did not have clear and measurable KPIs. Close to 80% of the libraries under study did not have clearly stated KPIs of which members of staff were aware. The study revealed that KPIs may differ from one library to the other, depending on the mission and vision statement of the library. For increased staff performance in Ghanaian university libraries the study recommends management to develop clear and measurable outcome-based metrics that will lead to high performance. This will not only address the needs of clients but also improve the libraries' efficiency in terms of information provision. Management should also have clear and measurable KPIs and make them available to library staff.Practical implicationsFor increased staff performance in Ghanaian university libraries the study recommends management to develop clear and measurable outcome-based metrics that will lead to high performance. This will not only address the needs of clients but also improve the libraries' efficiency in terms of information provision. Management should also have clear and measurable KPIs and make them available to library staff.Originality/valueThe study provides information on KPIs in Ghanaian university libraries and how to effectively deal with the challenges associated with its usage.
{"title":"Key performance indicators (KPIs) in Ghanaian university libraries: developing outcome-based metrics for staff performance","authors":"G. B. Amoah, Mabel K. Minishi-Majanja","doi":"10.1108/pmm-05-2022-0018","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/pmm-05-2022-0018","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThis study aims to audit the key performance indicators (KPIs) in Ghanaian university libraries. It aimed at finding out the KPIs used by Ghanaian university libraries and how effective they have been in correcting lapses in staff performance.Design/methodology/approachEmploying a quantitative research approach, the views of 218 librarians were elicited from nine universities in Ghana. Due to the manageable size of staff population in the libraries, the census sampling technique was adopted.FindingsResults indicated even though staff members were unaware of KPIs in their libraries, most of the respondents understood the concept and perceived is to be measuring the success and tracking performance in libraries. It was also revealed that most of the libraries did not have clear and measurable KPIs. Close to 80% of the libraries under study did not have clearly stated KPIs of which members of staff were aware. The study revealed that KPIs may differ from one library to the other, depending on the mission and vision statement of the library. For increased staff performance in Ghanaian university libraries the study recommends management to develop clear and measurable outcome-based metrics that will lead to high performance. This will not only address the needs of clients but also improve the libraries' efficiency in terms of information provision. Management should also have clear and measurable KPIs and make them available to library staff.Practical implicationsFor increased staff performance in Ghanaian university libraries the study recommends management to develop clear and measurable outcome-based metrics that will lead to high performance. This will not only address the needs of clients but also improve the libraries' efficiency in terms of information provision. Management should also have clear and measurable KPIs and make them available to library staff.Originality/valueThe study provides information on KPIs in Ghanaian university libraries and how to effectively deal with the challenges associated with its usage.","PeriodicalId":44583,"journal":{"name":"Performance Measurement and Metrics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2022-12-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46418496","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-03-15DOI: 10.1108/pmm-11-2019-0054
Enite A. Urhefe-Okotie, V. Okafor, Osaze Patrick Ijiekhuamhen
PurposeThis study is aimed at comparing library services and job performances of personnel in public libraries in South-South Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a descriptive survey design using 107 personnel in public libraries in South-South Nigeria. The total enumeration sampling technique was used for this study. All 107 personnel in public libraries in South-South Nigeria were considered appropriate for this study. The instrument used to elicit data from the respondents was a self-designed questionnaire and oral interview, 103 respondents answered to the questionnaire.FindingsLibrary services such as recreational services, community information services, career information services, information alert services, services to prisoners, mobile library services and adult literacy education programs are not carried out. The result also revealed that factors such as poor funding by government, insufficient staff strength, lack of interpersonal skills and untrained staff hinder adequate job performance of personnel. In the final analysis, the result from the study amongst others shows that there is no significant difference between the six states on the types of job performed in the different state public libraries in South-South Nigeria. Meanwhile, there is a significant difference between the extent of job performance of librarians and paraprofessional librarians in public libraries in South-South Nigeria.Originality/valueTo the best of the researchers' knowledge, this research is the first to ascertain library services and job performance of personnel in all public libraries in South-South Nigeria.
{"title":"A comparative study of library services and job performance of librarians and paraprofessional librarians in public libraries in South-South Nigeria","authors":"Enite A. Urhefe-Okotie, V. Okafor, Osaze Patrick Ijiekhuamhen","doi":"10.1108/pmm-11-2019-0054","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/pmm-11-2019-0054","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThis study is aimed at comparing library services and job performances of personnel in public libraries in South-South Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a descriptive survey design using 107 personnel in public libraries in South-South Nigeria. The total enumeration sampling technique was used for this study. All 107 personnel in public libraries in South-South Nigeria were considered appropriate for this study. The instrument used to elicit data from the respondents was a self-designed questionnaire and oral interview, 103 respondents answered to the questionnaire.FindingsLibrary services such as recreational services, community information services, career information services, information alert services, services to prisoners, mobile library services and adult literacy education programs are not carried out. The result also revealed that factors such as poor funding by government, insufficient staff strength, lack of interpersonal skills and untrained staff hinder adequate job performance of personnel. In the final analysis, the result from the study amongst others shows that there is no significant difference between the six states on the types of job performed in the different state public libraries in South-South Nigeria. Meanwhile, there is a significant difference between the extent of job performance of librarians and paraprofessional librarians in public libraries in South-South Nigeria.Originality/valueTo the best of the researchers' knowledge, this research is the first to ascertain library services and job performance of personnel in all public libraries in South-South Nigeria.","PeriodicalId":44583,"journal":{"name":"Performance Measurement and Metrics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2022-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42195106","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-11-18DOI: 10.1108/pmm-09-2021-0048
Zhidong Zang, Xiuxia Li, Ruixia Xie
PurposeTo improve the deficiencies of the existing journal influencing evaluation indexes, which have single influencing factors and are greatly affected by the number of papers published, this paper proposes a new evaluation of the journal influence method based on the RA index.Design/methodology/approachIn the metrics create, the paper introduces the RA index for evaluating the impact of authors and analyzing its feasibility in journal evaluation. Then the RA index is divided by the number of journal's published papers to obtain the RAQ index to evaluate journal impact. In the metrics analysis, the authors analyze the statistical characteristics of the RAQ index using statistical analysis, and t-test, Roc curve and PLS were used to analyze the relationship between the RAQ index and other indicators.FindingsEmpirical results show that the RAQ index can effectively identify high-quality journals and reduce the number of published papers on journal evaluation. The empirical results show that the RAQ index has higher stability and discrimination than the h-index and g-index. Compared with other indexes, the RAQ index has better evaluation effects and statistical characteristics.Originality/valueThe current study proposes journals' RAQ index, which integrates the influence of high-, low- and zero-cited papers. It solves the problem of the virtual high of the h-type index. The findings will contribute to the evaluation of journal influence by offering a new research idea that facilitates the fairness and rationality of journal evaluation.
{"title":"A new index to evaluate the academic impact of journals: RAQ index","authors":"Zhidong Zang, Xiuxia Li, Ruixia Xie","doi":"10.1108/pmm-09-2021-0048","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/pmm-09-2021-0048","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeTo improve the deficiencies of the existing journal influencing evaluation indexes, which have single influencing factors and are greatly affected by the number of papers published, this paper proposes a new evaluation of the journal influence method based on the RA index.Design/methodology/approachIn the metrics create, the paper introduces the RA index for evaluating the impact of authors and analyzing its feasibility in journal evaluation. Then the RA index is divided by the number of journal's published papers to obtain the RAQ index to evaluate journal impact. In the metrics analysis, the authors analyze the statistical characteristics of the RAQ index using statistical analysis, and t-test, Roc curve and PLS were used to analyze the relationship between the RAQ index and other indicators.FindingsEmpirical results show that the RAQ index can effectively identify high-quality journals and reduce the number of published papers on journal evaluation. The empirical results show that the RAQ index has higher stability and discrimination than the h-index and g-index. Compared with other indexes, the RAQ index has better evaluation effects and statistical characteristics.Originality/valueThe current study proposes journals' RAQ index, which integrates the influence of high-, low- and zero-cited papers. It solves the problem of the virtual high of the h-type index. The findings will contribute to the evaluation of journal influence by offering a new research idea that facilitates the fairness and rationality of journal evaluation.","PeriodicalId":44583,"journal":{"name":"Performance Measurement and Metrics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-11-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47997197","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-11-16DOI: 10.1108/pmm-09-2021-0049
Julie Fukuyama, S. Tanner
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the results of a study to examine, determine and propose the optimal approach to develop impact assessment indicators for the UK Web Archive.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyses the existing literature on impact assessment frameworks for digital resources and the types of impact in related fields to set an approach to develop an impact assessment plan. Primarily drawing from the Balanced Value Impact Model, the approach consists of three stages: context setting, indicator development and indicator evaluation.FindingsThe development of a set of potential impact assessment indicators for the UK Web Archive shows not only an optimal approach for the development but also recommendations for web archiving organisations.Research limitations/implicationsThe research did not carry out follow-up interviews regarding the feedback from UK Web Archive's staff. Adoption of the new set of indicators will further this development.Practical implicationsThe staff's duties influence their prioritisation of the indicators, so discussions among partners will be helpful in recognising different perceptions, unnoticed strengths and potential values. A progressive accumulation of assessment and improvements from the current state and small regular evaluations will be also helpful to demonstrate the impact and value to the stakeholders in the future.Originality/valueThis paper proposes a set of 13 potential indicators for the UK Web Archive of which functionality was checked against set quality criteria and tested through semi-structured interviews and survey submissions with the UK Web Archive staff members.
{"title":"Impact assessment indicators for the UK Web Archive","authors":"Julie Fukuyama, S. Tanner","doi":"10.1108/pmm-09-2021-0049","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/pmm-09-2021-0049","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the results of a study to examine, determine and propose the optimal approach to develop impact assessment indicators for the UK Web Archive.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyses the existing literature on impact assessment frameworks for digital resources and the types of impact in related fields to set an approach to develop an impact assessment plan. Primarily drawing from the Balanced Value Impact Model, the approach consists of three stages: context setting, indicator development and indicator evaluation.FindingsThe development of a set of potential impact assessment indicators for the UK Web Archive shows not only an optimal approach for the development but also recommendations for web archiving organisations.Research limitations/implicationsThe research did not carry out follow-up interviews regarding the feedback from UK Web Archive's staff. Adoption of the new set of indicators will further this development.Practical implicationsThe staff's duties influence their prioritisation of the indicators, so discussions among partners will be helpful in recognising different perceptions, unnoticed strengths and potential values. A progressive accumulation of assessment and improvements from the current state and small regular evaluations will be also helpful to demonstrate the impact and value to the stakeholders in the future.Originality/valueThis paper proposes a set of 13 potential indicators for the UK Web Archive of which functionality was checked against set quality criteria and tested through semi-structured interviews and survey submissions with the UK Web Archive staff members.","PeriodicalId":44583,"journal":{"name":"Performance Measurement and Metrics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-11-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47427783","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-11-11DOI: 10.1108/pmm-01-2021-0003
A. Kaba
PurposeThe purpose of this case study is to assess and compare the performance of an academic library, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on data collected from the library management system, usage reports of online databases, and monthly reports and archives to evaluate and assess library performance in managerial activities, collection development, collection treatment, collection circulation, usage of digital resources, quality control, reference services and information literacy activities. Frequency distributions and non-parametric tests were used in identifying differences and testing hypotheses.FindingsThe study found that library performance before the COVID-19 pandemic outperformed library performance during the pandemic in collection development, collection treatment, collection circulation, access and use of digital resources, quality control and information literacy. On the other hand, the library demonstrated higher performance in managerial activities and reference services during the COVID-19 pandemic than that of before the pandemic period. Interestingly, the analysis of the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test revealed statistically no significant difference in the library performance before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results supported all the eight hypotheses stated in this study.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a case study based on data collected from an academic library in the UAE before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings may not be generalized and may differ if more data are analyzed from many academic libraries.Practical implicationsCOVID-19 pandemic is a turning point for library managers to increase the number of digital resources and services, to ensure that library staff are equipped with essential and up-to-date information and communication technology (ICT) skills and knowledge, to ensure that library users are equipped with essential and up-to-date information literacy skills and knowledge. These will enable them to satisfy users' information needs and ensure library operation in disasters and crisis periods.Originality/valueThis is one of the few studies conducted in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to evaluate library performance before and during COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of the study could be an important reference in understanding how libraries responded to COVID-19 pandemic in the Middle East. The results of the study may contribute to the provision of digital resources and services during the pandemic and disasters in the UAE and the Arab world.
{"title":"Assessing an academic library performance before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a case study in UAE","authors":"A. Kaba","doi":"10.1108/pmm-01-2021-0003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/pmm-01-2021-0003","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe purpose of this case study is to assess and compare the performance of an academic library, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on data collected from the library management system, usage reports of online databases, and monthly reports and archives to evaluate and assess library performance in managerial activities, collection development, collection treatment, collection circulation, usage of digital resources, quality control, reference services and information literacy activities. Frequency distributions and non-parametric tests were used in identifying differences and testing hypotheses.FindingsThe study found that library performance before the COVID-19 pandemic outperformed library performance during the pandemic in collection development, collection treatment, collection circulation, access and use of digital resources, quality control and information literacy. On the other hand, the library demonstrated higher performance in managerial activities and reference services during the COVID-19 pandemic than that of before the pandemic period. Interestingly, the analysis of the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test revealed statistically no significant difference in the library performance before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results supported all the eight hypotheses stated in this study.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a case study based on data collected from an academic library in the UAE before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings may not be generalized and may differ if more data are analyzed from many academic libraries.Practical implicationsCOVID-19 pandemic is a turning point for library managers to increase the number of digital resources and services, to ensure that library staff are equipped with essential and up-to-date information and communication technology (ICT) skills and knowledge, to ensure that library users are equipped with essential and up-to-date information literacy skills and knowledge. These will enable them to satisfy users' information needs and ensure library operation in disasters and crisis periods.Originality/valueThis is one of the few studies conducted in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to evaluate library performance before and during COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of the study could be an important reference in understanding how libraries responded to COVID-19 pandemic in the Middle East. The results of the study may contribute to the provision of digital resources and services during the pandemic and disasters in the UAE and the Arab world.","PeriodicalId":44583,"journal":{"name":"Performance Measurement and Metrics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-11-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46654420","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-10-26DOI: 10.1108/pmm-09-2020-0049
Armondo R. Collins, Kathryn Crowe
PurposeThe project was conducted to learn how the services of the digital media commons (DMC) impact and support student success. Data were collected to learn how faculty perceive the instructional support program, how patrons perceive the quality of the services and how students use the services, technology and the space that the DMC occupies. The results will be used to improve services and instruction and to inform the future direction of our instruction support service post-COVID-19.Design/methodology/approachThe project included three phases. First, a survey was sent to faculty who had brought their class for an instruction session to gain input on how they perceived the impact of the instruction and follow-up services on the quality of media projects. The second phase was a customer service survey implemented in the area to learn how patrons used the spaces and technology, what types of projects they completed in the DMC and their satisfaction with the assistance they received. The third phase employed student focus groups that followed up on the information from the survey to pinpoint how students perceive that the DMC impacts their academic success.FindingsThe data gained from the research indicated that (1) the teaching program provides important instruction for media projects, (2) the DMC provides important services and technology that contribute to student success and (3) The DMC space is an important destination for students as a learning space.Research limitations/implicationsThe scope of this case study is limited by the size of sample groups surveyed and the presumed veracity of their responses. The implications of our results do, however, align with reported trends experienced by peer institutions.Practical implicationsThis case study can be used by colleagues from other university's and learning environments to improve their space and instructional support offerings.Social implicationsDigital learning and work environments are increasing across the country due to society's demand for multimedia literacy instruction and technical support. This research will serve as a reference point for institutions starting and/or assessing the direct impact of digital spaces on student success and learning outcomes.Originality/valueAlthough there are many studies on the impact of academic libraries' services, space and resources on student success, few specifically address the contributions of academic library digital media services on student achievement. This project fills that gap and will serve as a model for future research.
{"title":"Where do we grow from here? Assessing the perceived impact of a digital media commons on student success","authors":"Armondo R. Collins, Kathryn Crowe","doi":"10.1108/pmm-09-2020-0049","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/pmm-09-2020-0049","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe project was conducted to learn how the services of the digital media commons (DMC) impact and support student success. Data were collected to learn how faculty perceive the instructional support program, how patrons perceive the quality of the services and how students use the services, technology and the space that the DMC occupies. The results will be used to improve services and instruction and to inform the future direction of our instruction support service post-COVID-19.Design/methodology/approachThe project included three phases. First, a survey was sent to faculty who had brought their class for an instruction session to gain input on how they perceived the impact of the instruction and follow-up services on the quality of media projects. The second phase was a customer service survey implemented in the area to learn how patrons used the spaces and technology, what types of projects they completed in the DMC and their satisfaction with the assistance they received. The third phase employed student focus groups that followed up on the information from the survey to pinpoint how students perceive that the DMC impacts their academic success.FindingsThe data gained from the research indicated that (1) the teaching program provides important instruction for media projects, (2) the DMC provides important services and technology that contribute to student success and (3) The DMC space is an important destination for students as a learning space.Research limitations/implicationsThe scope of this case study is limited by the size of sample groups surveyed and the presumed veracity of their responses. The implications of our results do, however, align with reported trends experienced by peer institutions.Practical implicationsThis case study can be used by colleagues from other university's and learning environments to improve their space and instructional support offerings.Social implicationsDigital learning and work environments are increasing across the country due to society's demand for multimedia literacy instruction and technical support. This research will serve as a reference point for institutions starting and/or assessing the direct impact of digital spaces on student success and learning outcomes.Originality/valueAlthough there are many studies on the impact of academic libraries' services, space and resources on student success, few specifically address the contributions of academic library digital media services on student achievement. This project fills that gap and will serve as a model for future research.","PeriodicalId":44583,"journal":{"name":"Performance Measurement and Metrics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-10-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42862292","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-10-13DOI: 10.1108/pmm-05-2021-0026
B. Lund, Jinxuan Ma
PurposeThis literature review explores the definitions and characteristics of cluster analysis, a machine-learning technique that is frequently implemented to identify groupings in big datasets and its applicability to library and information science (LIS) research. This overview is intended for researchers who are interested in expanding their data analysis repertory to include cluster analysis, rather than for existing experts in this area.Design/methodology/approachA review of LIS articles included in the Library and Information Source (EBSCO) database that employ cluster analysis is performed. An overview of cluster analysis in general (how it works from a statistical standpoint, and how it can be performed by researchers), the most popular cluster analysis techniques and the uses of cluster analysis in LIS is presented.FindingsThe number of LIS studies that employ a cluster analytic approach has grown from about 5 per year in the early 2000s to an average of 35 studies per year in the mid- and late-2010s. The journal Scientometrics has the most articles published within LIS that use cluster analysis (102 studies). Scientometrics is the most common subject area to employ a cluster analytic approach (152 studies). The findings of this review indicate that cluster analysis could make LIS research more accessible by providing an innovative and insightful process of knowledge discovery.Originality/valueThis review is the first to present cluster analysis as an accessible data analysis approach, specifically from an LIS perspective.
{"title":"A review of cluster analysis techniques and their uses in library and information science research: k-means and k-medoids clustering","authors":"B. Lund, Jinxuan Ma","doi":"10.1108/pmm-05-2021-0026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/pmm-05-2021-0026","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThis literature review explores the definitions and characteristics of cluster analysis, a machine-learning technique that is frequently implemented to identify groupings in big datasets and its applicability to library and information science (LIS) research. This overview is intended for researchers who are interested in expanding their data analysis repertory to include cluster analysis, rather than for existing experts in this area.Design/methodology/approachA review of LIS articles included in the Library and Information Source (EBSCO) database that employ cluster analysis is performed. An overview of cluster analysis in general (how it works from a statistical standpoint, and how it can be performed by researchers), the most popular cluster analysis techniques and the uses of cluster analysis in LIS is presented.FindingsThe number of LIS studies that employ a cluster analytic approach has grown from about 5 per year in the early 2000s to an average of 35 studies per year in the mid- and late-2010s. The journal Scientometrics has the most articles published within LIS that use cluster analysis (102 studies). Scientometrics is the most common subject area to employ a cluster analytic approach (152 studies). The findings of this review indicate that cluster analysis could make LIS research more accessible by providing an innovative and insightful process of knowledge discovery.Originality/valueThis review is the first to present cluster analysis as an accessible data analysis approach, specifically from an LIS perspective.","PeriodicalId":44583,"journal":{"name":"Performance Measurement and Metrics","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42026701","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-06-25DOI: 10.1108/pmm-01-2021-0004
Holt Zaugg, Brian Rennick
PurposeFour years after the release of a responsive design website that provides a dynamic screen layout across three access devices (computer, tablet and smartphone), a repeat study was conducted to determine changes in the way that library website functions are and are not accessed.Design/methodology/approachA survey, similar to the original study, was used to determine the rate of access of 20 website functions by three access devices (computer, tablet and smartphone) and a “did not use” (DNU) category. A two-proportion Z-test was used to determine significant differences in the rate of access for each website function and the “did not use” (DNU) category by each access device from 2014 to 2018.FindingsThe computer is still the primary tool used to access website functions, but its rate of use is declining, while access via the smartphone is increasing, including research and for learning functions traditionally accessed only by computer. Access by tablet, with poor website function access rates in 2014, declined in use, with some rates approaching zero. Increases in the DNU category for website functions occurred, but reasons why were not determined. The increases raised questions about the relevance of some of the website functions and if other actions are needed to increase use.Originality/valueRepeating the 2014 study provided insights into the changing landscape of device preferences for accessing library website functions. The number of significant changes identified demonstrates the importance of recurring studies to determine how online access to library website functions evolves over time.
{"title":"Comparison of library website function access tools 2014–2018","authors":"Holt Zaugg, Brian Rennick","doi":"10.1108/pmm-01-2021-0004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/pmm-01-2021-0004","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeFour years after the release of a responsive design website that provides a dynamic screen layout across three access devices (computer, tablet and smartphone), a repeat study was conducted to determine changes in the way that library website functions are and are not accessed.Design/methodology/approachA survey, similar to the original study, was used to determine the rate of access of 20 website functions by three access devices (computer, tablet and smartphone) and a “did not use” (DNU) category. A two-proportion Z-test was used to determine significant differences in the rate of access for each website function and the “did not use” (DNU) category by each access device from 2014 to 2018.FindingsThe computer is still the primary tool used to access website functions, but its rate of use is declining, while access via the smartphone is increasing, including research and for learning functions traditionally accessed only by computer. Access by tablet, with poor website function access rates in 2014, declined in use, with some rates approaching zero. Increases in the DNU category for website functions occurred, but reasons why were not determined. The increases raised questions about the relevance of some of the website functions and if other actions are needed to increase use.Originality/valueRepeating the 2014 study provided insights into the changing landscape of device preferences for accessing library website functions. The number of significant changes identified demonstrates the importance of recurring studies to determine how online access to library website functions evolves over time.","PeriodicalId":44583,"journal":{"name":"Performance Measurement and Metrics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48462558","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-06-22DOI: 10.1108/pmm-04-2020-0021
J. Scoulas
PurposeThis study aims to examine if differences exist in undergraduate students' library use, perceptions and grade point average (GPA) among science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and non-STEM disciplines.Design/methodology/approachThe current study used data from the 2018 student survey. Among 2,277 students who completed the survey (response rate = 8%), only undergraduate students (n = 1,265) were selected for this study because the current study aims to examine the differences between STEM and non-STEM undergraduate students.FindingsThe findings from a Mann–Whitney U test revealed that STEM respondents perceived specific library resources (subject and course guide, library instructions and library workshops) as slightly less than non-STEM respondents. The results from ANOVA demonstrated that the mean scores in GPA for STEM respondents who never used online library, journals and databases were lower than respondents who used those library resources, regardless of STEM and non-STEM disciplines.Originality/valueRevisiting the data collected and analyzing specific user groups will be valuable to academic libraries because this study will provide academic librarians with a deeper understanding of specific user needs and perceptions of library resources and services.
{"title":"STEM undergraduate students: library use, perceptions and GPA","authors":"J. Scoulas","doi":"10.1108/pmm-04-2020-0021","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/pmm-04-2020-0021","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThis study aims to examine if differences exist in undergraduate students' library use, perceptions and grade point average (GPA) among science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and non-STEM disciplines.Design/methodology/approachThe current study used data from the 2018 student survey. Among 2,277 students who completed the survey (response rate = 8%), only undergraduate students (n = 1,265) were selected for this study because the current study aims to examine the differences between STEM and non-STEM undergraduate students.FindingsThe findings from a Mann–Whitney U test revealed that STEM respondents perceived specific library resources (subject and course guide, library instructions and library workshops) as slightly less than non-STEM respondents. The results from ANOVA demonstrated that the mean scores in GPA for STEM respondents who never used online library, journals and databases were lower than respondents who used those library resources, regardless of STEM and non-STEM disciplines.Originality/valueRevisiting the data collected and analyzing specific user groups will be valuable to academic libraries because this study will provide academic librarians with a deeper understanding of specific user needs and perceptions of library resources and services.","PeriodicalId":44583,"journal":{"name":"Performance Measurement and Metrics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-06-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43948235","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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