Portfolio Entry #14: Abstracts ~ Part 2

Portfolio Entry #14

~ Abstracts: Part 2 ~

 ♦ Exercises ♦

Abstract #1: Identifying the prevailing images in Library and Information Science profession: is the landscape changing?

This paper aims to provide a systematic review on Library and Information Science profession’s image and stereotypes from 2000-2013. In particular, it aims to identify and analyze the prevailing images of librarians in various contexts and explore possible changes occurring over time. The method of systematic review is adopted to identify the prevailing images in Library and Information Science profession. Specifically, sixty papers were selected and five main themes emerged such as "public’s perceptions", "librarians’ perceptions", "students’ perceptions", "mass media" and "image as an issue" after a thorough analysis of papers’ aim. It was found that librarians were negatively perceived by both the wider public and the students. In terms of mass media, the image of ‘the old maid’ was dominant whereas newspapers focused on the male librarian who was perceived as glamorous. Positive stereotypes were also found in children books. On the whole, librarian’s image and relevant stereotypes have not changed considerably over time. This literature review considered only papers published between 2000 and 2013 and only in English mainly due to language restrictions. This review identifies, critically analyzes and discusses the literature on the prevailing images and stereotypes associated with Library and Information Science profession in the last thirteen years. In addition, it attempts to identify and discuss any changes that occurred in this time frame.

Vassilakaki, Evgenia & Moniarou-Papaconstantinou, Valentini. (2014) in New Library World. 115. 10.1108/NLW-03-2014-0029. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/NLW-03-2014-0029

Which sentence/s...?

describe(s) the background situation/ introduce(s) the topic? This review identifies, critically analyzes and discusses the literature on the prevailing images and stereotypes associated with Library and Information Science profession in the last thirteen years. In addition, it attempts to identify and discuss any changes that occurred in this time frame.

present(s) the purpose of the paper? This paper aims to provide a systematic review on Library and Information Science profession’s image and stereotypes from 2000-2013. In particular, it aims to identify and analyze the prevailing images of librarians in various contexts and explore possible changes occurring over time.

describe(s) the methods of the study? The method of systematic review is adopted to identify the prevailing images in Library and Information Science profession. Specifically, sixty papers were selected and five main themes emerged such as "public’s perceptions", "librarians’ perceptions", "students’ perceptions", "mass media" and "image as an issue" after a thorough analysis of papers’ aim. This literature review considered only papers published between 2000 and 2013 and only in English mainly due to language restrictions.

present(s) findings and results? It was found that librarians were negatively perceived by both the wider public and the students. In terms of mass media, the image of ‘the old maid’ was dominant whereas newspapers focused on the male librarian who was perceived as glamorous. Positive stereotypes were also found in children books.

explain(s) discussions or conclusions? On the whole, librarian’s image and relevant stereotypes have not changed considerably over time.

Abstract #2: User Perception and Use of the Academic Library: A Correlation Analysis

This study explores user perception, the use of an academic library, and the correlation between user perception and library use. The findings indicate that the academic library is a preferred place to study and spend time during non-class times on campus. The frequent user activities in the library included individual study, reading, computer use, finding information, group study, using reference and information services, and meeting and socializing. The correlation between library use and each of the user activities was examined. The findings suggest that users perceive the academic library primarily as a place for learning and information seeking. The study shows how users perceive and use the academic library, and provides insights into how libraries can strengthen their place and advance their role in the academic community.

Kim, J. (2017) in The Journal of Academic Librarianship. Vol 43. Issue 3. pp 209 - 215 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2017.03.002

Which sentence/s...?

describe(s) the background situation/ introduce(s) the topic?  This study explores user perception, the use of an academic library, and the correlation between user perception and library use.

present(s) the purpose of the paper? The study shows how users perceive and use the academic library, and provides insights into how libraries can strengthen their place and advance their role in the academic community.

describe(s) the methods of the study? The correlation between library use and each of the user activities was examined.

present(s) findings and results? The findings indicate that the academic library is a preferred place to study and spend time during non-class times on campus. The frequent user activities in the library included individual study, reading, computer use, finding information, group study, using reference and information services, and meeting and socializing.

explain(s) discussions or conclusions The findings suggest that users perceive the academic library primarily as a place for learning and information seeking.

Abstract #3: Educational Usage of Mobile Devices: Differences Between Postgraduate and Undergraduate Students

The rapid increase of smartphone usage in recent years has provided students the opportunity to participate in mobile learning (m-learning) anywhere, anytime. Academic institutions are also following this trend to launch many m-learning services. This article investigates the differences of the user needs between undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students though an online survey with 140 Library Information Systems (LIS) subjects in a Japanese university in order to provide solid foundations for future m-learning studies. We find that UG and PG students do not show significant differences in adopting m-learning by smartphones despite the fact that they have different learning patterns. The m-learning frequencies of smartphones generally range from weekly to monthly, where using search engines is the most frequent, and reading academic resources is the least frequent. They tend to use these services for handling their daily routines (such as search engine, social networks) rather than their academic activities (such as using online databases to search for academic materials). Further, the results also show that content displaying issues (e.g., small display screen, text unable to enlarge) are barriers for most subjects in using these m-learning services.

Lau, K. P. (2017) in The Journal of Academic Librarianship. Vol 43. Issue 3. pp 201-208 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2017.03.004

Which sentence/s...?

describe(s) the background situation/ introduce(s) the topic? The rapid increase of smartphone usage in recent years has provided students the opportunity to participate in mobile learning (m-learning) anywhere, anytime.  Academic institutions are also following this trend to launch many m-learning services.

present(s) the purpose of the paper? This article investigates the differences of the user needs between undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students through an online survey with 140 Library Information Systems (LIS) subjects in a Japanese university in order to provide solid foundations for future m-learning studies.

describe(s) the methods of the study? This article investigates the differences of the user needs between undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students through an online survey with 140 Library Information Systems (LIS) subjects in a Japanese university in order to provide solid foundations for future m-learning studies.

present(s) findings and results? We find that UG and PG students do not show significant differences in adopting m-learning by smartphones despite the fact that they have different learning patterns.  The m-learning frequencies of smartphones generally range from weekly to monthly, where using search engines is the most frequent, and reading academic resources is the least frequent.  They tend to use these services for handling their daily routines (such as search engine, social networks) rather than their academic activities (such as using online databases to search for academic materials).

explain(s) discussions or conclusions  Further, the results also show that content displaying issues (e.g., small display screen, text unable to enlarge) are barriers for most subjects in using these m-learning services.

 ♦ What is an Abstract? ♦

An Abstract is a short summary of a research paper or entire thesis. It introduces the topic and highlights ideas and key points of the research, its purpose and outcomes or results. It consists in a single paragraph, and its function is to outline briefly all parts of the paper.

An abstract is important for selection and indexing purposes. It helps readers take a quick look and decide whether the paper is relevant to their interests or needs, and if they should read it completely. When it includes key words or concepts, an abstract can also help in finding the paper quickly during an indexed search at a library database.