In search of service innovations by public libraries in Chinese urban centers:A case study of Dongguan Library

This article introduces several of the more significant service delivery innovations and their resulting accomplishments instigated by Dongguan Library(thereafter abbreviated as DGL) in recent years. The textual exposition of this paper is based on a case study of DGL by this author about its user-centered vision, mission, immediate objectives and the exhibited service performance within a contextual environment of collegial support from its professional peers. After a five-year period of intensive efforts on such focused professional development and practice, DGL has completed its information service mapping and information delivery for the entire municipality of Dongguan on a 7-day and twentyfour-hour(7/24) basis. This singular feast of accomplishment seems to suggest the moral that any significant development of scale of a municipal library has to be in keeping pace closely with the progress of the society at large in general and with the changing information demands of its local clientele in particular.

A multidimensional and hierarchical model of library mobile service quality

Purpose:Based on the understanding of the characteristics of mobile services(m-services)provided by libraries,we attempt to develop a multidimensional and hierarchical model and a specifically designed measurement scale for the assessment of libraries' m-service quality.Design/methodology/approach:The research has been conducted sequentially in two stages.At the first stage,a multidimensional and hierarchical model of library m-service quality and a measurement scale are developed through literature review and focus group interviews.At the second stage the model is tested using partial disaggregation technique for an analysis of the data collected from over 400 library users in 3 Chinese universities.Findings:The proposed model is shown to fit the data well.The empirical analysis provides strong support for the model,which includes 4 dimensions(service environment,service interaction,information control and service effect) and 12 corresponding sub-dimensions.Research limitations:The sample size needs to be enlarged and the user types need to be expanded to make the sample more representative.Practical implications:The study provides a conceptual framework and measurement tool that can help library managers understand the users' needs in the context of mobile network environment,and boost their libraries' competitiveness by carrying out better services to meet the user demands.Originality/value:The proposed model and measurement scale specifically designed for the assessment of libraries' m-service quality fully reflect the hierarchical structure of libraries' m-service quality.In addition,by using partial disaggregation technique for model testing,we believe our research can serve as a practical reference to those engaged in the development and examination of a multidimensional and hierarchical model.

The college students' response to customized information services based on Library2.0 technologies at universities in Nanjing

Through a questionnaire survey of students’ response from 6 universities in Nanjing, this paper aims to determine their varying degrees of satisfaction about the customized information service based on Library2.0 technologies. In so doing, the authors carefully examined the data collected from the returned questionnaires about such key issues as the students’ perceptions about the customized information service via a Library2.0platform, self-initiated use experience of such a mechanism, their achieved information searching results vis-à-vis their expectations, etc. In addition, the authors also made a comparative study between information providers(i.e. librarians) and information consumers(i.e. students) at Chinese and American academic libraries.

On Public Library Service Brands

This paper makes a comprehensive analysis of the building of public library service brands in China since the initiation of the reform and opening up in 1978 and anticipate their future development in five aspects,i.e.,critical interpretation of its established culture and analysis of its characteristics,logic of the time,vivid practice,virtuous approaches,as well as future development.

Adjusting the information service strategies according to users' requirements—A survey of the library users' information requirements in the four library systems of Zhejiang province

Based on a survey of the circumstances of the information requirements in social science from more than 3,800 library users in 48 libraries of the four major library systems in Zhejiang Province,this paper analyzes the present main characteristics of the users' requirements to the social science document information and puts forward some proposals for adjusting the document information service strategies for the library and information institutions.

Sports Education Library Information Services

Library website,is the first window for readers to understand library information services.Sports Education academy library fully take advantage of homepage,combine open access resource searched with the library collections,after targeted collection,selection,sorting,processing,clustering or reorganization,establish a navigation system of open access resource of physical Sports Education.

Discussion and Reflections on University Library of Subject Knowledge-based Service Model

With the rapid development of computer technology and network technology, the service model of university library gradually goes to the intelligent, personalized directionfrom the traditional single reference, but there are many shortcomings. It cannot fully satisfy the increasing needs for the division Health research and information, it must actively build the University Library subject Knowledge service Model of a science. This paper introduces the subject of service concepts of library knowledge, proposes effective method to build service model of university library knowledge, and strengthens academic knowledge service countermeasures to promote the development of knowledge- disciplinary university library services.

Strategy on Enhancing Service Quality of College Library for Readers

The need of users is constantly changing,this article will analyze and state the way to enhance the service quality of college library for readers.That is how we can provide better service for users and readers,and promote the service of college library.

Based on the Construction of University Library and the Evaluation of Space Service Quality

In order to strengthen the construction of university library,promote the sustainable development of university library,and provide a good library space environment for university students,this paper expounds the quality evaluation of university library by establishing the evaluation index of space service quality,and puts forward the ways to improve the service quality of University Library for reference.

A study of subject-focused liaison services to its academic constituents under an IC^2 conceptualized program at Shanghai Jiao Tong University Library

This paper stipulates that the subject-based library liaison service to a university's teaching and research programs with certain embedded distinctive features should become the mainstream modus operandi of its library service. It takes the innovative service program based on an IC2 conceptualized program at Shanghai Jiao Tong University Library(thereafter abbreviated as SJTUL) as a concrete example to elucidate the merit of such an endeavor. Specifically, this paper discusses the particular development background, overall objectives and service contents of the IC2 motivated program at SJTUL. By presenting a detailed account of some of the key measures, major achievements and also possible future directions of library service development under the guiding principles of SJTUL's IC2 program, these authors hope that its innovative library practice may serve as a reference for other academic librarians to gain some inspirations for their own parallel service innovations or refinement focused on subject-oriented library liaison service to their constituents and parent institution's curricula and research projects.

Discussion on E-books and Library Borrowing Service

With the vigorous development of network information technology,e-book borrowing service came into being and showed a vigorous development trend.Therefore,in order to strengthen the service function,the library needs to gradually improve the e-book borrowing service,so as to provide readers with high-quality service content,so that the library can give full play to its function of disseminating scientific and cultural knowledge.Therefore,in this article research,we first discuss the main reading methods of e-books,then investigate the current reading situation of e-books and traditional paper books in the library,and then put forward corresponding development strategies to effectively promote the rapid development of the library and strengthen the level of e-book borrowing service.

Innovations of subject service in National Science Library,Chinese Academy of Sciences and the implications

Looking at the development of subject librarians and subject services in Chinese libraries during the past decade,this paper highlights the innovative concepts and practices of subject librarians in National Science Library(NSL),Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS).After a two-year trial period,NSL,CAS,with 39 full-time subject librarians,has begun to provide personalized,subject-specific,and knowledge-based services to the end-users since 2006.Such a practice manifests that subject librarians and subject services should be embedded into the research process and working environment.And,the subject service should be made available to the users beyond the space restriction and time limit,and finally create a congenial environment for users.Librarians should develop new expertise to offer the user-oriented service,changing the role from book keepers to research instructors,advisors,even chief information officer(CIO)or chief knowledge officer(CKO).

The practice and reflection of providing the Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery Services in Vocational Colleges libraries

Abstract ： Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery Service is the major form for libraries to share resources.The librairies of universities or colleges can better guarantee the supply of document information ,accommodating to users＇ need for documents to the greatest extent.This article elaborates on the definition of Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery as well as their significance with a key focus on the Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery practice of Oriental Vocational and Technical College in Zhejiang, meanwhile it also puts forward some suggestions on how to better practisee the service of lnterlibrary Loan and Document Delivery.

A New Start for the Library and Information Services at CAS

The new modern library of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), situated in the central area of Science Town in Zhongguancun, Beijing, has just been put into operation. As the largest specialized library in China, the library has become one of paradises for China' s avid readers,offering a central repository and global gateway for the collection and dissemination of scientific and technical information.……

The Role of Library and Information Science Education in the Development of Community Health Information Services for People Living with HIV/AIDS: Perspectives of Directors and Managers of Public Libraries

This article identifies the role of library and information science (LIS) education in the development of community health information services for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Preliminary findings are presented from semi- structured qualitative interviews that were conducted with eleven directors and managers of local branches in the Knox County Public Library (KCPL) System that is located in the East Tennessee region in the United States. Select feedback reported by research participants is summarized in the article about strategies in LIS education that can help local public librarians and others in their efforts to become more responsive information providers to PLWHA. Research findings help better understand the issues and concerns regarding the development of digital and non-digital health information services for PLWHA in local public library institutions.

Research on the One-Stop Information Service Model for University Library

Following the advent of and continuous progress of technology,computer network and information management have gradually being incorporated into the daily operation and management of university libraries all around the world.The service system of university libraries has also transformed from the conventional reference consulting model into a knowledge-based service model.This transformation has improved the professionalism and individualism of university libraries.Therefore,establishing a competent one-stop information service model has significant and important values.In this work,we analyzed the basic functionalities and the feasibility of one-stop information service model for university libraries.We also discussed in details the construction methodology for different modes,for reference only.

Public library services to older adults in China:An empirical study based on content analysis

Purpose:The research is undertaken to help the Chinese public libraries answer the growing needs for library services to the elderly.Based on an investigation of the current situation of the services to older adults in China and a comparative analysis of the services in the U.S.,we attempt to explore what improvements the Chinese public libraries can make to better serve the needs of older adults.Design/methodology/approach:We empirically analyzed the older adults services of 271public libraries in China from 2002 to 2011 via content analysis of both the print materials such as the regulations and policies released by these libraries and the related information on the libraries' websites and the Internet Web pages.Findings:Great strides have been made in the Chinese public libraries' services to older adults in constructing service systems,providing facilities and equipment,exploring cooperative programming,and planning diversified and regularly scheduled activities.Compared with American counterparts,however,the Chinese public libraries need to catch up in understanding the elderly people as library users,planning customized services,formulating service guidelines and evaluation systems,and working with other local agencies for cooperative programming for seniors in communities.Research limitations:It is hard to collect more data covering more geographical areas and longer periods of time.The content analysis of libraries' policies and regulations is a very rough approximation of the libraries' 'real' services.The study should be extended to visits to public libraries in the future.Practical implications:This study provides useful information for the Chinese library policymakers to formulate regulations and policies to provide services to older adults.Originality/value:To the best of our knowledge,the comprehensive survey reported in this paper is the first in-depth investigation of the current situation of public library services to older adults in China,providing the analysis framework for more in-depth surveys in the future.

Deployment of Soft Skills for Effective Customer Service in the 21^stCentury Library

The advent of information communication technology in the information environment has brought dramatic changes in the way information is being handled and managed today. This wind of change engineered by ICT has also changed the information seeking behavior of users making them to place more demands on libraries. There is a need for libraries to strive to be effective in their services to customers in order to remain relevant in the information age. The paper considered the deployment of soft skills expressed in terms of staff appearance, approachability, effective communication, positive attitude, ability to cope in difficult situation, and so on, for more effective customer services in the 21st century library. The paper concluded that, effective customer service in libraries is imperative in the 21st century library as it will make library users feel important, improves learning, increases patronage, and promotes library and university image. The outcome of this paper will help the management of libraries irrespective of the type to be more effective in the services they render to their clients. This will ultimately increase patronage and clients retention.

Digital Library Service Initiative of the Hong Kong Institute of Education Library

This paper presented the philosophy and the design concepts of the Hong Kong Institute of Education (HKIEd) Library Digital Library Service Initiative, focusing on two in house developed digital library components, EdIS and EdVideo, around its core digital library components of the INNOPAC Integrated Library System, Library Website, electronic resources from vendors. Description on the development of these systems was made.

New Measures of Chinese University Library Knowledge Service under the Cloudization Background

This article mainly explores and analyzes the application of network broadcast in the lecture service of university library under the cloudization background. By using the online survey method to investigate the lectures in some universities, it introduces the classification and characteristics of the network broadcast and obtains the advantage of network broadcast applied to lecture training through making contrast between the means of network multimedia. The result shows that the introduction of network broadcast can realize more customized, virtual and specialized lecture services, and facilitate the transformation of university library services in the digital era.