NISCAIR Online Periodicals Repository Collection: ALIS Vol.59(2) [June 2012]

Computer skills set of librarians in Nigeria: Confronting the stereotype

Tue, 29 May 2012 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Computer skills set of librarians in Nigeria: Confronting the stereotype

Authors: Anyaoku, Ebele N.

Abstract: Despite the importance of information and communication technologies to the present day information delivery, most reports and studies ascribe low computer literacy to librarians in Nigeria. The present research sought to reexamine computer skills of librarians in Nigeria. Questionnaire was used to collect data for this research. One hundred and eighty four librarians participated in the study. Results show an improved computer literacy level for librarians in the study when compared to results obtained in previous studies. On a self-assessment basis, computer literacy for the various facets of computer and software use ranges from 60% to 98% literacy levels. Although the findings of the research show an improvement over previous studies’ levels, there is still need to ensure that every librarian in the country is equipped with all necessary information and communication technology skills to enable the individual function effectively in the present age.

Page(s): 128-134

Letter correspondences of Rabindranath Tagore: A Study

Tue, 29 May 2012 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Letter correspondences of Rabindranath Tagore: A Study

Authors: Ray, Partha Pratim; Sen, B.K.

Abstract: Published letters written by Rabindranath Tagore counts to four thousand ninety eight. Besides family members and Santiniketan associates, Tagore wrote to different personalities like litterateurs, poets, artists, editors, thinkers, scientists, politicians, statesmen and government officials. These letters form a substantial part of intellectual output of ‘Tagoreana’ (all the intellectual output of Rabindranath). The present paper attempts to study the growth pattern of letters written by Rabindranath and to find out whether it follows Bradford’s Law. It is observed from the study that Rabindranath wrote letters throughout his literary career to three hundred fifteen persons covering all aspects such as literary, social, educational, philosophical as well as personal matters and it does not strictly satisfy Bradford’s bibliometric law.

Page(s): 122-127

Analysis of India’s solar photovoltaics research output

Tue, 29 May 2012 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Analysis of India’s solar photovoltaics research output

Authors: Sinha, Bikramjit; Joshi, Kirti

Abstract: Knowledge of national research trends and thrust areas as well as R&D capability in solar photovoltaics has become all the more essential following the launching of the National Solar Mission in 2010. The present study analyzes the status of solar PV research in India encompassing aspects such as pattern of output, impact of research, thrust of research; identifies the leading agencies, institutes and authors including their research thrust. Finally, the paper looks into the pattern of collaboration in Indian solar PV research including academia-industry collaboration. The study concludes that a comprehensive mapping of solar PV R&D capability of India should be taken out on a priority basis in order to make effective R&D strategies to take advantage of supportive policy initiatives like the National Solar Mission.

Page(s): 106-121

Creating universal resource locator links on library computers desktop: A panacea for students’ underutilization of subscribed electronic databases in academic institutions in Nigeria

Tue, 29 May 2012 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Creating universal resource locator links on library computers desktop: A panacea for students’ underutilization of subscribed electronic databases in academic institutions in Nigeria

Authors: Uzuegbu, C. P.; Chukwu, O.C.; Ibegwam, A.

Abstract: This study is a 3-week experiment using Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU) Digital Library and clients as study area and population respectively. Having observed the problem of students and researchers underutilization of electronic databases subscribed by academic institutions in Nigeria, the research was aimed at testing students and researchers approach to a new method that may enhance usage of subscribed electronic databases and recommend it if positive. Dummy links, representing some of the Universal Resource Locators (URLs) of the databases subscribed by MOUAU were created as the desktop page of ten computers in the digital library. Designed purposively, a click on the dummy links referred clients to the librarian. The record of clients who reported to the Digital Librarian as a result of the dummy upload request was collated. Apart from finding that, gender, level of study and purpose of visit are electronic database utilization variables, the study reveals that creating URL links on desktop pages would effectively sensitize and increase students’ utilisation of the various electronic databases subscribed by individual Nigerian academic institutions. The experiment’s result show that URL links would effectively introduce subscribed electronic databases to students and researchers much better than any other means.

Page(s): 97-105