NISCAIR Online Periodicals Repository Community: ALIS Vol.55 [2008]

An analysis of usability features of library web sites

Thu, 29 May 2008 22:58:59 GMT

Title: An analysis of usability features of library web sites

Authors: N, Vasantha Raju; Harinarayana, N. S

Abstract: Studies thirty library websites of top science universities around the world for their design features with special reference to usability. The guidelines suggested by National Cancer Institute have been applied to measure the usability features of the selected web sites. The parameters like Optimizing the user experience; link back to home; colour link behaviour; navigability; and multimedia features have been studied for the websites. The results showed that only 53.33% of library web sites provides, frequently asked questions (FAQs). The time out option has been neglected by all the web sites except one. It is noticed that only 39.99% of the web sites have provision for explicit home link as well as through logos. Persistent navigation feature is observed only on 50% of the web sites. Only 8% of the web sites use the de facto link color coding. Library web sites are yet to exploit the advantages of multimedia (interactivity features). It is found from the survey that only 30% of the web sites contain video contents and none of the web sites contained exclusive audio files.

Page(s): 111-122

CD-ROM collection management and development of a web interface by using WINISIS/GENISIS at P K Kelkar Library, IIT Kanpur

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 22:58:59 GMT

Title: CD-ROM collection management and development of a web interface by using WINISIS/GENISIS at P K Kelkar Library, IIT Kanpur

Authors: Mishra, R; Kumar, Rajesh; Tripathi, D P

Abstract: The advent of CD-ROM technology has made profound impact on library services with its unique features of large storage capacity and iterative search facility. The P K Kelkar Library of IIT Kanpur had started procuring CD-ROMs and other multimedia resources to overcome the ever growing need of space, as also to provide fast and iterative search facility to its user since 1990s. The purpose of this paper is to describe the processes involved in managing the CD-ROM collection at P. K. Kelkar Library.The paper discusses the importance of CD-ROM in relation to de-stressing library collection. It outlines the planning and processes involved in organizing CD-ROM collection on shelves and development of a user interface through open-source software, i.e., Winisis and GenisisWeb.

Page(s): 265-274

A bibliometric analysis on nanotechnology research

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 22:58:59 GMT

Title: A bibliometric analysis on nanotechnology research

Authors: Nazim, Mohammad; Ahmad, Moin

Abstract: Examines the scientific output in the field of ‘nanotechnology’, the aim being to offer an overview of research trends in this field and characterize its most important aspects such as growth of literature, authorship pattern, most productive journals, authors, countries, etc. A total of 2675 articles for the period of 1991-2006 were collected from Web of Science (WoS), especially via the Science Citation Index. The various analyses focus on the presentation of publications, frequencies and percentages. Authorship pattern and core journals were examined using Lotka’s Law and Bradford’s Law of scattering respectively. The yearly analysis shows that there is a rapid growth of nanotechnology research from the beginning of 21st century. When applying Bradford’s law of scattering with respect to the identification of core journals, three concentric zones were defined with the ratio of 32:149:639, which are partially in accordance with the Bradford’s distribution. With respect to the author productivity through the application of Lotka’s law it was observed that the values obtained were widely different from the real values.

Page(s): 292-299

Bibliographical literature on LIS marketing: a review

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Bibliographical literature on LIS marketing: a review

Authors: Gupta, Dinesh K

Abstract: Bibliographies are important source of information for researchers and practitioners. Bibliographies available on marketing of library and information services have been analyzed. Select bibliographies, annotated bibliographies, webliographies and literature reviews have been included. These have been evaluated and useful evaluation criteria have been used to help readers in selecting appropriate bibliographies for use.

Page(s): 308-316