The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is the leading international body representing the interests of library and information services and their users. It is the global voice of the information profession. The series IFLA Publications deals with many of the means through which libraries, information centres, and information professionals worldwide can formulate their goals, exert their influence as a group, protect their interests, and find solutions to global problems.
Academic libraries cater to the diverse needs of scholars, scientists, technocrats, researchers, students, and others personally and professionally invested in higher education. Due to advancements in information and communication technologies (ICT), the vision and mission of academic libraries are changing in developing countries. Challenges of Academic Library Management in Developing Countries provides the latest theoretical frameworks and empirical research into academic libraries, investigating concerns such as illiteracy, budgeting, software development, technical training, and others. In particular, this book will be of use to professionals and researchers working in the field of library and information science who are looking for new methods and best practices in the management of effective academic libraries. This book is part of the Advances in Library and Information Science series collection.
The emotive discourses on the subject of university rankings are directly linked to the effect of such rankings on the performance of universities throughout the world. It has been observed that the top-ranked universities attract major financial commitments from the industry, the best students, quality researchers, and a wide range of other quality endowments such as equipment, libraries, and laboratories. It is not surprising that the ranking of universities has gained popularity and become a significant factor shaping not only the reputation of universities but also the performance of said institutions around the world, including the developing countries. Impact of Global University Ranking Systems on Developing Countries presents a collection of perspectives from scholars and other stakeholders on the impact of the global ranking systems on developing countries. The book is an additional resource for discussion and discourse as far as the global university ranking systems are concerned and opens new frontiers for further research. Covering key topics such as assessment, ethics, and academic freedom, this premier reference source is ideal for administrators, policymakers, researchers, scholars, academicians, practitioners, instructors, and students.
The field of library and information science is experiencing significant and continued transformation as a result of advancements in digital technology. Adapting to new technologies is crucial for librarians and other information professionals, but there exists a particularly acute gap in technology adoption among developing countries. Library and Information Science in Developing Countries: Contemporary Issues explores the relationship between global technology development and the impact of new technologies on library practice, library education, and information science. Book chapters and case studies in this work provide insight to and support for practitioners and executives concerned with the management of knowledge, information, and organizational development in different types of work environments and learning communities.
There is great consistency throughout these articles, research projects, management schemes, and standards, in and out of librarianship. Does the repetition suggest that the lessons have not yet been learned? Rather, it may be that there is no new silver bullet or shortcut for academic libraries. Experience reveals that one may have the formal process without getting good results and vice versa; the determining factor is whether the library staff, managers, and stakeholders define certain fundamental assumptions about the nature of the enterprise. All the above have in common the following underlying components: The careful definition of goals or of some kind of criteria against which success can be assessed A focus on meeting the needs of the users, as defined by the library and the institution Leadership: a commitment from the top, conscious efforts at ensuring communication, the provision of training and resources for the process of evaluation, the active support of a process to promote shared values The involvement of all levels of staff in goal setting, evaluation, and the improvement of processes and services Integrating a process of evaluation that is continuous and adaptive, whether that process is based on the framework of TQM, strategic planning, or another model
While high quality library and information services continue to thrive and strengthen economic and social development, much of the knowledge that exists on users needs and behaviors is fundamentally based on the results of users in English-speaking, western developed countries. Information Access and Library User Needs in Developing Countries highlights the struggles that developing countries face in terms of information gaps and information-seeking user behavior. The publication highlights ways in which users in developing countries can benefit from properly implementing LIS services. Researchers, academics, and practitioners interested in the design and delivery of information services will benefit from this collection of research.
In International Copyright Law and Access to Education in Developing Countries: Exploring Multilateral Legal and Quasi-Legal Solutions, Susan Isiko Štrba demonstrates the challenge of access to printed copyrighted educational and research materials in developing countries and proposes institutional and normative solutions at national and international levels.
The theme of this meeting was the management of technologies in the context of developing countries, and in the light of recent developments concerning especially open source software and applications. Speakers from various countries debated in English and in French over the importance of changing the rules concerning library management systems, as well as related implications. Results show that open source software might be a solution, although some conditions apply. Réunis sous le thème de la gestion des systèmes automatisés de bibliothèques dans les pays en développement, conférenciers et participants discutèrent des changements récents dans ce domaine, notamment de l'apport des logiciels à code source ouvert. Les conférenciers, provenant de différents pays, présentèrent en anglais et en français leurs différents points de vue et expériences sur cette question importante pour l'avenir, de même que sur les implications qui y sont liées. Les résultats démontrent que les logiciels à code source ouverts peuvent être une solution, mais à certaines conditions.
