Academic digital library in Malaysia: A case study on the status of digital reference services

This paper highlights the current status of digital library services provided by selected public academic libraries in Malaysia. The drift from traditional library to digital library architecture has set drastic changes in favor of adopting knowledge-gain mechanisms via the use of networked and digital environments. With diversity of functions, academic digital library is seen the most awaiting proxy in changing the information culture among academic users. This paper in general attempts to highlight the phenomena of using digital library system in public universities in Malaysia. The focal of the discussion is on digital reference services of academic digital library

Promoting libraries through wall : Needs, wants and opportunities

Most of the libraries nowadays were changing their promotion strategy by utilizing online social network such as Facebook as a channel to reach their services to the public. Libraries in Malaysia were not left behind in using this opportunities as a platform to promote their services towards the patrons a whole. However, there are still some limitations for the libraries in Malaysia to use Facebook applications thoroughly. Libraries in Malaysia need to do some research and observations to the maximum by utilizing the Facebook application in order for them to attract more patrons utilizing the Facebook that was developed by libraries.Facebook is developed as a medium for the patrons in getting to know the latest information, events, resources, products and services available in the libraries. This paper will focus on the barriers and limitations face by the librarians in using the Facebook towards promoting libraries resources, services, events, products and etc. Moreover, this paper also will discuss on how the libraries in Malaysia promoting their services as compare to the others international libraries. Standard frameworks of Facebook applications will be developed and used by Malaysian Libraries to ensure that they can utilize the Facebook successfully

Navigating an auto guided vehicle using rotary encoders and proportional controller

Auto Guided Vehicle (AGV) is commonly used in industry to reduce labour cost and to improve the productivity. A few programmable devices are combined in an AGV to optimize the usage of time and energy. AGV is widely used to transport goods and materials from one place to another place. For the first generation of AGV was used the track to guide the AGV but it was not flexible enough. This study investigates an alternative to control an AGV using two rotary encoders and proportional controller. Arduino Mega 2560 was used as a microcontroller to receive and process the signals from the rotary encoders. Logic controller and proportional controller were implemented to control the AGV, respectively. The coefficient of proportional controller was optimized to improve the performance of the AGV during navigation process. Findings show that AGV with the proportional controller with coefficient 1.5 achieved the best performance during the navigation process

National Library of Malaysia Annual Report 2001

This Annual Report reflects the PNM activities during 2001, to support their vision,"The National Library of Malaysia aspires to be a world class library in the provision of excellent information services towards the realization of Malaysia's vision of becoming an industrialised and developed nation by the year 2020." and mission,"To ensure that all Malaysians have equal access to library services and facilities as well the ability to utilise Malaysian and universal intellectual heritage knowledge through a national infrastructure of integrated electronic libraries.

The impact of library performance on students' satisfaction

This paper aims to assess undergraduate students’ satisfaction within the Arab International University (AIU). The results were addressed by conducting a questionnaire to a total of 228 of the undergraduate students of AIU, and by undertaken 8 interviews with the librarians involved to understand users’ expectations and requirements of the AIU. The findings showed: a) a statistical significance of students’ ability to find and use the information; b) a relationship between students' expectations and received materials; c) students were satisfied with library services’ quality in terms of accessibility; d) a relationship between providing the newest and valuable collections and students’ satisfaction; e) the most difficulties facing students were a lack of time and the ability to visit libraries; and f) the main services for students were borrowing books and references services. Furthermore, the findings illustrate statistically important differentiations on the satisfaction level on library collections between participants and faculties. A statistical significance between students’ profiles and their satisfactions was indicated in terms of selecting the information resources

Knowledge management : Emerging roles and challenges of library and information professionals

With globalization the credibility of the workforce is determined by how best they can accommodate themselves in the growing challenges of k-economy. Knowledge Management (KM) has been in operation for quite some time. Its close affinity to library and information management is undeniable. Library has not relinquished its role and interest as information and knowledge providers. It is fitting then to recognize that a well planned strategy, involving the library and the management of the institution could provide significant influence to achieve the KM objectives. Librarians and information professionals (IPs) should be dedicated to fulfilling the varied information needs of the users, amidst the k-economy by providing accurate and relevant bibliographic and physical access and offer referral to the multidimensional range of information within the library premise and outside. KM is a challenge to the information professionals and for the fields of librarianship and information science and needs to be taken seriously to leverage the intellectual assets and to facilitate knowledge utilization and creation

The End-Users' Requirements of The Library of Arab International University (AIUL)

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has radically affected the way of accessing information and performing research in academic libraries. With the adoption of ICT, end-users’ requirements (EURs) have increased and changed. Thus, the main concern of academic libraries has shifted to address and accommodate these requirements. The purpose of this study is to identify EURs of the AIUL in Syria. Mixed methods approach, using questionnaires and interview, is adopted to collect data from different end-users’ groups; 228 of undergraduate students (USs), and 30 of academic staff (AS) participated in this study to understand their requirements of the AIUL. Furthermore, 8 academic librarians were involved in obtaining further understanding. Findings showed that EURs were high in terms of providing supportive IRs, experts, high-quality services and personal services. There was a difference on the EURs regarding their groups

Open source in libraries: Implementation of an open source ILMS at Asia e-University library

Open source systems for libraries have improved significantly to gain the confidence of librarians. The main focus of the paper is to describe the selection process and criteria that led to the implementation of Koha the first open source Integrated Library Management System at the AeU Library. A study was made based on the set criteria used to compare and contrast with the more popular propriety library management systems. The paper presents the findings of the study which led to the selection of Koha, and a brief introduction to features of open source systems for libraries. The reasoning and conditions for accepting Koha are discussed. A brief account of the implementation process and related experience of the open source ILMS are given. AeU library implemented the various modules of the system: cataloging, online public access (OPAC), circulation, patron management and acquisitions. The expanding influence and acceptance of OSS in libraries is here to stay. Malaysian libraries may need to look into the credible options and benefits of utilizing open source systems and harness this development in ILS