How digital information services can reduce greenhouse gas emissions

an article by Gobinda Chowdhury, (University of Technology Sydney, Australia) published in Online Information Review Volume 36 Issue 4 (2012)

Abstract

Purpose
The study aims to determine the environmental impact of printed content in libraries and thus to find out how a digital information service can help libraries and institutions play a key role in helping the environment.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected and analysed through a combination of environment scan and document analysis, and some mathematical calculations. Comparative data for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from printed books and journals in certain countries, and some specific university libraries in Australia and New Zealand are presented. A lifecycle analysis approach is used to identify various factors that are responsible for GHG emissions for printed as well as digital information resources.
Findings
The study found that dematerialisation, i.e. the replacement of printed content with digital information services, can help libraries and institutions to reduce their impact on the environment. However, it is also noted that further research is needed to develop benchmarks and comparative data for GHG emissions from print-based and digital information services.
Practical implications
The paper provides data relating to the potential savings in GHG emissions that can be achieved through dematerialisation of printed content in libraries. A series of research issues in the area are identified.
Originality/value
The paper opens up a new area of research on the environmental impacts of information services. For the first time raw data on GHG emissions from printed content held in university libraries are calculated.

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The impact of university library resources on university research achievement outputs

an article by Younghee Noh, (Konkuk University, Chungju-Si, South Korea) published in Aslib Proceedings Volume 64 issue 2 (2012)

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the correlation between university libraries and academic research achievement and analyze if university library resources correlate with academic research achievement.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper seeks to verify the correlation between university libraries and academic research achievement and to examine which university library resources relate to research achievement. A variety of research questions were posed concerning the relationship between a university's library resources and academic research achievement. Structural equation models (SEMs) were developed to answer the research questions. Most research questions posed were affirmatively answered using the SEM process.
Findings
This study confirmed that labour and budget, investment in e-resources and an investment in university libraries enhances academic research achievement.
Research limitations/implications
An SEM for verifying the correlation between university libraries and academic research achievement was developed in the study.
Originality/value
This study is the first including an investment factor in e-resources for verifying the correlation between university libraries and academic research achievement.

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Virtual references services: defining the criteria and indicators to evaluate them

an article by María Pinto (University of Granada, Spain) and Ramón A. Manso (Central University “Marta Abreu” of Las Villas, Cuba and University of Granada, Spain) published in The Electronic Library Volume 30 Issue 1 (2012)

Abstract

Purpose
This paper aims to analyse the common features of the virtual reference services provided by European and American libraries in order to evaluate the service from the user’s perspective, taking into account the potential of Web 2.0 applications.
Design/methodology/approach
This research adopts a quantitative approach, to contribute to better understanding of the problems currently facing virtual reference services and offers solutions to them. The study also combines qualitative methodologies.
Findings
The study reports that virtual reference services in university communities have not changed significantly since they first appeared, and highlights the need to incorporate new technologies.
Originality/value
The paper draws attention to certain features of virtual reference services that are undervalued or have not attracted research interest, and calls for a technological shift in the services provided to users from the academic communities involved in this study.

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