#14 - ABSTRACTS AND ACADEMIC ARTICLES

WHAT IS AN ABSTRACT?

    An abstract is an independent text which includes the most important concepts of the paper in question. Each sentence in an abstract has a specific purpose. These sentences are called MOVES and they specify the overall purpose of the study, the issues investigated, the basic design of the research, the results of the analysis and a brief summary of the conclusions. In other words, an abstract covers five sections: 

• Reason of the writing.
• The problem/ Scope of the project.
• The methodology carried out .
• The results.
• Implications for further research. 

Analysing abstracts.  

• Match the abstract to the title of the paper.
• Underline KEY WORDS that help you fulfill this task.

Read these TITLES:

User Perception and Use of the Academic Library: A Correlation Analysis	E
Educational Usage of Mobile Devices: Differences Between Postgraduate and Undergraduate Students	F
Old Maids, Policeman, and Social Rejects: Mass Media Representations and Public Perceptions of Librarians	C
Identifying the prevailing images in Library and Information Science profession: is the landscape changing?	D
Resistance to Change in Libraries: Application of Communication Theories	A
Social Media Use in Academic Libraries: A Phenomenological Study                                                                   B

Abstract A Libraries are affected by discontinuous change caused by the type and rapidity of technological innovations. By examining the theories of structuration, diffusion of innovation, and contingency, change in libraries can be better understood, thus easing its adoption and assimilation. There is a need to reconceptualize libraries. Gray Weiner, S. (2003) in Library and the Academy, 3:69-78

Abstract B Academic libraries are increasingly engaged on social media in order to connect with diverse community groups and move beyond the traditional bounds of the library. This research uses a phenomenological approach and Institutional Theory to explore social media postings at six different public and private university libraries in two Midwest states. The research addresses what themes emerge among the university library's social media pages and what, if any, differences in themes emerge based on the status of the library in question. Social media postings included ten different codes: archives; collections; events; exhibits; facility; library community; sentiments; services; site management; and university community. These codes were tied to three different themes: libraries create a sense of outreach and advocacy with the goal of establishing community connection, providing an inviting environment, and access to content as needed or desired. Ultimately, while libraries at universities with an ARL library or an MLS granting degree program showed a similar breakdown between these three themes, libraries at other master's degree institutions spent less time on making community connections in lieu of posting content and information about the library's environment. Harrison, A. (2017) in The Journal of Academic Librarianship. Vol 43. Issue 3. pp 248 - 256 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2017.02.014

Abstract C This paper investigates the relationships between mass media representations of librarians and users’ perceptions and consequent use of librarians and libraries by asking three questions: 1. How are librarians depicted by the mass media? 2. How does the public perceive librarians and how might these views relate to mass media representations? 3. What are the potential effects of these representations and perceptions? Representations of librarians by the mass media generally fall into one of five somewhat discrete categories. Public perceptions of librarians are somewhat different; although librarians are often described in positive terms, there is nearly no awareness as to the knowledge, duties, skills, and education of librarians and, as a consequence, public perceptions draw more heavily on stereotypical representations of librarians’ personalities. Ultimately, librarians and libraries tend not to be effectively utilized, as users remain unaware of librarians’ abilities and responsibilities. Seale, M. (2008) in Electronic Journal of Academic and Special Librarianship . V 9, N#1

Abstract D This paper aims to provide a systematic review on Library and Information Science profession’s image and stereotypes from 2000-2013. In particular, it aims to identify and analyze the prevailing images of librarians in various contexts and explore possible changes occurring over time. The method of systematic review is adopted to identify the prevailing images in Library and Information Science profession. Specifically, sixty papers were selected and five main themes emerged such as "public’s perceptions", "librarians’ perceptions", "students’ perceptions", "mass media" and "image as an issue" after a thorough analysis of papers’ aim. It was found that librarians were negatively perceived by both the wider public and the students. In terms of mass media, the image of ‘the old maid’ was dominant whereas newspapers focused on the male librarian who was perceived as glamorous. Positive stereotypes were also found in children books. On the whole, librarian’s image and relevant stereotypes have not changed considerably over time. This literature review considered only papers published between 2000 and 2013 and only in English mainly due to language restrictions. This review identifies, critically analyzes and discusses the literature on the prevailing images and stereotypes associated with Library and Information Science profession in the last thirteen years. In addition, it attempts to identify and discuss any changes that occurred in this time frame. Vassilakaki, Evgenia & Moniarou-Papaconstantinou, Valentini. (2014) in New Library World. 115. 10.1108/NLW-03-2014-0029. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/NLW-03-2014-0029

Abstract E This study explores user perception, the use of an academic library, and the correlation between user perception and library use. The findings indicate that the academic library is a preferred place to study and spend time during non-class times on campus. The frequent user activities in the library included individual study, reading, computer use, finding information, group study, using reference and information services, and meeting and socializing. The correlation between library use and each of the user activities was examined. The findings suggest that users perceive the academic library primarily as a place for learning and information seeking. The study shows how users perceive and use the academic library, and provides insights into how libraries can strengthen their place and advance their role in the academic community. Kim, J. (2017) in The Journal of Academic Librarianship. Vol 43. Issue 3. pp 209 - 215 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2017.03.002

Abstract F The rapid increase of smartphone usage in recent years has provided students the opportunity to participate in mobile learning (m-learning) anywhere, anytime. Academic institutions are also following this trend to launch many m-learning services. This article investigates the differences of the user needs between undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students though an online survey with 140 Library Information Systems (LIS) subjects in a Japanese university in order to provide solid foundations for future m-learning studies. We find that UG and PG students do not show significant differences in adopting m-learning by smartphones despite the fact that they have different learning patterns. The m-learning frequencies of smartphones generally range from weekly to monthly, where using search engines is the most frequent, and reading academic resources is the least frequent. They tend to use these services for handling their daily routines (such as search engine, social networks) rather than their academic activities (such as using online databases to search for academic materials). Further, the results also show that content displaying issues (e.g., small display screen, text unable to enlarge) are barriers for most subjects in using these m-learning services. Lau, K. P. (2017) in The Journal of Academic Librarianship. Vol 43. Issue 3. pp 201-208 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2017.03.004

 

Recognizing moves: 

Which sentence/s...?	Abstract D:
describe(s) the background situation/ introduce(s) the topic?  This paper aims to provide a systematic review on Library and Information Science profession’s image and stereotypes from 2000-2013.
present(s) the purpose of the paper? It aims to identify and analyze the prevailing images of librarians in various contexts and explore possible changes occurring over time.
describe(s) the methods of the study? Specifically, sixty papers were selected and five main themes emerged such as "public’s perceptions", "librarians’ perceptions", "students’ perceptions", "mass media" and "image as an issue" after a thorough analysis of papers’ aim.
present(s) findings and results?  It was found that librarians were negatively perceived by both the wider public and the students.
explain(s) discussions or conclusions This review identifies, critically analyzes and discusses the literature on the prevailing images and stereotypes associated with Library and Information Science profession in the last thirteen years.

Which sentence/s...?	Abstract E
describe(s) the background situation/ introduce(s) the topic?  The frequent user activities in the library included individual study, reading, computer use, finding information, group study, using reference and information services, and meeting and socializing.
present(s) the purpose of the paper? This study explores user perception, the use of an academic library, and the correlation between user perception and library use.
describe(s) the methods of the study? The frequent user activities in the library included individual study, reading, computer use, finding information, group study, using reference and information services, and meeting and socializing.
present(s) findings and results? The findings suggest that users perceive the academic library primarily as a place for learning and information seeking.
explain(s) discussions or conclusions The study shows how users perceive and use the academic library, and provides insights into how libraries can strengthen their place and advance their role in the academic community.

Which sentence/s...?	Abstract F
describe(s) the background situation/ introduce(s) the topic? The rapid increase of smartphone usage in recent years has provided students the opportunity to participate in mobile learning (m-learning) anywhere, anytime.
present(s) the purpose of the paper? This article investigates the differences of the user needs between undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students though an online survey with 140 Library Information Systems (LIS) subjects in a Japanese university in order to provide solid foundations for future m-learning studies.
describe(s) the methods of the study? This article investigates the differences of the user needs between undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students through an online survey with 140 Library Information Systems (LIS) subjects in a Japanese university in order to provide solid foundations for future m-learning studies.
present(s) findings and results? They tend to use these services for handling their daily routines (such as search engine, social networks) rather than their academic activities (such as using online databases to search for academic materials).
explain(s) discussions or conclusions Further, the results also show that content displaying issues (e.g., small display screen, text unable to enlarge) are barriers for most subjects in using these m-learning services.