H. Vahdatnejad; M. A. Nematbakhsh; K. Zamanifar; N. Nematbakhsh
Volume 9, Issue 2 , July 2011, Pages 1-12
Abstract
Several semantic image search schemes have been recently proposed to retrieve images from the web. However, the query context is regularly ignored in these techniques and hence, many of the returned images are not adequately relevant. In this paper, we make use of context to further confine the outcome ...
Read More
Several semantic image search schemes have been recently proposed to retrieve images from the web. However, the query context is regularly ignored in these techniques and hence, many of the returned images are not adequately relevant. In this paper, we make use of context to further confine the outcome of the semantic search engines. For this purpose, we propose a hybrid search engine which utilizes concept and context for retrieving precise results. In the proposed model, an ontology is exploited for annotating images and accomplishing search process in the semantic level. Furthermore, the query of the user is modified with the concepts available in the ontology. Next, we make use of search context of the user and augment the query with the information extracted from the user’s context to additionally eliminate irrelevant results. Experimental results show that the combination of concept and context is effective in retrieving and presenting the most relevant results to the user.
J. Mehrad; S. R. Berenjian
Volume 9, Issue 2 , July 2011, Pages 13-22
Abstract
This article aims at defining RICeST Stemmer in Persian language set up in the Regional Information Center for Science and Technology (RICeST). We applied linguistic knowledge and standard algorithms to extract machine-readable rules. In addition, plural suffixes and exceptions of which compound ...
Read More
This article aims at defining RICeST Stemmer in Persian language set up in the Regional Information Center for Science and Technology (RICeST). We applied linguistic knowledge and standard algorithms to extract machine-readable rules. In addition, plural suffixes and exceptions of which compound nouns are a part were applied. Different parts of Singular-stemmer and their functions are described.
Salma Chowdhury; Shiful Islam; Anwarul Islam
Volume 9, Issue 2 , July 2011, Pages 23-44
Abstract
Knowledge-based society is already established in some developed countries which are not far away from Bangladesh. In the transition to the knowledge/information based society, information literacy is essential for the effective and widespread use of information. It is used today to describe a set ...
Read More
Knowledge-based society is already established in some developed countries which are not far away from Bangladesh. In the transition to the knowledge/information based society, information literacy is essential for the effective and widespread use of information. It is used today to describe a set of skills and competencies, processes and actions, and attitudes that lead one to be a wise information consumer. This study observes information literacy concepts, standard indicators, and readiness of Central Public Library (CPL) and examines whether the CPL is ready to assume an enhanced responsibility for information literacy education. This study finds that the CPL in Bangladesh has shortcomings in information literacy education programmes due to lack of physical facilities, absence of information retrieval tools and low level of professional education of public library staff. However, recognition that present approaches are not meeting the requirements of users and more effective system with experienced educator is required. This study also emphasizes and suggests that without a push of external help through finance, professional expertise, facilities, and patronizations the CPL would not be able to properly address information literacy issues.
M. B. Negahban; V. G. Talawar
Volume 9, Issue 2 , July 2011, Pages 45-53
Abstract
The present study aims at comparing purposes of using information by Iranian and Indian Social Science Faculty Members. Totally, 487 respondents (232 from Iran and 255 from India) were randomly selected from both countries. A questionnaire measuring extent of usage for various purposes—to prepare ...
Read More
The present study aims at comparing purposes of using information by Iranian and Indian Social Science Faculty Members. Totally, 487 respondents (232 from Iran and 255 from India) were randomly selected from both countries. A questionnaire measuring extent of usage for various purposes—to prepare for teaching, to carry out research, to write research proposal, to design and develop research tools, to write articles/books, to deliver special lectures, to plan program /activity, to evolve innovative techniques, to crystallize broad and vague assertions, to maintain professional competence and self- improvement—was prepared by the investigator and administered to the sample selected. Contingency coefficient analysis was employed to verify the hypothesis. Results revealed that teaching and research as purposes of using information were higher for Iranian faculty members than Indian faculty members. In development of research tools, writing articles/books and delivering special lectures, again Iranian faculty members used much more information. To get clarity also Iranian faculty members used more information than Indian faculty members. It is suggested that in India more facilities should be provided to increase the information usage for various purposes.
L.I. Diso
Volume 9, Issue 2 , July 2011, Pages 55-68
Abstract
This paper highlights the strategic role of regional and national policies for digital libraries and archives in promoting access to knowledge for development in Africa. It views regional/national information policies as general frameworks and contexts within which policies for digital libraries ...
Read More
This paper highlights the strategic role of regional and national policies for digital libraries and archives in promoting access to knowledge for development in Africa. It views regional/national information policies as general frameworks and contexts within which policies for digital libraries and archives are situated. It, however, recognizes the need to highlight the latter as instrument for effective access to and sharing of knowledge in the contemporary world in which increasing dependence on digital technology makes effective participation of digitally deficient nations virtually impossible. The paper provides an overview of the existing provisions in terms of laws, policies, agencies, institutions, facilities and such information/information and communication technologies (ICT) infrastructures that are supposed to be the basis for developing national and regional links for resource sharing. It identifies and analyses the dilemma in achieving the set objectives of African information policies. While this dilemma rooted in the political, economic and socio-cultural factors operating at different specific levels, they combine to constitute an obstacle to national and regional coordination and cooperation. Without coordination, effective resource sharing at global level is severely constrained. Hence, the paper suggests strategies for formulating and coordinating the implementation of comprehensive regional and national policies for the development of digital libraries and archives in Africa ensuring effective preservation of and access to African resources and enabling resource sharing between Africans as well as on the global scale. The paper concludes by stressing that neither the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) nor the entire Africa’s development agenda will be attainable without developing a strong and sustainable knowledge base by establishing a powerful and enduring backbone of information infrastructures capable of creating links for effective intra and inter-continental sharing of knowledge resources. The paper therefore recommends the setting up of a coordinating agency under the African Union (AU) to develop a policy framework on the basis of the various existing national policies, and to monitor and coordinate implementation at various levels.
A. Rabbani Khorasgani; A. Moazzeni
Volume 9, Issue 2 , July 2011, Pages 69-78
Abstract
In this paper we argue about Knowledge Management (KM) and its implications for academic productivity with focus on models of changes in knowledge production posited by Gibbons et al and community model of knowledge management, especially in a transitional society as Iran. Based on the above argument, ...
Read More
In this paper we argue about Knowledge Management (KM) and its implications for academic productivity with focus on models of changes in knowledge production posited by Gibbons et al and community model of knowledge management, especially in a transitional society as Iran. Based on the above argument, we have discussed the relationships between research and teaching productivity, briefly. Because of the significance of Higher Education and its relevant institutions (university and related communities) in knowledge management, we have raised some questions about reform in higher education and its relationship with knowledge management. Finally, knowledge is considered as culture or wisdom. In this approach, it is important to pay serious attention to the cultural aspect of knowledge especially in wisdom.
D. Alimohammadi; Hamid R. Jamali
Volume 9, Issue 2 , July 2011, Pages 79-92
Abstract
Education of Library and Information Science (LIS) has several problems that are caused by the changing nature of the discipline and the social, economic and cultural contexts in which LIS departments function. The aim of this article is to enumerate and discuss some of the common problems of LIS ...
Read More
Education of Library and Information Science (LIS) has several problems that are caused by the changing nature of the discipline and the social, economic and cultural contexts in which LIS departments function. The aim of this article is to enumerate and discuss some of the common problems of LIS education in developing countries of Asia and suggest solutions. We show that as Asian developing countries share some of the social, economic and cultural elements, they have similar problems in LIS education. Therefore, the same solutions could be recommended such as setting up limited number of independent LIS schools, establishing or empowering accreditation agencies, flexibility in educational systems, more emphasis on research, developing in-service training, relocating the departments in new faculties, equipping the departments with new facilities, employing new and skillful staff, encouraging collaboration among faculty members and departments, diversifying courses and degrees, updating syllabi in an ongoing manner, taking advantage of IT, and creating and publishing LIS literature in native language.
R. Basirian Jahromi; M. A. Erfanmanesh
Volume 9, Issue 2 , July 2011, Pages 93-104
Abstract
The present study investigates the feasibility of implementing marketing principles within the academic libraries of government-sponsored universities in Tehran. The study focused on the attitude of library managers towards this issue. A survey method, using a questionnaire as a data collection tool ...
Read More
The present study investigates the feasibility of implementing marketing principles within the academic libraries of government-sponsored universities in Tehran. The study focused on the attitude of library managers towards this issue. A survey method, using a questionnaire as a data collection tool was used. Findings demonstrated that the level of managerial familiarity with the concept of marketing in libraries was average. However there was more than average familiarity with the components of a marketing plan. Findings regarding the application propensity for each of the 4Ps marketing mix in libraries indicated that the product, place, promotion, and price were the focus of library managers. With respect to the feasibility of implementation of marketing principles, it was average.
