Article 3: Tomorrow’s library: Discussion paper.

Ministerial Advisory Council on Public Libraries. (2012). Tomorrow's library: Discussion paper. State Government of Victoria. Available at http://www.plvn.net.au/sites/default/files/TLTD002_Tomorrow's Library Discussion Paper final web.pdf

In a rapidly evolving library environment, there is an ongoing need for evaluation and assessment of library services, including the use of IT, so that the needs of the community continue to be met and the workflow of staff is streamlined (Burke, 2013, p. 3). Libraries have tended to be early adopters of IT and their utilisation and reliance on it, as by most organisations, is occurring increasingly ubiquitously (Kennan, Liu, & Wallis, 2007). The State Library of Victoria website lists an extensive range of IT products and systems used for online services and information, noting that its first library management system preceded the development of the internet (http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/about-us/information-technology).

The Tomorrow’s library:Discussion paper was published by the State Government of Victoria as part of a two year review of Victorian public libraries (Department of Transport,Planning and Local Infrastructure, 2014a). This paper is a consultation component of the review, offering key stakeholders and the public the opportunity to inform and shape “tomorrow’s library” (Ministerial Advisory Council on Public Libraries, 2012, p. 2), with an invitation for submissions by interested parties about the discussion paper, following the conclusion. Whilst it is a well written document, there are some questions raised about the unbiased nature of the process. The importance of IT trends could also have been more greatly emphasised. The paper includes some discussion on current trends in IT as one of four focus areas that will determine future strategic directions. 

These four focus areas or contexts allow for the consideration of demographic, social, economic, cultural and local factors within them. The four contexts are: collections, resources and programs; library buildings; technology; and service delivery (Ministerial Advisory Council on Public Libraries, 2012, p. 3). The recognition of the importance of technology in an effective library is considered along with the three other factors that also play important roles. As Burke (2013, p. 213) states, the library is likely to be an amalgamation of various media and information sources, combining traditional services and new opportunities to help people collaborate in the space. The role of IT cannot be under-emphasised as a vital component of a relevant and effective library service.

Examining the technology context, the article divides library technology challenges into three general areas: library systems, future technologies and community use of technology. Whilst this division provides an organisational function, grouping the technology challenges in this way could in fact limit the range of responses, as other areas of potential focus, such as discovery products, assistive technology, security systems or virtual reference services, for example, might not be considered.

The paper was conducted by the Ministerial Advisory Council on Public Libraries (MAC) which has representation from a number of peak bodies, councils and library services; however, despite the bipartisan claim, the ratio of ten government or council representatives to only four library representatives (Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure, 2014b), indicates a possible over-representation of political bodies and consequently, a risk of bias in decision-making.

The writing in this article is clear, cohesive and intelligible. It is appropriate for the intended audience, being the public and key stakeholders, who are encouraged to contribute to the consultation process. The paper appears to be professionally undertaken except for the lack of referencing of sources used throughout the article. To start each section, a pertinent quote with the source acknowledged, appropriate for an in-text citation, is provided. The full details to locate the source, however, are not given anywhere in the text. Throughout the article, data from statistics, audits, reviews and reports are included, yet in many instances no source is provided and no reference list is included. This limits the credibility to some extent, although it may have been a conscious decision for maintaining content accessibility by a wide cross-section of the public.

The Tomorrow’s library: Discussion paper highlights IT as an important component of library services yet its broad-ranging role in virtually all aspects of service delivery is not emphasised. The future of libraries is impossible to consider without talking about technology (Burke, 2013, p. 207) and this is constantly evolving, but as Seadle (2012, p. 563) states, libraries have a long history of adapting to change. 

 

Image source: Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure (2014c)

References

Burke, J.J. (2013). Neal-Schuman library technology companion (4th edn). New York: Neal Schuman.

Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure. (2014a). About Tomorrow’s Library. Retrieved 16 August, 2014, from: http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/localgovernment/public-libraries/about-tomorrows-library

Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure. (2014b). Ministerial advisory council on public libraries. Retrieved 17 August, 2014, from: http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/localgovernment/public-libraries/ministerial-advisory-council-on-public-libraries

Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure. (2014c). About Tomorrow’s Library. [Online image]. Retrieved 20 August, 2014, from: http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/localgovernment/public-libraries/about-tomorrows-library

Kennan, M.A., Liu, Y-H., & Wallis, J. (2007). IT and organisations. [INF405 Module 1.7]. Retrieved 17 August, 2014, from Charles Sturt University website: http://interact.csu.edu.au/portal/site/INF405_201460_W_D/page/36481ada-3d37-46d3-806b-cf8fde1c1fda

Ministerial Advisory Council on Public Libraries. (2012). Tomorrow's library: Discussion paper. State Government of Victoria. Retrieved from http://www.plvn.net.au/sites/default/files/TLTD002_Tomorrow's Library Discussion Paper final web.pdf

Seadle, M. (2012). Thirty years of information technology. Library High Tech 30(4): 557-564. Retrieved from http://www.emeraldinsight.com.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/doi/pdfplus/10.1108/07378831211285040

Article 2: Understanding the role of technology in health information systems.

Lewis, D., Hodge, N., Gamage, D. & Whittaker, M. (2011). Understanding therole of technology in health information systems. Available from the University of Queensland Health Information Systems Knowledge Hub at http://www.uq.edu.au/hishub/wp17

The rapid growth and innovative development of information and communication technologies (ICT) have impacted fundamentally on the development of applications and processes to support health care (Chiou, 2011; Lewis, Hodge,Gamage & Whittaker, 2011). This viewpoint is tempered, however, by claims that within health, a large number of ICT projects have failed (Lewis et al., 2011; Avison & Young, 2007).  Therefore, understanding the role of technology in health information systems is fundamental to maximising the benefits and opportunities and promoting the adoption of best practice.  There are additional considerations for implementing ICT into health care in specific geographic contexts. Universal health care is still not the norm for many people in developing countries as socio-economic and geographical barriers impact on accessible care (Courtney, Shabestari, & Kuo, 2013, p. v.)

In the paper, Understanding the role of technology in health information systems, Lewis et al. discuss the potential role of ICT in health, discussing opportunities and benefits, critical factors that lead to ICT success or failure in health contexts and frameworks and models that can be used to evaluate ICT projects in health. The research focuses specifically on the developing country context, with particular reference to the Pacific Island countries and territories. The title could have indicated this focus more clearly. Language terms are established to ensure a common understanding within discussions on health information systems in the Pacific. The article is well structured and referenced extensively with supporting material from current research and literature.

The purpose of this article is to inform health system dialogue, particularly in relation to the Pacific region. The research was funded by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), with Australia’s aid investments in the Pacific continuing through 2013-1014 and health maintaining its status as a development priority (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 2014).  The focus therefore, is on filling knowledge gaps so that the practical tools, methods and approaches of ICT use within health information systems in these locations, is effective (Lewis et al., 2011).  Discussion on current trends in IT and information services is somewhat limited because more basic issues around geographic remoteness, telecommunications infrastructure, ongoing human capacity and training , affordability and appropriateness of the technology, are affecting the success of ICT projects in these regions (Lewis et al., 2011, p. 14-15). The language used and less formal tone makes the information easily accessible; it is comprehensive and fulfils the objectives set out in the introduction.
 

Qualitative data was collected through two key regional consultative meetings and a literature review. The Pacific was well represented in the consultative meetings along with other stakeholders and global experts, as detailed by On,Bennett & Whittaker (2009, p. 4). No clear detail is provided, however, about the exact nature of the discussion questions, the exact numbers in the group discussions, how the representatives gleaned their information to contribute or how the sessions were conducted. Therefore there is some uncertainty as to whether the data was reliable and free from bias.

The results are more descriptive than predictive, which is appropriate in qualitative research, with considerable discussion on the reasons for ICT project failures. The authors also discuss possible ICT innovations in the developing world and their benefits and dependencies (Lewis et al., 2011, p. 10-11).  Furthermore, a number of frameworks and evaluation tools for guiding the selection of ICT investments in health systems are discussed as well as a planned second paper entailing further research and the development of a specific model for implementation (Lewis et al., 2011, p. 18). 

In summary, this article provides valuable information about the role of ICT in health, with emphasis on its application within the Pacific region where there is the potential for significant development. Decisions must be made with an appreciation of the context and difficulties that exist in the implementation environment (Lewis et al., 2011, p. 18). This paper is highly useful to stakeholders involved in the AusAID programs but the research can be applied to other developing country contexts as it goes some way to filling a knowledge gap and creates opportunities for further research.

 

Image source: Tomorrow's Health (2013)

References 

Avison, D., & Young, T. (2007). Time to rethink health care and ICT? Communications of the ACM 50(6), 69-74. doi:10.1145/1247001.1247008

Chiou, C. (2011). Health care service designs with ICT. Applied Mechanics and Materials, 135-136, 565. doi: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.135-136.565

Courtney, K.L, Shabestari, O., & Kuo, A. (Eds.). (2013). Enabling health and healthcare through ICT. Netherlands: IOS Press. Retrieved from  http://eblib.com

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. (2014). Australian aid: promoting prosperity, reducing poverty, enhancing stability: Health. Retrieved 13 August, 2014, from: http://aid.dfat.gov.au/aidpolicy/developmentpolicy/Pages/health.aspx

Lewis, D., Hodge, N., Gamage, D., & Whittaker, M. (2011). Understanding the role of technology in health information systems. Available from the University of Queensland Health Information Systems Knowledge Hub at http://www.uq.edu.au/hishub/wp17

On, M.L., Bennett, V., & Whittaker, M. (2009). Issues and challenges for health information systems in the Pacific. Available from the University of Queensland Health Information Systems Knowledge Hub at http://www.uq.edu.au/hishub/docs/WP07/WP07_Full_Web-final_6-Nov-12.pdf

Tomorrow’s Health (2013). Why it’s time for Tomorrow’s Health…today! [Online image]. Retrieved 20 August, 2014, from http://www.tomorrowshealth.net/

Article 1: Organizational adoption of Web 2.0 technologies: An empirical analysis.

Saldanha, T.J.V & Krishnan, M.S. (2012). Organizational adoption of Web 2.0 technologies: An empirical analysis. Journal of Organizational Computing and Electronic Commerce, 22 (4), 301-33

 

Image source: Murray (2012)

Web 2.0 applications are a fundamental component when considering information technology trends. Web 2.0 is a term associated with web applications that allows user interaction, collaboration and interoperability within the World Wide Web (Brown, 2012, p. 31).  These web applications come in a variety of forms and cater to different audiences, but characteristically employ dynamic online spaces that continually develop and become richer from user participation (Kennan, Liu & Wallace, 2007a). Microsoft principal researcher, danah boyd, suggests that the sphere of the “networked public”, which incorporates social media sites and services, forms a public space for connection and communication that has become a normative practice for many people in current daily life (Mitchell, 2014).

Saldanha and Krishnan’s study focuses on the adoption factors for Web 2.0 technologies in a business context. The article claims that very little research currently exists in this area and general viewpoints, predominantly anecdotal, tend to conflict about its relative benefits and disadvantages. The writers state that prior research on Web 2.0 in organisations has largely focused on its use by individual employees. The study examines, and is limited to, factors that affect the propensity for organisations to adopt Web 2.0 technologies and in doing so, paves the way for further research to investigate consequent impacts on business outcomes and corporate culture. The critical components of a scholarly research study are thoroughly observed.

The authors draw on a framework that includes technological, organisational and environmental (TOE) factors that may be associated with adoption of Web 2.0 technologies and this model is tested in its survey of 253 US firms.  Four hypotheses, coming from the TOE factors, are developed and tested. The results suggest that open architectures, larger firm size, and industry knowledge intensity lead to greater propensity for adoption of Web 2.0 technologies. Three of the four hypotheses are supported, with additional robustness checks also discussed. The research, however, does not look to isolate whether the Web 2.0 technologies are used internally, externally or in combination. Bughin and Chui (2011, p.17) state that there is significant correlation between market share gains and companies that are fully or externally networked.

A quantitative approach was taken in this study. Data was obtained by means of a survey which was completed by a single representative of each company. Reliability and potential bias must subsequently be considered, but with a large sample size and a response rate of over 70%, this is somewhat mitigated. There are some limitations in regards to generalizability, due to the sample only containing US firms and the use of cross sectional data. Saldanha and Krishnan discuss other limitations to their study such as the relatively small range of Web 2.0 technologies examined in the survey, pointing out that some more recent developments such as cloud computing, are not included. Nevertheless, the research provides important insights, contributing to research and practice by furthering the collective understanding of the organisational adoption of Web 2.0 technologies and validating a related model. There is also discussion on ways on which the research can be built upon and extended in the future.

The article is published in the Journal of Organizational Computing and Electronic Commerce. This journal focuses on original research articles that are concerned with the impacts of computer and information technology on organisational design, operations and performance. It does not focus on computing as it relates to individuals. (Taylor & FrancisOnline, 2012). The article therefore, is well suited to the intended audience. The academic language is appropriate for readers comfortable in using research terminology and used to the format of published research articles. 

For many companies, Web 2.0 has become a crucial part of their business model (Kennan, Liu, & Wallis, 2007b). This study sheds light on adoption factors for Web 2.0 technologies and suggests significant scope for further research on its impacts in this context.

References

Brown, Eileen. (2012). Working the crowd : Social media marketing for business. Retrieved from http://eblib.com

Bughin, J., & Chui, M. (2011). How Web 2.0 pays off: The growth dividend enjoyed by networked enterprises. Mckinsey Quarterly, (2), 17-21. Retrieved from http://web.a.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/ehost/detail/detail?vid=1&sid=4bf57405-54d5-46bb-9558-99ceefa3697a%40sessionmgr4005&hid=4104&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=bth&AN=60260019

Kennan, M.A., Liu, Y-H., & Wallis, J. (2007a). Web 2.0 [INF405 Module 4.2]. Retrieved 9 August, 2014, from Charles Sturt University website: http://interact.csu.edu.au/portal/site/INF405_201460_W_D/page/36481ada-3d37-46d3-806b-cf8fde1c1fda

Kennan, M.A., Liu, Y-H., & Wallis, J. (2007b). Web 2.0 and business [INF405 Module 4.2.2]. Retrieved 18 August, 2014, from Charles Sturt University website: http://interact.csu.edu.au/portal/site/INF405_201460_W_D/page/36481ada-3d37-46d3-806b-cf8fde1c1fda

Mitchell, N. (2014, March 31). danahboyd: The social lives of networked teens [Audio file]. Retrieved from: http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/lifematters/the-online-world-of-teens/5349300

Murray, J. (2012). Top 13 Web 2.0 tools for classrooms [Online image]. Retrieved 20 August, 2014, from http://askatechteacher.wordpress.com/2012/01/25/top-13-web-2-0-tools-for-classrooms/

Saldanha, T.J.V., & Krishnan, M.S. (2012). Organizational adoption of Web 2.0 technologies: An empirical analysis. Journal of Organizational Computing and Electronic Commerce, 22 (4), 301-333. doi: 10.1080/10919392.2012.723585

Taylor & Francis Online. (2012). Aims and scope. Retrieved August 4, 2014 from http://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?show=aimsScope&journalCode=hoce20#.U99p9I0rjmS

Introduction

Image source: mHealthWatch (2014)

 Information technology (IT) refers to technology, which is the application of scientific discoveries to practice, and how it is made and used by people to communicate and manage information (Kennan, Liu & Wallace, 2007a). It incorporates computing and telecommunication technologies, and as part of what has been termed the information age, it is characterised by the sharing of information and knowledge in a digital format, whether by text, data, sound, video, graphics or images (Kennan, Liu & Wallace, 2007b). Castells (2009, p. 500) also argues that the dominant functions and processes in an information age are increasingly organised around networks which highlights the importance of web 2.0 applications.

This blog examines and evaluates three articles in terms of their discussion of information trends in IT and information services.  This is important in terms of understanding how various technologies improve communication services not only for library users, but also in the areas of business and medicine.

References

Castells, M. (2009). The rise of the network society 1: The information age - economy, society and culture (with a new preface). UK: Wiley. Retrieved from: http://eblib.com

Kennan, M.A., Liu, Y-H., & Wallis, J. (2007a). What is information technology [INF405 Module 1.2]. Retrieved 18 August, 2014, from Charles Sturt University website: http://interact.csu.edu.au/portal/site/INF405_201460_W_D/page/36481ada-3d37-46d3-806b-cf8fde1c1fda

Kennan, M.A., Liu, Y-H., & Wallis, J. (2007b). A paradigm shift [INF405 Module 2.1.1]. Retrieved 19 August, 2014, from Charles Sturt University website: http://interact.csu.edu.au/portal/site/INF405_201460_W_D/page/36481ada-3d37-46d3-806b-cf8fde1c1fda

mHealthWatch. (2014). HIMSS14: IT a Top Priority for Healthcare Executives [Online image]. Retrieved 21 August, 2014, from http://mhealthwatch.com/himss14-it-a-top-priority-for-healthcare-executives-22628/