Reflections of Community Engagement and Wisdom in the Works of Information Professionals

Goal/purpose: This study focused on information professionals working in the GLAM (galleries, libraries, archives and museums) sector, and how information was sought and used by them for community engagement and to attain wiser outcomes. The primary purpose was to investigate the information collection, use, reflection and values of professionals in the GLAM sector to determine if wise actions occur that may potentially benefit the community.

Methodology: A qualitative approach was used to conduct this research using the wise action model’s (WAM) wisdom characteristics. Data were collected from information professionals working in managerial positions in the GLAM sector using in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Results: The findings indicate that while most participants exhibit some elements of wisdom, there are gaps that need to be addressed before wise functioning is deemed applicable in their roles. While knowledgeable information acquisition and community engagement were very visible, more emphasis on values and stakeholder well-being is recommended for wiser considerations.

Originality/Value: Study of wisdom certainly deserves more attention in knowledge management research as previous studies have indicated. With increasing stresses in the lives of professionals, it is now more important than ever to gain an understanding of how much wisdom prevails in organisational functioning to improve the works of individuals and consequently improve the well-being of impacted communities.

Facilitating learning by the visually impaired: development and usability evaluation of a specially designed ubiquitous library

Purpose

This study aims to develop a ubiquitous library for the visually impaired (ULVI) application (app) and to explore its usability by collecting feedback from visually impaired participants to analyse the problems they might encounter. Their suggestions for improving the app further are also reported.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of ten participants were recruited in the study. Ten tasks were assigned for the participants to complete using the ULVI app. The system usability scale was adopted to collect feedback on the app, and interviews were conducted to understand the participants’ usage behaviours and perceptions of the app.

Findings

The findings indicated that the participants provided positive evaluation of the usability of the app and addressed the functions that might need improvement. Above all, this app was regarded as having great potential. Suggestions and improvements are proposed based on the participants’ feedback.

Originality/value

In terms of the studies relevant to libraries and the visually impaired, few have evaluated the usability of the ULVI app from the perspectives of the visually impaired users. The ULVI app provides resources for the visually impaired and serves as the foundation for developing a more effective ULVI app.

Defining, evaluating, and achieving accessible library resources

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the library and information science literature related to the accessibility of digital resources by individuals with mental, physical or other impairments, to assess the state of research in the field and to explore new avenues for investigation.

Design/methodology/approach

There is an increasingly rich body of literature surrounding digital accessibility in libraries, ranging from practical guides for authors of Web content, to principles of universal design, to the ethical considerations of libraries subscribing to packages of digital content, to critical examinations of the accessibility guidelines themselves. This review is intended to be illustrative, not exhaustive; less attention is given to studies of specific tools that will become quickly outdated, and more attention is given to underlying considerations and approaches that will remain relevant even as technologies change.

Findings

Many libraries and vendors have taken steps to provide equal access to websites and electronic resources in recent years. While the literature reflects an increasing level of critical engagement with concepts around disability and diversity, it also demonstrates methodological weaknesses in assessment projects that do not lead to meaningful accessibility.

Originality/value

This review offers theoretical and practical perspectives from recent work that can assist librarians in planning and decision-making, as they deal with an increasingly complex landscape of digital resources.