/library/oar/handle/123456789/8110 2026-07-01T09:08:19Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/25956 Title: Mobile and social technologies in academic libraries Abstract: My interest in technology was always one of my strong points as an individual. During these past 3 years working at the University of Malta Library, I realised how the things I learned in software, databases and IT related to library and information science. I always wanted to contribute the things I learned in IT and apply them LIS. The aim for this long essay is to research and discuss new ways to evolve Libraries by introducing mobile technologies in libraries. I strongly believe that Mobile technology is a viable future which libraries could benefit from. In this day and age we are surrounded with technology, Most people now have laptops, smartphones, tablets and by knowing technology and it’s capabilities, it’s limits is a huge benefit which libraries can use to its advantage. Offering mobile services could increase library use, and improve the image of the library. Such services could be implemented for the current and future generations of library users. What are Mobile and social Technologies? How can Mobile services help the library? How can Mobile services help the library patron? How can this be implemented? What are the limitations of such technologies? Description: DIP.L.I.S. 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/9942 Title: A study of the on-site users of the National Archives of Malta Abstract: This study aimed to gather evidence about on-site users of the National Archives of Malta, and their perceptions and expectations on current facilities and services. To obtain such data, a questionnaire/survey was distributed to all users who were present at the three main repositories of the National Archives, namely; the Head Office in Rabat, the Banca Giuratale in Mdina, and the National Archives Gozo section. The survey/questionnaire was completed by a total of 46 users. Users were asked to give their opinions about on-site facilities and services, on-line resources, staff communication and efficiency, research environment, opening hours, reproduction fees etc. The outcomes from this survey are presented in detail, and are further compared with the findings from foreign surveys, such as the 'Survey of visitors to UK Archives'. From the findings it appears that archives are largely frequented by male users rather than female ones, however, compared to archive users in the UK, the percentage of male users at the National Archives of Malta is much greater. The findings from both surveys also reveal that archives are least frequented by the younger generation of users, that is those having between 16 and 25 years of age, and that the larger proportion of users are between 45 and 64 years of age. Some differences have been identified with regards to the reasons for visiting the archives, as family history research and personal leisure resulted to be the most popular reasons for visiting UK archives, while on the other hand, personal historical research and research for publication have resulted to be the most common among users of the National Archives of Malta. Description: DIP.ARCHIVES&RECORDS MANGT. 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/9389 Title: Storage and preservation issues for paper and digital records : a case study on a law firm Abstract: Storage and preservation issues for paper and digital records need to be tackled so that the records survive the test of time. In this long essay some questions will be raised in order to shed light on issues related to this topic. These include a number of questions: why is records management needed for the storage and preservation of records? What are the storage issues for paper records? What are the preservation issues for paper records? What general guidelines for storage and preservation of paper records exist in the records management practice? What are the storage issues for digital records? What are the preservation issues for digital records? What are the guidelines for the storage and preservation of digital records? It is hoped that this long assignment succeeds in answering some of the questions above. A case study on a major law firm in Malta will also be conducted. Valuable inputs for this long essay have been provided by the managers, and the IT department. Feedback and cooperation was sought through a questionnaire. The law firm has made progress in implementing new procedures for the preservation of records and also upgraded their archives with the aim of making them more secure and facilitate the retrieval of records. In general the practices adopted in the law firm studied, show sound quality; one area where further improvement can be achieved is in implementing further policies for the safeguarding of their physical and electronic records and more maintenance to the physical archives with the objective of making the archives where records are preserved more accessible and secure. Description: DIP.ARCHIVES&RECORDS MANGT. 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/9167 Title: Bindings at the Mdina cathedral archives : an overview Abstract: The purpose of this dissertation is to study the bindings of the collection at the Mdina Cathedral Archives. A sizable collection of fine bindings and covers can be found at the archives, varying from leather, paper, parchment, and textile covers. A collection of Islamic bindings, with unique characteristics and aspects can be found at the said archives. Examples from the Cathedral Museum, which form part of the Cathedral Archives, were surveyed and analysed. This dissertation gives an overview of different aspects and characteristics, including decorative techniques and elements, sewing techniques and structures, cover material, and other features which further portray the uniqueness of these bindings. Samples from every binding type found at the Cathedral Archives were gathered, using the stratified sampling approach. This provides the researcher with more flexibility and a better exposure of the collection. This dissertation will unveil this rich collection, while highlighting other aspects for better preservation of these unique works of art. Description: B.L.I.A.S. 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z