https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/14337 Sun, 05 Apr 2026 19:02:56 GMT 2026-04-05T19:02:56Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/143151 Title: Enhancing access to Maltese heritage : analysing the effectiveness of local subject headings in the special collection Kollezzjoni Programmi tal-Festa Abstract: The aim of this dissertation was to explore whether local Maltese subject headings improve the discoverability of materials from the Kollezzjoni Programmi tal-Festa (KPF), a special collection of Maltese festa publications. Digitised material from this special collection is found on the University of Malta’s Institutional Repository OAR@UM. The study highlights the broader role of controlled vocabularies in enhancing access to local cultural heritage and investigates how locally developed subject headings can reflect national identity, language, and memory.; A mixed-methods approach was adopted for this dissertation. Quantitative data was gathered by tracking article views and downloads over a six-month period. Results included the comparison of records using local subject headings versus general subject headings. Qualitative insights were drawn from interviews with researchers who make use of material from the KPF collection. The interviews have provided insights into their information-seeking behaviours and perceptions of metadata. The findings suggest that local subject headings offer a slight but consistent advantage over the general subject headings. Interview data further emphasised their role in supporting efficient research and contextual navigation, especially when supported by librarian guidance.; This study contributes to discussions on the use of metadata, cultural representation, and the practical implementation of a Maltese subject headings thesaurus. It recommends ongoing refinement of local authority lists, integration with user needs, and increased engagement with researchers to ensure subject access remains relevant and inclusive. Description: MA (Aberystwyth) Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/143151 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141534 Title: Into a brave new world : exploring AI perceptions and uses among the University of Malta Library staff Abstract: The effects of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution have become increasingly ingrained in our lives over the past two years since the key to generative AI was made publicly available via large language models like ChatGPT giving rise to questions about how jobs and services are being impacted – academic libraries included. The purpose of this dissertation is to gauge the attitudes towards AI, knowledge and use of AI applications by the University of Malta Library (UML) staff and the management’s position on building an AI literate workplace. This research will help fill a knowledge gap and pave the way for policies which support an AI literate academic library. The research methods consisted of a review of the current literature with particular attention to surveys of academic librarians’ attitudes towards AI, and empirical data gathered from a generic staff questionnaire and qualitative interviews with the five members of the UML management. The findings from this research show that AI tools are being used by staff in different departments of the UML and there is a generally positive attitude towards AI tools complementing work duties rather than a fear of it replacing humans. However, the findings also indicate a cautious approach to implementing AI with awareness of ethical and security risks. A gap in staff training was also identified and the dissertation recommends a staff training plan which would upskill library staff’s knowledge of AI, piloting AI in workflows, upgrading resources to provide AI powered research tools and establishing communication channels with different entities within the University of Malta to work towards a common strategy. Description: MA (Aberystwyth) Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141534 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/107866 Title: Identifying the point of need for Information Literacy Sessions and the best way to promote them : A case study for the University of Malta Authors: Scicluna, Ryan (2019) Abstract: This research investigated the most appropriate time for the University of Malta Library to provide information literacy workshops. This study looked into the student’s willingness to attend workshops at various points during the academic year by organizing monthly workshops and compare attendance. Additionally, different marketing channels were used and assessed to promote such sessions. As a result, information on the usefulness of the sessions was collected from participating students to identify whether an introduction to information literacy was enough or if the Library should develop a more detailed workshop/or series of workshops. Both quantitative and qualitative methods of research were used for this study. Bookings for different sessions were recorded together with year of study and students details. A short anonymous questionnaire provided feedback on the sessions including identifying aspects of marketing the students are more likely to engage with. The research will directly impact the University of Malta Library as it will guide future development with regards to workshops and marketing the Library may wish to create. Keywords: Information Literacy Sessions, Point of Need, Promoting Information Literacy, University of Malta, Case Study, Information Literacy Skills, Academic Libraries, Library Instruction, User Needs Assessment, Library Promotion Strategies, Information Literacy Programs, Student Success, Information Seeking Behavior, Library User Education, Library Outreach, Library Marketing, Effective Library Instruction, Library User Engagement, Information Literacy Assessment, Library Services Evaluation, Description: M.L.I.S Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/107866 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/80570 Title: Academics’ perspectives on open research data : a pre-implementation study for the University of Malta Abstract: University institutional repositories around the world have increased the visibility of the intellectual property of academic institutions. Implementation of such repositories has given rise to discussions about the value of open science and open access to research. Such research includes peer-reviewed publications and the data collected for the purpose of these publications. Research data is an important component as it may be used to verify the results and to generate new insights. However, researchers may not always be willing to share this information for a number of reasons, including intellectual property rights, financial constraints and the time that needs to be invested to make sure that the data is re-usable and interoperable. Access to data may also allow other researchers and the general public to verify the results and challenge their interpretation. Data may also be used to produce different outputs. Those in support of the open data movement argue that transparency is fundamental to democracy and that people have the right to access data that has been gathered through public funding. On the contrary, data sharing raises a multitude of issues related to confidentiality, intellectual property rights, data protection and so forth. The aim of this dissertation is to explore the possibility of opening access to digital data for research funded by the University of Malta, which is a parastatal entity. This will essentially serve as a pre-implementation study for putting in place a policy that requires academic members of staff to share their data. Collaboration by academics is key to the success of such a venture, therefore their point of views and concerns will be explored. Description: M.L.I.S Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/80570 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z