Jenny Bronstein | Bar-Ilan University (original) (raw)

Papers by Jenny Bronstein

A Delphi study conducted in Israel during 1998 –2000 examined the views of library and informatio... more A Delphi study conducted in Israel during 1998 –2000 examined the views of library and information science (LIS) experts on the future of the profession in light of the changes in information technology. The study focused on three areas: (a) the transition from the traditional to the virtual library; (b) the transition from the technical to user-centered approach, and(c) the skills and the roles of the LIS professionals. The study found that most experts believe that the traditional library will continue to operate along with the virtual library. Most of the experts agree that in the future, libraries will place larger emphasis on customer services. LIS professionals will be specialists in locating, filtering, and evaluating information, and will be primary instructors in the use of new information technologies. This study's conclusions closely match those of the Kaliper project (1998 –2000), which examined the change in the curricula of LIS schools.

Cultural, Political and Geographical Aspects, 2012

Aslib Journal of Information Management, 2016

Aslib Journal of Information Management, 2014

Portal-libraries and The Academy, 2011

This study explores the perceptions that Israeli reference librarians have of their jobs and thei... more This study explores the perceptions that Israeli reference librarians have of their jobs and their academic environment. Fifteen academic reference librarians were interviewed over a period of four months and their answers were analyzed using the thematic analysis approach. The analysis resulted in five major themes: 1) elements in reference work such as its essence, rotation of duties, and changes in the type of questions asked at the reference desk; 2) the skills and personality traits required for work in the reference department; 3) the effects of technological change on reference services; 4) students as information users, and 5) the future of reference work.

Library & Information Science Research, 2015

Computers in Human Behavior, 2016

Aslib Proceedings, 2013

Purpose -The aim of this study is to investigate the creation of a virtual presence in personal b... more Purpose -The aim of this study is to investigate the creation of a virtual presence in personal blogs through self-presentation and self-disclosure. Five elements of self-presentation and self-disclosure were examined: the way bloggers present themselves in their blogs; the degree and frequency of disclosure of personal information in the blogs; the feelings or reactions bloggers have when posting or receiving a comment; the significance blogs have in the bloggers' lives; and the subjects bloggers write about in their blogs. Design/methodology/approach -An online survey was designed for the study and 90 bloggers from six Latin American countries who maintain a personal blog participated in the study. In the first phase a statistical analysis yielded quantifiable demographic data about the participants, the personal information they disclose in their blogs, and statistical data on feelings involved in blogging. In the second phase a content analysis examined the bloggers' textual answers using open coding. Findings -Findings show that bloggers created a virtual presence in their blogs perceived as a "protected space". Bloggers reported feeling satisfied and drained when posting a new comment in their blog. Bloggers in this study described their blogs as being a part of their selves, a communication tool, a writing tool and their favourite hobby. Originality/value -This study is relevant to the field of information behaviour because it provides an example of the fulfillment of different information needs through the creation of a virtual presence on a blog and examines the dichotomy present in blogging between the private and the public spheres.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2013

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to investigate the views and opinions of e-learning experts... more ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to investigate the views and opinions of e-learning experts regarding the replacement of traditional education with e-learning settings and the advantages that the application of social and mobile technologies can bring to elearning methods. The Delphi technique was chosen as a method of study. This technique is an efficient and effective group communication process designed to systematically elicit judgments from experts in their selected area of expertise. The 35 experts that participated in the study were asked to rate 16 statements according to what they think will probably happen (probability) and what they would like to see happen (desirability). Findings show that the majority of experts foresee as highly probable and highly desirable that the use of new technologies in e-learning will change current educational theories and methodologies and that e-learning instructors will have to acquire a new set of skills in order to succeed in the e-learning field. In addition, findings show that the majority of experts believe it is highly probable and highly desirable that social technologies may improve e-learning experience as they create an atmosphere of cooperation and easy interaction among users and that mobile technologies emphasize the convenience and flexibility of e-learning offered by the "anytime, anywhere" concept. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Aslib Proceedings, 2012

Purpose–Citizens Advice Bureau (SHIL in Hebrew) is an information and referral service dedicated ... more Purpose–Citizens Advice Bureau (SHIL in Hebrew) is an information and referral service dedicated to serving the needs of citizens by providing easy access to information about citizenship rights and obligations. Many people turn to the offices of SHIL either for help or to volunteer as advisors. This study seeks to examine the information seeking behavior of SHIL volunteers supplying information services to citizens. Design/methodology/approach–The theoretical foundations of the study are based on two existing models of information ...

The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 2014

ABSTRACT This study investigated the self-efficacy perceptions of Israeli library and information... more ABSTRACT This study investigated the self-efficacy perceptions of Israeli library and information science students regarding their information seeking behavior. That is, it examined the judgments that participants make of their searching abilities. The study was based on Bandura's four sources of self-efficacy information: past performance or mastery experiences, vicarious experiences of observing the experiences of others, social feedback and affective states. An online survey presenting the Information Seeking Self-Perception Scale (IRSPS) was distributed and 205 students completed the questionnaire anonymously. Findings show that participants reported a high level of self-efficacy and that three of the four sources of self-efficacy information were significant in constructing their self-efficacy beliefs. Correlations between self-efficacy percepts and several socio-demographic variables revealed no gender-based differences. A significant correlation was found between age and degree and the sources with more influence. Older postgraduate students reported being more impacted by their mastery experiences, their affective states and social feedback. The implementation of the Information Seeking Self-Perception Scale (IRSPS) can be valuable when designing and implementing LIS academic programs for different groups of students.

portal: Libraries and the Academy, 2011

This study explores the perceptions that Israeli reference librarians have of their jobs and thei... more This study explores the perceptions that Israeli reference librarians have of their jobs and their academic environment. Fifteen academic reference librarians were interviewed over a period of four months and their answers were analyzed using the thematic analysis approach. The analysis resulted in five major themes: 1) elements in reference work such as its essence, rotation of duties, and changes in the type of questions asked at the reference desk; 2) the skills and personality traits required for work in the reference department; 3) the effects of technological change on reference services; 4) students as information users, and 5) the future of reference work.

Online Information Review, 2013

Purpose -The present study aims to report the findings of a qualitative and quantitative content ... more Purpose -The present study aims to report the findings of a qualitative and quantitative content analysis of the Facebook pages of the two presidential candidates. Design/methodology/approach -The sample contained 513 posts collected during the last three months of the 2012 US presidential election. The analysis of the candidates' pages consisted of three phases: the identification of the different elements of the Aristotelian language of persuasion, the identification of the subjects that appear on the posts, and the identification of additional roles that the Facebook pages play in the campaigns. Findings -Findings show that both candidates used an emotional and motivational appeal to create a social capital and to present a personal image that revealed very little of their personal lives. Statistical analysis shows the numbers of comments and likes given to the posts were influenced by the element of persuasion used on the posts. Results show that campaigns wanted to retain control of the message displayed on the pages by posting information on a small number of non-controversial subjects. Finally, the content analysis revealed that the Facebook pages were used for fund-raising purposes, and for the mobilization of supporters. The Facebook pages of both candidates present an alternative way to do politics called fandom politics that is based not on logic or reason but on the affective sensibility of the audiences, discouraging dissent and encouraging affective allegiances between the candidate and his supporters. Originality/value -This study presents an innovative way of analyzing the use of social media sites as a tool for the dissemination of political information and reveals utilization of these media for the creation of social and economic capital by politicians.

Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society, 2007

... centred practices that help ensure library collections, services, and programs meet customer ... more ... centred practices that help ensure library collections, services, and programs meet customer requirements. ... of the interaction between users and information content such as literacy andinformation ... information science and library science in the USA", Information Processing & ...

Interactive Learning Environments, 2012

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to investigate the views and opinions of e-learning experts... more ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to investigate the views and opinions of e-learning experts regarding future trends in the e-learning arena. The Delphi technique was chosen as a method of study. This technique is an efficient and effective group communication process designed to systematically elicit judgments from experts in their selected area of expertise. The 35 experts who participated in this study were asked to rate 16 statements according to what they think will probably happen (probability) and what they would like to see happen (desirability). Findings show that participants believe that the use of new technologies will change current educational theories and methodologies and will have impact on instructor skills, effort, feedback, and interaction as well as on the process of learning assessment. Concerning the future of e-learning, participants view a future tendency toward the provision of full online degrees, yet they are skeptical, stating that the e-learning setting will not completely replace the frontal educational setting. Regarding the impact of social and mobile technologies on e-learning, experts seem to view the role of social and mobile technologies as facilitators in the transfer and sharing of information in e-learning settings.

portal: Libraries and the Academy, 2013

Information literacy (IL) is a necessary skill crucial for effective functioning in today's knowl... more Information literacy (IL) is a necessary skill crucial for effective functioning in today's knowledge society. This study seeks to explore Israeli librarians' perspectives toward major components of information literacy. Do librarians find there is a need to redefine the concept? Who do they think should teach it? How do they think Web 2.0 platforms and social networks influence the concept of IL? The study used an online survey and data analysis consisting of two phases: a quantitative and a qualitative one. Findings reveal that, in general, librarians see little or no need to revise the traditional definition of information literacy, even though they expand it while including Web 2.0 and digital-literacy characteristics within its scope. In addition, respondents think that it is more a library role than a faculty role to teach information literacy, and they view positively the possibility of integrating Web 2.0 platforms into IL courses.

Journal of Web Librarianship, 2009

... 2008a. Web 2.0 in US LIS schools: Are they missing the boat?. ... In the first statement, pre... more ... 2008a. Web 2.0 in US LIS schools: Are they missing the boat?. ... In the first statement, presented in Table 1, participants were asked their opinion about whether the adoption of Web 2.0 technologies by their libraries will transform the library's roles and functions. ...

Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, 2007

seeking behavior since the advent of the Internet have been quite scarce (Ellis & Oldman, 2005) i... more seeking behavior since the advent of the Internet have been quite scarce (Ellis & Oldman, 2005) in the past decade. This study presents updated research on a group of humanists, Jewish studies scholars living in Israel, as information users in the digital age based on two categories: (a) the use of formal and informal information channels, and (b) the use of information technologies and their impact on humanistic research.

A Delphi study conducted in Israel during 1998 –2000 examined the views of library and informatio... more A Delphi study conducted in Israel during 1998 –2000 examined the views of library and information science (LIS) experts on the future of the profession in light of the changes in information technology. The study focused on three areas: (a) the transition from the traditional to the virtual library; (b) the transition from the technical to user-centered approach, and(c) the skills and the roles of the LIS professionals. The study found that most experts believe that the traditional library will continue to operate along with the virtual library. Most of the experts agree that in the future, libraries will place larger emphasis on customer services. LIS professionals will be specialists in locating, filtering, and evaluating information, and will be primary instructors in the use of new information technologies. This study's conclusions closely match those of the Kaliper project (1998 –2000), which examined the change in the curricula of LIS schools.

Cultural, Political and Geographical Aspects, 2012

Aslib Journal of Information Management, 2016

Aslib Journal of Information Management, 2014

Portal-libraries and The Academy, 2011

This study explores the perceptions that Israeli reference librarians have of their jobs and thei... more This study explores the perceptions that Israeli reference librarians have of their jobs and their academic environment. Fifteen academic reference librarians were interviewed over a period of four months and their answers were analyzed using the thematic analysis approach. The analysis resulted in five major themes: 1) elements in reference work such as its essence, rotation of duties, and changes in the type of questions asked at the reference desk; 2) the skills and personality traits required for work in the reference department; 3) the effects of technological change on reference services; 4) students as information users, and 5) the future of reference work.

Library & Information Science Research, 2015

Computers in Human Behavior, 2016

Aslib Proceedings, 2013

Purpose -The aim of this study is to investigate the creation of a virtual presence in personal b... more Purpose -The aim of this study is to investigate the creation of a virtual presence in personal blogs through self-presentation and self-disclosure. Five elements of self-presentation and self-disclosure were examined: the way bloggers present themselves in their blogs; the degree and frequency of disclosure of personal information in the blogs; the feelings or reactions bloggers have when posting or receiving a comment; the significance blogs have in the bloggers' lives; and the subjects bloggers write about in their blogs. Design/methodology/approach -An online survey was designed for the study and 90 bloggers from six Latin American countries who maintain a personal blog participated in the study. In the first phase a statistical analysis yielded quantifiable demographic data about the participants, the personal information they disclose in their blogs, and statistical data on feelings involved in blogging. In the second phase a content analysis examined the bloggers' textual answers using open coding. Findings -Findings show that bloggers created a virtual presence in their blogs perceived as a "protected space". Bloggers reported feeling satisfied and drained when posting a new comment in their blog. Bloggers in this study described their blogs as being a part of their selves, a communication tool, a writing tool and their favourite hobby. Originality/value -This study is relevant to the field of information behaviour because it provides an example of the fulfillment of different information needs through the creation of a virtual presence on a blog and examines the dichotomy present in blogging between the private and the public spheres.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2013

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to investigate the views and opinions of e-learning experts... more ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to investigate the views and opinions of e-learning experts regarding the replacement of traditional education with e-learning settings and the advantages that the application of social and mobile technologies can bring to elearning methods. The Delphi technique was chosen as a method of study. This technique is an efficient and effective group communication process designed to systematically elicit judgments from experts in their selected area of expertise. The 35 experts that participated in the study were asked to rate 16 statements according to what they think will probably happen (probability) and what they would like to see happen (desirability). Findings show that the majority of experts foresee as highly probable and highly desirable that the use of new technologies in e-learning will change current educational theories and methodologies and that e-learning instructors will have to acquire a new set of skills in order to succeed in the e-learning field. In addition, findings show that the majority of experts believe it is highly probable and highly desirable that social technologies may improve e-learning experience as they create an atmosphere of cooperation and easy interaction among users and that mobile technologies emphasize the convenience and flexibility of e-learning offered by the "anytime, anywhere" concept. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Aslib Proceedings, 2012

Purpose–Citizens Advice Bureau (SHIL in Hebrew) is an information and referral service dedicated ... more Purpose–Citizens Advice Bureau (SHIL in Hebrew) is an information and referral service dedicated to serving the needs of citizens by providing easy access to information about citizenship rights and obligations. Many people turn to the offices of SHIL either for help or to volunteer as advisors. This study seeks to examine the information seeking behavior of SHIL volunteers supplying information services to citizens. Design/methodology/approach–The theoretical foundations of the study are based on two existing models of information ...

The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 2014

ABSTRACT This study investigated the self-efficacy perceptions of Israeli library and information... more ABSTRACT This study investigated the self-efficacy perceptions of Israeli library and information science students regarding their information seeking behavior. That is, it examined the judgments that participants make of their searching abilities. The study was based on Bandura's four sources of self-efficacy information: past performance or mastery experiences, vicarious experiences of observing the experiences of others, social feedback and affective states. An online survey presenting the Information Seeking Self-Perception Scale (IRSPS) was distributed and 205 students completed the questionnaire anonymously. Findings show that participants reported a high level of self-efficacy and that three of the four sources of self-efficacy information were significant in constructing their self-efficacy beliefs. Correlations between self-efficacy percepts and several socio-demographic variables revealed no gender-based differences. A significant correlation was found between age and degree and the sources with more influence. Older postgraduate students reported being more impacted by their mastery experiences, their affective states and social feedback. The implementation of the Information Seeking Self-Perception Scale (IRSPS) can be valuable when designing and implementing LIS academic programs for different groups of students.

portal: Libraries and the Academy, 2011

This study explores the perceptions that Israeli reference librarians have of their jobs and thei... more This study explores the perceptions that Israeli reference librarians have of their jobs and their academic environment. Fifteen academic reference librarians were interviewed over a period of four months and their answers were analyzed using the thematic analysis approach. The analysis resulted in five major themes: 1) elements in reference work such as its essence, rotation of duties, and changes in the type of questions asked at the reference desk; 2) the skills and personality traits required for work in the reference department; 3) the effects of technological change on reference services; 4) students as information users, and 5) the future of reference work.

Online Information Review, 2013

Purpose -The present study aims to report the findings of a qualitative and quantitative content ... more Purpose -The present study aims to report the findings of a qualitative and quantitative content analysis of the Facebook pages of the two presidential candidates. Design/methodology/approach -The sample contained 513 posts collected during the last three months of the 2012 US presidential election. The analysis of the candidates' pages consisted of three phases: the identification of the different elements of the Aristotelian language of persuasion, the identification of the subjects that appear on the posts, and the identification of additional roles that the Facebook pages play in the campaigns. Findings -Findings show that both candidates used an emotional and motivational appeal to create a social capital and to present a personal image that revealed very little of their personal lives. Statistical analysis shows the numbers of comments and likes given to the posts were influenced by the element of persuasion used on the posts. Results show that campaigns wanted to retain control of the message displayed on the pages by posting information on a small number of non-controversial subjects. Finally, the content analysis revealed that the Facebook pages were used for fund-raising purposes, and for the mobilization of supporters. The Facebook pages of both candidates present an alternative way to do politics called fandom politics that is based not on logic or reason but on the affective sensibility of the audiences, discouraging dissent and encouraging affective allegiances between the candidate and his supporters. Originality/value -This study presents an innovative way of analyzing the use of social media sites as a tool for the dissemination of political information and reveals utilization of these media for the creation of social and economic capital by politicians.

Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society, 2007

... centred practices that help ensure library collections, services, and programs meet customer ... more ... centred practices that help ensure library collections, services, and programs meet customer requirements. ... of the interaction between users and information content such as literacy andinformation ... information science and library science in the USA", Information Processing & ...

Interactive Learning Environments, 2012

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to investigate the views and opinions of e-learning experts... more ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to investigate the views and opinions of e-learning experts regarding future trends in the e-learning arena. The Delphi technique was chosen as a method of study. This technique is an efficient and effective group communication process designed to systematically elicit judgments from experts in their selected area of expertise. The 35 experts who participated in this study were asked to rate 16 statements according to what they think will probably happen (probability) and what they would like to see happen (desirability). Findings show that participants believe that the use of new technologies will change current educational theories and methodologies and will have impact on instructor skills, effort, feedback, and interaction as well as on the process of learning assessment. Concerning the future of e-learning, participants view a future tendency toward the provision of full online degrees, yet they are skeptical, stating that the e-learning setting will not completely replace the frontal educational setting. Regarding the impact of social and mobile technologies on e-learning, experts seem to view the role of social and mobile technologies as facilitators in the transfer and sharing of information in e-learning settings.

portal: Libraries and the Academy, 2013

Information literacy (IL) is a necessary skill crucial for effective functioning in today's knowl... more Information literacy (IL) is a necessary skill crucial for effective functioning in today's knowledge society. This study seeks to explore Israeli librarians' perspectives toward major components of information literacy. Do librarians find there is a need to redefine the concept? Who do they think should teach it? How do they think Web 2.0 platforms and social networks influence the concept of IL? The study used an online survey and data analysis consisting of two phases: a quantitative and a qualitative one. Findings reveal that, in general, librarians see little or no need to revise the traditional definition of information literacy, even though they expand it while including Web 2.0 and digital-literacy characteristics within its scope. In addition, respondents think that it is more a library role than a faculty role to teach information literacy, and they view positively the possibility of integrating Web 2.0 platforms into IL courses.

Journal of Web Librarianship, 2009

... 2008a. Web 2.0 in US LIS schools: Are they missing the boat?. ... In the first statement, pre... more ... 2008a. Web 2.0 in US LIS schools: Are they missing the boat?. ... In the first statement, presented in Table 1, participants were asked their opinion about whether the adoption of Web 2.0 technologies by their libraries will transform the library's roles and functions. ...

Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, 2007

seeking behavior since the advent of the Internet have been quite scarce (Ellis & Oldman, 2005) i... more seeking behavior since the advent of the Internet have been quite scarce (Ellis & Oldman, 2005) in the past decade. This study presents updated research on a group of humanists, Jewish studies scholars living in Israel, as information users in the digital age based on two categories: (a) the use of formal and informal information channels, and (b) the use of information technologies and their impact on humanistic research.