Abstract

In this study we analyse 38 online newspapers in Colombia, with the goal of determining the level of development of cybermedia in this country, taking special account of the incorporation of Web 2.0 tools. This work is part of a bigger project, “Cybermedia in Colombia and Latin America”, which is being coordinated by the Universidad del Norte (Colombia), with the recent support of the Universidad de los Andes (Venezuela). For the empirical research, we applied the model proposed by Rodríguez-Martínez, Codina y Pedraza-Jiménez (2010), with the further objective of building an indicator to measure the development of Colombian online newspapers. The results show that these digital media have low levels of accessibility, visibility and popularity, and therefore low use of tools for interaction, in-depth exploration and personalization of contents. The study concludes with a quality ranking of cybermedia in Colombia.

Abstract

The public libraries of Columbia need to situate themselves as places for inclusion, social cohesion, construction of citizenship, and local memory as part of the post-conflict peace process. Colombia’s leaders and institutions, including libraries, have an obligation to go beyond the laws and regulations to achieve the vision of the future that has emerged from the negotiations in Havana, Cuba. There are actions that can be undertaken by libraries to promote social transformation at this historic time. Libraries are territories of peace, where librarians can undertake initiatives that build on citizens’ dreams of a prosperous future.

Abstract

The positive and negative effects of policies aimed at encouraging scientific output by university professors in Colombia, in addition to those that apply to higher education institutions in the quality accreditation process and in national budget resource allocation, are discussed. Although Colombia reported the highest rate of growth among Latin American countries in the Scopus database and is improving its scientific communication practices, the country now has the challenge of combining these performance results with a greater emphasis on quality indicators. In order to achieve greater international visibility, policy adjustments related to improving scientific production are needed, as well as a more efficient incentives system for researchers and higher education institutions. New policy provisions are beginning to be focussed in this direction.

Abstract

An indicator is proposed that measures the degree of professionalization of presidential campaigns in political systems where there is high personalization and low institutionalization of political parties. The professionalization of Colombia’s 2014 presidential campaign is measured: describing both the organizational dimension and internal structure of the campaign, and the communication strategy used to persuade the voters. Dimensions and categories are established that show the development and evolution of the techniques used in the presidential campaign.

Abstract

A Delphi study was performed to identify trends about innovative services in Colombian public libraries. An expert panel participated in three rounds with on-line questionnaires. Four trends were found: stronger community relationships; coexistence of books, technology and users; spaces for creativity, communication, collaborative work and networking. The study concluded that innovation at a public library is the capability to adapt services within its context and constantly engage in the necessary reflection and action about the methods, results and impact of its services.