Computational sense: the role of technology in the education of digital librarians

The rapid progress of digital library technology from research to implementation has created a force for change in the curricula of library schools. The education of future librarians has always had to adapt to new technologies but the pace, complexity and implications of digital libraries pose considerable challenges. In this article we explore how we might successfully blend elements of computer science and library science to produce effective educational experiences for the digital librarians of tomorrow. We first outline the background to current digital librarian education and then propose the concept of computational sense as an appropriate meeting point for these two disciplines

My Library: Copyright and the Role of Institutions in a Peer-to-Peer World

Today\u27s technology turns every computer - every hard drive - into a type of library. But the institutions traditionally known as libraries have been given special consideration under copyright law, even as commercial endeavors and filesharing programs have begun to emulate some of their functions. This Article explores how recent technological and legal trends are affecting public and school-affiliated libraries, which have special concerns that are not necessarily captured by an end-consumer-oriented analysis. Despite the promise that technology will empower individuals, we must recognize the crucial structural role of intermediaries that select and distribute copyrighted works. By exploring how traditional libraries are being affected by developments such as filesharing services, the iTunes Music Store, and Google\u27s massive digitization project, this Article examines the implications of legal and technological changes that are mainly not directed at libraries, but are nonetheless vital to their continued existence

Role Reinvention, Structural Defense, or Resigned Surrender: Institutional Approaches to Technological Change and Reference Librarianship

In a comparative field study of ten libraries, we show how technological advances in electronic and digital resources have led to an onslaught of technology questions at the reference desk while prompting new and challenging work away from the desk. Libraries in our sample varied in their approaches to dealing with technological change, with institutional factors appearing to strongly shape their choice. Large, four-year academic libraries adopted a role reinvention approach that reduced reference librarians\u27 desk hours and permitted librarians to follow creative, often technical, pursuits. Small, four-year academic libraries took a structural defense approach that maintained the sanctity of the reference desk as the locus for substantive reference questions. Two-year academic and public libraries followed a resigned surrender approach where reference librarians staffed busy desks and were inundated with patron requests to aid with computer equipment. We discuss the implications of each approach for the work of reference librarians

The mobile future of university libraries and an analysis of the Turkish case

İstanbul Technical University, Mustafa İnan Library--(2017)Purpose: Smartphones will very soon become the standard means by which the Internet is accessed, and the rates of connection from mobile devices will supercede those which are computer-based.The hypothesis of this study is that a university library accessible by mobile technology will be the model of the future, and its purpose is to search for any evidence for which the university libraries in Turkey are prepared to meet this challenge. Design/methodology/approach-In the study, both domestic and foreign literature surveys were undertaken to determine which mobile library services are offered in university libraries. 30 random central libraries of both private and state universities were selected from across the 7 regions of Turkey. To gather data, a 26-question electronic survey was generated and e-mailed to the library managers. The questions were based on findings regarding the mobile library services provided by university libraries around the world. Findings-By examining the survey results, it was determined that Turkish university libraries utilise a comparable level of mobile technology, and demonstrate a similar level of care with regard to the services they offer. There are mobile sites (separate sites or mobile sites as applications), mobile library catalogues, SMS services, chatrooms, consultations via IM tools, mobile device lending services, and augmented reality and QR code applications. Research limitations/implications. In Turkey, the structures of university libraries operate under variable conditions due to the lack of established standards. This causes negative results for the delivery of library services. For this reason, university library standards should be set practicable as soon as reasonable, considering the social/economic and cultural structure of the country. Practical implications-Due to the transformative effect technology and the Internet have had on services, “information and communication technologies infrastructure” has been added as a sixth element to the five traditional library items; namely building, budget, personnel, collection, and users. Globalisation through the web has resulted in the individualisation of services, and the slogan “content is king” has been changed to the “customer experience is king”. Fundamental library services are being adapted to allow mobile technology access, and this approach best reflects the new slogan. Therefore, the university library of the future may well be the one entirely based on mobile technology. Social implications: mobile devices lead to new forms of engagement with student learning; so academic libraries are expected to be strong partners in the teaching and learning processes of their institution. Originality/value: The hypothesis of this study is that a university library accessible by mobile technology will be the model of the future, and its purpose is to search for any evidence for which the university libraries in Turkey are prepared to meet this challenge. This study is also meaningful because there have not been any study of Turkish university libraries in terms of mobile library services to users. This paper is the first time that a comprehensive study has been made of current mobile technology-based services, and is also the first comparison of the applications in Turkish university libraries. Additionally paper synthesizes developments and provides suggestions for the future. © Emerald Publishing Limited

Changing the Ways the Libraries Reach to the User: RSS and its Applications in Libraries with Special Reference to Feedburner

Purpose: To describe the RSS technology along with its brief history and how it can be used by taking help from Feedburner in the library environment. Design/Methodology/Approach: The paper is based on the previous literature on the topic of RSS technology and experience of the author in using the technology for last 12 years. Findings: RSS technology can be used effectively in the library environment to provide Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI) and Current Awareness Service (CAS) service to the library patron. Research Limitations/Implications: The author has only basic knowledge of the computer coding, so, some other people who have more expertise in coding can find out some other usages of the RSS technology. Practical Implications: RSS can be used in designing the readymade “News and Announcement” section of the library website or blog or digital library, auto posting to Twitter, auto generating the list of “New Arrival” in the Integrate Library Management System (ILMS), provide Email alert to the user and so on. Originality/Value: This paper will be value to the webmaster of library website, blogger, developer of digital libraries and implementer of Integrated Library Management System (ILMS). Paper Category: Descriptiv

Application of Web 2.0 in academic libraries: a study of college libraries

Purpose – This paper aims to provide an overview of the application of Web 2.0 technologies in college libraries in Mumbai. The focus of the research was to explore tools of Web 2.0 technologies applied in such libraries as well as to find out problems behind non-application of such cost-effective tool in college libraries. Design/methodology/approach – A survey was conducted using Google Forms based LIS e‐mail discussion groups. College librarians serving in all types of college libraries in Mumbai participated in the study. Findings – Blogs and social networking sites were the most popular Web 2.0 technology applied by librarians. Lack of computer literacy, lack of awareness about the utilities of web 2.0 and non- availability of computers and internet facilities were the major hindrances of Web 2.0 adoption by librarians. Awareness and training programs could enable librarians to cope with Web 2.0 technologies. Practical implications – This study will create awareness among LIS professionals toward the use of advanced technology in their professional environment. The findings of this study will be a guidance tool for workshop and training organizers to provide essential skills to the library professionals for the successful adoption of Web 2.0 in college libraries. The paper concludes by offering best practices for implementing Web 2.0 tools in academic libraries. Originality/Value – This is the original study conducted on the adoption of Web 2.0 technologies in college libraries in Mumbai by using the questionnaire as a tool for data collection and by studying different library blogs

Brain–computer interface in the context of information retrieval systems in a library

Purpose – The subject of this paper is the idea of Brain–Computer Interface (BCI). The main goal is to assess the potential impact of BCI on the design, use and evaluation of information retrieval systems operating in libraries. Design/methodology/approach – The method of literature review was used to establish the state of research. The search according to accepted queries was carried out in the Scopus database and complementary in Google Scholar. To determine the state of research on BCI on the basis of library and information science, a specialist LISTA abstract database was also searched. The most current papers published in the years 2015–2019 in the English language or having at least an abstract in this language were taken into account. Findings – The analysis showed that BCI issues are extremely popular in subject literature from various fields, mainly computer science, but practically does not occur in the context of using this technology in information retrieval systems. Research limitations/implications – Due to the fact that BCI solutions are not yet implemented in libraries and are rarely the subject of scientific considerations in the field of library and information science, this article is mainly based on literature from other disciplines. The goal was to consider how much BCI solutions can affect library information retrieval systems. The considerations presented in this article are theoretical in nature due to the lack of empirical materials on which to base. The author’s assumption was to initiate a discussion about BCI on the basis of library and information science, not to propose final solutions. Practical implications – The results can be widely used in practice as a framework for the implementation of BCI in libraries. Social implications – The article can help to facilitate the debate on the role of implementing new technologies in libraries. Originality/value – The problem of BCI is very rarely addressed in the subject literature in the field of library and information science

The application of intelligent agents in libraries: a survey

Purpose - The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive literature review on the utilisation of intelligent agent technology in the library environment. Design/methodology/approach - Research papers since 1990 on the use of various intelligent agent technologies in libraries are divided into two main application areas: digital library (DL), including agent-based DL projects, multi-agent architecture for DLs, intelligent agents for distributed heterogeneous information retrieval and agent support to information search process in DLs; and services in traditional libraries, including user interface for library information systems, automatic reference services and multi-agent architecture for library services. For each paper on the topic, its new ideas or models, referred work, analyses, experiments, findings and conclusions are addressed. Findings - The majority of the literature covers DLs and there have been fewer studies about services in traditional libraries. A variety of architecture, framework and models integrating agent technology in library systems or services are proposed, but only a few have been implemented in the practical environment. The application of agent technology is still at the research and experimentation stage. Agent technology has great potential in many areas in the library context; however it presents challenges to libraries that want to be involved in its adoption. Practical implications - The survey has practical implications for libraries, librarians and computer professionals in developing projects that employ intelligent agent technology to meet end-users\u27 expectations as well as to improve information services within limited resources in library settings. Originality/value - The paper provides a comprehensive survey on the development and research of intelligent agents in libraries in literature

European Digital Libraries: Web Security Vulnerabilities

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the web vulnerability challenges at European library web sites and how these issues can affect the data protection of their patrons. Design/methodology/approach – A web vulnerability testing tool was used to analyze 80 European library sites in four countries to determine how many security vulnerabilities each had and what were the most common types of problems. Findings – Analysis results from surveying the libraries show the majority have serious security flaws in their web applications. The research shows that despite country-specific laws mandating secure sites, system librarians have not implemented appropriate measures to secure their online information systems. Research limitations/implications – Further research on library vulnerability throughout the world can be taken to educate librarians in other countries of the serious nature of protecting their systems. Practical implications – The findings serve to remind librarians of the complexity in providing a secure online environment for their patrons and that a disregard or lack of awareness of securing systems could lead to serious vulnerabilities of the patrons' personal data and systems. Lack of consumer trust may result in a decreased use of online commerce and have serious repercussions for the municipal libraries. Several concrete examples of methods to improve security are provided. Originality/value – The paper serves as a current paper on data security issues at Western European municipal library web sites. It serves as a useful summary regarding technical and managerial measures librarians can take to mitigate inadequacies in their security implementation