Showing papers in "Journal of Web Librarianship in 2017"
TL;DR: Bibliometrics have no real scientific validity and rarely measure what they s... as mentioned in this paper The Bibliometric and Research Evaluation: Uses and Abuses has a clear thesis: “Bibliometric methods have no scientific validity.
Abstract: Described by one reviewer as a “manifesto,” Bibliometrics and Research Evaluation: Uses and Abuses has a clear thesis: “Bibliometrics have no real scientific validity and rarely measure what they s...
57 citations
TL;DR: Notable findings include a very high usage of Web-scale discovery systems, an increasing adoption of open source content management systems, and increasing implementation of responsive design.
Abstract: This study examines several key design elements of 37 academic library Web sites (members of the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries) and how they have changed between 2012 and 2015. While several studies have reviewed library Web sites looking for common design elements and content, the present work may be the first to look at the design elements of a large group of library Web sites over time. This study has two main goals: to present an objective analysis of the navigation and search interface designs at research university library Web sites, and to assess the usage of Web-scale discovery systems and content management systems in libraries. Other areas explored include when sites were most recently redesigned and whether sites have adopted a mobile-friendly, responsive design. Notable findings include a very high usage of Web-scale discovery systems, an increasing adoption of open source content management systems, and increasing implementation of responsive design. Also noted was a ...
21 citations
TL;DR: Reverse image lookup technology was used to assess the users and reuses of images from the Library of Congress' Teaching with Primary Resources digital collection and found that the most popular type of user was “personal,” which aligns with previous work and indicates that a pattern is emerging between ultimate use and the personal user type.
Abstract: Reverse image lookup technology was used to assess the users and reuses of images from the Library of Congress's Teaching with Primary Resources digital collection. After selecting 44 images for the study, researchers used Google Reverse Image Lookup to generate a dataset of over 1,400 URLs. Drawing upon a coding rubric designed for a previous study on the ultimate uses of digital library materials, researchers coded the data to identify who uses these images and for what purposes. They found that the most popular type of user was “personal,” which aligns with previous work and indicates that a pattern is emerging between ultimate use and the personal user type. Additionally, the study's results indicate that social media and popular culture research outnumbered any other type of reuse. This article introduces reverse image lookup as a viable and approachable tool for digital library assessment, and discusses its implications for assessment and content selection.
18 citations
TL;DR: How SeeCollections gathers data from Kingsborough's discovery layer API and transforms these data to create visualizations for the Web is discussed, a lightweight, proof-of-concept data application based on a vendor API.
Abstract: Visualizations can add value to raw library data. Tools that programmatically make such visualizations interactive can further increase the value of these data by giving librarians visual tools to analyze their datasets. To demonstrate these benefits, Kingsborough Community College Library built SeeCollections (http://b7jl.org/seecollections), a Web application that visualizes the libraries’ collections of books and e-books. This article discusses the how SeeCollections gathers data from Kingsborough's discovery layer API (Application Programming Interface) and transforms these data to create visualizations for the Web. SeeCollections is a lightweight, proof-of-concept data application based on a vendor API. API data are often accessible in academic libraries but are frequently underutilized. SeeCollections was built to demonstrate the immediate value of these API data sources to Kingsborough librarians by providing a visual interface to discovery layer data. Keeping in mind the broader literature...
12 citations
TL;DR: Foral as mentioned in this paper is a very helpful, concise book about knowledge management and its practical applications in libraries, and I highly recommend this book for librarians looking to create dynamic knowledge bases that capture both explicit and tacit organizational knowledge and subject expertise.
Abstract: sions. Finally, the reader is given a list of recommended readings that includes articles, case studies, books, and online documentation and help guides. Forrestal has written a very helpful, concise book about knowledge management and its practical applications in libraries. I highly recommend this book for librarians looking to create dynamic knowledge bases that capture both explicit and tacit organizational knowledge and subject expertise.
10 citations
TL;DR: These platforms create similar split-screen tutorials, but have differences that affect diverse aspects of installation, administration, authoring and editing, student learning, data management, and accessibility.
Abstract: Split-screen tutorials are an appealing and effective way for libraries to create online learning objects where learners interact with real-time Web content. Many libraries are using the University of Arizona's award-winning, open source platform, Guide on the Side. In 2016, Springshare released a proprietary alternative, LibWizard Tutorials. This article reviews the advantages and limitations of this kind of tutorial. It also examines the differences between each platform's distinctive characteristics. These platforms create similar split-screen tutorials, but have differences that affect diverse aspects of installation, administration, authoring and editing, student learning, data management, and accessibility. Libraries now have the opportunity to consider and compare alternative platforms, and decide which one is best suited to their needs, priorities, and resources.
9 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that the highest proportion of academic visibility is concentrated in private universities, and the metadata quality number of items integrated in Alicia favors public universities.
Abstract: This article analyzes level of metadata quality (MQ ratio) and level of academic visibility in Google Scholar (IGS ratio) associated with coverage of four types of documents (theses, articles, book...
8 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors surveyed heads of reference and instruction departments in research and land-grant university libraries to find common practices with discovery tools among academic libraries and drew connections between operational, instructional, and assessment practices and perceptions that participants have of the success of their discovery tool.
Abstract: Discovery tools have been widely adopted by academic libraries, yet little information exists that connects common practices regarding discovery tool implementation, maintenance, assessment, and staffing with conventions for research and instruction. The authors surveyed heads of reference and instruction departments in research and land-grant university libraries. The survey results revealed common practices with discovery tools among academic libraries. This study also draws connections between operational, instructional, and assessment practices and perceptions that participants have of the success of their discovery tool. Participants who indicated successful implementation of their discovery tool hailed from institutions that made significant commitments to the operations, maintenance, and acceptance of their discovery tool. Participants who indicated an unsuccessful implementation, or who were unsure about the success of their implementation, did not make lasting commitments to the technical...
8 citations
TL;DR: The exhibit was successful, and lessons learned through this project can be applied by other libraries undertaking similar efforts, to navigate problems and improve efficiency in implementing online exhibits for people with a visual impairment.
Abstract: An online exhibit accessible by people with a visual impairment was created to accompany a university library's physical exhibit of microscopic images generated by researchers on campus as “scientific art.” This online exhibit consisted of a web page formatted for screen-reading software so that those individuals could hear descriptions of the images and envision the image patterns, shapes, textures, and perhaps colors while learning about the scientific research performed on campus. The library promoted this web page through various outlets to a wide audience to benefit patrons on and off campus. The exhibit was successful, and lessons learned through this project can be applied by other libraries undertaking similar efforts, to navigate problems and improve efficiency in implementing online exhibits for people with a visual impairment.
7 citations
TL;DR: The study found not only numerous improvements that could enhance the library Web site, but also the lack of a unified experience between tablet, smartphone, and desktop users, despite using a responsive design.
Abstract: This article examines the usability testing of a responsively redesigned library Web site. Responsive design provides a unified user experience regardless of the device used to view a site. The study's aim is twofold: to determine if the responsively designed site and its external online services support users’ information seeking needs, and to discover if there is a singular experience across different devices. A cognitive walkthrough was the main testing instrument used in gathering input. Over two rounds of testing, students of various class years and technological skill from the New York City of Technology (City Tech), CUNY participated in the study. The first round of testing for this usability study on the library Web site was previously documented (Tidal 2015). This article presents the findings and comparisons between the first and second round of usability testing. The study found not only numerous improvements that could enhance the library Web site, but also the lack of a unified experi...
7 citations
TL;DR: The method used to determine which system would best meet the library's needs, methods for metadata migration, issues observed during migration, metadata management capabilities of the new system, and future plans for post-migration metadata cleanup and remediation are discussed.
Abstract: In 2016, the University of Utah's J. Willard Marriott Library migrated digital asset management systems from CONTENTdm, a vendor-provided solution from OCLC, to Solphal, a homegrown system utilizin...
TL;DR: This study found some confusion among the participants when they must move through a three-step process to locate digital objects provided by a metadata aggregator service hub.
Abstract: This article presents the findings of a case study that examined user navigation in a large-scale digital library in the context of academic use. Using the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) as a case, the study explored user navigation and understanding of a distributed model of large-scale digital libraries. The DPLA model involves two- or three-step navigation pathways. Most study participants could navigate the DPLA distributed, multilayered system effectively. This study found some confusion among the participants when they must move through a three-step process to locate digital objects provided by a metadata aggregator service hub. The study participants also pointed out the advantages of a distributed model in collocating digital resources and connecting users to a wide range of digital libraries.
TL;DR: Montana State University (MSU) Library applied search engine optimization and structured data with the Schema.org vocabulary, linked data models and practices, and social media optimization techniques to all the library's subscribed databases through the Open SESMO database project.
Abstract: Today's learners operate in digital environments which can be largely navigated with no human intervention. At the same time, libraries spend millions and millions of dollars to provide access to c...
TL;DR: The author updates his original 2012 overview of the digital information landscape to give readers a current perspective on the business drivers behind the technology that is spurring on the authors' current production and consumption of information.
Abstract: With The Future Scholar, English professors Randall McClure and James P. Purdy continue a series that also includes The New Digital Scholar and The Next Digital Scholar. Four sections in this new v...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore academic libraries' potential uses of the mobile application Yik Yak, with particular focus on patrons' anonymous feedback about library services and spaces, and reveal several opportunities for academic libraries to engage with yik Yak in order to serve their patrons better, including providing virtual reference services, monitoring problems within...
Abstract: This study explores academic libraries’ potential uses of the mobile application Yik Yak, with particular focus on patrons’ anonymous feedback about library services and spaces. Over a 232-day period, the authors observed the Yik Yak feed for their university and recorded all yaks related to the library. A content analysis of the 249 library-related yaks found six distinct purposes that these library-related yaks served, from the perspective of the patron, which are of interest to the library: asking questions about library services; reporting problems with library spaces; reprimanding violations of and encouraging adherence to library policies; sharing compliments about library services; demons-trating need for improved library services; and discussing and offering feedback about library programs. This study reveals several opportunities for academic libraries to engage with Yik Yak in order to serve their patrons better, including providing virtual reference services, monitoring problems within ...
TL;DR: The New Librarianship Field Guide as discussed by the authors is a clarion call to those in the library profession to make a positive difference in their communities, become change agents in their libraries, and stand up and find ways to interact and involve themselves in the broader issues in society and culture.
Abstract: David R. Lankes’ The New Librarianship Field Guide is a clarion call to those in the library profession to make a positive difference in their communities, become change agents in their libraries, and stand up and find ways to interact and involve themselves in the broader issues in society and culture. The author is well known for his radical and thought-provoking books and blog postings related to the library profession, and with this book he brings practical and innovative anecdotes and case studies to illustrate these directions. Lankes shows how implementing new ideas can help librarians and libraries become more active, viable, visible, and important in their communities. The book is comprised of twenty-one chapters divided into three sections. Each chapter begins with a “core chapter concept,” stated succinctly in one sentence (for example, “Librarians are agents for radical positive change who choose to make a difference”). Chapter titles are equally direct: “The Mission of Librarians,” “Knowledge Creation,” and “What is a Library?” to name a few. The core of the book is an appeal for the profession to move from being mission-driven to “missionary-driven.” The appendices encapsulate this message by providing advice on facilitating continuous training and development of “new librarianship” skills, giving tricks and observations from each chapter topic for further discussion, and listing FAQs (Frequently Argued Questions) with useful responses. Finally, the author invites further conversation and access to expanded materials (articles, blog posts, and videos) at http://www.NewLibrarianship.org. I highly recommend this book, along with Lankes’ other books and his blog at https:// davidlankes.org. It is difficult in the current economic and political climate for the library profession to find its voice and direction, and Lankes certainly provides opinions and leadership that deserve more discussion and focus from the larger community. It behooves us to have these discussions at this crucial juncture in our profession.
TL;DR: This case study describes the creation of a linked data metadata scheme for clothing designed for the Oregon State University's College of Business Design Programs' Historical and Cultural Textile and Apparel Collection housed within the ScholarsArchive digital repository.
Abstract: The historical clothing collections held by academic and other institutions serve as an important resource for scholars in fields ranging from fashion design to sociology. While metadata schemes ha...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors acknowledge the work of Dr. Nessa Cronin, Centre for Irish Studies, NUI Galway, who is a source of great enthusiasm for this work, and has driven strategic planning and funding bids.
Abstract: The authors would like to thank and acknowledge the work of Dr. Nessa Cronin, Centre for Irish Studies, NUI Galway. Nessa is a source of great enthusiasm for this work, and has driven strategic planning and funding bids. In addition, the Library's Digital Library Strategy group has provided stewardship and positive support.
TL;DR: The core of the book is an appeal for the library profession to move from being mission-driven to “missionary-driven,” and the appendices encapsulate this message by providing advice on facilitating continuous training and development of “new librarianship” skills.
Abstract: David R. Lankes’ The New Librarianship Field Guide is a clarion call to those in the library profession to make a positive difference in their communities, become change agents in their libraries, and stand up and find ways to interact and involve themselves in the broader issues in society and culture. The author is well known for his radical and thought-provoking books and blog postings related to the library profession, and with this book he brings practical and innovative anecdotes and case studies to illustrate these directions. Lankes shows how implementing new ideas can help librarians and libraries become more active, viable, visible, and important in their communities. The book is comprised of twenty-one chapters divided into three sections. Each chapter begins with a “core chapter concept,” stated succinctly in one sentence (for example, “Librarians are agents for radical positive change who choose to make a difference”). Chapter titles are equally direct: “The Mission of Librarians,” “Knowledge Creation,” and “What is a Library?” to name a few. The core of the book is an appeal for the profession to move from being mission-driven to “missionary-driven.” The appendices encapsulate this message by providing advice on facilitating continuous training and development of “new librarianship” skills, giving tricks and observations from each chapter topic for further discussion, and listing FAQs (Frequently Argued Questions) with useful responses. Finally, the author invites further conversation and access to expanded materials (articles, blog posts, and videos) at http://www.NewLibrarianship.org. I highly recommend this book, along with Lankes’ other books and his blog at https:// davidlankes.org. It is difficult in the current economic and political climate for the library profession to find its voice and direction, and Lankes certainly provides opinions and leadership that deserve more discussion and focus from the larger community. It behooves us to have these discussions at this crucial juncture in our profession.
TL;DR: The Prague Spring Archive as discussed by the authors is a new project at The University of Texas at Austin that provides a collection of primary historical documents related to the Prague Spring, one of the key moments in the Cold War, available online.
Abstract: ARTICLE HISTORY Received 24 March 2017 Accepted 25 August 2017 ABSTRACT There is a noted lack of primary historical documents related to the Prague Spring, one of the key moments in the Cold War, available online. As such, there is a need for an online resource that presents these primary documents in their entirety, allowing researchers and the public to engage with these materials in a user-friendly, open access format. The Prague Spring Archive, a new project at The University of Texas at Austin, fills this gap. This article addresses the development, promotion, and future steps of the project.
TL;DR: Developing Librarian Competencies for the Digital Age as mentioned in this paper, a part of the Medical Library Association Book Series, has as its target audience not just medical librarians but all library profess...
Abstract: Developing Librarian Competencies for the Digital Age, although a part of the Medical Library Association Book Series, has as its target audience not just medical librarians but all library profess...
TL;DR: Developing Librarian Competencies for the Digital Age covers communication skills, marketing, IT skills, and teamwork, fails to mention anything about social media applications.
Abstract: The Cybrarian's Web 2: An A–Z Guide to Free Social Media, Tools, Apps, and Other Resources is a useful guide to all sorts of free platforms and programs that will make any librarian's online life e...
TL;DR: The author updates his original 2012 overview of the digital information landscape to give readers a current perspective on the business drivers behind the technology that is spurring on the authors' current production and consumption of information.
Abstract: In the decade or so since information and library sciences have become enamored with the ideas of Web 2.0 (mainly those of interoperability, user-generated content, and usability), the ecosystem has normalized into a more stable and secure world for users. The novelty of posting on blogs has given way to the expectation that social media will be used as a marketing and branding tool for libraries. As the library and information sciences acclimate to these changes in technology, younger professionals entering the field have never known a digital landscape that did not include social networks and discussions of user interfaces. In Martin De Saulles’s second edition of Information 2.0, he updates his original 2012 overview of the digital information landscape to give readers a current perspective on the business drivers behind the technology that is spurring on our current production and consumption of information. While the book includes several case studies of organizations and platforms like DSpace, Khan Academy, and pre-Facebook acquisition Oculus Rift, De Saulles never allows the reader to lose sight of the companies that now control our access to information, mainly Google, Facebook, Apple, and Amazon. The book breaks down our current information society into four facets: production, storage, distribution, and consumption, and De Saulles dedicates a chapter to each one. The chapters outline the history of how we developed this interaction with information and provide a look at what might be coming next. While the chapters on information storage and consumption provide a valuable look at the global trends that are shaping these parts of the industry, the chapter on information production spends a little too much time on blogging before getting into the issues of social graphs and text analytics. De Saulles ends his concise overview of these facets with a lengthy conclusion that tackles the issue of how relatively few companies are building out the next information revolution, the “Internet of things,” and what challenges and opportunities this will bring for librarians and other information professionals as the amount of data we deal with daily will increase exponentially. Information 2.0 is a textbook written for students exploring the foundations of our information society and the implications of technological change for the information industry. The book will also be useful for those looking for a quick summary of the evolution of markup, information literacy, and the rise of mobile computing.
TL;DR: This special issue aims to explore approaches and offer insight into the current literature debating digital collection metadata and its discoverability on the Internet, thereby offering a platform for researchers to discuss metadata strategies, digital repositories, digital formats, search engine indexing, and Internet discovery.
Abstract: Digital repositories and digital collections have increased in size tremendously in recent decades in academic and research libraries. As digital items are put into digital repositories in order to be discovered by search engines, associated metadata records must be effectively set up for external indexing. Some discussion has begun in the existing literature about digital resources discovery, metadata evaluation, search engine indexing, and search engine optimization strategies. Due to the distinct options of digital repository software, the complexity of metadata schemas, the variety of formats of digital items, and the ambiguity of search engine indexing strategies, researchers have not yet reached an agreement about which metadata schema is the best strategy to use, for which formats of digital files, in which repository system, or for which search engines. This special issue aims to explore these approaches and offer insight into the current literature debating digital collection metadata and its discoverability on the Internet, thereby offering a platform for researchers to discuss metadata strategies, digital repositories, digital formats, search engine indexing, and Internet discovery. Information-seeking behaviors have been greatly shaped by Internet search engine dominance. As previous research has shown, metadata implementation strategies were inevitably developed based on rules of search engine optimization (Arlitsch and O’Brien 2012; Beel et al. 2009; Coates 2014; Yang 2016). One of the most important duties for digital librarians is to evaluate indexing effects of search engines on their local digital resources. By doing so, digital librarians are able to adjust metadata strategies to improve the discoverability of digital content on the Internet. One such approach is discussed in this special issue. In a statistical study of digital repositories at a national level, Joel Alhuay-Quispe and team from the Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola analyzed the ALICIA indexing ratio and the Google Scholar indexing ratio for 48 institutional repositories’ digital items in Peru, including 10 public universities and 38 private ones. ALICIA is Peru’s national