Showing papers in "Library Hi Tech in 2010"

Evaluating and comparing discovery tools: how close are we towards next generation catalog?

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate and compare open source and proprietary discovery tools and find out how much discovery tools have achieved towards becoming the next generation catalog.Design/methodology/approach – The paper summarizes characteristics of the next generation catalog into a check‐list of 12 features. This list was checked against each of seven open source and ten proprietary discovery tools to determine if those features were present or absent in those tools.Findings – Discovery tools have many next generation catalog features, but only a few can be called real next generation catalogs. Federated searching and relevancy based on circulation statistics are the two areas that both open source and proprietary discovery tools are missing. Open source discovery tools seem to be bolder and more innovative than proprietary tools in embracing advanced features of the next generation catalog. Vendors of discovery tools may need to quicken their steps in catching up.Originality/val...

Digital Technologies and the Museum Experience: Handheld Guides and Other Media

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The use of handheld mobile devices: their impact and implications for library services

Abstract: Cummings, Joel, Alex Merrill and Steve Borrelli. The Use of Handheld Mobile Devices: Their Impact on Library Services. Library Hi-Tech. 28 (1), 2010, p. 22-40.

Web 2.0 applications in top Chinese university libraries

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to explore the status and construction pattern of Web 2.0 technologies employed in top Chinese university libraries, their functionalities and features.Design/methodology/approach – A combination of online survey and content analysis methodology is applied to a sample of 38 top Chinese university libraries' web sites. The Web 2.0 tools are categorized by generally accepted standards with some adjustment for library practices. Data were collected by accessing these university library web sites on two separate occasions during the period of February 10‐20, 2009 by utilizing a checklist of 52 questions.Findings – More than two‐thirds of the 38 top Chinese university libraries apply one or more kinds of Web 2.0 tools through the basic functions of their web sites. Among six types of tools, Catalog 2.0 and RSS are the most common, while IM, Blog, SNS and Wiki are less frequent.Research limitations/implications – Internal applications that are not publicly accessible contain hidden inf...

Artificially intelligent conversational agents in libraries

Abstract: Purpose – Conversational agents are natural language interaction interfaces designed to simulate conversation with a real person. This paper seeks to investigate current development and applications of these systems worldwide, while focusing on their availability in Canadian libraries. It aims to argue that it is both timely and conceivable for Canadian libraries to consider adopting conversational agents to enhance – not replace – face‐to‐face human interaction. Potential users include library web site tour guides, automated virtual reference and readers' advisory librarians, and virtual story‐tellers. To provide background and justification for this argument, the paper seeks to review agents from classic implementations to state‐of‐the‐art prototypes: how they interact with users, produce language, and control conversational behaviors.Design/methodology/approach – The web sites of the 20 largest Canadian libraries were surveyed to assess the extent to which specific language‐related technologies are off...

Evaluating open source GIS for libraries

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of free and open source (FOSS) geographic information system (GIS) software within the broader contexts of the open source software movement and developments in GIS, and pose the question of whether libraries and academic departments should consider adopting FOSS GIS.Design/methodology/approach – The process of creating a basic thematic map was used to test six FOSS GIS software packages, as it is a multi‐step process and a good example of a common task GIS users would want to perform. The test demonstrates what the process of creating a thematic map using FOSS GIS involves and how it compares to proprietary software like ArcGIS.Findings – Each of the individual FOSS GIS packages had their own particular strengths and weaknesses and some performed well for thematic mapping. The FOSS packages generally were weaker compared to ArcGIS in terms of support for various projection and coordinate systems, joining attribute data to GIS files, and automa...

Format obsolescence: assessing the threat and the defenses

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to examine the approach to format obsolescence, preparing for format migration, that has guided most digital preservation work for the last 15 years. It asks why this approach has not rescued significant content in that time, and whether it would succeed in rescuing future content at risk of format obsolescence.Design/methodology/approach – The paper examines the mechanisms of format obsolescence, its historical and current incidence, and identifies attributes of at‐risk formats. It examines each step of the current approach asking how effective it would be for these formats.Findings – The current approach assumes format obsolescence is common, happening frequently to most formats. In fact it is rare, happening infrequently to rare formats. The current approach, based on this mis‐diagnosis, is ineffective. An alternate approach, based on open source and virtualization, is cheaper and more effective.Originality/value – The paper makes the case that the commonly accepted approach t...

“Power tags” in information retrieval

Abstract: Purpose – Many Web 2.0 services (including Library 2.0 catalogs) make use of folksonomies. The purpose of this paper is to cut off all tags in the long tail of a document‐specific tag distribution. The remaining tags at the beginning of a tag distribution are considered power tags and form a new, additional search option in information retrieval systems.Design/methodology/approach – In a theoretical approach the paper discusses document‐specific tag distributions (power law and inverse‐logistic shape), the development of such distributions (Yule‐Simon process and shuffling theory) and introduces search tags (besides the well‐known index tags) as a possibility for generating tag distributions.Findings – Search tags are compatible with broad and narrow folksonomies and with all knowledge organization systems (e.g. classification systems and thesauri), while index tags are only applicable in broad folksonomies. Based on these findings, the paper presents a sketch of an algorithm for mining and processing pow...

Utilizing geographic information systems (GIS) in library research

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this research paper is to explore library research that uses geographic information systems (GIS) as a tool to measure and analyze library services and establish future directions for this research area.Design/methodology/approach – This study reviews the library literature using GIS. The study searched full text for geographic information systems in two databases, Library Literature and Information Full Text and Library, Information Science and Technology Abstracts (LISTA). The titles and abstracts of the search results were analyzed to gather only the research that used GIS as a tool to measure and analyze library services.Findings – This review of the literature reveals research using GIS as a tool in two ways: to analyze service area populations, including facility site location and other service and resource decision making; and to manage facilities, including in‐library use and occupancy of library study space.Practical implications – The findings are relevant for library an...

International scientific collaboration among Iranian researchers during 1998‐2007

Abstract: Purpose – The paper aims to investigate the rate of Iranian researchers collaboration with their colleagues in other countries in science citation index (SCI). In addition, it seeks to investigate the visibility of publications by Iranian researchers, and particularly the visibility of papers resulting from international collaboration.Design/methodology/approach – The paper employs the survey research method to answer research questions. Any publication recorded in the SCI database from 1998 to 2007 with at least one Iranian author was recognized and transferred to a database in Excel. The total records were 33,813. This number mostly includes articles, letters, notes, and reviews.Findings – The results showed that Iranian researchers have had scientific collaboration with 115 countries, and that their numbers have increased between 1998 and 2007. The results also showed that the number of domestic articles per year was 2‐3.5 times more than international ones. Investigating international collaboration in...

Open source software deployment in the public sector: a review of Botswana and South Africa

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review use of open source software in the public sector in Botswana and South Africa. South Africa is Botswana's neighbor and both countries are leading economies in Africa.Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws on a survey that was carried out in information communication technology (ICT)‐intensive government ministries in Botswana in May 2008. The study sought to establish availability of policy framework, level of usage of open source software, government support, motivations for implementing open source software in government, availability of skills, attitude of it managers in government toward open source software and challenges of open source software deployment in the public sector. The population of the study consisted of information technology (IT) managers who were purposively selected from ICT‐intensive government ministries and interviewed. The study was extended to cover South Africa through review of literature on the same issues as those stud...

Bloggership, or is publishing a blog scholarship? A survey of academic librarians

Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this paper is to gauge how academic libraries treat publishing a blog.Design/methodology/approach – As blogging becomes more popular, the question arises as to whether it should count as scholarship or a creative activity in academic promotion and tenure. To find out, the author sent a link to a questionnaire to several e‐mail lists, inviting academic librarians to answer a short survey.Findings – In total, 73.9 percent of respondents indicated that their institution expects them to engage in scholarly activities and/or publish scholarly articles, 53.6 percent indicated that their performance review committees do not weigh a blog the same as an article published in a peer‐reviewed journal.Research limitations/implications – As technology changes, policies will need to change.Practical implications – Libraries may need to adapt to new forms of scholarship. Electronic scholarship needs a mechanism for peer‐review.Originality/value – The paper is original – the author did not find any ot...

Highlighting the archives perspective in the personal digital archiving discussion

Abstract: Purpose – The topic of personal archives has mainly been discussed by two research traditions in information science: archives and records management, and personal information management. The purpose of this paper is to compare a corpus of the archival literature written by the archival community with the concepts and challenges posed by Catherine Marshall, who exemplifies the personal information management approach. Many of the personal digital archiving challenges that Marshall identifies are related to discussions within the archival community.Design/methodology/approach – In order to demonstrate the similarities between Marshall's work with the archival discussion about personal archiving, Marshall's challenges, tasks and attributes of personal digital archiving were compared with a total of 33 articles from two library and information science databases.Findings – Many of the personal digital archiving challenges that Marshall identifies are related to discussions in the archival community. The autho...

Overcoming the information gap: Measuring the accessibility of library databases to adaptive technology users

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this study is to address problems associated with the accessibility of academic library databases.Design/methodology/approach – This study evaluates 32 databases and measures their accessibility to users of adaptive technology.Findings – Based on the results of this study, 72 percent of the evaluated databases were rated as marginally accessible or inaccessible, reflecting a low level of compliance to federal web accessibility legislation and international web accessibility standards. To measure database accessibility to adaptive technology users, this study operationalized accessibility into ten component parts as the Tatomir Accessibility Checklist (TAC) and tested each database on each component.Originality/value – Findings of this study can be used both by those who purchase and manage databases in libraries to identify the most accessible databases and by designers of the databases to improve specific features.

Information literacy barriers: language use and social structure

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to examine barriers to information literacy (IL), including: language use, social structures, and the neutrality‐advocacy dilemma.Design/methodology/approach – In this paper critical analysis is used to discuss: effect of language used on audience reach; cognitive locus assumptions in IL standards and oversight on structural factors; opportunities for libraries to overcome IL barriers. Arguments are substantiated with theories and research from sociology, psychology, and education.Findings – Effective diffusion of IL depends on using common language and being relevant to learners. However, knowledge differences between librarians and the public can make finding common language challenging. Additionally, by assuming information illiteracy in people, the term may convey negative‐evaluation, which may negatively affect learners' sense of competence and motivation for learning, and result in ineffective learning. Extracurricular/civic activities in schools are rich settings for effec...

Evaluating Iranian newspapers' web sites using correspondence analysis

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate Iranian newspapers' web sites based on the criteria obtained from Alexa Search Engine using correspondence analysis.Design/methodology/approach – A total of 55 newspaper web sites are selected from Iranian Magazines Information Bank (Magiran.com), the number of which, after investigating the web sites one by one, due to their print prevention, cessation or no coverage by Alexa, is decreased to 24 web sites.Findings – Based on data obtained from Alexa, Iran newspaper has the highest traffic rank and the largest number of links among others. Bashirmazandaran newspaper has the largest number of foreign users whilst Karvakargar newspaper has no foreign users. The results of the study also show that most newspaper web sites' visitors come from the USA. Correspondence analysis classifies 24 web sites into three groupings gathered based on some common attributes.Originality/value – The results of this research will be useful not only for administrators of Irania...

Making the case for the leadership role of school librarians in technology integration

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this study is to determine the self‐perceived impact of technology training on the transformational leadership practices of pre‐service school librarians who participated in a Master's degree program in library and information studies focusing on leadership development.Design/methodology/approach – A concurrent triangulation mixed method design was implemented using two paper‐based self‐administered surveys. The first survey measured transformational leadership behaviors. The second obtained demographic variables and the participants' perceptions of the skills they learned in each of the five transformational leadership dimensions.Findings – The results indicate that the leadership curriculum taught the participants how to be transformational leaders by using technology. The participants also use technology in a way that is significantly different from other teachers in Florida. Moreover, it is important to teach practical applications for integrating technology.Research limitatio...

Using an institutional repository to address local‐scale needs: a case study at Purdue University

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address the practical implications of using an institutional repository to address researchers' needs at a local‐scale.Design/methodology/approach – The paper reports on the process and results of a collaborative research project undertaken by the libraries and an interdisciplinary research center at Purdue University to identify and address the real‐world needs of the center using the libraries' institutional repository.Findings – The paper finds that the local‐scale projects that address the more immediate needs of researchers have the potential to increase the utility of institutional repositories and attract the submission of new content. However, engagement in local‐scale projects requires a significant commitment of time and resources, and should not be undertaken lightly.Practical implications – A thorough description of how the project was carried out offers a potential model for others to develop similar projects to address local‐scale needs.Originality/v...

Automating the appraisal of digital materials

Abstract: Purpose - This paper aims to investigate the requirements for automating aspects of the appraisal process for digital objects. It explores these requirements in the context of automating re-appraisal and questions many of the assumptions commonly made about appraisal and about automating the processes needed for life-cycle management of digital objects. Design/methodology/approach - The literature of digital preservation and curation and the experience of one of the authors in planning to implement a digital archive at the Wellcome Library are the basis of an exploration of issues. Findings - The development of automated appraisal systems and associated tools is a worthwhile endeavour, although the complexity and cost associated with designing, developing and implementing them may be prohibitive in some situations. An automated appraisal system may, however, have only limited benefits in some contexts. The re-appraisal of technical attributes of digital materials, which is an essential part of their management, is a prime contender for some level of automation. The approach proposed has limitations which arise from such factors as metadata requirements and trustworthiness. Originality/value - The paper articulates assumptions made about automation and applies these in order to gain a better understanding of the requirements of automating aspects of appraisal in a digital archive.

The economy of free and open source software in the preservation of digital artefacts

Abstract: Purpose – Free and open source software (FOSS) brings many benefits to digital preservation; however it is not “free”. If the context in which free and open source software tools are created and employed is examined, it becomes clear that: the sustainability of any software (FOSS, custom or commercial) to ensure the preservation of the digital heritage will depend on careful assessment of, and provision for, the costs (implicit and explicit) entailed in the production and continued employment of these tools. The purpose of this paper is to focus on FOSS and archiving of the digital heritage.Design/methodology/approach – Portico, a not‐for‐profit digital preservation service, explores the costs of FOSS based on its experiences as a working archive with an extremely long time horizon.Findings – There are considerable benefits to FOSS, including its openness and the broad‐based testing of it in real‐world situations. FOSS tools can provide considerable cost savings over proprietary tools. However, FOSS is ne...

Clickers in instruction: one campus, multiple perspectives

Abstract: Purpose – This paper seeks to examine attitudes toward the use of clickers, as well as practicalities and pedagogical considerations that inform them. Drawing on interviews from a variety of viewpoints at one institution of higher education, this paper aims to situate a librarian perspective among those of teaching faculty, administration, and students.Design/methodology/approach – This paper is a case study of a single institution of higher education in which the experiences of teaching faculty, an administrator, and a library faculty member are gathered using semi‐structured interviews. Student opinions are obtained through the use of a focus‐group interview.Findings – This paper provides attitudes and experiences of nursing teaching faculty who use clickers in their instruction, an administrator who purchased clickers for his department, and a library faculty member who uses clickers in bibliographic instruction, as well as those of nursing students who used the technology in class.Research limitations...

Baby Boomers and the United States public library system

Abstract: Purpose – The members of the Baby Boom generation, who comprise a very large, diverse, and outspoken sector of the population, are about to grow older and enter the public library. Are public libraries in the USA ready to accommodate their changing needs? The number of Baby Boomers, soon to be in the older adult category, will be unprecedented. Never before has there been such a sharp increase in the number of older adults. In addition, this group of users will have particular needs of their public libraries. This paper aims to focus on the issues.Design/methodology/approach – This paper explores the specific needs that the Baby Boom generation will have of the US public library system by focusing on three specific, albeit interrelated, categories: social, programming, and technological, and offers methods for keeping these vital members of society engaged with their public libraries.Findings – This paper provides insights into possible solutions for maintaining and enhancing the public library's role as ...

OCLC’s WorldCat Local versus III’s WebPAC: Which interface is better at supporting common user tasks?

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to describe the results of a usability test performed at Western Washington University to determine whether users were as successful performing common catalog‐related tasks in WorldCat Local as they are in the library's current catalog, Innovative Interfaces' WebPACDesign/methodology/approach – A usability team developed a test based on tasks commonly performed in the library catalog They then tested 24 participants of varying levels of experience and asked each to perform 20 common catalog tasks in either the WebPAC interface currently in use or the WorldCat Local interface The WorldCat Local interface was a test version which reflected Western Washington University's library holdings, in addition to the Orbis Cascade Alliance consortial holdings and all WorldCat holdingsFindings – While the results found that there were tasks in which participants were more successful in WorldCat Local than in the WebPAC, they also identified common tasks in which users were far less succes

European digital libraries: web security vulnerabilities

Abstract: 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.

An Agile approach to library IT innovations

Abstract: Purpose – This paper seeks to describe the application of the Agile software development approach to rapidly develop and deploy a variety of innovative IT applications.Design/methodology/approach – The Agile approach is flexible and iterative with continuous feedback and constant communication. It is also marked by frequent and short delivery schedules. An Agile team of staff and students was formed for different projects, and visual tools were used to show process and progress. Team members were also co‐located (situated in the same space), a key element that allowed faster and direct communication. Within the Agile framework, the Crystal Clear methodology was selected, which is based on team size and criticality of the application to develop the workflow and iterative processes.Findings – The Agile approach is particularly suited to innovation development and creative teams for rapid development of products, services, and technology. However, its acceptance is dependent on organizational culture and nat...

Economics, sustainability, and the cooperative model in digital preservation

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to examine the emerging field of digital preservation and its economics. It seeks to consider in detail the cooperative model and the path it provides toward sustainability as well as how it fosters participation by cultural memory organizations and their administrators, who are concerned about what digital preservation will ultimately cost and who will pay.Design/methodology/approach – The authors cast light on the decisions that administrators of cultural memory organizations are making on a daily basis – namely, to preserve or not to preserve their digital collections. They assert that either way, a decision is being made, costs are incurred, and consequences are being levied. The authors begin by exploring the costs incurred by cultural memory organizations if they do not quickly establish digital preservation programs for their digital assets. They move then to look to the digital preservation field's preliminary findings regarding the costs of preserving digital assets and ...

Preserving authenticity in the digital age

Abstract: Purpose – In this increasingly digital world, archivists have had to reconsider early definitions and measures of authenticity in order to ensure their applicability to the process of preserving digital records. This paper sets out to explore the complexities involved in defining and preserving the authenticity of digital files.Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws on literature from the field to present a comprehensive overview of traditional definitions of authenticity and highlight the shifting nature of those definitions in the digital age. The discussion begins with a look at traditional archival understandings of authenticity as they relate to physical objects. The paper goes on to examine these challenges and efforts and includes a look at the resource demands and technology tools currently used to evaluate digital authenticity. The paper conducted extensive research on the subject to compile source materials and draw conclusions.Findings – This paper highlights the inherent challenge of es...

“Land of the lost”: a discussion of what can be preserved through digital preservation

Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this paper is to assist both the National Library of Australia and other institutions to think about digital objects in ways that will help to identify which preservation actions are most appropriate for a particular circumstance. It seeks to examine the basic nature of digital objects and how users interact with those objects.Design/methodology/approach – This article brings together and clarifies a number of key digital preservation theories. It proposes the concept of preservation intent: a clear articulation of a commitment to preserve an object, the specific elements of the object the should be preserved, and a clear time line for the duration of preservation. It investigates these concepts through simple and practical examples.Findings – The paper presents what the authors believe are some of the essential ideas and thinking about digital preservation.Practical implications – The paper will prove useful in clarifying some of the terminology and concepts to those who are in or ar...

A Six Sigma‐based method to renovate information services: Focusing on information acquisition process

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe a Six Sigma‐based method to renovate library and information services with great emphasis on the information acquisition process.Design/methodology/approach – The paper conducts a case study into a corporate research library of a telecom company in Korea to identify and remove ineffective components and unnecessary steps in library works and services. Specifically, it uses Six Sigma's DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve, and control) methodology to improve the process of purchasing overseas academic/scientific information and to enhance user satisfaction with information utilization.Findings – The paper identifies 12 key factors, which have a great effect on information acquisition time and information utilization, and then proposes the improvement plans for those identified factors. Thanks to the successful implementation of Six Sigma, information acquisition time has been reduced from 25.9 days to 8.1 days, and the level of user satisfaction with i...