Emerald | Library Hi Tech

Library Hi Tech and information science

Michael Seadle — 2012-06-08 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – This article aims to look at the relationship between Library Hi Tech and the academic field of information science. Design/methodology/approach – This is an opinion piece whose methodology is in part historical review, and in part observation of present and future trends. Findings – Library-based information is no longer almost exclusively text. Research libraries in particular are increasingly responsible for numeric data sets in their repositories. Practical implications – Librarians need to think about information literacy not merely in terms of finding and evaluating traditional publisher data. Originality/value – This paper reviews the relationship between Library Hi Tech and the academic field of information science, and observes present and future trends.

Leveraging quantitative data to improve a device-lending program

Joyce Chapman, David Woodbury — 2012-06-08 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to encourage administrators of device-lending programs to leverage existing quantitative data for management purposes by integrating analysis of quantitative data into the day-to-day workflow. Design/methodology/approach – This is a case study of NCSU Libraries' efforts to analyze and visualize transactional data to aid in the on-going management of a device-lending program. Findings – Analysis and visualization of qualitative data related to technology lending revealed patterns in lending over the course of the semester, day, and week that had previously gone unrecognized. With more concrete data about trends in wait times, capacity lending, and circulation volume, staff are now able to make more informed purchasing decisions, modify systems and workflows to better meet user needs, and begin to explore new ideas for services and staffing models. Practical implications – The concepts and processes described here can be replicated by other libraries that wish to leverage transactional data analysis and data visualization to aid in management of a device-lending program. Originality/value – Although much literature exists on the implementation and qualitative evaluation of device-lending programs, this paper is the first to provide librarians with ideas for leveraging analysis of transactional data to improve management of a device-lending program.

Keeping students engaged with web-based polling in the library instruction session

Jared Hoppenfeld — 2012-06-08 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – This research was performed with the aim of determining the potential benefit(s) of including web-based polling in the library instruction classroom. Design/methodology/approach – Over the course of a year, web-based polling was used in library instruction sessions and the survey results were recorded. Feedback forms were also used to gauge a sense of the students' experiences with this form of active learning. Findings – This study found that web-based polling in a library instruction classroom benefits both students and instructors. The students enjoy these sessions and are more attentive than in a typical lecture, which leads to better learning. Instructors are able to learn about the students' uses of technology, research methods, and more with the polling capability. Research limitations/implications – The research in this study was only done using the free version of Poll Everywhere in management classes. It would be interesting to see if the results would be the same in other business classes as well as non-business classes. It could also be beneficial to test the functionality of paid accounts as well as seeing how other web sites compare. Practical implications – This article may assist those deciding between different audience response systems and provide tips to those wishing to implement web-based polling, and more specifically Poll Everywhere, in their sessions. Originality/value – Few articles on audience response systems exist solely on web-based polling and the benefits instructors can reap in addition to their students. This research will be of benefit to any librarian who teaches in the classroom, especially those in academic libraries.

“Discovering” what's changed: a revisit of the OPACs of 260 academic libraries

Melissa A. Hofmann, Sharon Q. Yang — 2012-06-08 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to determine the current usage of next generation online public access catalogs (OPACs) and discovery tools in academic libraries in the USA and Canada. Design/methodology/approach – Using the same random sample of 260 colleges and universities in the USA and Canada from their original study, the authors revisited each institution's library web page to ascertain whether the OPAC interface(s) offered were the same or different than in their initial data collection. Data was collected and analyzed in October and November 2011. Findings – Discovery tool use has practically doubled in the last two years, from 16 percent to 29 percent. A total of 96 percent of academic libraries using discovery tools still provide access to their legacy catalog. The percentage of institutions using ILS OPACs with faceted navigation has increased from 2 percent to 4 percent. Combining the use of discovery tools and faceted OPACs, at least 33 percent of academic libraries are now using a faceted interface. Discovery tools that aim to be the “single point of entry for all library resources” are the most recently popular. Research limitations/implications – About 16 percent of the institutions (n=43) in the sample either did not have web sites or did not provide access to their online catalogs. Thus, some data might be underreported. Practical implications – The findings identify trends that may inform academic libraries in the quest to providing next generation interfaces to their varied resources. Originality/value – This study gives a timely update of next generation catalog (NGC) and discovery tool usage in academic libraries in the USA and Canada.

Supporting virtual communities through disciplinary repository development

Rebecca Reznik-Zellen, Jessica Adamick — 2012-06-08 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – This article aims to discuss the implementation of social networking tools onto existing disciplinary repository platforms – both commercial and open source – with the purpose of building enhanced disciplinary repository-based virtual communities. Design/methodology/approach – This article is a case study. The University of Massachusetts Amherst has served as a test-bed for two disciplinary repository-based virtual communities, InterNano and ESENCe, both of which serve as examples for the development of features that facilitate social connections in emerging multi-disciplinary fields. Two different approaches to the technical implementation of social networking tools onto standard disciplinary repository software platforms are described, as well as the challenges faced by each project. Findings – Although disciplinary repositories are not typically conceived as social spaces, disciplinary repositories can integrate social networking components to act as “knowledge brokers” for emerging disciplines of practice. The challenges of developing disciplinary repositories as virtual communities include software limitations, community integration and trust building, and identification and acquisition of relevant content in emerging and dynamic fields. Originality/value – InterNano and ESENCe represent the growing long-tail of disciplinary repositories, about which little literature exists. This case study demonstrates the activities and challenges of developing small-scale multi-disciplinary disciplinary repositories into active virtual communities.

Digital image description: a review of best practices in cultural institutions

Elaine Ménard, Margaret Smithglass — 2012-06-08 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to present the results of the first phase of a research project aiming to develop a bilingual taxonomy for the description of digital images. The objectives of this extensive exploration were to acquire knowledge from the existing standards for image description and to assess how they can be integrated in the development of the new taxonomy. Design/methodology/approach – An evaluation of 150 resources for organizing and describing images was carried out. In the first phase, the authors examined the use of controlled vocabularies and prescribed metadata in 70 image collections held by four types of organizations (libraries, museums, image search engines and commercial web sites). The second phase focused on user-generated tagging in 80 image-sharing resources, including both free and fee-based services. Findings – The first part of the evaluation showed that each resource presented comparable information for the images or items being described. Best practices and implementation proved to be largely consistent within each of the four categories of organizations. The second part revealed two trends: in image-upload systems, there was a virtual absence of mandated structure beyond user name and tags; and in stock photography resources, the authors encountered a hybrid of taxonomies working in combination with user tags. Originality/value – The analysis of best practices for the organization of digital images used by indexing specialists and non-specialists alike has been a crucial step, since it provides the basic guidelines and standards for the categories and formats of terms, and relationships to be included in the new bilingual taxonomy, which will be developed in the next phase of the research project.

Old wine in new wine skin: marketing library services through SMS-based alert service

John Paul Anbu K., Makana R. Mavuso — 2012-06-08 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – Short Message Service (SMS) is an application which is widely used in mobile telephony. SMS messaging through mobile phones is very popular among young and old. This study aims to look at how SMS technology can be very effectively used in library and information services with a glimpse into a pilot project conducted by University of Swaziland and Emerald Group Publishing Limited and the subsequent need for creating a prototype for the SMS-based library alert services and marketing of library services. Design/methodology/approach – Following the pilot project conducted by the University of Swaziland and Emerald Group Publishing Limited for a period of two months (March-April 2009), the findings and the methodology used for the project prompted further research. Data and experience gained during the pilot project is predominantly used in the paper. Findings – This study finds that the library users can be successfully motivated and engaged to use the resources through SMS messaging and have the potential to market library services. It also finds out that there is a need to have a prototype for essential services for the benefit of the users as well as to market the library resources. Research limitations/implications – The pilot project was a short project with specific user base. This project was not tested on heterogeneous user base. The prototype model also works on certain assumptions and limitations. At the prototype level different files are suggested and they are handled separately because of which an open ended script method is suggested. Longer SMSs, which cannot be sent by the SMS server, need to be either split up into several messages or stored in the server as a webpage and sent as a hyperlink in SMSs. Practical implications – To implement the prototype, various steps highlighted in the paper are to be followed and since each action needs to be operated separately, it cannot be claimed as a single click SMS-based alert service. Originality/value – This study presents a method for implementing SMS-based alert service in libraries. With the experience gained in a similar practical environment, an attempt has been made to create a prototype. This may serve as an important milestone in integrating such a service into the future integrated library services (ILS).

The irony of serendipity: disruptions in social information behaviour

Jörgen Skågeby — 2012-06-08 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – This paper seeks to propose that the current social media surge gives rise to what can be called social information behaviour. Social information behaviour is characterised, at least partly, by a tension between serendipity and disruption. While serendipity is a promoted feature of social media and social information behaviour, social disruption can be seen as its ironic counterpart. This paper goes on to explore different kinds of social disruption that emerge with the use of social media services. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses a meta-ethnographical approach and draws on results from three online ethnographic studies. User activities are conceptualised as social information behaviour and focus is put on potential social disruption. Findings – The paper discusses five prevalent tensions relating to social disruption: market logic and social logic; public and private; work and non-work; individual and collective; and IRL (In Real Life) or AFK (Away From Keyboard). Research limitations/implications – The paper mainly focuses on the disruptive side of social information behaviour. Future work would include studies and comparisons of serendipitous effects. Practical implications – The findings are relevant for library and information science academics, analysts and professionals interested in social information behaviour as it emerges over new social mediating technologies. Originality/value – This paper proposes the notion of social information behaviour and provides a conceptual analytical pair in serendipity and social disruption. Theoretical discussion is conducted with reference to “ironic technics”. The paper compiles and highlights prevalent social disruptions from previous online ethnographical studies on social media usage.

Towards an understanding of the participatory library

Linh Cuong Nguyen, Helen Partridge, Sylvia L. Edwards — 2012-06-08 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to debate the evolving relationship between libraries and users, and to justify the idea of participatory library and the use of the “participatory library” term. The paper also discusses the development trend of the participatory library and calls for empirical research on this area. Design/methodology/approach – Various sources of literature are collected and examined. Together with the inclusion of personal ideas and experience, a wide range of opinions on the contemporary library is compared and synthesised. Findings – The paper presents changes in the relationship between libraries and users in various periods of library development. It indicates an excessive attention on Library 2.0 while neglecting the participatory nature of the contemporary library. It also suggests that the term “participatory library” should be used as this term reflects the true nature of the contemporary library, and calls for empirical work on participatory library. Originality/value – This discussion is moving forward and challenging our thinking about the participatory library. It provides librarians, library managers, scholars, and the library community with a fresh perspective on the contemporary library.

Does faceted display in a library catalog increase use of subject headings?

Kathleen Bauer, Alice Peterson-Hart — 2012-06-08 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – This research aimed to explore whether subject facets would increase patron use of subject headings in a faceted (Yufind) versus a non-faceted (Orbis) catalog interface at Yale University. Design/methodology/approach – Two rounds of think aloud protocol testing were done with students to measure the acceptance and use of subject heading facets. After a faceted and non-faceted interface were implemented, side-by-side, log file analysis was employed to measure and compare use of subject headings in both interfaces. Findings – Initial usability testing showed that patrons would try facets, but had some problems effectively using them. In production from January to May 2011, at least one facet was used in 25.4 percent of Yufind searches, and subject facets were used in 5.1 percent of searches, while in Orbis subject headings were used in 6.4 percent of searches. Facets were used less than subject heading links in records in either interface. Practical implications – The findings are important as libraries spend significant staff time adding subject headings to records, and their use by patrons is declining. As measured in two production systems running on exactly the same catalog records, subject heading facets did not successfully increase use of subject headings. Without further refinements, faceted display may not be a successful strategy to increase patron use of subject headings. Originality/value – A comparison of patron generated subject heading use in two concurrently running interfaces, one faceted and one not, has not been done before.

Understanding and exploiting idiosyncrasy in the use of ICT devices such as tablets: Setting the background

Ina Fourie — 2012-06-08 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – When using information communication technology (ICT) devices it is easy to be trapped by purely the purpose of their design, how they are marketed, product reviews and noting, or even copying, the behaviour of the younger, Net Generation. The purpose of this column is to argue for encouraging all to contribute to deepening our understanding of fully exploiting technology. This includes encouraging people who may be less techno-savvy but with a richer life-world and life-experience to share their use of devices such as tablets, and to allow all to benefit from the idiosyncrasy in use that should be aimed at a life-fit with personality, learning style, preferences, etc., and widening information spaces and information horizons. Design/methodology/approach – The column is written against the background of research from information behaviour, and the learning sciences (especially andragogics). Findings – There are many reasons to explore more than the obvious ways in which ICT devices such as tablets can be used, and for encouraging a spectrum of users to share the idiosyncrasies in their use thereof. Library and information (LIS) services should move from merely teaching people information literacy and ICT skills to creating grounds for sharing practices and experiences in using devices such as tablets. The focus should move to exploiting the benefit of exploring idiosyncrasies in ICT use and how to encourage people to reflect their life-world and life-experience in their use of ICT devices such as tablets to widen their (and our) information spaces and information horizons. Originality/value – Although much has been published on ICT in the library and information science literature and more recently in relation to the Net Generation, the author is not aware of publications exploiting idiosyncrasy and the value that can be added by considering the life-world and life-experience of people in their choices in using ICT devices such as tablets. This paper sets the background for further reflection.

Archiving in the digital world: the scholarly literature

Michael Seadle — 2012-06-08 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this article is an ethnographic description of a particular slice of the digital archiving scholarship. The point is to get a sense of where the library and information science profession is today in dealing with the issues of long-term digital archiving. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology comes from cultural anthropology. It looks at a particular virtual place (ProQuest's Library and Information Science Abstracts database), a particular time period (2000-2012) and a particular set of authors writing about digital archiving. Findings – The topics of migration, emulation, integrity, authenticity, LOCKSS and Portico have limited resonance among the authors in LISA in the last dozen years. Articles about repositories and metadata are more common. Technical topics in digital archiving may be better suited to a computer science database, though this is surprising considering how information science borders on computer science. LISA remains, at least as far as digital archiving is concerned, strongly library oriented. Practical implications – The digital archiving community that LISA reflects and represents is a community with a concern about the long-term future, but one that has not come to terms with the core technical issues necessary to enable content to survive in a useful form over long periods. Originality/value – This paper investigates the issues of long-term digital archiving from the perspective of the library and information science profession by examining a particular database, time period and set of authors on the topic.