The Electronic Library

Semantic navigating an OPAC by subject headings meta-information : Table of Contents

Ioannis Papadakis, Michalis Stefanidakis, Aikaterini Tzali — Sat Oct 17 08:00:42 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address a library service based on semantic web technologies capable of exposing knowledge that is otherwise hidden in a library's subject headings repository. Design/methodology/approach – The proposed service implements a web-based information seeking process that combines browsing and searching of information assets within a library, based on their corresponding subject headings. The underlying subject headings hierarchy is the Greek translation of a subset of the official Library of Congress subject headings. The information seeking process exposes the expressiveness of an underlying ontology capable of modeling subject headings together with their relations. Findings – In order to assess the effectiveness of the proposed approach in a real-world scenario, the library service is integrated into a working OPAC located at the Ionian University in Greece. Thus, the library service contributes to the fast retrieval of information. Moreover, during the information seeking process, users underpin their cognitive learning. Originality/value – The paper introduces a novel service for the library domain capable of being integrated in many library portals. Serving as a semantic web application, the proposed work promotes interactive navigation in ontology structures that could be potentially exploited by ontologies developed in other domains.

The Fridge: internal communications at the State Library of Victoria : Table of Contents

Greg Honeyman — Sat Oct 17 08:00:42 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to advise the Library sector about the existence of a new approach to internal communications, in the form of an intranet which delivers “fresh news daily”, similar in format to a major online newspaper. Design/methodology/approach – In 2007, and prior to the launch of its redeveloped intranet, the State Library of Victoria revolutionised its internal communications with the introduction of The Fridge – a new, online, daily news service. A small icon – in the shape of a fridge – was posted on the desktop of every Library staff member. Findings – Today, The Fridge has become a widely used and highly trusted Library tool. It has demonstrated an enhanced commitment to “real-time” employee communication through the ability to deliver fresh news and important information daily. It has demonstrably increased morale, productivity, performance and retention of valued staff, and has played a key role in quantifiably lifting the operating “climate” of the workplace. It has helped to build a stronger workplace community. Research implications – Because of its “real-time” capabilities, The Fridge is used as an internal market research tool. It has been used to gauge employee opinions and feelings on a range of subjects, the responses to which can be fed back within hours. Practical implications – Recent Fridge research has asked staff for their opinions on a range of topics, including their favoured subjects for future articles. The Fridge is used daily by the CEO and Executive to pass on critically important information about the organization, thus avoiding the dreaded “everyone” e-mails. The Fridge is also used to post daily updates on current events and “What's on” activities. Originality/value – This paper introduces a revolutionary and unique new approach in internal communications to Libraries, with the ability to transform internal communications.

Livestock library: a dream come true : Table of Contents

Ruth McIntyre — Sat Oct 17 08:00:42 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe how the Livestock Library at the Australian Department of Agriculture and Food developed from being a dream to a reality into a virtual library that provides a single entry point to high quality research and extension information. It is a study of how information seekers with no library resources decided what information they valued and how they would like to access it; then went about developing a service to fulfil these criteria. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is a narrative, describing the rationale for creating the Livestock Library and the methodology adopted to develop the service. The issues confronting the Livestock Library's owners now that the original three year funding period is over are also discussed. Findings – The Livestock Library project demonstrates that with a relatively low level of funding it is possible to provide a substantial and valued online information service to support all participants in an industry. The Livestock Library is a “low maintenance” service that provides free access to the full text of three major Australian livestock industry conferences, access to articles published in five leading agricultural journals and facilitates access to information on selected high quality industry sites. Originality/value – The project is original in its scope and success, providing a free service to suit all participants in Australia's livestock industry, in which all information accessed should be available in a single session. The Livestock Library demonstrates the merit of keeping a project simple – using “off the shelf” software and adopting library technology (federated searching) to target selected high quality web sites.

Enhancing availability of learning resources on organic agriculture and agroecology : Table of Contents

Salvador Sánchez-Alonso — Sat Oct 17 08:00:42 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the provision of existing learning object repositories with enhanced forms of describing digital resources on organic agriculture and agroecology. Design/methodology/approach – The approach followed was to investigate non-invasive techniques for semantic annotation of learning objects, for which use was made of two tools. The first tool was a software application for the automated classification of learning resources stored in public learning object repositories. The second tool was an ontology in OWL derived from the knowledge in the Agrovoc thesaurus. Findings – Current digital repositories for educational resources and open access archives provide scholars with a number of features, such as the ability to search for materials according to given criteria, or to retrieve the full content of those materials from the repository. Many provide advanced features as well, such as browsing, assessing and collaboratively peer reviewing learning resources, but at the cost of using the specific tools and interfaces provided by each repository. Research limitations/implications – This research is part of the EU-funded project Organic.Edunet, aimed at facilitating access, usage and exploitation of digital educational content related to organic agriculture and agroecology (OA&AE). Consequently, knowledge representation, thesauri and the educational resources reported herein are deliberately focused on the OA&AE domain, even though the concepts and techniques utilized may be easily applied in other contexts. Originality/value – The paper describes two new approaches aimed at enhancing availability of learning resources: the potential use of ontologies for the description of learning resources, and the full use of the classification category in the IEEE LOM metadata standard.

Pragmatic support for taxonomy-based annotation of structured digital documents : Table of Contents

Sat Oct 17 08:00:42 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop support for the annotation of educational resources within a digital library and their subsequent integration with distance learning course materials in a virtual learning environment. Design/methodology/approach – A toolset for supporting the annotation of structured course materials was developed in participation with subject librarians, lecturers and library cataloguers. Findings – The transparency of support provided by the system was found to be an important factor influencing the acceptance of the toolset. The approach was to facilitate rather than automate the annotation tasks of the subject librarians, lecturers and cataloguers. Research limitations/implications – The tools developed were used in two pilot applications: one for an undergraduate health and social care course, and the second for a postgraduate science communication course. The implications of the research are not limited to these domains, and further applications of this approach and the toolset would help to further generalize and refine the work done. Originality/value – The value of the work described here is in identifying the benefits of transparent support tools for multi-disciplinary teams involved in the production and deployment of online course materials. Here the benefits of metadata annotation are highlighted by enabling the subject librarians, lecturers and cataloguers to see how the annotations are made and the consequences of those choices.

Web archiving in a Web 2.0 world : Table of Contents

Edgar Crook — Sat Oct 17 08:00:42 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the current state of web archiving in Australia, and how libraries are adapting their services in recognition of the expanding role that online material plays in their collections. Design/methodology/approach – The National Library of Australia is the lead institution for digital archiving and preservation in Australia. Its PANDORA Archive has been the repository for archived web resources in Australia for over ten years and is a mature but continually developing system. The archival management system PANDAS that underpins the Archive, is as of 2007, in its third major revision. Other web archiving activities also now include annual Australian Domain Harvests and the usage of Archive-It, both of which are conducted in conjunction with the Internet Archive. Findings – For many years it was considered that archiving could only ever completely capture a small, albeit representative, sample of the internet. Today the gap between what is available and what can be archived is decreasing. But as our archives and our archiving abilities increase, we are still confronted by new technologies and Web 2.0 applications. Originality/value – Using as an example the 2007 Federal Election in which a large number of interactive sites such as Kevin07, MySpace and YouTube were archived the paper shows how Australian web archivers continue to adapt to and meet new challenges.

Hunter-gathering in the digital world to build a keeping place for the future : Table of Contents

Rod Stroud — Sat Oct 17 08:00:42 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the issues surrounding the development at the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) of a national digital knowledge centre and indigenous portal for bringing culture back home and beyond. Design/methodology/approach – How do we find and gather relevant material from the rapidly increasing digital sources found along the landscapes of the web, other libraries, CD-ROMs etc? And with what we have gathered to add to the AIATSIS Digital Library, how can we plan to preserve and create culturally sensitive and appropriate descriptions of our collections, for future access in our keeping place, a keeping place for all? Apart from digitising our own collections, the AIATSIS Library has borrowed and digitised material from other libraries such as annual reports of the state government Protectors of Aborigines. A far greater challenge is in gathering relevant materials from digital libraries, from Google Books, Internet Archive and the Gutenberg Project as well as a rapidly increasing number of individual libraries. Findings – Preserving our collections alone does not tell all the story about our keeping place – a more appropriate means of describing our collections covering the rich diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, languages and lifestyles is required. The AIATSIS Library has recently redeveloped its subject thesaurus which describes the AIATSIS collections in our Catalogue and Digital Archive. It is clear that the work in AIATSIS to develop its digital archive and plan for the best means of digital repatriation has achieved initial momentum. Originality/value – There is a strong and vital need to retain our indigenous cultures and the work described in this paper may help show the way to other bodies responsible for developing their collections.

How do virtual visitors get to the library? : Table of Contents

Vivienne Waller — Sat Oct 17 08:00:42 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present an exploratory and preliminary analysis of virtual visitors to the web site of the State Library of Victoria (SLV) in order to enable more understanding about the type of content people are accessing on library web sites. Design/methodology/approach – Most of the analysis in this paper is based on web activity data sourced from Hitwise. Different uses of the library web site are investigated as well as the characteristics of the visitors, where they were on the internet before coming to the library web site and where they went afterwards. Findings – Queries on history, places and particular buildings were almost exclusively related to Victorian places or buildings, reflecting the content of the SLV web site. These three categories of query accounted for two fifths of all non-SLV-related queries. Most of the analyses presented in this paper have shown little difference over the years 2006-2008. Research limitations/implications – One of the things that is very difficult to gauge from the data is whether the user obtained material of interest from the SLV site. To really find this out, one would need to ask the user directly. Practical implications – This analysis will have implications for libraries' management of their online presence. Originality/value – This paper differs from most papers on web search as it attempts a manual classification of the long tails of upstream web sites, downstream web sites and search queries. This paper will be of interest to anybody interested in the use of library web sites or information search.

The instantiation of OmniPaper RDF prototype in the context of scientific publications : Table of Contents

Teresa Susana Mendes Pereira, Ana Alice Baptista — Sat Oct 17 08:00:42 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present an instance of the system developed in the OmniPaper project, regarding the mechanisms of distributed information retrieval. These mechanisms were developed for newspaper articles and they were then instantiated in the context of the scientific publication. Design/methodology/approach – One of the steps of the system's development was the definition of the metadata layer that supports the research and the navigation functionalities as well as the contents' syndication. Several tasks were performed for the definition of the metadata layer, namely: analysis of several metadata standard vocabularies; selection of the metadata elements; definition of an application profile and the RSS template; development of a metadatabase, through the use of a native Resource Description Framework (RDF) database management system to store the RSS descriptions of the scientific publications; implementation of the search and navigation processes developed in the prototype; finally, tests and validation of all developed functionalities. Findings – The RSS technology is well suited for handling the description of scientific contents. RDF records that were used in the OmniPaper RDF prototype were replaced by RSS. The subject and lexical thesauri were kept. This strong metadata layer allows the creation of several services that facilitate the conceptual search of scientific contents. Research limitations/implications – The system implemented was tested but not evaluated in a real environment with specific users. Originality/value – This paper presents a system that uses a central metadatabase to support conceptual searching mechanisms. This is a solution for a value-added service for the scientific community that is fully based in state-of-the-art standard technologies and is fully open for integration with other systems. Moreover this could be implemented by journals to improve the current mechanisms used to access, distribute and disseminate the scientific research developments.

Smart Client approaches to digital archiving of e-journals : Table of Contents

Edmund Balnaves, Mark Chehade — Sat Oct 17 08:00:42 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a research project undertaken by Prosentient Systems and partially funded by the ALIA 2007 research study grant. The focus of the project was a proof-of-concept implementation of a Smart Client application for digital archiving of e-journal subscriptions held by special libraries. Design/methodology/approach – This research comprised a survey of libraries in the area of electronic journal archiving and software development research. The quantitative survey was distributed to 254 member libraries of the GratisNet and GLASS special library networks in Australia. Seven questions explored current practice in e-journal archiving. In total, 164 responses were received, of which only seven indicated current progress toward e-journal archiving. Based on the survey results, the second phase of the project comprised software development research. Findings – The research outcomes indicate that a cross-platform “Smart Client” approach to e-journal archiving is achievable and the presentation will review architectural design techniques that support cross-platform deployment and simple installation using open source smart client tools. Practical implications – The transition to e-journal subscriptions has not been matched with attention to methods for local archiving of e-journal subscriptions. This research demonstrates the feasibility of simple solutions suitable for special libraries to implement local e-journal archives. Originality/value – This research presents an innovative approach to e-journal archiving for special libraries. The approach differs from current, peer-to-peer approach by implementing a central metadata server and a simple easy to deploy desktop archiving agent. Furthermore, limitations imposed by copyright restrictions are the principal impediment that libraries face in implementing e-journal archives, and the centralised metadata approach can help libraries distinguish journals for which local archiving is allowed.

Public library 2.0: some Australian experiences : Table of Contents

Maryanne Gosling, Glenn Harper, Michelle McLean — Sat Oct 17 08:00:42 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to share the experiences of three public libraries near Melbourne, Victoria, Australia of using Web 2.0 tools to reach existing and new users. Design/methodology/approach – Using blogs and other social software and mash-ups, Casey-Cardinia Library Corporation, Eastern Regional Libraries and Frankston Library Service are opening up their web sites and services to their communities and giving voice to their users. The various tools are described and how the libraries are making use of them is detailed. Findings – That Web 2.0 tools can be successfully utilised by public libraries to provide enhanced services to their users. Originality/value – The paper provides practical examples of how Web 2.0 tools can be used by public libraries. It is of particular value to public libraries that are interested in or already providing service to their users using Web 2.0 tools.