Library Hi Tech

Farsi Lexical Analysis and Stop Word List : Table of Contents

Dr. Mohammad reza Davarpanah — Sun Jul 05 14:15:04 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose - In the paper , we purpose an aggregated methodology for construction of the stop word list in Farsi language and generate a generic farsi stop word list. Design/methodology/approach - The stop word list is extracted based on : syntactic classes, domain dependent, corpus statistic and expert judgments. Some of the main challenges that arise in the farsi automatic text processing were outlined as well. Findings - Results from the techniques are aggregated and a general Farsi stop word list containing 927 words is generated. Practical implications - The created stop word list can affect the efficiency and effectiveness of retrieval and indexing process in Farsi information retrieval system, moreover, it can play an important role during Farsi text segmentation. Originality/value - Our stop word extraction algorithm is a promising technique; it could be applied into other languages that they have ambiguities in automatic text segmentation.

Libraries and Immersive Learning Environments Unite in Second Life : Table of Contents

Ms. Valerie Hill, Dr. Hyuk-Jin Lee — Sun Jul 05 14:15:04 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose - Purpose To explore the current impact of virtual worlds on librarianship and identify significant gains in a new mode of information delivery and immersive learning. Design/methodology/approach - Design/methodology/approach Through exploratory research and observation, the prospective study addresses a very new trend in information delivery and technology within library services. Findings - Findings Provides evidence of global collaboration among information scientists, significant contributions to library collections, and potential for educational opportunities through immersive learning environments. Research limitations/implications - Research limitations/implications A small number of librarians are participating in virtual world librarianship in relation to the profession, due to the mode being a very new one. Future research should include studying the needs of library patrons and information seeking behaviors in virtual worlds along with accessibility, security and sustainability. Practical implications - Practical implications The study implies many educational opportunities and potential for information organization, information delivery, multimedia, and immersive learning on a global scale. Originality/value - Originality/value This study presents significant evidence that virtual worlds have provided a new medium of information delivery and educational opportunities that librarians are currently embracing and sharing with other fields, including medicine, art, science, and education.

Evolution of Electronic Resources Support: Is Virtual Reference the Answer? : Table of Contents

Ms. Taryn Resnick, Mr. Dennis T. Clark — Sun Jul 05 14:15:04 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose - Supporting access to electronic resources can be a challenge for librarians. In a previous article, we discussed the implementation of a two-tiered Electronic Resources (ER) HelpDesk service. While an improvement, that service existed in parallel with the library's Virtual Reference (VR) service, requiring separate staff and expertise. After considerable discussion and exploration, it became apparent that the needs of ER support could be met, with some modification, within the VR service. This paper describes the further evolution of electronic resources access support at Texas A&M University Libraries with recommendations for incorporating ER support into a VR service.Design/methodology/approach - A project at the Texas A&M University Libraries sought to utilize an existing VR service, staffed by reference librarians and staff, to expand and improve handling and resolving ER access problems.Findings - VR software is effective for managing an electronic access problemsreporting system. Integrating ER support into VR more broadly and equitably distributes responsibility for access and supports improved service for patrons and increased transparency and functionality for staff who respond to electronic resources access problems.Research limitations/implications - Not applicable.Practical implications - Virtual Reference and electronic resources staff can merge similar responsibilities for better service to patrons.Originality/value - This article offers experience-based guidance on utilizing VR technology and staff to effectively address and resolve electronic resource access problems. Our research suggests that there has not been another report of the use of integrating electronic resource problem reporting into virtual reference services.

A Simple Data Grid using the Inferno Operating System : Table of Contents

Mr. Brian Hancock — Sun Jul 05 14:15:04 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the efficacy of using the Inferno Operating System to set up a simple data grid. Design/methodology/approach - Demonstrates the set up and concepts of a simple data grid using the Inferno Operating System.Findings - The research finds that a secure but simple data grid can be set up to access documents wherever they may be.Research limitations/implications - The Inferno data grid allows researchers to work on projects from wherever they might be. Not only can they transfer data from many machines but can run programs on a local machine on files on remote machines.Practical implications - The data grid makes it very simple to move files from many machines and execute commands as if the user was using one Virtual machine.Originality/value - There is no need to use complex systems to set up a data grid, it can be done easily without much overhead.

Wiki to the Rescue: creating a more dynamic intranet : Table of Contents

Ms. Ellie Dworak, Mr. Keven Jeffery — Sun Jul 05 14:15:04 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose - This article describes a project to convert a library intranet from HTML format to Wiki software and presents evidence of the success of this project.Design/methodology/approach - The authors conducted a pre- and post-survey of intranet users. Findings - Use of the intranet increased after the transition to a Wiki. Updating did not increase, but was more evenly spread amongst departments rather than being concentrated among technical staff. Research limitations/implications - Practical implications - Wiki software is an excellent choice for a library intranet because it allows for easy editing and shared responsibility. Originality/value - There are few articles written that assess the merits of Wiki software. This article establishes an ongoing discussion of which new web technologies have the most utility in a library setting.

Implementing instant messaging in four university libraries : Table of Contents

Ms. Charlotte Clements — Sun Jul 05 14:15:04 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose - This paper reports on a project to implement a virtual reference service for the Library Consortium of New Zealand (LCoNZ) consortium. The project is fully described and the desirability of instant messaging as a reference tool in a university library is discussed. Design/methodology/approach - The process of choosing the most appropriate software and implementing the service are outlined and discussed in the context of recent findings about similar services in academic libraries. Current software options are compared and ease of implementation is highlighted.Findings - Because of the rapid development in social networking software and use, open source software was chosen as the most appropriate option. The overarching principle needs to include a focus on enhancing the learning experience.Practical implications - The lead library was able to implement the service with a minimum of systems support.Originality/value - This paper examines the implementation of an instant messaging reference service in the context of online learning and student learning experience. It discusses reasons why university libraries need to keep forging online opportunities for meeting their customers’ needs.

Public libraries: Places creating social capital? : Table of Contents

Dr. Andreas Vårheim — Sun Jul 05 14:15:04 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose - This paper shows why studies of public libraries regarding their possible contribution in creating social capital is important for social capital research in general, and is important for library practice in particular.Design/methodology/approach - Building on the latest theoretical developments and empirical findings of social capital research, the role of the public library as a potential creator of social capital is discussed. Findings from both quantitative and qualitative empirical research are discussed, and also the need for further studies is presented.Findings - The paper reports quantitative macro-level results concerning whether public library expenditure can contribute in explaining social trust patterns in the OECD countries. However, to be able to ascertain this, numerous qualitative studies revealing the mechanisms actually generating generalized trust are needed. Preliminary qualitative interviews suggest that this approach can prove fruitful. Research limitations/implications - The implications for further research into public libraries and the building of generalized trust are twofold: One the one hand, more specific research questions on the role libraries can be asked regarding accommodating diversity and increasing trust among diverse groups , e.g., immigrants. On the other hand, the suitability of the public library for investigating these questions makes the results relevant for social capital research in general. Practical implications - The library profession points to the importance of libraries for social capital and maintain that libraries have been overlooked in this matter. Strong sentiments like this should be ideal for implementation of research based library policies, strategies and activities for creating social capital.Originality/value - What is new in this research is that studies of public libraries may contribute in resolving the impasse within contemporary social capital research where neither institutional nor societal perspectives seem to be able to verify how social capital is created. Also the perspectives on social capital are new to library research, and can contribute positively to library research and to library practice.

To Tag or Not To Tag : Table of Contents

Ms. Marliese Thomas, Ms. Dana M. Caudle, Miss Cecilia M. Schmitz — Sun Jul 05 14:15:04 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose - To provide a quantitative analysis of the extent to which folksonomies replicate the Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) to see if folksonomies would successfully complement cataloger-supplied subject headings in library catalogs.Design/methodology/approach - The paper compares social tags and LC subject headings for ten books from various library-related applications including next generation OPACs and LibraryThing by ranking tags and subject headings using scales modified from research by Golder and Huberman, Voorbij, and Kipp.Findings - Social tagging does indeed augment LCSH by providing additional access to resources.Research limitations/implications - Several of our applications lacked tags for the books we chose in our study. Tags are primarily taken from LibraryThing.Practical implications - A hybrid catalog combining both LCSH and a folksonomy would result in richer metadata and be stronger than the sum of its parts, giving patrons the best of both worlds in terms of access to materials.Originality/value - This paper supplies quantitative support for the use of folksonomies in a library’s catalog. The data also supports many of the previous theories proposed in literature about folksonomies and social tagging.