Library Hi Tech News

Libraries without borders: navigating towards global understanding – a personal perspective on IFLA's 74th General Conference and Council in Quebec, Canada : Table of Contents

Rose B. Okiy — Sun Jul 05 14:15:04 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on the 74th General Conference and Council Meeting of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), which took place on August 10-14, 2008 in Quebec, Canada. Design/methodology/approach – This is a descriptive report. Findings – The conference discussed libraries without borders: navigating towards global understanding. Originality/value – Will be of interest to library and information professionals.

Balancing outreach and privacy in Facebook: five guiding decision points : Table of Contents

Peter Fernandez — Sun Jul 05 14:15:04 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight five decision points intended to serve as guideposts for librarians attempting to conceptualize their own efforts within Facebook. Design/methodology/approach – Facebook has tendencies and restrictions that can be troubling for librarians committed to a certain conception of privacy. Each decision point highlighted in this paper is an opportunity to consider the implications of a particular decision in light of the privacy concerns created by Facebook. Rather than attempting to be exhaustive, it is an attempt to give a broad overview of the places that librarians should focus their attention. Findings – Each of the five decision points is discussed and the implications considered. Originality/value – It is hoped that the decision points discussed in this paper serve as a starting point for dealing with social networking privacy issues.

Research into open access science publishing : Table of Contents

Joseph Welfare Irivwieri — Sun Jul 05 14:15:04 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of some issues and controversies surrounding arguments for research into open access. Design/methodology/approach – The paper begins with a brief investigation of some background on library, research into open access, questions and then considers three major public definitions of open access, types of open access journals currently available, history of open access, reasons for open access, public and advocacy, criticism of open access, publishing in an open access journal, users, research funders, and universities, libraries and librarians. Findings – As a matter of fact, the scholarly community is not yet completely aware of the potential of the open access web, both as a network of communication and a cradle for new tools for research practice. Research limitations/implications – Open access is a simple concept, but a complex one to achieve in reality. Originality/value – The way open access is viewed, either as a source of information or as a medium, affects the great multitude of players and interests involved.

National Seminar on Open Access on Textual and Multimedia Content: Bridging the Digital Divide: brief report : Table of Contents

Pawan Kumar Gupta, Jagdish Arora — Sun Jul 05 14:15:04 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on a national seminar held at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, on 29-30 January 2009. Design/methodology/approach – This is a descriptive report. Findings – The national seminar focused on open access of textual and multimedia content looking at collaboration between two inter-university centres of the University Grants Commission (UGC), INFLIBNET (Information and Library Network) Center in Ahmedabad and the Center for Educational Communication (CEC) in New Delhi. Originality/value – It will be of interest to the library and information professionals especially to the media professionals across the country. It may also be helpful to the professionals of the Asian countries at some extend. A detailed version of this report published in the seminar website and it may also appear in the forthcoming INFLIBNET newsletter for the INFLIBNET members.

Indian Library Association (ILA) annual conference report : Table of Contents

N.K. Swain, Satish Kumar — Sun Jul 05 14:15:04 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on the 53rd Annual Meeting of the Indian Library Association (ILA) held during December 13-16, 2008 in Hyderabad. Design/methodology/approach – This is a descriptive report. Findings – The meeting discussed “Developing library and information resources and services in the internet era”, comprising “Public library as a community information centre/knowledge centre”, “Legislation for libraries in the internet era”, “Library 2.0 and Web 2.0”, “Collection/resource development policies”, “Management and evaluation of collection”, “Print and digital publications issues”, “Knowledge management and knowledge society” and “Open sources”. Originality/value – Will be of interest to library and information professionals.

SMS library reference service options : Table of Contents

Beth Stahr — Sun Jul 05 14:15:04 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the usefulness of short message service (SMS) or text-messaging for library reference service. Design/methodology/approach – The different technological approaches to SMS reference service are described and compared. Findings – The advantages and disadvantages of each approach are provided. Research limitations/implications – Because these technologies are still evolving, this report is merely a first effort at describing the different service methods in a single review. Practical implications – This paper is intended to be helpful to any library considering providing a text message reference service. It should help the library identify which approach will best suit the culture of that library. Originality/value – This is an overall look at different available technologies, which will be helpful to any library contemplating adding an SMS reference service.