New Library World

Putting the public in the public domain: The public library's role in the re-conceptualization of the public domain : Table of Contents

Tamara Sheppard — Sun May 17 14:15:04 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to attempt to highlight the imminent corrosion of the public domain brought about by the pervasive lack of recognition within the public at large regarding what the public domain is, what it stands for, and what it is meant to accomplish. Design/methodology/approach – Utilizing the diverse theories of proponents of the public domain, this analysis proposes a re-conceptualization of the public domain which acknowledges its significance to the creative process itself, and subsequently stresses the importance of public awareness and participation to its continuing survival. Findings – While remarking on the efficacy of a number of digitization ventures in the promotion of the public domain, it is concluded that mere awareness of the plight of the public domain is not enough. What the public domain desperately needs to subsist is the presence of an active citizenry that is dedicated to preserving its interests. Moreover, the public library is emphasized as the ideal vehicle with which to elucidate the public and secure their involvement in a campaign to safeguard an endangered public domain. Originality/value – This paper expounds on the necessity of bringing the public and the public domain together so that both are empowered to dispel the restrictions that have arisen from an excessive copyright protectionist regime and so that both are enabled to defend themselves from any further encroachments on their ability to progress and mature within their own cultural bounds.

Professional education, development and training in a Web 2.0 environment: A case study of the UK : Table of Contents

Judith Broady-Preston — Sun May 17 14:15:04 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore concepts of professional education, development and training within the context of a changing information landscape Design/methodology/approach – The paper analyses selected literature, including governmental and professional body reports, focusing particularly on the implications of these for the contemporary and future education, training and development of the information profession. Key issues addressed are the impact of the government skills agenda and the increasing use of competency based frameworks. Findings – Evidence suggests that the information profession is undergoing a period of profound change in relation to its qualifications base. The paper concludes that many of the previously enshrined shibboleths of professional education, training and development are undergoing a fundamental re-examination. Barriers relating to qualification levels, to professional practice and to career development, are being circumvented or demolished. In a volatile climate of rapid change, continuing professional development (CPD) is necessary if professionals wish to keep abreast of new skills and knowledge. Originality/value – The paper identifies and discusses the current drivers for change in relation to the skills, competencies, education, training, and development, for the information profession, including issues in relation to defining “professionalism”. As a contribution to contemporary debate on these issues, the paper should be of use to policy makers, practitioners, researchers and students.

Tough economic times for US libraries : Table of Contents

Elisa F. Topper — Sun May 17 14:15:04 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact that the recession has had on US libraries. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is an overview of the literature. Findings – The recession has had an impact not only on libraries but also related fields such as publishing. Originality/value – The paper makes libraries aware that planning is essential in order to survive in the recession.

Customized mapping and metadata transfer from DSpace to OCLC to improve ETD work flow : Table of Contents

Sai Deng, Terry Reese — Sun May 17 14:15:04 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present methods for customized mapping and metadata transfer from DSpace to Online Computer Library Center (OCLC), which aims to improve Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETD) work flow at libraries using DSpace to store theses and dissertations by automating the process of generating MARC records from Dublin Core (DC) metadata in DSpace and exporting them to OCLC. Design/methodology/approach – This paper discusses how the Shocker Open Access Repository (SOAR) at Wichita State University (WSU) Libraries and ScholarsArchive at Oregon State University (OSU) Libraries harvest theses data from the DSpace platform using the Metadata Harvester in MarcEdit developed by Terry Reese at OSU Libraries. It analyzes certain challenges in transformation of harvested data including handling of authorized data, dealing with data ambiguity and string processing. It addresses how these two institutions customize Library of Congress's XSLT (eXtensible Stylesheet Language Transformations) mapping to transfer DC metadata to MarcXML metadata and how they export MARC data to OCLC and Voyager. Findings – The customized mapping and data transformation for ETD data can be standardized while also requiring a case-by-case analysis. By offering two institutions' experiences, it provides information on the benefits and limitations for those institutions that are interested in using MarcEdit and customized XSLT to transform their ETDs from DSpace to OCLC and Voyager. Originality/value – The new method described in the paper can eliminate the need for double entry in DSpace and OCLC, meet local needs and significantly improve ETD work flow. It offers perspectives on repurposing and managing metadata in a standard and customizable way.

Does universal access mean equitable access?: What an information infrastructure study of a rural Romanian community can tell us : Table of Contents

Cheryl Klimaszewski, James M. Nyce — Sun May 17 14:15:04 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the findings from a field study in Viscri, a village in Transylvania, Romania, to investigate the current state of information and communication technology (ICT) development in the village. Design/methodology/approach – Researchers interviewed villagers in May 2007. Ethnographic methods were used to collect data and to assess villagers' information needs. The information landscape in Viscri is presented and analyzed in local and national contexts. The national policies shaping Romania's emerging information society are discussed and literature on the impact of ICT development at the community level is also reviewed. Findings – Romania's ICT policy goal of universal access needs to be better targeted. In Viscri, few adults showed interest in learning about or using computers. However, villagers understood that a good education that included computer education was necessary to assure better economic futures for their children. In light of the demographics, social conditions and cultural beliefs in Viscri, the most appropriate access point for ICT initiatives there should be programs aimed at school-aged children. Research limitations/implications – The paper describes and discusses the information needs of one village. Further field investigation at the community level is necessary to discern the relevance of the findings to other villages both in Romania and elsewhere. Practical implications – Further research, especially in the most underserved communities, will help to identify ways in which the information society and related policies can be more equitably implemented in Romania. What is learned in Romania can have implications for ICT development policy elsewhere. Originality/value – The paper assesses critically the rhetoric of universal access. If universal access is going to remain an ICT policy goal, more research is needed at the community level in order to ensure that policy emphasis on access for all actually translates into equitable, meaningful ICT access for underserved communities.

American Library Association Conference 2008 : Table of Contents

Linda Ashcroft — Sun May 17 14:15:04 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a flavour of the content of the American Library Association Annual Conference held in Anaheim in June 2008. Design/methodology/approach – This is an outline description of the issues, content, networking, speakers and participants of this conference. Findings – This major conference covered many topical issues and themes, latest trends and research, and leading edge technology applicable to librarians and information professionals internationally. It facilitated many networking opportunities. Originality/value – This paper is a conference report of value to librarians and information professionals as the variety of themes apply to the various aspects of library and information work.

Digital discovery: strategies and solutions: Report on the 29th annual Conference of the International Association of Technological University Libraries (IATUL) held in Auckland, New Zealand, 21-24 April 2008 : Table of Contents

Reiner Kallenborn, Carolin Becker — Sun May 17 14:15:04 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the 29th IATUL Conference on “Digital discovery: strategies and solutions” held in Auckland, New Zealand in April 2008. Design/methodology/approach – The article gives an outline of the issues, content, keynote speakers, social networking and location of this conference. Findings – The IATUL meeting presented a wide range of cutting-edge topics defining the future roles of librarians in a globalised information society. Participants gained insights into the workings and visions of librarians around the globe, had the opportunity to share experiences and best practice and to find new inspiration and encouragement for their own daily work. The conference included areas such as policies for the information society, digitalization strategies, open access initiatives, e-research developments, library support for e-science, library customer orientation, Web 2.0 applications for libraries, learning experiences of the Net generation, information literacy as well as data and knowledge management. Originality/value – The paper provides a conference report of value to library and information professionals, in particular to library directors and senior managers, regarding the development of a modern dynamic infrastructure for digital information and communication and the role of libraries therein.

Library communication outside a library context: instant messaging as library service : Table of Contents

Hans Jørn Nielsen — Sun May 17 14:15:04 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to put librarian use of instant messaging (IM) into a context of new media development. The paper aims to evaluate use of IM from findings in a research project of a Danish IM test. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is grounded on findings related to the author's research of a specific Danish instant messaging test called Need2Know. With help of theories of communication patterns on the internet and of media theory of Web 2.0 IM is assessed as a tool for public libraries. Findings – Instant messaging is an instance of expanding conversational and decentralized ways of communication on the internet. It is a useful communication tool to get in touch with young users, but it may be a waste of resources if the purpose primarily is to answer short questions of encyclopaedic facts. If the service is not anchored in an explicit library context or in library resources, the ask service easily will decay to a type of “living search machine” and not be part of a participatory culture promised by Web 2.0. Originality/value – The paper assesses an instant messaging tool, Need2Know. The Need2Know service mirrors a traditional attitude to the relationship between users and library. Today users are able to find simple information themselves, and they are even able to disseminate and share this information through numerous social technologies.