Program: electronic library and information systems

Building a virtual branch at Vancouver Public Library using Web 2.0 tools : Table of Contents

Kay Cahill — Sun May 03 14:15:07 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the work undertaken by Vancouver Public Library (VPL) in an effort to convert its website into a true virtual branch, both through the functionality of the website itself and by extending its web presence on to external social networking sites. Design/methodology/approach – VPL worked with its development partners to conduct a thorough community consultation to ensure that the new VPL website would be truly user-focused. Since the site's launch, VPL has made strategic management of both its internal and external web presence a key organisational priority, reflected in its creation of two new professional positions which include co-ordination of VPL's internal and external web presence as part of their job specification. Findings – VPL has demonstrated that it is possible to take a systematic, integrated, thoughtful approach to the adoption of Web 2.0 tools and technologies in order to enhance web services without sacrificing quality or control. Originality/value – As many public libraries consider their options with regard to the integration of Web 2.0 tools and technologies, VPL offers an example of good practice in strategic selection and management of these tools to optimise the delivery of web-based library services.

Implementation of RFID technology in University of Pune Library : Table of Contents

Sadanand Y. Bansode, Sanjay K. Desale — Sun May 03 14:15:07 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the implementation of a radio frequency identification (RFID) system in Pune University Library. Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides a brief overview of background of the project, barriers faced and changes that have been experienced after the implementation of the technology. Findings – At the initial stage the library is facing problems with regard to the lack of availability of technology experts in the library for the RFID system and also for the software. Later on the library applied some solutions and tried to minimise the problems and now it has proved to be a boon for the library. Originality/value – The paper provides insight for other academic libraries wishing to implement an RFID system.

ICT and information strategies for a knowledge economy: the Indian experience : Table of Contents

Maitrayee Ghosh, Ipsheet Ghosh — Sun May 03 14:15:07 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the progress India has made in its move towards a knowledge-based economy with details of how the Indian Government has demonstrated its commitment to the development of fundamental pillars of knowledge sharing infrastructure, knowledge workers and a knowledge innovation system. Libraries are identified as key players in building an inclusive knowledge economy (KE) for a country. Design/methodology/approach – An empirical study of the initiatives taken by Government of India as well as premier institutions and non-governmental organisations in the area of information literacy, lifelong learning and knowledge repository development was undertaken. These are reviewed to report on the contribution each of them has made in the development of KE in India. Findings – The practice-based examples of how information and communication technology (ICT) projects are influencing contemporary Indian society and an account of government policies in regard to ICT implementation and development towards a KE are presented. The impediments in the process of KE in India are identified and recommendations are made. Originality/value – This is an attempt to bring together initiatives and projects initiated by the Government of India as well as other agencies aimed at developing a knowledge-based society which will ultimately lead to a KE in India.

Requirements for information professionals in a digital environment: some thoughts : Table of Contents

Bekir Kemel Ataman — Sun May 03 14:15:07 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to point out the increasing need to provide information professionals with a sound grounding in the technological aspects of their profession. Design/methodology/approach – The paper sets out by describing the sudden increase in volumes of information that confront our society, and then looks at how the younger generation approaches/uses this mass of information. It then analyses how the traditional functions of information professionals (presentation of material, reliable preservation of information, maintaining authenticity, and conservation) are handled in an electronic environment. Findings – The paper discovers that considerable technical knowledge and experience are required to carry out those same functions in an electronic environment and suggests a redefinition of information sciences as information engineering. Research limitations/implications – The paper recommends increasing the technology content in the training of information professionals such as archivists, records managers and librarians. Originality/value – The paper concludes with a radical assertion that the proper locus for such training is a school of engineering rather than a school of librarianship, information studies and/or archives.

An integrated system for managing the Andalusian Parliament's digital library : Table of Contents

Sun May 03 14:15:07 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the reorganisation of the Andalusian Parliament's digital library to improve the electronic representation and access of its official corpus by taking advantage of a document's internal organisation. Video recordings of the parliamentary sessions have also been integrated with their corresponding textual transcriptions. Design/methodology/approach – After analysing the state of the Andalusian Parliament's digital library and determining the aspects that could be improved both in the repository and access mechanisms, this paper describes each component of the developed integrated information system. Findings – A methodology has been developed to tackle the problem and this could be applied to other similar institutions and organisations. Exploiting the internal structure of the parliament's official documents has also proved to be extremely interesting for users as they are directed towards the most relevant parts of the documents. Originality/value – The paper presents an application of an information retrieval system for structured documents to a real framework and the integration of multimedia sources (e.g. text and video) for retrieval purposes.

Knowledge organisation systems in North American digital library collections : Table of Contents

Ali Shiri, Sarah Chase-Kruszewski — Sun May 03 14:15:07 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report an investigation into the types of knowledge organisation systems (KOSs) utilised in North American digital library collections. Design/methodology/approach – The paper identifies, analyses and deep scans online North American hosted digital libraries. It reviews the literature related to the application of KOSs on the web, identifies widely used KOSs and tools and reviews the literature related to collaborative collections on the web. Findings – A total of 269 North American digital library collections were examined. The Library of Congress Subject Headings is the most widely used subject representation tool, followed by domain-specific thesauri, 113 digital library collections make use of locally developed taxonomies. A few collections use the Dewy Decimal Classification and alphabetical indexes. Research limitations/implications – This research was limited to North American digital library collections. Practical implications – The findings show the popular KOSs used in digital library collections. It also shows the organisational contexts of the examined digital library collections. Originality/value – This research contributes to the areas of digital libraries and to the application of KOSs and services for subject representation and access.

Long-term preservation of digital information in China: some problems and solutions : Table of Contents

Jiazhen Liu, Peng Du — Sun May 03 14:15:07 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper to describe the research work on the long-term preservation of Chinese digital information funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) since 2001. Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides an overview, in text and figures, of ways in which e-documents originating in China, in now obsolete formats, can be made readable again. Also, results of a recent survey of electronic records management in government and corporations are given. Findings – The lifecycle management gap with respect to electronic records is highlighted and the main factors that restrict the Chinese anti-disaster data backup plan are analysed. It is suggested that the data backup centre which can be accepted by small medium enterprises should be the e-government disaster recovery centre for local government. Originality/value – All the research results are useful for those who need to understand the long-term preservation of Chinese digital information and electronic records management.