Program: electronic library and information systems

Preservation of scientific and cultural heritage in Balkan countries : Table of Contents

Yasar Tonta — Sat Oct 10 08:00:17 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The peoples living in the Balkan Peninsula over centuries have created a very rich cultural heritage and the constant political upheavals in the region have affected the development and preservation of their cultures. This paper aims to review the internet infrastructure and networked readiness levels of the Balkan countries, which are conducive to scientific co-operation and preservation of digitised cultural heritage. It also explores the destructive effects of wars on the cultural riches of the region. Design/methodology/approach – The internet facilities and the scientific production of the Balkan countries were identified using published sources and Thomson's Web of Science database. A game-theoretic approach was used to expound the consequences of wars and the adverse effects of the nation-building process on cultural heritage artefacts. Findings – Balkan countries lack sound internet infrastructures, hindering their contributions to the world of science and stifling scientific co-operation among themselves in terms of joint papers. The co-ordinated efforts have yet to exist to streamline the digital preservation of the unique cultural heritage of the Balkan countries. Originality/value – This paper discusses the impact of the nation-building process on cultural and scientific heritage artefacts using the concepts of the “game theory”. It reinforces the fact that destroying the cultural heritage artefacts during wars is not a “zero-sum game” in which the dominant culture wins and the “other” culture loses. It is not even a “lose-lose game” in which both parties lose. Rather, humanity loses part of its whole cultural heritage forever.

If SWORD is the answer, what is the question?: Use of the Simple Web-service Offering Repository Deposit protocol : Table of Contents

Sat Oct 10 08:00:17 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the repository deposit protocol, Simple Web-service Offering Repository Deposit (SWORD), its development iteration, and some of its potential use cases. In addition, seven case studies of institutional use of SWORD are provided. Design/methodology/approach – The paper describes the recent development cycle of the SWORD standard, with issues being identified and overcome with a subsequent version. Use cases and case studies of the new standard in action are included to demonstrate the wide range of practical uses of the SWORD standard. Findings – SWORD has many potential use cases and has quickly become the de facto standard for depositing items into repositories. By making use of a widely-supported interoperable standard, tools can be created that start to overcome some of the problems of gathering content for deposit into institutional repositories. They can do this by changing the submission process from a “one-size-fits-all” solution, as provided by the repository's own user interface, to customised solutions for different users. Originality/value – Many of the case studies described in this paper are new and unpublished, and describe methods of creating novel interoperable tools for depositing items into repositories. The description of SWORD version 1.3 and its development give an insight into the processes involved with the development of a new standard.

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0: A further step towards accessible digital information : Table of Contents

Sat Oct 10 08:00:17 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explain the changes in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 compared with WCAG 1.0 within the context of its historical development. Design/methodology/approach – In order to compare WCAG 2.0 with WCAG 1.0 a diachronic analysis of the evolution of these standards is done. Known authors and publications in the field, the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) web pages, WebAIM and the blogosphere were also monitored for comments and third-party analyses. The analysis of the main changes from WCAG 1.0 to WCAG 2.0 was based on personal experience with WAI guidelines, experimentation with some of the new guidelines, and a selection of best practice online services in the application of the WCAG, including WAI documentation. Findings – WCAG 2.0 is more educational and is applied to more technologies than WCAG 1.0. The limitations of WCAG 1.0 are mostly due to its origin. In changing from one to the other, new priorities and new elements must be taken into account. The paper concludes that though these guidelines are a useful tool for governments, they are only the first step towards accessibility, which can only be achieved through user-centred design. Originality/value – This paper explains the significance and limitations of the WCAG and gives a short guide to adapting web sites to the new regulations.

Student user preferences for features of next-generation OPACs: A case study of University of Sheffield international students : Table of Contents

Winnie Tam, Andrew M. Cox, Andy Bussey — Sat Oct 10 08:00:17 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the features that international student users prefer for next generation OPACs. Design/methodology/approach – A total of 16 international students of the University of Sheffield were interviewed in July 2008 to explore their preferences among potential features in next generation OPACs. A semi-structured interview schedule with images of mock-up screens was used. Findings – The results of the interviews were broadly consistent with previous studies. In general, students expect features in next generation OPACs should save their time, be easy to use and relevant to their search. This study found that recommender features and features that can provide better navigation of search results are desired by users. However, Web 2.0 features, such as RSS feeds and those features which involved user participation were among the least popular. Practical implications – This paper produces findings of relevance to any academic library seeking to implement a next-generation OPAC. Originality/value – There have been no previous published research studies of users' preferences among possible features of next-generation OPACs.

Library web sites in Pakistan: an analysis of content : Table of Contents

Saima Qutab, Khalid Mahmood — Sat Oct 10 08:00:17 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate library web sites in Pakistan, to analyse their content and navigational strengths and weaknesses and to give recommendations for developing better web sites and quality assessment studies. Design/methodology/approach – Survey of web sites of 52 academic, special, public and national libraries in Pakistan based on a 77-item checklist. Findings – Pakistani libraries have developed web sites over the past few years but these are few in number. No directory is available to locate library web sites and no scholarly literature has been written on this topic in Pakistan. No standards for content selection were considered in developing library web sites so they lack uniformity and often miss important features. Research limitations/implications – This research includes web sites of all types of libraries in Pakistan. Web sites with at least one independent page on a parent organisation's web site are included. Originality/value – This study is the first of its kind ever conducted in Pakistan. The findings of this paper will be helpful in improving library web sites.

Making the Long Tail visible: social networking sites and independent music discovery : Table of Contents

Michael Gaffney, Pauline Rafferty — Sat Oct 10 08:00:17 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate users' knowledge and use of social networking sites and folksonomies to discover if social tagging and folksonomies, within the area of independent music, aid in its information retrieval and discovery. The sites examined in this project are MySpace, Lastfm, Pandora and Allmusic. In addition, the ways in which independent record labels utilise social networking sites for promotion are investigated. Design/methodology/approach – Three groups of participants were surveyed using questionnaires. These groups were music concert attendees, people who responded to online postings to social networking sites, and independent record companies. In addition interviews were held with digital music experts. Findings – The results suggest that respondents use social networking sites for music discovery but are not generally aware of folksonomic approaches to music discovery. When users do use and contribute to the folksonomy, most respondents were found to tag for personal retrieval purposes rather than attempting to aid the retrieval purposes of the population of site users as a whole. The four record labels unanimously agreed that social networking sites are having a major impact on independent music discovery. Digital distribution has a major impact on independent record labels. It facilitates discovery but at the same time digital distribution creates new promotional dilemmas. Originality/value – The project is small scale but the research area is a relatively novel one, and the results are interesting enough to share more generally in the hope that this project will stimulate further research activity in this area.