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Despite ongoing efforts to improve database accessibility, aggregated database vendors concede that they do not have complete control over document accessibility. Instead, they point to the responsibility of journal publishers to deliver articles in an accessible format. This may increase the likelihood that users with disabilities will encounter articles that are not compatible with a screen reader. To better understand the extent of the problem, a document accessibility audit was conducted of randomly selected articles from EBSCO's Library & Information Source database. Full-text articles from 12 library science journals were evaluated against two measures of screen reader compatibility: HTML format (the optimal format for screen readers) and PDF accessibility conformance. Findings showed inconsistencies in HTML format availability for articles in the selected journals. Additionally, the entire sample of PDF articles failed to meet the minimum standard of PDF Universal Accessibility of containing a tagged structure. However, all PDF articles passed accessibility permissions tests, so could be made accessible retroactively by a third party. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a university's information resource center, the library has always provided services for teachers and students. However, there is a lack of in-depth research on the relationship between the allocation of library resources and the competitiveness of universities in innovation and entrepreneurship (CUIE). Clarifying that relationship could help optimize library resources to enhance CUIE and enrich the empirical research system of library science. Based on clarifying the composition of library resources, correlation and regression analyses were used to verify the effect of library resource allocation on CUIE. The results show that human, academic, and spatial resources of the library can improve CUIE. The quality of human resources is more important than quantity for CUIE. For academic resources, electronic resources play a greater role than paper resources in CUIE, and spatial resources have the least effect. To maximize CUIE, the university library must optimize its resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conference proceedings are valuable sources for research, providing insights into individual or organisational projects. Australian library and information services (LIS) professionals have the opportunity to contribute to a robust conference culture, including the biennial library technology VALA conference. Practice-driven conferences can offer interpretations of LIS practitioner experiences, however, there is limited research focusing on Australian LIS conference proceedings. The VALA conference papers offer a unique record of technology's impact, influence, and implementation in Australian LIS organisations over the last forty years. This article will outline the objective and methodology of an ongoing research project undertaking historical analysis of VALA conference papers. The research project seeks to examine key themes, theories, and tools discussed in VALA conference papers and will attempt to identify if evolving technology influences the practices and attitudes of Australian LIS practitioners. The article will identify the research methods and the content analysis techniques that will be used in the project, and present preliminary results from a pilot study presented at the 2023 RAILS conference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This scoping literature review explored specific themes connected to the evolving nature of academic business librarianship (career paths and educational backgrounds, services and job roles, self-assessment, and professional development) with the goal to determine the state of existing literature. Following careful review, two areas of business librarianship—self-assessment and professional development—were identified as lacking in overall research literature. Literature regarding career paths and educational backgrounds, as well as services and job roles demonstrated notable gaps and need for timely revision. Future directions for research in emerging areas of academic business librarianship are also identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the status of library and information science (LIS) education in Pakistan, as well as LIS progress, level of employment and issues, infrastructure and facilities, challenges faced by LIS institutions and future prospects of the profession. Design/methodology/approach: A total of 115 permanent/regular and visiting academic members from different Pakistani institutions/universities participated in the research. A mixed-method was used, and data was collected through questionnaires and interviews. The data was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Findings: This study's results showed that assistant, associate and associate professors have been very involved in producing high-quality research articles and producing quality graduates. This study also found that there are several problems with LIS education in Pakistan, such as a lack of qualified teachers, resources and facilities. This study provides all the answers to these problems. They are useful for LIS teachers and students in Pakistan because LIS education has been around for a long time, but there are still some problems that need to be fixed. The results could have an immediate effect on the direction, ability to survive and future of LIS education in Pakistan. Originality/value: Previously, different studies have been conducted on evolution and challenges to the LIS profession, but to the best of the authors' knowledge, no study has been reported based on the professional experiences in other Universities of Pakistan. According to the research, the findings are crucial for LIS professors and students in Pakistan. In addition, the research investigates the challenges faced by LIS teachers in Pakistan. It concludes with suggestions on how to address some of these problems. It is also said that Pakistan must develop universal standards for LIS to close the gap between what users want and what library workers can do. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Libraries information provision are able to provide and satisfy its diverse user's information needs timely and accurately. The librarian's unique professional duties of information delivery and services are valuable in the dissemination of information and resources to their clientele. This study aims at investigating the key roles of libraries and information profession for political development and stability in Nigeria. The paper was able to establish that Nigerian libraries are well placed to contribute meaningfully and effectively in political and developmental stability of the nation for a positive change, most especially to enlighten the populace on the political status of the nation. More so, there were emphasizing on the key areas of information provision and dissemination by libraries, such as provision of adequate political information, supporting educational development, Re-orientation of Nigerian political culture, provision of information materials, provision of open access to information, creation political awareness etc to the development of a nation politically stable. The study also highlighted some challenges confronting Nigerian libraries, such as insufficient visibility, epileptic/ total absence of power supply, lack of adequate professional advocacy by librarians themselves and funding. The strategies to enhance librarians' duty and librarianship as a profession were also discussed. Suggestions in support of Nigerian libraries were captured and discussed for them to remain major factors in the promotion of political stability and development in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Text mining application is one of the most trending and highly researched areas in social sciences. To date, library professionals' knowledge of text mining tools and practice is mainly limited, resultantly, the library community poorly understands the full range of issues related to text mining. This article provides information on applying a text mining approach called topic modelling in the library and information science domain. Topic modelling is a text mining approach that determines a generative model for documents. This article maps how topic modelling can be used in libraries through various databases during 2009-22 period. It was found that the gap between information users and librarians can be bridged by text mining training. The study concludes that librarians must develop text mining skills to meet their patrons' needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When considered as a form of power from the past to the present, it is seen that the phenomena of land and capital, respectively, have affected the decision-making mechanism in the world. It can be stated that this evolution of management has continued with knowledge. Today, knowledge is power, and this power rules the economic structure of the world. Management is not a phenomenon that can be considered outside of economic relations. In this case, knowledge and economic development actually move together at much higher rates than anticipated. Today, although these two phenomena are observed on very advanced technological wars, the basis of the issue is based on the most local information centers – public libraries. Studies on public libraries have focused on librarianship as a field article. In order to add a more macro character to the field, the relationship between public libraries and economic growth, which is a macroeconomic variable, was analyzed in this study. The relationship between knowledge and economic growth and development was investigated in this study. While examining this relationship, selected level regional groups in Turkey were used. Two different polar regions of Turkey, which are geographically and culturally different, were selected, and public libraries were discussed at the point of representing knowledge. In this case, the role of public libraries on economic development was explained. The annual data for the period between 2015-2020 were used in the study. The data on the number of users, registered members, loan materials, library numbers, and book numbers related to public libraries were used to represent the independent variable of the study. The data covered all provinces included in the TR2 (Çanakkale, Balıkesir, Tekirdağ, Edirne, Kırklareli) and TRC (Gaziantep, Kilis, Adıyaman, Şanlıurfa, Diyarbakır, Mardin, Batman, Şırnak, Siirt) level regions. Per capita income, export figures, and the number of illiterate and unemployed people belonging to the provinces included in the TR2 and TRC regions were used to represent the dependent variable of the study. In the study, three different models were established using the Panel Data Analysis method. Two of these established models were established for the TR2 region and one for the TRC region. As a result of these established models for TR2, it was seen that the Registered Member and User Number variables in the TR2 Level Region had a positive effect on economic development. In the model established for the TRC region, it was observed that the Registered Member and Book Number variables had a positive effect on economic development. In the light of the findings obtained from the study, it is necessary to include more supportive local policies that will increase the direct and indirect effects of public libraries on individuals and the economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pandemic and resulting shift to remote work stressed the importance of distance library services. As librarians explored different modes of engagement, embedded librarianship became increasingly important but also more complicated than before. While there is a wealth of literature on embedded librarianship, few authors agree on how to define it or discuss its specific challenges during the pandemic. This paper will present the experiences of two academic librarians working in different departments at the same institution, informed by the literature; the authors will highlight the complexity of embedded librarianship during this unique time while addressing challenges and offering recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Very simply, research is the systematic investigation to explore new knowledge for scientific achievement. Research comprises "creative and systematic work undertaken to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of humans, culture and society, and the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications" (OECD, 2015). Research carried out by scientists and researchers has made an enormous impact on the world over the centuries specially for developing countries like Bangladesh. Research can make a significant contribution to the growth and development of any nation. Research and the library are closely interconnected with one another. Libraries especially academic and special libraries responsible for research support that is treated as central pillar in their mission. A "researcher life cycle" approach was applied to identify researcher information needs. Librarians continue to play a central role in conducting successful research and are expanding beyond their traditional duties for delivering high quality information services to engage themselves more as educators, technological guides, and communicators. Librarians should pace more and more into a leadership role develop major initiatives and conduct training to increase research reproducibility. The present paper focuses on the basic technical issues of efficient research skills and highlights the librarians' competencies for research support of Bangladesh for guiding researchers for conducting successful research and ensuring a better work environment to do research. This paper mainly explores the proper referencing and citations, submission of manuscript in impact journals, find out predatory journals and selection for publishing articles in open access journals. This study also highlights the use and impact of various online databases such as Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus in order to explore citation status, h index and research performance of an individual author, country and institution. The study also investigates the role of the library in addressing present and future challenges to bridge technical issues of conducting research in Bangladesh. An attempt has been made to identify the major problems for submission manuscripts in high impact journals and to indicate some possible solutions for developing research information management systems, and efforts to improve training and support for researchers to enhance the research productivity of researchers in Bangladesh. Finally, the study illustrates a real picture of scientific outputs of renowned organizations in Bangladesh using Scopus database. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: the reference service in university libraries specialized in health has certain singularities due to the characteristics of the scientific field of the field of Health Sciences, the interface between teaching practices and scientific research, as well as the general profile and demands for information /reliable evidence by academics, professors/researchers and practitioners. Objective: to present and discuss the singularities of the reference service in university libraries specialized in health, as well as the challenges/potentialities of librarianship in this context. Method: The study, of theoretical character, carried out exploratory research with bibliographic research in national and international literature in the area of Librarianship/Information Science. Results: The results obtained indicate that the singularities of the work process in university libraries are determined not only by the idiosyncrasies of health personnel, but, above all, by the fact that human health (physical and mental) is the object of study and practice of area. Conclusion: It is concluded that despite the challenges related to library training in Brazil and the development of desirable and/or required skills/skills for health care, these elements do not constitute an insurmountable obstacle to professional practice with excellence. However, the librarian needs to recognize that such variables are intervening in their professional practice and that the search for improvement/specialization is a pressing demand [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The University of Mindanao's quest for excellence and total quality education inspired the library and information science (LIS) faculty to keep LIS education viable, ensuring that the students are equipped with the necessary skills to build supportive and broad information services that will address the needs of the new learning environment. The LIS Program envisions to be the Center of Excellence in the instruction, research, and extension programs for globally competitive information and knowledge workers in the Philippines, South-East Asian Region, and the world. The Program is committed to deliver excellent, innovative, and high-quality education and training to information professionals; create new knowledge, skills, and relevant technologies; and provide services to society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge Organization (KO) is one of the eight Core Competencies of Librarianship (CCL) established by the American Library Association (ALA). ALA-accredited Library and Information Science (LIS) programs are expected to provide course content which satisfies the ALA's CCL. A review of literature looks at emerging KO educational trends, and suggests that LIS employers, graduates, and students are unsatisfied with KO coverage in LIS core courses due to a shift from specific to general content. This study examines core and elective courses in ALA-accredited LIS curricula to determine KO topics and specificity. Core and elective course titles and descriptions were accessed through university websites and scanned for KO topics from an established list; qualifying topics were recorded, tallied, and arranged for data analysis. Information organization was found to be the most common - and most broad - topic within the LIS core, followed by Cataloging & classification, and Metadata. ithin elective courses, the most frequently covered topic was Semantic web, superseded by Digital library, and Metadata. Not surprisingly, emerging topics such as Folksonomies and Social tagging have very little presence in LIS curricula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19, a novel respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, was first recognized in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. Health science librarians continue to navigate the global health crisis while providing critical information services to their institutions. An informal survey was conducted to obtain some general information on the types of responses by health science librarians to this event. Among the findings is an opportunity for librarians to strengthen interdepartmental relationships and disaster response plans in preparation for future pandemics and disaster events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scenario of LIS education and research in India and its overall development is very much progressive today. The number of library and information science departments has been increasing from 1960s and over time this subject has gradually emerged as a stream. In this study we will review the state and institutional distribution of the subject over time. As on 2017 the review has been done on total 1225 number of theses. Research in this subject has been steadily increasing since the 1980s and has so far been largely in the states of West. Bengal, Karnataka & Maharashtra. Karnataka University has highest number of theses among all the universities in India. This paper also highlighted on the total number and distribution of theses on the basis of subject content on LIS education since independence constituting all the Universities and institutions of India and also depicts the scope of interdisciplinary work of this subject field of study. The research growth and subject category wise distribution of the PhD theses of The Universities of Burdwan also taken into account. Community Information Service, Information System, Sources and Services and Bibliometrics study receives sheer percentage of work. The findings show that in The University of Burdwan the major work also have been done on the same field of study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Kaiser Permanente health sciences librarians created inter-regional policies to standardize and guide the work of all librarians across regions. In response to the larger organization's emphasis on promoting diversity and equity in healthcare and the workplace, the library policies have evolved over time to include aspects of critical librarianship in the information services that the Kaiser Permanente librarians provide to their organization. The article describes how the inter-regional group of hospital librarians provide information services through a critical librarianship lens and provides examples of how other health sciences librarians can incorporate these principles to expand their services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delaney Daly is earning a Master of Library Science degree at the Texas Woman's University School of Library and Information Studies. She will graduate in December of 2020 and works at Vail Public Library in Vail, Colorado. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Im Rahmen des DFG Förderprogramms Fachinformationsdienste (FID) nahm der FID Buch- Bibliotheks- und Informationswissenschaft, eine Kooperation der Herzog August Bibliothek Wolfenbüttel und der Universitätsbibliothek Leipzig, im Oktober 2017 seine Arbeit auf. Ziel ist, die Spitzenversorgung mit Literatur für Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler dieser und angrenzenden Disziplinen sicher zu stellen. Dazu hat der FID BBI ein Discovery Tool entwickelt. Grundlage dafür ist die Open-Source-Software VuFind. Eine Herausforderung für den FID BBI ist die Auswertung unterschiedlichster Datenquellen, weil die Themengebiete des FID BBI sehr weit gefächert sind. Das Portal bietet einen schnellen Rechercheeinstieg. Es ist aber auch möglich komplexere Suchanfragen zu stellen. Der Kontakt zu der wissenschaftlichen Gemeinschaft, die der FID BBI bedient, hat große Priorität, um die Ziele, die von der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft gesetzt wurden, zu erfüllen. Ein erster Kontakt kann über das Nachweisportal hergestellt werden: https://katalog.fid-bbi.de. In October 2017 the Herzog August Bibliothek in cooperation with the University Library Leipzig started to fill the DFG-funded project Specialised Information Service Book Studies, Library and Information Science (FID BBI) with life. It is our aim to ensure that researchers in these and related fields are provided with the specialised literature they need for their work. The first step to achieve this was the development of a discovery tool which should make the search for literature easier but also more focused. As a basis, we use the open source software VuFind adapted to guidelines set out by the Herzog August Bibliothek. The aim is to develop a perfectly fitting research tool for the FID BBI. It is an ongoing challenge to find a means of filtering different data resources to present clients with a catalogue both selective according to their requirements and comprehensive within those parameters. The subjects of our Specialised Information Service are very wide. The portal offers quick access to literature but can also be used for more complex research questions. Currently we are working on customer-driven acquisition and digitise on demand services, for open and out of commerce publications. Contact with our scientific community is a priority for the FID BBI in order to be able to fulfil the goals set out by the German Research Foundation (DFG). Initial contact will happen through our Research Portal at https://katalog.fid-bbi.de. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the years there has been a recognition that general competencies for librarians are needed. The introduction of Skills and tools into new services and products in Library and Information services, whether as a professional or a paraprofessional, is to carry out their work, role or designated tasks effectively and efficiently. To ensure that their workforce stays fit for the purpose and fit for practices, an organization must have adequate training. Electronic information sources are those documents that are available in digital formats. The tools employed by traditional librarians have undergone drastic changes, owing to the advancement in the field of Information and Communication Technology, these require Information skills training for both staff and readers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The LibQUAL+TM survey was used in 2006 to assess library service quality at the University of Notre Dame. While results showed that the Libraries were meeting users' expectations for service in most areas, a closer examination of the data revealed dissatisfaction from a subgroup of users in one particular dimension of library services. This study focuses on the deficient area, information control, and the dissatisfied group, faculty, by comparing local results with results from other ARL libraries that also participated in the 2006 survey. In addition, an analysis was conducted to determine the relationships between selected institutional characteristics and LibQUAL+TM scores for the service quality dimension of information control at the University of Notre Dame and other ARL Libraries. This analysis, with a narrowed focus on faculty and information control, increased the library's awareness about which library services were most important to faculty and clearly identified areas needing improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of the technology brief is to familiarize library decision-makers with the opportunities and challenges of participatory networks. In order to accomplish this goal the brief is divided into four sections (excluding an overview and a detailed statement of goal): ∎ a conceptual framework for understanding and evaluating participatory networks; ∎ a discussion of key concepts and technologies in participatory networks drawn primarily from Web 2.0 and Library 2.0; ∎ a merging of the conceptual framework with the technological discussion to present a roadmap for library systems development; and ∎ a set of recommendations to foster greater discussion and action on the topic of participatory networks and, more broadly, participatory librarianship. This summary will highlight the discussions in each of these four topics. For consistency, the section numbers and titles from the full brief are used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Library services to Native Americans have expanded greatly in the past several decades, but more work still needs to be done to provide for the information needs of Native Americans. Data from the U.S. Current Population Survey were used to compare library use rates of Native American households to rates of Anglo households. Results show that Native Americans still lag behind Anglos in public library use rates. Of households that report library use, Native Americans are more likely to engage in certain types of library use than are Anglos. Socioeconomic and geographic variables are indicated as factors in the lower library use rates of Native American households. Study results could be useful for groups working to improve Native American library and information services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies that examined virtual reference and its potential for collaboration have by and large represented experiences in western English-speaking countries. This article reports the results of a three-nation (Israel, Japan, and Lebanon) comparative analysis to bridge this research gap. Similarities and differences between these countries highlight elements that international collaborative initiatives should consider when implementing global virtual reference services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diversity has been identified as a priority in library and information services for some time. The limited published research on diversity programs in libraries, though, has focused on academic libraries. This article represents the results of a study of leadership diversity in large, urban public libraries. In the study of members of the Urban Libraries Council, data were gathered with regard to programs related to diversity awareness, staffing, collections, and information services. The research results indicate that diversity-related activities and programs have been implemented in a high percentage of the libraries. However, the level of focus on areas such as retention has not been as consistent, as is the case with the provision of library services and collection development, for example. The research results also indicate the relationship between organizational leadership and administrative structure and activities related to operationalizing diversity in public libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Michel Foucault (1926-84) is a primary thinker informing the construction of a critical theory of library and information science (LIS), or librarianship. He is widely cited and is adapted in various ways that focus on LIS forms of power, discourse, and so on. Others have addressed Foucault's topics, but he remains central. Librarianship has taken up a prior challenge to more fully explore his work, and it is now time to carefully review the implications of Foucault's thinking as a foundation for a critical-theoretical LIS. Foucault has undergone extensive analysis and critique, and this article is a similar step within LIS. While not comprehensive, a review of Foucauldian ideas within LIS literature from a core group of authors is undertaken. Critiques and problems in Foucault's thinking are reviewed since, by relying on Foucault's insights for a line of analysis and research, this LIS theoretical work will reflect some of those same problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the engagement of public libraries in outcomes-based evaluation (OBE) approaches to manifest the value that public libraries to the community they serve and to demonstrate the impact of their services library and resources on the audience. OBE determines how library programs, services and resources change the knowledge, skills or behavior of the library customer. Public libraries are usually funded by their local sources as well as federal funds from the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). The LSTA Toolkit was developed by the Florida State Library and Archives and the Information Use Management and Policy Institute at Florida State University which offers to librarians on how to create OBE plans, strategies and methods.

In response to local demand, the University of Calgary Library established a fee-based information service for non-university clientele. The benefits from this service have been both intangible and financial. This article reviews the planning and implementation of the service and its future directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the concept and functions of collection from the perspective of the user. In-depth interviews with ten professors from a social science discipline and a natural science department provided descriptions of their information seeking involving material sources and their perceptions of the library collection. Participants used the following parameters in perceiving the library collection: instant availability, selectivity, physical collocation, catalog representation, user privilege, material stability, and further parameters for subcollections, including subject and format. Additional components that were important in the users' information environment were personal collections, the Internet, and other institutions' collections. Analysis revealed that collections provided valuable functions, such as collocating sources for convenience and saving time and money, selectivity, narrowing the search scope to increase precision and ease of use, presenting choices, and assisting in clarification of information need. The user's perspective demonstrates the need for user-centered and flexible, rather than library-centered and fixed, collection structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on library and information science, strategy, and organizational theory, this article presents a theoretical approach to the determination of corporate library contribution to its parent firm. This approach departs from previous work on this topic, which focused on corporate library contribution to corporate operations and standing, savings in corporate time and cost, generating benefit in excess of cost, generating value for individual corporate library users, or indicators of corporate library operation, such as its outputs. Instead, this direction focuses on interactions among phenomena located within the corporate library, ones located outside of the corporate library but within the corporate library's parent firm, and ones located outside of the parent firm. The accompanying article, Part II (available as an electronic only article in this issue), reviews the strengths and weaknesses of several methodologies capable of carrying out this approach to determining a corporate library's contribution to its parent firm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article and its accompanying one address the corporate library's contribution to its parent firm. Part I reviews the literature on determining this contribution, revealing the need for a more theoretical approach to this problem. It then presents this approach. This article, Part II, reviews methodological trade-offs in pursuing this new direction. It examines the state of theoretical development supporting the examination of corporate library contribution. Then it reviews the applicability of four classes of research methodologies when using such a theoretical approach to address this problem: field research, including interviews and observation; surveys; unobtrusive research, including content analysis and analysis of existing statistics; and, finally, experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conspectus tools are used to gather collection data for a variety of reasons. Criticisms of the instruments are equally varied. Conspectus users frequently express uncertainty about the accuracy and validity of judgments about collections based on conspectus evaluations. An overview of decision-making research demonstrates that uncertainty is common in most organizational decisions. Authors' interviews with thirteen experienced conspectors resulted in advice and insight into planning a conspectus project, managing group decision making, the role of personal confidence in the validity of decisions, ensuring balance of individual judgment and quantitative data, and selecting appropriate methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the changing image of academic libraries in Lithuania as of 2004. According to the Law of Libraries, there are several types of libraries represented in the Lithuanian library system. By the end of 2002, there were a total of 3,571 libraries in Lithuania comprising of the Martynas Mazvydas National Library of Lithuania, 5 other libraries of state significance, 1,405 public libraries, 15 state university libraries, 2,052 other libraries in educational institutions, and 93 other special libraries. Although all these types of libraries belong to different ministries, the Ministry of Culture is the institution authorized to regulate state administration of libraries in the republic of Lithuania. The Library Council of Lithuania is an institution that acts as an expert and consultant on the most important issues of library activity. If a Lithuanian academic librarian in Soviet times had been asked what his library was famous for, most of them fits of all would mention a big and rich collection that allowed the library to provide each student with a copy of the most needed textbooks. The modern library world was opened after the proclamation of independence, and since then many foreign librarians have visited Lithuania for the first time.

This article outlines a constructivist grounded theory (Charmaz, 2014) study of information poverty among a group of mothers of individuals with Down syndrome and/or Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) from a critical perspective, drawing on concepts from critical disability theory, critical race theory, and critical work within information and library science. The researchers gathered interview data from 24 mothers. Resulting data were inductively analyzed using Chatman's (1996) theory of information poverty. We propose information marginalization as a complimentary concept to describe the contextual conditions that contribute to a range of defensive information behaviors and suggest that assessment of these contextual conditions be a part of the system design process. This study has implications for the development and design of systems and service models intended to provide access to information and services for individuals with disability and contributes to a critical literature on information poverty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A summary of recent articles on leadership in library and information science literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A content analysis of JLSC's publications in 2007–2016 was conducted to investigate its publication patterns and research topics. Elements such as article titles, keywords, authors' affiliations, titles, disciplines, author collaboration and grant-funded projects were coded and examined. Findings indicate that libraries, information services, cataloging and classification, knowledge management and information retrieval were the most frequently discussed topics. Over 50% of the authors were LIS faculty members with librarian practitioners and LIS graduate students each representing about one-quarter of the total authorship. The percentage of case studies was not significant. Over half of the articles resulted from grant-funded projects. Collaborative writing was active. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suggests that librarians have not adequately considered the tradeoffs imposed by new technologies used in libraries. Lack of proactive effort in shaping the designs and function of technologies; Problems posed by online and CD-ROM-based tools; Proposals.

Focuses on a project participated by librarians at two Canadian universities aimed at offering reference service to scientists in subject areas ranging from biotechnology to rural planning. Inception and objectives of the project; Participants; Reference services provided by a librarian from the McMaster University Health Sciences Library.

Examines the issue of charging fees for library services in the U.S. in the 1980s. Brief history of public debates on the fee-or-free issue; Influence of technological change on changes in values; Opposition to fees for information services.

This study examines marketing library and information services in academic libraries. Specific objectives includes; the need for marketing library and information services in university libraries in South West Nigeria; techniques being employed by university libraries in marketing of library and information services; competencies required of librarians in marketing of library and information services; challenges being faced by the librarians in marketing of library and information services and strategies for enhancing marketing of library and information services in South West Nigeria. Relevant literatures were reviewed. Survey research design was adopted. The target population for the study comprises of all librarians in university libraries in South West Nigeria. Six (6) university libraries were selected based on proximity to researchers. There are a total of eighty-seven (87) librarians in the Six (6) selected university libraries; Out of eighty-seven (87) questionnaires distributed, only sixty-four (64) copies were returned. Data collected through the distributed questionnaire were analysed using descriptive statistics. In other words tables, frequency counts, simple percentage and mean were used to analyze the data. The finding shows that; techniques being employed in marketing library and information services are; provision of electronic access to information, staff friendliness to users, exhibitions and display of new arrivals, creating a library web page, organizing user education, and one on one discussion with users. Competencies required of librarians in marketing library and information services as perceived by the respondents are; good communication skills, information technology skills, ability to answer users' query, ability to sell idea/library services, ability to question and evaluate library services as well as interpersonal skills. Major challenges militating against effective marketing of library and information services are; inadequate fund, management lack of marketing policy, lack of facilities to market library services, lack of media access to market academic library services, poor access to information technology, lack of training in marketing, and lack of effective communication between librarians and users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study is to carry out a citation analysis of ten most prolific academic scholars in the field of Library and Information Science (LIS) in Nigeria and also determine their authorship pattern. Google scholar database was used in searching for articles published from 2000 to May, 2018. Ten academic researchers in the field of LIS in Nigeria were studied. Results from the analysis show that, Tella, Adeyinka with 72 articles had a total of 1,740 citations and is the most cited author among the ten most prolific authors in the field of Library and Information Science in Nigeria, followed by Adomi, E. Esharenana with 904 citations from 47 articles, and Nwagwu, E. Williams with 684 citations from 70 articles. The authorship patterns of the publications revealed that majority of the articles were co-authored papers. Further analysis showed that the degree of collaboration among the researchers was high. The correlation of the most cited articles with most cited journals revealed the Library Philosophy & Practice as the most cited journal. The study calls for authorities in institutions and editors of local journals to find solutions to the inclusion of local journals in international indexing and abstraction databases to present a realistic picture of scholarly publications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is an attempt to explore the crucial roles of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in management and provision of library services, and its implication to sustainable development in Nigeria. Despite the availability of wide opportunities offered by the advent of ICT, it has been observed that application of ICT to library services in Nigeria seems inadequate probably due to variety of challenges. With the methodology of simple literature review, the paper made effort to review related literature on ICT resources and ICTbased services in libraries, benefits of ICT and the role of library in sustainable development of Nigeria. The paper further identified the challenges of ICT application in libraries. It was recommended among others that, there should be improvement in the capacity and level of ICT adoption by libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When a mid-sized library at a private university held its first robust research-support event, a huge portion of the student body was noticeably absent - the distance population. The ACRL Standards for Distance Learning Library Services affirms that distance learners are entitled to the same services and resources as on-campus learners. This means that "service excellence in distance librarianship" should include conducting outreach programs for distance learners that parallels outreach programs for on-campus learners. This case study tracks the process of rethinking an on-campus event to incorporate distance learners. It is designed to communicate how a shift in thinking can create opportunities for outreach experiences by transforming existing events and/or extending programs the first time they are made available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: legislation and ethics as one of the top five themes that preoccupied LIS scholars and practitioners in the first decade of the 21st century. This is true for Library and Information Science and its related disciplines such as Records, information and archives, archeology and museum study. Objective: This paper attempts to discuss the various trends in legislations relating to the Library and Information Science discipline and profession. Methodology: In this research, reviewing literature was used to define the main concepts of this research. Findings: There is a noticeable attribute that more legislations are likely to be drafted and passed. Indeed, there are noticeable trends in the nature of legislation relating to LIS which include the shift from a more right based form of legislations to legislations concerned with social order; a shift towards embracing changing technologies with in the legislations; thirdly, there is a shift towards the internationalisation; a shift towards open access to LIS material from closed access; the adoption of the Western values of LIS values; and adoption of LIS perspectives in other legislations. Conclusion: Professionals cannot afford the comfort of waiting for new developments to be handed down to them but rather equip themselves with competences to; locate and evaluate primary and secondary material, understanding its value as a professional decision-making resource; apply existing legal tenets to various library environments and develop practical compliance; and express professional responsibility, views concerning the legal problems in the library and information sciences in which one is situated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper reports on a study on the readiness of university and research libraries in Southern Africa to provide research data management services in their institutions. The aim of the study was to determine how ready university and research libraries are in leading and participating in research data management services. The study also determined the readiness of libraries to engage in stakeholder collaborative programmes to provide institutionwide services and systems for research data management. Various aspects relating to research data management services readiness that were included in the study are: data support services, archiving, organisational structures, staffing and training, funding, outreach and partnerships, and challenges and opportunities of research data management service provision. A questionnaire was distributed to fifty-nine university librarians and library directors in university and research libraries in eight southern Africa countries of Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The results show that research data management services are still in their early stages of development with various countries and institutions at different levels of readiness for service provision and with some countries and institutions not yet ready to implement any type of services. A small number of institutions have policies in place or are planning to implement some in the near future. Existing institutional repositories are also seen as a possible extension of data management services. Recruitment of specialised personnel to manage data management projects is taking place in some institutions, and many are providing skills to existing library staff for the new services. It is recommended that there is a need to advocate for awareness of research data management within institutions with academic and research libraries taking a leading role in spearheading data management and providing training and the technical support needed to store and retrieve research output and data sets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The studies on the user, user information behaviour, and seeking have been continuing since last 50 years or more. Ranganathan's five laws brought the phrase 'use' reordering from preservation. The studies on user and user behaviour with varying characteristics has not changed and still going on to study the impact of ICT and use of electronic resources. Several hidden revelations on users' approach to information identified by Voigt, types of readers identified by Ranganathan and the ASK model by Belkin have been expounded to visualise the user categories and attributes of the user, user information behaviour and so on. The aim of this paper is only a perspective review of the literature on information user, with an intrinsic scope for some new research possibilities in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]