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This paper investigates the moderating influence of library size on the relationship between library space attributes and learning satisfaction. Employing a quantitative methodology, a sample of 196 university library users in Ghana was selected to investigate the perceived impact of repurposed library spaces on learning satisfaction. The author conducted an empirical analysis to examine how organizational size (the total number of workers at a particular location) moderates the association between library space attributes (including access and linkages [physical location and proximity to campus resources], usage patterns [highlights the hours when users are most active and displays when a specific app is utilized during the day], sociability [the propensity and corresponding abilities to look for friendship, interact with others, and take part in social activities], and comfort [a state of physically ease and freedom from pain or constraint]) and the learning satisfaction of users. The research, administered through a closed-ended questionnaire, underscored the significant influence of access and linkages, usage patterns, sociability, and the physical environment on users' satisfaction levels. These four library space attributes together accounted for 13.1% of the variance in learning satisfaction, according to a multiple regression study conducted with SPSS version 27. Nevertheless, moderation analysis showed that there was no statistically significant relationship (p = 0.3370) between the characteristics of the library space and learning satisfaction through organizational size. The paper recommends adaptations to library designs to better align with the evolving learning needs of university library users in Ghana. A notable suggestion is the transformation of university libraries into dynamic physical spaces known as "learning commons" on campuses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fundamental mission of the library is to provide users with unrestricted access to library resources anytime, anywhere regardless of their physical location, disability, or other circumstances. Library Access Service departments across the nation have been an innovation engine of creativity and opportunity for many decades. The global epidemiology outbreak experience illuminates areas for potential reforming beyond traditional library services. Controlled Digital Lending (CDL) is one of the emerging modern technologies libraries have used to deliver information digitally in support of online learning and teaching, to make educational materials more affordable and more accessible during the global health crisis. CDL opens a new frontier of library services, as a mechanism for the library practice to enhance user's experience of using libraries' services. By exploring this tool, libraries can distribute resources in an effective and equitable way. This paper shares the journey of piloting a CDL program at a large R1 institution to ensure students have reliable, affordable access to course materials they need during the pandemic. The paper demonstrates the development of the CDL platforms, policies, and implementation plans and further discusses challenges and lessons learned and how the library community plans to sustain the program into future library services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research shows that grief affects the body and brain in many ways, from changes in memory, behavior, body function, and immune system. Grief also takes different forms. Grief is an individualistic journey, yet we tend to judge others based on our personal experiences, rather than taking a wholistic, therapeutic approach. This paper explains how our brain, behaviors, and emotions are all engaged during bereavement, and how to best help grieving colleagues and subordinates. This paper demystifies the concept of grief and provides practical advice for working with a grieving employee or colleague, specific to the library setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A library should be accessible and provide inclusive services. This is a challenge for many developing countries. However, with limited funding and infrastructure, there have been concerted attempts to mitigate this challenge. This paper focuses on mini-libs as a possible solution for library users with print disabilities. A case study approach is used to focus on a South African partnership between the North-West University and the North-West Provincial Department of Arts and Culture. Funding was sought to establish and support mini-libs in the North West Province community libraries through a leading South African petroleum company. Using a qualitative approach, the study investigated the implications of establishing mini-libraries (mini-libs) as a possible solution. The main results identified challenges in resource provision, negative attitudes in library staff, and accessibility to the min-libs. Training for both library patrons and library staff is recommended to resolve some of the challenges reported. The paper also recommends that resources be allocated for the mini-libs to be relevant to the library patrons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the moderating influence of library size on the relationship between library space attributes and learning satisfaction. Employing a quantitative methodology, a sample of 196 university library users in Ghana was selected to investigate the perceived impact of repurposed library spaces on learning satisfaction. The author conducted an empirical analysis to examine how organizational size (the total number of workers at a particular location) moderates the association between library space attributes (including access and linkages [physical location and proximity to campus resources], usage patterns [highlights the hours when users are most active and displays when a specific app is utilized during the day], sociability [the propensity and corresponding abilities to look for friendship, interact with others, and take part in social activities], and comfort [a state of physically ease and freedom from pain or constraint]) and the learning satisfaction of users. The research, administered through a closed-ended questionnaire, underscored the significant influence of access and linkages, usage patterns, sociability, and the physical environment on users' satisfaction levels. These four library space attributes together accounted for 13.1% of the variance in learning satisfaction, according to a multiple regression study conducted with SPSS version 27. Nevertheless, moderation analysis showed that there was no statistically significant relationship (p = 0.3370) between the characteristics of the library space and learning satisfaction through organizational size. The paper recommends adaptations to library designs to better align with the evolving learning needs of university library users in Ghana. A notable suggestion is the transformation of university libraries into dynamic physical spaces known as "learning commons" on campuses.

Libraries are places where patrons find resources that can help them accomplish their information needs. One of the key elements of this need is being able to find what they are looking for. While much has been written about information seeking behavior and library wayfinding, however, there is a more fundamental argument. That is merely finding the item when the Library Management System says it should be on the shelf. In these little moments, the library has an opportunity to build a sense of trust with the patron. The patron can trust that an item that the library says is there, is there. It is also an opportunity for a library to have a small victory in a positive patron library experience. However, if the item is not there that small victory is squandered. The challenge though is large scale shelf checks for shelving integrity is cost and time prohibitive. What is needed is a quick way to determine library and catalog health. This paper will demonstrate how this can be accomplished by looking at the ILL statistics. While this may seem like a simple answer demonstrating it with statistical relationships confirms what many libraries may view as a forgone assumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the role of print collections in academic libraries moves from monograph storage to a method for engaging users, the browsability and accessibility of print collections are becoming increasingly important. One factor that affects the ability to comfortably browse collections is the height at which the books are stored. This paper examines the relationship between the shelf level on which books are shelved and their circulation rates. Results indicate that books stored on the top level tended to circulate less than books stored on lower levels, but the effect may vary based on the subject area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective communication among library staff is essential for fostering efficient operations, improving staff morale, and offering the best possible patron service. This paper reviews several strategies that were implemented at the Orange Park Public Library in order to improve internal communication. These include (1) identifying stakeholders, (2) developing communication systems, (3) implementing effective meetings, and (4) cross-training staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In small branch libraries, patrons seeking assistance from library staff outside of the dedicated single-service desk often results in large staffing inefficiencies. This paper presents a case study in which the authors applied behavioral psychology models to a branch library's space arrangement to identify possible factors influencing patron service point choices. A subsequent full space rearrangement was instituted which utilized human behavior research, service desk design principles, and low-cost methods to create a space that reduced barriers and influenced patrons back to the main service desk. The paper reports on the 11-month study that followed and the impact the rearrangement had on patron behavior. Results indicate that simple rearrangement of existing furniture and equipment into new configurations has direct influence on service desk usage and can encourage new patron behaviors. Space and human behavior are inherently connected and library managers should establish goals for how they envision their spaces to be used and arrange them in ways that encourage wanted behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor had embraced service design and design thinking, but the pandemic-induced campus transition enabled staff to innovate differently. Many services transitioned to virtual options but some onsite library services reopened for Fall 2020. Library employees created a new service model to accommodate request fulfillment of non-digitized collections: contactless pickup. Continuous feedback loops, interaction safety, and quick, collaborative support were key elements to the service's success in design and implementation. This paper outlines its development, implementation, and adaptation, along with lessons learned and an exploration of interactions continuing to inform future design discussions and service creation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 has changed the library services serving style. The main purpose of this paper is to present the librarians who are working from home, share which type of library service librarians provide to library users and how they are connected with library users. Working from home (WFH) which type of problem and difficulty are faced during the providing of this pandemic crisis. An online administrative survey has been designed and disseminated to 60 librarians. N = 38 (63.38%) responses were received from all over Pakistan. Results are shown that librarians are actively providing library services during the lockdown. The librarians provide document delivery, reference and information literacy sessions besides the other services. Librarian connects via e-mail, WhatsApp and social media. Librarian also faces problem during WFH, i.e., internet speed and power failure are the major problems. Librarian also disseminates public health awareness to library users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most universities are enrolling large numbers of students amidst dwindling budgets. This leads to reduced book- to student ratios. Makerere University started a Book Bank system to ensure availability of basic text books to students. The aim of this paper was to assess whether the Book Bank system was a viable strategy for enhancing access to reading materials in academic libraries with low budgets. Findings revealed that the Book Bank system was appreciated and 92% of the students used Book Banks. Concludes that the Book Bank is a possible strategy for enhancing access to reading materials in academic libraries with low budgets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A discussion of long-term thefts in the library suggested creating a highly punitive policy that captures the dynamics of the context through a holistic approach. The study inquired about how the penalty regime affects the attitudes of students and library staff toward fines. Data was collected through in-depth interviews to reveal three groups' attitudes: offenders, principled users, and staff. Twenty staff were interviewed, and forty of the students interviewed were registered users, 20 of whom had previously been fined for attempting to steal books, while the rest had no record of policy violations. The findings show that 30% of students were aware of the existence of the written policy only after being punished, which indicates that they were not given proper library orientation at the outset. The paper discusses how heavy fines and banishment from the library impacted attitudes toward the services offered in the building. Feedback from participants can be part of an early warning system used to maintain a high-level of service quality minimizing security issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the results of the examination of the homepages of Illinois public library websites for language, design, layout, and efficacy based on the recommendations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 508 and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines developed by the World Wide Web Consortium. The homepage of each public library website in Illinois was analyzed using the AInspector Sidebar online tool which inspected webpage landmarks, headings, content, images and links to determine which elements passed, violated or issued a warning or required a manual check to meet specific recommendations. A discussion of these results includes consideration of American Library Association website design standards as well as the standards of the Illinois Public Library Association. Since the library website provides virtual access to information, government forms, employment applications and resources for assistance, it is vital to consider the needs of those with disabilities when designing library websites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to assess the convenience and accessibility of library services to users with disabilities at Aligarh Muslim University in India. The study utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods through questionnaires, interview and remarks applying the IFLA checklist to investigate the scenario. The study established that AMU has a purpose-built library to accommodate users with disabilities; however, additional funds were not allocated for developing library facilities, assistive technologies and collections in the accessible formats that lead to the delivery of inadequate services to users with disabilities. Despite the availability of some specialized services, the study found that users with disabilities face numerous obstacles when using library services due to unavailability of library materials in convenient formats, lack of assistance from the trained library staff and lack of adequate training to users. The paper concludes with the recommendations to implementing guidelines of IFLA and UNESCO regarding access to library services for users with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article summarizes discussions on listservs. Topic covered are circulation policies regarding patrons from other colleges, the shelving of sacred books, laptop circulation, Ariel vs email attachment for interlibrary loan, best software for remote instruction, paper copies of ereserves, interlibrary loan privileges for alumni and policies regarding the loaning of new books. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discriminations against members of the lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender/queer (LGBTQ) community havebeen reported in every sphere of life, including in libraries. This paper reviewed the literature on transgender studies particularly in relation to the role of libraries. It highlights the problems faced by transgender people in accessing information in libraries and the importance of making libraries more inclusive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper will use circulation data to explore usage trends for physical textbooks in an academic library over a sustained period of time. Conclusions will be drawn from the analysis to determine the usefulness of aging physical textbook collections in academic libraries and inform recommendations for efficient models of lending and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While offering duplication services from within an Access Services department can present unique challenges, it can also make for a successful enterprise that not only provides essential goods and services to the campus, but also serves as a way to attract more patrons to the library and promote the other excellent services and resources contained therein. However, lacking a thoughtful approach a copy center can be a drain on the library organization. Therefore, it is imperative that administration approach a concern such as this with a flexible, committed, and contemplative methodology in order to succeed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The children of Mexican migrants face a number of hardships and difficulties that greatly hamper their ability to succeed in American schools. This paper examines some of the major difficulties and suggests multicultural programs that school librarians can implement in order to help migrant children achieve academic success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For most research libraries, remote storage of significant portions of their print collections has become an economic necessity. Historically, user objections to remote storage have focused on access-related issues: i.e., lack of browsability, cumbersome requesting procedures, lengthy retrieval times, and lack of content information about materials held in storage locations. Research libraries today operate in an environment of high user expectations for convenience and immediacy in getting information, and for accessing that information remotely. In an environment filled with such expectations, print materials with no alternate electronic format, stored in off-site facilities, and inadequately described in online catalogs are less likely to get even the occasional usage they merit. Given the necessity of remote storage, research libraries need to address the issue of making stored print collections more accessible. This paper discusses three strategies for enhancing access to remotely stored library collections: (1) user-focused access policies; (2) enhanced OPAC displays; and (3) new technologies for retrieval and delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The Canadian university library members of two consortial e-journal deals were surveyed to determine how many of the corresponding print journals had been cancelled as a result of their participation in the online package purchase. The survey indicated that the number of concurrent print subscriptions held by the libraries had notably decreased. This paper considers possible effects and presents two options, with examples, for archiving of print journals: (1) distributed print archiving, and (2) back-up repositories. The questions of what this means for access services and what- if anything- needs to be done are also addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The Missouri State University Libraries Access Services implemented an evidence-based process to move many books and shelves. That process included measuring the collection, performing quality control checks, creating a plan, and defining regular waypoints to keep the shift from deviating from the plan. This article describes the move, the ideas behind it, and the spreadsheet that provided evidence to make informed decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The South African Library for the Blind (SALB) contributes to the quality of life of print-impaired people encouraging independence through access to information, informed decision making, and taking pleasure in the enjoyment of recreational reading. In realizing the vision, SALB implemented two strategic models; agent mini-libraries and comprehensive mini-libraries. Management and administration of the services rendered is covered in detail. The project was pioneered in one of the provinces and has been rolled out to other provinces. The paper highlights how visually impaired people experience in a tangible manner, assistive technologies, training and interaction with community members and use libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most university libraries are dedicated to aiding people with disabilities or special needs, including the deaf or hearing impaired. However, there are people who suffer from tinnitus - a malady that causes a ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in their heads that can not only interfere with hearing, as the deaf or hearing impaired but causes other problems for the sufferer. Too often, people with tinnitus are grouped together with the deaf or hearing impaired by librarians and the special considerations necessary to make tinnitus sufferers fully functional, information seekers are either overlooked or not known. This paper discusses the problems tinnitus causes to people and makes several suggestions to librarians unfamiliar with this plight to aid the sufferer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the spring and fall semesters of 2016 and the spring semester of 2017, Kingsborough Community College, part of the City University of New York, launched an initiative to loan over 5,000 books for the entire semester to students in its Learning Communities and other special programs. This paper is a case study that describes the challenges of implementing the Textbook Learning Initiative by the Access Services department of the college's Robert J. Kibbee Library and its ongoing work as all of these specially purchased titles are now in the general collection for all students on a first come, first served basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fundamental mission of the library is to provide users with unrestricted access to library resources anytime, anywhere regardless of their physical location, disability, or other circumstances. Library Access Service departments across the nation have been an innovation engine of creativity and opportunity for many decades. The global epidemiology outbreak experience illuminates areas for potential reforming beyond traditional library services. Controlled Digital Lending (CDL) is one of the emerging modern technologies libraries have used to deliver information digitally in support of online learning and teaching, to make educational materials more affordable and more accessible during the global health crisis. CDL opens a new frontier of library services, as a mechanism for the library practice to enhance user's experience of using libraries' services. By exploring this tool, libraries can distribute resources in an effective and equitable way. This paper shares the journey of piloting a CDL program at a large R1 institution to ensure students have reliable, affordable access to course materials they need during the pandemic. The paper demonstrates the development of the CDL platforms, policies, and implementation plans and further discusses challenges and lessons learned and how the library community plans to sustain the program into future library services.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Oklahoma State University Library developed an open-source application to record real-time building capacity. Library student security tracks building entrances and exits via the program, with current visitor numbers appearing on the library's website via an API. This effort helps administrators have a clear picture of building capacity during opening hours for data-driven decision-making and provides users information regarding the library's level of activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the accessibility of North American library and library school Web sites for all users, including those with disabilities. Web accessibility data collected in 2006 are compared to those of 2000 and 2002. The findings of this follow-up study continue to give cause for concern: Despite improvements since 2002, library and library school Web sites still tend to contain many barriers. A low correlation between the 2002 and 2006 data point to much up-and-down movement in Web accessibility. Contrary to findings derived from the early data sets, the comparison of the 2002 and 2006 data shows that redesign had a positive impact on accessibility. The paper concludes with the warning that advocates of accessible Web sites cannot yet relax: despite the overall positive trend, with so much up-and-down movement in Web accessibility occurring, today's leaders may turn into tomorrow's laggards—unless special vigilance and efforts keep this from happening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Librarians often cringe when they hear the word copyright, when it is combined with electronic reserves the immediate impulse is to run away as far and as fast as possible. This paper presents the process used by the Armacost Library staff at the University of Redlands to develop and implement a copyright policy for the electronic reserve collection. The development of the policy, the implementation, and the procedures used for copyright compliance are presented. Other libraries of similar size that are struggling with the copyright issues specific to electronic reserves will hopefully be able to use this example as a model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on how an academic library managed changes in services and space to meet customer needs for streamlined services, increasing efficiency for students, faculty and staff in finding, analyzing, sharing, and producing knowledge. The Ohio State University's John A. Prior Health Sciences Library (PHSL) has merged its circulation and reference desks into one service point, added technology-based services, updated software and hardware on public workstations, and placed more emphasis on a variety of educational offerings. These changes save customers' time and effort by minimizing the need to obtain assistance at multiple service points. This paper provides a review of resulting improvements and customers' use of services and spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on personal relations between librarians and readers. It informs that when scholars and persons with high social positions come to a library, they have confidence enough to tell what they are looking for. It is stated that persons who use the library for investigation require a lot of assistance. The librarian's help is often sought when looking for materials about courses of reading, histories of different countries, and of different branches of knowledge. Constructed catalogs are made inorder to facilitate the researches of both scholars and general readers. It is stated that when readers receive proper assistance from librarians, they are more willing to grant money to the library for buying books and employing additional assistants.

The creation of "Access Services" departments in academic libraries did not translate into the creation or offering of new services for patrons. Instead, it was typically just the combination of three already existing departments. Recent changes and trends in Access Services, including new NCIP and ISO standards, an increase in the use of electronic reserves, and the availability of items in various formats, now allow librarians to reconsider if this departmental arrangement is the best for today's library customers. This paper argues that the traditional configuration of Access Services needs to be dismantled if academic libraries are to provide excellent customer service to faculty and students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The digitization of library materials has had a tremendous impact on libraries. By using the Internet, readers can access digital library materials from any place in the world. The BMCC Library started several programs to provide more digital materials to its patrons in the forms of electronic books, periodicals, full-text materials, and webpage links to other databases. A test program began in spring 2002 for course reserves, and electronic archiving was about to start in fall 2001. This paper describes a survey conducted to measure the response to the implementation of ERes for digitizing course reserves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article features several librarians who use LISTSERV, an electronic discussion group. Teresa Doherty is the head of circulation at Virginia Commonwealth University. Alyssa Russo is the circulation librarian at Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Eridan Thompson is an access services librarian at Florida Southern College in Lakeland.

In small branch libraries, patrons seeking assistance from library staff outside of the dedicated single-service desk often results in large staffing inefficiencies. This paper presents a case study in which the authors applied behavioral psychology models to a branch library's space arrangement to identify possible factors influencing patron service point choices. A subsequent full space rearrangement was instituted which utilized human behavior research, service desk design principles, and low-cost methods to create a space that reduced barriers and influenced patrons back to the main service desk. The paper reports on the 11-month study that followed and the impact the rearrangement had on patron behavior. Results indicate that simple rearrangement of existing furniture and equipment into new configurations has direct influence on service desk usage and can encourage new patron behaviors. Space and human behavior are inherently connected and library managers should establish goals for how they envision their spaces to be used and arrange them in ways that encourage wanted behaviors.

The access services staff at Milner Library, Illinois State University, designed a customer service assessment to evaluate how effectively the department was carrying out its mission statement. Areas of assessment included the department's waiting times, helpfulness, and courtesy. The assessment activity focused on circulation services, which is the library's service point reaching the greatest number of patrons. The staff created a survey instrument collaboratively, distributed in paper and electronic format for a week. Results suggested that the department provides prompt and helpful service but has areas of improvement for courtesy. The department adapted customer service training for staff and student assistants. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The Bern Dibner Library of Science and Technology at NYU-Tandon School of Engineering adopted an assessment methodology that was central to the librarians' understanding of current environmental issues and their attempts to craft a better user experience. This method of gauging and analyzing occupancy revealed problem areas and was an invaluable tool in efforts to adopt the best solutions to problems it highlighted. It involved minimal cost: a data collection application and Microsoft Paint, and student labor for collecting occupancy counts. The data it provided enabled the library to improve services, redesign learning spaces, and improve outreach activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access services departments in academic libraries have experienced some profound changes in the past several years. Some services have shown sharp declines, while demand for others has increased. In general, many of the time-consuming clerical routines have been replaced by a more sophisticated suite of services and technological advancements. This shift has required a more fluid and flexible organizational structure that is collaborative and adaptive. It has also demanded that staff have a higher set of both technical and public service skills. Looking ahead, there are many emerging issues that could fundamentally change the role and function of access services departments in academic libraries, possibly even eliminating the need for such a structure. This paper looks at the changes that have occurred over nearly two decades, describes some of the disruptive developments that are on the horizon, and suggests new roles that access services staff may assume in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1992, the “electronic library” was beginning to entice researchers into the sense that the delivery of information resources could be vastly improved by the ongoing technological innovations of full-text formats and the emergence of the Internet. However, the more common experience for delivery of information resources was a frustrating process tied significantly to print resources owned by individual libraries. This paper takes a look back at this discussion and compares the current reality in the delivery of information resources to what was envisioned and hoped for in the “electronic library” in 1992. It argues that great strides have been made in improving easy and effective delivery of information resources in, primarily, electronic form, but the hybrid nature of libraries today still dictate a need for much of the same attention to delivery of print resources as there was in 1992. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the summer of 2004, Georgia Southern University began a library construction project that was to last 4 years. An important aspect was the installation of an Automated Retrieval System (ARC) to house a substantial portion of the library collections so that more space could be available for students, faculty, and the services to meet their needs. This paper traces the development of the use of the ARC to house collections, with emphasis on how materials were selected for the two phases of the project and how catalogers have adapted to the idea of collections that can only be browsed virtually. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intent of this paper is to explore the potential of utilizing interlibrary loan (ILL) data relating to lending denials to improve ILL services while highlighting institutional policies that have a negative impact on lending fulfillment rates. Reasons for denial as well as the types of requests being denied are reviewed. In addition, the author explores lending denials on the item and transition level to establish a frequency of denial. The author argues that frequency of denial can be a useful tool for identifying institutional policies that have a negative impact on ILL lending fulfillment and provide a targeted response to lending denials within the institution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The U.S. government has sought to restrict the freedoms of its citizens in times of war from World War I to the present. The banners of fear, war, terrorism, and nationwide security placed constitutional rights under a renewed scrutiny. This paper will focus on the passage of laws that restrict academic and intellectual freedoms during war, and the role of librarians in responding to such laws. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper takes a theoretical and practical approach in defining the “problem” of homelessness in libraries. The author examines three fundamental problems on homelessness. The three fundamental questions are: (a) Who are the homeless? (b) Why are they homeless? (c) What are their information needs in libraries? These questions are important in the understanding of the challenges that homeless users present to libraries. Libraries can implement proactive steps to meet their needs without compromising the needs of other users. It is possible to overcome the dilemma between serving the majority groups and extending services to special groups like the homeless. Homeless users are not problem patrons by default. They belong to one of the underserved user groups who deserve to be treated with respect. Libraries should be a safe haven and stable learning environment for all users, regardless of their social and living status. Libraries have the social responsibility to promote sensitivity among the public toward the homeless and to be proactive in providing community support to the homeless. Within the libraries, library staff should be trained to assist homeless users to cope with any obstacles in using libraries. In short, inclusion, not exclusion is the only one win-win solution to the “problem” of homelessness in libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Interlibrary Loan department at the University of Mississippi wished to examine interlibrary loan borrowing data dating back to the implementation of the ILLiad system in August 2001 in order to determine why the number of cancellations due to local availability continues to increase. The patron information was extracted in an attempt to determine whether library instruction should be targeted to patrons according to status, department, database, or frequency of ILL use. All 88,376 article and loan requests from 3,975 users were examined for similarities among request cancellations. The authors found that the fastest-growing reason for cancellation of an ILL request is availability in the stacks. The surge began soon after several subscriptions were converted from paper to electronic format. That, plus fill rate data according to the citation source, suggests that the design of certain databases can be a strong indicator of whether a patron will venture beyond an originating database or submit an interlibrary loan, assuming their request is not owned locally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Web 2.0, enabled by the AJAX architecture, and has given rise to new levels of user interaction with Web pages. Many of these new extremely popular Web 2.0 pages are better classified as full-fledged applications; for example, Google Maps, Google Docs, Flickr, and so on. Unfortunately, accessibility support in most AJAX applications is lacking. WAI-ARIA markup presents a solution to making these applications accessible. This paper presents a real-life example of how ARIA Live Regions can greatly improve the accessibility of a Web 2.0 chat application (ReefChat) when used with a WAI-ARIA aware assistive technology (Fire Vox). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]