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This study analyzed checkout data from hardback and paperback volumes in the BYU library to determine if there was a difference in circulation rates. Based on usage from 2000 through 2020, hardback volumes are no more likely to circulate than paperbacks over that 20 year range, regardless of when the book was added to the collection or its subject (i.e. humanities, sciences, or social sciences). Also, the average number of circulations for these volumes was low enough that damage to a paperback book was unlikely. Given the lower price of paperbacks, academic library budgets may be better served buying paperbacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as an innovative technology with the potential to revolutionize various industries including libraries and information science. Academic libraries are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance services, improve efficiency, and enhance user experience. This study utilizes a bibliometric approach to comprehensively analyze current research on AI in academic libraries (AI in ALs). This study employed bibliometric indicators to identify key trends, patterns, and research gaps in the existing literature. A comprehensive dataset of 373 research papers on AI in ALs published between 2002 and 2022 was collected and analyzed using the Scopus database. Various bibliometric tools, such as Biblioshiny, VOSviewer, and BibExcel, have enhanced this analysis. The findings of this study provide important insights. By 2022, there were 64 publications, constituting 17.16% of the total corpus, accompanied by 65 citations. In contrast, 2019 witnessed only 33 publications yet accumulated a substantial number of citations, amounting to 294, representing 8.85% of the overall citations. Conference papers exhibited the highest frequency among different publication types, with 165 publications, whereas journal articles had the highest citation count, accumulating 217 citations. Geographically, China emerged as the leading contributor with 119 publications, and Wuhan University stood out as the most prominent affiliation. Notably, the "Lecture Notes in Computer Science" series emerged as the most prolific source title, publishing 15 articles, of which eight were cited. The authors Wang J., Wang C., and Wang X. from China demonstrated significant contributions, consistently publishing four papers annually from 2010 to 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many colleges and universities use Turnitin, SafeAssign, and other "plagiarism detection" software to detect, and deter, academic dishonesty. Since 2005, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries have provided students direct access to SafeAssign and Turnitin as teaching tools to help them identify improper citation of sources. Students appreciate having free access to these products when similar software can be cost-prohibitive. However, Turnitin commonly finds false positives in student papers, and students may find Turnitin's originality reports difficult to understand. Therefore, it is unclear how helpful it is to offer this library service to students, versus focusing on teaching proper citation of sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing parallels from the TV series Suits, this paper investigates the role of emotional intelligence (EQ) in fostering positive workplace culture, specifically within academic libraries. While the high-octane world of corporate law might seem disparate from the calm corridors of academic libraries, the interpersonal dynamics and challenges faced are strikingly similar. Central to this discussion is the recurring motif in Suits: the power of dialogue. Through characters like Harvey Specter and Donna Paulsen, the show emphasizes that open communication can be the key to resolution, even in high-pressure environments. Moreover, with the introduction of "The Donna," a unique AI tool, Suits provides a lens to examine the interplay between technology and EQ, raising questions about the true essence of human communication and its irreplaceability. This paper explores these themes, offering practical strategies for academic libraries to bolster EQ, enhance user experience, and ensure technology complements, rather than replaces, genuine human interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The University of California, Irvine's (UCI) Innovation and Entrepreneurship Librarian partnered with UCI's New Venture Competition to provide embedded research support for teams participating in the competition, including a research workshop and individual team research consultations. To assess the impact of these library services, a quantitative study of three years of competition scores was conducted involving a control group and two experimental groups; the difference in the experimental groups was the mode in which the services were provided: in-person and virtually. The study hypothesized that teams who received information literacy training (i.e., attended a research workshop and/or participated in a research consultation) earned higher Concept Paper scores, as well as higher evidence question scores (i.e., scores for a rubric question related to providing evidence in support of claims made in the Concept Paper), than teams who did not receive information literacy training. Statistical analysis showed significant increases in both Concept Paper scores and evidence question scores for both experimental groups when compared to the control group, indicating that information literacy training positively impacted teams' performance. Additional analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in teams' scores based on training delivery mode, in-person or virtual. The results are of value to librarians seeking to initiate partnerships with entrepreneurship competitions on campus, as well as entrepreneurship educators interested in enhancing existing entrepreneurship competitions by incorporating research and information literacy training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article narrates the archival history of how and why the papers of W. E. B. Du Bois found their way to Fisk University in 1961. It considers Du Bois' own collecting practices in conjunction with historian Herbert Aptheker's custodial oversight of the materials and writer Shirley Graham Du Bois' curatorial arrangement of the manuscripts. The efforts of Fisk University librarian Arna Bontemps as a memory keeper of Black history and culture are highlighted.

The European Universities Initiative (EUI) was established in 2017. Its aim is to strengthen strategic partnerships between higher education institutions across the EU by building networks of universities. At the end of 2023, there were already 50 European University Alliances gathering 430 higher education (HE) institutions. In each of these Alliances, academic libraries are members, too. These libraries are already involved in intra-alliance projects, and these alliances will probably happen more often due to the EU's project-driven approach. This practice paper is, to the authors' knowledge, the first attempt to describe another challenge that European academic libraries currently face i.e., project management practice. The alliance partner universities operate under distinct national laws and institutional practices, making it challenging to easily align them for effective cross-university collaborations. Familiarity with the theoretical principles of EU project management and project management methodology greatly facilitates the preparation of the proposal and the work of the project. It also allows more effective management of the project as a whole or its individual parts. This paper maps the challenges that work in international projects brings and provides suggestions on how EUI libraries can utilize project management techniques, while also aiming at showing the paths to facilitate cooperation. Drawing from an analysis of the literature on project management that might apply in library-led projects to strengthen communities of purpose, the paper is based on the example of the work experience on the project TRAIN4EU, that was co-led by the academic librarians from the University of Warsaw Library, Poland, and run by 4EU + universities. The paper concludes with a set of recommendations based on TRAIN4EU practices, lessons learned, as well as pitfalls to avoid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the paper was to consider the current experience of metric evaluations of serial publications carried out by employees of academic libraries and to develop recommendations for conducting such evaluations. To achieve this objective, relevant publications were reviewed and the relevant experience of the Scientific Library of the Belarusian National Technical University was summarized. Two trends of such evaluations were analyzed, viz. both evaluation for the purpose of improving library collections or information services for library users and evaluation for the purpose of making managerial decisions, assessing the scientific performance of the university, research organization or their units. As for the first trend, the viewpoint that this area of research has lost its relevance has been refuted. Using for evaluation such indicators as disciplinary impact factor and disciplinary susceptibility factor (which is used for the selection of those non-specialized serial publications that cite specialized journals—not are cited by them; herewith the citing activity of an average article from the citing non-specialized serial is calculated) is considered. As for the second trend, the paper demonstrates the important role of metric evaluation of serial publications in which employees of universities and research organizations have published as well as of those serials that are published by academic organizations under analysis in the assessment of universities and research organizations themselves. The approaches to such evaluation, its examples and the experience of the Scientific Library of the Belarusian National Technical University in evaluating Belarusian journals indexed by the Emerging Sources Citation Index™ are considered. The issue of improving the scholarly communication of employees of the university or research organization using the results of metric studies of serial publications is considered as well. Recommendations are given on the use of a number of citation indicators for serial publications evaluations by academic library employees including evaluation for comparative analysis of serials that are indexed in the Science Citation Index Expanded™ and by the Emerging Sources Citation Index™. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The final paper is Research-in-Practice paper and explores the B I Use of social media by academic libraries in Australia i b . Finally, there is also a Research-in-Practice paper describing the use of social media by academic libraries in Australia. We kick off 2023 with a rich issue consisting of diverse research papers that cover many aspects of Library and Information Science, including library history, library accessibility, library research and LIS education, and also a paper by a researcher and user of academic libraries detailing a complicated project about compiling sociology PhDs in Australia, which involved expert help from some amazing academic libraries and librarians. [Extracted from the article]

With the increasing integration of AI tools like Yewno Discover, Scholarcy, and Grammarly in academic libraries, undergraduate research has witnessed transformative changes. These tools, while elevating the research process, also bring forth challenges rooted in ethics and application. This paper explores the synergy between modern technology and academic exploration, highlighting the benefits and potential pitfalls of using AI in the research workflow. It emphasizes that while Yewno Discover and similar tools offer streamlined navigation of vast information databases, it is imperative for undergraduates to remain cognizant of potential biases and other ethical considerations. This paper underscores the need for proactive measures in academic settings, including specialized training and policy development, to ensure that undergraduate researchers harness the power of AI responsibly and efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a case study of a book reduction project undertaken by an academic library. The project aimed to reduce the size of the library's monograph collection by 61% and maintain a relevant and accessible print collection that best serves the needs of its users. To achieve this goal, the library outsourced technical services work and relied on temporary student workers to assist in the project. The paper discusses the challenges faced in onboarding and training temporary workers, as they had varying levels of experience and lacked knowledge of library terminology. To address these issues, the library provided onboarding and training, regular 1 + 1 meetings, and the effective use of project management software. The use of data analysis provided by LibraryIQ allowed for an objective assessment of which items to retain or remove. While removing materials could have negative implications, the project's emphasis on clear communication and ongoing evaluation of the collection's relevance and accessibility ensured that the library continues to meet the evolving needs of its users. The paper highlights the importance of effective project management, clear communication, and ongoing evaluation in managing library collections. The project's strategies and insights can provide valuable guidance for other libraries looking to undertake similar collection management projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A review of library social responsibility is presented in this study to offer an understanding of the future direction of library social responsibility, and to bridge the knowledge gap regarding research patterns and trends in social responsibility of libraries. The purpose of this review was to provide a systematic review of social responsibility in libraries adopted between 2010 and 2021. Searches were conducted on databases in English and Arabic. An analysis of the papers revealed four themes of library social responsibility: workplace and employees, stakeholders, environment, and community. Themes had different levels of attention. The results of this study may contribute to future research. Further highlighting the gaps in the literature could be valuable for future research. In-depth qualitative empirical studies of library social responsibility are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper investigated the usage of mobile technology in marketing academic libraries in developing countries. The main purpose, apart from awareness, is to look at how researchers are studying mobile technology in marketing academic libraries, what are the current issues investigated and what has to be the direction of the topic globally. The paper employed 23 research papers for systematic review. The findings reveal that academic libraries are aware of mobile technology and use it at various levels for academic library promotion, visibility, and teaching and learning. Factors influencing the use of mobile technology in marketing academic libraries were identified and further noted that little has been studied regarding mobile technology in marketing academic libraries and its performance in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides information on the characteristics of the research output from the chemistry and biochemistry faculty publications at the University of Arkansas over a ten-year period (2011–2020). The faculty publications were used to identify (a) a core set of journals and other resources they are publishing in and citing over this period; (b) the characteristics of the journals in which they publish and cite (i.e., scatter of publications, Bradford distribution, major publishers, ranking and subject categories based on the Journal citation Reports (JCR); (3) the degree of openness of their publications; their citation advantage, if any, using both the Web of Science and SciFinder; and (4) the age of resources that are referenced. Based on the findings, the authors were able to gain a very good overview of the characteristics of the research publications and were able to identify how well the library is catering to those needs. We were able to demonstrate based on information obtained from both Web of Science and SciFinder, that the non-OA papers from this department had higher citations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OhioLINK, one of the leading academic library consortia in the US, marks its 30th anniversary in 2022. This paper, the second of two parts, reviews the organization's history through selected formative milestones and provides observations about the evolution of the consortium from its current executive director, revealing the importance of expanding cost-effective and easy access to scholarly resources, economies of scale, pushing technology, and a focus on the user. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract\nPOSITIONALITY STATEMENTThe galleries, libraries, archives and museums (GLAM) field currently do not have an authoritative set of critical cataloging policies for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) metadata. This paper examines various critical cataloging methods and literature currently available throughout the GLAM field and reflects on strategies for developing local critical cataloging policies for descriptive metadata elements in the context of non-MARC metadata for digital library collections.In this paper, we discuss our experiences developing critical cataloging procedures for our digital library metadata based on currently available resources. We work primarily with non-MARC metadata to describe digitized and born digital collections. The critical cataloging work and recommendations presented throughout this paper are informed by our lived experiences as white catalogers working for a predominantly white, academic library. We strive to approach diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) with humility and perpetual learning by way of research, primarily through resources available to us from library and information science (LIS) professionals and underrepresented colleagues in the GLAM field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractDespite the unprecedented rate of geospatial data (“geodata”) generation, we are paradoxically creating a potential “dark age” in geospatial knowledge due to a failure to archive it. In the twentieth century, map libraries systematically collected and preserved government-issued maps. However, many have not expanded to include digital formats, which have replaced paper maps in most domains. Compounding this issue is the prevailing practice among government data providers to continuously update public data without adequately preserving previous iterations, thus overwriting the historical record. Consequently, a pronounced gap has emerged in the availability of geospatial information, spanning from the end of the paper map era to the recent past. If unaddressed, this gap is poised to widen, severely impeding future longitudinal research. This paper assesses the current and predicted availability of state and local geographic information across various locations and time periods, analyzing academic map collections and public geodata. Central to our argument is the role of academic libraries in bridging this gap by collecting and preserving yesterday’s geodata. We advocate for libraries to ensure that historical geodata will be accessible for future scholars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Academic Social Network Sites (ASNS) have grown to become a preeminent location for sharing full text scholarly research articles. This paper examines ASNS within the context of open access by suggesting that the framework of "gray open access" best describes ASNS as sites for the dissemination of published research. To understand why authors share their work on ASNS, this paper reviews library and information science literature, finding trends around desire to expand their works' reach, appreciation of the ease of using ASNS, lack of knowledge regarding copyright restrictions, and desire to share only the final published version of their work. The paper concludes by suggesting avenues academic libraries can take to address the growth of ASNS as de facto repositories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the role of Alexander J. Rolich (1923–2014), the first Slavic Bibliographer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) Libraries. He was appointed as UW-Madison's first Slavic Bibliographer in October 1964 and remained for 37 years until his retirement in 2001. He was instrumental in guiding the development of the libraries' Slavic, East European and Central Asian collections in a period of rapid growth. It was estimated that the University's Slavic and East European collection had increased by ten-fold during his time as Slavic Bibliographer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the further promotion of "Double First-Class" construction of universities in China, the new goal of all universities is building the first-class discipline. Academic library is the literature center of university, subject services of library should follow the pace of discipline development. In this paper, the citation frequency, which is considered as one of the important indicators of scientific research evaluation and academic evaluation, is taken as the breakthrough point. We take pharmacology as an example, take Web of Science as the platform, analyze the journal articles of this discipline in 2006–2016, reveal the characteristics of highly cited articles and the causes of zero cited articles. From publishing journals, publication year, research direction, fund and scientific research institutions to reveal academic library how to optimize journal navigation and collection structure and how to help researchers select periodicals, propagate research productions, explore the potential themes, control discipline trends, track disciplinary hot spots, obtain funding, strengthen research cooperation, etc. in order to make the subject services of library further expand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the relationship between digital literacy and employability within Australian university libraries through institutional digital literacy frameworks through the research question: How do Australian university libraries incorporate employability discourse within their digital literacy frameworks? There is an established discourse on the practical application of information and digital literacies in professional contexts, espoused by universities. However, there has not been obvious linkages between employability and digital literacy, but rather implicit linkages that digital literacy is critical in enhancing student employability. The value of information and digital literacy is evident in many Australian university libraries’ initiatives as they respond to the focus on graduate employability by acknowledging changes in workplace skills with the increasing proliferation of digital technologies. Overall, this paper explores what relationships there are among Australian Universities’ digital literacy frameworks within the larger context of universities’ responsibility in enhancing their graduates’ employability and how and to what extent, if any these have been communicated with the content of the frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe purpose of this paper was to discuss the collaborative initiative between the Mona Library (ML) and the Library and Information Association of Jamaica (LIAJA) focused on digitizing the Association’s peer-reviewed publications, specifically the Jamaica Library Association (JLA) Bulletin and the LIAJA Bulletin, for enhanced access and preservation. The paper also addressed the compilation of a second index for the LIAJA Bulletin, covering the period from 2007 to its electronic publication in 2014. This second index was intended to complement the first index, which was compiled from 1950 to 2006. This collaborative project presented numerous challenges and benefits, offering valuable insights for future initiatives. Key benefits for the library included the enhancement of staff competencies, strengthening of institutional reputation, increased growth and visibility, and the preservation of Jamaican and Caribbean librarians’ scholarly output for future generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the results of an online survey that benchmarked the organization of information technology (IT) functions in academic library members of the Association of Research Libraries. The survey investigated whether responsibility for 14 key areas resided in the libraries or in an institution-level information technology department, whether responsibilities have shifted over the past 20 years, satisfaction with services provided, assessment methods used to evaluate information technology services, and top challenges facing library IT. This paper considers the survey results addressing where the responsibility lies, satisfaction with the support, and whether and when the responsibility changed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence-based acquisition (EBA) programmes have been gaining momentum in academic libraries over the past 5–10 years. This paper examines our experience implementing one of these programmes at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus. In 2019, The Alma Jordan Library of the St. Augustine Campus partnered with Wiley Publishers to administer the Usage Based Collection Management (UBCM) programme. The results at the end of this first year were very encouraging and therefore, the decision was taken to extend the programme for a second year, and it has been continued for a third year. This paper describes the process of selecting a provider of a user-driven eBook acquisition model, implementing the programme, and gathering usage statistics. An analysis of the data was conducted at the end of the programme, and then criteria developed and used for identifying titles for purchase. In the analysis, the authors explore the following: usage based on titles not owned, usage based on subject areas; return on investment to the library; continued use of UBCM- purchased titles. Also included are the benefits of implementing such a programme, challenges experienced, and recommendations for libraries wishing to embark on such a project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is Part 2 of the paper "Initiating Immersive Teaching and Learning Service in Academic Libraries" by Plamen Miltenoff (Part 1 published in the previous issue of International Information and Library Review DOI: 10.1080/10572317.2024.2301864). In Part 2 "Pedagogical opportunities, including integration into an information literacy programme" the methodology applies contextual analysis, including systematic literature review. The paper highlights how virtual reality has great potential as a technology for learning and social engagement. However, the need for clear policies is highlighted regarding technology, along with the need to invest in infrastructure and resources, fostering collaboration among stakeholders and promoting equity and access. As with other educational technologies, academic libraries remain the best candidates for hosting a university-level sandbox of immersive teaching and learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Countless academic libraries are unable to commit staff time to handle the multiple workflows required by a music library, such as ordering, procurement, and cataloging. Music librarians often rely on support from staff in other departments with limited musical backgrounds. Drawing from resources offered by the central library, a University of Tennessee music cataloger created guidelines for training non-musical library staff in identifying various musical formats. The training was meant to improve the workflow of music materials from acquisitions, cataloging, and processing departments. The training focused on illustrating the differences between a variety of commonly found musical score formats. The goal was to increase staff effectiveness and reduce errors in ordering and processing music materials. Ultimately, the training enabled library staff to identify best options and apply sound judgment when fulfilling order requests. These guidelines included illustrations with examples of different formats with cover images, title pages, music notation pages, and a brief bibliographic description of MARC fields 100, 245, 240, 250 and 300. By evaluating bibliographic records from WorldCat and showing physical examples of various musical manifestations, non-musical library staff were able to contribute more effectively to the operations of the music library. Furthermore, during the process of training and following up with staff, it became clear that the need for basic music training was greater than initially perceived and that numerous other units within the library needed this training. This paper offers guidelines for music library training from both the University of Tennessee and the music library literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The term "world music" has been used for decades as a catchall genre to describe any form of music outside of the Western classical tradition. Its use furthers a Eurocentric bubble that others or ignores other cultures and their music. By examining the public-facing catalogs of thirteen university libraries across ten different countries to determine to what extent Non-Western music is included in the collection, how it is classified, and if the term "world music" is used to do so; the specific practices and norms that perpetuate a bias toward Western art music can be identified and highlighted. Correcting this bias requires university libraries to both collect a larger volume of Non-Western music materials and alter how their music collections are described. This paper concludes by suggesting some best practices for classifying music collections using faceted vocabularies that afford Non-Western music and cultures the same respect given to Western art music. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on a study on delinquent acts in three academic libraries in northern Ghana. A survey method was used for the study and a questionnaire was used to collect data. The study population consisted of staff in the Reader Service Sections of the three libraries. The study found that failure to observe library regulations, keeping overdue materials, eating in the library, littering, reserving seats unjustifiably, and hiding of books for the purpose of monopoly are examples of delinquent acts practiced by library users. According to the participants, the main reasons for delinquent acts are inadequate orientation to users, insufficient copies of books, and indiscipline among library users. The respondents further reported that these actions led to a reduction in library resources and low patronage. To curb deviant behaviors in libraries, the study recommends the adoption of pragmatic approaches including massive orientation for users, imbibing positive library culture that fosters respect, bolstering commitment and cooperation among library users and the staff, increasing library budgets as well as finding more creative ways of acquiring more copies of books, such as using Open Educational Resources (OERs), belonging to consortia and building and/or enhancing existing Institutional Repositories (IR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OhioLINK, one of the leading academic library consortia in the United States, marks its 30th anniversary in 2022. This paper, the first of two parts, reviews the organization's history through selected formative milestones and provides observations about the evolution of the consortium from its current executive director, revealing the importance of expanding cost-effective and easy access to scholarly resources, economies of scale, pushing technology, and a focus on the user. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasingly complex and demanding research landscape has seen university libraries rapidly evolve their services. While research data management, bibliometrics, and research impact services have predominantly featured in the literature to date, the full scope of support libraries are currently providing to their institutions is unknown. This paper aims to present an up-to-date view of the scope and extent of research support services by university libraries across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. A coding process analyzed content data from university library websites. Eleven research support areas were identified. Service delivery is split between synchronous and asynchronous modes. This paper describes a lived experience of an evidence-based library and information practice approach to improving research support services at two Australian university libraries, and while it highlights continued maturation of research support services, more research is needed to better understand influences on service development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Librarians are concerned about patron privacy and the confidentiality of library records. Many libraries also have other types of sensitive or restricted data. One of the biggest risks to the data a library maintains is a cyberattack. These attacks can be of many different types but one of the most common and impactful is a ransomware attack. This paper looks at the issue of cybersecurity in libraries and offers some recommendations of steps librarians can take in order to better protect their libraries from the risk of a cyberattack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on finding the criteria adopted by users to select free information retrieved from the Web for academic use. A close-ended questionnaire was formulated to record the opinions of the respondents. A survey for various categories of users such as post graduate students, research scholars and faculty members from five universities of Chandigarh, Haryana, and Punjab was administered. The category-wise and discipline-wise analysis depicted that quite a good number of respondents applied various parameters while referring to Web resources, but a reasonable number of users did not apply certain parameters to verify the nature of free information being used for educational purposes. The convenience factor leads them to depend on free Web resources which can be accessed anywhere and saves time. The findings of the study suggest that user education programs should be conducted to create awareness regarding the credibility of the subscribed library resources and their effectiveness in enhancing the quality of teaching, learning, and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper brings light to the existing practice of cataloging in the college libraries of Assam in terms of utilizing the MARC 21 standard and its structure, i.e., the tags, subfield codes, and indicators. Catalog records from six college libraries are collected and a survey is conducted to understand the local users' information requirements for the catalog. Places, where libraries have scope to improve and which divisions of tags could be more helpful for them in information retrieval, are identified and suggested. This study fulfilled the need for local-level assessment of the catalogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within library and academic spaces, communities of practice are employed to cultivate professional and academic skills, develop professional identities, and provide a supportive community. Using the example of a small cohort of student research assistants at a mid-sized public comprehensive university, this paper reflects on the intersections of communities of practice and peer-learning and discusses strategies for cultivating a community of practice with student assistants providing peer research support. This paper further explores student employment in academic libraries as a High Impact Practice with an emphasis on using the community of practice to integrate the characteristics of High Impact Practices into a student employment program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Academic libraries are entering a new reality for collections and resource sharing due to the increased acquisition of electronic books, or ebooks, during the last decade. The need to interlibrary loan (ILL) ebooks will likely increase based on current purchasing trends, but how well are we prepared for this future? Important advancements are underway, but ILL for ebooks is hampered by restrictive licensing models, resource sharing systems, and current practices. This study provides an environmental scan of the current acquisitions and ILL practices of academic libraries. This paper guides academic libraries through these conversations so that they can support the borrowing and lending of ebooks into the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since its academic inception in the 1960s, Germany's general practice has seen numerous dissertations, many of which are housed in the 'Archive of German language General Practice' (ADAM). Aim: This study aims to provide the first comprehensive overview of dissertation topics from the discipline of general- and family medicine in Germany, establishing a foundation for advancing research. Method: We employed a systematic review approach, examining 801 dissertations from both ADAM and online sources. Each topic was identified, categorized, and finalized through consensus by two independent reviewers. Results: Our analysis encompassed 486 dissertations from ADAM, 176 from the German national library, and 139 from university libraries. A total of 167 unique research topics were identified. The predominant themes included medical education (n = 49), medication orders (n = 39), frequent consultation issues (n = 33), complementary medicine (n = 32), and screening measures (n = 29). The use of qualitative methods was constantly rising, from no qualitative methods used from 1965–1974, up to 22% of dissertations in recent years. Conclusion: The diversity of 167 research topics underscores the vastness and complexity of general practice in Germany. This structured overview is pivotal for facilitating focused and interconnected research endeavors in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractLibrary materials have long been vulnerable to misuse, a problem that has persisted over many years. This paper examines how the adoption of electronic surveillance systems (ESS) is influenced by firm size and technological innovation in combating library abuses. Utilizing a quantitative approach, this research employed an online questionnaire to collect data from staff members across four university libraries in Ghana. The findings from multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the implementation of ESS significantly reduces instances of library abuses (p=.000), underscoring its efficacy in addressing this issue. Moreover, the study identifies both the size of the library and technological innovation as significant factors, indicating that their influence on mitigating library abuses varies depending on these variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Libraries recognize the necessity to continuously evaluate how well the collection supports the mission, goals, and priorities of the parent institution. This paper shares the results of the local citation analysis on engineering faculty research output from 2015 to 2019 conducted at De La Salle University. Scopus was used to harvest the documents published by the faculty as well as the list of all cited references in those records. The study aims to investigate how the engineering faculty are using publications, especially journals, for their research and determine how successful the collection is in supporting the research needs of the faculty. Findings will provide useful evidence for strategic planning in general and for making collection management decisions in particular [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes findings of a research project conducted at the University of Pittsburgh Library System to uncover processes used by early career researchers in the life sciences and engineering to locate information during the discovery phase and the role that social media and library-subscribed A&I databases play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entrepreneurial skills are considered one of the most important competencies expected to be possessed by Library and Information Science (LIS) faculty and academic librarians as information professionals. These skills include technical skills, managerial skills, business skills, personal maturity skills, ICT skills and information literacy skills. The context observation and literature review indicated limited research on the entrepreneurial skills of Library and Information Science (LIS) faculty and academic librarians in Nigerian universities. The need to fill this inadvertently created gap initiated this study. The study aimed to assess entrepreneurial skills level as well as identify entrepreneurship issues and prospects of LIS faculty and academic librarians in South-West Nigerian universities with library schools. This paper was anchored on survey research design. The study employed the total enumeration method to cover all LIS faculty and academic librarians in these universities. An adapted structured questionnaire was administered and responses were analyzed quantitatively using frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Findings revealed lackluster technical, business and ICT skills of these information professionals including unacceptable managerial skills. Furthermore, entrepreneurship issues showed government-centered, institutional and personal subjects such as government policies, economic problems, legal registration, funding, excessive workload and lack of entrepreneurial attitude. The study also uncovered dwindling entrepreneurship prospects. The study recommends premeditated efforts by LIS faculty and academic librarians and universities at entrepreneurial development and the advancement of citizen-friendly entrepreneurial policies and a blueprint by the government. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a literature review of academic library collection activities related to the provision of streaming video content in support of higher education curricula. It reviews the budgetary, collection management, licensing, technology, and acquisition processes and associated challenges that the provision of streaming video content poses for academic libraries in offering this much needed content to their patron base. The authors present a recent history of developing academic video collections, the transition to and increased demand for the streaming video format, and the evaluations required of funding models and vendor supply models to make the availability of streaming video content sustainable in the academic environment. The article also reviews current and future research and planned collaboration which hold great promise in addressing the current challenges academic libraries face in offering streaming video content to their patrons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article will compare results from two surveys sent to the university libraries at Valdosta State University and Florida State University. The initial survey in 2016, asked patrons to describe their format preferences when looking for library materials and indicate if their format preferences changed when looking for pleasure reading or academic research. When the COVID-19 pandemic forced people out of physical libraries and onto online libraries visited from home, two of the authors wondered how this would change a patron's preference regarding electronic formats, leading to a second survey in 2022. The conclusion gives insight on how this information should impact collection development policies in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

University libraries are constituted in the literature by a range of overlapping and shifting conceptual models that are deployed to capture, express and legitimise their repurposing, progressive status and function within the university campus. Over the last two decades university libraries have been increasingly characterised as highly responsive and receptive to the fast-moving currents of technological innovation, and emergent teaching and learning paradigms. This paper charts and discusses the evolutionary trajectory of the university library set within an historical context, exploring the discursive influences that have both stimulated and propagated what might be described as progressive transformation. The paper seeks to portray and unpack the Zeitgeist of the academic library that has been cultivated in contemporary times; positioning the university library against a backdrop of global developments that have shaped the university sector from the early 1990s, and offering a macro-level exploration of the increasing status of the university library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]