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The paper mill crisis, which is polluting the scholarly literature with fake papers, has led to record-breaking article retractions and continues to erode trust in science. While publishers and other scholarly publishing stakeholders have mobilized to address this grave threat to research and publishing integrity, action from the library community has been lacking. This article explores the ongoing impact of the paper mill crisis and its causes. It also reviews the steps being taken across the sector to address it. This includes actions taken by publishers, integrity sleuths and organizations like Retraction Watch, NISO and STM. Based on the severity of the crisis and the current response, this article recommends actions libraries can take to help address the crisis and clean up the mess paper mills have made in the scholarly literature. At a time of declining trust and growing threats facing society, it is critical that all scholarly publishing stakeholders, including librarians, help hold the line on publishing integrity and restore trust in science.

This paper is based on the findings of a doctoral study that aimed to examine the role of continuing professional development (CPD) in enhancing digital transformation in selected university libraries in Uganda. One of the ways of effecting digital transformation is to continuously build the technological competencies of the librarians working in academic institutions through attending technology-related CPD. The study adopted a mixed methods approach with a convergent parallel design for collecting qualitative and quantitative data from six universities in Uganda. Quantitative data were collected from 76 librarians with a minimum degree-level qualification from the six selected universities. Qualitative data were obtained from six University Librarians working in these universities. The study findings indicated several challenges hindering librarians from participating in technology-related CPDs such as lack of management support, lack of personal interest, limited funding, and lack of opportunities, among others. The implementation of digital transformation within university libraries in Uganda was also reported to be beset by a lack of competent staff, limited management support, lack of funds, and technological gaps. Therefore, this paper presents a proposed model to address challenges hindering the digital transformation and the participation in technology-related continuing professional development activities within academic libraries. The proposed model is based on the study findings, and it draws from Watkin and Marsick's learning organisation model, andragogy theory, the technology-organisation-environment framework, and extant literature. The model will guide academic libraries in the implementation of a conducive environment to necessitate staff development and implementation of digital transformation.

This paper analyses the role of libraries in the development of Open Educational Resources (OER) and, more specifically, the impact and level of implementation of UNESCO's (2019) OER Recommendation in Higher Education libraries. This study, the result of a joint undertaking between a national R&D project and SPARC Europe, is based on an online survey, disseminated amongst the European Network of Open Education Librarians (ENOEL) and uses a descriptive research methodology. The results highlight the implementation actions being taken by university libraries (n = 136) in each of the five areas of action of UNESCO's Recommendation. We find that the main contributions are being made in the areas of capacity building and Open Education policies, but that considerable work has yet to be done in terms of promoting inclusiveness and the sustainability of OER. Thus, the full implementation of UNESCO's recommendation requires a greater commitment on the part of librarians to joint actions undertaken via international networks and projects, as well as greater institutional commitment and the building of interdepartmental alliances.

This study demonstrates that a library instruction observation instrument can effectively foster critical self-reflection among academic library faculty and staff on their teaching practices. The paper outlines the instrument's design, which gathers low inference observations on instructors' use of questioning as a pedagogical strategy based on recommendations from the LIS and education literature. To test and refine the instrument's design, the instructors' utilised the instrument to collect data from classes taught by five participating instructors, who, during post-observation interviews, engaged in thoughtful reflections on their class planning, student participation, and teaching philosophy. They also provided valuable critiques of the usefulness of the instrument. Through analysing the observee reflections and the data from the observation instrument, this study aims to provide academic libraries with a method to incorporate an observation instrument in a peer observation program.

Estimates of the price or value of the individual journals within a full-text database may be useful to librarians engaged in serials reviews or other collection development projects, to scholars investigating the determinants of journal prices, and to publishers seeking to rationalize their pricing strategies. This paper evaluates six methods of apportioning the cost of a full-text database among the individual journals in the database--methods based on variables such as journal size, total citations, Journal Impact Factor (JIF) percentile, and single-journal list price. Each method is evaluated based on how well the resulting prices can be predicted by the determinants of journal prices identified in previous research. Although the six methods yield similar results, the single best option is to use price estimates that account for JIF percentile. If citation data are not available and cannot be estimated, the best alternative is to rely on the equal-value assumption--to split the total price equally among the wanted journals in the database.

This paper provides a snapshot of United States academic libraries in 2020 and explores longitudinal trends in staffing and expenditures for 1996 to 2020. The authors merged and analyzed academic library data from the National Center for Education Statistics from over 4,000 postsecondary institutions. Characteristics are explored by region and maps are provided. Total inflation-adjusted library expenditures have increased steadily for all regions from 1996 to 2020, including in the two major expenditure categories of staffing and collections. In the Northeast and West, averages are markedly higher in staffing and total expenditures than the other two regions.

This paper summarizes librarian research on information visualization as well as general trends in the broader field, highlighting the most recent trends, important journals, and which subject disciplines are most involved with information visualization. By comparing librarian research to the broader field, the paper identifies opportunities for libraries to improve their information visualization support services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we discuss the creation of the Stephen Hawking Archive through processes of collaboration, and human and technological mediation. We focus on the production of documents including scientific and popular writings, correspondence and lectures in different media and forms of communication from handwriting, diagrams and typing to word processing and digital communication. We consider these processes to think about what is important in the Stephen Hawking Archive, including where authorship is located, and what this shows about scientific collaboration and communication in the late twentieth and early twenty-first century. We also briefly consider how archivists have mediated the Archive since it was received by Cambridge University Library (CUL) in 2021 through its arrangement and description, and we look forward to developing the Archive in the future, including the possibility of acquiring further digital files to include in the Archive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the potential of the Gamified Metaverse as a platform for promoting library services. The study compares the effectiveness of a traditional library program with a Metaverse- based library program in terms of knowledge acquisition and library anxiety. The research also examines students' perceptions of implementing gamification within the context of the Gamified Metaverse platform. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, including pre- and post-test analysis, statistical analysis, and qualitative data collection. The results indicate that both the traditional and Metaverse-based library programs effectively increased the participants' knowledge, with no significant difference between the two approaches. However, the Metaverse-based program was found to be less effective in facilitating interaction with librarians and reducing library anxiety. Additionally, students expressed positive perceptions of implementing gamification in the Gamified Metaverse platform, finding it engaging and motivating. These findings contribute to the understanding of the effect of the Metaverse as a tool for promoting library services and enhancing knowledge acquisition. However, it is not as effective in reducing library anxiety, particularly in terms of interaction with librarians and staff. It should be noted that the platform may have limitations such as high costs and potential side effects of virtual reality, making it more suitable as an additional tool for promoting library services, taking into account its feasibility and potential benefits for specific student populations and larger libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study is to investigate the development of institutional repositories in university libraries in Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research design. Online questionnaire, IRs investigation, and interview methods were used to collect data from the 21 university libraries that have developed IRs in Nigeria. The study revealed that only few universities have successfully developed open access IRs to preserve and manage their intellectual outputs emanating from their universities. Contents such as journal articles, theses/dissertations, and conference / workshop papers were found to be the most popular contents that are hosted in the IRs. The interview revealed that although few respondents mentioned having IR policy statements in areas such as access policy, submission policy, preservation policy, content policy and copyright policy, the majority mentioned not having any defined policy in their IR. Also in the interview, inadequate fund, challenge of collecting contents for the IR, shortage of skilled ICT personnel, and inadequate facilities were the most mentioned challenges encountered in the development of IRs in Nigeria. Findings from this study will inform University Librarians, university management and policy makers on the need to provide the necessary infrastructure and formulate policies for smooth development of institutional repositories to make research visible globally. The results will therefore provide important data and insight into the development of institutional repositories in university libraries in the context of developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article features the Family Study Room in Cannell Library at Clark College in Vancouver, Washington which features adult workspaces and child-height shelves that hold activities for children.

Academic libraries are at the forefront of supporting their parent institutions in teaching and learning, research activities, and community services for the students and faculty members, but, the researchers observed that some of the research emanating from faculty members in academic institutions particularly universities remains largely unknown, unrecognized and invisible on the global scene. This present paper is therefore a modest attempt towards addressing the issue of enhancing the faculty research visibility in the institutions of higher learning by the academic libraries. It also examines the extent academic libraries in public universities in Nigeria use research visibility channels to increase the global visibility of their faculty members. Difficulties encountered by librarians and ways of tackling the visibility of the faculty were also examined. A descriptive survey research design was adopted and the population consisted of all the 162 librarians in public universities in South-East (S.E), Nigeria. Telephone calls and Online Questionnaire were used for data collection. The number of librarians was obtained through phone calls from the Heads of each of the Libraries. The Online Questionnaire was submitted to the WhatsApp platforms of librarians in Nigeria- Academic and Research Libraries (ARL) and Chartered Librarians in Nigeria Connect (CLN-Connect). The questionnaire was structured in such a way that only the Librarians in Public universities in the S.E. Nigeria will respond to it. At the end of the day only 120 librarians responded, at a response rate of 74%. The study was analysed using tables, percentages and charts. The study recommended that librarians who are unaware of RVCs and its utilization should go for training to acquire the knowledge that will enable them enhance the global visibility of faculty staff, Management of Public universities in S.E, Nigeria should in addition to addressing copyright issues by the use of disclaimer notices and creative common licensing and provision of infrastructural facilities e.g. steady power supply, High power brand Internet connectivity, establishment of an Institutional Repository, etc, also should mandate the faculty staff to release their productive work to the library for onward submission to the RVCs platforms for enhancement of their global visibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, university students are facing high levels of stress and negativity. Creating a campus learning environment that promotes students' physical and mental health and well-being has become a key focus of current research. There is now a wealth of research proving that the natural attributes of learning spaces are highly restorative for university students, both physically and mentally. In order to comprehensively clarify the characteristics of the library spatial environment that has a restorative effect on university students, this paper conducted semi-structured interviews with 50 university students and thematically analyzed the data obtained from these interviews. Ultimately, we identified five key themes: (1) Being away: students believe that studying alone is a way to escape social pressures, immersing themselves in their studies helps them forget everything around them, and the view from the window creates a sense of detachment; (2) Extent: students perceive the design of the library space as rich and orderly; (3) Fascination: many elements of the library spatial environment appeal to them and make them feel energized. The overall atmosphere motivates them to engage more actively in their learning; (4) Compatibility: the library spatial environment provides a variety of facilities that meet their learning needs, along with various types of spaces catering for different behaviors; and (5) Biophilia: Many interviewees mentioned the benefits of natural environments and timber, as well as their preference for spaces with a sufficient sense of enclosure and the ability to observe others. The first four themes were found to be closely related to the Attention Restorative Theory during the course of the study, while the last theme was mentioned by most of the students. The results of this study prove that library spaces can be described as restorative environments in the same way as natural environments, with both physical and mental restorative effects. Furthermore, the results of this study can also provide certain ideas for the design and renovation of the internal spatial environment of university libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the editorial endogeny of Library and Information Science journals. The endogeny was determined by the analysis of (1) papers published by the journal's editors, (2) papers published by the journal's country of origin, and (3) journal self-citation. The study used five-year coverage based on journals listed in the Web of Science. Regarding the editorial endogeny, the cut-off line of 50% of publications was at 4.51%. However, some journals have concentrated this endogeny from 20% to 45%. The endogenous model developed with the three analyses generated a journal efficiency system that showed a moderate index by the quartile of the journals, with an average of four endogenous papers per journal. 50% of the publications obtained an average of 10.70% self-citations. But part of the 50% most endogenous journals obtained indices ranging from 11% to 75.99%, with ten journals over 30%. 50% of papers are from the journal's country of origin. We conclude that the levels of endogeny were balanced on average, but some journals abused it to improve their ranking and impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A small branch of a large academic library is in the process of relocating from one area of campus to another. Although the new space is drastically smaller than what they currently have, the librarian wishes to build upon the small maker area that was recently created for the relaxation and enjoyment of patrons. With the SCAFFOLD makerspace design framework, this new area will be created using the latest research in making and learning, keeping inclusivity at the forefront of all activities. This paper describes the current maker area, what the plans are for the new space, and how that space will be designed using this new SCAFFOLD method. It is hoped that this project can be replicated by any academic librarian wishing to add a small yet useful makerspace while staying within their budget. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of a query concerning Polish-language manuscripts from the 17th and 18th centuries in four centres outside of Poland, i.e. the Polish Library in Paris, Riksarkivet in Stockholm, the Vilnius University Library, and the Library of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences. The documents collected during the search differ with respect to their genre, as well as time and place of origin, making them a valuable addition to the planned electronic corpus of manuscripts from that period. The article discusses the types of texts in each of the collections and provides search guidelines aimed at helping the reader design their own research and collect data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous development of science and technology has led to the gradual digitization and intelligence of campus construction. To apply facial recognition technology to construct smart libraries in higher education, this study optimizes traditional facial recognition algorithm models. Firstly, a smart management system for university libraries is designed with facial recognition as the core, and secondly, the traditional FaceNet network is optimized. Combined with MobileNet, Attention mechanism, Receptive field module and Mish activation function, the improved multitask face recognition convolutional neural network is built and used in the construction of university smart library. The performance verification of the constructed model shows that the feature matching error value of the model in a stable state is only 0.04. The recognition accuracy in the dataset is as high as 99.05%, with a recognition error as low as 0.51%. The facial recognition model used in university smart libraries can achieve 97.6% teacher satisfaction and 96.8% student satisfaction. In summary, the facial recognition model constructed by this paper has good recognition performance and can provide effective technical support for the construction of smart libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Library websites being the virtual or digital facet of any library it is paramount to constantly evaluate and enhance the interface with necessary resources and services. In this regard, this study was carried out to analyze a range of opinions and feedbacks from stakeholders of a university library, which has published the links to subscribed databases, training guides, reference services, and research support services on its website. Due to the restrictions on mobility by economic crisis and Corona pandemic, library users heavily relied on digital interfaces to share and retrieve information. In this regard, a survey was carried out to explore the demand and desire of the library users as whether the library website satisfies them or does it need redesigning. Convenient sampling technique was employed where hundred and fifteen (115) users had responded to semi-structured questionnaires. Data extracted were analyzed using the Pearson Chi-square test, one-way ANOVA, and one sample Wilcoxon sign rank test. Majority (33.3%) of the students of the Faculty of Science were using the library website more frequently than the students of other faculties. Responses showed that the Training Guides (Mean=4.00; SD = ±0.926) and past-paper portals (Mean=3.96; SD = ±0.989) accessed via the library website were useful. The chi-square test revealed a significant relationship of faculties with article requests (p=0.037) and adequacy of website information for academic work (p=0.036). Similarly, the level of students has a significant relationship with Selective Dissemination of Information (p=0.048); usefulness of the training guides (p=0.022); adequate research support (p=0.026); and effective organization of information (p=0.003). Overall responses revealed that the Library website is highly userfriendly (Mean=3.90; SD = ±0.909). One-way ANOVA revealed a significant relationship between the resourcefulness of the website and the respondents' overall satisfaction with the information received from the library website (p=0.021). These results evinced that the library website must comply with users' expectations and needs. Students' opinions and feedback emphasized on the need for updating the website through a benchmark of other library interfaces. FAQ section and Chat bot were a few suggestions made by the users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, attention is paid to the management, organization, and structure of work in the university library as one of the functions of making business decisions at the University. The goal of this approach to business is to achieve above-average results with limited resources using new ideas that are important for a narrow but also a wider readership. For the purposes of the research, a questionnaire was created, the main goal of which was to collect data on the degree of use of the university library, both physical access to resources and electronic access to resources in the university library. The research was carried out in cooperation with the Pan-European University Apeiron Bosnia and Herzegovina, where 225 surveyed university students took part in the research. The aim of the research was to examine the level of use of the university library. Processing of the obtained results consisted of Yates correction Chi-squared and chi-squared test, with the use of the statistical program for social research SPSS 22. The results of the research showed that the use of the resources of the university library increases with the year of study, that is, the higher the year of study, the greater the level of use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study demonstrates that a library instruction observation instrument can effectively foster critical self-reflection among academic library faculty and staff on their teaching practices. The paper outlines the instrument's design, which gathers low inference observations on instructors' use of questioning as a pedagogical strategy based on recommendations from the LIS and education literature. To test and refine the instrument's design, the instructors' utilised the instrument to collect data from classes taught by five participating instructors, who, during postobservation interviews, engaged in thoughtful reflections on their class planning, student participation, and teaching philosophy. They also provided valuable critiques of the usefulness of the instrument. Through analysing the observee reflections and the data from the observation instrument, this study aims to provide academic libraries with a method to incorporate an observation instrument in a peer observation program. [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]

Abstract This paper is based on the findings of a doctoral study that aimed to examine the role of continuing professional development (CPD) in enhancing digital transformation in selected university libraries in Uganda. One of the ways of effecting digital transformation is to continuously build the technological competencies of the librarians working in academic institutions through attending technology-related CPD. The study adopted a mixed methods approach with a convergent parallel design for collecting qualitative and quantitative data from six universities in Uganda. Quantitative data were collected from 76 librarians with a minimum degree-level qualification from the six selected universities. Qualitative data were obtained from six University Librarians working in these universities. The study findings indicated several challenges hindering librarians from participating in technology-related CPDs such as lack of management support, lack of personal interest, limited funding, and lack of opportunities, among others. The implementation of digital transformation within university libraries in Uganda was also reported to be beset by a lack of competent staff, limited management support, lack of funds, and technological gaps. Therefore, this paper presents a proposed model to address challenges hindering the digital transformation and the participation in technology-related continuing professional development activities within academic libraries. The proposed model is based on the study findings, and it draws from Watkin and Marsick’s learning organisation model, andragogy theory, the technology-organisation-environment framework, and extant literature. The model will guide academic libraries in the implementation of a conducive environment to necessitate staff development and implementation of digital transformation.

The student's academic success is considered as a measure of institution's performance and their departments, therefore also of the libraries. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature to determine the impact of university libraries on student's academic success. A four-step literature review methodology was performed. The search was made in Web of Science Core Collection and Google Academic databases. The most used elements to measure this success were: grade point average, semester grades and retention. The most used library services were: borrowing, information literacy, library visit, computer login and library website login. The literature analyzed in this research shows that university libraries have a clear positive impact on the student's academic success. Also, they have a role in maintaining academic integrity and promote nine Sustainable Development Goals. Libraries embrace all aspects of sustainability. However, the focus is on environmental aspects. The importance given to this subject increases starting from 2017. Another aspect that should be mentioned is that there are no articles that came from the Central and Eastern Europe region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the development of an interactive dashboard in Python with EZproxy log data. Hopefully, this dashboard will help improve the evidence-based decision-making process in electronic resources management and explore the impact of library use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a novel collections-based outreach model for special collections, underscoring the vital role of outreach in linking unique and distinctive collections (UDCs) with existing interest groups. Drawing from a series of successful events, focused on knitting, held at the McGill University Library between 2021 and 2023, the model recommends the use of creative initiatives to engage pre-existing communities. These initiatives attracted a global audience, extending far beyond the university campus, and fostered connections between cultural heritage collections and specialized communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Libraries have a significant impact in the attainment of the SDGs. They are considered worldwide as the most reliable information center that acquires processes, organizes stores, retrieves and disseminates information to users. In this context, the study investigates the role of academic libraries in realizing sustainable development goals, with a specific case study on the Mohamed Sekkat University Library and its contribution to the Global Goals for Sustainable Development by the United Nations (SDGs). The paper centers on how this Moroccan library has incorporated the SDGs into its resources, activities, programs, and projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was meant to examine electronic theses and dissertations' development in Nigerian federal university libraries. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The study population comprised forty-eight institutional repository librarians in eighteen Nigerian federal university libraries. The sample consisted of forty three librarians. A questionnaire was used for data collection. The data collected were analyzed with mean and standard deviation. Findings reveal that the policies available for developing electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs) in the libraries require submission of electronic copies of theses and dissertations by students, participation of digital/IR librarians in ETD development and provision of free access to ETDs; the libraries comply with standards of Open Archives Initiative Protocol for Metadata Harvesting and Search/Retrieval via URL using DSpace for building ETDs and taking advantage of such available ICT facilities as computers, scanners, CD-ROM, LAN, internet connectivity and printer. The libraries achieve ETD through digitisation, mandating submission of electronic versions of TDs by students and creation of IR. However, the process is hindered by technological obsolescence, financial problems, absence of clearly-defined ETD development policy, required ICT facilities and trained staff, copyright, irregular power supply and unstable internet connectivity. This study represents a fresh empirical investigation into electronic theses and dissertations' development in federal university libraries in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Libraries need to move beyond traditional roles of purchasing and distributing scholarly literature, librarians need to strategically position themselves and take ownership of improving access. As a direct result of Covid-19, there is a new level of urgency to transform the scholarly communication process and there are enormous opportunities for an expanded and inclusive library publishing service which addresses access to knowledge and literature. This rich discussion will stimulate the drive to make library publishing a mainstream service within Irish libraries. The purpose of this study is to provide a vision for how academic libraries can assume a more central role in a future where open access (OA) publishing has become the predominant model for disseminating scholarly research. This work will analyse existing trends related to Open Access policies and publishing with an emphasis on the development of repositories managed by libraries to publish and disseminate articles. These trends, coupled with emerging economic realities, will create an environment where libraries' will assume a major role in the Open Access publishing environment. This paper will provide an insight for academic libraries and their institutions to consider a dramatic shift in the deployment of subscription financial resources from a largely closed scholarly communication system to one that provides open, unrestricted access to research. Given the importance of scholarly publishing, a number of Irish Third level libraries have launched library publishing services including the establishment and management of high quality library published peer-reviewed open access journals and Open Educational Resources to support formal and informal scholarly communication. Librarians are also upskilling in the area of library publishing. A number of Irish Librarians have completed the Library Publishing Coalition's Library Publishing Curriculum. There is also the Library Publishing Group as part of the Library Association of Ireland. This work aims to identify and examine the factors of library publishing services that facilitate scholarly communication. The clear message from this discussion is that libraries need to include publishing in their services, advocate for open access and serve their communities and societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's information era, collaborative filtering algorithms are widely used and their distinct knowledge discovery techniques can effectively address numerous issues. However, conventional collaborative filtering algorithms encounter cold-start and data sparsity issues, which restrict their performance and accuracy. The study selected the multi-feature method to improve the traditional collaborative filtering algorithm, and introduced gray correlation calculation and Bayesian probability for user preference analysis. A learning resource recommendation model based on collaborative filtering was developed by comparing the target user's characteristics with those of other users, calculating their similarity, selecting users with high similarity to the target user and forming a neighbor set. Using Bayesian probability and grey correlation to analyze user preferences in library systems can be well applied in book classification and recommendation problems in university libraries. The computing layer, which includes the collaborative filtering calculation stage and the group recommendation calculation stage, is the model's main functional component. The smaller the value of mean absolute error, the higher the prediction accuracy of the model. The mean absolute error value of the multi-feature collaborative filtering algorithm was inferior to the traditional collaborative filtering algorithm, indicating that the classification accuracy of the former is higher than that of the latter. When the training set to test set ratio steadily became bigger, the mean absolute error value reached the lowest and smoothest point at 80%. In dataset A, the minimum mean absolute error values of multi-feature collaborative filtering and collaborative filtering were 0.765 and 0.809. Compared with traditional filtering algorithms, the mean absolute error value has decreased by 0.044. In dataset B, the mean absolute error values of multi-feature collaborative filtering and collaborative filtering were 0.796 and 0.836. Compared with traditional filtering algorithms, the mean absolute error value has decreased by 0.040. In dataset C, the minimum mean absolute error values of multi-feature collaborative filtering and collaborative filtering were 0.815 and 0.848. Compared with traditional filtering algorithms, the mean absolute error value has decreased by 0.033. When the accuracy was the highest; the mean absolute error value was the smallest at the grey correlation, which means that the technique improves the reliability of the recommendations compared with other methods. This means that the method has a positive impact on the accuracy of the recommendations compared to other methods. Grey correlation degree can comprehensively consider the interrelationships between multiple factors, handle uncertain and incomplete information, and explore potential user needs and behavior patterns. The implementation of the grey correlation degree has transformed the collaborative filtering algorithm into a group filtering algorithm, thereby enhancing its precision. The research on book classification and recommendation in university libraries, which enhances the group filtering algorithm, can address a range of issues such as improving classification accuracy, augmenting recommendation diversity, enhancing library management efficiency among others. This, in turn, enables more precise book recommendations to users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Academic libraries have conducted studies on the importance of the library research consultation (LRC) regarding student learning and the impact on academic success. While there is a robust literature examining library anxiety, no study has been designed to measure the impact of the library research consultation on stress. Researchers at a mid-sized midwestern Carnegie Research 2 institution analyzed 108 surveys administered before and after the consultation. Findings confirm the LRC improves perceived stress levels at the project and overall level. The overall stress change and project stress levels were lower during the COVID phase of the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This survey investigates artificial intelligence (AI) literacy among academic library employees, predominantly in the United States, with a total of 760 respondents. The findings reveal a modest self-rated understanding of AI concepts, limited hands-on experience with AI tools, and notable gaps in discussing ethical implications and collaborating on AI projects. Despite recognizing the benefits, readiness for implementation appears low among participants. Respondents emphasize the need for comprehensive training and the establishment of ethical guidelines. The study proposes a framework defining core components of AI literacy tailored for libraries. The results offer insights to guide professional development and policy formulation as libraries increasingly integrate AI into their services and operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the challenges in implementing the Resource Description and Access in bibliographic records and library software. To meet this end, a survey approach was employed, and a questionnaire was used to collect the data. The statistical sample size was determined as 95 librarians from Tehran University, 48 librarians from Allameh Tabataba’i University, and 35 librarians from Tarbiat Modares University. According to the results, the respondents believe that the main problems for implementing RDA in academic libraries in Iran are, in turn: “problems in switching to new library software", "problems of not having enough information and knowledge to implement RDA", "problems in the internal communication of libraries", "data incompatibility", "lack of a trustee to apply the RDA rules", and "problem with library users". Therefore, using a correspondence table and designing a comprehensive manual in library software is needed to guide the librarians and catalogers in implementing RDA.

This paper analyses the role of libraries in the development of Open Educational Resources (OER) and, more specifically, the impact and level of implementation of UNESCO’s (2019) OER Recommendation in Higher Education libraries. This study, the result of a joint undertaking between a national R&D project and SPARC Europe, is based on an online survey, disseminated amongst the European Network of Open Education Librarians (ENOEL) and uses a descriptive research methodology. The results highlight the implementation actions being taken by university libraries (n = 136) in each of the five areas of action of UNESCO’s Recommendation. We find that the main contributions are being made in the areas of capacity building and Open Education policies, but that considerable work has yet to be done in terms of promoting inclusiveness and the sustainability of OER. Thus, the full implementation of UNESCO’s recommendation requires a greater commitment on the part of librarians to joint actions undertaken via international networks and projects, as well as greater institutional commitment and the building of interdepartmental alliances.

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Aphra Behn’s poems usually celebrate some form of pastoral life or love, so much so that her “Epitaph on the Tombstone of a Child” seems anomalous in her 1685 Miscellany. The same poem (with two lines crossed out) appears in Cambridge University Library MS Add. 8460, Elizabeth Lyttelton’s Commonplace Book, where it is titled simply “Epitaph on William Fairfax.” The twelve lines also appear on one other material witness: the tomb marker for young William Fairfax, who was Elizabeth Lyttelton’s nephew and Sir Thomas Browne’s grandson. This article examines the poem itself, discusses the deleted lines, considers connections that might have led Behn to compose such a piece, and suggests what this might reveal about Behn, the family of young William Fairfax, and the transmission of Behn’s poems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This article describes the evolution of academic public health library services from standalone academic public health libraries in 2004 to centralized services by 2021. Methods: Five public health libraries serving public health graduate programs (SPH) at public and private institutions were visited in 2006-07. Visits comprised tours, semi-structured interviews with librarians and local health department staff, and collecting of contemporary print documents. We compiled and compared visit notes across libraries. In 2022, we reviewed online materials announcing library closure or transition for timing and how services were to be subsequently provided. Results: Libraries and SPH were co-located and most librarians maintained public health expertise though they did not have faculty appointments in their SPHs. Specialized statistical and geographic information systems (GIS) software and data were provided in partnership, often with other system libraries. Only two libraries had strong connections to health departments--one with direct service agreements and another engaged in public health training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to explore how health science faculty publication patterns at a large public research university have changed over time and examine how productivity relates to their information-seeking behavior and perception of the academic library. Methods: Two datasets were utilized: one consisted of publication records of health sciences faculty spanning a 15-year period, while the other was from a faculty survey exploring faculty's perception of and satisfaction with library resources and services related to their research. Results: Health sciences faculty publication patterns have changed over time, characterized by greater productivity, collaboration, and use of literature in their publications. Faculty's literature use correlates with productivity, as evidenced by both datasets. The survey revealed that faculty with more publications tend to rely more on online journals and Interlibrary Loan (ILL). Similarly, the publication data indicated that less productive faculty tended to use fewer references in their publications. Discussion: The publication data and survey results offer valuable insights into the health sciences faculty's informationseeking behavior and productivity. Online access to information has been effective in facilitating use of information, as indicated by the greater incorporation of references in publications. Conclusion: The study highlights the changing publication patterns and productivity of health sciences faculty, as well as the role academic libraries play in supporting their research and publishing activities. Although multiple variables influence faculty access to and use of information, faculty attitudes towards the library and use of the library are related to faculty research and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With global digital transformation and higher education evolution, academic libraries are enhancing their information and knowledge management practices. This study responds to this trend by identifying quality management (QM) models discussed and implemented in Chinese academic libraries, as well as by examining the enablers and challenges associated with QM planning and implementation. A systematic review was executed adhering to the PRISMA guidelines to critically appraise the relevant literature from five international and Chinese scholarly databases. Out of 435 initial records, 52 studies were included based on the established inclusion criteria and quality assessment benchmarks. The results revealed that Chinese academic libraries were increasingly integrating international QM models, including ISO 9000, TQM, and EFQM. This integration was driven by six enablers: four external enablers, including the introduction of QM, government support, technological advancements, and quality assessment practices; and two internal enablers, including developmental needs and cultural emphasis on educational excellence. However, these libraries also encountered six challenges in this process: three external challenges, including rapid industrial evolution, deficiency in comprehensive evaluation indicators, and rigorous ISO audits; and three internal challenges, including resistance to change, insufficiency of motivation for improvement, and inequitable distribution of resources. The findings of the current research could deepen the theoretical understanding of the enablers and challenges of QM in academic libraries from both external and internal dimensions. These findings could also support library management, higher education institution leaders, and policymakers in developing sustainable QM strategies for libraries in China and other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"The Baltic Battle of Books: Formation and Relocation of European Libraries in the Confessional Age (c. 1500 – c. 1650) and Their Afterlife" is a book that delves into the world of book collections in the Baltic region during the early modern period. It specifically focuses on libraries acquired through war, particularly the confiscation of Catholic institution libraries by the Swedish crown. The book explores the motivations behind these confiscations, such as weakening Catholic institutions and supplying books to Swedish universities and schools. It also examines the preservation and destruction of these collections, as well as case studies on the creation, looting, and reconstruction of libraries in the Baltic region. The article also touches on the supply of books to Scandinavia before and after the Reformation, the role of Northern German merchants and printers, the contribution of British Jesuits to Lithuania's print culture, and the fate of Catholic libraries in Sweden. It raises important questions about the ownership and preservation of displaced book collections and their significance in shaping identities and memories. [Extracted from the article]

The article aims to summarise the activity of the “Medical Library Forum” (MLF) – an scholarly journal which has served to share ideas and record the work of medical university libraries and related institutions for over 16 years now. The paper presents three key stages in MLF’s history – from the idea of creating the journal in 2006 and printing the first issue in 2008, through moving the publishing activity from Łódź to Warsaw, to finally introducing the Creative Commons licence to publishing practice. The authors remark on the systematic progress of the journal – constantly bettering the level of publishing and editorial practices and strengthening the journal’s reputation by being indexed on the ministerial list, as well as the ERIH PLUS or DOAJ databases. The article puts emphasis on the journal’s support towards the open access idea, expressed by publishing in the Diamon Open Access model. Further plans for MLF’s future are also presented, such as implementing the Open Journal Systems (OJS) in the publishing process.