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

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

This article describes the results of an extensive review of reference transactions from multiple service points at the University of Utah's J. Willard Marriott Library. The review enabled us to better understand the types of questions asked at our service points and resulted in a new set of codes for categorizing reference transactions that focus on recording the kinds of expertise needed to answer each question. We describe the differences between our model and other scales for collecting reference questions. Our method for reviewing reference transactions and developing new codes may be useful to other libraries interested in updating how they collect reference statistics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors discuss the most effective use of library space, particularly debating the allocation of space to either user services or books, as well as presents an introduction to the column. They address the shift in library services away from book collections and towards technology and user reference services. Other topics explored include sentimentality towards books, dependence on interlibrary loans, and library patron convenience.

The article highlights efforts to automate the federal documents disposition process. Topics mentioned include an overview of the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries Disposition Database which is available to select federal depository libraries in Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, an overview of the evolution of the disposition process, and details of the "Regional Depository Libraries in the 21st Century: a Time for Change?" report of the Government Publishing Office.

Academic librarians are increasingly expected to advocate for scholarly communications reforms such as open access to scholarly publications, yet librarians do not always practice what they preach. Previous research examined librarian attitudes toward open access, whereas this article presents results of a study of open access publishing and self-archiving behaviors of academic librarians. Following an analysis of open access to library and information science literature in 2008, several strategies to encourage academic librarians to continue to embrace open access behaviors are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some library users come in the door knowing exactly where to go, with clearly defined and communicated needs. However, many more enter the library on an exploratory mission and often stop at the first service desk that catches their eye. In many libraries, this point of first contact is a security or general information desk, not a full-service reference desk. This opens the question, are users being served effectively and their expectations being met? During the first several weeks of the fall 2003 semester, staff at the service desk closest to the front door of a large academic library recorded the specific questions asked by library patrons and their responses. This data was subjected to qualitative analysis techniques and revealed some trends in what current students are seeking when they initially come into the library. The results are useful for managers to consider in establishing appropriate staffing models (such as who should work at this desk), developing relevant training, and planning service desk and collection spatial configurations. This article presents the results from this study and explores possible factors that managers should take into consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Project management is pervasive in the literature and practice of many industries, including finance, IT, engineering, and biotechnology. The recent rapid proliferation of complex library services such as virtual reference and digital repositories suggests that the role of librarians is becoming increasingly project-oriented. This article presents an overview of professional project management and a literature review from the library science and management literatures. A content analysis of librarian position announcements was conducted, and indicates that project management skills are in demand for librarians. However, it is unclear whether current library science literature and education adequately address project management skills or other traditionally ‘extra-librarian’ leadership qualities now needed to effectively manage project based initiatives in libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents research which examined the working relationship between systems, information technology and reference, as well as information services staff in an academic library setting. The need for enhanced communication was cited often by respondents as a way to improve the relationship. According to the author, frustration seems to happen when reference staff report a problem. Hence, preventing the occurrence of frustration will help lessen reference anxiety of information technology work processes.

Digital materials are reshaping library collections and, by extension, traditional library practice for collecting, organizing, and preserving information. This paper uses OCLC's WorldCat bibliographic database as a data source for examining questions relating to digital materials in library collections, including criteria for identifying digital materials algorithmically in MARC21 records; the quantity, types, characteristics, and holdings patterns of digital materials cataloged in WorldCat; and trends in WorldCat cataloging activity for digital materials over time. Issues pertaining to cataloging practice for digital materials and perspectives on digital holdings at the work level also are discussed. Analysis of the aggregate collection represented by the combined digital holdings in WorldCat affords a high-level perspective on historical patterns, suggests future trends, and supplies useful intelligence with which to inform decision making in a variety of areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research study assesses preservation education provided by academic institutions in North America. Educators teaching preservation in graduate library and information science programs were surveyed about the type and number of courses offered, content of preservation coursework, faculty resources, future plans for curricula, fieldwork and internship opportunities in preservation, and postgraduate employment data. The investigators hypothesize that current preservation education within traditional library and archival studies programs does not provide adequate preparation in the areas of technical and managerial expertise to deal with the preservation of digital collections, audiovisual media, or visual materials. This paper reviews the literature pertinent to study of preservation education, describes the research methodology employed in designing and conducting the survey, presents the resulting data, and analyzes the trends revealed by the data in order to understand more fully the goals and objectives of preservation education during the last decade and to gauge future directions of the field. This paper concludes by presenting plans for further research, which will expand upon initial findings of this survey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an overview of challenges facing collection development. It considers the evolving nature of collections and the main players in the information exchange process as well as outlines six key challenges intended to inform discussions at the Janus Conference, held in October 2005. These challenges can serve as catalyst for further discussion in the profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on literature surveys and research about the early practice of reader's advisory for youth. It attempts to describe key events in the history of library services to young adults, and offers biographic accounts of leading figures in youth services. The authors stresses that glancing at the history of how reader’s advisory for youth began, bids a thought-provoking perspective on professional aims in reading guidance. Furthermore, dramatic statements about reading as a possible harm to young people may seem foreign now, but represent a key legacy of early professional services. Views and analyses of the author regarding the matter are presented.

This article explores recent trends in reference and public services librarianship. According to statistics, reference transactions began to decline in 1998 and have decreased every subsequent year. The nature of reference queries has changed, due to the increased use of the Internet and email. Some approaches to changing reference patterns are presented. Trends in reference libraries include consolidation of service points and libraries, increased integration of public and technical services, partnership between libraries and an increase in the marketing of library services to the public.

This article provides information on homelessness and information needs and services. The term homeless is problematic when we discuss information user groups. The homeless are not a homogeneous population. Providing information services that are most useful and thus most used, becomes a simpler task when target audiences are more defined and more specific. The question regarding the number of people who are homeless is a very difficult question to answer. The time that one spends being homeless is a critical issue. The chronically homeless spend very long periods living on the streets or in substandard housing. Probably the largest number of homeless people could be categorized as experiencing periodic homelessness, in which various circumstances result in the loss of housing. Persons who lose their homes due to natural disasters or from relocating to a new area are considered temporary homeless persons. Finally, those classified as living in total homelessness are those who have not only lost their shelter but also suffer from a loss of other important social supports such as family connections or public assistance. Homeless persons have articulated several everyday life information needs. These includes finances, relationships with others, childcare, housing, health and health care, employment among others.

The Outpost Services Team was created at Rutgers University Libraries by the New Brunswick Libraries' Information Services Steering Group to study the demand for services at locations outside the physical library buildings. Upon the recommendation of the group, the team planned an exploratory pilot study to investigate the need for library services at campus centers --places where students and faculty members regularly gather for eating, socializing, and using other available services. A part of the main information desk of Rutgers University's Busch Campus Center was used to set up the outpost. Traditional reference-desk type of service was offered using networked digital resources. Reference statistics and feedback surveys were collected, providing data for evaluation. The pilot study was a unique endeavor to reach out to less frequent users of libraries, learn about the expectations of students and faculty, and communicate to them about how they can benefit from using library resources and services. This article presents the details of planning the pilot study and a summary of findings and conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the role that librarians can play in discovering data, preserving it and in helping to make it more accessible to consumers. A discussion of the ways in which librarians can use their skills to help consumers manage information overload and data deluge caused by the intersection of science and technology in a rapidly changing society is presented. In the article the author offers her opinions on data discovery and discusses conferences on data discovery and librarianship that she has attended or will attend.

Focuses on a case that enabled the staff of the Blagg-Huey Library to know more about faculty information needs and develop strategies for conducting in-house research. Background on the Faculty Information Research Service Team program; Nature of a community information-needs analysis; Evaluation of the resulting program.

Speculates about the effectiveness of the telephone directory number 211 for universal access to human services information and referral in improving library information service in the United States. Reason for the designation; Involvement of librarians; Role of the Internet.

The article discusses the laws of library science according to writers Shiyali Ramainrita Ranganathan. The law known as save the time of the reader requires librarians to provide readers efficient access to materials and services. On the other hand, the law known as the library is a growing organism implies that libraries are growing by broadening and deepening their collections. Therefore, it is important that libraries expand and rework their physical spaces by building beautiful new libraries.

The article presents several frequently-asked questions answered by the young adults galley committee. One question is about the rationale of the Teens’ Top Ten, which the only Young Adult Library Services Association list created by teen readers for teen readers. Another question is about why publisher members interested in participating congresses and conventions. Furthermore, question as to how Teens’ Top Ten list created is also frequently asked. Other significant questions oftentimes asked by concerned readers are presented.

Presents a variant form of Boethian topical analysis to the confusion surrounding the term channel in the library and information science. Definition of the communication process; Purpose of both medium and channel; Importance of knowing the information flow in existential terms.

Discusses the guidelines used by libraries for information services. Services; Resources; Personnel.