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Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on library and information services (LIS) and how library professionals overcome the challenges of COVID-19 pandemic in the current reality. Design/methodology/approach: This study used quantitative and qualitative methods to investigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Bangladesh's LIS professionals. A structured online questionnaire was designed for the purpose of a quantitative survey. The respondents of this study were LIS professionals in all categories of libraries (e.g. academic libraries, public libraries, special libraries and national library) in Bangladesh. A total of 106 responses from LIS professionals in Bangladesh were received. This study analyzed qualitative data using Braun and Clark's technique for thematic coding. Researchers interviewed librarians in two phases (during the COVID-19 pandemic and after COVID-19) about how libraries cope up with the COVID crisis. The descriptive findings were examined using diverse descriptive statistics (i.e. frequency numbers and percentages), and for examining the significant differences among demographics' information regarding challenges faced by LIS professionals, Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests were conducted. The qualitative responses were carefully analyzed for familiarizing, coding and theme generation. Findings: The result showed that most LIS professionals (i.e. 46.2% and 43.4%) had faced difficulties in accessing e-resources from home and had failed to maintain balance between work and personal life and to offer remote library services. The LIS professionals mostly used Facebook Messenger and Zoom to communicate with their colleagues and users. Furthermore, many LIS professionals (50.0%) secured their health and safety, adopted hygienic procedures at their workstations and provided virtual reference services. The qualitative findings show that though some libraries have faced challenges in providing online sources and services due to the absence of authority interest, budget scarcity and inadequate information and communication technology infrastructure, some libraries took the initiative to establish library institutional repository and make it available for users from home. Research limitations/implications: The present study only concentrated on the staff and their actions during and after the pandemic, which was mentioned as a limitation. It would be more effective if the study also considered the user's viewpoint. The researchers hope that this study will help LIS professionals to support and provide digital and innovative service initiatives in their organization. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first of its kind study in Bangladesh where the staff of all types of libraries expressed their views on the problems they faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and the steps they took recently to overcome them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper aims to examine the current state of collecting with emphasis on small, independent and local digital media for the purpose of exploring librarians' tools to develop unique collections with these types of cultural products included. Design/methodology/approach - This conceptual paper is based on examination of the current state of publishing and digital media, of case profiles of independent digital content providers, of case profiles of public libraries using digital media to expand collections and of collection developers' tools, including reviewing sources. Findings - With regard to expanding collections from small, independent and local digital content providers, user-generated content (UGC) is offered as a tool for collection developers to use alongside other traditional reviewing sources. UGC allows for embedding collective voices into collection development practices to capture digital cultural products from these providers. Originality/value - This paper reflects on the current state of digital content creation and publishing, including the limitations and possibilities in place for the future of public library collections from both large publishing companies and smaller media creators. Non-traditional digital media are cultural products produced for consumption and reception; therefore, we consider how these materials fit into contemporary collections, how they are connected to public libraries and subsequently are made available to library users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to show how quality information materials are maintained in Kenyan museum libraries by examining collection development policy, skills and processes used by librarians in acquisition. Design/methodology/approach: A total of 137 respondents, which included 130 registered library users and seven members of staff, completed the questionnaires. This included the principal librarian, for whom an interview schedule was used to collect the required data. A pilot study to ensure data validity and reliability was carried out at the Kenya Medical Research Institute Library. Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS) was used to analyze the research data. Findings: The findings, which were presented both textually and graphically, show that the National Museum of Kenya library lacks a collection development policy to guide the acquisition process, as well as a diverse set of information resources that are both comprehensive and current to meet the current user information needs. Furthermore, the key impediment to the acquisition of information materials was revealed to be financial constraints, and there was a positive effort to involve library users in the acquisition process. Research limitations/implications: The study focus on library users and library staff at the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) library in Nairobi, it may not be, therefore, representative of the acquisition processes at all Kenyan museum libraries. Although NMK has other branches across the country, they were not included in this study. Practical implications: This paper purposes to provide the Kenyan museum library with important information about maintaining quality information materials from the perspectives of librarians and library users. Despite efforts to improve information materials, the management faces financial challenges. Social implications: The study unveils underlying picture in selection and acquisition practices which will inform on meeting library users information needs. Originality/value: The paper is of value as a case study of Kenya Museums Library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to explore the perceived challenges and prospects of linked data (LD) technology along with the skills required among library professionals to take LD initiatives in Pakistani libraries. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative research design with the phenomenology approach was used to meet the objectives of the study. Data was collected through in-depth interviews from 18 senior libraries and information science (LIS) professionals who were well versed with technology. This sample consisted of informants who provided rich and privileged information about the topic and had been involved in the implementation of new technologies in libraries. Qualitative data analysis software NVivo was used to analyze data and to create themes. Findings: Results indicated that LIS professionals should have advanced technical skills to adopt LD technology in their libraries. Respondents opined that the visibility of library resources and services should be increased on the Web for a wider audience. Findings identified the following challenges in the implementation of LD initiatives in the information environment: MARC standards, low level of awareness, lack of skills among professionals, privacy issues and time barrier. Moreover, information professionals have been contending uncertainties to implement emergent technologies in libraries. However, they are still willing to adopt LD technologies, though these initiatives are at an infancy level in libraries. Social implications: Findings may be helpful and supportive for professional associations to design training content and for library schools for offering advanced technology courses. Originality/value: This study will contribute to LIS literature especially in the context of developing countries. It will enhance library professionals' awareness regarding the significance of LD initiatives in libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - Proposes encouraging librarians to be more informed about the value of collection evaluations. Design/methodology/approach - Three examples of collection evaluation methods (user-centered evaluation, physical assessment and specific subject support) are explored. Findings - Many strategies are available for evaluating collections, regardless of the kind of library or size of the collection. Evaluation allows librarians a more thorough knowledge of what already exists, what may be needed, and whether collection development goals are being achieved. Practical implications - Methods of meaningful collection evaluation are shared so that librarians may create an evaluation that will provide useful information to them in their library setting. Implications for successful future collection management, financial resource management and effective format selection are discussed. Originality/value - Discussion that includes the "assessment of specific subject support" and "assessing and building specific subject collections" encourages librarians to recognize their major and minor collections, creatively assess those collection areas, and involve techniques or individuals who might guide them to specific subject materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this closing chapter, the authors first draw on the contributed chapters in this volume to highlight some of the many ways in which libraries and librarians are moving us closer to health justice by working with their communities to increase consumer health literacy and to decrease health disparities. The authors then focus our attention on the COVID-19 pandemic, discussing the fact that disadvantaged populations are bearing the brunt of the negative impacts of this situation and the many existing and novel roles that libraries and librarians are playing to help to fight consumer health information injustice and to contribute toward better health outcomes for all. Next, Dr Beth Barnett brings her viewpoint as a Board Certified Patient Advocate to the volume, pointing out parallels between the roles of librarians and those of patient advocates, as well as important lessons for patient advocates gleaned from the volume. To conclude the chapter, the authors reiterate our aims for the volume and issue a call to the reader to join libraries and librarians in their important role as agents of health information justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This chapter introduces the focus of this volume - the many ways in which libraries and librarians are helping to increase people's health literacy and reduce health disparities in their communities. The rampant and rapidly increasing health injustices that occur every day throughout the world are, in large part, caused and exacerbated by health information injustice - something which libraries and librarians are playing an instrumental role in addressing by ensuring the physical and intellectual accessibility of information for all. This chapter opens with an introduction to the central concepts of health justice and health information injustice, focusing on the many informationrelated factors that shape the degree to which individuals have the information they need to be able to have a sufficient and truly equitable chance to live a long and healthy life. Next, the authors present a timely case study to emphasize the importance of health information justice, looking at the dire importance of health literacy as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors then provide a brief glimpse into their 13 contributed chapters, grouped into five categories: (1) Public Libraries/Healthy Communities; (2) Health Information Assessment; (3) Overcoming Barriers to Health Information Access; (4) Serving Disadvantaged Populations; and (5) Health Information as a Communal Asset. In conclusion, the authors discuss their aims for this volume, particularly that readers will become more aware of librarians' efforts to address health disparities in their communities and excited about participating in and expanding these efforts, moving us closer to health justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In the past, the field of public libraries proved to be a neglected area of government in terms of allocating handsome budgets for adequate services and developing infrastructure. The aim of this research is (1) to understand the level of library professionals and associated challenges in the preparation and implementation of the budget in public libraries and (2) to analyze the annual grand and regular library budget allocated to public libraries. Design/methodology/approach: A comprehensive literature search was carried out from work published in the past – the quantitative study based on a structured research questionnaire followed by the five-point Likert scale. The primary data were collected by distributing printed questionnaires among the library professionals serving in the directorate of public libraries and its suboffices. The secondary data "Budget Grand" for seven years (2009–2015) and the regular budget for two years (2015–2016) were collected from seven public libraries, and data on the district population and literacy rate were obtained from the provincial bureau of statistics. The authors used the one-way ANOVA on primary data to determine the average difference between samples and descriptive statistics on secondary data. Findings: Survey results show that budgeting is a useful tool for predicting the future, controlling resources and improving employee performance and departmental levels. The findings disclosed that the annual budget review includes guidelines for implementation without adequate discussion and guidance for overcoming challenges. In addition to increasing print and database resources, currency fluctuations, unfair resource allocation and budgeting processes proved to be a potential obstacle to the execution of the library budget. Moreover, library material usage and regular membership are decreasing compared to literacy rates in each district of the province. It also turned out that the limited resources in a library compared to the population and the insufficient budget for operation, maintenance and other library processes posed another challenge for the administration. Practical implications: The results, which are based on the primary data of experts and the secondary data on the library budget, can help the directorate of public libraries to push ahead with budgetary reforms and overcome challenges. Social implications: This article outlines some basic steps for librarians, publishers and sellers to cope with changes caused by currency fluctuations and falling budget pressures. Given the regional population, literacy gaps and the current state of libraries, the results could also cause the government to expand the public library network across the province. Originality/value: The study builds upon the qualitative method using a questionnaire and on the secondary data for an in-depth understanding of the whole budgetary process. This comprehensive coverage of the budgeting process provides professionals with useful information in preparing a balanced budget for public libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Visualisations of research and research-related activities including research data management (RDM) as a lifecycle have proliferated in the last decade. The purpose of this paper is to offer a systematic analysis and critique of such models.Design/methodology/approach A framework for analysis synthesised from the literature presented and applied to nine examples.Findings The strengths of the lifecycle representation are to clarify stages in research and to capture key features of project-based research. Nevertheless, their weakness is that they typically mask various aspects of the complexity of research, constructing it as highly purposive, serial, uni-directional and occurring in a somewhat closed system. Other types of models such as spiral of knowledge creation or the data journey reveal other stories about research. It is suggested that we need to develop other metaphors and visualisations around research.Research limitations/implications The paper explores the strengths and weaknesses of the popular lifecycle model for research and RDM, and also considers alternative ways of representing them.Practical implications Librarians use lifecycle models to explain service offerings to users so the analysis will help them identify clearly the best type of representation for particular cases. The critique offered by the paper also reveals that because researchers do not necessarily identify with a lifecycle representation, alternative ways of representing research need to be developed.Originality/value The paper offers a systematic analysis of visualisations of research and RDM current in the Library and Information Studies literature revealing the strengths and weaknesses of the lifecycle metaphor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the agenda for library technology for the next 20 years.Design/methodology/approach A long-term historically based analysis of the evolving roles of librarians and library technology, especially the catalog.Findings The rise of standardized cataloging codes, communications formats, bibliographical utilities, and software for online searching constitutes a great triumph in universal bibliographical access for everybody. But each reader is unique and no-one is “everybody” so a uniform service is not ideal for all. The ideal librarian knows both the collection and the readers. The catalog is a guide to the collection and a surrogate for the librarian. The librarian understands the readers. The development of library technology will remain significantly incomplete until the uniqueness of each reader is accommodated. Some ways to do that are noted.Research limitations/implications Research and development should focus on relating the uniqueness of individuals to the uniformity of services provided.Practical implications Strategic directions are indicated.Originality/value Provides a perspective on the development of library service in terms of changing relationships between technology and librarians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This study aims to analyze the resources used in the citations of 156 postgraduate dissertations submitted to the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) through the Acharya & BM Reddy College of Pharmacy (ABMRCP), and prepares the core journal list according to the Bradford’s law of scattering. For any research and academic institutional libraries, books and journals are considered as key resources. As the resources are more and diverse, collection building is a tough task for librarians. Citation analysis is one of the best methods to list the most used resources by the users. The paper highlights the extent use of in-house resources and open access journals in the citations. Design/methodology/approach – Citations of PG dissertations during 2010-2013 (four years) were compiled, the data about the resources cited in each were taken and the list of resources used in PG dissertations was prepared. The list of core journals obtained by citation analysis was matched with the list of online journals provided by Health Science Library & Information Network (HELINET) of RGUHS as well as print list of journals subscribed by ABMRCP Library, and evaluated the print and online consortia journals used by ABMRCP community. The list of core journals’ ranking in the SCImago Journal & Country Rank (SJR) list-pharmaceutical sciences was identified to know the impact of the journals. Findings – The study gives the list of different information resources cited in the pharmacy dissertations. The core list obtained by applying the Bradford’s law of scattering in this study has 19 journals pertaining to pharmacy. After matching the core list with the Keogh’s list, it is found that 31 journals can be considered very useful in the field of pharmacy. Twelve journals listed in the core list have different positions in the SJR ranking 2013. The results indicate that open-access journals with online journals subscribed through HELINET and print holdings have been cited more in the PG dissertations. Originality/value – The topic of journal use in this case may be of greatest interest to those who purchase journals in the sciences and, very specifically, the pharmaceutical sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to determine the types of collaborative activities public youth services and school librarians in rural locations engage in and to ascertain whether there are methods that youth service librarians believe can be employed to improve collaborative activities with public school librarians. Design/methodology/approach – A mixed method design was implemented with an online self-administered survey. The survey contained open and closed-ended questions. Findings – The findings indicate that many public librarians serving youth in rural locations find it important to collaborate with school librarians. Yet, they struggle to build strong collaborative relationships. Factors such as time, a lack of school librarian administrative support, and a lack of understanding about the roles of school librarians and public librarians, are collaborative barriers. Research limitations/implications – The study was limited to a purposive sample of 80 public librarians serving youth in rural areas in the United States. Practical implications – Librarianship training programs can help school librarians and youth services librarians learn how to form collaborative partnerships through mentorship programs, requiring pre-service school and youth services librarians to collaborate on projects, and educating them about the similarities in their goals. School and public librarians can also benefit from training to teach them how to build community partnerships. Originality/value – The results provide evidence that public librarians serving youth in rural areas favor building stronger collaborative relationships with school librarians. Building these relationships can improve the quality of education for youth in these locations. This article also includes proposed strategies for improving these relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This article aims to introduces generalist librarians who have music among their subject responsibilities to jazz fake-books as a library resource. Design/methodology/approach – The article begins with a review of jazz as a subject in the professional literature of both librarianship and music education. The second section discusses the origin and history of fake-books, while the third offers suggested selection criteria. This is followed by a bibliography of recommended fake-books, all of which were in print at the time of writing, along with information to facilitate the acquisition process. Findings – Although fake-books in electronic form have become available in recent years, they require an investment in both hardware and software on the purchaser's part. They also carry end-user licensing agreements that make them impractical as library purchases. Print fake-books remain a worthwhile area of study for collection development librarians. Originality/value – In preparing this article the author discovered that jazz as printed music has been largely ignored in library literature, and has been treated only occasionally in scholarly literature in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to develop a mathematical model that can be used to forecast the demand for the inter-library loan (ILL) requests. Accurate estimates of demand are valuable for assisting researchers in their research endeavors. Design/methodology/approach – Data were gathered at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for a period of 48 months from July 2008 to the end of June of 2012. Using these data, a centered moving average with seasonal variation model was formulated for forecasting the demand for the inter-library loan. These forecasts were then compared with the actual values to determine the accuracy of prediction. Findings – Centered moving average with seasonal variation model proved to be a good predictor of the demand for the inter-library loans. The model proved to be a very good forecasting tool as the actual values seem to follow the forecasts very closely. Originality/value – It is very important to be able to forecast the demand for the inter-library loans. Researchers constantly demand material for their research and librarians try to fulfill their demands. If the demand can be forecast with some degree of accuracy, the process can be expedited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to elucidate the value of opening up digital collections for end-user development of mash-ups and to evaluate the suitability of libraries' infrastructure for this purpose. Design/methodology/approach – The author surveyed ARL members' digital collection platforms to assess the terms of use statements and options for programmatic access. Findings – The findings show that 17 per cent of the institutions surveyed offer some means for mashing up digital collections, and that, while more than half the collections surveyed have some form of terms of use or rights statements, they were not written to support this type of use case. Research limitations/implications – Results of the research suggest that a mashable digital collection service is feasible for most libraries. Originality/value – This paper will be of interest to librarians who are considering providing application programming interface (API) access to their digital collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the increased lack of clarity about the professional role of academic librarians, and where the future lies in the academic environment during this period of fast information environment change. Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes the form of a literature review and commentary on developments in the area of academic librarianship in a new information environment. Findings – The profession is finding ways to become equipped and incorporate new technologies into the existing framework of high-quality information service delivery. As the demands and wishes of end users transform, librarians have sought to re-define what the library building and services mean to those who use the library. Because the nature of the content librarians work with is dramatically re-structuring, so the profession is experimenting with new ideas for its capture, organization and delivery. Practical implications – It is important for academic librarians to work towards the transformation of their relationship with faculty to emphasize an ability to assist them with integrating information technology and library resources into courses. This is based on collaboration and networking. Originality/value – The paper reveals that change is happening in a new, increasingly competitive information environment in which the academic library is no longer necessarily the conventional resource of first choice for the academe it exists to serve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper seeks to deal with the "image problem" in the library and information science (LIS) profession from the cultural studies viewpoint. It aims to explore representations of LIS in LIS itself and to research the representation practices of LIS in the social and cultural environment. Design/methodology/approach – After identifying some main features of professional discourse on the LIS image, the empirical part of the research particularly explored two questions: how LIS is constituted and how it is embedded in broader social practices. More than 300 articles were collected from the Slovenian daily newspaper with the largest circulation. The sample was analyzed quantitatively and two-fold qualitatively. Findings – The results of quantitative analysis outline the formation of LIS's community nature. The results of qualitative analysis mostly show the signifying practices in differentiating between the "old" and the "modern" and representing practices in creating "zealous" librarians and "suspicious" users. The results also point to librarians as "organic intellectuals". Research limitations/implications – The study is exploratory and at this point the thesis on "organic intellectuals" cannot be confirmed; in addition to the limits in the analysis methods, the theoretical background needs to be further explored. The findings cannot be generalized due to social and cultural differences. Practical implications – The methodology can be applied to other research subjects. The results may be helpful for library managers and library public relations work. Originality/value – There are only a few studies of such theoretical and methodological design that have researched the role of the LIS in society. The paper also analyzes the "image problem" in the daily newspapers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to discuss the development of a core set of information resources management (IRM) competencies and to detail a plan for their acquisition by IRM librarians of a large academic university library. Design/methodology/approach – The paper examines the work of librarians who manage information resources at the University of Arizona Libraries to inform the development of a set of core competencies. The planned implementation and assessment of a series of training sessions for developing these competencies is also discussed, as is the role of individual librarians who have been assigned specific tasks related to broader issues not easily addressed by a training session. Finally, a prioritized list of mastery-level competencies for future development is defined. Findings – By defining in detail the information resource-related tasks for which IRM members are responsible, the authors were able to develop a plan for training modules that are designed to ensure core competencies for all team members. Originality/value – This paper is a detailed plan for developing competencies needed to manage information resources at an academic library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the recent literature about institutional repositories (IRs) including the benefits and possible obstacles of setting up an IR. It will also discuss librarians' and authors' participative roles and open access. In conclusion, the paper aims to consider the future of IRs and finally makes recommendations for their successful implementation in academic institutions. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on the recently published literature discussing current trends in IRs; although, some historical reference is also necessary to provide background to the open access movement and the early development of IRs. Given that the paper is an account of the history and current status of IRs, a formal documented methodology is not applicable. Findings – The discussion suggests that in spite of all the obstacles to successful implementation, including associated negative perceptions, IRs have been increasingly recognised as a vital tool for scholarly communication and an important source of institutional visibility and a viable source of institutional knowledge management. Research limitations/implications – This paper is an expression of opinion about current trends and future applications of IRs. It is not based on any formal methodology. This paper will be useful for librarians, academic staff and academic institutions generally, especially in developing countries where IRs are still in a developmental stage. Therefore, some of the general recommendations may not be as relevant for those institutions with well-established and flourishing IRs. Practical implications – The paper is aimed at institutions with low-use repositories. It can be used to persuade management to establish institutional policies and it can also be helpful in clarifying the role of the library. It is also aimed at institutions considering initial development of an IR. The paper outlines the implications for IR practice for different groups, namely authors, librarians and academic administrative staff. It could, therefore, be used to persuade and influence different sets of stakeholders at institutions with under-populated or embryonic IRs, about the value of open access, the importance of depositing material and the potential functionality afforded by IR packages. Originality/value – The paper provides a review of the status of IRs and brings together topics previously reported on in isolation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- There has been a great deal of emphasis on the concept of "Legendary" customer service in the private sector these days. This concept has been reaching into more public sector organizations in recent years. Loosely defined as the pinnacle of outstanding service presently demonstrated by only a handful of recognized companies, when one examines many of the attributes of this model of service, many libraries have already adopted their own versions of it. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the environment in which librarians are providing the "Legendary" customer service model as emphasized in the private sector as a best practice, thus validating the profession's continued relevance. Design/methodology/approach -- The approach takes the form of a literature review and commentary on this topic that is now being addressed by colleagues. Findings -- With the increase in patron expectations fulfilled by librarians daily, the "Legendary" service model becomes even more important to validate the example of quality customer service, so that the debate regarding the relevance of the profession is silenced once and for all. Originality/value -- The value in addressing this issue is to recognize that the new model of customer service is already embedded into the work of today's librarians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to describe inter-library access services in Hong Kong academic libraries and to discuss means of improving the services. Design/methodology/approach -- The paper takes the form of a narrative with suggestions for further development. Findings -- The introduction of the EasyRegister service has been a success. Originality/value -- The paper presents a detailed description of how the physical access of users can be facilitated between universities. This will be useful for all librarians concerned with this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the current state of research on the various biological agents that could cause deterioration of paper materials and possible intervention strategies against these biotic agents in the tropics. Design/methodology/approach – Recent literature in the tropics is reviewed to gain insight into the problems that confront libraries in the tropics as regards the biological deterioration of library materials. Findings – The paper identifies moulds as the most important biodeteriorating agents of library materials. In addition to destroying, disfiguring and staining books, the moulds have been linked to numerous adverse human health effects that fall into three categories: allergic, toxic and infectious. The other biological agents include bacteria, insects and rodents. The important insects in tropical environment are cockroaches and termites. The warm humid tropical conditions and dirty environment trigger/promote biodeterioration processes and make book deterioration to be more pronounced in the tropics than in the temperate regions. Research limitations/implications – Physical visits to the libraries were not carried out and the conclusions reached were based on evidence from scientific literature on the subject in the tropics. Practical implications – A very useful source of information on how to curb the menace of biological agents against the destruction of library materials in the tropics. These include training programmes for library staff on conservation and preservation of library collections, the creation of awareness on the issue among library users, the adoption of good house keeping practices and modification of storage environment to make them unsuitable for the biodeteriogens. It is recommended that libraries and archives in tropical countries should have preservation guidelines and integrated pest management teams and should also cooperate with scientists in relevant disciplines to be able to find lasting solutions to the problem of biodeterioration of library materials. Originality/value – This paper looks into the neglected area of biological deterioration of papers which is the main information carrier in libraries. It provides very useful and practical suggestions that libraries in the tropics could adopt to tackle the menace of biological agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — The purpose of this paper is to focus on the vision that the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation (DFG)) pursues with its funding programmes in the field of digital information provision. Design/methodology/approach — The first section of the paper sketches out the strategic decisions which determine the funding policy of the DFG in the field of digital information, while the second section describes in more detail the central funding schemes of the DFG in the field of digital information. Findings — The funding policy of the DFG seeks to build an integrated digital research environment that includes scholarly publications and primary research data as well as new forms of communication in virtual research and work environments. But it will be only by the common effort of scholars, libraries and providers of scholarly information, funders, publishers and fee-collecting agencies that the vision of an integrated digital research environment will come true. Originality/value — The outline of the funding programmes of the DFG in the area of digital information provision will be of interest to librarians and information professionals seeking information about library-funding policies and strategies in Germany. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to illustrate issues surrounding the Google Book settlement in 2009, and its relevance to libraries by general discussion and examples from library practice. Design/methodology/approach – A set of projections and speculations that are both conceptual and practical in nature, based on early reactions and comments about this development. Findings – There are many philosophical and moral objections to the consequences of the Google Book settlement, and that the practical effects for academic libraries could be both positive and/or negative. The practical examples of such outcomes are designed to help clarify the implications for library and information practitioners and generate further debate. Research limitations/implications – The fact that the Book settlement is a legal arrangement between parties in a civil court makes in depth research analysis of a public nature very difficult – which is in itself one of the main themes of the paper. Practical implications – The teasing out of the real-life consequences of the settlement are intended be helpful to the library practitioner. Originality/value – This paper tries to offer an early insight into an important new development in information retrieval history from the point of view of academic librarians, in contrast to much contemporary comment, which has come from authors and rights holders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the 29th IATUL Conference on "Digital discovery: strategies and solutions" held in Auckland, New Zealand in April 2008. Design/methodology/approach - The article gives an outline of the issues, content, keynote speakers, social networking and location of this conference. Findings - The IATUL meeting presented a wide range of cutting-edge topics defining the future roles of librarians in a globalised information society. Participants gained insights into the workings and visions of librarians around the globe, had the opportunity to share experiences and best practice and to find new inspiration and encouragement for their own daily work. The conference included areas such as policies for the information society, digitalization strategies, open access initiatives, e-research developments, library support for e-science, library customer orientation, Web 2.0 applications for libraries, learning experiences of the Net generation, information literacy as well as data and knowledge management. Originality/value - The paper provides a conference report of value to library and information professionals, in particular to library directors and senior managers, regarding the development of a modern dynamic infrastructure for digital information and communication and the role of libraries therein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper it to outline current resource-sharing initiatives in Irish academic libraries that support increased research activity in line with national policy. This paper aims to point to the challenges and opportunities such initiatives present. Design/methodology/approach - The approach takes the form of a review paper based on practice. Findings - It has been suggested that the greatest obstacle to finding library research is that librarians do not publish their research. As financial constraints impact on all publicly funded organisations it is not unreasonable to suggest that decision making will become more dependent on research evidence than previously. Economies of scale cannot justify the development of a research body such as the Research Information Network (RIN) in the UK and, while its output is relevant to higher education in Ireland, it is important to remember that its findings must be adapted and scaled to the Irish environment, and that partnerships and collaboration may result in different dynamics from those in a larger polity. It is therefore important that Irish research is documented and published, so that it helps map the information landscape which supports the research agenda and the national interest. Originality/value - The paper presents a synthesis of current practice, outlining current shortcomings and challenges. It will be of interest to all librarians concerned to learn more about resource sharing in the British Isles and in particular in the Republic of Ireland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - Library online public access catalogues (OPACs) are considered to be unattractive in comparison with popular internet sites. In 2000, the authors presented some suggestions on how library catalogues should change. Have librarians actually made their OPACs more user-friendly by adopting techniques and technologies already present in other information resources? This paper aims to address these issues. Design/methodology/approach - The characteristics of four OPACs, one online bookstore and two internet search engines are analyzed. The paper reviews some of the changes and directions suggested by researchers and adds some of authors own. All this is in the hope that library catalogues will survive "Google attack." Findings - Changes are identified in the information services studied over a seven-year period. Least development is found in library catalogues. Suggestions are made for library catalogues of the future. Research limitations/implications - A library catalogue, a web search engine and an internet bookstore cannot be compared directly because of differences in scope. But features from each could be fruitfully used in others. Practical implications - OPACs must be both attractive and useful. They should be at least as easy to use as their competitors. With the results of research as well as the knowledge librarians have many years, the profession should be able to develop better OPACs than we have today and regain lost ground in the "competition" for those with information needs. Originality/value - A comparison of OPAC features in 2000 and 2007, even if subjective, can provide a panoramic view of the development of the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to review the current state of e-books, decamping their potential scope, highlighting information from recent ebrary surveys in connection with the author's on-the-ground experience with students, and discussing the challenges of these evolving works. Design/methodology/approach - The paper describes the need to broaden perceptions of e-books in light of their extensive potential and scope. It highlights significant points in the ebrary surveys and compares them with the author's on-the-ground experience in a medium-sized university with students who are less advantaged. It also presents the challenges librarians face, both currently and in the future, illustrating progress in some areas and emphasizing the growing complexity in managing these works. Findings - Even as librarians cope with what can now be considered "traditional" e-books, little attention is paid to the potential breadth and diversity of e-books. The surveys show that librarians are only partially aware of students' perceptions about e-books and that there are conflicting priorities among students, faculty, and librarians. Conclusions are that: even as librarians cope with the current state of e-books, they must also plan for future types of e-books; and there is a strong need for greater communication in the increasingly complex e-book arena of selection, acquisition, collection integration, and instruction. Originality/value - Much of the literature about e-books deals with the pros and cons, either of e-books or of e-book readers. The paper lays out e-book issues to foster further in-depth discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to discover university librarians' perceptions regarding importance of various elements of CM, and self- assessment about the status of CM in university libraries of Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach -- To achieve the objectives of the study, the survey method was used with self-completion questionnaires to collect data from throughout Pakistan. The questionnaire was sent to central libraries of 40 major accredited universities of Pakistan and 30 responses were obtained. Findings -- It was found that the university librarians are still not fully conversant with the changing scenario of CM in both theoretical and practical terms. It also appeared that the university librarians were not satisfied with the overall status of managing a collection in the majority of cases. Originality/value -- The paper is the first study on the overall status of collection management in Pakistan. It will invoke among professionals the need to learn and apply modern practices of collection management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this article is to offer some considerations for the implementation of hub-based collaborative repositories. The current situation of Korean public libraries is to be examined, centering upon the issue of storage space, and possible solutions are to be presented. Design/methodology/approach - A corroborative analysis is done to determine the seriousness of the problem and the plausibility of the assertion by looking only at the National Library of Korea and public libraries. Findings - By the end of 2005 Korean public libraries as a whole had reached 92 percent capacity, which suggests that there is an immediate need to secure additional storage space. Library collection size increased at a rate of 11.5 percent over a period of ten years (1996-2005). Even if a more moderate rate of 7 percent is applied to projections for 2015 storage space we will exceeded by 38.9 percent and the ratio of shortage in storage space to storage limit is expected to amount to 82.1 percent. Originality/value - This paper proposes the establishment of collaborative repositories, borrowing the principle of selection and concentration. The model for hub-based collaborative repositories is provided and the roles of the repository network are outlined. This will effectively increase the circulation turnover rate while reducing a user's opportunity costs. In the meantime, the National Library will be contributing to the country's decentralization and balanced national development and also increasing its own value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - "Guerrilla marketing" describes unconventional marketing strategies with which to achieve significant effects - with a fraction of the budget of "traditional" marketing campaigns. This article aims to give an introduction to "guerrilla marketing" principles and discuss suitability of this marketing approach for information services. Design/methodology/approach - Whether guerrilla marketing strategies may be suitable for introducing information services and the necessary prerequisites for that are explored based on applying cross-case analysis findings from industry examples to information services. This is based on a conceptual framework illustrating differentiating and positioning hypotheses for information services. Findings - It is argued, that guerrilla marketing strategies may be applied for information services whenever a product-like representation for such a service can be developed and a link to emotional values be established. Furthermore, for the product-like representation there must be coherent target groups to be identified and relevant user scenarios be created for them. Originality/value - This article provides a conceptual framework related to the question of how to increase acceptance and degree of utilization of information services in their relevant target groups. By discussing the possibilities of marketing strategies with limited resources, this article provides alternative ways of thinking and acting for information services mediators such as, for example, librarians. This is of particular relevance for this community, as information services mediators generally need marketing efforts to gain spread for their information services offer - but usually are faced with strictly limited marketing budgets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Discusses the development of local history collections within libraries in Sierra Leone. Design/methodology/approach – The article is a reflective viewpoint. Findings – That there is a growing interest in local history collections in libraries in Sierra Leone, and that more formal structures should be put in place to safeguard these materials for the future. Practical implications – Proposes some ways forward for ensuring the long term viability of local collections in Sierra Leone. Originality/value – The article is the first on the topic of local history collections in Sierra Leone's libraries, and should be of interest to librarians around the world who have an interest in local history librarianship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – As Singapore librarians celebrate the culmination of the landmark Library 2000 Plan, it is also an appropriate time to look at what lies ahead for the profession. The purpose of this paper is to provide an edited version of an article originally delivered at the conference "Celebrating Knowledge: The Power and Potential – 13-15 December 2005" organized by the Singapore National Library Board in conjunction with the opening of the new National Library Building. Design/methodology/approach – Using a basic model of a library, one that comprises three components – the collection, value added work on the collection, and services that help users exploit and use the collection – the paper discusses each component in light of current technological developments and learning trends to draw conclusions on the relevance of libraries in the near future. Findings – It is argued that libraries and librarians will continue to play critical roles as the need for the effective preservation and transmission of knowledge in society still remains. As many of these critical roles rely on libraries as permanent institutions, librarians must continue to make significant contributions through their work in institutions such as libraries. Originality/value – The article provides a useful springboard to discuss, identify and elaborate on the roles of libraries and librarians in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Written in 1944, the purpose of this paper is to assess the librarian's increasing responsibilities and influences in the light of new educational plans. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a personal viewpoint on the subject of "the librarian and the art of reading". Findings – It is vital that librarians should stress more and more the creative art of reading and point to the dangers of both superficial reading and of over-indulgence. Originality/value – The paper emphasises the great influence that libraries, as centres of learning, can have on a community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to reflect on an editorial from an earlier issue, entitled "The librarian and the art of reading". Design/methodology/approach – Critical review of the argument presented in the original editorial. Findings – The concept of the "art of reading" (essentially critical thinking about text) proposed in the original editorial has held up well, especially when its historical context (World War Two) is appreciated. Practical implications – This article would be of interest to anyone working in libraries who is interested in the promotion of reading and why we read. Originality/value – Analyses a challenging concept – the "art of reading" (essentially critical thinking about text). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper aims to examine the lack of attention to the preservation of intrinsic value in original artifacts by archivists and librarians with implications for the preservation of the permanent historical record. Design/methodology/approach - Through a selective review of the recent literature about intrinsic value, the current situation is evaluated. Findings - The paper finds that, in order to ensure the preservation of intrinsic value in both paper and digital documents, archivists and librarians must act immediately before substantial portions of the historical record suffer further permanent and irretrievable loss. Originality/value - The issues involved in determining the presence of intrinsic value are examined. Recommendations are given for preserving the permanent historical record. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strategic business partnerships inform business faculty-librarian (BFL) collaboration. This paper seeks to address how the motivations for business partnerships and faculty-librarian collaborations are similar. A conceptual model suggests that the depth of the BFL relationship significantly enhances electronic collection development outcomes. Literature concerning strategic business alliances, faculty-librarian collaborations, and collection development was examined to determine whether principles that ate applied to strategic business alliances can also be applied to BFL collaborations. A case-in-point is included for illustration. Specific principles of strategic business partnerships can be applied to BFL collaborations aimed at improving electronic collection development. In addition, driving forces such as assessment, communication, and technology influence the nature of alliances across the business and academic arenas. The findings are significant because they demonstrate how BFL collaborations can be made more effective through the application of business principles. BFL collaborations can positively influence electronic collection development in a variety of ways. The paper offers a new and unique conceptual model that improves understanding of the nature and depth of BFL collaborations in the context of electronic collection development. This paper will be of interest to business faculty in particular and faculty in general, and librarians working in diverse library settings, especially librarians aligned with management and business departments. Librarians in management positions will likely find this information useful as a means to increase faculty-librarian collaboration across all disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this research is to analyse the results of a survey conducted in 2003/2004 with regard to the relationship between the University of Malta Library and its customers. Changes to service delivery subsequent to the survey are outlined. Design/methodology/approach - Results from a series of focus groups, held with library staff and customers were analysed and are discussed in the paper. Findings - Library customers were bypassing the library services and seeking information elsewhere. Demands for the product were greater than the availability of existing information resources to meet such demand. Consequently new systems were required, together with training for staff and customers in their use, in order to improve the relationship between information providers and users. There was anecdotal evidence of improvements in service subsequent to the survey, and of better relationships developing between library staff and their customers. Research limitations/implications - A follow-up study to test reactions to changes outlined is desirable. Practical implications - This study showed that involving customers in service design and delivery can have positive benefits in terms of improving the perception of the library service amongst its customer base. Originality/value - Shows the practical value of adopting a customer relationship management strategy in university libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the evolution of the processes and procedures utilized by Jacksonville State University's Houston Cole Library to manage its varied electronic resources collection. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based upon the library's experiences managing electronic resources in five major categories: e.books; electronic government documents; electronic journals; e-reserves; and web sites. Findings – Electronic resources librarians, an emerging specialty, must develop effective practices to manage the varied electronic resources that continue to be accessioned within most libraries. Practical implications – This article provides a practical model to address these management issues. Originality/value – Provides common practices for the management of electronic resources and insights into possible problems that can arise when creating a one-stop shopping archetype for electronic resource management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The paper seeks to describe the EBL process in sufficient detail that the readers can apply it to their own professional practice. Design/methodology/approach - The paper takes the form of a narrative literature review. Findings - The EBL process can be summarized through its five steps: formulate a clearly defined, relevant, and answerable question; search for an answer in both the published and unpublished literature, plus any other authoritative resources, for the best available evidence; critically appraise the evidence; assess the relative value of expected benefits and costs of any decided upon action plan; and evaluate the effectiveness of the action plan. Originality/value - References for readers to pursue more in-depth research into any particular step or a specific aspect of the EBL process are provided. The EBL process assists librarians in applying the best available evidence to answering the more important questions facing their practice, their institutions, and the profession. This evidence can become the basis for making sound decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — This paper addresses the coverage of issues related to crisis and societal change in the scholarly literature in relation to libraries, information services, and access to information and the leadership role of librarians and libraries in addressing such issues. Design/methodology/approach — The paper provides an overview and analysis of the general issue of change in the literature review, as well as a discussion of war and terrorism, civil and natural disasters, social movements, medical and healthcare crises and needs, and large-scale economic and technological shifts. The research results address the extent to which these major economic, political, technological and social changes have been addressed in four quarterly, peer-reviewed library and information science journals over the past six years and the extent to which the focus of the published research and discussion has shifted over the past six years. Findings — Research based on analysis of the journal literature reflects the documentation of practices and research results in library and information science. The research results indicate increased focus on war and terrorism and large-scale economic and technological change, as related to information services, in the literature, during and after 2001, but less focus on information access, despite the impact of war and terrorism on library collections and resulting legal and policy decisions related to access to information. Research limitations/implications — As a result of the limited focus on research and discussion of leadership in the peer-reviewed journals included in the research study and the fact that the articles that addressed the role of libraries and librarians in addressing various aspects of crisis and change did not also identify the roles as those of leadership, there is the need for research and publication to document the examples of library leadership that may be taking place, but which are not reflected in the research literature. Practical implications — The efforts undertaken to influence the policy-making and legislative processes, to provide access to information, and to design and provide information resources and services have not been articulated in the literature as leadership roles, in particular. Thus, the analysis of the literature appears to indicate further opportunities for leadership at the local, national and international levels, consistent with the numerous examples reflected in the literature. Originality/value — In general, there is limited focus on research and discussion of leadership in the scholarly journals in library and information science. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the major economic, political, technological and social changes internationally, over the past six years, and addresses the extent to which the efforts of librarians and libraries to address these issues have been documented in the research literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper aims to identify topics that are being addressed in the institutional repository (IR) literature, and to determine what the role of the librarian will be in IR projects. Design/methodology/approach - A thorough search was conducted to identify literature that has been published about IRs. A conceptual content analysis was conducted on the literature using eight category coding steps and a multicoder process including a review of intercoder agreement. Findings - The analysis of the 30 articles revealed that concepts found in the IR literature can be grouped into five major themes - definition, implementation, management, outcomes, and librarian's role. The analysis also indicated that there is only a limited discussion of the librarian's role particularly with regard to the relationship with self-archiving authors, which is a key characteristic of IRs. Research limitations/implications - The paper identifies areas in the literature that have not been addressed and suggests areas for future research. Its limitations are that: the cut-off date for literature was October 30, 2004; the literature review was comprehensive but not exhaustive; nine articles had a single coder but were included because of high levels of coder agreement; and coding was on general concepts at the most elemental level. Practical implications - The paper identifies six roles that are the responsibilities of librarians in the IR environment: understanding software, project planning and management, collection definition, metadata guidance, submission review, and author training. Originality/value - This paper makes an original contribution by identifying what is missing in the literature and by offering recommendations about the role of librarians in the IR environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - Little is known about the current state of industry standards subscriptions in US libraries. In this age of electronic access and tightening budgets, many libraries are re-examining whether or not to alter paper subscriptions of standards to electronic versions and/or switch to on-demand delivery. Design/methodology/approach - Two surveys were conducted in an attempt to gauge the extent to which other libraries are currently collecting standards in electronic format or providing on-demand purchasing for industry standards. Findings - The number of libraries purchasing electronic standards or providing on-demand purchasing in 2003 appears to be incongruous with comments from both surveys. In the 2001 survey, librarians could not find ways to fund on-demand purchasing and, in the 2003 survey, a number of libraries were purchasing some sets on an irregular basis to save money. A little over half (51 percent) of the responding libraries provide electronic versions of standards and 60 percent indicated they provide on-demand purchasing of individual standards. Originality/value - Survey responses resulted in several local changes to improve patron success rates at acquiring industry standard including: created a publicly-searchable database of locally-available standards, initiated a purchase on-demand process, worked with interlibrary loan (ILL) staff to determine which standards would be better to purchase versus request on ILL and became more adept at reference interviews involving requests for standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]