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Purpose The purpose this study was to determine currency of print health materials readily available in North Carolina public libraries, through a statewide assessment. Two subject areas were examined: health reference and diabetes.Design/methodology/approach In total, 30 randomly selected public libraries were visited and unobtrusive stacks assessments were completed. Some months later, the libraries’ websites were examined for collection development policies, and online catalogs were searched using the keyword diabetes to identify possible discrepancies and additions.Findings For visits, publication dates for reference books ranged from 1899-2014 and the average number of holdings was 10 (range 0-30). The most common reference item, the AMA Family Medical Guide (2005), was available in 6 of 30 libraries. In diabetes collections, publication dates ranged from 1983-2013; the average number of books was nine (range 0-26). The Atkins Diabetes Revolution (2004) was the most common, available in 9 of 30 libraries. Two-thirds of libraries did not have a collection development policy online. Catalog searches revealed 10 titles prior to 1983 and 18 titles (non-cook books) from 2014-2016.Practical implications The study found overall that print health reference books were outdated. In diabetes collections, there were also many outdated items. It appears that regular weeding to assure currency of print health literature is not taking place.Originality/value The study demonstrates that public libraries may not be providing optimal print health information. With unprecedented access, it is imperative that librarians in all types of settings aid in health literacy promotion by assuring access to reliable and timely health information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This paper aims to present the authors’ attempts to evaluate the access to archival maps available in digital libraries. Its aim was to pinpoint the factors determining the effectiveness of access to old maps and to evaluate which Polish libraries provide resources in such a way as to give the users the best chance of finding the materials necessary for their research.Design/methodology/approach The presented research focussed on archival documents from academic libraries accessible from the Polish Digital Libraries Federation and available from Europeana Collections. The evaluation criteria were established along with features that determine the level of difficulty of access to data describing archival documents. The research took into account the way of recording the data about archival documents in metadata. The authors have also analysed the quantity of available resources and the consistency of metadata record.Findings The results of the research have demonstrated that one-third of the analysed libraries deserve a positive evaluation. The digital library of the Warsaw University and the Jagiellonian Digital Library received the best scores in terms of the description of archival documents. Considering the number of resources, the Jagiellonian Digital Library and the Digital Library of the University of Wrocław are positively distinguished.Originality/value The method of evaluating the access to archival maps has been developed. The criteria and features necessary for this evaluation and the way of their interpretation have also been defined. The future goals leading to the improvement of the access to the archival maps have been also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to develop a model for integration of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in resource sharing practices for enhanced service delivery in academic libraries in Southeast Nigeria. Seven objectives guided the study; ICT-based resource sharing practices in academic libraries in Southeast Nigeria; ICT infrastructure for resource sharing; ICT needs of librarians for resource sharing practices; stages of ICT integration in resource sharing; perception of librarians towards ICT-based resource sharing; challenges to integration of ICT in resource sharing practices; design a model for the integration of ICT into resource sharing; all in academic libraries in Southeast Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach: The research design adopted for this study is the mixed research design containing the "descriptive survey" research design and the "research and development, R&D." The population of the study is 164, comprising all of the librarians in federal universities in Southeast Nigeria. All of the librarians of the five federal universities will be involved in the study. Hence, there was no sampling. The instrument for data collection is a structured questionnaire. Findings: The findings of the study revealed that 88.8% of the librarians use ICT to boost the volume of resources; while 74% of the librarians were positive in all responses pertaining to ICT-based resource sharing practices in the libraries. The study also revealed that ICT infrastructures in the library for resource sharing are highly available and applicable; while computers and internet networks are the most needed gadgets for the operations. Libraries in Southeast Nigeria are in the applying and transforming stages of ICT adoption at a 69.7% response rate; while the librarians have a strong belief and understanding that a lot can be achieved in resource sharing through ICT; and would recommend such. Poor electrification, inadequate funding and unavailability of some ICT technologies were equally identified as challenges. The study conclusively developed a resource sharing model, the Southeast Federal University Library Connect; accessible at https://southeastfeduniconnect.njh.com.ng Originality/value: The research study is one of the few types of research that has developed a functional model for resource sharing in academic libraries in Southeast Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Librarianship's dominant conception of the freedom to read is governed by a liberal principle of noninterference, wherein free readers are those who face no intentional intervention in their choice of materials. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how this account fails to adequately capture systemic threats that impoverish people's reading lives. Design/methodology/approach: This conceptual paper deploys informal argumentation to expose a flaw in the dominant account of the freedom to read. The author uses a case study of comparative titles or comps, an editorial decision-making and justificatory convention that reproduces racial inequality in Anglophone trade publishing. Findings: Comps present one example of how everyday norms and practices of literary production render people's reading lives pervasively unfree, even absent some intent to interfere in them. The going account of the freedom to read calls, at best, for a greater diversity of book-commodities from which consumers may choose. However, the comp case suggests that this distributive remedy will be insufficient without relevant changes to the institutional arrangements that condition readers' choices in the first place. Originality/value: This paper draws together insights from Library and Information Science, political philosophy and print culture studies to illuminate limitations in librarianship's standard conception of the freedom to read. This reveals the need for an alternative, structural account of that freedom with significant implications for practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Warren Nutter and James M. Buchanan did not revise "Universal Education" to turn against providing tuition grants to segregated schools in 1965. Their revised text contains no call to expel segregation academies from the tuition grant program and does not even express disapproval of the goals or the work of segregation academies. Recent claims to that effect by Fleury (2023) and Levy and Peart (2023) cannot be sustained by either textual or contextual evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This research aims to explore the origin of tourism public relations (PR) in Thailand as practiced by the State Railway of Siam (SRS) prior to the Second World War when rail travel was still a new form of transportation in the country. Design/methodology/approach: The study approach is documentary research involving an in-depth examination of both published and unpublished documents of a special collection of the SRS archives conducted in a fact-based and descriptive manner. Findings: In the first half of the 20th century, a period of global economic uncertainty, the SRS performed the role of the government's PR division, with one of its important tasks being to promote travel and tourism in the country among both Thais and foreigners. The SRS incorporated the use of PR materials including advertisements, films, guidebooks, speeches, events, pre-arranged press activities and sales promotions in its activities. The current study explores the SRS's strategies employed in the creation of integrated and place communication campaigns to promote its train service and tourism throughout Thailand via its railway network. Research limitations/implications: The findings of the study reveal the PR efforts carried out by the SRS, which utilized a variety of communication tools in tourism promotion. This can lead to a better understanding of global tourism PR history and more specifically the development of tourism PR in Thailand and throughout South-East Asia. Practical implications: The results add to the body of knowledge of how integrated marketing communication, place branding and professional PR activities evolved in Thailand. Originality/value: The research fills a gap in the history of tourism PR and its relation to broader social and economic structures in Siam prior to the 21st century. It also reveals the little explored topic of how the railway engaged in historical path of PR practices and how they relate to a country's specific PR development outside of the highly researched U.S. context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to share this study's efforts to foster belonging in special collections public service spaces, as Black and Latina practitioners of color, while navigating known systemic professional barriers to inclusivity in the library information profession. Design/methodology/approach: In this conceptual essay, frameworks from Black and Chicana feminist theories are applied which resonate deeply with this study's practices but are not often encountered in library spaces, namely intersectional nepantla, which is used to situate the positionality within special collections. Findings: Fostering belonging in special collections environments is an ongoing effort, but this study offers reflections in solidarity with all who seek to increase inclusivity and equity in their spaces. It is believed that the cumulative impact of many small actions implemented from the ground up can potentially be as significant as top-down, administrative charges. Originality/value: This article's originality stems from both its authors and the methodology. As BIPOC practitioners, to the authors emphasize the authentic, day-to-day interactions that are essential to developing inclusivity and equity in special collections and archival spaces. Special collections reference workers have limited time off desk to collaborate and conduct research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of promoting peer support to reduce depression, anxiety and stress among migrant construction workers in Singapore. Design/methodology/approach: This longitudinal study drew participants from migrant workers of various nationalities in the construction sector in Singapore. Baseline data pertaining to depression, anxiety and stress was established using the DASS-21 questionnaire, and salient covariates such as demographic factors and work environment factors recorded using suitable questionnaires. Intervention was training of participants on peer support techniques, supplemented by episodic support by trained counsellors. At the end of 6 months, DASS-21 was again deployed to obtain the post-results. Comparison of baseline with post-results data was performed to evaluate effectiveness of the peer support intervention. Findings: Statistically significant reduction was observed in measures of all the three parameters studied, namely, depression, anxiety and stress. A decrease of 3.3 (95% CI:2.3 to 4.3) points in mean depression score, a decrease of 2.6 (95% CI: 1.6 to 3.7) points in mean anxiety score and a decrease of 2.7 (with 95% CI: 1.6 to 4.0) points in mean stress scores on the DASS-21 scale were recorded. Conclusions: Peer support is effective in improving mental health of migrant workers in the construction sector in Singapore. This intervention should be considered among other measures to improve their welfare. Originality/value: This is the first paper that talks about the mental health of migrant workers pre-COVID and hence would be a strong paper for the future comparative studies for pre-and post-COVID periods. This is the first paper that addresses the benefits of peer-support among migrant workers to improve their mental wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The substantial benefits of e-procurement to organizations and institutions have, over the past two decades, become central to supply chain management. This study aims to identify the factors that facilitate the adoption of e-procurement system using modified Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2). Design/methodology/approach: Using a quantitative approach, the factors identified in the UTAUT2 are operationalized and examined carefully. The investigation has been conducted using a survey questionnaire. The data set has been obtained from 205 construction professionals in Ghana. Findings: The research evinced that the decision by individuals to adopt e-procurement is mainly influenced by performance expectancy and social influence. By implication, the study found out that the respondents are more likely to adopt e-procurement if it is seen to be user-friendly and useful, and when they have a community of people supporting its use. Overall, the findings suggest that the model can stimulate a high adoption and intention to use e-procurement technologies, given its good predictive potential and robustness. Practical implications: The structures uncovered in the study show that not all UTAUT2 factors are applicable within the study area. The findings provide a good backdrop in the development of policy and a roadmap for e-procurement implementation in Ghana. This is particularly useful for system development and implementation purposes for government agencies, contracting organizations, professionals and users of e-procurement technologies. Originality/value: The original contribution and value of the paper is the use of UTAUT2 to provide evidence on their significance to e-procurement adoption among construction professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Upcycling is conceptualised as a digital historical research practice aimed at increasing the scientific value of historical data collections produced in print or in electronic form between the eighteenth and the late twentieth centuries. The concept of upcycling facilitates data rescue and reuse as well as the study of information creation processes deployed by previous generations of researchers. Design/methodology/approach: Based on a selection of two historical reference works and two legacy collections, an upcycling workflow consisting of three parts (input, processing and documentation and output) is developed. The workflow facilitates the study of historical information creation processes based on paradata analysis and targets the cognitive processes that precede and accompany the creation of historical data collections. Findings: The proposed upcycling workflow furthers the understanding of computational methods and their role in historical research. Through its focus on the information creation processes that precede and accompany historical research, the upcycling workflow contributes to historical data criticism and digital hermeneutics. Originality/value: Many historical data collections produced between the eighteenth and the late twentieth century do not comply with the principles of FAIR data. The paper argues that ignoring the work of previous generations of researchers is not an option, because it would make current research practices more vulnerable and would result in losing access to the experiences and knowledge accumulated by previous generations of scientists. The proposed upcycling workflow takes historical data collections seriously and makes them available for future generations of researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 reports the development in Sweden during the last few years on shared print cooperation. In June 2022, 30 libraries signed a letter of intent on cooperation on preservation and withdrawal of print material. By taking joint responsibility for long-term preservation, libraries aim to secure access as well as diversity and breadth in the collections. Design/methodology/approach: As a first practical step, the working group is conducting a national collection analysis using metadata in the national catalog LIBRIS. Findings: The paper presents the preliminary results of the collection analysis and discusses the next steps for the collaboration. Originality/value: The Swedish collaboration is one of many European and international collaborations on print archiving, and as such being of interest to a global library field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The Library of Congress is engaged in an effort to ensure the health and sustainability of its preservation program. Design/methodology/approach: This paper is an expanded version of a presentation Jacob Nadal and Erin Engle gave at the 7th Kuopio Conference. That presentation explained how the preservation management team re-evaluated and re-imagined its work through a series of workshops, cost studies and planning exercises. This led to a new way to respond to immediate operational requirements and adapt to agency focus across strategic planning cycles while still making progress on large-scale preservation needs. Findings: This work led to new plans for the workforce and fiscal resources needed to maintain a rich array of options for use of the collections over the long term. This paper details the philosophy and strategy behind this approach to address financial and organizational sustainability of a large-scale preservation program. [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 – Although the new J-ISIS software from UNESCO, based on Berkeley DB and Lucene technology, complies with some of the technical requirements as seen necessary for digital library applications, an easy way of building collections so far was not available. The purpose of this paper is to give a report on some necessary DL technological requirements, such as the capability to deal with any metadata structure and alphabets and full-text indexing of documents of any length, and how J-ISIS can deal with these, as well as on the production of the DL interface for digital library applications based on Tika technology. Design/methodology/approach – A brief comparison is made with a well-established DL software, i.e. Greenstone Digital Library, regarding the concepts and performance. Findings – While using a quite different architecture and approach, the test shows that J-ISIS can process the documents faster and with more economical storage efficiency, inviting UNESCO to invest more into it in order to allow incorporation of some more advanced features like Greenstone's capability to process intra-document segments and images, but also to allow for new exciting features for digital libraries such as interactivity. Research limitations/implications – The research is based on the J-ISIS prototype implementation of digital library technology and could only be tested on a limited set of documents. Practical implications – Librarians interested in building digital library collections, esp. when doing this integrated with their library systems and catalogs, have a viable new option now within the FOSS-market. Originality/value – This is the first description on J-ISIS for digital libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this column is to examine the current environment of 3D printing and its suitability for use in the library. Design/methodology/approach – Literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners. Findings – The library is more than its collection. As 3D printing joins the technology selections available in the library, it offers patrons the opportunity to create and further develop their skills, in order to explore and potentially innovate, in a welcoming environment of intellectual stimulation and experimentation. Originality/value – The value in addressing this issue is to present the basic details around this new technology and suggest that it has value for its inclusion into the current array of library services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to cite and briefly discuss digital map collections. Design/methodology/approach - Digital map collections were located, evaluated, and selected. Collections included in the annotated bibliography consist primarily of maps that originated in print, or contain historical maps, or are unique. Each included collection meets at least one of those criteria. Findings - There are a wide variety of resources available online that users can freely access. This annotated bibliography focuses specifically on digital collections that contain cartographic materials. Each item, after being evaluated, includes a citation, brief description, and usage instructions. Originality/value - While there are many digital collections available for users to access that focus primarily on the manuscript and photograph formats, there are a variety of other formats that are also digitized, such as cartographic materials. This annotated bibliography highlights 40 collections that were located, evaluated, and described. Most of these collections originate in print materials, while at least one collection focuses specifically on digitally born maps. All maps collections are housed and created by institutions or organizations in the USA, while the content ranges in subjects, date ranges, and geographic locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to get a baseline understanding of the state of reference services in urban public libraries in the United States. Design/methodology/approach: The researchers surveyed all members of the Urban Libraries Council, a network of public library systems in urban centers across the country. The survey asked about their reference services, including how reference is offered, volume and types of questions and staff responsibilities. Participants were also asked how reference has changed in the past 5–10 years and what changes they anticipate in the future. Findings: This study found that the vast majority of urban public libraries still maintain a physical reference desk, but most also offer reference services in other formats as well. Most libraries have seen numbers of reference questions decline. Reference staff members are engaged in instruction, programming and community outreach as well. Looking ahead, some libraries expect reference questions to continue to decline and demand for virtual services to increase. Practical implications: Directors and reference staff of public libraries, especially those in urban and suburban settings, will find these results useful for benchmarking against their own experiences and for planning for future changes. Originality/value: While discussions of changes in reference service and volumes of reference questions are plentiful, as are predictions of how these declines will impact reference services, there is little current research on the actual state of those services. This study fills a gap in the literature by providing a baseline overview of the reference services in urban public libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Quality management, and its associated evidence-based ideology, have influenced library management from at least the beginning of the 1990s. Both concepts emphasize that decisions have to be based on facts. Libraries have a long history of using statistics in data collection due to international agreements and standards. Although there is much data available in the libraries, perhaps this collected data have not been utilized as effectively as possible. This paper aims to discuss the possibilities of combining different types of statistical data in order to measure the efficiency of the work being done in libraries and what possible impact they can have in their parent organizations. It also aims to use the concept of data warehousing as a tool for joining different types of statistical data in the analysis. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is a case study with statistical analysis of library data collected and a conceptual analysis of possibilities in the data warehousing of the library and library-related data in order to improve its analysis. Findings – The authors suggest that in order to improve the analysis of the library statistical data towards the actual effects the library has, for example, to the learning and research done within university, one must start to develop statistical data systems that enable the combination of different types of statistical data. This needs co-operation between different vendors and government officials in defining the statistical data collected. Research limitations/implications – The paper is based on Finnish experiences and the data warehousing model should be tested empirically and developed further due to the challenges in the conformity of the data collected. Practical implications – The paper presents ideas and possibilities to evolve the library statistical data analysis. Social implications – The paper presents ideas for national and international bodies in how to develop statistical data systems and their interoperability. Originality/value – The paper promotes the idea of combining library and other statistical data collected in order to provide better tools for library management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper aims to describe the development of a fiction web service which will serve as a tool for information searches, and a place for saving and sharing tacit knowledge of and experiences with fictional works. Key partners are the Turku City Library, the Semantic Computing Research Group, Libraries.fi editorial staff and Vaasa City Library. Design/methodology/approach - The system's technical infrastructure was built in the autumn of 2010: database, data storage platform and content description. Base data have been converted, data-saving protocols created and system data verified in order to stay up to date. Information on the project has been widely distributed to libraries, book industry actors and other potential partners, even at the international level. Design of the user interface has begun, and with its construction it will become apparent how well the project targets are being met, i.e. to make available a user-friendly service that offers library fiction collections and their attendant expertise and inspires service users to read, make recommendations and evaluate fiction by the spring of 2011. Findings - Fiction is an integral part of Finnish library collections. However, its information search and help desk resources are lacking, and the content of older works of fiction has not been systematically described. Where fiction customer service is concerned, the librarian is largely left to rely on their own reading, memory and associations. This Kirjasampo Project will provide better access to fiction collections. Content description is done using ontologies, thus requiring the ontologisation of Kaunokki, the Finnish fiction thesaurus, as part of the project. In addition to Kaunokki, time, place, language and nationality ontologies are used. Originality/value - In the wide-ranging and multidisciplinary Finnish Kirjasampo Project, thought has been given to how these problems can be solved using modern technologies. Because the service will have a large number of features that cannot be realised with existing library systems, it will be done using semantic web tools. A fiction metadata schema, which defines the necessary fields in information models, was developed for the service. The Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR) was applied in the information models, with the content of each work being described ("abstract work") and the various versions and institutions ("physical works") linked to it. This information is saved in the RDF database using a Kirjasampo-SAHA annotation editor, which is a browser-based and user-friendly metadata-saving tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The aim of this paper is to clearly show the process, cost, and benefits of an audio digitization project within a university library. Design/methodology/approach - From formulating the idea for a new digital collection available to patrons via the library catalog through implementation, promotion, and gathering feedback, each step is detailed. Findings - Although it is a time-consuming endeavor, the creation of unique digital library collections can produce a variety of benefits for both library patrons and librarians. Originality/value - The paper is written by a librarian who is neither a computer nor cataloging expert. It is an attempt to show others who may have important but antiquated collections that digitization projects may be successfully completed without advanced technical skills or a large budget. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine whether aggregator packages might be appropriate to replace or supplement print collections in business and nursing, it aims to identify e-book equivalents for print books acquired for an academic library's collections. Design/methodology/approach – This paper provides a list of the library's acquisitions in two disciplines checked against e-book aggregators' holdings. The comparison is analyzed and discussed. Findings – The results confirm findings of a previous study showing that less than one-third of print books acquired for this library's nursing and business collections have e-book equivalents available from aggregators, so the aggregators' holdings do not strongly match the library's collecting profile. Research limitations/implications – The present study applies previous research to a different type of collection, and tests previous conclusions. Originality/value – This paper contributes to assessment of the value of e-book collections for academic libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this article is to help librarians interested in developing a basic understanding of Sub-Saharan African cinema and increase awareness of the resources available when building a collection of sub-Saharan African films for their library. A general review is provided to help become familiar with the history and nature of the four regions discussed. Design/methodology/approach - A collection development project to expand a mid-sized university's collection of sub-Saharan African films is discussed. Includes brief historical information and core titles, selected for their historical role and/or ease of purchase. Findings - A list of core films is recommended for academic and public libraries representing four geographic regions of sub-Saharan Africa: Nigeria, South Africa, West Africa, and East Africa. Research limitations/implications - Unfortunately, many of the titles referenced in academic literature and winners of African film awards are not available for purchase outside of Africa, making it impossible to accomplish our goal of collecting a core list as intended. Practical implications - The paper increases awareness of African cinema and value inclusion in library collections. Originality/value - While there are general articles on the topic of African cinema, there are no recent articles on the topic of collecting African films for libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — The purpose of this research is to identify and evaluate the collections within digital libraries and repositories in India available in the public domain. Design/methodology/approach — The digital libraries and repositories were identified through a study of the literature, as well as internet searching and browsing. The resulting digital libraries and repositories were explored to study their collections. Findings — Use of open source software especially for the creation of institutional repositories is found to be common. However, major digital library initiatives such as the Digital Library of India use custom-made software. The collection size in most digital libraries and repositories is in a few hundreds. Practical implications — The paper highlights the state of digital libraries and repositories in India in late 2007. Originality/value — The paper is the first of its kind that attempts to identify and evaluate digital libraries and repositories in India. It also gives a comprehensive listing of digital libraries and institutional repositories in India available in the public domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The literature on collection development largely discusses all kinds of managerial and practical issues. There appears to be a noteworthy gap in LIS literature regarding the philosophical and conceptual underpinning of the subject. The paper aims to attempt to explore the developments in the theoretical foundations of collection management practices in libraries. Design/methodology/approach - An extensive review of the available literature was made to synthesise the study. It illustrates the impacts of the developments in civilization, from ancient times to modern, on the collection management services of libraries. Findings - It was found that the philosophy underlying collection management work has expanded through the ages due to various factors. Originality/value - The paper provides an overview of social and technological changes on the philosophy of managing collections through the ages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Locating guidance for developing foreign language collections in academic libraries can be difficult. The author reviews strategies for applying the available advice to Spanish-language literature collections, including trips to international book fairs, creating approval plans, and establishing lines of communication with faculty and students. While the availability of traditional development tools has diminished, new online resources have developed. A selected list of online resources is included. The article concludes by urging the incorporation of foreign language collections into the new formations developing in contemporary academic libraries, including digital libraries, links to digitization projects in other countries, full-text CD-ROMs, DVD video formats, and electronic text centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a framework for the articulation of relationships between collection-level and item-level metadata as logical inference rules. The framework is intended to allow the systematic generation of relevant propagation rules and to enable the assessment of those rules for particular contexts and the translation of rules into algorithmic processes.Design/methodology/approach The framework was developed using first order predicate logic. Relationships between collection-level and item-level description are expressed as propagation rules – inference rules where the properties of one entity entail conclusions about another entity in virtue of a particular relationship those individuals bear to each other. Propagation rules for reasoning between the collection and item level are grouped together in the framework according to their logical form as determined by the nature of the propagation action and the attributes involved in the rule.Findings The primary findings are the analysis of relationships between collection-level and item-level metadata, and the framework of categories of propagation rules. In order to fully develop the framework, the paper includes an analysis of colloquial metadata records and the collection membership relation that provides a general method for the translation of metadata records into formal knowledge representation languages.Originality/value The method for formalizing metadata records described in the paper represents significant progress in the application of knowledge representation techniques to problems of metadata creation and management, providing a flexible technique for encoding colloquial metadata as a set of statements in first-order logic. The framework of rules for collection/item metadata relationships has a range of potential applications for the enhancement or metadata systems and vocabularies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose CELA, the Centre for Equitable Library Access, is a national not-for-profit organization whose mission is to support public libraries in providing accessible collections for Canadians with print disabilities and to champion the fundamental right of Canadians with print disabilities to access media and reading materials in the format of their choice. This paper aims to examine the history of the organization, the events that led to its creation, the issues with which it has and continues to struggle with – political, technological, structural – and the successes it has enjoyed.Design/methodology/approach This is a case study intended shine light on the development of a service sorely lacking in Canadian public libraries – consistent and sustainable publicly funded access to reading materials for Canadians with print disabilities – by providing related history and context and outlining current and future offerings.Findings The decision to centralize a service that most public libraries struggled to deliver within their own capacities was wise and has greatly benefited Canadians with print disabilities.Originality/value This paper provides a profile in determination, collaboration and the value of inclusivity in public libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to assess the level of digital information literacy (DIL) skill and use of electronic resources by humanities graduate students at Kenneth Dike Library, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach: This paper uses the survey research design and 200 graduate students from the 12 departments that made up the Faculty of Arts in the University of Ibadan participated in the study. A self-devised structured questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. A pilot questionnaire was first sent to a small random sample of the respondents, with feedback used to fine-tune the final questionnaire. Respondents were requested to rate their level of proficiency in the use of digital devices, web-based tasks, information finding, evaluation and utilisation of available e-resources and challenges encountered. Ethical consideration of informed consent, institutional permission, confidentiality and anonymity of participants was strictly followed. Data collected were analysed and result presented using descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentage, mean and inferential statistics such as regression analysis and Pearson's product moment correlation coefficient were used to test the research question and hypothesis, respectively. Findings: Humanities graduate students at the University of Ibadan possessed high level of DIL skills in respect of digital devices usage, web-based tasks, information finding and evaluation, but low in e-resources utilisation. This study identified inadequate knowledge of e-resources availability, irregular internet access, inadequate training on e-resources utilisation, inadequate staff assistance, lack of continuity in e-resources subscription and paucity of local contents in the e-resources as main challenges encountered by graduate students in the use of e-resources. To ensure that those who can most benefit from e-resources utilisation are not further marginalised, this study recommends that active steps should be taken to increase e-resources awareness, regular internet access, training/support, continuity of e-resources subscription and increased local content so that all may benefit from the opportunities of the information age. Originality/value: This paper has demonstrated that DIL skills can enhance effective utilisation of e-resources if users have adequate knowledge of e-resources availability, regular internet access, adequate training and assistance on e-resources utilisation, continuity in database subscription and adequate local contents e-resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New Age philosophies are having an increasingly important influence on contemporary life. They offer a challengingly holistic view of human potential, and are available in numerous publications and formats. Public library collections often marginalize New Age materials, and find selecting and acquiring them a challenge. Argues that greater awareness of what such materials have to offer would answer growing demands from users and provide spiritual and cultural benefit for the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the contribution of the library to Old Dominion University's five-year strategic plan, which targeted cultural diversity as one of its eight objectives and included specific statements about library support of this goal. To meet its part, the library created a three-pronged action plan for the selection of videos, development of guides to the collection, and an evaluation of the multicultural collection, the most extensive portion of the project. Explains the choice of university minority and international student populations to assist in prioritizing collection efforts. The actual assessment project was collection-centered; project coordinators identified a series of appropriate bibliographies to compare against the collection as the most practical way to meet defined objectives.The resulting retrospective desiderata list identified resources (once funding became available) to improve both the depth and scope of the library multicultural collections with very little impact on staffing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Library of Congress has one of the largest library collections in the world. Describes the catalog, which is available online on the World Wide Web. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]