Access To Information Resources Research Articles

Sharing and accessing Internet resources across barriers of nation, language, and collection. Sponsored by SIG III, MGT

AbstractWhile the Internet provides great opportunities for sharing and accessing information resources globally, there are still many barriers to overcome. In this session, a group of experts will share their research in this area. Vaughan and Thelwall will present their study on national bias of information resources coverage as reflected in commercial search engines. In the area of cross‐language information retrieval, although many search engines have the capability to retrieve information in Chinese using English queries, there has not been research on evaluation of the search capabilities and retrieval performances of such search engines. Shaoyi He will fill this gap in his presentation on such evaluations. Finally, Shreve and Zeng will discuss their approach of how to use parallel metadata to provide multilingual / multicultural access to a linguistically heterogeneous collection in an NSF‐funded digital library project.

Serials Control for the Italian Union Catalog of Serials

European and Italian libraries are strongly involved in efforts to facilitate access to European information resources. The Italian union catalogue of serials has evolved from a traditional catalog to a sophisticated resource that provides access to serials services. Serials control is the most recent service of the union catalog with features for end users and professional staff. The software is BASIS Techlib by ID Technology (Italy), affinity partner of Open Text (USA). The ability to customize features presents a very satisfactory, easy-to-use product that might be considered interesting for union catalogs in other countries. Serials Review 2003; 29:169–178.

The professional service encounter in the age of the Internet: an exploratory study

This paper considers the impact of the Internet on professional services, which are characterised by high levels of interpersonal interaction and where a significant component of the service product is information and expertise. For such services the Internet is primarily an accessible information resource, which has potential to fundamentally change the way in which consumers interact with service providers. The context for the research is healthcare, a professional service that has traditionally been characterised by an information asymmetry that has rested power in the hands of the professional. Based on interviews with healthcare professionals, Web site hosts and consumers, this paper considers the way in which consumers use the Internet to educate themselves about their condition and the consequent effect on the service encounter and the doctor/patient relationship. The findings indicate that patients are increasingly engaging in virtual, parallel service encounters that change the nature of the primary encounter and present challenges to professionals both in terms of relationships and their professional judgement.

Culture’s complications: the problem of global data collection in a world of difference

This paper specifically refers to the problems of data collection within a PhD project where the research is on a global scale. While it can be difficult to collect adequate amounts of data in some subject areas, the area of research covered – libraries and barriers to accessing information resources on the Internet – is overflowing with information sources due to the global scale of the project and the capability of the Internet to provide vast amounts of topical information, especially in a subject area related to itself. The data collection process is further complicated by the variety of disciplines that need to be drawn on in order to create a firm theoretical framework for a study of this scale. This paper looks at the effects of these problems on the data collection process and the attempts made by the author to select a research methodology that will enable analytic generalisation within the theoretical structure.

Medical education in Nigeria: Are we ready for the paradigm shift?

The information revolution is changing the way medicine is practised globally. Patients can now access the storehouses of knowledge, which hitherto were out of bounds, to acquire, process and use the medical evidence from a variety of sources such as the World Wide Web. The way medicine is being taught is changing. Many medical and dental schools have revised, or are in the process of revising their curricula. The ability to access information resources and apply up to date information, diagnosis and therapeutic protocols to their practice calls for a paradigm shift. Cybermedicine is fast becoming the twenty-first century practice. The challenge is real. If emphasis is being placed on fluency with information technology in the developed countries, learning to use the computer remains, in our opinion, the place to start from in the developing countries.

Cataloging the Curriculum Library: New Procedures for Non-Traditional Formats

ABSTRACT This report examines some of the technical problems of integrating a curriculum resource center into an academic library setting. Procedures for conducting an inventory of existing materials, processing multi-media and other non-print formats, and displaying and retrieving materials within a Web OPAC are discussed. An analysis of how cataloging staff can use the new ACRL standards to reshape how students and faculty access information resources is provided.

Information flow vs. resource access in the asynchronous pi-calculus

We propose an extension of the asynchronous π-calculus in which a variety of security properties may be captured using types. These are an extension of the input/output types for the π-calculus in which I/O capabilities are assigned specific security levels. The main innovation is a uniform typing system that, by varying slightly the allowed set of types, captures different notions of security.We first define a typing system that ensures that processes running at security level σ cannot access resources with a security level higher than σ. The notion of access control guaranteed by this system is formalized in terms of a Type Safety Theorem.We then show that, by restricting the allowed types, our system prohibits implicit information flow from high-level to low-level processes. We prove that low-level behavior can not be influenced by changes to high-level behavior. This is formalized as a noninterference theorem with respect to may testing.

A Metadata Approach to Preservation of Digital Resources: The University of North Texas Libraries' Experience

Preserving long-term access to digital information resources is one of the key challenges facing libraries and information centers today. The University of North Texas (UNT) Libraries has entered into partnership agreements with federal and state agencies to ensure permanent storage and public access to a variety of government information sources. As digital resource preservation encompasses a wide variety of interrelated activities, the UNT Libraries are taking a phased approach to ensure the long-term access to its digital resources. Formulation of preservation policy and creation of preservation metadata for electronic files and digital collections are among the most important steps. This paper discusses the issues related to digital resources preservation and demonstrates the role of preservation metadata in facilitating the preservation activities in general. In particular, it describes the efforts being made by the UNT libraries to ensure the long-term access and preservation of various digital information resources.

IIM digital library system: consortia‐based approach

Though there have been many cooperative efforts for resource sharing among the libraries of India in the last two decades, it is hard to find one successful programme that could be used as a benchmark to replicate in other libraries. The main factors that affect these kinds of efforts are more human and attitudinal than technological or economical. The information environment today is very much conducive enough to tackle the problems faced earlier. With the advent of the Internet and World Wide Web, it is possible to provide instantaneous access to the sources available not only within the organization, but other institutions that participate in the consortia programme. This paper provides a framework for the design and development of an intranet model based on a consortia approach. This model will facilitate information access and use by providing a single Web‐enabled window to the information users of the participating institutions in the consortia programme not only to their own resources but sources in the other institutions as well. This will bridge the gap between information resource rich and information deficient libraries and will enhance the information base, shared access and optimum utilization of information resources at an affordable cost.

Aggregating expert predictions in a networked environment

This paper describes an approach for combining the classifications or predictions of n local experts into a single composite prediction. We describe a Java-based application that allows a user to select up to n prediction experts that provide information for assigning an object to one of two predetermined groups. An advantage of this type of application is that it is capable of interacting with the Internet in a relatively seamless way. We examine the accuracy and robustness of our technique by comparing the classification accuracy of our technique, a maximum entropy-based aggregation technique, and four classification methods on a real-world, two-group data-set concerned with bank failure prediction. The classificaiton methods studied in this work include Quinlan's C4.5 decision-tree classifier, logistic regression, mahalanobis distance measures, and a neural network classifier. Our model includes a fundamental component (i.e., a transaction manager) that helps improve the general performance of applications that perform network-based classification. This component is found to provide reliable and secure connections along with ways to direct traffic across the Internet. Our results suggest three major contributions: (1) a transaction manager increases the flexibility of a network-based classifier since it is capable of transacting with one or more specific types of prediction expert(s) over the Internet; (2) our approach tends to be more accurate than the individual classification methods we examined; and, (3) our approach can outperform a recently introduced statistically based aggregation technique. Scope and purpose The emergence of the Internet has produced a need for employing new types of programming and research tools that are capable of accessing information resources located throughout the world. There is only a limited amount of research available in this area and this work describes a network-based tool that solves a two-group classification problem. The two-group classification problem in discriminant analysis is concerned with developing a rule for predicting to which of k=2 mutually exclusive groups an observation of unknown origin belongs. This problem commonly occurs in business and other areas, and a plethora of statistical and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques exist to help decision-makers effectively analyze their data. A number of recent studies have compared the classificatory performance of various AI techniques to the more traditional statistical techniques, however, decision makers are left in somewhat of a quandary about which of the many available classification techniques to use to solve a specific classification problem. This paper proposes a new aggregation technique that focuses on combining or aggregating the predictions from multiple classification techniques into a single composite prediction. Our approach provides a simple method for aggregating expert predictions coming from remote locations by combining Java and Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA) into a general classification tool. Object-oriented models developed using Java are platform independent and can be easily modified. CORBA provides the services necessary to establish and manage network connections. Computational results show that our technique outperforms a recently introduced maximum entropy-based aggregation technique using a real-world data set.

Accessing electronic information sources through computer games consoles

This paper provides an overview of the games console market, a rapidly growing sector of the entertainment industry. An overview of the emergence of games consoles, and advances in games console technology, is given, as well as examples of the increasing incorporation of aspects of computer gaming into Higher Education student courses. Current and future games consoles are described in some detail, and their networking capabilities considered. The paper then focuses on the requirements of users of networked‐based services. The first games console to come equipped with network access facilities is used in order to access a number of electronic library resources and services, and to consider the viability of such a device for this purpose. Comments on issues surrounding data exchange between electronic devices such as games consoles are given, and future developments in the games console sector, especially in relation to the remote access of electronic information resources and services, are speculated.

Information Needs of Clinicians in Ambulatory Settings

While clinicians in ambulatory settings may not be located in rural or unaffiliated settings, they face problems similar to those of their rural colleagues in that they are located at a distance from the main hospital and its library. What are the information needs of these health care providers, what types of information sources do they prefer, and what library services can be offered to best support these needs? The study described in this article develops a picture of how hospital-based ambulatory care clinicians access and use library information resources in caring for their ambulatory care patients and assists hospital librarians in developing appropriate library and information services to serve this special population.

Consortium Solutions to Distance Education Problems

The Utah Academic Library Consortium (UALC) is continuing to develop cooperative projects to serve both on campus and distance learners. By cooperating rather than competing, UALC libraries are developing a package of services available to all academic students in Utah to support new and existing distance education programs. This paper describes collaborative efforts to increase information resource access statewide to meet the needs of distance learners and take advantage of changing technologies.

Building a virtual network in a community health research training program.

To describe the experiences, lessons, and implications of building a virtual network as part of a two-year community health research training program in a Canadian province. An action research field study in which 25 health professionals from 17 health regions participated in a seven-week training course on health policy, management, economics, research methods, data analysis, and computer technology. The participants then returned to their regions to apply the knowledge in different community health research projects. Ongoing faculty consultations and support were provided as needed. Each participant was given a notebook computer with the necessary software, Internet access, and technical support for two years, to access information resources, engage in group problem solving, share ideas and knowledge, and collaborate on projects. Data collected over two years consisted of program documents, records of interviews with participants and staff, meeting notes, computer usage statistics, automated online surveys, computer conference postings, program Web site, and course feedback. The analysis consisted of detailed review and comparison of the data from different sources. NUD*IST was then used to validate earlier study findings. The ten key lessons are that role clarity, technology vision, implementation staging, protected time, just-in-time training, ongoing facilitation, work integration, participatory design, relationship building, and the demonstration of results are essential ingredients for building a successful network. This study provides a descriptive model of the processes involved in developing, in the community health setting, virtual networks that can be used as the basis for future research and as a practical guide for managers.

Availability and accessibility of evidence-based information resources provided by medical libraries in Australia.

This article reports on the results of an exploratory survey of the availability and accessibility of evidence-based information resources provided by medical libraries in Australia. Although barriers impede access to evidence-based information for hospital clinicians, the survey revealed that Medline and Cinahl are available in over 90% of facilities. In most cases they are widely accessible via internal networks and the Internet. The Cochrane Library is available in 69% of cases. The Internet is widely accessible and most libraries provide access to some full-text, electronic journals. Strategies for overcoming restrictions and integrating information resources with clinical workflow are being pursued. State, regional and national public and private consortia are developing agreements utilising on-line technology. These could produce cost savings and more equitable access to a greater range of evidence-based resources.

On What Basis do Australian Men Make Informed Decisions about Diagnostic and Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer?

Men rely on general practitioners (GPs), other medical and nursing staff to provide them with information on prostate cancer and urinary symptoms. This paper identifies several problems encountered by Australian men in gaining information necessary for making an informed decision with respect to the detection and treatment of prostate cancer. An examination of disparities between national guidelines for screening and screening practices of GPs reveals that complex medical issues exist in relation to the supply of screening tests. Similar complexities exist for Australian men trying to make an informed decision about prostate cancer treatments. In particular, there is very little evidence to show that any treatment option or combination of treatments has better outcomes. Thus, it is unlikely that Australian men, even those who are assertive and information literate, make fully informed decisions when consenting to screening procedures and treatment for prostate cancer. Men with limited use of English and poor literacy skills, such as older migrants are further disadvantaged in terms of gaining information, and are likely to remain largely uninformed on even the basic issues relating to prostatic symptoms and prostate cancer. The task facing nurses is to research the needs of men and their communities as a basis for the development of accessible information resources. This approach will provide evidence in support of holistic nursing practice as well as increasing the likelihood that men's consent to prostate screening and treatment constitutes an informed decision.

An introduction to the world wide web

Background and Objectives. Anesthesiologists are increasingly utilizing the Internet for personal and professional purposes. Without guidance, the task of searching the Internet for information may be time-consuming and frustrating. This article includes a basic introduction to the Internet with suggestions and guidelines for accessing information resources. Future articles will address locating articles about human anatomy, regional anesthesia and pain medicine. Editors Note. This is the first in an informal series of articles demonstrating and describing information technology. The articles will include nontechnical information and will detail the experiences and wisdom obtained from experienced anesthesiologists. The series is geared toward the computer novice with interest in regional anesthesia and pain medicine. These articles are also available in full text on the American Society of Regional Anesthesia website (www.asra.com) with links to the websites in the article.

Experience from ASDEX Upgrade discharge control management for long pulse operation

Preprogrammed discharge control method and static experiment scheduling traditionally used with short-pulse experiment operation cycles are not compatible with requirements aiming at (near) steady state operation. An event-driven discharge control method is needed to handle deviations from the experiment programme without terminating the discharge. A dynamic experiment scheduling method is required to insert or take away experiments in a running discharge. To support these methods to operate the machine, data acquisition needs a close integration into the control, supporting calculation and exchange of processed quantities and state information, and into the experiment operation, supporting self-monitoring and exchange of resource availability and configuration information. These functions must be performed in parallel with the concurrent execution of the data acquisitions front-end control, data sampling, data processing and reduction and archiving.

Computer Literacy and the Library: A New Connection

At Eastern Washington University, integrating basic library skills has become part of a unique computer literacy program stemming from a general education (GE) reform. The new GE curriculum has been designed to prepare students with writing, mathematics, and computer literacy skills. The computer literacy courses teach basic computer skills as well as how to access and use electronic information resources. The instructional services librarian, in cooperation with the computer literacy director, designed a lecture and lab assignment covering the components of the library’s information system, Griffin. Seven 50‐minute lectures were provided. After lecture, students were given a library assignment to complete. Pretests and post‐tests were used to evaluate students’ learning. Relationships between lab assignments and lecture attendance to post‐test scores also were analyzed. In this article, Fenske examines the development and design of the instructional program, the assessment of students’ learning, and the overall effectiveness of the program.

Teaching Cyberian Politics

With a dynamic syllabus linked to a Web page of readings and assignments, such a course lets instructors relish the roles of facilitator and learner. Combining lectures and discussions with experiential work in the computer lab, the course covered topics ranging from the history and ontology of the Internet to the governmental presence and political activity now found on the World Wide Web. Students found the course exciting because it let them directly experience the unique aspects of cyberculture (e.g., interactivity) and access information resources that they will use time and again. Instructors will find the course helpful in developing students' critical thinking skills and expanding their understandings of politics and culture.|\N|\N|\N|\N|\N|\N|\N|\N|\N|\N|\N|\N|2007-01-16 12:25:14|2007-01-16 12:25:14|2007-01-16 12:25:14|3|0|1|\N|\N|\N|\N|\N|\N 599|258|3|38|Privacy Protection: Time to Think and Act Locally and Globally|\N|\N|What sorts of privacy can consumers expect on the Internet? How havepolicies been evolving - or not evolving - in the past twelve months? This article examines the unique aspects on online communications and interactivity and analyzes the real meaning of community in the context of the Internet.[1]|\N|\N|\N|\N|\N|\N|\N|\N|\N|\N|\N|\N|2007-01-16 12:25:18|2007-01-16 12:25:18|2007-01-16 12:25:18|3|0|1|\N|\N|\N|\N|\N|\N 600|258|3|38|Trust Management on the World Wide Web|\N|\N| (TM) is an emerging framework for decentralizing security decisions that helps developers and others in asking why" trust is granted rather than immediately focusing on "how" cryptography can enforce it. In this paper, we recap the basic elements of Trust Management: principles, principals, and policies. We present pragmatic details of Web-based TM technology for identifying principals, labeling resources, and enforcing policies. We sketch how TM might be integrated into Web applications for document authoring and distribution, content filtering, and mobile code security. Finally, we measure today's Web protocols, servers, and clients against this model, culminating in a call for stakeholders' support in bringing automatable TM to the Web.