Library Catalog Research Articles

Pemanfaatan Layanan Sistem Informasi Digital Perpustakaan (Sinditaka) oleh Mahasiswa di Universitas Medan Area

This study discusses the utilization of the Library Digital Information System Service (SINDITAKA) by final semester students at Medan Area University. This study focuses on the use of digital information systems to facilitate library catalog searches and improve the quality of information services. The method used is qualitative research with a descriptive approach. The informants in this study were the head of the Library and Archives at Medan Area University. Data were collected from documents, interviews, field notes, and observations. The results of the study indicate that SINDITAKA provides access to various digital collections, including printed books, e-books, and e-journals, which make it easier for students to find information.

On Critical “Technopolitical Pedagogies”

This article explores the pedagogical and political dimensions of the specific content-form relations of the projects Public Library/Memory of the World and syllabus ⦚ Pirate Care. Public Library/Memory of the World (2012–ongoing) by Marcell Mars and Tomislav Medak serves as an online shadow library in response to the ongoing commodification of academic research and threats to public libraries. syllabus⦚ Pirate Care (2019), a project initiated by Valeria Graziano, Mars, and Medak, offers learning resources that address the crisis of care and its criminalisation under neoliberal policies. By employing “technopolitical pedagogies” and advocating the sharing of knowledge, these projects enable forms of practical and political orientation in a world of “insuppressible friction.” They use network technologies and open-source tools to provide access to information and support civil disobedience against restrictive intellectual property laws. The article argues that these projects represent critical pedagogical interventions, hacking the monodimensional tendencies of educational systems and library catalogues, and produce commoner positions.

Causes of Ambient Air Pollution in South Asia and Effects on South Asians’ Cardiovascular Health

For years, South Asia has been considered a global hotspot for air pollution. The extreme air pollution in South Asia, which stems from various sources, has been proven harmful to many South Asians' health. In major cities, even simply stepping foot outside can trigger a cough, but over time, inhaling the harmful air pollutants in South Asia's air can result in the development of a host of cardiovascular diseases, most of which stem from atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque on the arteries wall. Numerous researchers have conducted various studies connecting atherosclerosis to ambient air pollution, proving that the air quality is, in fact, harmful and should be taken action upon. This literature review synthesizes information on the sources that contribute to particulate matter in South Asia and the effect major air pollutants have on South Asians' cardiovascular health. This analysis focuses on major air pollutants' contribution to atherosclerosis progression and discusses conditions that stem from the disease, centering hypertension and coronary artery disease. This review synthesizes predominantly peer-reviewed studies which have been published between the years 2000 and 2024. The key findings suggest that particulate matter stemming from vehicular emissions, burning biomass and solid fuels, industrial and agricultural activities, and soil dust contribute to the unhealthy levels of particulate matter in South Asian countries. Studies also suggest that meteorological factors exacerbate particulate matter concentrations; however, research has shown inconsistent findings. Particulate matter, along with various other pollutants, leads to atherosclerosis progression and, subsequently, other cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease and hypertension. The methodologies in conducting this review involved database searches, library catalog searches, and reference list reviews. This review presents findings on the contribution of particulate matter in South Asian countries and its impacts on South Asian health; however, it also presents the need for further research on meteorological exacerbation of existing pollutants, atherosclerosis progression, coronary artery disease, and hypertension in South Asians in relation to particulate matter exposure.

Measurement of climate change-related food (in)security and food sovereignty in Canada’s northern communities and the circumpolar region: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionClimate change impacts the circumpolar region (including northern Canada) at a greater magnitude than other parts of the world. This affects food (in)security as well as food sovereignty. This scoping...

Representing Gender in Library Catalogue: Developing Multilingual Homosaurus for Automated Subject Indexing

Representing Gender in Library Catalogue: Developing Multilingual Homosaurus for Automated Subject Indexing

Using Generative AI for Bibliographic Description: A Study with ChatGPT 4

This study explores the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) in bibliographic description in university library catalogs. It focuses on GAI's potential in enhancing efficiency and maintaining consistency of bibliographic description while complying with cataloging standards such as MARC21, AACR2 and RDA. The study followed a qualitative methodology, examining 10 use cases in metadata extraction, RDA compliance of GAI generated catalog records, and error checking of existing catalog records. The study used OpenAI’s ChatGPT 4 to execute the practical tests. The study concludes that GAI can significantly assist in improving cataloging efficiency. It was highly satisfactory in error correction of existing MARC21 records. GAI was also a prospective tool for educating novice librarians on the use of MARC21 and RDA standards. CATMELK, a custom GPT model created with ChatGPT 4 could effectively convert images from books’ title, copyright and cover pages into RDA compliant MARC21 records. However, when the tests were conducted in January 2024, ChatGPT 4 faced difficulties in direct conversion of Sinhala and Tamil data from images to MARC2 1 records. Considering the rapid development of GAI technology and applications, it is recommended to repeat the tests on a continuing basis.

Indexing for Fine Arts Monographs: A Comparison Between User Queries and Controlled Vocabularies

ABSTRACTPrior research suggested the empirical approach to indexing for fine arts based on users' search queries. This study examined the characteristics of user queries submitted to the library catalog of a fine arts academy, and compared users' search terms with controlled vocabularies to assess their levels of matching. Based on search‐log analysis, this study identified eight categories of user queries and 10 subcategories, indicating that the information needs of the fine arts community are diverse in language and culture and focus on named entities, disciplines, and various types and levels of fine arts. The mapping between user queries and controlled vocabularies found that around 20% of user search terms were non‐matching. Based on the findings, this study provided suggestions for improving the search functions of library catalogs and enhancing controlled vocabularies to support the retrieval of fine arts monographs.

Are library data and metadata dying or nearly dead? A discussion for everyone

PurposeThis paper aims to inform noncataloguers about the current and historical significance of both machine readable cataloguing (MARC) records and traditional cataloguing as well as introduce them to current struggles to modernize.Design/methodology/approachThe approach of this column is to break-down what may appear to be a crisis in the modernization of library cataloguing and metadata by placing the issues in their historical context and considering existing technologies in a user-friendly manner.FindingsMARC-based cataloguing is well-established, robust and widely used in many library applications. It is not easily replaced and attempts to do so have had very slow progress. Although change is expected in the future, it may lay with solutions based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies.Originality/valueAlthough there are many papers discussing the merits of traditional cataloguing and the need for new methods and standards, few are written from a nontechnical point of view and for noncataloguers or those not working in systems departments. This column's intended audience is all library workers with an emphasis on those who are not familiar with MARC.

The Application of Dewey Decimal System in Traditional Libraries

The Dewey Decimal System, created by Melvil Dewey in the late 19th century, has been a linchpin of traditional library classification systems for well over a century. This abstract provides a concise overview of the historical significance, principles, and enduring relevance of the Dewey Decimal System in traditional library settings. The Dewey Decimal System revolutionized the way libraries organized their collections, simplifying the process of locating and accessing books and materials. This paper traces the historical development of the Dewey Decimal System and its profound impact on traditional library cataloging and information retrieval. Key principles, such as the use of decimal notation and hierarchical classification, are explored in detail, highlighting their pivotal role in enhancing library management efficiency. Despite its enduring utility, this abstract also acknowledges the system's limitations. Traditional libraries have faced significant challenges in adapting the Dewey Decimal System to accommodate digital resources, multimedia materials, and non - traditional formats. Furthermore, questions have arisen regarding the system's cultural biases and its ability to adequately represent the diversity of knowledge and perspectives. In today's digital age, traditional libraries confront a unique set of challenges, necessitating a reevaluation of the Dewey Decimal System's role and adaptability. This abstract underscores the ongoing dialogue surrounding the system's relevance and its capacity to meet the evolving needs of modern libraries and information seekers. In conclusion, the Dewey Decimal System remains a cornerstone of traditional library organization, albeit with notable adaptational challenges. This abstract serves as a foundation for understanding the historical and contemporary significance of the Dewey Decimal System within the context of traditional libraries, setting the stage for a more comprehensive examination of its impact and future prospects in the full paper.

"Gimme Some Truth"

For the past 70 years, researchers and experimental musicians have been working with computer-synthesized music, forming a collaborative relationship with generative artificial intelligences known as human–AI co-creation. The last several years have shown that musical artists are quickly adopting AI tools to produce music for AI music competitions and for commercial production of songs and albums. The United States Copyright Office, in response to this trend, has released its latest policy revisions to clearly define what is eligible for copyright registration. Soon after, the Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC) also released new guidelines, providing recommendations for how library catalogers should address AI-generated materials. In both cases, they reject the notion of considering AI as a contributor. The language in each of these policies, however, is self-contradicting, showing that they are ill equipped to address generative AI. This study leverages critical textual analysis and qualitative content analysis and uses case examples to probe the manner in which these policies regard generative AI. Recommendations are made for addressing shortcomings in the PCC’s policies, and moral philosophical frameworks such as virtue ethics and consequentialism support arguments for supplementing catalog item records with information from authoritative external sources, deviating from this policy for the sake of truth-seeking.

Eastgate Census: Tracking Legacy Literary Software Titles in Libraries, Archives, and Special Collections

Eastgate Systems Inc. published influential works of electronic literature through the 1990s and 2000s, many of which are only compatible with obsolete computing environments. This research has identified over 1,000 copies of Eastgate titles in hundreds of libraries, archives, and special collections around the world, but issues with media obsolescence and the poor representation of these titles in library catalogs inhibit the ongoing preservation and circulation of this literary corpus. Representative of collections of legacy media more generally, Eastgate titles held in libraries suggest new collaborative approaches for both preserving and providing access to historic software.

Evaluation of AI-Generated Keywords for Information Retrieval in Library Catalogues

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been receiving increasing attention in recent years. Yet its practical implementation remains somewhat limited in libraries. Despite notable advancements, several critical aspects of library technical work, particularly classification and cataloguing, continue to rely heavily on manual processes. This paper examines challenges in current practices, notably the labour-intensive tasks of finding class numbers and subject headings. While the option to import MARC (machine-readable cataloging) records via protocols like Z39.50 provides some relief, the absence of readily available records presents significant obstacles, especially for locally published materials. Against this backdrop, this research explores AI’s potential in generating relevant subject headings to streamline cataloguing processes and augment information retrieval. This study analysed one hundred books from the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) library, employing ChatGPT to generate subject headings. However, the resulting headings exhibited a lack of uniformity compared to manual cataloguing. Library headings emphasized geographic and physical details, whereas ChatGPT-generated headings were less detailed. Although ChatGPT facilitates the instantaneous generation, the quality of headings varied, with some resembling MARC fields. Refinement of ChatGPT’s syntax could potentially enhance relevance. Despite its efficiency, ChatGPT cannot entirely replace the human judgment required in cataloguing processes.

A comparative analysis of China-themed books in three ASEAN countries: Implications for resource development and intercultural communication

Books are an important carrier of culture. Library catalogs across different countries can reflect intercultural communication. This paper aims to explore the situation and differences of China-themed books in three ASEAN countries: Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand. These countries are representative of the intercultural relations between China and ASEAN members. Descriptive analysis is used to analyze the series of books, focusing on the time and subjects of the book resources. The paper also compares the distribution of books about the three countries in the National Library of China. The results show that Malaysia and Thailand have more comprehensive and in-depth cultural collection of China-themed book resources, while the Philippines includes more books related to China's development and social realities. This study is helpful to resource and collection development related to particular countries and regions and the intercultural communication between countries.

“Theater Departments” in the Funds of Siberian Libraries in the Pre-revolutionary Period

The relevance of the topic is due to the wide possibilities of using library funds not only for education and upbringing of an individual, but also for organizing and conducting leisure activities, there providing plays from the fund for amateur performances and special literature to help stage. In some libraries, special theater departments were formed to facilitate the search for such literature. Their study is one of the areas of book culture transformation research in social communications of the 19th – 21st centuries. The purpose of this article is to present the results of identification and analysis of “theater departments” in Siberian libraries of the pre-revolutionary period. This study is based on viewing more than two hundred catalogs of Siberian libraries of the 19th – early 20th centuries, which made it possible to identify six of them that had independent theater departments in the pre-revolutionary period. The results are as follows. Six libraries had such departments. Most of them – 4 out of 6 – were city public libraries. For the first time, the quantitative indicators of the theater departments were calculated: the number of titles of books and volumes in them, their place among other departments according to these two criteria. Most of the titles and volumes were in the theater departments of Barnaul and Nerchinsk city public libraries, less than the rest – in Kurgan. The funds of the theater departments contained mainly dramatic works by Russian and foreign authors. The works by domestic playwrights prevailed. The plays by the famous Russian playwright A. N. Ostrovsky were widely presented in these departments. Theatrical periodicals written out by Siberian libraries are listed, among which the magazines “Artist” and “Theater and Art” are the most common. The main areas of interaction between libraries and organizers of amateur performances have been identified, which can be mutually beneficial to modern cultural institutions.

"About permanent order in the library": "lnstruction ... " and „Index of titles" of the Troškūnai Bernardins' monastery library catalogue

-

Undergraduates’ experiences with library portal services: perceptions of usefulness and satisfaction

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the perceived usefulness and satisfaction levels of undergraduate students with respect to university library portal services, specifically within selected universities in South-West Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachA descriptive survey research design was used to investigate the perceived usefulness and satisfaction levels among undergraduate students regarding university library portal services. Data were collected through surveys administered to 658 undergraduate respondents across multiple universities in South-West Nigeria.FindingsThe findings indicate that undergraduate students’ top reasons for using the portal were for tasks such as locating research materials, accessing databases, requesting bibliographies and checking the library catalog. Library computers and school information and communication technology center computers were identified as the most preferred access point, followed by computer labs and campus Wi-Fi networks. Undergraduates rated the portals as highly useful, particularly for saving time locating resources, checking material status and patronizing the library. High satisfaction was reported for services such as attending workshops, events and receiving research support through the portals workshops. Moderate satisfaction levels existed for accessing policies/hours, the institutional repository and renewals of books online. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.785, p < 0.05) was found between perceived usefulness and satisfaction.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the understanding of undergraduate students’ perceptions regarding the utility and satisfaction of university library portal services in the context of South-West Nigeria. It underscores the importance of aligning portal services with students’ academic and research needs to enhance overall satisfaction levels. In addition, it provides insights into areas where improvements can be made to further enhance the effectiveness and satisfaction derived from these services.

Building the Bürgerbibliothek: donating to the Zurich citizens’ library in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries

This paper uses the donors’ register of the Zurich Bürgerbibliothek (‘citizens’ library’) to explore how the collection of the city’s first public library developed in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The donors’ register records over 3,000 gifts from some 900 local and foreign benefactors between 1629, the year of the library’s founding, and 1769. Unlike a standard library or auction catalogue, the donors’ register allows us to observe engagement with the Bürgerbibliothek over time and reveals that, while a remarkable influx of patrons in the first decade of the library’s existence secured its position in the cultural and intellectual fabric of Zurich society, international interest in the institution dropped significantly by the end of the seventeenth century. Nevertheless, the Bürgerbibliothek’s consistent growth across the period attests to the popularity of the library and its accessible collection at a local level as well as its benefactors’ belief in the reciprocal value of patronising this new type of civic institution.

AI in automating library cataloging and classification

AI in automating library cataloging and classification

Reading Wollstonecraft after Godwin’s Memoirs: Wollstonecraft in Circulating, Subscription, and Private Libraries, 1799–1842

ABSTRACT Following Mary Wollstonecraft’s death in 1798, her grieving husband William Godwin made public many of the details of Wollstonecraft’s highly unconventional life. The ensuing backlash seemed to ensure that Wollstonecraft’s major works ceased to be reprinted for a period of roughly forty years. This article contributes to efforts to revise narratives of Wollstonecraft’s early nineteenth century reception by asking how and where readers, in the absence of new editions, might have accessed the books themselves. A survey of 41 circulating and subscription library catalogues dated between 1799 and 1842 reveals that, despite scholarly assumptions otherwise, Wollstonecraft’s works remained widely available. Even when books left the library, they did not necessarily disappear, as a copy of Wollstonecraft’s Vindication of the Rights of Woman that moved from a circulating library into a private collection attests. Placing the information in these catalogues in conversation with what can be gleaned from this copy of the work, this article argues that the durability of the hand-press book complicates the narrative of Wollstonecraft’s posthumous reputation.

A Non-Manuscript of Papias of Hierapolis

AbstractUncertainty has attached to a medieval library catalogue entry mentioning Papias cum sermonibus diversis at Stams Abbey. Most recent editors of Papias have suspected that it refers to the medieval lexicographer rather than the second-century Christian author of the same name. This note calls attention to a marginal citation in a Stams manuscript from the lexicographer that helps put to rest the hypothesis of a full Latin manuscript of Papias of Hierapolis.