Journals Library Research Articles

End of an era.

Marking the end of an era as Jeannette Murphy steps down as Editor of the International Perspectives and Initiatives Regular Feature, Dr. Maria Grant (Editor-in-Chief) acknowledges, with thanks, Jeannette's 28 years association with the Health Information and Libraries Journal.

Non-surgical treatment for tandem spinal stenosis: a systematic review protocol

BackgroundTandem Spinal Stenosis (TSS) is a disease characterised by the narrowing of the spinal canal in two or more non-adjacent areas of the spine, often affecting both the cervical and lumbar vertebrae. Doctors and patients increasingly favour non-surgical treatments that have the function of relieving symptoms and improving outcomes. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of non-surgical therapies for TSS and comprehensively summarise existing evidence.Methods and analysisWe will conduct comprehensive searches, both manual and electronic, of literature published up to 30 September 2024; database searches will commence after the publication of this agreement, with an estimated commencement date of 1 December 2024, and the end date is 31 May 2025, without language restrictions. Key databases such as MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, WHO International Clinical Trial Registration Platform, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biomedical Literature Database, China Scientific Journal Database and Wan-Fang Database will be explored. In addition, we will include resources such as library journals and conference abstracts. Following the identification and screening of all randomised controlled trials focusing on non-surgical treatments for TSS, two investigators will perform a meta-analysis of the included studies. The findings will be summarised as the risk ratio for binary data and the standardised or weighted mean difference for continuous data.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required, as the review does not involve individual patient data. The review’s findings will provide clinicians with evidence on using non-surgical treatments for TSS, disseminated through peer-reviewed publications or conferences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42024496634.

Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment for postoperative axial symptoms of cervical spondylotic myelopathy: a systematic review

BackgroundAxial symptoms (AS) represent one of the primary complications after cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) surgery. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), as a complementary and alternative therapy, is widely used in the...

Demystifying the way libraries support distance learning: a bibliometric analysis of scholarly communication in distance libraries

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on bibliometric research on the activities and services offered by distance libraries that serve distance learning institutions.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis of scholarly communication has always been a valuable tool for researchers and policymakers in order to understand trends, gaps and patterns in a specific field. In this paper, a bibliometric analysis has been applied based on a well-known bibliometric tool called “VOSviewer.” The articles that constitute the dataset of current research were drawn from two journals: the Journal of Library Administration and the Journal of Library and Information Services in Distance Learning.FindingsThe bibliometric analysis applied in distance libraries showed that the researchers in this domain are mainly introverts and need to prioritize engaging in the scientific research process over merely publishing good practices. Although there are a lot of libraries serving distance learning institutions (formal and non-formal), there is a notable lack of activity in the scientific publication field.Originality/valueDistance libraries have played a significant role in supporting distance learning, and since distance education has become more important in the educational ecosystem, the analysis of its scholarly production would provide administrators, researchers and policymakers with insights for the next era of conventional libraries.

The Role of Lighting on the Atmosphere of the Reading-Room USK Library Journal

The Role of Lighting on the Atmosphere of the Reading-Room USK Library Journal

Author productivity analysis in Q1 of authors in journal library and information science Q1 journals using with Lotka’s Law

Introduction. The purpose of this study is to use Lotka's law to determine the pattern of author output in the field of Library Science in the Library Science Journal Q1 indexed by Scopus. Data Collection Methods. The quantitative descriptive method was conducted, with a bibliometric approach to explore aspects of scientific articles. Data Analysis. The research data was acquired from the Scopus International Journal, which can be viewed at www.scopus.com from 2018 to 2022, with article types. Results and Discussion. The research results found that the number of library science journals indexed by Scopus Q1 was 61. Based on the analysis of Lotka’s law calculations, it is found that the value of C is 0,518 and the value of n was 1,717. The productivity equation for SCOPUS-indexed authors in Library Science journals for 2018–2022 was 0,518, which results in the number of author contributions in publishing one article being 51,84%. In addition, the results of the analysis show that Dmax was 0.280 with a critical value of 0,009. Conclusion. These findings indicate that Dmax is bigger than the crucial value and it does not follow Lotka's law.

For Optimal Inclusivity in the Research Process, Researchers Should Reflect Early and Often on How to Create Welcoming Research Environments

A Review of: Muir, R., & Coe, M. (2023). ‘Out of sight, but not out of mind’: A collaborative reflective case study on including participants with invisible disabilities in LIS research. Journal of Australian Library and Information Association, 72(1), 26–45. https://doi.org/10.1080/24750158.2023.2168115 Objective – To reflect on what it means to include people with invisible disabilities as research participants in research projects. Design – Collaborative, reflective case study using interviews. Setting – Doctoral-granting institution in Australia. Subjects – 2 LIS professionals who were also pursuing doctorates (practitioner-researchers) interviewed each other, each participant fulfilling the role of both interviewer and interviewee. Methods – The researchers did a reflective case study, each reflecting on their own past experiences of including people with invisible disabilities (PwID) as research participants in projects for their doctoral theses. They then interviewed each other and engaged in collaborative discussions. Each interviewer audio recorded and transcribed their own interview, which they also coded individually. The researchers then reviewed the individual coding together and subsequently created a single collaborative codebook that described the emerging themes. The researchers used NVivo software in the development of both the initial codes and final codebook. Main Results – The authors discuss four broad themes that emerged from their coding: “ethical approval for research,” “creating welcoming research environments,” “disclosure of invisible disabilities,” and “use of data.” Key topics in the discussion include questioning assumptions about research subject vulnerability, the value of being sensitive to individual participant voices, the difference between formal disclosure of invisible disabilities (ID) and disclosure that emerges organically throughout the course of an interview, and how research designs that do not consider PwID can create limitations on the use of data from PwID. Conclusion – The article authors noted that researchers should expect that those who participate in their research studies may be PwID, whether or not it is disclosed or explicitly relevant to the project. Thus, they suggest that when researchers shape the research design of their projects, they should thoughtfully engage in questioning their own values regarding inclusivity and not rely exclusively on ethics boards to support ethical and welcoming research environments. Thoughtful engagement might include researching what is involved in creating a safe space by considering such elements as lighting, seating arrangements, colors, and accessibility to restrooms and parking areas. In addition, the authors suggest that researchers should ensure flexibility and responsiveness within the research design and approach the project with full awareness of the impact ID may have on the research processes and the data. They indicate that researchers should remain open to acknowledging their own knowledge gaps, as well as educating others when opportunities arise. Additionally, they suggest that creating welcoming environments for research participants with ID is best done from the very beginning of a project, when it can be integral to the study design and should remain present throughout the course of the research process.

Analysis of Library School Syllabi Reveals Poor Design and Limited Content about Disability and Accessibility

A Review of:Pionke, J. (2023). What are library graduate students learning about disability and accessibility? A syllabus analysis. Urban Library Journal, 29(1). https://academicworks.cuny.edu/ulj/vol29/iss1/2/ Objective – To analyze the disability and accessibility content of library sciences courses. As well as to determine the importance of teaching students about this topic throughout programs covered in the study. Design – Qualitative study involving the data analysis of syllabi. Setting – Selected library graduate school curriculum programs in the United States. Subjects – In total, 77 syllabi drawn from 49 institutions taken from the American Library Association listing of accredited library school graduate programs. Methods – The author used keyword searches to identify courses offered between 2017–2020 that contained content on disability and accessibility. Syllabi were available for 77 of the 145 identified courses. The author analyzed the sample set (n=77) for both content and structure. Main Results – Poor citation structure, disability accommodation statements, assessment, and a focus on digital accessibility were among the main findings highlighted. The author identified four major categories to explain and understand the content found on the syllabi; these descriptors were further broken down into sub-categories to explain the findings of each topic content area. Highlights of the results are: disability and accessibility topics and all related terms were ranked according to number of times they appeared, e.g. digital content, usability, web/internet, coding (22); instruction and information literacy (16); and specific demographics etc. (10); the organization and sequencing of when course content was presented - at the beginning, middle and end of the semester; citation currency– Two hundred syllabi were analyzed. One hundred and forty-one syllabi had fairly current citation dates falling between 2009-2018. Forty-eight had no dates and eleven had dates that were outdated (2008 or earlier); assignments – which measured the learning outcome of the said topic were reported in the following way: nothing assigned (67); 1 or more assignments (11); undetermined (3). Conclusion –The study underlies that a well-crafted syllabus effectively communicates the goals of the course – the importance of the topic structure about disability and accessibility in library schools’ curricula. The author identified numerous design flaws that impact how the content relays information about the course’s pedagogy. The data suggest the need for the following improvements on the syllabi: professional topic presentation, variety of formats in texts and materials and their access, citation currency and poor structure, assignments and organization sequencing of course content, a number of assessment focused observations on vague assignments or lack of examples provided, and the inclusion of disability statements. Some of the higher order concerns were: the ableist language contained, outdated language, and the lack of stated university-related disability resources for students. All of the aforementioned present an accessibility barrier for disabled students and may affect the general perception about the topic. The author recommends that stronger guidelines for LIS educators would be advantageous to students, encourage disability awareness and the best DEI practices. Further to this, libraries should implement and adapt a strategic plan that would help overcome accessibility barriers for patron delivery services. There must be an increased emphasis on teaching about accessibility that expands beyond forms of digital media. Providing equitable library services in all areas for the disabled populations in the physical library spaces is needed.

Content analysis of articles in the University of Dar es Salaam Library Journal

Using Zin’s Classification Scheme of Information Science, this study seeks to analyze the content of articles published in the University of Dar es Salaam Library Journal (UDSMLJ). All the analyzed articles were retrieved from the African Journals Online (AJOL) platform. A content analysis approach was used to analyze the collected data. Notably, a majority of the analyzed articles focused on three LIS research areas: information use and users; LIS activities; and LIS application areas. A growing trend in the publication of articles related to metrics, evaluation, and research, and a decline in the publication of articles pertaining to information use and users was also noted. Only a moderate number of articles incorporated theoretical frameworks. The majority of the articles employed a mixed-method approach for data collection and analysis. The study found limited international contributions in the journal, as the majority of contributing authors were from Tanzania. The study concludes that the published articles reflect the state of LIS scholarship in the country, given that they predominantly originate from Tanzanian contributors. The study recommends the journal enhances its promotional strategies to attract potential contributors from around the world. Additionally, journal's editors should encourage the submissions of articles that incorporate theoretical perspectives, thereby fostering theoretical advancements in the field of LIS.

Authorship Pattern and Collaborative Research in PEARL: A Journal of Library and Information Science: 2019-2023

Authorship Pattern and Collaborative Research in PEARL: A Journal of Library and Information Science: 2019-2023

New map of the research published in Profesional de la Información (2006-2023)

In 2006, Profesional de la Información (EPI) began to be indexed by international scientific literature databases and is currently one of the leading Spanish journals in Library & Information Science and in Communication. Research fields can be characterized and analysed based on the patterns of keywords used in the publications. One of the most used techniques for this is co-word analysis. This technique is used in the present study to examine the structure of the research published in EPI. The journal’s two-fold spirit in Library & Information Science and in Communication is revealed, comprising six main thematic areas. Since no poor behaviour is seen in any of these areas, it can be concluded that, in becoming part of WoS and Scopus, EPI has entered a virtuous cycle that has led it to successfully expand its thematic scope, and to attain levels of impact and excellence superior to those of its origins.

Artificial Intelligence in Subject-Specific Library Work

The general implications of AI for libraries are much discussed in library literature. But while this discussion takes place at the library-wide level, there are also important implications for subject librarians due to the specific uses of AI in different professions and areas of study. These are often overlooked as these specializations tend to publish in subject-specific journals. This article aims to address this research gap by providing a comparison and thematic analysis of this literature. Subject-specific library journals in the areas of law, health sciences, business, and humanities and social sciences were searched to identify relevant journal articles that discussed AI. 131 articles were identified and tagged with at least one category that reflected the nature of the discussion around AI. The following analysis showed that literature related to law had the greatest number of articles by far, though the publishing activity in all disciplines has increased significantly in the last 10 years. This article explores these trends to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the implications for subject-specific library work.

Knowledge and Values: The Importance of Personal Social Responsibility for Education, Management, and Sustainable Development

Social responsibility is a multidimensional construct which manifests itself in many areas of human life – in both the private and professional spheres. In business, people’s individual attitudes are often the starting point for organizational activities. Even the most ethical business behavior, if not matched by changes on the part of individuals, will not create a change on a larger scale. Thus, personal social responsibility can be defined as a key element of corporate social responsibility (CSR), because the implementation of this idea in business depends on the behavior of the individuals working in the company.
 The main purpose of the article is to investigate published knowledge concerning the concept of personal or individual social responsibility (PSR or ISR) and the personal or individual social responsibility scale. The authors made a systematic literature review, analyzing full-text scholarly articles published between 2000 and 2021. International databases and journal libraries – EBSCO, JSTOR, Mendeley, Wiley Online Library, Web of Science, and Scopus – were searched using the logical phrases “personal social responsibility,” “individual social responsibility,” “personal social responsibility scale,” and “individual social responsibility scale.”
 The analysis shows that the concept of individual/personal social responsibility is considered in the literature in various contexts, though few works are available on this concept and even fewer describe its indicators. Using keywords relevant to the area, 14 publications were selected for analysis. This leads to the conclusion that there is a research gap in this area, which the authors intend to fill in the course of further research.

Pentingnya Desain Interior terhadap Kenyamanan Pengunjung Perpustakaan

<p>Interior design is very important and needs to be considered when building a library. Efforts to present a library interior design that meets the needs and comfort of library visitors requires good understanding and planning. Library interiors that combine aesthetic values will affect the use of library services for users. This study uses the method of literature study or literature review through scientific concepts that discuss library science from several library journals and interior design. The research develops the main issues on how interior design can affect the comfort of library visitors and how to develop a good library interior design. The aim of the research is to find out how interior design affects the comfort of library visitors. This research is expected to be useful for library development and facilitate planning in the library.<em></em></p>

The use of human-computer interaction in libraries: a systematic literature review

Purpose This study aims to analyze the status and application/use of human–computer interaction (HCI) in libraries by conducting a systematic literature review (SLR). Design/methodology/approach A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) approach was used to search Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases. The search criteria included research studies published in English language between 2010 and 2021, which were 4,167 citations. Out of 4,167 citations, a total of 50 studies were selected for the final analysis. Findings The results showed a positive attitude of librarians toward HCI applications in libraries worldwide. The results depict that one-third (30%) of the studies were conducted in the USA, followed by four (8%) studies in China. Out of 50 studies, a portion of 15 (30%) studies were based on digital libraries, followed by seven (14%) studies on academic libraries and five (10%) studies on libraries and their websites. HCI was used for searching and retrieving information, users’ interaction, authentication, online help/support, feedback, library web access, web OPAC, virtual access to resources, indigenous repository and virtual services. The most productive year was 2015, and journal of The Electronic Library had more articles on HCI than other journals. Practical implications The findings of this study could assist policymakers and library authorities in reconciling the HCI application in libraries for providing effective and efficient access and services to end-users. Originality/value This study is unique as no comprehensive study has been conducted on the use of HCI in librarianship using the SLR method.

A Holistic Exploration of the Collecting and Connecting Experiences of LGBTQ+ Communities, Their Independent Archives and the GLAMU Sector in New Zealand

"A Holistic Exploration of the Collecting and Connecting Experiences of LGBTQ+ Communities, Their Independent Archives and the GLAMU Sector in New Zealand." Journal of the Australian Library and Information Association, ahead-of-print(ahead-of-print), pp. 1–2

What are the Lived Experiences of Adult Sentenced Prisoners in Australia When Attempting to Satisfy Their Legal Information Needs?

"What are the Lived Experiences of Adult Sentenced Prisoners in Australia When Attempting to Satisfy Their Legal Information Needs?." Journal of the Australian Library and Information Association, ahead-of-print(ahead-of-print), pp. 1–2

A nine-year (2012-2020) study of publication delay in an open access Library and Information Science journal

This study attempts to map the publication delay of articles published in an international, peer-reviewed, open access Library and Information Science journal (LIS) i.e. the DESIDOC Journal of Library and Information Technology (DJLIT). An exploratory method was applied to collect data related to the editorial timeline through archival open access to the articles published in DJLIT during the period from 2012 to 2020. Data were tabulated in an Excel spreadsheet to facilitate statistical analysis and interpretation. The study finds a mean and median waiting time of approximately 176 days and 152 days respectively for articles before they got published. About 64.57 percent of articles went through revision. The majority of articles (i.e., 40.08%) experienced a delay between 100-199 days and were closely followed by 26.11 percent of articles with a delay of up to 99 days. Only 2.43 percent of articles fell in the 400-499 days delay category before being published. A strong influence of time between submission to final revision on overall publication delay was observed. The study did not find any correlation between the number of contributing authors and increasing delay in publication and contradicts the result obtained in another study on selected information science journals. The study is expected to help researchers and authors in the field of LIS to take informed decision before submitting their manuscripts to DJLIT for publication.

From the Chair: A Notable Year for Government Information

One of my favorite annual GODORT traditions returns this year after a one-year hiatus. This spring, our Publications Committee will release their selections for the most notable government documents of the year. This year’s release will feature publications from a two-year span between late 2020 to late 2022, which means double the amount of gov pubs fun!GODORT’s Notable Documents list began in the early 1980s and has been published annually in Library Journal since 1986. Government publications in all formats and across all jurisdictions (local, federal, and international) are celebrated. Creation of the list was proposed in the hopes that the list would raise awareness of government documents in libraries and among library users.

Remembering LHRT

Remembering LHRT