Library Experience Research Articles

The Role of Public Libraries of China in Developing the Knowledge and Information­Based Economy

The aim of this paper is to unlock the potential of modern Chinese public libraries as an important factor in developing the knowledge-and information-based economy.Research methodology. The author uses the analysis of statistics on the activities of public libraries in China, the content analysis of their websites, the comparative analysis of innovative products and services that are in demand. The systematic approach to studying the activities of the network of public libraries of the People’s Republic of China made it possible to determine the specific functions of national and regional libraries, to determine the status of their corporate cooperation in improving the quality of meeting the information needs of users.Results. The author reveals the main provisions of the Law on Public Libraries of China (2018) — the first legislative act in the country that regulates all aspects of the activities of the largest type of libraries. The author describes the tasks and functions of public libraries in China as a basic socio-communication institute, which performs information, educational, socio-cultural, socializing, recreational functions, has a powerful potential for enhancing the intellectual level of society, the development of creativity of the general public, in particular children and youth. The author indicates the role of government funding for the modernization of Chinese libraries by the government, creating comfortable conditions for an access for all categories of users to the world’s information resources. The paper highlights the importance of the active development of innovative online and mobile services by public libraries, virtual reality services aimed at implementing youth creative ideas and skills, aspirations for innovative experiments, the acquisition of practical skills of working with high-tech equipment based on the structure of libraries of creative space «i-Space».Novelty. It is shown that in the context of developing the digital economy and knowledge-and information-based society, the priority in public libraries of China is to create the conditions for creative ideas and abilities for young people, aspirations for innovative experiments, and the acquisition of practical skills of working with high-tech equipment (robotized technology, 3D printers, 3D scanners, laser cutters, digital music and video recording studios, virtual reality glasses and helmets, etc.).The practical significance. The experience of Chinese public libraries is worth studying and being implemented in the libraries of those countries that have adopted the government programs to develop the digital society and knowledge-and information-based economy. This experience shows that the diversification of high-tech library services allows them to create “idea incubators” and creative workshops, informal leisure and educational centres for local communities that promote the self-development and realization of creative abilities of young people, form their desire for technical creativity and innovative experiments as a basis for developing the intellectual capital of the country and a key for developing the knowledge-and information-based economy.

Creative Forms and Means of Service for Users of Modern Libraries

The purpose of the article is to define modern creative forms of service for users of public libraries, to find out the assortment of the most popular ones with the purpose of distribution based on this experience of libraries of Ukraine. Research methodology. The article considers the features of modern library services; special attention is paid to the main forms and means of service. Results. Interaction with users in the library takes place through the service process, which is an important indicator of the viability of the institution, determining its active participation in informing society and citizens. Effective service of modern users is based on digital technologies of information provision, but their mastering by libraries is not the only condition of quality of library and information service. Now library users need not only information in a convenient format and comfortable conditions of its consumption, but also a unique place where there are opportunities to learn, develop, communicate, rest, self-realization, receive professional consultation of specialists. The article presents creative forms and means of services for users of public libraries. Special attention is paid to the systematization of forms and means of service and their application in public libraries. The author analyzes the leisure activities of public libraries of Ukraine, organizes forms and means of service in public libraries and describes the most popular ones. Novelty. The article is the first attempt to analyze and systematize forms and means of service in public libraries of Ukraine. The practical significance. The paper may be of a particular interest to the specialists in library and information science.

Library Supervision as a Component of Scientific and Practical Relations between the Library and the Scientist: Current State

Objective. Library supervision over faculties is a new direction of work, which is being implemented by university libraries in different countries. The work is aimed to study the world and domestic experience of university libraries in the direction of library supervision as a component of scientific and practical relations between the library and the scientist. Methods. The research was conducted on the basis of the analysis of the world literary flow in library information science. The Ukrainian experience is analyzed on the example of implementation of the Library Supervisory Program of the Central Scientific Library of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University (CSL KhNU) within the framework of implementation of the University and Library Development Strategy. Results. The most topical issues of concern to the world library community were analyzed: the purpose and options of the librarian-lecturer interaction, the contradictions in the relationship between librarians and scholars, the librarian and information literacy training. The main elements of the Library Supervisory Program of the CSL KhNU are the expanded informing of the representatives of the faculties on the CSL`s possibilities and various forms of individual and group consultations of readers, deepening of inter-organizational interaction. Conclusions. The process of interaction between librarians and higher education departments in the early 21st century, in the context of a holistic and very rapid development of the information society, is urgent and necessary. Given the rational and competent implementation of its basic conditions, which have already been worked out on the basis of foreign experience, it has great potential.

The Role of Libraries as Publishers in the Open Education Landscape: Reflecting Modern World Practice of Open Textbooks

Objective. The study aims to analyse the experience of university libraries in different countries in working with the Open Textbook (OT) and to consider the prospects of creating a similar pilot project in Ukraine. Methods. The analysis covered the world publications (journals, books, conference proceedings, posts on social networks) in the field of Library and Information Science, devoted to the role of libraries in OT support, that have appeared since 2014. The author studied the aspects revealing that publication, namely OT, support services are areas with great potential for the future development of academic / university libraries. Results. Numerous evidence is presented that the topic of library as a publisher in OT support is most developed in the universities and colleges in economically developed countries, especially in the USA, Canada, Australia, and Great Britain. Library strategies for OT projects have been identified. The author clarified the nature of the initiatives and partnerships of libraries in supporting OT, as well as the basic services and roles of libraries in these projects. Conclusions. Today, the global practice of Scholarly Communication has enough evidence that the functions of the Library, lost in the course of evolution, as a Knowledge Publisher have returned under its “roof” and supplemented the existing function of Knowledge Managers. Digital Library Publishing (DLP) services in OT support help to change the learning environment and life of students (including persons with disabilities), pedagogical practices of teachers by means of free textbooks with an open license, as well as to receive reputation benefits for the university, improving the image of the latter. The possibility of eliminating systemic inequalities in access to academic resources increases the significance and changes the role of libraries in open education. The successes of Ukrainian librarians in supporting digital scholarly communication initiatives and the successful implementation of Open Access support projects (repositories, e-journals, e-conferences) give confidence that they can act as initiators and key partners in creating affordable textbooks.

IoT Innovations in Libraries: Transforming Services and Accessibility

The advent of the Internet of Things (IoT) has ushered in a new era of innovation and transformation in libraries worldwide. "IoT Innovations in Libraries: Transforming Services and Accessibility" delves into the exciting realm of IoT technologies and their profound impact on modern library services and accessibility. In an age where digitalization and connectivity are paramount, this paper explores how libraries are embracing IoT to revamp their offerings. From smart shelves that optimize collection management to sensor-equipped spaces that enhance user experiences, this comprehensive guide showcases a myriad of IoT applications tailored to the library ecosystem. Through real-world case studies and best practices, readers will gain insights into how IoT is redefining library services. Discover how IoT-enabled systems facilitate seamless resource tracking, personalized recommendations, and real-time data analytics, empowering librarians to make informed decisions and offer unparalleled support to patrons. Accessibility is a core focus throughout the book, as IoT technologies open doors to a more inclusive library experience. Learn how IoT-driven assistive devices and smart navigation tools are breaking down barriers for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that libraries are welcoming and accommodating to all. It emphasizes the importance of safeguarding user privacy while harnessing the power of IoT for the betterment of library services

LIBRARY INFORMATION SERVICES FOR THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY: FOREIGN EXPERIENCE

The authors study the experience of foreign libraries (especially of USA and Canada) in rendering information services to the professional medical community. Publications on this item from 1980-es up to present times are the material for the analysis. As an example of successful interaction between foreign libraries and physicians, the following models are listed as “clinical librarianship”, ”embedded librarianship”, research information management.

CONDUCTING THE LIBRARY PROJECT ACTIVITIES: CREATIVE MANAGEMENT

Project development is viewed upon as a process of creative approaches to solving problems and making effective management decisions, where creative management is a key component of project management and thereby radically increases the efficiency of the library activity. Reflected is the experience of the State Universal Scientific Library of the Krasnoyarsk Territory on conducting socio-cultural projects, the implementation of which is carried out using creative management. The curator's role in the modern library project activity is stated.

E-abstract information search engines in academic libraries: implication for access and acquisition of educational experiences

This study investigated the effect of e-abstract information search engines on the utilization of information resources for promotion of Access and acquisition of educational experiences in academic libraries. Population of study was 1708 library registered students drawn from the Federal Universities of Calabar and Uyo. Of this, 1,200 students constituted the sample representing 80% of the population of study. A structured research questionnaire instrument was developed and administered to draw responses from the sample of study. The combined result showed significant positive responses in the use of e-abstract search engines in academic libraries in the promotion of access and acquisition of educational experiences in the two universities. Keywords: E-Abstract, Search Engines, Academic Libraries, Access, Acquisition

Challenges Faced by Subject Librarians in an Academic Library and Initiatives Toward Overcoming Them: UPM Library Experience

ABSTRACTSubject Librarians play an important role in an academic library, a role which it is crucial to study. There have been many published studies that have highlighted the lack of evidence on the competencies of Subject Librarians. This paper discusses the challenges faced by the Subject Librarians of the Universiti Putra Malaysia Library. The aim was to gather information from published documents regarding the experiences and practices carried out in efforts to increase the competencies of Subject Librarians. The outcomes from this conceptual paper serve as an important instructional tool for the training and development of Subject Librarians. The results might also provide guidance for the implementation of a similar program or relevant problem-solving plans for other libraries in the region.

Book talk and aphasia: the power of a book.

Reading is most often affected in aphasia and this has an impact on most aspects of everyday life. Being able to read makes a significant difference to how well a person can participate in society. In this study, people with aphasia recount their experiences of being in a book club. This small scale, exploratory study employs a qualitative approach to investigate how persons with aphasia (PWA) and a librarian experience participating in a book club. The aim was to explore their overall experiences of participation, including their views regarding the design of the book club. The research questions were: How did participants experience participating in a book club? How did participants experience the structure and the content of the book club? Three men and one woman with aphasia took part in a book club, which was led by a librarian and met once a week for 9 weeks. The group read a book that had been adapted to suit adults who are not very skilled readers or who have a poor knowledge of the Swedish language; it was also available in an audio version. Data were collected through observations, interviews and field notes, and were analysed thematically to find patterns across data and across participants. The analysis showed that, despite their language difficulties, the participants experienced the book club as highly rewarding, possibly because the focus was on the content of the book and not on each individual's reading ability. The overarching theme identified in the data was 'Empowerment through a joint reading experience'. This encompassed three sub-themes: 'Structure and flexibility', 'Enjoyment of reading' and 'Fruitful discussions'. The PWA experienced the activity as positive and encouraging despite their language difficulties. What yielded the positive experience were the joint literary discussions. The project also showed that a dedicated group leader (here the librarian) and a flexible structure based on the situation and abilities of each individual were crucial for the encouraging findings.

From UX Study to UX Service: Using People-Centered Research Methods to Improve the Public Library Experience

ABSTRACT This article will cover the basic UX concepts and principles, the relationship between design thinking and UX, and the historical background of UX in the library. Case studies of UX in libraries with a focus on public libraries will be presented. Practical aspects such as tools, resources, and lessons learned will also be discussed as well as how public libraries can use UX to improve their services and programs to better meet their library mission, vision, strategic plan, and organizational goals.

Library of Trinity College Dublin: a modern information and communication center in Ireland

The paper deals with aspects of the activities of the Trinity College Irish Library as an information, communication, educational and cultural center of Ireland. The possibilities of library search engine components to provide users with effective access to information sources and services are analyzed. It is noted that the library engages in the service of users of expert librarians, who provide advice and guidance on the intellectual search of materials and the organization of scientific research. It has been found that the library's information retrieval system provides support for research and a high level of use of information resources localized both in the library's own funds and available in other information systems and databases. It is emphasized that the library's experience in presenting information resources and providing means of navigation and search for information sources is certainly useful for improving information retrieval systems of scientific libraries of Ukraine, which provide information to all sectors of society, including research. It is noted that the definition of the optimal model of rational organization of online resources contributes to the further development and modernization of search engines of domestic scientific libraries.

What citation patterns reveal about reading research and practice in academic libraries

Purpose At the turn of the twenty-first century, academic libraries revived their tradition of working with readers, which resulted in a surge of publications in this area. However, the nature and thematic coverage of these publications has not changed dramatically in the past 18 years, signaling little advancement in the reach and scope of this professional activity. This paper aims to address the following research problem: What do citation patterns reveal about reading research and practice in academic libraries and do they point to interdisciplinary research and the presence of an evidence base or do they carry a mark of an inward disciplinary orientation? Design/methodology/approach This is a qualitative exploratory study, also involving descriptive statistics, that uses bibliographic and citation analysis as a method. Findings The study discovers a disconnect between the diversity of interdisciplinary research cited in the published work on reading in academic libraries and the sameness of respective professional practices; it describes a relatively small community of reading researchers in academic libraries, emerging as leaders who can change the direction and scope of reading practices; and it highlights a preference of academic librarians for relying on interdisciplinary knowledge about reading over building on the readers’ advisory experience of public librarians. Originality/value Translating the incredible wealth of interdisciplinary reading knowledge possessed by academic librarians into practical applications promises to advance and diversify reading practices in academic libraries. One method that could aid in this effort is more intentional learning from the readers’ advisory practices of public librarians.

USING THE GAME MODEL OF GAMEPLAY IN THE SOCIO-CULTURAL ACTIVITY OF LIBRARIES

The purpose of the article is to study the functions, the main forms, the characteristic features of gamification technology, which motivates to participate in the game, transforms boring learning or routine activities into attractive, interesting and cognitive; prospects of the use of game mechanics of gaming in the socio-cultural activities of libraries.In his work the author used methods of analysis, description, generalization, systematization and other methods of scientific research.The article names the range of Ukrainian and foreign researchers applying game technologies, analyzes the basic aspects of methodology, strategy, and motivation for the process of gaming.As a result of the analysis of sources, gameplay in the library is proposed to be considered as the use of gaming practices, techniques, computer and desktop games with an educational purpose, goals and objectives.Based on the practical experience of the scientific library KNUCA described the use of game gaming models during the conduct of Information games on informational literacy, which provided for the conduct of intellectual quizzes, game and practical tasks in the subject of library departments.The development of the script and the tasks of the Information games took into account the main aspects of gameplay: dynamics, mechanics, aesthetics, social interaction.As a result of studying library experience and specifics of the interactive platform Kahoot for the creation of quizzes, proposed the prospects of application gamification in the socio-cultural activities of libraries.According to the researcher, the main advantages of using gaming in the activities of libraries are: creativity and non-standard activities, establishing new forms of communication with users; forming a circle of “friends of the library”.

Is the 21th-century school library a fiction or a tangible reality?

The digital era challenges the school library which loses connection with generation Z who speaks a different digital language to all other generations. The underfinanced school libraries with little or no budget for new acquisitions are no longer information centers, the least “information authorities” for youngsters. We need the secret elixir to convert the museum-like school libraries into creative learning spaces. In times of budget cut our creativity enables us to welcome various forms of the digital language Generation Z is a native speaker of. By implementing simple social media like activities into our library programs we might fill the old collections with a new vibe.
 The objectives of the presentation
 The audience will get an insight into the possibilities and the threats Hungarian school libraries are facing with. Instead of mourning over the gloomy reality the presentation aims to focus on creative possibilities which can help school librarians to give the students a 21st century-like experience within difficult circumstances. Creative school librarians might be inspired by a collection of activities where usual social media behavior is implemented into information literacy training classes.
 Participants will learn
 Library instruction together with improving information literacy and reading promotion are parts of the core curriculum in Hungary. School librarians are entitled to create programs that help students to become acquainted with the library spaces, get to know the collection and to find relevant information in order to create new content. However, the outdated collections of school libraries overshadow these promising possibilities. It is a challenge to motivate students - who never lived without the internet and being deprived of their smartphone is a major threat in their life - to use the library collection of 50 to 10 years old books joyfully.
 Whether we agree or not, with the definition of the selfie: as the beginning of the end of intelligent civilization, we have to admit that selfies play an important role in our lives. By encouraging students to take selfies in the library space, immediately adds a positive emotional impact on their library visit in. Selfies help to become acquainted with the library spaces especially if a group tries to reconstruct where the selfies had been taken.
 The social media presence is manifested in the endless circle of likes, dislikes, and comments. If we urge students to browse the selves and select random books to like or dislike we give them the opportunity to have a say in the collection. The student’s choice might mirror the current state of mind of the society. If the selected items are on display, other visitors are also motivated to reflect on them, fostering a certain discussion over the library collection.
 Reading promotion is a hard mission when the books teenagers like to read are not available at our school libraries. We can overcome this difficulty by encouraging students to present their favorite book’s trailer. The complexity of transforming a reading experience into a video or a visual presentation strengthens cognitive skills effectively. Book trailers are creative and are in line with the media consumption tendency of Generation Z whose focus moves from written resources to video content.
 These simple examples show that budget cuts must not discourage librarians! On the contrary, we have to find creative ways to provide students with a 21st century-like library experience at a 20th-century school library setting. We cannot change the environment but we can update the school library programs by welcoming the digital language of Generation Z students into our routine. If we learn and apply their language, we might win them over in the end.
 About the author
 Teacher Librarian and Art Teacher at a Spanish-Hungarian bilingual high school (2004-). Board member of the Hungarian SLA (2016-). Experienced in creating a school library program, planning curriculum and embracing creativity in the school library. Speaker at international conferences, IFLA WLIC 2017, Detroit 2017. Participant in several international projects from Zaragoza to New York and San Diego.

The university library collections in the 21st century: Main trends and factors of efficient collection development

The necessity for studies and sharing the experience of Russian academic university libraries in collection development is substantiated. The main trends for the collection development in the 21-st century are revealed and examined as the case study of Novosibirsk State University Library.NovosibirskUniversityis among the nation’s leading research universities. The authors specify the trends of modernization, globalization, collection development with digital publications, and the increasing share of the latter in the Library’s acquisitions and, correspondingly, in the collection, on the whole. They also emphasize the relations and mutual dependence of these and other trends within the collection development process. The factors of successful collection development at the Library are recommended to be implemented by other libraries. High professional competences of collection development specialists and other librarians, the wide range of the collection development sources and their stability, and university administration’s special care of the library collections are specified among these factors. The authors conclude that Novosibirsk State University Library has accumulated great experience in collection development in the circumstances of information society, advance of information technologies, expanding globalization, university integration into the global education, science and research environment. This experience can be shared with many other university libraries.

“What Is Bought Is Cheaper Than a Gift”: The Hidden Burdens of Gifts-in-Kind and Policies to Help

Accepting donations has been a fundamental aspect of librarianship for years. The world’s greatest collections, from Carnegie Libraries to the Library of Congress, have been built by the generosity of others. Yet, in the modern era, gifts-in-kind are offered more democratically and come with mixed quality. This has led to a shift in how libraries look at gifts-in-kind as often more burdensome than genuinely helpful. This is because gifts come with costs to the library that donors fail to consider, and some gifts are offered with ulterior motives. To navigate these burdens and still encourage a generous public, libraries must have a clear written gift policy to ease stresses and anxieties on both the donor and the institution. In the case of academic law libraries, they often don’t share the exact experience of other libraries; however, they face some of the same challenges and require a written gift policy all the same. Examining the gift policies of other law libraries can establish a framework of essential elements when establishing a new gift policy at an institution.

Articulating the Experience of Uniqueness and Difference for Librarians of Color

AbstractThe lack of diversity in the library profession means that the experiences of librarians of color are often ignored, and librarians from the dominant white cultural group are unaware of the...

There Can Be No Single Approach for Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Academic Libraries, but Sensory-Friendly Spaces and Clear Policies May Help

A Review of:
 Anderson, A. (2018). Autism and the academic library: A study of online communication. College & Research Libraries, 79(5), 645-658. https://doi.org/10.5860/crl.79.5.645
 Abstract
 Objective – To investigate how people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) discuss their experiences in academic libraries in an online community of their peers.
 Design – Qualitative content analysis.
 Setting – Online discussion forum.
 Subjects – An unknown number of registered members of Wrong Planet (wrongplanet.net), who self-identify as having ASD and have posted about academic libraries on the public discussion board since 2004.
 Methods – Potentially relevant Wrong Planet public discussion board threads posted between 2004 and an undisclosed collection date were retrieved using an advanced Google search with the search strategy “library; librarian; lib; AND college; university; uni; campus” (p. 648). Each thread (total 170) was read in its entirety to determine its relevance to the study, and a total of 98 discussion threads were ultimately included in the analysis. Data were coded inductively and deductively, guided by the research questions and a conceptual framework which views ASD as being (at least partially) socially constructed. Coding was checked for consistency by another researcher.
 Main results – Wrong Planet members expressed a variety of views regarding the academic library’s physical environment, its resources, and the benefits and challenges of interacting socially within it. Many members discussed using the library as a place to escape noise, distraction, and social interaction, while other members expressed the opposite, finding the library, its resources, and its patrons to be noisy, distracting, and even chaotic. Social interaction in the library was seen both positively and negatively, with members appearing to need clearly defined rules regarding collaboration, noise, and behaviour in the library.
 Conclusion – While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to supporting students with ASD in academic libraries, the findings suggest it may be beneficial to provide sensory-friendly environments, designate defined spaces for quiet study and for collaboration, clearly state rules regarding noise and behaviour, and provide informal opportunities to socialize. The author also suggests libraries raise awareness of the needs of ASD students among the entire academic community by hosting events and seminars. The author plans to build on these findings by surveying and interviewing relevant stakeholders.

The Library’s Impact on University Students’ Academic Success and Learning

Abstract
 Objective – The purpose of this study was to examine relationships among student library visits, library resource use, library space satisfaction (e.g., quiet study space), and students’ academic performance (i.e., Grade Point Average or GPA) using quantitative data and to better understand how the academic library has an impact on students’ learning from students’ perspectives using qualitative data.
 Methods – A survey was distributed during the Spring 2018 semester to graduate and undergraduate students at a large public research institution. Survey responses consisted of two types of data: (1) quantitative data pertaining to multiple choice questions related to the student library experience, and (2) qualitative data, including open-ended questions, regarding students’ perceptions of the library’s impact on their learning. Quantitative data was analyzed using Spearman’s rank correlations between students’ library experience and their GPAs, whereas qualitative data was analyzed employing thematic analysis.
 Results – The key findings from the quantitative data show that student library visits and library space satisfaction were negatively associated with their GPA, whereas most students’ use of library resources (e.g., journal articles and databases) was positively associated with their GPAs. The primary findings from the qualitative data reveal that students perceived the library as a place where they can concentrate and complete their work. Additionally, the students reported that they utilize both the quiet and collaborative study spaces interchangeably depending on their academic needs, and expressed that the library provides them with invaluable resources that enhance their coursework and research.
 Conclusions – While the findings show that the student library experience was associated with their academic achievements, there were mixed findings in the study. The findings suggest that as a student’s GPA increases, their in-person library visits and library space satisfaction decrease. On the other hand, as a student’s GPA increases, their library resource usage increases. Further investigation is needed to better understand the negative relationship between students’ library visits, library space satisfaction, and their GPAs.