Library Experience Research Articles

Onboarding for liaison librarians: building community and practice

PurposeThis article describes an onboarding program created for liaison librarians at an academic library and details a replicable framework for effective implementation at other institutions.Design/methodology/approachThis article outlines a month-long onboarding program that provides new-to-the-field and experienced librarians with support and structure as they learn the core competencies of liaison work, adjust to a new professional setting and grow in their practice as liaison librarians.FindingsInformation about onboarding practices across academic libraries, liaison librarianship within the library and information science (LIS) curriculum and the need for onboarding programs that provide a comprehensive overview of core liaison librarianship competencies is provided.Originality/valueOnboarding programs specific to liaison librarians is an underexplored topic. This article emphasizes fostering community and skill development throughout the onboarding process to bolster confidence, engagement and retention.

Bookhive: Virtual Society for Readers

In an era marked by technological advancements, the research endeavors to revolutionize the traditional paradigm of library management by introducing a comprehensive virtual society for readers enriched with digital features and user-centric functionalities. This system comprises multiple interconnected modules designed to enhance the overall library experience for both administrators and patrons. The core Library Management Module streamlines book cataloging, user management, and inventory tracking, optimizing the operational efficiency of libraries. Concurrently, the Mobile App Module extends the library’s reach beyond physical boundaries, offering a user-friendly platform for on-the-go access to resources, virtual book clubs, and personalized recommendations. The Community Engagement Module fosters a vibrant literary community by facilitating discussions, author-reader interactions, and collaborative book recommendations. The Delivery and Rare Books Module ensures accessibility by enabling users to request book deliveries and notifying them of rare book availability. Furthermore, the User Profile and Customization Module empowers patrons to personalize their library experience, from user registration to preference settings. This research is not merely a technological overhaul but a gateway to a more dynamic and inclusive library ecosystem, embracing the digital age while preserving the essence of community, engagement, and the joy of reading. With data-driven insights, personalized features, and an emphasis on community building, our Library Management System represents a forward-looking approach to redefining the role of libraries in the modern world, ensuring they remain vibrant hubs of knowledge, connection, and literary exploration.

Fostering effective collaboration between library and information science academics and practitioners in Bangladesh: Insights, challenges and recommendations

Effective collaboration between library and information science academics and practitioners is vital for the professional growth and success of individuals working in the field. It facilitates the exchange of knowledge, skills and innovative practices, which, in turn, enhance the quality of library services. It allows for the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical experience, resulting in more effective and efficient library operations. However, the lack of studies on fostering collaboration between library and information science academics and practitioners in Bangladesh presents a notable research gap. Addressing this gap is critical as it directly impacts the career success of library and information science professionals and the development of library services, particularly in a rapidly developing nation like Bangladesh. This study utilized a qualitative approach to gather data through semi-structured, unstructured, and focus group interviews with renowned Bangladeshi academics and experienced library practitioners. The research has broader implications for the global library and information science community, adding a valuable perspective from a developing nation. The results highlight the significance of mindset and attitude in influencing collaborative efforts, urging academics and practitioners to adopt an open-minded approach without ego-related conflicts. The study identifies the strengths, weaknesses, barriers and opportunities in relation to effective collaboration between library and information science academicians and practitioners. Additionally, the research proposes viable solutions and outlines the potential for academic and professional success through collaboration.

Taking Flight Together: Latinx Librarians and Allies Soaring in Academia

In this reflective piece, the author, a Latino librarian with 25 years of experience in academic libraries, explores the challenges and opportunities surrounding diversity and inclusion within the profession. Through personal anecdotes and historical context, the author highlights the persistent underrepresentation of Latinx librarians in academic settings and the growing importance of addressing this disparity, particularly in response to the demographic shifts in the United States. The establishment of the REFORMA Academic Librarians Advancing Service (ALAS) committee emerges as a pivotal initiative aimed at empowering Latinx librarians and better serving Latinx student populations. Drawing inspiration from mentors and predecessors, the author emphasizes the need for proactive measures from library deans and directors to support initiatives like ALAS, promote cultural competency, and foster diversity within their institutions. By fostering inclusivity, representation, cultural competency, and equitable access to knowledge, the profession can evolve to reflect the diversity of the communities it serves.

Analysis of Elfan Bookless Library System Innovation at the Barru Regency Library and Archives Office

This qualitative study explores the innovation of the Elfan Bookless Library System at the Barru Regency Library and Archives Office. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, with validity ensured via triangulation, negative case analysis, member checking, and extended observations. The findings reveal that the Elfan Bookless Library System enhances the reading experience by providing its own Wi-Fi network, allowing online book access. While the system effectively meets visitors' needs, its Wi-Fi coverage is limited to 500 meters, posing a connectivity challenge beyond this range. Despite this, the system is accessible without special requirements; visitors only need a cellphone or Android device. User guidance is provided through tutorials on billboards and banners, and library staff offers additional support. This study highlights the Elfan Bookless Library System's potential to innovate public library services, offering valuable insights into its advantages and limitations. These findings contribute to understanding how digital library systems can be optimized to improve user experience and accessibility in public libraries.

LuminousBookWeb

Abstract: "LuminousBookWeb" is a groundbreaking library management system designed for an enhanced user experience. The system features a dynamic online catalog with keyword search, providing detailed book information, abstracts, and full PDF access. A streamlined booking system generates QR codes for physical library transition, integrating with a smart almirah that guides users to booked books using responsive lighting. This project redefines library interactions by seamlessly blending digital cataloging with a novel wayfinding mechanism, simplifying material retrieval, and offering an interactive and user-friendly library experience.

Student experience in academic libraries: analysis of intellectual structure and opportunities for future research

In recent years, student experience (SX) has drawn the attention of researchers and librarians due to its impact on student engagement and, eventually, academic success. This study aims to explore the intellectual structure of literature focusing on the student experience with academic libraries. Through bibliometric and thematic analyses, we analyzed a sample of 160 articles published between 1995 and 2022. The findings underscore the multifaceted nature of SX research regarding academic libraries. Its intellectual structure unveils six predominant themes: (1) international students' experience; (2) servicescape and service design; (3) impact of technologies; (4) information literacy; (5) psychological and emotional aspects; and (6) engagement and motivation. Additionally, we propose a future research agenda, shedding light on prevalent theories and underexplored topics. This study serves as a valuable resource for researchers and librarians seeking insights into the nuances of SX in academic library settings. In particular, the identification of research clusters and opportunities can assist researchers in better positioning their studies and finding connections across several theoretical lenses and approaches.

Preservation of the Documentary Heritage for the Socio-Economic Development of the Region: the Experience of the Central Library of RF Constituent Entity and the University of Culture

The article is devoted to the study of the documentary heritage, its role in the socio-economic development of the region. The author highlighted the basic requirements of regulations in preserving the documentary heritage in the region. The purpose of the article is to show the library and university capabilities in implementing tasks to preserve and promote cultural heritage for the further development of the territory on the basis of the results of the conducted research.Using the example of the Kemerovo region (Kuzbass), the main parameters of the documentary heritage usage for socio-economic development of the region are determined: ensuring preservation of the documentary heritage; providing access to information; information support for all aspects of regional development; creating digital content of memory institutions (libraries, museums, archives); promoting the documentary heritage; putting into scientific circulation new components of the documentary heritage; research activities; integration of memory institutions for to preserve cultural heritage. The article presents the description of the digital documentary heritage of Kuzbass in the central library (V. D. Fedorov State Scientific Library of Kuzbass). The main types of work of the Kemerovo State Institute of Culture (KemSIC) in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Kuzbass are outlined.The article also considers the integration of the activities of the central library with the culture university as one of the key factors in increasing the efficiency of work in this direction. It is emphasized that cooperation between libraries and other institutions and organizations, including authorities and local self-government allows to work out and implement joint projects aimed at developing the region and increasing its level of sustainability. It is noted that the central libraries of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation and the Universities of Culture are key participants in the preservation and development of the cultural heritage of the region.The main conclusion of the study: close integration of the library and the university makes it possible to solve complex problems of preserving and promoting the documentary heritage of the region.

Increased Community Outcomes or Better Outcomes from Library Partnership: Through an Equity Lens

ABSTRACT Library programs and services serve communities, and they aim to increase information literacy, knowledge, increase access and decrease barriers. These benefits can be enhanced through partnerships between libraries and outside organizations. To explore what types of partnerships exist among libraries and discover more about resulting community benefits, a literature search was conducted looking for examples of shared experiences of different libraries. The literature search was completed utilizing a health focused database, an educational focused database and a library focused database: PubMed, Educational Institution of Educational Sciences (ERIC) and Library & Information Science s (LISA). A combination of keywords and controlled vocabulary were utilized that best described the topic of library partnerships and collaboration which support health initiatives. The articles retrieved highlighted three thematic concepts of community benefits from library collaborations such as increased engagement and satisfaction with programs, increased learning for library staff and increased access to resources for community members. Partnerships between individual libraries as well as partnerships between libraries and outside organizations have the potential to provide positive, equitable and tangible benefits for both libraries and the communities they serve. More research and investigation in the area of library partnerships and community benefits is recommended to help continue the progress and success that has already been established.

Integrated Library Management System

Traditional library management systems often suffer from a lack of automation, resulting in inefficient processes and limited user engagement, with cataloguing, book transactions, and user interactions remaining manual. This hindrance hampers the seamless functioning of libraries in an era dominated by digital innovation, ultimately leading to a diminished library experience for both librarians and patrons. The aim of this project is to revolutionize library management by designing and implementing an efficient and user-friendly Integrated Library Management System (ILMS). The focus lies in addressing the shortcomings of existing systems through the incorporation of modern technologies, fostering automation, and enhancing user engagement. The primary objective is to elevate user engagement through a virtual bookshelf, seamless integration with E-book platforms, and improved accessibility features in the ILMS. By providing users with a more immersive and personalized experience, the ILMS aims to bridge the gap between traditional library services and the expectations of users in the digital age.

From Dewey to Deep Learning: Exploring the Intellectual Renaissance of Libraries through Artificial Intelligence

Libraries are embracing the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance their services and provide more efficient and personalized experiences to users. This paper explores the role of AI in library services, focusing on its applications and impact. The present article begins by discussing the integration of AI technologies such as natural language processing, machine learning, and knowledge graphs in library systems. It then examines the benefits of AI, including improved information retrieval, recommendation systems, virtual assistants, and data analytics. Ethical considerations related to AI in libraries are also addressed. The paper highlights the challenges and future directions for AI implementation, including the need for training of librarians and the importance of user acceptance. The paper contributes to a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with leveraging AI in library services, ultimately paving the way for more effective and user-centric library experiences.

Exploring the Metaverse as the next frontier for a living library experience

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present an alternative platform, namely the Metaverse, to enhance and revolutionize the concept of living library experiences. The fourth industrial revolution has disseminated many innovative human experiences since the rapid development of modern technologies, such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, virtual/augmented realities, blockchain, cloud computing and so on. Various combinations of these technologies have triggered newer tools and platforms for human beings. One of these combinations, perhaps the most unique and holistic case, is the Metaverse, which promises to offer immersive experiences for users. Many stakeholders have been discussing alternative applications of Metaverse platforms, and many developers have attempted to optimize this new technology. Libraries, as the central hub of human intellectuality, will not be an exception to Metaverse integration.Design/methodology/approachThe authors undertook a meticulous examination of an extensive array of scholarly works across various databases to construct a comprehensive literature review. This exhaustive exploration encompassed databases spanning disciplines such as education, psychology, sociology, economics, ICT and so on, and included renowned platforms like PubMed, Scopus, and IEEE Xplore, among others.FindingsIn this paper, the authors concentrate on an alternative form of libraries: “living libraries,” where people share their experiences, knowledge and wisdom with others like a living book. Moreover, the authors discuss how the Metaverse and living libraries intersect and create an alternative sharing platform. The paper presents several illustrative scenarios for diffusing living libraries into Metaverse platforms. Finally, the paper articulates the possible challenges that this intersection may present to the current condition.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first papers combining two innovative concepts: Metaverse and living library and suggests alternative scenarios for real-life experiences.

Let my pictures convey my emotions: Acculturation and place attachment of mainland Chinese students in Hong Kong’s campus libraries

Acculturation is a crucial concern that international students grapple with while pursuing their studies in a cross-cultural environment. This study utilizes photovoice, a visual field method, along with reflexive thematic analysis (reflexive TA), to explore the emotional connection between mainland Chinese students in Hong Kong and campus libraries. Additionally, it explores the role of the university campus library in their acculturation process. The study’s findings underscore the profound attachment that mainland Chinese students develop toward campus libraries, revealing the complex nature of their acculturation journey. By engaging in comparisons encompassing individuals, rules, experiences, imagination, and culture, these students have cultivated favorable perceptions of their library experience, employing it as a strategic approach for acculturation and integration. Notably, the library space affords students a sanctuary of privacy and autonomy, facilitating their immersive engagement within a personal realm, and concurrently assuaging any sentiments of isolation and unease encountered in communal settings. However, the emotional attachment that mainland Chinese students develop toward the library may exacerbate long-term academic stress and anxiety, negatively affecting their experience adapting to the local culture. This groundbreaking article examines the relationship between international students’ acculturation and place attachment, providing crucial theoretical insight into this important issue. Moreover, the research provides valuable guidance for university administrators to effectively aid international students in adapting to cross-cultural environments.

Project activity as the communication systems innovative functioning: The Ukrainian libraries experience

The purpose of the article is to highlight the leading Ukrainian libraries project activities as a factor of their innovative functioning. The research methodology is based on the application of systemic-structural and activity approaches, which led to the complex use of generally-logical and theoretical methods used in humanitarian research. The scientific novelty of the obtained results lies in clarifying the role and significance of libraries project activities, summarising the most relevant projects implemented by leading libraries of Ukraine, as well as in highlighting the characteristic consequences of innovative library projects implementation and their classification depending on the target nature. Conclusions. It has been established that the characteristic features of the projects are their clear purpose, uniqueness, as well as: social and cultural significance and social effect; for users – new services and new opportunities; for libraries and library specialists – implementation of innovations, professional development, modernisation of production processes, etc. It has been emphasised that thanks to the implementation of innovative projects there were: a) significant transformation of library technologies and functional areas of library activity; b) fully justified attraction to corporatism in the information and search systems creation and information resources consolidation; c) innovative transformations in the library-information service system for users; d) arrangement of innovative library space. The whole set of library projects is grouped according to the purpose: social and communication projects, technological and functional projects. It has been concluded that the project activity of libraries expands and at the same time enriches the libraries’ functional capabilities and their information and resource base, promotes new services mastering and their development, and also establishes libraries as an important social and cultural institution and space for communication

An automatic college library book recommendation system using optimized Hidden Markov based weighted fuzzy ranking model

An automated book recommendation system has becoming a necessary role in increasing the efficacy and user experience of college library. The number of books in the library is very large, and it is difficult for students to choose the appropriate book from each department efficiently. The manual selection of books is time-consuming, and an automatic library book recommendation system is highly required. Therefore, this research proposes a novel ranking-based hybrid recommendation system for assisting each student in different department to select required books with minimal time. Initially, pre-processing is done to label each department name, which can effectively reduce the time complexity. Then, weighting is provided for each book using a timestamp based on the days the book was issued between the date of issue and return. After, Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) is computed to find the similarity between the department and the corresponding books. Finally, the Hidden Markov-assisted Chaotic Artificial Humming Bird with Discriminant Analysis and weighted fuzzy ranking (HMCAHB_DA-WFR) model is proposed to classify the books according to the department accurately based on the generated ranks and provides better recommendation to the students. The proposed method is implemented in PYTHON software, and a real-time dataset is utilized from Bhilai Institute of Technology, Durg. The proposed method obtains a better accuracy of 99.2%, Kappa of 97.6%, MAE of 0.074, NMCC of 98.7%, FPR of 0.0085% and FNR of 0.034%. The attained simulation results prove the efficiency of proposed method over other existing methods.

Toward Redefining Library Research Support Services in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand: An Evidence-Based Practice Approach

An increasingly complex and demanding research landscape has seen university libraries rapidly evolve their services. While research data management, bibliometrics, and research impact services have predominantly featured in the literature to date, the full scope of support libraries are currently providing to their institutions is unknown. This paper aims to present an up-to-date view of the scope and extent of research support services by university libraries across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. A coding process analyzed content data from university library websites. Eleven research support areas were identified. Service delivery is split between synchronous and asynchronous modes. This paper describes a lived experience of an evidence-based library and information practice approach to improving research support services at two Australian university libraries, and while it highlights continued maturation of research support services, more research is needed to better understand influences on service development.

Practicing Critical Global Citizenship in an Academic Library: Experiences of Immigrant-Origin Librarians

Practicing Critical Global Citizenship in an Academic Library: Experiences of Immigrant-Origin Librarians

Challenges faced by library staff of academic libraries during the Covid-19 pandemic: University of Sri Jayewardenepura Library experience

This study attempted to examine the role of the academic libraries and how the libraries handle crises and other related problems during the Covid-19 pandemic. Thus, the study is aimed at investigating the challenges that the library staff of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ) faced when providing services to its users amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. Accordingly, the main objectives of this research were to examine whether the USJ library performed all routine activities, and whether it provided all facilities at usual times during the pandemic. Further, the study aimed to identify how work scheduling during the pandemic affected staff behavior and to investigate whether the staff faced difficulties when providing library services online. This is a qualitative study and questionnaires and structured interviews were used for the data collection. The research population consisted of the total library staff members of the USJ. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2019. Based on the results of the analysis, only a few members of the staff did not engage in routine activities during the pandemic. Although a number of difficulties have been mentioned by the respondents when dealing with external parties, alternative measures were also put in place at the USJ library to carry out the routine activities without fail during the pandemic. Though there were a list of activities which could not be performed during the pandemic, some services were provided remotely. An adequate number of staff members was available in the offices during the period where employees were working on a roster, adhering to the safety regulations imposed by the government. It was revealed that the USJ library staff has successfully carried out their duties online during the pandemic with the help of the IT infrastructure. In conclusion, work is challenging during a global pandemic, nonetheless, there are ways and means to overcome these challenges. Communication media and developments in the IT play a vital role here.

Knowledge Management Organization in the Context of LibGuides of Sumy State University Library

Objective. The article considers the role of knowledge management in the library of a higher education institution in the modern conditions of the global information society. The process of implementing LibGuides as a new tool for systematization, analysis, preservation, transfer, actualization of knowledge, and access to it is highlighted. Methods. The study was conducted by using methods: analytical and review, analysis and synthesis, comparison of experience of the world’s university libraries, and statistical method. Results. The role of the library as an information institute in the context of the development of the knowledge society is shown. The experience of Sumy State University Library regarding the LibGuides project implementation, which contributes to the creation of new knowledge, its productive use, as well as the formation of information literacy and academic integrity of scientists, teachers, and students, is considered. Conclusions. University libraries play a significant role in the organization of knowledge management of all participants in the educational and scientific process. LibGuides are an effective tool in the practice of knowledge management, which includes the librarian's work with new technologies, generating new knowledge, and sharing knowledge without any geographical limitations.

Library and Knowledge Management in Times of Crisis: Search for Effective Models of Activity

In this issue, our contributors share their thoughts, ideas, and doubts, describing how they and their library teams have worked hard during the recent crisis years to develop, improve, or find effective models of operation to prepare for high-level negative events and minimise catastrophic consequences. Knowledge management is definitely about university libraries, which have shifted their role from accessing and managing information to accessing, sharing and managing knowledge. The papers describe the library experience of knowledge management in times of crisis as a combination of information, communication and human resource management. The crisis experience is considered in the context of the conference "University Library at a new stage of social communications development" 2023 as the experience gained in the working library environment of universities around the world, created in the rapidly changing, chaotic and often dangerous for people's health and life conditions of large-scale crisis events. By illustrating the challenges, surprises, and rewards we face in library and information science in different countries, we hope that the articles in this issue will provide us all with the motivation to keep going in a difficult period. At the very least, these articles will help readers to appreciate how our understanding of higher education librarianship continues to evolve in times of crisis.