Library Premises Research Articles

Availability of Library Services in the Russian Federation: Monitoring Results of the National Library of Russia

The article presents an analysis of statistical data of the National Library of Russia (NLR) monitoring, characterizing the availability of library services in the Russian Federation. It names factors influencing the accessibility of library services: a developed network of out-of-station and mobile service points, provision of transport vehicles, optimal operating hours of libraries, accessibility of library premises (accessible environment) for people with disabilities (HH) and inclusive library space, developed digital library infrastructure providing services to readers remotely. Since the huge volume of statistical data makes it impossible to consider all aspects of the accessibility of Russian libraries within the framework of the article, its objective is to give a comparative analysis of some of them (coverage of the population of the Russian Federation with library services, the number of people per a public library, distribution of non-stationary service points across Russian regions, provision networks of public libraries by transport, operating hours of library institutions and reduced work schedules of specialists and their variations in frames of the RF subjects). The work states that the availability of library services to the population is a condition for ensuring the quality of the population life. The problems of accessibility of Russian library services could be solved by modernizing the network of municipal libraries, improving the transport and digital infrastructure and organizing the comfortable library space to all categories of citizens. The materials can be used by regional departments of culture when planning the modernization of library institutions’ network.

Alexander Semenovich Latsinsky and the restoration of the General Staff Library in the 1900s

The author examines the contribution of Alexander Semenovich Latsinsky, librarian of the General Staff Library, to the revival of the institution after the fire of 1900, and his work up to his resignation in 1910. Latsinsky was the author of several military historical works. Despite working for the library since 1874, Latsinsky did not have relations with some of his immediate superiors, which did not prevent him from receiving support in publishing works from the military ministers. Being the oldest employee of the General Staff, Latsinsky was dissatisfied with his status and repeatedly applied for advancing his rank. The repair works after the library fire took about 10 years. The military authorities allocated large sums for the library revival and monitored the quality of the work performed. The library collection was often moved from place to place before finally it was put on shelves on the library premises. But even in such conditions, the library collection was being developed, in particular with the private collections of generals A. K. Puzyrevsky, D. P. Dokhturov, and K. I. Velichko. The contribution of the special library commission made it possible to arrange the books on the bookshelves in a short time frame.

Russian-Made Wireless Lighting and Microclimate Monitoring and Control Systems Accounting for Features of Museum Premises

Microclimate and light environment monitoring systems form a relatively new (emerging) hightech market segment in Russia. Projects being implemented in Russia include microclimate control based on imported equipment, while intelligent lighting systems are not produced at all. The barriers preventing the segment from growing also include lack of standards (each company develops its own technology) and inability of the Russian-produced measuring instruments registered in the State Register to work as part of such systems. These all are the key aspects are taken into account when making decisions regarding automation. Based on its proprietary developments, TKA has manufactured microclimate monitoring systems and introduced the same in museum and library premises (with wall thickness of up to 1 m, high remoteness of the premises (buildings) and other specific conditions). In particular, the specific features of buildings and some premises of the Library of the Academy of Sciences required pre-testing in order to determine permeability of walls and doors in terms of wireless communication. As a result, in the course of project development, it was found that it was necessary to install 8 repeaters to enable reliable radio signal passage. The goal of the ongoing study is to create a native system with adjustable operation conditions, number of sensors, selection of monitored parameters and their metrological characteristics, which would increase the accuracy of metrological monitoring in museum, library and archive premises as well as in greenhouse facilities and in urban and industrial infrastructural facilities by means of the lighting environment spectrometric and radiometric analysis and intelligent microclimate control.

Enhancing Library Silence: NOISYFIER-SVM With Machine Learning Analysis

Noise remains a persistent concern in library environments, affecting both library patrons and facilitators alike. In response to this issue, the present research delved into a study aimed at addressing this isolated challenge. The primary objective of this investigation was to design and develop a novel device employing robotics and Arduino mechanisms to mitigate the negative impact of noise within library premises. The device's capabilities were thoroughly tested at Luis Y. Ferrer Jr. Senior High School, providing crucial insights into its effectiveness. The device's functionalities were calibrated according to meticulous planning and 3D design executed by the researchers. The Noisyfier incorporates a Sound Sensor Module capable of receiving and detecting sound intensity, while an alarm system with a buzzer is triggered when the sound level surpasses a predefined decibel limit. Precision testing was conducted to validate the device's performance, and a strong positive correlation with conventional decibel meters was observed. By utilizing MATLAB's Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm with a threshold value of 81.5 to discern the binary association between the 'device' and 'db meter,' the obtained correlation coefficient of 0.90476 and classification accuracy of 0.98556 showcase the device's robust performance in noise detection. The Noisyfier demonstrated remarkable efficacy as a noise monitoring device specifically tailored for library environments, and this claim is substantiated by rigorous statistical data and comprehensive analysis. To facilitate further research endeavors in this area, future researchers are encouraged to explore durable power sources and consider device modifications that enhance its portability and ease of use.

Libraries of Ukraine as Centers of the National Resistance

The relevance of the article. Ukrainian society is experiencing a difficult period of existence, in 2022 began a full-scale Russian aggression against our country, which aggravated many complex issues of physical survival and psychological endurance of Ukrainians. Current life of Ukrainian citizens is characterized by instability, threats of physical destruction, information disorientation, unpredictability, the need to simultaneously solve many vital problems, which is a significant stress factor. Under these conditions, Ukrainian librarians, despite the destruction of many library premises, actively engaged in helping the society in all possible directions.
 The purpose of the article. To prove the availability of information and resource potential of public libraries of Ukraine as centers of national resistance through diversification of their basic functions, attraction of innovative instruments of activity and channels of communication.
 The methodology. The article considers the activity of Ukrainian libraries as centers of national resistance and psychological support of the society during the Russian military aggression against Ukraine.
 The results. The article presents an innovative view on the content and organization of the basic directions of socio-cultural activity of Ukrainian libraries. The need to strengthen the information impact on users through social networks, use of communication potential of copywriting and Storytelingu was emphasized. The availability of powerful capabilities and reserves of critical thinking, media literacy and information hygiene skills for libraries has been proved.
 The scientific novelty. The article presents an innovative view on the content and organization of the basic directions of socio-cultural activity of Ukrainian libraries.
 The practical significance. The author analyzes the activity of Ukrainian libraries as centers of national resistance and psychological support of the society during the Russian military aggression against Ukraine.

Ентомологічне тло книгосховищ ураження, методи боротьби

The article presents the results of the experience of entomological research of the Library’s book depositorys. The dependence of the state of preservation of documents on the intensity of use, storage conditions and the causes of aging are traced. Physicochemical and biological factors dangerous for the library fund are pointed out in particular inadequate lighting, the presence of dust and harmful gases, microscopic fungi, insects. Particular attention is paid to the dependence of individual resistance of paper to adverse effects on its quality. Favorable conditions for the development of biological factors that pose a threat to documents from the Library fund in terms of their material components are outlined. The reasons for the weakening of the mechanical properties of written memorabilia, the vector of the danger of loss of information content are shown. The importance of preventive and conservation measures are underlined: maintenance of normative ecological regime in book collections, observance of optimal humidity-temperature and sanitary-hygienic regimes, systematic thorough cleaning and ventilation of book depositorys, as well as control over the state of new receipts conducting periodic entomological surveys of all premises. A review of the professional literature on the protection of library collections from entomological damage are doned, standards for bioregulation, control of certain pests, restoration of entomologically damaged objects. The results of monitoring of 20 library premises according to 72 samples are presented, in which permanent residents were found: leather beetles, sinoids (book lice), ants, grinder beetles, fleas, pseudoscorpions and spiders. Hypothetical reasons for the appearance of these pests in the library and promising ways to avoid them are formulated. The system of book depository inspections, fund cleaning methods, selection of methods of pest control with the help repellents, fumigation or vacuum treatment have been developed. The article presents the results of entomological research of the Library's bookstore premises. Based on the professional literature and own findings, the vectors of biodamage prevention are outlined and the measures necessary to control insects are considered. Keywords: entomology, protection of library fund, insect pests of memos on paper and parchment.

An effective digital safeguarding system in university libraries: A model plan

The purpose of the study is to present a model plan for developing an effective digital maintenance system with the help of institutional repository software in university library premises. This work is an investigative study of digital maintenance activities for sustainable development of the digital publications and intellectual outputs of universities in Bangladesh. The researchers investigated the university and university website and found that only 11% university libraries were active in preserving their digital resources while 89% of university libraries were either in the dark or less reluctant to adopt the system. Researchers realized that due to lack of proper guidelines and an ideal model plan, most of the university libraries were far behind in adopting a repository system for safeguarding their intellectual outputs. Hence this study describes a model plan for the university libraries of Bangladesh to create a sustainable preservation system easily and effectively. The model plan in this study was based on observation and review of the literature in the concerned field. All university authorities can follow the mentioned model for sustainable maintenance of their intellectual digital assets.

What have we learned from implementing the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child? Experiences from some public libraries in Sweden

The aim of this article is to give you some examples and insights from some ongoing processes of implementing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) at the Swedish public libraries. The article will present changes that some of the libraries have made, to strengthen the rights of the children, regarding the media, hiring of staff, media budgets, the library premises and methods to enhance children’s participation.

An Effective Digital Safeguarding System in University Libraries: A Model Plan

Abstract The purpose of the study is to present a model plan for developing an effective digital maintenance system with the help of institutional repository software in university library premises. This work is an investigative study of digital maintenance activities for sustainable development of the digital publications and intellectual outputs of universities in Bangladesh. The researchers investigated the university and university website and found that only 11% university libraries were active in preserving their digital resources while 89% of university libraries were either in the dark or less reluctant to adopt the system. Researchers realized that due to lack of proper guidelines and an ideal model plan, most of the university libraries were far behind in adopting a repository system for safeguarding their intellectual outputs. Hence this study describes a model plan for the university libraries of Bangladesh to create a sustainable preservation system easily and effectively. The model plan in this study was based on observation and review of the literature in the concerned field. All university authorities can follow the mentioned model for sustainable maintenance of their intellectual digital assets.

CURRENT TRENDS IN THE USE OF NATURAL LIGHTING OF LIBRARY PREMISES AND BUILDINGS

The principles and methods of forming a comfortable lighting environment of reading rooms and bookstores of libraries by means of natural light are considered. Examples of the use of the "overhead" system in world practice are given. The factors influencing the quality of natural lighting of library premises and buildings are determined.

Model Libraries: Historical Outline of the Project

The article presents the history of interaction between the government authorities and the library and information sector in the project of development of municipal libraries. The project resulted in the “model libraries”. The project has been operating since the early 2000s. The purpose of the article is to reveal the implementation and analyse the support at the level of federal and regional government management of the program until 2018 (the start of work within the frames of the National project “Culture”). The author presents periodization of the project, as well as quantitative characteristics and approaches to the understanding the concept of “model library”.Model library is a public library of municipal level that has standard and optimal set of material and information resources. At the same time, there is no approved definition of this phenomenon. It is assumed that the model rural library in its functions, content and equipment meets international and domestic standards and serves as a model for other institutions. The “model” indicators are reflected in the “Model Standard for Public Library Services”.The project on creation of model libraries on the basis of municipal public libraries in rural areas of Russia started in 2002 with the emergence of the all-Russian project “Creation of model public libraries in rural areas”. Since 2012, funding under the federal target program “Culture of Russia (2012—2018)” is carried out in the form of subsidies allocated on a competitive basis. The project became a “catalyst” for modernization processes in rural libraries of Russian regions. The transformation program included the following stages: repair and equipment of the library premises; acquisition of books and electronic publications; conducting training seminars for staff. The rural model library targeted the goals of ensuring equal and free access to information, creation of a comfortable library space, etc.After the approval of the “Model Standard for Public Library Services” (2014), it was decided to test its feasibility by creating so-called “pilot libraries of a new type”. According to this document, model libraries are intellectual centres equipped with high speed Internet, access to modern domestic information resources, which should provide access points to the National Electronic Library.The regional leaders in creation of model libraries are the Republic of Chuvashia, the Belgorod Region, the Republic of Bashkortostan, the Kursk Region and the Republic of Mari El. As of January 1, 2019, there were 3,310 model libraries operating in the country. The creation of model municipal libraries has become one of the departmental projects of the National project “Culture”.

Samfunnsoppdrag under press

As the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world and Norway in 2020, libraries were among the institutions that were impacted. The social mission of libraries to stay open and offer services, cultural experiences and reliable information was put under pressure. In this article we depart from a survey of 843 library workers across public, academic, special, and school libraries in Norway. The survey was conducted in June-August 2020 and contains quantitative and qualitative data on how library workers experienced lockdown and the responses from libraries. The article addresses how the Covid-19 crisis impacted libraries’ social missions and what circumstances contribute to crisis management in Norwegian libraries. We use institutional theories on isomorphism and institutional pressures, as well as general theories on crisis management, to analyse the material. We conclude that the pandemic has shown the potential of digital library services, but also find that closed library premises strongly influenced how libraries were able to fulfil their social missions. Our findings also indicate the need for a sectorial leadership in times of crisis. In our discussion, we describe a situation where structures and plans to manage situations of crises are lacking. For libraries to be part of society’s democratic infrastructure, their roles and social missions need to be considered in crisis management plans.

PRACTICAL STEPS FOR RENOVATING THE ARCHITECTURAL AND PLANNING ORGANIZATION OF PUBLIC LIBRARY BUILDINGS

The article considers the current process of implementing the concept of four spaces in the Ukrainian libraries, which was developed by experts from the Center for Cultural Policy Studies of the Royal School of Library and Information Sciences at the University of Copenhagen (2006) in terms of architectural and planning reorganization of public libraries. The main results of the project-experimental work, which included the development of project documentation for the pilot project of the renovation of the public library in Odesa and a comparison of the stages of work with the information presented in the manual "Four library spaces: innovative model" (2020). The principles on which any project of renovation of library premises should be based were revealed: 1) libraries are places of professional and social development; 2) libraries should become accessible; 3) libraries are inclusive spaces; 4) libraries should be secure; 5) libraries should become convenient. It was found that the manual has a number of shortcomings and does not provide librarians with enough information to reorganize library spaces without the involvement of an architect, namely: 1) the manual does not pay enough attention to the development of universal examples of architectural and planning solutions; 2) there are no recommendations for providing transformative spaces with structures and furniture; 3) there is no emphasis on the need to implement the principles of universal design and barrier-free library spaces; 4) there are no recommendations for improving the insolation of the premises and the lighting design of individual spaces. A plan of alternative measures that need to be worked out to ensure the rapid transformation of libraries is proposed. An effective methodology should be based on the principles of universality of spaces and combinatorics of room equipment, as well as be flexible and able to scale both quantitatively and qualitatively.

International Students Library Usage Frequency Patterns in Academic Libraries: A User Survey at Jiangsu University Library

Academic libraries are supposed to provide quality services to its user including international students in order to increase its patronage. The main purpose of this paper is to assess the frequency patterns of how international students use academic libraries. The user survey was conducted in Jiangsu University Library using the library usage pattern with Five-Point Likert scale survey questions from the LibQUAL+TM model. The survey was administered to the international students, with 201 respondents based on simple random sampling. The researchers used analysis methods like descriptive statistics in the form of frequencies and percentages, inferential statistics and Structural Equation Model (SEM). The study revealed that majority of international students frequently use library resources both on library premises and through the library webpage on daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly basis while majority of them use non library resources like google on daily and weekly basis. Majority of these respondents who use the library resources are Asians (Non- Chinese) and Africans. The results also revealed that there is a negative relationship and effect of using non-library resources on library premises on using library resources and no effect on using library resources through the library webpage. This implies that and increase in the use of non-library resources will significantly decrease the use of library resources. The study implies that academic libraries should improve its services and resources to international students to increase their patronage.

A comparative assessment of disruptive behaviors among users in selected university libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria

This study engaged the use of a survey research method. The target population for the study consists of 150 staff from various divisions in three selected university libraries in Kwara State. Purposive sampling technique was adopted for this study. This means only staff with experiences on the various accounts of disruptive behaviours that users exhibit in their libraries were considered most suitable to participate in the study. They are the staff in readers’ services, serials, reference units, and electronic library responsible for the caring, security, and custody of library materials and facilities. A structured questionnaire was used to generate information. Before the instrument was used, it went through face validation and reliability test. Using the Cronbach alpha method, the result of the reliability test yielded r=.074. A total of 62 copies of the questionnaire were distributed to selected staff, out of which 57(92%) were completed and retrieved representing a high return rate. The data generated were analyzed with SPSS, using tables, simple percentages, and frequency count. All of the values were calculated such that they enhance a better understanding of the proportions in terms of particular responses. The findings revealed that the most practiced disruptive behaviours exhibited by users in the libraries were incessant noisemaking, theft and mutilation of library materials as well as struggle, fight, and misuse of library space. The perceived factors influencing users into exhibiting disruptive behaviours among others revealed a lot of security breaches as a result of non-installation of CCTV around and in the library for effective surveillances and negligence on the part of both the security personnel and library staff in observing constant supervision. Based on the findings of the study, it is concluded that disruptive behaviours have been identified to have negative impact on the orderly use of the selected university libraries as learning environments. One of the recommendations is that, instead of relying only on manual method of monitoring, the use of electronic surveillance camera also known as closed-circuit television (CCTV) system for close surveillance within and outside the library premises should be considered to effectively monitor the users as a way of being proactive in disruptive behaviours containment.

Optimization of the Personalized Service System of University Library Based on Internet of Things Technology

In library applications, radio frequency indentification (RFID) technology, sensors, and wireless transmission networks have been applied to various services such as self‐service checkout and return systems, electronic reader cards, intelligent bookshelves, intelligent monitoring of library premises, augmented reality (AR) interactive picture books, physical corridors, and seat reservations; in regional library alliances, real crossregional and cross‐system alliance cooperation through IoT technology is also becoming increasingly important. Continuous information resource sharing is an important means to maximize the effectiveness of library information resources and meet the information needs of various users. The development of IoT technology opens new ideas and methods for information resource sharing in regional library alliances, effectively expanding the scope of information resource sharing and improving the efficiency of information resource sharing. This paper briefly presents the relationship, architecture, and key technologies of IoT technology and the definition, characteristics, and types of regional library consortium and content. Analysis of the characteristics and principles of regional library consortium information resource sharing is in the context of IoT and the corresponding studies on information sharing between regional library consortia at home and abroad. We also propose strategies to establish a specialized agency for information resource sharing, establish a sound investment mechanism for information resource sharing, ensure the security of information resource sharing of the regional library consortium, and increase the publicity and training capacity of information resource sharing of the regional library consortium.

ARCHITECTURAL TREATMENT AND PLANNING OF MODERN SCHOOL LIBRARIES

The professional circles in Russia are discussing changes to the concept of modern school. The architectural treatment and planning of modern school spaces for public use should involve a new, innovative set of functions. One of the key spaces in the educational process to experience planning changes is the library. In this article, the architectural and planning principles of modern school library design are determined, and its functional modules are identified. In a modern Russian school, the library is expanding its functions and possibilities for integrating meta-subject formats. The library is becoming integrated information and communication center, a place of easy access to information and knowledge, collaboration between students and teachers, and experimentation and implementation of creativity and ‘meta-subject’ projects. Library premises should be mobile, transformable and flexible to accommodate any future modifications in the longer term and provide a kind of semantic experiment with cultural, social and professional values in design and research activities.

Ensuring access to theses in the Arab speaking world – University of Jordan initiatives

PurposeThis paper aims to examine some of the digitization projects at the library of the University of Jordan. As the library acts as the deposit centre for theses from the Arab world universities, an effective management policy for deposit, management and access is required. The paper illustrates some of the existing workflows and considers the challenges and possible improvements.Design/methodology/approachInterviews (n = 8) with library staff in the Information Division provided details about the methods used for the collection and management of print and electronic theses in the University of Jordan, in addition to some digitization projects. In addition, very recent unpublished brochure was collected from one member of staff in the computer applications and databases section to learn about theses deposit statistics from various countries in the Arab world. A business process modelling technique (Riva) (Ould, 2005) using role activity diagram illustrated some of the existing workflows, the challenges and possible improvements.FindingsSome Arab universities do not send theses on regular basis; some do not collaborate at all. Workflows vary according to the format of the thesis. The number of digitized print theses has reached 77,885 titles, out of total of 84,043, but it is a slow process. All newly submitted theses from Jordanian universities come in print and on a CD, but other external institutions may use different methods (CD only by mail, or direct uploading to the webpage provided by the University of Jordan). The current online system for uploading theses was last updated in 2017. Deposit rates through the system are very low. Access to theses is relatively limited; print theses can be accessed within the library premises. The online theses repository provides full text and all academic staff; students and researchers can access these from any workstation within the university campus. Only registered users may access theses databases (read only) outside the network. Resourcing for digitization is limited, and the digitization itself is currently outsourced although other processes are done in-house.Practical implicationsThe paper encourages the use of a practical online theses’ repository to deposit theses from the higher education within the Arab world.Social implicationsEstablishing theses repository and ensuring proper and smooth deposit process by Arab universities libraries, would enhance communication and collaboration amongst them.Originality/valueThe paper supports the theme of the primacy of global access to information for learning and scholarship. The paper adds value in the context of theses access amongst Arab universities. As the library acts as the deposit centre for theses from the Arab world universities, an effective management policy for deposit, management, access and preservation is required. The paper provides a set of recommendations that would contribute to raise the visibility of research produced by Arab higher education, through a single source of access to theses.

Tools for Science

Abstract This article presents an overall reflection on the libraries that were assembled in scientific institutions in France and Italy in the eighteenth century using case studies and comparative approaches. It focuses in particular on five scientific academies (located in Turin, Florence, Paris and Brest) and two Florentine institutions, the Museo di Fisica e di Storia Naturale and the Santa Maria Nuova Hospital. Decisions made regarding library premises, book procurement policies, catalogue publications and whether or not to open to the public were all investments that demonstrated the role of the written culture in the identity of scholarly communities, including those (such as the naval and surgeons’ communities) whose members had long been seen as professionals firmly rooted in a manual practice that was detached from theory. This article thus shows how libraries participated in the institutionalisation of scientific activities, the definition of professional knowledge and the formation of scholarly collectives.

Conservation and Digital Access of Available Rare Collections of Central Himalaya Region: A Study of Kumaun University

The main objective of the study is to conserve and preserve manuscripts/rare books available at DSB Campus, Kumaun University, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India. Eventually, digitized them and upload in digital repository software at G.B. Pant Library. A survey method is applied and twenty four (24) questionnaires are distributed to the twenty four (24) departments of DSB Campus, Kumaun University. In the survey, researcher got the total 53 rare books and 24 manuscripts from Zoology, Physics, Forestry, Sanskrit, and Hindi Departments. The manuscripts/rare books are not available in remaining nineteen (19) departments of this campus. Preventive and curative work is being done only in twenty four (24) manuscripts of Sanskrit Department, due to the scarcity of funds. After that the images was captured through camera then deciphering the manuscripts through subject expert and making digital repository of these rare documents in Dspace software. The result revealed that Zoology Department contains 44 (23008 folios) rare books of general zoology, entomology, fish and fisheries, genetics, invertebrates and amphibiology. Physics Department contains 1 (470 folios) rare books of spectroscopy. Forestry Department contains 3 (1208 folios) rare books of silviculture. Hindi Department contains 3 (500 folios) rare books aalochanaye and kavitaye and Sanskrit Department contains 24 (297 folios) manuscripts. The conservation process enrich the rare documents and digitization makes them global accessible. The purpose of this study is same and we have tried to make these said documents accessible within the library premises and save the rich heritage culture of Central Himalayan Region of Uttarakhand, India.