Program Library Research Articles

Children's Literacy Activities as a Realization of the School Library Revitalization Program at SDN 1 Moyoketen, Tulungagung Regency

Currently, the use of devices in children is increasing, accompanied by a decrease in literacy rates. From the results of the study, the level of literacy in children is quite low. To increase interest in reading in children not only requires the role of parents, but the place where they go to school also takes an important role in improving children's literacy. Low literacy of children can be overcome by carrying out various activities regarding literacy itself. Another alternative that can be done is to hold a literacy program in the school library. It aims to assist children in improving and growing their reading literacy as well as the realization of revitalization. This activity took place from July to August at SDN 1 Moyoketen. With the literacy program and library revitalization, it is hoped that it can make students more interested in visiting the library and reading the collections contained in the school library

Automated Anonymization of Sensitive Data on Production Unit

The article presents the approach to data anonymization with the use of generally available tools. The main focus is put on the practical aspects of using open source tools in conjunction with programming libraries provided by suppliers of industrial control systems. This universal approach shows the possibility of using various operating systems as a platform for process data anonymization. An additional advantage of the described approach is the ease of integration with various types of advanced data analysis tools based both on the out-of-the-box approach (e.g. business intelligence tools) as well as customized solutions.

Automated Anonymization of Sensitive Data on Production Unit

The article presents the approach to data anonymization with the use of generally available tools. The main focus is put on the practical aspects of using open source tools in conjunction with programming libraries provided by suppliers of industrial control systems. This universal approach shows the possibility of using various operating systems as a platform for process data anonymization. An additional advantage of the described approach is the ease of integration with various types of advanced data analysis tools based both on the out-of-the-box approach (e.g. business intelligence tools) as well as customized solutions.

Pengaruh Knowledge terhadap Talent Management bagi Calon Pekerja

This research aims to investigate the impact of students' knowledge levels in the Library and Information Science program on their talent management as future job seekers. In an increasingly information-driven era, students' knowledge and competencies play a pivotal role in preparing them for success in the job market. The research methodology employed is a case study involving students in the Library and Information Science program as the sample. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews with students and faculty to understand how their knowledge influences the talent management process. Data analysis was conducted using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The results of the study indicate that the knowledge acquired by students in the Library and Information Science program significantly influences their talent management process. Students with broader and deeper knowledge tend to be better prepared and more confident in managing their talents. Interviews also revealed the pivotal role of faculty in assisting students in developing their knowledge and talents.

Experiences, Benefits, and Challenges of Virtual Teamwork for Public Libraries in the US Midwest during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Experiences, Benefits, and Challenges of Virtual Teamwork for Public Libraries in the US Midwest during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Bangladesh Public Libraries' Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

A Review of: Begum, D., Roknuzzaman, M., & Shobhanee, M. E. (2022). Public libraries’ responses to a global pandemic: Bangladesh perspectives. IFLA Journal, 48(1), 174–188. https://doi.org/10.1177/03400352211041138 Objective – Examine quantitative and qualitative data to determine the level of preparedness and capacity to provide key resources during the recent COVID-19 global pandemic with the goal of recommending measures to better cope with future similar situations. Design – Online questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data, followed by a narrative analysis of the qualitative data. Setting – Public libraries in Bangladesh. Subjects – Heads of the libraries such as directors, librarians, or librarians-in-charge. Methods – A survey was distributed to all 71 government public libraries in Bangladesh administered and governed by the Department of Public Libraries under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. The survey elicited 50 valid responses, resulting in a response rate of 70%. A structured form questionnaire was prepared using Google Forms and included 12 closed-ended questions with multiple options and one open-ended question to collect librarian views on handling services and key functions post pandemic. Telephone interviews were conducted with eight librarians from the district public libraries. Main Results – The data revealed that all the libraries reported having some level of preparedness for pandemics and disasters. However, few libraries reported high levels of confidence in this regard. For example, 82% responded that they either had a “low” or a “minimum” preparedness for dealing with a pandemic. The survey revealed that none of the responding libraries were fully open to provide user services during the COVID-19 pandemic while 100% were open for administrative functions. Additionally, 72% reported having some sections open but others closed, while 22% indicated that the library only provided specified services, most of these in an online environment. Only 12% indicated that they provided access to mobile library services. The libraries responses to crisis management included creating public awareness through social media campaigns (50%), supporting other government bodies to mitigate the pandemic (46%), providing counseling services for particular users (40%), promoting authoritative and authentic national and global strategies on the pandemic for the public (34%), providing pandemic-related information via phone or email on demand (32%), and distributing relief to affected people (30%). Other activities included organizing online social and cultural programs to reduce public anxiety with special reference to vulnerable groups (24%), online staff training (22%), monitoring and supervising government programs (20%), and providing research data on the pandemic (10%). The response to needs regarding redesigning library programs and services for the post-pandemic world revealed that 90% of libraries identified a need for a dedicated online service platform, 80% saw the need to create policies related to health and safety, while 72% indicated a need for more emphasis on digital content. The responses indicated 56% were in favor of introducing innovative online services. Conclusion – In response to the results of their study, the authors make several recommendations regarding helping the libraries of Bangladesh to cope with consequences of future pandemics similar in scale to COVID-19. The first recommendation is to move away from “providing services in a traditional manner,” while developing dedicated online platforms running on high-bandwidth Internet connections (Begum et al., 2022, p. 183). These include introducing a secure cloud-based library automation system to provide a robust and stable information gateway. The development of digital resources should also be a priority. This includes both the digitization of library resources and more widespread access to an increasing number of subscription databases. The data indicated a strong desire among librarians to introduce innovative library services which the authors identify as digitized content delivery, remote access to online resources, online chat reference, current awareness services, online programming mirroring face-to-face programming, home delivery service for books, strategic disaster policy development, online information literacy programs, online career counseling, and leadership along with online training, workshops, and seminars. The authors conclude that: libraries face challenges, such as transitioning to virtual services, breaking long-established service models, funding for digital resources and its impacts on library operations in the future, enforcing social distancing measures, creating social awareness, and the lack of formal pandemic plans and policies …. (Begum et al., 2022, p. 179)

A Missed Opportunity: Increasing the Use of Inclusive Library Programs and Practices

Libraries are meant to be welcoming places, offering a multitude of supports for the community, families, and young children. Given that libraries should reflect the fabric of a community, it is vital that all children and their families feel welcome at the library, and have meaningful access to the resources that libraries provide. This includes young children with disabilities and/or developmental delays (YCwD/DD) and their caregivers.Public library spaces and programs are usually designed to be accessible to all members of the community. As a result, there is reason to believe that libraries possess many of the essential tools needed to make their resources accessible to YCwD/DD and their caregivers. As part of an ongoing multi-state research project focused on ways that libraries support YCwD/DD and their families, we conducted focus group interviews with early intervention service coordinators in three Midwestern states to learn about their perceptions of libraries, including what libraries do well and how they can improve services for this population. Topics these practitioners mentioned included more visible inclusive programming for YCwD/DD and their caregivers, training and professional development to equip librarians to work with YCwD/DD and their caregivers, and intentional collaboration between children’s librarians and other community members to support the needs of this population. Below, we draw on this data in offering recommendations for how children’s librarians can meet the needs of YCwD/DD and their caregivers.

Still Crabby after All These Years: A Crabby Librarian Origin Story

The Crabby Librarian has her roots in the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) product catalog my co-workers received in fall 2005 before I even started working at Madison (OH) Public Library in January 2006.The theme for summer 2006 was “Paws, Claws, Scales, and Tales.” At that time, if you wanted to guarantee delivery of items in the catalog several months before summer started, you needed to order in the fall. My colleagues (that I didn’t even know at the time) thought these crab hats in the catalog looked cute and “someone would use them for something,” so they purchased them.The hats arrived a few months after I started as the new head of the children’s department. My new co-workers were sure I could do something with the hats, since they decided they didn’t want to wear them.

Assessing user satisfaction determinants for ideal interior programming in public libraries of Dubai

ABSTRACTThis study aims to provide essential data for the interior design program of new public libraries in Dubai by investigating user satisfaction with interior space characteristics. To achieve this objective, a survey was conducted among users of six public libraries in Dubai, and self-filling questionnaires of 42 questions were collected from 280 participants. The survey findings indicate that public libraries in Dubai are mainly used for educational purposes, with differences in space usage patterns among age groups. Those in their teens and twenties mainly used the General Reading Room, the Cultural Data Room by those in their thirties, and the Electronic Information Room by those in their forties and older. Users’ satisfaction with public library spaces differed based on gender and age groups. Men expressed higher satisfaction levels than women, and the Electronic Information Room received the highest satisfaction rating. The General Reading Room and Cultural Data Room had the least satisfactory interior design, while satisfaction with the Electronic Information Room was relatively high. The survey also revealed that users’ furniture arrangement preferences varied, with most students favoring the face-to-face seating arrangement. The study findings can serve as primary data for creating new public libraries in Dubai that cater to diverse user perspectives and requirements. However, further research is needed to obtain more in-depth insights, such as increasing the number of cases and conducting user interviews based on gender, profession, and age.

The Holistic Empowering Methodological Approach (HEMA): Putting Participants in the Driver's Seat

This article presents the Holistic Empowering Methodological Approach (HEMA), which is philosophically informed by the concept of diversity by design; epistemologically and methodologically guided by hermeneutic phenomenology; and supported by the method of qualitative survey combined with the Single Question Aimed at Inducing Narrative (SQUIN) technique. This is a methodological conceptual article whereby the development and application of the HEMA is illustrated through the study that examined the learning and professional development experiences of disabled and neurodiverse PhD students in library and information science (LIS) programs amid the lingering COVID-19 pandemic and explored their academic lifeworlds. The article critically assesses the merits and shortcomings of the HEMA and provides other researchers with a roadmap for replicating the HEMA in every phase of research: from brainstorming to the selection of methods, to data collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting. In so doing, the article also strives to reaffirm the vitality of rigorous qualitative methodology in studying underresearched, minoritized, and marginalized communities. From the scholarly worldview to specific methodological choices, this framework advocates for the type of research that puts participants in the “driver's seat,” giving them agency and providing the opportunity for self-definition and self-determination. The nuanced presentation of a holistic methodological approach, with particular attention paid to the issues of methodological rigor and quality control, will be of benefit to both beginner and seasoned researchers and can serve as an educational aid in research methods courses and dissertation supervision.

“I didn't know it would be like this”: Professional Preparation for Social-Service Information Work in Public Libraries

Recent semi-structured interviews with 28 librarians and branch managers on the placement of social workers in public libraries revealed a need for library and information science (LIS) programs to better prepare students for their role as social service information providers and to provide models for working with and supervising social workers in the library. It is clear that libraries are experiencing increasing demands to respond to the social-service information needs that users bring to the library, and the importance of libraries to communities in times of uncertainty and crisis is clear. In response, some libraries are including social workers on staff, but this trend does not completely relieve librarians of the need to serve the public's social-service information needs. LIS students need to understand the professional boundaries of librarianship and social work and to develop the ability to feel confident in their interactions with users who have been traumatized, are in crisis, or are struggling with challenges such as the need for credible health information; home and food insecurity information; legal aid; access to the Internet for individuals and families from low-income situations; accessible adult education programs; and more. Interview participants offered a number of suggestions for how to incorporate social work concepts into LIS education and asked for several specific skills such as training in mental-health first aid, de-escalation techniques, and greater knowledge of social-service resources.

Student-Created Dublin Core Metadata Representing Arabic Language eBooks: Comparison of Individual and Group Work Outcomes

In the Arabian Gulf countries, including but not limited to Kuwait, digital library metadata education is currently in its early stages. Empirical data assessing student learning outcomes of metadata instruction would allow for data-driven curriculum development as the courses and academic programs that are intended to provide such education evolve in the region. The study presented in this article provides these much-needed data from an undergraduate library and information science program in Kuwait. In this project, we examined the metadata records created to represent Arabic-language eBooks as part of individual and group assignments. A total of 187 student-created Dublin Core metadata records were collected from multiple sections of the metadata course (including female-only and male-only sections) over four semesters in 2021 and 2022. The dataset included 177 individually created records, and 10 records created by student teams. Accuracy and completeness of these metadata records were evaluated and compared across sections and between individual and team projects. The study's findings are presented and discussed in the context of metadata teaching practices in this Kuwaiti undergraduate program, and specifically with regard to activities and assessments intended to develop the Dublin Core record-creation skills. The study results demonstrate that students overall experience the most problems with representing copyright and intellectual rights and source information, describing what times and locations the information resource is about, and representing those who made non-major contributions to the information resource. Substantial differences were also observed in the patterns of metadata accuracy and completeness between individual work and teamwork, and between the metadata created by students in female-only and male-only course sections. Ideas for future research projects that would collectively allow forming a robust understanding of current metadata education and its outcomes in the Arabian Gulf region, as well as suggested curriculum enhancements, are discussed.

Does Time Matter When Greeting Patrons? Observations from a Two-Year Study in Texas Public Libraries

This article presents a 2-year study on how quickly Texas library staff members greeted a library patron after eye contact. Results from 140 library visits found a mean of nearly 4 min, but a mean of 9 s after removing outliers. The study also calculated the perceived customer value by measuring the service, quality, image, and price of the customer service experience. Findings suggest that each patron/staff interaction may alter a patron’s perceived Return on Investment (ROI). Given libraries are primarily supported by tax dollars, poor patron service experiences may impact the perceived values of library programs and services, jeopardizing future funding. The article highlights the importance for libraries to retain satisfied employees and build trust within their communities.

Toward the development of a framework for literacy support and promotion by public libraries in financially and infrastructurally low-resourced territories

PurposeThis paper delves into the pivotal role of public libraries in supporting and promoting literacy, with a particular focus on their relevance in financially and infrastructurally low-resourced territories (FILTs). Literacy, being a fundamental skill, empowers individuals, enriches education and contributes to social and economic development. Nonetheless, numerous FILTs encounter substantial obstacles in granting access to quality education and fostering literacy skills among their people. As an opinion piece rooted in empirical literature, this paper serves as an introductory exploration, acknowledging that it only skims the surface of raising awareness.Design/methodology/approach This paper expands upon the existing body of literature concerning public libraries and the imperative for literacy programs. It purposefully addresses a range of issues that may appear contradictory in FILTs, primarily due to economic constraints. However, from the authors’ perspective, these issues actually highlight the vast potential for intervention and progress.Findings Numerous evident strategies can be identified to attain the goal of an enlightened and educated nation, fostering empowered individuals. One such approach involves prioritizing the promotion and support of literacy programs in public libraries. Nonetheless, there is a pressing need for heightened awareness regarding the significance of adopting a holistic perspective when addressing various interconnected issues. This includes the long-term advantages associated with an educated and literate society, particularly in FILTs.Originality/value The literature within the field of library and information science offers scarce publications regarding literacy support programs in libraries, despite the fact that fostering informed and literate citizens is a prominent goal in the mission and vision plans of numerous FILTs. This paper presents an exploratory perspective, aiming to raise awareness about the significance of considering diverse approaches to support and promote literacy in public libraries within FILTs. It also proposes the development of a framework as a means to facilitate this endeavor. While the context of the paper is framed for FILTs, aspects of the framework may also be useful and applicable in other well-resourced regions and libraries.

Insights on first-generation students’ development of social capital for the rigours of college-level research

As a part of a larger study titled, First Years Meet the Frames, this work explores the perceptions of first-generation students (FGS) on their readiness for college-level research as well as their first-year college experience with libraries and librarians. Although, by definition, these students lack the cultural capital normally derived from parents who went to college in order to readily assimilate into higher education institutions, depending on their high school experiences, they may be able to build social capital. Accordingly, this article investigates such opportunities which lie in high schools with strong library programs that have a full-time certified librarian working in alignment with the national school library standards of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL). It addresses what aspects of this preparation facilitate the development of social capital and follows FGS into the first year of college to see how they continue to build it. It also compares FGS to their continuing generation student (CGS) counterparts from the same high schools. Findings show that FGS can build social capital via these high school library programs and continue to leverage their high school experiences and skill sets in order to create new networks and to tackle college-level research during the first year of college. FGS demonstrate similar preparedness and similar confidence in research abilities as their CGS counterparts.

Contemporary Challenges and Censorship in School Libraries in Canada

The purpose of this chapter is to familiarize readers with contemporary challenges and censorship in school libraries and learning commons in Canada. The informal narrative reflects the viewpoints of seasoned advocates for intellectual freedom and social responsibility in the Canadian library sector. Content concentrates on the main sources of challenges, four common types of challenges that can lead to censorship (content, curriculum, genre, and book leveling), an essential two step strategy and related resources for dealing with challenges and combating censorship, and a pointer for educators in library and information programs. The chapter closes with an expression of appreciation and concern for the individuals who take personal and professional risk in managing challenges and combating censorship in school libraries and learning commons in Canada and beyond.

Re-envisioning Reference as Outreach

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed theological education and reference services. Today a growing number of students are studying and accessing the library remotely, and some libraries have found their reference numbers declining. Does reference still matter? If so, how best can we promote reference services to students who may never see us at the reference desk? Since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been excellent studies on theological libraries’ services for distance learners, but there have been few studies on reference services in particular. Studies on the promotion of reference services in academic librarianship predate the pandemic, and further research is needed on how theological libraries can promote reference services in the wake of the pandemic. This study addresses that gap by exploring how we can re-envision reference as outreach to better reach students today. It looks at the vital nature of reference services in supporting academic success, equity, wellness, and connection and examines current challenges to reference services and to reaching students. Finally, it looks at innovative strategies for promoting reference services in the wake of the pandemic through partnerships, Personal Librarian programs, communications, instruction, events, and engaging services. I argue that reference is vital today and that we need to be proactive in promoting it.

Divergent Synthesis of 3-(Indol-2-yl)quinoxalin-2-ones and 4-(Benzimidazol-2-yl)-3-methyl(aryl)cinnolines via Polyphosphoric Acid (PPA)-Mediated Intramolecular Rearrangements of 3-(Methyl/aryl(2-phenylhydrazono)methyl)quinoxalin-2-ones.

Herein, we report a polyphosphoric acid (PPA)-mediated divergent metal-free operation to access a diverse collection of 3-(indol-2-yl)quinoxalin-2-ones and 4-(benzimidazol-2-yl)-3-methylcinnolines in moderate to excellent overall yields. The described process involves two distinct, and competing rearrangements of 3-(methyl(2-phenylhydrazono)methyl)quinoxalin-2-ones, namely [3,3]-sigmatropic Fischer rearrangement with the formation of an indole ring to produce 3-(indol-2-yl)-quinoxalin-2-ones, and Mamedov rearrangement with simultaneous construction of benzimidazole and cinnoline rings to form the new biheterocyclic system─4-(benzimidazol-2-yl)-3-methylcinnolines. The reaction mechanism of both rearrangement channels is explored by extensive dispersion-corrected DFT calculations. It is partcularly remarkable that when 3-(aryl(2-phenylhydrazono)methyl)quinoxalin-2-ones is used, instead of 3-(methyl(2-phenylhydrazono)methyl)quinoxalin-2-ones, reactions proceed regioselectively with the formation of only rearrangement products─4-(benzimidazol-2-yl)-3-arylcinnolines with high yields. This operationally simple protocol enables a rapid access to these scaffolds and is compatible with a wide scope of starting materials. In addition, the new rearrangement found features a promising approach for the design of unique compound libraries for drug design and discovery programs.

Technically prepared: Librarians' perceptions on LIS curricula and technical services workforce preparedness

Academic libraries frequently require that professional librarians obtain a master's degree from a Library and Information Science (LIS) program accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) as a condition of employment. Within these programs, “academic libraries” are a common area of concentrated study available to LIS students interested in targeting a particular path for their future careers. As ALA identifies the master's degree as the terminal degree for all types of librarians, this coursework represents the majority of education and training librarians receive prior to entering the workforce. Though duties and responsibilities vary widely between individual institutions, librarians working in technical services roles are generally responsible for a broad range of activities related to the acquisition, discovery, and preservation of library materials. This study examines the results of a survey measuring the perceptions of current technical services librarians working in academic libraries on their LIS curricula in order to identify the coursework and skills most valuable to them in their work. The survey also identifies areas in which technical services librarians report having greater reliance on continuing education and professional development opportunities to supplement their knowledge in order to remain current in their areas of expertise.

Integrating Internet of Things (IoT) into Library and Information Science (LIS) School's Curriculum in Selected Universities in Nigeria

This study examined incorporating the Internet of Things (IoT) into the LIS curriculum in selected LIS schools in Southwest Nigeria. The study population comprised final students from the LIS degree program in South-west Nigeria's library and information science department. A total enumeration of respondents was used for the research. Data generated were analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that the significant technology-related courses in the curriculum of LIS are basic computer operations, web publishing, document management and computer in libraries. Undergraduates positively perceived LIS curriculum preparedness for the Internet of Things (IoT). The major problems affecting the full implementation of technology-based related courses of the LIS curriculum in selected LIS schools are a shortage of funds, lack of infrastructure, unreliable power supply, inadequate learning resources and library support. The paper recommended that the Nigerian government come forward through her agents to provide financial help to integrate the Internet of Things (IoT) into LIS schools and develop essential infrastructures that will enhance the hands-on experience for the students.LIS curriculum