Special Libraries Research Articles

The Role of Library as a Social Institution in the Development of Information Security

The purpose of the article is to determine the functions of the libraries of Ukraine in the direction of the formation of information security of the state. The research methodology consists in the application of general scientific and special research methods: analysis, synthesis, generalisation, systematisation of materials, induction, and deduction. Scientific novelty. The views on the content of the concept of "information security" of foreign and domestic specialists were analysed. It was determined that "fakes" are only one of the types of information threats. The types of information threats have been established and the role and functions of library specialists have been determined in accordance with each of them in terms of preventing the occurrence and spread of inaccurate information. The main aspects regarding the formation of information security strategies by libraries of higher education institutions of Ukraine are considered. Conclusions. Information security is an important component of library activity. The entire set of measures is important for ensuring the security of information in the library and increasing users' trust in the library as a reliable source of information. To do this, the following practices should be used: protection of the network and library databases (containing not only metadata, but also full-text documents) from unauthorised access: installation of firewalls, anti-virus software, regular software and operating system updates; protection of confidential information: encryption of data, control of access to information, regular updating of passwords and verification of the security of third-party services; data backup: providing regular data backup to restore information in case of data loss or damage; employee training: training employees in the rules of information security, setting out the security policy, organising trainings and seminars. Keywords: library, information security, information threats, "fakes", unreliable information, information protection, social networks, messengers, information gatekeeper, blockchain, sentimental analysis.

Assessment of the Need for Staff of Public Libraries of the Subjects of the Russian Federation

The monitoring of the staffing needs of public libraries of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, conducted by the Russian State Library, shows the dynamics of the regional library policy and allows us to determine the vectors of development of the human resources potential of libraries in the near future.The staffing needs of public libraries of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation — participants of the monitoring, their size and professional structure are different and are mainly conditioned by the size of the regional library network, the level of staffing in the region and the professional composition of library staff. These factors directly determine the indicators of staffing needs of libraries in the near future.The needs for library specialists with higher profile education prevail in relation to other professional groups. However, the absolute indicator of these needs does not exceed half of the regions’ staffing needs and accounts for 43.07 percent of their total number. At the same time, the average value of the relative indicator of the regions’ needs in library specialists with higher profile education is only 29.7 staff units.The need for library specialists with secondary non-core and core additional education remains high. Based on the requests of libraries, their number should be increased by 5.76 percent of the available number.The regional comparative-correlation analysis of the need for library specialists revealed that there is a great need for specialists with higher profile education in a number of constituent entities of the Russian Federation, which have specialised universities that train bachelors and masters in “Library and Information Activities” (Republic of Tatarstan — 77 specialists, Altai Krai — 87, Krasnodar Krai — 174, Samara Oblast — 127). Perhaps, the high demand is due to the low availability of specialists with higher profile education in libraries in these regions (on average — 33.21%).The monitoring data indicate an increased need of public libraries for IT specialists: it amounts to 11.65% of the total staffing needs of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. Based on the stated needs, the number of IT-specialists should be increased by 30.42%. At the same time, the need for IT specialists with higher profile education significantly exceeds the need for specialists with secondary profile education: 71.45% to 19.35% respectively.The needs of libraries in specialists of other professions are relatively small and occupy 8.43 percent of their total staffing needs. Of these, 71.65 percent are specialists with higher professional education.

Strategi Pengembangan Perpustakaan di Indonesia

The National Library of Indonesia has made a revolution in library development, but not all types of libraries in Indonesia have followed suit. Until now, the results of library development both in terms of quality and quantity have not been optimal. This can be seen in the gap between the number of accredited and unaccredited libraries. The purpose of this study was determine the strategy of the National Library of Indonesia in fostering and developing public libraries, special libraries, school libraries and university libraries in Indonesia. This research method uses qualitative research with a descriptive approach. Data collection techniques using interviews, observation, and literature study. This study examines the strategy of library development in Indonesia is presented in the form of a description or narrative. The development function of the National Library of Indonesia by the work unit of the Public and Special Library Development Center (PPPUK) and the School and College Library Development Center (P3SMPT) with programs are in accordance with their duties and functions as regulators, motivators, and evaluators

Digital Resources: What academic libraries need to know and how important they are

New technologies have always piqued the interest of libraries because they can improve service quality and operational efficiency. Public, academic, and special libraries alike are currently eager to embrace new technologies, particularly the usage of e-resources, as they provide the opportunity to lower operating costs and enhance administration of users and collections. Electronic copies of books, journals, and other reading materials that have been digitized so that computers can read them are known as e-resources. These days, a large number of library resources are available electronically and online. Anytime, anywhere, around the clock, everyone can get the information they need.

Information technology and changing role models in German libraries: The example of OPEN-CAM.

Germany has a long tradition of health libraries. From their origin in monasteries, they became centres of knowledge and education. In modern times, this tradition has been continued by the Central Library of Medicine. In addition, as a specialty in Germany, special collection areas and special libraries that focus on one topic were established. Those services were transformed to specialized information services and portals as part of the digital transformation process. One of such projects is OPEN-CAM, which provides literature on integrative medicine in a specialist library and hosts the literature database CAMbase. Based on this example, we show how digital transformation has influenced the library landscape and its structures in Germany.

Personal book collections in the library fund of the Military Medical Academy

The purpose of the article is to reveal the role and importance of personal book collections for the formation of the library fund of the Military Medical Academy, as a unique information resource for educational, scientific and practical activities. The historical chain of library patronage is traced in the form of the donation to the library of entire book collections or their fragments by private individuals - representatives of various estates and social groups: statesmen, princes, merchants, publishers, bibliophiles. Information is provided on the largest donations of books and book collections by professors of the Academy and their heirs, on the further fate of these gifts. Among the professors-donors, the names of the leaders of the library are named: V.A. Manassein, A.R. Voynich-Syanozhentsky, D.P. Radoslavova. The origins of the formation of a long tradition of arranging separate cabinets for storing personal libraries of prominent representatives of medical science are considered. In different historical periods, there were personal cabinets of A.G. Bakherakht, Ya.V. Willie, D.I. Kashlakova, S.P. Botkin. The tradition continues to this day: in September 2022, the VMedA library solemnly accepted part of the personal book collection of Academician V.O. Samoilov, placed in a special cabinet, stylized as antique library furniture, which was taken care of by the students and followers of the scientist. Nowadays, the criteria and approaches to evaluating personal libraries are changing: the preservation of their integrity is of particular importance. There comes an understanding that the personal libraries of scientists are of particular interest for historical research: to study the biography, creative path, sources of intellectual development, the network of scientific communications of their owners, to reconstruct their personality and their fate. But only if the libraries are available for study in their entirety, without exceptions. Most of the collections turned out to be scattered in the fund without any hope of re-creation and reunification, at least virtual - in the form of bibliographic lists. Based on the foregoing, it was concluded that there are a number of problems in maintaining the collection unity of personal book collections, modern methods for solving these problems, including those based on the use of special library technologies, are proposed.

Special libraries’ odyssey into the 3D realm

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the dynamic evolution of the integration of three-dimensional (3D) technologies into special libraries. This analysis examines the difficulties and advantages that emerge from this significant shift and emphasises the possibilities for improving research, education and preservation in these specific environments.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a comprehensive approach, synthesising existing literature and case studies to gain insights into the adoption of 3D technology in special libraries. It also explores the synergy between 3D technology and artificial intelligence (AI) within library services.FindingsThis research uncovers a dynamic landscape in special libraries, marked by a growing embrace of 3D technology. Specialised industries and organisations increasingly use this technology to enrich their services, from crafting physical models for in-depth research to safeguarding precious artifacts through digital replication. Challenges include the need for specialised expertise, financial constraints and limitations in access. Notably, the integration of AI enhances user experiences by streamlining search and discovery.Originality/valueThis study adds value to the field by shedding light on the transformative potential of 3D technology and AI in special libraries. It underscores the significance of strategic planning, collaboration, staff training and tailored needs assessments to ensure successful technology integration. This paper’s originality lies in its exploration of emerging trends and the outlook for technology-driven innovation and collaborative endeavours shaping the future of special libraries.

The Asia-Pacific Health, Law And Special Libraries Conference

The theme of our conference has been Connecting. Recent years have brought changes to the way we live and work, where we live and work and how we interact. Connecting with each other, with our communities and cultures, with technology, and with information have become more critical than ever before. This Conference has explored our learnings from recent challenges and focused on the opportunities for the future.

Drones and special libraries in the fifth industrial revolution

Purpose This study aims to explore the potential use of drones in special library services, aiming to enhance accessibility, services and reliability. It examines how drones can provide library materials to individuals unable to access traditional services and addresses challenges associated with drone implementation. Design/methodology/approach This study involves a literature review and case studies to analyze the feasibility and benefits of incorporating drones into special libraries. This study also discusses the synergy between drone technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing library operations. Findings Drones have the potential to transform special libraries by automating tasks, improving efficiency and expanding outreach. Their application ranges from inventory management and book retrieval to security, surveillance and outreach initiatives. AI-powered drones can provide real-time data on library usage and enhance cost-effectiveness. However, challenges including costs, privacy concerns and regulatory frameworks need to be addressed. Originality/value The integration of drones and AI in special library services presents a novel approach to revolutionizing library operations. This study uniquely combines these technologies, emphasizing the importance of proactive consideration of challenges and prospects for successful implementation.

The role of periodical scientific publications in developing professional habits of library specialists in Azerbaijan and their role in Pedagogy

The main aim of the article is to explore the role of periodical scientific publications and their role in pedagogy. Successful state policy in the field of building an information-aware society in the Republic of Azerbaijan, adopted state programs and normative-legal documents make it necessary to solve the issues of reconstruction and development of scientific activity on the basis of modern information and communication technologies (ICT) within the framework of reforms in science. The application of ICT in scientific activities and issues of scientific management is implemented within the framework of electronic science as one of the priority directions of reforms in the field of science in the Republic. The construction and development of scientific activity in accordance with modern requirements, the improvement of scientific management, the formation of a national scientific and informational space, the creation of close ties between scientific organizations, collectives and scientists, the improvement of the efficiency of scientific management and research in all areas of science in the modern world due to the wide use of opportunities for ICT development at the level of standards and integration into the world scientific space are relevant issues nowadays. After the restoration of the state independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan, as a result of the gradual integration of academic librarians into the international scientific environment, new quality requirements appeared. The informational needs of specialists began to be met in three directions. Firstly, scientific-theoretical and experimental problems, published and presented in important scientific journal titled "Respublika" (Republic). Azerbaijani scientists participated more comprehensively and productively on this platform. Scientific innovations, innovative projects and analytical works of scientists were reflected on this platform. Additinally, the merits of professor A. A. Khalafov in compiling educational programs in the areas of library work, bibliography and bookkeeping, writing educational literature, presenting scientific articles in the scientific press, and, at the same time, in training specialists who meet new requirements were great. In the same year, Professor H.Ismailov, who for a long time was the dean of the Faculty of Libraries and Informatics of Baku State University, along with the training of professional specialists, founded the scientific and practical journal "Library and Bibliography" in 1997 and organized its activities, and for a long time he was the only Azerbaijan specialized scientific journal, distinguished by high professionalism. In 2010, Professor A. A. Khalafov founded the scientific and applied journal "Librarianship and Information", soon the first issue of the journal was published. The article is based on the method of comparative analysis. Application importance: the material can be used in lecturers and seminars in Higher Education Institutions.

The Library as a Driver of Open Science: Essential Competences of the Librarian

There is a need to define the role of the library in the development and implementation of open science, based not only on the widespread concept of open access to scientific publications, but also on other principles. UNESCO’s concept of open science is presented in relationship with the concept of open knowledge analyzed in the context of three approaches: 1) “openness” from the point of view of copyright (unrestricted reading, distribution, processing of the original work and publication of derivative works); 2) scientific communication (interpretation of knowledge and its transfer between different scientific disciplines, governmental structures, social actors, non-scientists and non-scientific institutions, as well as publicly accessible communication); 3) open, comprehensible, verifiable knowledge, accessible to all members of society by means of well-known criteria. The directions of libraries' activities within the framework of open science are proposed. Some of the competences necessary for such activities are fixed in the professional standard “Specialist in Library and Information Activities”: the ability to organise a multifunctional library space, analytical and synthetic processing of documents, etc. The competences of the library specialist are also required. In addition, the library specialist needs additional knowledge about the essence of open knowledge (open scientific knowledge) and its key components, the basics of intellectual property legislation, the basics of research ethics, the organisation of open reviewing, the use of altmetrics, the organisation of open learning platforms. Taking into account the amount of knowledge and skills required, as well as the specificity of their application areas, it seems reasonable to train first of all employees of scientific, scientific-technical, and university libraries.With the new competences, library professionals will be able to contribute to the effective integration of their institutions into the research process. The library can become a real driving force for open science.

Vivian Davidson Hewitt: A Special Librarian’s Advocacy

ABSTRACT Vivian Davidson Hewitt was the first Black librarian in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and the first Black president of the Special Libraries Association (SLA). Despite these accomplishments and the recognition she received during her lifetime, her story, like those of many special librarians, has not been considered in the context of the broader movement for greater rights and representation for Black librarians. This article explores Hewitt’s path to library leadership, providing context for her autobiography and adding details gleaned from oral histories, unpublished papers, newspaper articles, and her own contributions to the library literature. The resulting narrative shows how she leveraged the successes of her career to open doors for other Black librarians. Hewitt’s biography demonstrates that, far from existing in a separate sphere from pioneers in public and academic libraries, special librarians contribute to the larger profession and their stories are part of library history.

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.

2023 Medical Library Association and Special Library Association Hybrid Meeting Research Awards

Congratulations to the award-winning research papers and posters from MLA/SLA ’23 Hybrid Meeting held in Detroit, Michigan! The MLA Research Caucus is pleased to announce the winners for best research papers and posters presented at the MLA/SLA 2023 Hybrid Meeting.

Beyond the Frame: Toward a Collection-Level Redescription of the Colbert Held Archive

ABSTRACT This article argues for the collection-level redescription of the Middle East Institute's Colbert Held Archive, a collection consisting of more than 18,000 color Kodachrome slides of photographs taken by Held throughout his time in the region as a diplomat and geographic field researcher. After discussing the importance of the collection and its possible uses for researchers in the field, this article details how any description of the archives should contextualize the American presence in the Arabian Peninsula during the photographer's time in the region. Arguing that the archives places a dual emphasis on geography and ethnography (the concerted combination of which might be called geo-ethnography), the author argues that the archives would be best served by a collection-level, rather than an item-level, redescription. The article draws from academic literature on reparative description, the More Product, Less Process (MPLP) approach, and Total Cost of Stewardship to suggest that this path forward is the most feasible and meaningful step that can be taken by a small special library to contextualize Held's work and his photographs.

Modern Library Potential as Science Popularizer: Inquiry Results of SB RAS Scientists

The objective of the article is to present the results of a study of scientists’ attitude to communication between science and society by means of libraries. The working method of the study was an online questionnaire of academic specialists of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SB RAS) research institutes. Data collection took place in early 2023. The questionnaire consisted of 20 questions, divided into four thematic blocks: 1) the main science popularizers in Russia (researchers’ opinion); 2) participation of SB RAS research institutes in communication with society and the most important directions of this activity; 3) attitude of scientists to necessity of interaction with society aimed at popularization of science; 4) attitude of scientists to libraries as science and society communication participants including science popularization. Basing on the data obtained, Siberian scientists appear to be, in general, positive about libraries as popularizers of domestic science and technology achievements. However, they consider scientists themselves and media the main actors in this field, as well as scientific societies, research and educational institutions, museums and professional science communicators. A number of respondents noted low attendance of libraries, their archaic and closed nature, and lack of sufficient competence of library specialists to promote science at a high level. Nevertheless, most of the researchers highly appreciated library as a full-fledged science and society communication participant. Many SB RAS scientists have experience of cooperation with libraries, such as, for example, reading popular science lectures and preparing exhibitions. The survey showed that researchers are not well aware of the activities and opportunities of modern libraries, therefore library institutions are invited to be active in building effective interaction with science and society.

Search for Ways to Develop Regional Book Culture

The objective of the article is to give an overview of the materials of the Public Hearings on the problems of books and reading «The Reader: Global Challenges and Personal Stories» held on March 24, 2023 in Novosibirsk in the frames of the IV International Scientific and Practical Conference “Homo legens in the Past and Present”. They brought together about 30 representatives of the government and administration, book theorists and practitioners, heads of higher educational institutions, representatives of the library community, and public organizations. There were identified three directions for the development of the regional infrastructure for reading: the first one – related to the organization of regional studies of books and reading, search for tools to improve the quality of reading; the second – associated with the development of publishing (book, magazine) and bookselling practices, growth of their influence/ impact on the socio-cultural environment; the third direction – defining libraries as centers for organizing reading and formulating the problems of training library specialists. Resulting the Public Hearings, the resolution was prepared for the heads of legislative and executive authorities of the region with proposals for the development of the regional infrastructure for reading. The general outcome was the realization of the need to provide comprehensive support to all actors of book culture (writers, artists, publishers, critics, literary scholars, journalists and the media, bookstores, libraries and readers) and to strengthen partnerships, state, public and business initiatives in all areas of book business.

4th Industrial Revolution: View from the LIS Professionals in Bangladesh

The study has aimed to conduct a countrywide library survey for measuring LIS Professionals’ knowledge, attitude and practices concerning 4th Industrial Revolution in the current context of Bangladesh. Both desk and field research methods have been applied with a view to explore the perception of the Bangladeshi library professionals about the 4th IR. Library Professionals have been treated as a vital knowledge-force as they are playing a very dynamic role in the universal diffusion and advancement of knowledge and education around the globe for creating knowledge based society. The survey has been designed with a total population of 340 LIS Professionals from 50 libraries belonging to three categories of which 20 are government public libraries, 10 special libraries and 20 academic libraries (especially the Honours College Libraries affiliated under National University of Bangladesh). Data has been collected from the respondents through questionnaire method and have been analyzed using simple SPSS. Findings revealed that the level of knowledge of the LIS Professionals regarding ICT skills associated with 4thIR to some extent is poor. Findings also revealed that their attitude towards embracing the 4thIR to some extent is still negative. LIS professionals whose mindset is to provide traditional library services instead of innovative services are becoming apprehensive to adopt the changing technologies. They do not like to practice innovative library to not intend to learn and handle advanced technologies to face the challenges of the 4th IR. The study has attempted to find out the reasons behind this. It has also suggested ‘the things to be done’ by the LIS Professionals to cope up with the sophisticated technologies associated with the 4th IR. NU Journal of Humanities, Social Sciences & Business Studies Vol. 7 & 8, No.2 & 1, July 2021 - December 2022 p. 39-56

Technology Mapping With Clockless Gates for Logic Stage Reduction of RSFQ Logic Circuits

A technology mapping method for reducing the logic stages of RSFQ logic circuits is proposed. Technology mapping, which generates netlists for a target technology from a device-independent form, is the final step in logic synthesis. This method introduces clockless logic gates working without clock pulses into the resultant netlists during technology mapping to reduce the number of logic stages. The reduction of logic stages leads to a reduction of latency in clock cycles and circuit size of clock distribution. The introduction of clockless gates is accomplished using a special supergate library used in technology mapping. The design method of a special library containing supergates, including clockless gates, is shown. A modification to reduce the delay caused by clockless gates is also presented. The proposed method is implemented and evaluated using academic design tool ABC. The evaluation results show a reduction of over 30% in the logic stages and a reduction of over 20% in the number of clocked gates, including D flip-flops for path balancing.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Technologies in the Training of Information Library Specialists

In an era dominated by information technology, the role of information library specialists has become increasingly vital. These professionals are responsible for managing, organizing, and disseminating vast amounts of information. To keep pace with the evolving landscape of libraries and information services, the training of information library specialists has also undergone significant changes. One such transformation is the integration of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies into the training process. This article explores the efficacy of VR and AR technologies in enhancing the training of information library specialists, drawing insights from scientific studies and relevant literature.