Special Libraries Research Articles

Methodological Activity in the Web Space: Results of the Research

The purpose of the research is to study the opinion of library specialists on the use of methodological resources posted on libraries’ websites and portals, social networks and blogs, and the frequency of access to them. The article gives the results of this survey. The respondents were heads and employees of libraries, representatives of methodological services. The total of 754 respondents took part in the survey. The answers of the employees of methodological services were analyzed separately. It was found that in order to obtain professional information, respondents more often go to the “Professionals” / “Colleagues” section on the library’s official website. According to the survey, heads of the libraries and methodological service employees partially had the same requests with which they applied to the “Professionals” / “Colleagues” section. They were looking for webinar recordings, full texts of regulatory documents, announcements of professional events, scenarios of events, information on advanced training courses. The main attention of library staff was focused on access to full texts of scripts for events, recordings of webinars and announcements of professional events. For library employees, it was important to have access to up-to-date information that reflected the current problems of libraries with detailed comments and explanations. The majority of respondents indicated the ease of navigation and information search on the libraries’ websites or portals in the “Professionals” / “Colleagues” section. Some survey participants identified problems in accessing professional information on the library’s website. It was concluded that professional information posted on the websites and portals of libraries needed structuring and clarifying entries used.

Quality management: A model for optimizing information provision in Romanian special research libraries

A study regarding the relevance of special libraries and the quality of access to information in Romania was conducted. The general objective was to develop a contribution regarding the quality management in libraries using the grounded theory method. The model obtained for optimizing the quality of access to information implies the existence of material resources, but also innovations, the involvement of human resources through creativity and promotion, leading to increased academic visibility, increased satisfaction of long-term active users, attraction of new users both in the physical space and in the digital environment and, finally, increased relevance of the library in question within the tutelary research institute. The value of the study lies in the series of solutions for optimizing the access to scientific information in research libraries in the digital age, and the correlations between the results obtained based on the grounded theory and the three generic models of library quality management, LibQual+, Balanced Scorecard, and ISO 9001, by adapting them to the context of the special research libraries in Romania.

Green initiatives towards environmental sustainability: Insights from libraries in Kenya

Environmental protection is an increasingly pressing issue all over the world. Ozone depletion, the greenhouse effect, global climate change and global warming are among the rising environmental concerns. The increasing number of environmentally conscious consumers has resulted in numerous Go Green campaigns and a Go Green movement, along with solutions and calls for consumers, corporations and governments to be more proactive in going green in every aspect. Libraries are no exception. Although it is so important, little is known about the green-library concept in the African context and among Kenyan libraries. Like some other developing countries, Kenya has responded to climate change in various ways because of its adverse impacts. It is important to explore how libraries are planning for a sustainable future. Subsequently, this study aimed to explore the adoption of green-library concepts in Kenya for environmental sustainability with a view to proposing strategies that can be used to guide libraries in going green. The study adopted a qualitative approach. A sample of 12 libraries was purposively drawn from a population of 227 academic, public and special libraries in Kenya. Data was collected using semi-structured interview schedules complemented by observation and a document review, and analysed using grounded theory. The findings show that libraries in Kenya, under their umbrella organizations, have taken advantage of their knowledge of green concepts through adopting and implementing green practices and coming up with strategies to enhance green libraries and promote environmental sustainability. They have done this mainly through redesigning and renovating to meet ever-changing user demands in line with green-library standards. The study concludes that librarians in Kenyan libraries understand green-building concepts and have adopted different green initiatives, albeit partially to reposition and maintain their position globally. The study proposes three strategies for fully going green: active user involvement in green initiatives; improving performance and growth measuring metrics; and maintaining green-library standards in accordance with the IFLA’s Environment, Sustainability and Libraries Section (ENSULIB) green-library checklist.

Axiological aspects of transforming library profession in the aspect of professional education

Technological evolution of the civilization have been increasingly define the integrated global landscape and contribute to political, economic, social and ecological changes. Innovative high-speed communication systems and wide access to information consolidate the states, economies and businesses in the more sophisticated way one can envision. This global interdependence bears the risks of increasing social and economic inequity; in particular, due to instability and social unsustainability of the weaker economies. The authors discuss the problems of the library profession digitalization affecting the transformation of library education as the condition for preserving and developing human resources in librarianship. They insist that training librarians should comply with the requirements to modern libraries. They specify the key professional competences for library specialists of a new breed, and suggest prospective vectors of training at library departments.

Positioning "Informetrics" in student training programs in departments and institutes of library and information science in Algeria

The subject of Informetrics is considered one of the controversial topics at the level of terms and concepts, methods and tools that are built and developed by professors and researchers from various scientific disciplines in Western societies. First interests in Informetrics were linked to traditional laws developed by library specialists from different backgrounds (who usually were trained in mathematics), where they worked to develop mathematical and statistical rules and equations to measure professional practices within libraries and information institutions (Hamburg technique, Orr technique, Saracevic technique, Morse technique, etc.). The applications of these rules and measurements have been widely popularized in professional circles during the 19th century, but this has not lasted long, especially for Arab societies where such practices remain absent within libraries and various information spaces, and are not strongly visible in the programs adopted to train students in library science. Dealing with Informetrics in the classic form in which they appear makes it a frequent practice of the same techniques, which may be a party to the question posed by professionals working in the library sector in Arab societies, especially on the argument of science and technique, The inability to understand the real scientific object or constructed object of library science despite its recognition as a discipline at universities leads to alienation. The subject of Informetrics and its techniques falls within the context of this contemporary argument, Contemporary societies therefore usually use research and training as essential inputs for the development of each science's vocabulary, and to strengthen its methods and tools, which we are actually trying to focus on with this scientific paper through which we stand on one of these inputs, which is related to training. In this study, we are presenting the form and formula of the subject of Informetrics in student training programs in departments and institutes of library and information science in Algeria, to try to give an explanation of the phenomenon students reluctance to use mathematical and statistical measurements as a method in their studies, and lack of knowledge of it as a scientific subject in terms of its vocabulary, and its concepts and terminology, the philosophy on which its rules and principles are based, and its developability.

Assessment of Xenoestrogens in Jordanian Water System: Activity and Identification

Sex hormone disruptors (xenoestrogens) are a global concern due to their potential toxicity. However, to date, there has been no study to investigate the presence of xenoestrogen pollutants in the Jordanian water system. Samples in triplicates were collected from six locations in Jordan, including dams, surface water, tap or faucet water, and filtered water (drinking water-local company). Xenoestrogens were then extracted and evaluated with a yeast estrogen screen utilizing Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Later, possible pollutants were mined using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with a Bruker impact II Q-TOF-MS. Possible hits were identified using MetaboScape software (4000 compounds), which includes pesticide, pharmaceutical pollutant, veterinary drug, and toxic compound databases and a special library of 75 possible xenoestrogens. The presence of xenoestrogens in vegetable samples collected from two different locations was also investigated. The total estrogen equivalents according to the YES system were 2.9 ± 1.2, 9.5 ± 5, 2.5 ± 1.5, 1.4 ± 0.9 ng/L for King Talal Dam, As-Samra Wastewater Treatment Plant, King Abdullah Canal, and tap water, respectively. In Almujeb Dam and drinking water, the estrogenic activity was below the detection limit. Numbers of identified xenoestrogens were: As-Samra Wastewater Treatment Plant 27 pollutants, King Talal Dam 20 pollutants, Almujeb Dam 10 pollutants, King Abdullah Canal 16 pollutants, Irbid tap water 32 pollutants, Amman tap water 30 pollutants, drinking water 3 pollutants, and vegetables 7 pollutants. However, a large number of compounds remained unknown. Xenoestrogen pollutants were detected in all tested samples, but the total estrogenic capacities were within the acceptable range. The major source of xenoestrogen pollutants was agricultural resources. Risk evaluations for low xenoestrogen activity should be taken into account, and thorough pesticide monitoring systems and regular inspections should also be established.

The Manchester Wesley Research Centre and the Oxford Centre for Methodism and Church History

Other| January 06 2023 The Manchester Wesley Research Centre and the Oxford Centre for Methodism and Church History Wesley and Methodist Studies (2023) 15 (1): 119–120. https://doi.org/10.5325/weslmethstud.15.1.0119 Cite Icon Cite Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Permissions Search Site Citation The Manchester Wesley Research Centre and the Oxford Centre for Methodism and Church History. Wesley and Methodist Studies 6 January 2023; 15 (1): 119–120. doi: https://doi.org/10.5325/weslmethstud.15.1.0119 Download citation file: Zotero Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All Scholarly Publishing CollectivePenn State University PressWesley and Methodist Studies Search Advanced Search The MWRC supports the research of scholars studying the Methodist, Wesleyan, Evangelical, Holiness, and Pentecostal traditions, particularly from MWRC partner institutions. Each year visiting research fellows are welcomed for short periods of intensive research in Manchester. The MWRC helps facilitate access to the world-renowned Methodist Archives and Research Centre at The John Rylands Research Institute and Library in Manchester. It also has its own specialist library with research space for visiting research fellows and PhD students studying at MWRC partner institutions. The Centre hosts student-led research colloquiums, an annual lecture by a leading scholar in Methodist/Wesleyan Studies, and occasional international conferences. It is also involved in the publication of the book series Studies in the Holiness and Pentecostal Movements. For more information about the Centre and upcoming events, go to: www.mwrc.ac.uk or contact the Centre’s Director, Dr Geordan Hammond: ghammond@nazarene.ac.uk.The Oxford Centre for Methodism and Church History is... You do not currently have access to this content.

Graduated Success: Monash Health Library’s Cadetship Program

Monash Health Library service is actively supporting the development of new health librarians through a Cadetship position open to new or soon-to-be graduate librarians. In this workplace training program, new librarians benefit from a supportive environment that is designed to bridge the gap between education and practice, while managers and the hosting library enjoy the dynamism of fresh perspectives and skills. On a library sector level, the role promotes pathways into health and special libraries and sustainable development of the health library workforce.

Status of collaboration and cooperation with special libraries in each library type

Status of collaboration and cooperation with special libraries in each library type

Quantifying Knowledgeof Metrics and Measures in Modern Library Science

The content of this study attempts to get the role of measurement within contemporary library science and will deliver a comprehensive analysis on how performance and services are affected to the maximum in our country ́s library systems. The research includes all manner of libraries, including universities, public libraries, special libraries, etc., and makes use of both quantitative and qualitative research methods for the purposes. The chief subject of study will include the historical development of library science; how the metrics currently employed have been interpreted; as well as the problems and opportunities that accompany present efforts to appraise the impact of library services. This research includes cases of successful metrics-driven change which analyze the impact of information literacy initiatives and evaluates the effect of outreach programs. This research project also treats the future of library science through the discovery. These results speak to the fluid character of digital-age library services, while suggesting that innovative techniques seam to be a necessity for adaptation and even growth of any durability in the new environment

Report of 16th International Conference on Webometrics, Informetrics and Scientometrics (WIS) & 21st COLLNET Meeting

The 16th International Conference on Webometrics, Informetrics, and Scientometrics (WIS) and the 21st COLLNET Meeting, 2022 which was scheduled to be held from 10 to 12 November 2022 at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand was organized after a two-year break, due to the Corona restrictions, by COLLNET in association with the Society for Library Professionals (SLP) and Asian Chapter, Special Libraries Association (SLA) and Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand for the professional growth of the library and Information Science professionals. The broad focus of the conference was on collaboration and communication in science and technology; scientometric research on Covid19; techniques for collaboration studies; informatics law and distributions; mathematical models of communication and collaboration; quantitative analysis of s&t innovations; evaluation indicators; collaboration in science and technology from both quantitative and qualitative points of view; bibliographic control bibliometric research data analysis and data mining; technology & innovations in libraries and their impact on measurement on learning, research and users technology transfer and innovation in library management through metrics. The aim of the conference was therefore to contribute to evidence-based knowledge on scientific research and practices, which in turn can contribute to institutional, regional, national and international policy-making in the field of research and innovation. This event was part of the successful COLLNET conference series (www.collnet.de). Previous COLLNET conferences were held in Berlin (Germany) in 2000, New Delhi (India) in 2001, Sydney (Australia) in 2001, Beijing (China) in 2003, Roorkee (India) in 2004, Stockholm (Sweden) in 2005, Nancy (France) in 2006, New Delhi (India) in 2007, Berlin (Germany) in 2008, Dalian (China) in 2009, Mysore (India) in 2010, Istanbul (Turkey) in 2011, Seoul (South Korea) in 2012, Tartu (Estonia) in 2013, Ilmenau (Germany) in 2014, Delhi (India) in 2015, Nancy (France) in 2016, Kent (UK) in 2017, Macau 2018 and Dalian (China) 2019.

Academic and Special Library Curriculum Content and Information Literacy for Tertiary Institutions

Academic and Special Library Curriculum Content and Information Literacy for Tertiary Institutions

Usability study of digital collections of select special libraries attached to ministry of culture, Government of India

Usability study of digital collections of select special libraries attached to ministry of culture, Government of India

Report of 16th International Conference on Webometrics, Informetrics and Scientometrics (WIS) & 21th COLLNET Meeting

The 16th International Conference on Webometrics, Informetrics, and Scientometrics (WIS) and the 21st COLLNET Meeting, 2022 which was scheduled to be held from 10 to 12 November 2022 at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand was organized after a two-year break, due to the Corona restrictions, by COLLNET in association with the Society for Library Professionals (SLP) and Asian Chapter, Special Libraries Association (SLA) and Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand for the professional growth of the library and Information Science professionals. The broad focus of the conference was on collaboration and communication in science and technology; scientometric research on Covid19; techniques for collaboration studies; informatics law and distributions; mathematical models of communication and collaboration; quantitative analysis of s&t innovations; evaluation indicators; collaboration in science and technology from both quantitative and qualitative points of view; bibliographic control bibliometric research data analysis and data mining; technology & innovations in libraries and their impact on measurement on learning, research and users technology transfer and innovation in library management through metrics. The aim of the conference was therefore to contribute to evidence-based knowledge on scientific research and practices, which in turn can contribute to institutional, regional, national and international policy-making in the field of research and innovation. This event was part of the successful COLLNET conference series (www.collnet.de). Previous COLLNET conferences were held in Berlin (Germany) in 2000, New Delhi (India) in 2001, Sydney (Australia) in 2001, Beijing (China) in 2003, Roorkee (India) in 2004, Stockholm (Sweden) in 2005, Nancy (France) in 2006, New Delhi (India) in 2007, Berlin (Germany) in 2008, Dalian (China) in 2009, Mysore (India) in 2010, Istanbul (Turkey) in 2011, Seoul (South Korea) in 2012, Tartu (Estonia) in 2013, Ilmenau (Germany) in 2014, Delhi (India) in 2015, Nancy (France) in 2016, Kent (UK) in 2017, Macau 2018 and Dalian (China) 2019.

Библиотечно-информационное образование в контексте нормативных и социальных трансформаций

The strategic legal documents of the federal level that define the key requirements for the professional activities of library and information specialists are elaborated. The analysis of the external and internal environment of libraries and educational organizations was conducted and the trends affecting their development were formulated: digitalization, the growth of open data, the strengthening of the evaluation and analytical functions of library specialists, the anonymization of users. Directions of the development of higher LIS education, considering current social and professional needs, are proposed: differentiation of specialized competencies, formation of a mixed educational environment, conjugation of curricula, practice needs, forward-looking forms of activity, regulatory requirements and expectations of applicants, conducting fundamental and applied research, ensuring the effectiveness of intra-industry interaction.

Профессиональная подготовка библиотечных специалистов: проблема приоритетов

The article considers the main factors determining the content of library specialists training under the conditions of libraries transformation. The author tries to reveal the main factors determining this training including public life realities, demands of the society to libraries, state of culture police, existing traditions of library activity, peculiarities of its self-development as well as professional standards requirements. The article considers the viewpoints of the most competent representatives of professional library community on a library and reveals the acutest problems of personnel training for the dynamically developing libraries and contradictions between theorists and practical workers of library services. The author shows the results of the “Personnel Partnership Workshop” study which has revealed the key discontinuity between the training process participants and library practical workers.

БИБЛИОТЕЧНЫЙ АУДИОПОДКАСТ КАК ИННОВАЦИОННАЯ ФОРМА ПРОДВИЖЕНИЯ КНИГИ И ЧТЕНИЯ В ВЕБ-СРЕДЕ

The article briefly describes some premises for development of professional interest for Russian modern library specialists’ part to an institutional webcasting, which is considered as promising direction of library communication with internet audience. The authors analyze approaches to creation and promotion of original audio pod-casts, to implementation of own sound digital content demand monitoring with available web analytics tools, to assessment of produced voice tracks efficiency in the context of fostering serviced citizens’ read activities using the examples of tree libraries operating in Barnaul and Slavgorod (Altai Krai, Siberian Federal District, Russia).

Библиотечное образование в контексте цифровизации

Improving modern library education is impossible without understanding the essential changes taking place with the library in the context of the digitalization of modern society. The purpose of the article is to study the influence of the processes of digitalization of library and information activities on the professional training of library specialists. During the study, an analysis was made of the legal framework, publications in the professional press, websites of higher education institutions, foreign projects broadcasting scientific information about the digitalization of librarianship. It is shown that digitalization affects the development of all major areas of library activities, the introduction of digital technologies leads to significant changes in the forms and methods of library services. The domestic and foreign experience of acquiring and improving digital competence in the framework of formal and non-formal education is considered. The generalization of the studied material made it possible to identify and characterize the main digitalization trends that affect library practice and the training of library staff.

Профессиональное развитие кадрового потенциала библиотеки

Professional education of a librarian is the most vital component of the evolution of the library and information industry, a progressive movement that contributes to the development and formation of a modern library specialist. The purpose of this article is to substantiate an additional study of the concept of “professional development” in the context of social modernization of both society as a whole and the library industry. The task of the study was to consider the components of vocational education and professional development. The study examines and substantiates the subtasks of professional development in the context of the personnel strategy of modern personnel management related to increasing the social mobility of specialists, positive social well-being, increasing the degree of adaptation to new technologies and working conditions, synergetic personality culture, reducing the risks of emotional burnout of specialists, motivation for self-development of young capable employees. The authors have considered and systematized the main components of professional development and formulated the definition of “professional development of the library’s personnel potential“.

How librarians and firefighters built a special library in Champaign, Illinois, USA: a community informatics story

PurposeThis paper aims to understand how a special library helped firefighters in Illinois navigate the digital revolution by evidencing the elements and forms of work that made its innovative services possible.Design/methodology/approachThe authors examine the history of a special library through a community informatics lens, drawing from sociomaterial perspectives to highlight forms of work often invisible in digital innovation. Data was collected through documentary revision, oral histories and semi-structured interviews. Deductive-inductive coding and constant comparative analysis was used in the analysis.FindingsA historical narrative of the library between 1990 and 2021 highlights three sociotechnical innovations that assisted firefighters through the digital revolution: the facilitated collection, the co-created collection and the inside-out library. To develop these innovations the library drew from institutional relations, personal relations, grants, labor, knowledge of firefighters and technology. Various forms of articulation work brought these elements together to create innovative services.Originality/valueThe role of special libraries in addressing the digital divide has not been sufficiently detailed so far; this paper is a contribution in that direction. It also has practical value for professionals working in specialized libraries and information centers.