Technical Library Research Articles

Ukrainian Databases as a Competitive Alternative to International Databases

Objective. To assess the potential of modern Ukrainian open-access databases initiated by national or technical libraries as a viable alternative to international commercial and open databases for retrieving metadata on periodicals and their articles, including Ukrainian scholarly journals. Methods. The study involved the analysis of databases such as Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, OpenAlex, "Scientific Periodicals of Ukraine" (developed by the Vernadskyi National Library of Ukraine), "Scientific Periodicals of Ukraine" (developed by the Association of Users of Ukrainian Research and Academic Network), Open Ukrainian Citation Index, Ukrainian Research Information System, and "Ukrainian Scientific Periodicals." A tabular method (three comparative tables were developed), analytical methods (quantitative and qualitative analysis), and statistical methods were applied. Results. It was found that the completeness of metadata representation varies depending on the resource. Commercial databases like Scopus and Web of Science Core Collection offer the most comprehensive metadata, while Ukrainian resources provide unique data relevant to Ukraine, including information on state registration, knowledge categories, and specializations aligned with Ukrainian regulatory documents. Conclusions. Ukrainian databases developed by national or technical libraries are continuously improving and have the potential to serve as an effective alternative to international commercial databases due to their free access, unique data, and extensive coverage of national scholarly periodicals. Although they cannot fully replace databases like Scopus and Web of Science Core Collection, their combined use holds promise. Given the challenges related to the high subscription costs and content quality in commercial databases, Ukrainian resources have the potential for further development within the global movement towards open science.

Ways of Development of the National Electronic Scientific Information System as a Tool for Implementing the State Open Science Policy in Ukraine

Objective. Since 2020, Ukraine has been developing the National Electronic Scientific Information System (URIS). The creation and development of URIS were initially guided by a specific Concept, whose implementation timeline has now concluded. However, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine mandated that work on URIS should continue. Consequently, there is a need to develop a new concept and identify the future directions for this scientific information system. Current research has emphasized the necessity of implementing the open science paradigm and highlighted the role of Current Research Information Systems (CRIS) in this process. There is a specific need to establish the development directions for URIS as a unique type of such system. The aim is to explore the prospective directions for the development of the National Electronic Scientific Information System "URIS," detailing the pathways for its growth and integrating new functions to fully implement the principles of open science in Ukraine. Methods. The study employed methods of theoretical generalization of normative and analytical data, as well as statistical and comparative analysis of the obtained scientific information. Results. The study identified seven directions with specific implementation paths: developing new functional modules for URIS, ensuring the comprehensive inclusion of priority information resources within URIS, providing Ukrainian scientists, research institutions, and higher education institutions with a digital tool, enabling ongoing communication with the scientific community and business representatives, identifying shortcomings in existing legal acts, creating conditions to overcome the dispersion of financial resources, accounting for losses in Ukrainian research infrastructure due to Russian military aggression. The URIS serves as a multifunctional platform for collecting, processing, and disseminating data related to scientific activities in Ukraine. Developed by the State Scientific and Technical Library of Ukraine, URIS aims to integrate and present aggregated data from various research institutions and universities, thereby enhancing the visibility of Ukrainian research on a global scale. This paper discusses the importance of URIS in supporting academic and research libraries, emphasizing the role of the library's experts in implementing the project. Conclusions. The development and improvement of URIS should lead to a significant reduction in the use of paper for various documents, offering interested individuals and organizations a wide range of digital tools for quick and continuous access to research data, information, and services related to the field of science. The full implementation of this project will enhance the visibility of Ukrainian scientists and research infrastructures both within Ukraine and for interested researchers and institutions in Europe and globally. Scope of Application of Research Results. The development of URIS will support the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine in fulfilling the national plan for open science and accelerating Ukraine's integration into the European Research Area. The successful implementation of URIS demonstrates the vital role of academic and research libraries in the digital age. The expertise of the State Scientific and Technical Library of Ukraine has been instrumental in advancing the goals of URIS, which aims to enhance the quality and visibility of Ukrainian research both nationally and internationally.

Driving National R&D: Methodological Insights into Developing a Classifier for the Ukrainian National CRIS System by the State Scientific and Technical Library of Ukraine

Objective. The objective of this study is to develop and characterize a comprehensive classifier for research and development (R&D), which plays a crucial role in the effective implementation of a National Current Research Information System (CRIS). The study aims to address the challenges and methodologies involved in creating a system that categorizes diverse R&D initiatives while ensuring interoperability with existing systems and adaptability to evolving scientific fields. Methods. The development of the classifier involved a multi-step process, including consultation with domain experts and reviewing existing classification systems. The study focused on identifying key research areas, ensuring compatibility with international standards, and developing a flexible taxonomy to cover both established and emerging fields. A diagnostic study on CRIS systems in Latin America and insights from similar systems, such as in Croatia and Portugal, were examined to refine the classifier's design for Ukraine. Results. The study successfully developed a classifier that addresses the specific needs of the Ukrainian research landscape, particularly within the Ukrainian Information System for Current Research (URIS). The classifier's structure aligns with international standards and supports interoperability with global databases. Furthermore, the dynamic nature of the classifier allows for continuous updates, making it adaptable to new research fields. The classification system was also tailored to accommodate Ukraine’s unique research ecosystem and infrastructure. Conclusions. The development of this R&D classifier represents a strategic advancement for Ukraine’s research infrastructure, enhancing data organization, accessibility, and collaboration. By addressing both technical and contextual challenges, the classifier provides a flexible, scalable solution that supports long-term scientific innovation. This study highlights the importance of context-driven approaches in creating effective research management tools, positioning the classifier as a robust framework for future developments in CRIS systems. The State Scientific Technical Library of Ukraine has played a pivotal role in developing this classifier, ensuring it meets the specific needs of the Ukrainian research community.

Contribution of Academic Libraries to Advancing Open Data and Open Science: Importance, Advantages and Suggestions (Strategy and Priorities of Use)

Objective. The article is devoted to the study of the role of academic libraries in the advancing of the ecosystem of open science by foreign and domestic authors of the university community. Methods. The following general scientific methods were used in the research: generalization, analysis, and systematic approach. Results. The basis of the promotion of open science is open data and open access, which forms an Open Ecosystem of Scientific Research. This requires the transformation of academic libraries of Ukraine, in particular university libraries, with a change in qualification level of library specialists and technical personnel to assist in the development of resource and information innovations of libraries when using various PIDs (Persistent identifiers). Conclusions. For the scientific community of Ukraine, the Strategy of Open Science is being formed, the implementation and promotion of which will largely depend on the experience of specialists of academic libraries with the support of the State Scientific and Technical Library of Ukraine (SSTL of Ukraine). The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine (MES of Ukraine) prioritizes the use of international experience in promoting open data and open science, where academic libraries play a leading role.

Design, performance, processing, and validation of a pooled CRISPR perturbation screen for bacterial toxins.

Unbiased forward genetic screens have been extensively employed in biological research to elucidate functional genomics. In pooled clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) perturbation screens, various genetically encoded gain-of-function or loss-of-function mutations are introduced into a heterogeneous population of cells. Subsequently, these cells are screened for phenotypes, perturbation-associated genotypes are analyzed and a connection between genotype and phenotype is determined. CRISPR screening techniques enable the investigation of important biological questions, such as how bacterial toxins kill cells and cause disease. However, the broad spectrum of effects caused by diverse toxins presents a challenge when selecting appropriate screening strategies. Here, we provide a step-by-step protocol for a genome-wide pooled CRISPR perturbation screen to study bacterial toxins. We describe technical considerations, pilot experiments, library construction, screen execution, result analysis and validation of the top enriched hits. These screens are applicable for many different types of toxins and are anticipated to reveal a repertoire of host factors crucial in the intoxication pathway, such as receptors, trafficking/translocation factors and substrates. The entire protocol takes 21-27 weeks and does not require specialized knowledge beyond basic biology.

Siberian modernist architect A. A. Volovik

This article presents the creative biography of architect Anatoly Afanasyevich Volovik, a seminal figure in the development of Soviet modernism in Novosibirsk. The article devotes particular attention to Volovik’s notable projects, including the State Public Scientific and Technical Library and Tolmachevo Airport. Additionally, it examines the impact of Volovik’s contributions to the advancement of architectural education and the training of young professionals. It is based on archival materials, contemporaneous testimonies, and an analysis of his legacy in the context of 20th-century architectural heritage.

ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ СБОРНЫХ ЖЕЛЕЗОБЕТОННЫХ НЕСУЩИХ СИСТЕМ С ПЛОСКИМ ПЕРЕКРЫТИЕМ

The paper gives a brief review of existing load-bearing frame systems with a flat bottom edge of the slab, performed using prefabricated reinforced concrete products. The basic provisions and results of field testing of floor elements of the prefabricated reinforced concrete load-bearing frame, which is not widely spread in the Russian Federation, according to patent No. 132814 «Prefabricated Reinforced Concrete Frame» are also described. Research on the existing load-bearing systems with flat bottom edge of the slab was carried out by studying the patent documentation available in the All-Russian Patent and Technical Library; information posted by the authors in open sources, scientific articles by the authors of the load-bearing systems. In-situ tests of the slab elements of the framework according to the patent No. 132814 «Prefabricated reinforced concrete framework» were performed by means of empirical experiment with loading of prefabricated elements according to the considered system of prefabricated-monolithic reinforced concrete construction. During the tests, the vertical displacements of the elements, the appearance and width of their crack opening were measured, and the destructive load was recorded. The safety factor according to GOST 8829-2018 for the tested slab elements was calculated based on the recorded destructive load. The values of destructive load of the slab structures obtained in the test results confirm the reliability of the adopted solutions, which substantiates the expediency of their further development. The safety coefficients of transoms and floor slabs obtained according to GOST 8829-2018 satisfy the strength requirements for building structures.

Mreža občanske znanosti v Sloveniji

Citizen science is a concept of scientific research that promotes an open dialogue between the scientific community and the broader public and thus also guides social development. In Slovenia, this concept has developed considerably over the past year, in particular through the establishment of the specialised portal citizenscience.si and the Citizen Science Network. The European Union has also contributed to the promotion and visibility of citizen science mainly by funding. Along with other organizations as museums and societies, and individuals, universities and research institutes also make an important contribution to citizen science, not only by expanding and strengthening research activities through public engagement, but also by improving their social reputation and strengthening trust in science. In Slovenia, public participation in science has a long tradition, which went under various names until the term "občanska znanost" was established as the most appropriate translation. Since 2017, the Central Technical Library of the University of Ljubljana (CTK) has been involved in the promotion and development of citizen science in Slovenia, first by organising the expert meetings and later by directly supporting a citizen science project. They work with other organisations to organise events to promote collaboration between researchers and libraries and the general public, and is active in international organisations. The content of the citizenscience.si portal and an analysis of the published projects are presented in detail.

The Depository Collection of the Central Scientific and Technical Library of the Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of the Donetsk People’s Republic

The purpose of the article is to present the history of activities and conditions of formation of the depository collection of the Central Scientific and Technical Library (CSTL) of the Institute of Scientific and Technical Information (ISTI) of the Donetsk People’s Republic, to substantiate the necessity of research on the thematic direction "Coal Industry of Donbass" and to develop the methodological approach to its monitoring, scientific and thematic structuring.CSTL is the oldest and the only specialized scientific and technical library in Donbass, which has the collection, related to the industrial specifics of the region. The library activity during the military conflict practically stopped since 2014 and resumed only in 2022 with the transition of the Donetsk People’s Republic to the Russian Federation. Due to the need to integrate CSTL into the library space of Russia and improve the efficiency of the library work with users, a set of works on accounting, preservation, scientific and thematic structuring of collections, as well as digitalization of the library resources is in demand.The article describes the history of the formation of CSTL depository collection and the peculiarities of the library activity. The methodical approach to monitoring, scientific and thematic structuring of the collection on the direction "Coal Industry of Donbass" is proposed and the results of the work done are presented.

Interlibrary relationship development between Baltic republics

In this article, the main periods of the development of interlibrary relationships between Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia are characterized. It is suggested that official interlibrary relationships began in 1930 with the organization of the first conference for librarians. Collaboration between the largest scientific libraries of the Baltic republics emerged in the 1950s. However, during the years 1945-1957, the relationships could be characterized as spontaneous, unplanned, and covering only a few areas of library work. Since the 1960s, these relationships became more intensive, with new forms of collaboration being applied. In the 1960s-1970s, traditional forms of interaction between libraries of the same type were implemented in practice. The most intensive relationships were developed between technical libraries. Although recently a unified coordination of this relationship does not exist, which is why the potential for collaboration is only partially utilized, the interlibrary commissions and methodological centers are the main institutions for the further development of interlibrary coordination.

The features of the development of higher education in librarianship in Soviet Lithuania

Attempts to organize higher library education in Lithuania were made long ago. An episodic course in bibliography was taught at the old Vilnius University in 1829-1830. After the restoration of Soviet power in Lithuania in 1940, the Chair of Bibliology was established at Vilnius State University, and a course in bibliography was offered. Lectures aimed at starting the preparation of skilled librarians and bibliographers were planned to begin in the autumn of 1941. However, this work was interrupted by the war and the Nazi occupation. The Department of Librarianship was founded at Vilnius State University in 1949 (with the Chair of Librarianship established in 1952, and the Chair of Scientific Information in 1973). During a short period, these Chairs achieved significant results in various branches. They developed scientific and research activity in librarianship and bibliography, providing skilled specialists for the libraries of our republic. In recent years, more than 2,000 specialists have been trained at the University. These graduates have been appointed to work in different public, children’s, school, scientific, special, and technical libraries, as well as in scientific information offices.

Compliance Level of Adopting and Approving Harmonised National Standards in Information Sciences: Current State and Prospects

The aim of the article is to study the level of acceptance and approval, to reveal the status and outline the prospects for harmonising national standards in accordance with international normative documents in the field of information sciences, library, publishing and archival studies. Reresearch methods. The offered research grounds on a set of general scientific methods. In the course of studying the professional literature of scientific articles for the set goal and solving the tasks, the methods of analysis and synthesis, generalisation and systematisation, the method of grouping national standards according to the code designations of the National Standard 004: 2020 of the “Ukrainian Classifier of Regulatory Documents” are used, which make it possible to draw conclusions about the methods and the level of accepted and approved harmonised standards in information sciences. The scientific novelty of the article consists in revealing the level of adopting and approving harmonised national standards in information, library, publishing and archival studies in accordance with international regulatory documents, which ensures a high-quality level of development of standardisation in Ukraine. Main conclusions. The first adopted and approved national standards in information, library, publishing and archival studies as harmonised with international norms, requirements, rules and regulatory provisions according to the degree of compliance are mostly identical or modified, some of them are not equivalent to international regulatory documents. During the last decade the Ukrainian information community development the degree of adoption and harmonisation of national standards in relation to international normative documents has increased to 100 %, which makes it possible to improve information support, optimise the fund of normative documents, scientific and terminological base, analytical and synthetic processing of scientific and technical information, documentary, informational, library, publishing and archival studies. As a rule, harmonisation and implementation of international standards in the information sphere is a priority task for ensuring a qualitatively new level of standardisation development in Ukraine.

Formation of Competences of Librarian-Bibliographer — Popularizer of Open Science in Vocational Training

There is a lack of attention to the practical implementation by libraries of citizen science projects, science communication and popularization of open science, including outside the academic environment. This situation is due to their relatively recent appearance in the field of researchers’ attention, as well as to the insufficient formation of the necessary competencies among librarians (especially those who graduated before the introduction of competency-based bachelor’s degree programmes).The study aims to address two objectives: 1) identification of specific competences required for a popularizer of open science in a library; 2) development of a structural and functional model of formation of such competences in vocational training.The competences necessary for a librarian-bibliographer — popularizer of open science are proposed. They are related to project and communicative activities, social partnership, support of scientific research, formation and presentation of content, including media content. The methods of mass work are important, as well as the organization of multifunctional library space, its zoning and navigation in order to ensure the comfort of users needed for the organization of citizen science hubs or centers of scientific cooperation. The structural and functional model of formation of such competences in the framework of additional professional education is presented, taking into account the presence of the following factors: previous unsystematized knowledge, skills and abilities based on the librarian’s work experience; theoretical and practical training; application of the acquired knowledge, skills and abilities in practical activities immediately after successful completion of the advanced training course. Such realization is based both on the presence of external motivation of the librarian and on his/her knowledge of open science (most often related to the concept of open access) and principles of its functioning. Interactive forms and technologies are noted, including in the assessment phase, using remote working tools to keep the trainees motivated as well as integrating them into the open science environment. In addition, the specific working conditions of the librarian should be analyzed when selecting tasks — this can be a decisive factor in the personal interest of the learner. The basis for the implementation and testing of this approach is laid in three modules of the advanced training course “Library for Open Science” of the State Public Scientific and Technical Library of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The results of the course show a high degree of development of skills linked to communication and project activities, but further adaptation of the material related to the legal framework is required.

Canadian Public Library Pandemic Response: Bridging the Digital Divide and Preparing for Future Pandemics

This article examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on computer and Internet access services in Canadian public libraries as well as the implications of this lack of access for people facing socioeconomic barriers, and how Canadian public libraries could address digital divide issues in the post-pandemic era. Recommendations on future pandemic preparedness for public libraries are also discussed in this article. This research project conducted a bilingual (English and French) online survey targeting public library technicians, librarians, and library board members across Canada. From 1,631 research invitation emails sent to public library staff across Canada and three Facebook posts on Canadian public library staff groups, over a one-year period from November 3, 2021, to November 6, 2022. 226 individuals participated in the online survey questionnaire. Findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated social inequalities in Canada, including access to computers and the Internet. The digital divide could lead to poor health outcomes and put existing disadvantaged populations at greater risk in terms of future employment opportunities. The digital divide needs to be addressed so that Canadians in low-income households and those living with disabilities do not get left behind. Importantly, public libraries in Canada have been working tirelessly to equalize access to computers, the Internet, and digital literacy training and support. Their determination, social responsibility, and professional ethics need to be acknowledged. Finally, this article's recommendations for future pandemic preparedness in Canadian public libraries may also be applicable and beneficial to public libraries globally.

International Bibliographic Congresses: Through the Prism of History to the Future

The article presents the International Bibliographic Congress, scheduled for September 2025 in Yakutsk, which will continue the tradition of similar events in recent decades. The first International Bibliographic Congress was held in 2010 in St. Petersburg, the second — in 2015 in Moscow, the third — in 2021 in Novosibirsk. Each time they were cities, and respectively libraries (Russian National Library, Russian State Library, State Public Scientific and Technical Library of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences), preserving and developing rich bibliographic traditions. It is shown that by holding international bibliographic congresses, the bibliographic community of Russia aims to achieve several goals: 1) to identify the current (at the time of the next congress) state of bibliographic science and practice not only in Russia, but also in other countries of the world; 2) to discuss the most pressing problems facing bibliographers; 3) to outline ways of further development of bibliographic activity in the near future and in the distant future.

Fund of valuable and rare publications of scientific libraries of higher education institutions of Ukraine with an aviation component

The proposed article analyzes and summarizes the peculiarities of the formation of funds of valuable and rare publications in Ukrainian institutions of higher education that prepare specialists for civil aviation. The article is intended to inform scientific and pedagogical workers, students of higher education, and the general public about the important resource of valuable and rare publications that are stored in the funds of scientific and technical libraries of Ukrainian higher education institutions with an aviation component. The purpose of the article is to analyze the specifics of the formation and organization of open (online) access to information potential, containing collections of rare publications as a component of information resources of university libraries. The collections of valuable and rare publications, concentrated in the libraries of the aviation profile universities: The National Aerospace University M. E. Zhukovsky "Kharkiv Aviation Institute", The National Aviation University, The National Technical University of Ukraine "Ihor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute". Recommendations on improving the work of scientific and technical libraries on the formation of a system of open access and custody of valuable documents have been formulated.

The book typology in modern studies: responding to Y. V. Nesterovich’s article “Reviewing the “book” term explication in the context of documentology” (Scientific and technical libraries. 2022. No. 7, pp. 129–147)

The author substantiates the application of transdisciplinary approach to the book typology studies. While emphasizing the relevancy of these studies, she reviews the theoretical aspects of the book definition and typological features as they appear in the article by Yury V. Nesterovich “Reviewing the “book” term explication in the context of documentology”. The analysis makes the author convinced that the book typological characteristics have to be seen as the theoretical foundation for grouping the information objects of the book type rather than as the basis for classifying the items within this type structure. In this context, the “book’ term has to be formulated from metatheoretical perspective, along with the documentological and categorical approaches, and adopted to the present information space. Such analysis enables to study the book as a complex fuzzy system and to look at the book typology from the perspective of fuzzy logics theory The author emphasizes transdisciplinary character of these studies and cites some results of fuzzy logic application to e-book analysis. She concludes on the good perspectives for transdisciplinary strategies in the book typology studies.

The network of sci-tech libraries as the foundation of the national system of sci-tech information: The history, status, and prospects

The authors discuss the sci-tech libraries in historical aspect; these libraries make the key element of the national system of sci-tech information and information services and support national science and technology. They follow the dynamics of building the network of research institutions and special sci-tech libraries that replaced technical, factory and company libraries. The role of the USSR State Public Library for Science and Technology (USSR SPLS&T) is highlighted: during the Soviet era it was the country’s head sci-tech library, the main methodological center for technological libraries, interdepartmental coordinator of user services, collection development, interlibrary loan, and translation of scitech literature. The authors emphasize the importance of the national regulation of sci-tech library and information services, and their development through building the state system of sci-tech information. The authors also examine the goals of t he S PLS&T U SSR a s a research institution in the area of library and bibliographic studies; SPLS&T supported the unity of efforts within the system. The authors analyze the implementation of the national sci-tech program; within the framework of the program, the RNPLS&T acts as the head agency of the Automated System of the Russian Union Catalog in science and technology and provides for interaction of sci-tech library network and sci-tech information institutions in using the databases by associated members. The authors substantiate the need for the new national system of sci-tech information based on the laws and regulations adopted in the recent decades. They analyze the results of 2023 All-Russian monitoring of sci-tech libraries and sci-tech information centers; evaluate the capacities of sci-tech libraries for supporting corporate projects, scitech professionals and researchers.

The 4-th conference on the current problems of ecological education “Ecological information and ecological culture” (within the framework of the Seventh World Professional Forum “The Book. Culture. Education. Innovations”): A review

The reviews of library ecological activities have been regularly published in the Scientific and Technical Libraries journal since 2002. The author discusses the 4-th conference on the current problems of ecological education ”Ecological information and ecological culture”. The theme of the year 2023 was “The libraries and noospheric thinking: The 160th anniversary of V. I. Vernadsky”. The participants explored in more depth the role of libraries in ecological education and promotion of sustainable development goals (SDGs), linking this vector to the role of libraries as the centers of socially valuable information, creative industries and areawide development.

Arkady V. Sokolov – a scholar, senior colleague, friend and unique personality

The article is a tribute to Arkady Vasilyevich Sokolov, Russian scientist, professor, Doctor of Science in pedagogy, researcher in the field of librarianship, informatics and social communications theory. Beside the professional relations, there was friendship of many years between Sokolov and the author. The author follows the main stages of Sokolov’s biography and his academic career, discusses his professional interests, namely informatics, bibliography, library science, metatheory of social communications, theory of sociocultural activities, teaching of bibliosphere and bibliologos, and library intelligentsia. He also reviews several publications by Arkady Sokolov.The author remembers A. V. Sokolov’s participation in RNPLS&T’s conferences, i.e. “Crimea” conference (world forum), “LIBCOM” international conference, and “BiblioPiter” conference. A. V. Sokolov contributed a lot to the Scientific and Technical Libraries journal as a member of editorial board, permanent author and reviewer. He made his fair share of contribution to the RNPLS&T joint monograph “E-librarianship”, unfortunately, only the introduction was written, which the author cites.