Library Website Research Articles

How do quantitative studies involving people with dementia report experiences of standardised data collection? A narrative synthesis of NIHR published studies

BackgroundPeople with dementia are routinely included as research participants in trials and other quantitative studies in which they are invited to respond to standardised measures. This paper reviews the reporting of standardised data collection from people with dementia in reports published in the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Journals Library. The aim was to understand how the administration of standardised, self-report measures with people with dementia is reported in NIHR monographs and what could be learnt from this about the feasibility and acceptability of data collection approaches for future studies.MethodsThis was a systematic review with narrative synthesis. Broad search terms (Dementia OR Alzheimer*) were used to search the NIHR Journals Library website in December 2021. All studies that used (or intended to use) standardised measures to collect research data directly from people with dementia were eligible for inclusion. Information was extracted (where reported) on the process of data collection, dementia severity, levels of missing data and the experiences and reflections of those involved.ResultsSearches returned 42 records, from which 17 reports were assessed as eligible for inclusion, containing 22 studies. Response rates from participants with dementia in these studies varied considerably and appeared to be related to dementia severity and place of residence. Little information was reported on the process of data collection or the reasons for missing data, and most studies did not report the experiences of participants or those administering the measures. However, there was an indication from two studies that standardised data collection could provoke emotional distress in some participants with dementia.ConclusionsThrough this review we identified both variation in levels of missing data and gaps in reporting which make it difficult to ascertain the reasons for this variation. We also identified potential risks to the well-being of participants with dementia which may be associated with the content of standardised measures and the context of data collection. Open reporting of and reflection upon data collection processes and the experiences of people involved is essential to ensure both the success of future data collection and the wellbeing of study participants.Trial registrationRegistered with Research on Research https://ror-hub.org/study/2905/.

Effect of interface layout design of a public library website on information-seeking experience for elderly people

PurposeTargeting the common functions of the Zhejiang Library website, elderly individuals were invited to complete six experimental tasks on the improved website interfaces, and subjective data (PAD emotion scale and usability evaluation) and objective data (eye movement data) were recorded to verify the effects of graphic layout and navigation position on the information-seeking experience of elderly individuals.Design/methodology/approachThis study analyzes the effect of the graphic layout and navigation position of the Zhejiang Library’s website interface on the emotional state, perceived usability and information-seeking time of elderly individuals, with the aim of providing guidance and suggestions for the elderly-oriented reform of the public library website.FindingsThe experimental results show that the graphic layout has a significant effect on the emotional state and perceived usability of elderly individuals, and the navigation position has a significant effect on the information-seeking time; the interaction between graphic layout and navigation position exerts a significant effect on the information-seeking time of elderly individuals. The eye movement data show that elderly individuals have a better information-seeking experience when the top navigation bar and image-text matched arrangement are used for the interface layout.Originality/valueThis study adopts a new approach combining subjective data and eye movement data to evaluate the effect of the public library website’s interface layout on the information-seeking experience for older people. The findings can provide a theoretical basis and methodological support for the elderly-oriented reform of public library websites. They can also provide scientific design suggestions for age-friendly interface layouts of other Internet products and service applications.

Neural networks in libraries: A new development in bibliographic services

Based on the review of professional literature and selected monitoring of Russian and foreign library websites, the author introduces readers to the Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies for bibliographic services. She focuses on artificial neural networks as one of the most popular AI instruments. In particular, she discusses practical experiences of using AI in bibliographic services and supporting library and information areas, including information indexing. The author provides examples to demonstrate the AI potential for higher quality and performance in bibliographic and user services, e. g. interaction with users through chat bots, advanced bibliographic search, references, personalized information awareness services, etc. The AI instruments including neural networks are also used for metadata extraction and bibliographic records generation. Today, library chat bots and text intellectual analysis systems are the most developed services. The findings of the study demonstrate that AI technologies enable to accomplish user bibliographic services, though not all AI benefits and drawbacks have been revealed yet. The author suggests that expanding AI sphere would enable to improve quality and efficiency of bibliographic services, competences of bibliographers, and to introduce new types and forms of bibliographic services. The article is prepared within the framework of R&D “The model of reference and bibliographic services for the national libraries” (reg. No. 122021800339-7) of the Russian State Library.

Approaches to deliver depression care and understanding barriers and facilitators to implementation in people with tuberculosis in LMICs: a systematic review

Background Depression is a common comorbidity in people with tuberculosis. Various approaches to delivering depression care for people with tuberculosis have been implemented in low- and middle-income countries. To date, there are no comprehensive reviews that summarise and explore the implementation of these approaches to delivering depression care for people with tuberculosis. Objectives To identify the various interventions and approaches to delivering depression care as part of routine tuberculosis care in low- and middle-income countries, and to summarise the barriers and facilitators to their implementation. Review methods We conducted a systematic review to identify the relevant evidence. We conducted searches in June and July 2020 in the following databases, from inception: MEDLINE, Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, SciELO and LILACS, Health Management Information Consortium. We also hand-searched the reference lists of the included studies. Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts of all records. Two reviewers independently screened the full texts. We used the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool for quality appraisal. We coded and synthesised the findings using the constructs of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research as an a priori guide to analyse the barriers and facilitators. Results The search retrieved 10,982 records, 39 studies were selected for full-text screening and 10 studies were included in the analysis. We categorised the interventions as psychological, combined (pharmacological and psychological), combined with socioeconomic support and screening-only approaches. The most commonly implemented types of intervention were psychological interventions, on their own or combined with pharmacological interventions or socioeconomic support. The most common barrier to implementation was the costs associated with the intervention and its implementation. There were multiple facilitators for implementation for all types of interventions in different Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research domains. Facilitators were related to the characteristics of the intervention (relative advantage), the inner setting (compatibility of the intervention with existing workflows) and the process of implementation (the positive attitudes of innovation participants). Limitations This study relied on published information; thus, it is possible that important barriers and facilitators were not reported in the published studies and were, therefore, absent from this evidence synthesis. Conclusion We identified psychological interventions as the most commonly implemented approach to the delivery of depression care for people with tuberculosis, alone or in combination with other approaches. We identified the increase in costs as a barrier experienced for all intervention types. We identified the relative advantage of the intervention, its compatibility and the beliefs and attitudes of people with tuberculosis, their families and communities as facilitators that were reported in all intervention types. The integration of depression care for people with tuberculosis in existing tuberculosis services is possible but will require the barrier of the costs associated with delivery and implementation to be addressed. This review was carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the effects of the pandemic on tuberculosis and mental health services were yet to be seen. Future research should focus on the impact of the pandemic on tuberculosis and mental health services, and on people with tuberculosis and their mental health. Funding This article presents independent research funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Global Health Research programme as award number 17/63/130. A plain language summary of this article is available on the NIHR Journals Library website https://doi.org/10.3310/GRWH1425.

Public Library Websites in the Reaching Across Illinois Library System: A Webometric Examination

A public library’s website is often the first introduction that a user has to the library. Users come to the website looking for information about the library’s location, hours, how to get a library card, library programs, search the library catalog, or other services. As Poll writes, “Libraries have started to offer a new virtual ‘entrance’ to their services: the library website” (2007, p. 1). As such, a library’s website must provide users with the information they are seeking simply and clearly. People expect websites to be simple to use and to be able to find the information they are seeking quickly; simply put “if it’s convenient, they will use it; if not, they won’t” (Nielsen & Loranger, 2006, Preface, xxi). Ideally, a public library’s website will fulfill these needs for their community. The library website should provide information to patrons in a way that the majority of its users will understand. Providing access to information is a key component of the mission of public libraries and the library website is often the first stop for patrons looking to access library resources. This study is a web analysis of Chicago area public libraries in RAILS (Reaching Across Illinois Library System) using checklists based on the work of Chow, Commander, and Bridges (2014), Powers (2011) and Vargas Ochoa (2020).

A study of social visibility and engagement of world-renowned libraries on Twitter

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate how libraries use Twitter as a social media platform and examine the tweets they post, including multimedia content such as images and video clips. The study also aims to analyse the relationship between post types and user engagement and evaluate the effects of post features, such as multimedia content, on user engagement.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology of the study involved three phases. In Phase 1, a review of related literature was conducted to develop a holistic approach for the study. In Phase 2, official Twitter handles of selected libraries were identified and verified for authenticity using various methods, including cross-checking with library websites. During Phase 3, data was collected from the Twitter handles. The data was then tabulated and interpreted to achieve the set objectives of the study.FindingsThe paper examined the tweets posted by select libraries on Twitter and their impact on user engagement. The study found that most tweets were related to library resources/collection and announcements, followed by events hosted by libraries. Emotionally inspiring posts and daily facts were also commonly posted. The findings also showed that including images in tweets resulted in higher levels of user engagement than video clips did. The study suggests that incorporating images fosters engagement and boosts retweets, while watching a video takes more effort and time.Practical implicationsThe practical implications of the study can provide insights into the tweets that generate user engagement, which can help libraries tailor their social media strategies to attract and retain more followers. The paper can help libraries measure the success of their social media activities by evaluating user engagement metrics.Originality/valueThe originality/ value of the study lies in its examination of how libraries use Twitter as a social media platform, including the tweets they post and the impact of multimedia content on user engagement. While previous studies have examined the use of social media by libraries, this study focuses specifically on Twitter and provides a detailed analysis of the tweets that generate user engagement.

Innovative activity and transformational processes in development of public libraries in Ukraine under the influence of world trends of digital society and current realities

The purpose of the study is to highlight the peculiarities of innovative changes in the activities of contemporary public libraries in Ukraine, related to the digitalisation of society, and to identify the main trends of their development considering domestic realities such as full-scale military actions, information, and cyber warfare, reforms in the provision of cultural services. The research methodology involves the application of general scientific and special methods, namely, methods of analysis, synthesis, comparison, and generalisation, as well as the method of documentary and content analysis, which allows for achieving the stated goal. The scientific novelty of the work. The study identifies the main trends in the development of public libraries in the digital age, specifically in the context of domestic realities, and substantiates the peculiarities of innovative changes in public libraries in Ukraine, both during the state of war and as trends of post-war revival and modernisation. Public libraries in this context are considered socio-cultural institutions that contribute to community and individual development, providing informational, educational, and cultural-artistic services. Conclusions. Despite active combat actions, missile threats, and the destruction of library premises as well as critical infrastructure of regions directly affecting the activities of all institutions and the livelihoods of citizens, public libraries in Ukraine continue to operate with a focus on global trends, particularly by utilising the opportunities of information and communication technologies, creating internet resources, and implementing digital services. Analysis of the websites of regional universal scientific libraries has allowed determine the level of digitalisation development of leading public libraries in Ukraine and the direction of their further development

Community-based learning and data literacy: the role of the public library

PurposeBy examining types of literacies taught by public libraries and the modes through which these programs were offered, this study aims to explore how public libraries might integrate data literacy training for the general public into existing library educational programs.Design/methodology/approachThis study examined programs offered in 30 US public libraries during 2019 and 2020 to better understand types of literacy education announced to the public through library website listings and Facebook Events pages.FindingsWhile public libraries offered educational programs in literacy areas ranging from basic reading and writing to technology, vocational skills, health literacy and more, data literacy training was not widely offered. However, this study identified many already-existing programs highly compatible for integrating with data literacy training.Originality/valueThis study offered new insights into both the literacies taught in public library programs as well as ways for public libraries to integrate data literacy training into existing educational programming, in order to better provide data literacy education for the general public.

Toward Redefining Library Research Support Services in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand: An Evidence-Based Practice Approach

An increasingly complex and demanding research landscape has seen university libraries rapidly evolve their services. While research data management, bibliometrics, and research impact services have predominantly featured in the literature to date, the full scope of support libraries are currently providing to their institutions is unknown. This paper aims to present an up-to-date view of the scope and extent of research support services by university libraries across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. A coding process analyzed content data from university library websites. Eleven research support areas were identified. Service delivery is split between synchronous and asynchronous modes. This paper describes a lived experience of an evidence-based library and information practice approach to improving research support services at two Australian university libraries, and while it highlights continued maturation of research support services, more research is needed to better understand influences on service development.

The public's overwiev on the introduction of games, play, and gamification in Romanian libraries

Games, play and gamification are essential for all ages because they allow players to develop useful 21st century skills such as digital literacy, critical and scientific thinking, problem solving, comprehension and communication skills, storytelling skills, etc. The new generation of digital natives requires a different approach in learning new things and libraries could take advantage of that by using gamification on learning content. In this way, libraries could become more welcoming spaces, more open to the public and much more interested in what the public wants. To find out what people think about the idea of playing games at the library, the idea of libraries using gamified activities or if the public would like to use gamified apps on the library websites, a questionnaire-based survey was administered on Facebook and WhatsApp between February 2 and February 8, 2024. Analysis of the answers obtained shows that the Romanian public is open to the idea of libraries where reading, communicating, socializing, acquiring knowledge in various fields such as literature, history, geography can be combined in a fun and enjoyable way with play, games and gamification. Respondents would also like to use gamification on library websites such as a book lending app.

Support needs of survivors of violence against women in urban India: a prospective analysis of client records

Background Violence against women harms individuals, communities, and society. Supporting survivors requires a combination of skills and resources and involvement of multiple institutions. We aimed to document the range of responses that a counselling service should be able to provide, based on direct experience of working with survivors predominantly from urban informal settlements. Methods At non-government counselling centres in Mumbai, we analysed unlinked electronic records collected by counsellors supporting survivors of violence. We examined how women knew of the services, how they described their concerns, what they said they expected, and what was provided. We quantified the proportions of clients who required crisis intervention, police action, legal input, and medical, psychological and psychiatric support. Results Counsellors met with 2278 women clients in 2019, almost half of whom had been encouraged to attend through community outreach. Clients described intimate partner violence (37%), domestic violence by a family member other than their partner (22%), or both (27%). Common forms of violence reported were emotional (88%), economic (73%), and physical (71%); 68% of clients reported episodes of neglect, 59% of coercive control, and 36% of sexual violence, while 77% had survived three or more forms of violence. Over a median seven consultations, 32% required crisis intervention, 31% home visits from counsellors, and 17% legal support; 13% saw a clinical psychologist, 7% were assisted in consulting the police, and 5% required medical care. Discussion Demand for services was substantial at 200 new clients each month. Key concerns for counsellors were coping with this heavy workload, skills in responding to women’s experience of multiple forms of violence and their desire to stay in relationships, skills in emotional support, ability to undertake and act on risk and mental health assessment, and effective engagement with health, police, and legal services. Future work Counsellors need to take a systematic approach to interacting with survivors of violence that covers all the considerations and activities needed in order of priority. We have developed a package of guidelines to meet this requirement, including trauma-informed counselling and mental health assessment and support (https://garima.snehamumbai.org/). Limitations The record system may have been subject to errors in data entry or systematic differences between counsellor choices, with the possibility of over- or under-identification of need and different counsellors’ propensities for and choices of referral. The spectrum of concerns relates to women residents of urban informal settlements, and we should be cautious about their application to other populations. Funding This article presents independent research funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Global Health Research programme as award number 17/63/47. A plain language summary of this research article is available on the NIHR Journals Library Website https://doi.org/10.3310/LKNH2423.

ADA Digital Accessibility on Academic Library Websites

ADA Digital Accessibility on Academic Library Websites

Digital foot prints of academic libraries: A content analysis of Government first grade colleges library websites in Karnataka state

Digital foot prints of academic libraries: A content analysis of Government first grade colleges library websites in Karnataka state

Maldives, India & China of National Library Websites Investigation: A Webometric Study

Maldives, India & China of National Library Websites Investigation: A Webometric Study

Strengthening Accessibility and Inclusivity in Libraries: The Role of Adaptive Technology in Supporting Visually Impaired Users

Libraries have long been recognized as key institutions in democratizing access to knowledge and information, yet users with visual impairments still face significant barriers to accessing these resources. The purpose of this research is to explore how adaptive technologies can improve accessibility and inclusivity in libraries for users with visual impairments. Using a qualitative methodology involving in-depth interviews and content analysis of library websites, this study assessed the effectiveness of current adaptive technologies and identified barriers to their use. The results show that, although adaptive technologies such as screen readers and indoor navigation systems hold great potential to improve user experience, there are still gaps in implementation and library staff awareness of the specific needs of visually impaired users. The conclusions of this study emphasize the importance of holistic integration of adaptive technologies in library service strategies to ensure equal access. Based on these findings, this paper recommends better staff training, the development of strong inclusive policies, and collaboration with disabled people's organizations to improve the accessibility and inclusiveness of libraries, thus supporting wider social participation of visually impaired users.

Exploring the responsiveness and practice of using subscribed journals in Bangladesh

Purpose: This study was conducted to examine subscribed journal usage by postgraduate students at Dhaka University Library. Methodology: The study collected primary data from 62 students enrolled in the thesis group at the postgraduate level in the art faculty. The data was analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft software, and the findings were described using frequency tables and data analysis. Findings: The findings reveal that 28.3% respondents were unaware of e-journals, 35% were aware but not using, and 36.7% were aware and using them. The study found that the Department of Information Science & Library Management has a high adoption rate of e-journals. Teachers and thesis supervisors are significant in creating awareness about e-journals among students. Search engines and library websites are the preferred routes for accessing e-journals, while publishers' websites are the least preferred. Searching difficulties and limited assistance are the top reasons, while time constraints and slow downloading have the lowest number of responses. Practical implications: This study sheds light on crucial research implications, such as the need to bridge the gender gap in accessing e-journals, customize support according to academic departments, maximize the roles of educators, streamline access routes, overcome usage obstacles, provide assistance to non-resident students, enhance preferred platforms, resolve technical challenges, and evaluate long-term effects. These insights provide valuable guidance for improving the utilization of e-journals in academic environments.

Content analysis of academic library website with special reference to the central universities in Northeast India

In this study, an assessment has been made to analyze the library website content of central universities in Northeast India. The current research is based on a checklist prepared using various criteria and assessments conducted by previous researchers. The methodology of the study includes the use of ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ criteria for content analysis, with data being tabulated and analyzed using Microsoft Excel. The analysis covers topics such as the availability of library websites or web portals, the accessibility of these websites, design factors, site descriptions, statements of responsibility/contact information, website aids and tools, e-resources, and Web 2.0 applications. This study highlights the varying degrees of website quality and services offered by central university libraries in Northeast India and provides a comprehensive assessment of their online presence.

Communication Aspects of Media, Publishing, and Editorial Activities of University Libraries

Objective. The communication aspects of media, publishing, and editorial activities of university libraries were studied based on their official websites and the experience of the Scientific Library of the Drahomanov Ukrainian State University. The objective of this study is to track new trends in the library's media and communication activities. Methods. The methods used were observation, description, analysis and comparison of the content of the websites of Ukrainian and foreign libraries, as well as questionnaires and interviews with university stakeholders related to media activities. Results. The survey showed that the interaction of libraries with the media in the areas of information, consulting, providing factual and bibliographic references, access to collections and a pool of experts in various fields, and various educational events is in high demand. The means of popularizing and distributing their own media content are also common to libraries and media. Conclusions. University libraries should intensify their work with media and publishers on parity and mutually beneficial terms. Since the library in modern conditions produces and offers its own media products to the general public, the mass audience, it should also use the work methods of publishers and editorial offices with different groups of readers.

Մխիթարեան միաբանութեան Վիեննայի մենաստանի պարբերականների թվայնացման նախագծի առաջին փուլի արդյունքների ներկայացում

In 2019 Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in close cooperation with Mekitarist Congregation – Vienna and Fundamental Scietific Library of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia initiated a project – to digitize Armenian periodical and newspaper collections being prereved in the Mekitarist Congregation – Vienna library. The library website https://mechitaristlibrary.org/ presents the periodical and newspaper collections published between 1794 and 1920 from the Vienna Mekhitarist Library. All digitized materials are stored in the databases of the Fundamental Scientific Library of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, and are freely accessible to all. The digitization of materials is continuous, and content will be made available in the corresponding databases and websites when ready. The project also pursues other goals: openness to the international scientific world, access to knowledge for all Armenians and the international scientific and academic community, strengthening of the Armenian language, promotion and development of research work, as well as the promotion of collaboration between inter-Armenian and various Armenian and international organizations.

Internet Representative Offices of Libraries in the Period of Social Shocks in Ukraine: Theme Of Content

The purpose of the article is to highlight the online representation of Ukrainian libraries in the conditions of quarantine restrictions and martial law, to analyze the subject of the presented content. The methodological basis of the article was institutional, systemic, structural-functional and socio-communication approaches. Analysis, cognitive, synthesis, generalization and librarian methods are also applied. The scientific novelty of the study consists in arguing for the adaptation of the functioning of Ukrainian libraries in the conditions of quarantine restrictions and martial law of the library of Ukraine, when they reoriented their work to a remote form and offered online services and electronic products, actively started blogs, pages in social networks and created YouTube channels. Conclusions. On the website, blogs, pages of social networks, in a difficult period of social upheavals, the libraries of Ukraine cover both news of library life, as well as educational, entertainment, information, and local history materials. The bibliographic, factographic, and multimedia products created help to represent the cultural life of communities, creative, literary, and cultural achievements of prominent regions and present the best assets of Ukraine to the world. The epidemic, and then the full-scale war, put Ukrainian libraries in a situation where it is necessary to quickly respond to the urgent needs of society and do it mainly with the help of online services. This is what became for the majority a test of viability and stability, of professionalism and demand. During this time, most of the important and necessary resources were created, blogs, pages were launched in various social networks, YouTube channels were established, and new information technologies and products were actively introduced into library processes. Ukrainian libraries will be in demand and useful only through active development in the digital age. Keywords: libraries of Ukraine, library affair, information society, content, digitization, library website, digitization.