Library Work Research Articles

Decolonising DMU: Reflections on Changes, Challenges and Impact with an Eye toward the Future

Based at De Montfort University, Decolonising DMU is a strategic initiative working to create an anti-racist institution where all can achieve. Growing from DMU’s Freedom to Achieve project Decolonising DMU extends anti-racist work across the structure and composition of the institution, moving away from a sole focus on the curriculum. The Library has played a core role within both of these projects working with staff and students to gain better representation in library collections, facilitating library work experience to enhance staff and professional diversity, working with academics to decolonise reading lists, enabling changes in pedagogical practice and to raise awareness of issues and the lived experience of people of colour. This ultimately leads to changes in practice to enable a better sense of belonging and visibility for students of colour which in turn leads to more successful engagement and student retention. The article provides examples of actions, challenges and ways forward, with specific reference to Library and Learning Services. Reflections on the complex and evolving nature of this work are made alongside the implications for the student and staff experience plus service and collection development. This work reinforces the critical importance and impact of the decolonising H E movement on academic libraries and student success.

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

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

Discovery and Selection

Have you ever wondered about the work of recruitment and admissions? And how it connects to the work of librarians and libraries, especially collection development? Join an insider's view that breaks down the essential tasks of recruitment, admissions, and financial aid while connecting these to the common work of librarians. We will also together explore ways that admissions departments and libraries might form creative partnerships that can advance the work of institution. These could include work around recruiting student workers, articulating research values, and preparing for future generations of students.

Librarians as Chief Diversity Officers in American Universities: A Clinical Librarian’s Experience

This article concerns a clinical librarian's work as a chief diversity officer to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in healthcare and medical education at an American university. The need for healthcare professionals to have access to resources that can assist them with providing equitable care to all patients grows in tandem with the increasing significance of DEI in healthcare. These resources can only be provided by medical librarians. Medical librarians are uniquely positioned to provide these resources. From a unique perspective, a librarian serving as chief diversity officer for a multi-campus medical school in the United States can help ensure that these resources are culturally responsive and appropriate for diverse patient populations. This article discusses the benefits of appointing a clinical librarian as a chief diversity officer (CDO), promoting and increasing awareness of DEI issues through library resources, and the potential for creating more inclusive healthcare information.

Understanding US library diplomacy practices in the 21st century

This exploratory case study delves into the views and perspectives of 17 US library experts involved in 21st-century library diplomacy practices. Using the template analysis, four main themes of library diplomacy are identified: (1) the actors showed implicit and explicit roles in diplomatic involvement; (2) the main objective of library diplomacy was to facilitate knowledge dialogue; (3) the strategies aimed to foster cultural humility; and (4) the actors viewed digitalization as a significant instrument in international library work. This research offers significant insights into the less explored topic of library diplomacy, particularly when 21st-century libraries are challenged concerning global issues relating to freedom of information; the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility; and sustainability efforts. Library diplomacy is more critical than ever to be at the forefront of establishing dialogue around the world. The study encourages further investigation of library diplomacy practices in a variety of geographical and international contexts.

Սյունիքի մարզում գործող գրադարանների վիճակագրական վերլուծություն (2010-2021 թթ.)

From the statistical analysis of the activities of the libraries of Syunik region, it becomes clear that many problems are accumulated in this field. The development of the information and communication systems has contributed to the expansion of book-library-reader connections, but it is also clear that there is a reduction in the number of readers in various libraries of Syunik.According to the statistics the number of readers has decreased from year to year. The biggest quantity of library patrons from Syuni region by age are 15 years and older. The statistical analysis reveals many problems of replenishment of the library collections, as well as certain reductions in the number of employees. The question of having librarians graduated from the “Library and information Science” faculty is actual, It is also important to create a flexible information-access-database environment abetween regional libraries, which requires the implementation of elaborate actions. It is very important to implement life-long learning programs for the LIS professionals, which will certainly have a positive role in increasing the professional training of workers and acquiring certain skills. It is imperative to hold courses, seminars, interesting programs in regions that will promote the development of library work.

Bibliographical Subjects in the Scientific Work of Central Libraries of the Constituent Entities of the Russian Federation

Bibliography is one of the main areas in the range of scientific specialties of the Higher Attestation Commission in section 5.10 “Art History and Cultural Studies”, specialty 5.4.10 “Library Science, Bibliography and Bibliology”. The article is devoted to the problem of reflecting bibliographic subjects in the scientific activities of the central libraries of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. The purpose of the article is to consider the problems of creating bibliographic resources, conducting applied scientific research on bibliographic topics and how trends in the development of bibliographic activities of libraries are presented in the publications of specialists. The author concludes that not only conducting bibliographic research itself, but also creating bibliographic resources of various types and genres is scientific work, and libraries rightfully account for their scientific activities by their creation.By carrying out activities to create bibliographic resources, libraries solve historical and cultural problems: preserving the cultural, historical and scientific heritage of the peoples of Russia through bibliography.Research activities to study systems for the formation of bibliographic resources in libraries of different types and for bibliographic services to different categories of users are actually bibliographic studies, they are aimed at improving bibliographic activities themselves. By conducting such research, bibliographers determine the prospects for the development of their activities.

A strategic approach to information literacy: data literacy. A systematic review

This research addresses the growing social importance of data from an educational perspective through data literacy (DL), seeking to integrate it into the broader information literacy (Infolit) movement. For this purpose, a systematic review was carried out of the papers in the main collection of the Web of Science that contain both concepts (DL and Infolit) and that were indexed up until March 2023. External aspects, such as the growth of the research and the identity, nationality, professional scope, and productivity of the authors, were taken into account. In addition, internal aspects, such as context (theory, frameworks, definitions, models, and related disciplines), objectives, methodology, results, conclusions, and recommendations, were analyzed to obtain a detailed perspective of the scientific research process adopted. A synchronic and diachronic analysis of the corpus of selected articles is offered, focusing on the aforementioned aspects. The researchers’ consensus on the urgency of addressing data training both generally and specifically in the different disciplines, languages, environments, and levels is evident. The emergent, multisectoral, and interdisciplinary nature of data literacy as part of Infolit, which is being applied in the education of students at different levels, viz. professionals and citizens, is noted, although the training limitations of students and many professionals are evident. Consequently, it is imperative to include DL in curricula and training programs to contribute to the acquisition and development of these competencies in different areas. To this end, the joint work of teachers, librarians, researchers, and other professionals is imperative. There is a need to deepen the theoretical, practical, and applied fields, as well as to reach a common definition, form a basic model of DL competencies within Infolit, and create submodels that take into consideration the idiosyncrasies of each area of application.

Book Review: Hopeful Visions, Practical Actions: Cultural Humility in Library Work by David A. Hurley, Sarah R. Kostelecky and Lori Townsend (2023)

Book Review: Hopeful Visions, Practical Actions: Cultural Humility in Library Work by David A. Hurley, Sarah R. Kostelecky and Lori Townsend (2023)

Expectations and Understandings of Critical Work in School Libraries

Libraries are tied to an American history and current context that oppresses, demonstratesprejudice, and embodies injustices. Preliminary findings suggest (1) school library standards insufficiently address schoollibrarians' roles in engaging in critical work and (2) school librarians need additional learningopportunities to develop the knowledge, skills, and desire to engage in critical work.Although the study is limited to one school district, findings may offer insight into andpotential guidance for evaluating school library programs, and strategies providing supportfor anti-oppression work in school libraries.

Immersive Technologies for Digital Libraries

The purpose of the study is to analyse modern immersive technologies and the possibility of their application in the development of digital libraries in the context of the introduction of virtual, augmented and mixed reality technologies, as well as the use of artificial intelligence technologies. Research methods. To achieve the research goal, the methods of analysis and synthesis, generalisation of theoretical data, and a systematic approach were used. This made it possible to analyse the peculiarities of the use of immersive technologies in digital libraries and to determine the benefits of introducing such technologies in the creation of a modern information space of libraries. The scientific novelty lies in the analysis of immersive technologies in the context of their implementation in modern digital libraries. An analysis of the role of artificial intelligence, and augmented and virtual reality technologies in creating a modern information space in libraries has shown both the advantages and disadvantages of digitalisation in libraries. The ethical issues related to inclusiveness in the use of information resources and the protection and preservation of users’ data are analysed. Recommendations and approaches for the successful implementation of these technologies in digital libraries are proposed. Conclusions. Immersive technologies are becoming more widespread and their use in libraries is expanding. Ethical and legal issues in the use of virtual reality and augmented reality will inevitably arise in the future. Today, the Western world is making greater use of both technologies, although they are free and, in some cases less expensive than before. The article examines the transformative intersection of new technologies and digital libraries, highlighting the path to an enriched and accessible knowledge landscape. Focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), it explores how these technologies are redefining the work of digital libraries. Artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms enable intuitive content management and recommendations, changing the way users interact with digital resources. NLP bridges the gap between human language and digital systems by enhancing search functions. AR overlays digital information on the physical world, expanding the possibilities of interactive learning, while VR immerses users in virtual realms, revolutionising educational paradigms. This article discusses the integration of these technologies into digital libraries not only to preserve huge amounts of knowledge but also to present information in attractive and accessible formats. Through the creation of artificial intelligence-based metadata and tagging of content, digital libraries are systematically organized and enriched, improving search accuracy. These innovations not only preserve the past, but also illuminate a future where knowledge is publicly available, fostering curiosity, learning, and research. This article explores the potential of these technologies and describes the expectations of library users to ensure a user-centred approach in shaping the digital libraries of the future. The use of immersive technologies is making a significant contribution to the evolution of digital libraries, paving the way for inclusive and engaging knowledge experiences for diverse users around the world.

Prospects for the implementation of the concept of digital citizenship in scientific libraries

The relevance of the research problem is determined by the active development of the digital society, which requires the formation of new forms of civic participation of the generation of the digital age, and Scientific libraries as leading information and communication institutions of society play a significant role in forming the value foundations of the worldview of modern youth as citizens of the digital age. The purpose of the article was to determine the prospects for the implementation of the concept of digital citizenship in scientific libraries. The research methodology was based on a combination of source analysis, comparative analysis, dialectical, systematic and logical methods of scientific research. As a result of the conducted research, it was stated that the representatives of the digital generation in the socio-communication aspect are an independent, critical, socially active community, formed thanks to the active use of the Internet and social media for obtaining information and communication. The characteristic features of the worldview of a “digital person” include fluency in digital and information-analytical technologies, speed of search and perception of new information, short attention span, giving preference to visualized information, brevity of presentation, “clip-like” perception. It is the character of the “digital person” that defines the reader not of the future, but of the present, because the generation of 20-30-year-olds is the first generation that was born in the digital world and can no longer imagine life without the mobile Internet and various gadgets, which necessitates the global transformation of traditional forms of work of libraries in the direction of active use of digital technologies. The work emphasized that university libraries should provide progressive education based on the expansion and deepening of digital competences of users, taking into account moral and ethical, socio-legal and psychological factors. The implementation of the concept of digital citizenship necessitates active digitization of library funds, expansion of the spectrum of virtual products and services, as well as active positioning of the library's activities in social networks. Prospects for further research consist in the expansion and deepening of practical recommendations for the formation of the concept of digital citizenship by means of library practices

The Twenty Sixth International Conference “Information technologies, computer systems and publications for libraries” (“LIBCOM–2022”): The review of events

The Twenty Sixth International Conference “Information technologies, computer systems and publications for libraries” (“LIBCOM–2022”) held on November 20-25, 2022, is reviewed. The key topics are covered, namely, the status of and prospects for modern information, computer and Internet-technologies in library services, in universities and research organizations, educational technologies, legal aspects in the work of libraries and information producers, e-libraries and digital information resources, etc. The authors focus on several events, i. e. the Seventh Industrial Conference “Book publishing and the libraries: Vectors of interaction”, scientific and practical conference of the National Library Association: Libraries of the Future: (NALF), the scientific conference “Scientometrics and bibliometrics in the modern educational environment: The role of libraries”, scientific and educational symposium “University and academic libraries to support educational process in the modern digital environment”, central discussion site “On the way to the new national system of sci-tech information”, presentation of the two-volume publication “Twenty annual reports to the Crimea International Forum” and the publication “Y. L. Shrayberg. The biobibliography”, expert panel “How to bring up inventors and researcher? The role of modern library. New approaches and technologies”, and the 2022 fall session of the permanent IRBIS School “Using and upgrading LIS IRBIS”. The conclusions on the Conference work are made.

Efficiency of remote access services by global libraries

In the context of modern challenges and increasing demand for digital services, questions of remote library work, the use of interactive technologies aimed at the development of education, science, and civil society are quite relevant. The purpose of this study is to explore the global experience of remote access utilization in library activities, the historical peculiarities of the formation and development of distance library services in European and North American countries, the characterization of its effectiveness and prospects for its application in Ukraine. During the research, methods of generalization, comparative, and source analysis were applied. The features of remote access functioning of global libraries are highlighted, its effectiveness, advantages, and disadvantages are revealed. The development of information technologies and their impact on publishing, library attendance, scientific activities, exchange of experience, etc., are characterized. Trends in the development of global libraries are identified. It is established that for most European libraries, the priority direction has become digitization and opening access to books, press, documents, archives. It is found that remote access accelerates scientific research. In the second decade of the 21st century, there is a growth in online visits to library collections. The development of remote services provision by Ukrainian libraries is highlighted, as well as the main trends in this process in the context of the RussianUkrainian war. The importance of copyright protection in the context of remote access provision is disclosed. One of the measures was the introduction of electronic lending (e-lending), which involved receiving payment for the use of copyrighted materials. It is found that remote access to library databases will face a number of challenges related to copyright protection. The results of this study have practical value for libraries, research institutions, educational institutions, local government bodies in the context of implementing remote access to sources, materials, and books. The research materials are important for further scientific research in information and library science, document and information communications, public administration, and administration

A Conflict Reveal Killer Of Death Mystery From The Rich Author In Knives Out Movie (2019): A Sociological Approach

Literary is reading something literature, forming a critical opinion, or judging someone's criticism based on the theme, figurative language, etc on the library work. The analysis method is by uncovering topics for good understanding. Knives Out movie is a criminal and drama film full of mystery but also the movie that has is a comedy. The type of study in this research uses a Qualitative Descriptive Approach. The research objects of this study are characteristics, mystery, speech act, the main character, the situation, and the story of Knives Out (2019) movie. The object is based on the movie. The data collection technique divided into 4kinds are watching, reading, taking notes, and observation. The sociological Approach is used in the Knives Out movie because there some several social forms example Crime, Family Life, Social Class, Racism, and Inequality.

Calibrating Librarian Soft Skills with the Organizational Performance: A Transformation of Digital University Library

The rapid development of information and communication technology has affected various fields, including the university library. The challenges of the digital world and IT developments have resulted in all areas of library work using information technology such us verifying students’ thesis at the university repository, entry book borrowings, registering library members, updating information on the library website, checking the barcode attendance in each given service at the library and many others. Nowadays, the university librarians have become digital librarians as people who involve in the Information and Communication Technology setting equipped with digital skills by implementing technology in libraries. Furthermore, librarians must acquire the updated skills in order to work efficiently in a digital library to fulfill the qualified librarian of digital librarianship.The implementation of digital libraries requires librarians who are competent not only in soft skill but also hard skill in the field of librarianship and technology. Regarding with soft skills, there are in the form of communication skills (especially in english), leadership, team work, decision making, integrity. This study conducts qualitative method by investigating the soft skills that librarians must possess to manage libraries digitally. The data gathered in this study was secondary data which cover journals, textbooks, government regulations and other literature. The data and method triangulations are conducted to confirm the validity of this research

Primed and ready?

The emergence and proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) tools has left the realm of science fiction and the province of computer science research and has reached the everyday activities of academics and various support staff. AI promises to automate and facilitate a range of research tasks and increase scientific productivity, and can thus be expected to raise new questions and dilemmas that might challenge the systems of accountability currently in place to safeguard academic integrity.
 This poster presents preliminary results of an analysis of seven prominent ethical guidelines (international and Norwegian): the Vancouver protocol, ALLEA guidelines, NENT and NESH guidelines, professional codes of ethics from IFLA, ALA, and the Norwegian Union of Librarians. EBLIDA and LIBER were consulted, but do not offer their own ethical guidelines. The main research question is: to what extent do current ethical guidelines support researchers and librarians in dealing with ethical questions brought about by the proliferation of new AI tools?
 The concern that emergent technologies tend to challenge values, norms, and practices in academia is not new. For example, ALLEA (2017) acknowledges that the values and principles they lay out are “affected by social, political or technological developments and by changes in the research environment” (p.3). Nonetheless, only the Vancouver protocol (updated in May 2023) provides explicit recommendations on AI; it essentially prescribes that authors/reviewers disclose if and how they used AI tools. The other documents, ranging from 2008 to 2022, mention neither AI nor the possibility of automation technologies in academic/library work.
 Despite the absence of advice on AI, the analysis revealed interesting issues on ethical guidelines and emergent technologies. ALA (2017) makes extensive recommendations about social media, both as a tool for libraries’ own work and as a demand from patrons who require their expertise. Similar needs for new competencies and responsibilities can be expected from AI. Also, the Norwegian Union of Librarians (2008) encourages the adoption of free software, open standards, and open source codes; this can gain new momentum with the emergence of proprietary tools and algorithms, particularly if they are trained on public data curated by i.a. libraries.
 Ethical guidelines are general; they state a commitment to certain values and how they should guide certain tasks and practices. They do not prescribe how concrete tools should be employed. In this regard, the current ethical guidelines do offer a sound basis upon which new ethical questions can be assessed. Yet, unlike other types of tools employed in research and library work, AI poses challenges to things that are taken for granted by ethical guidelines, such as what constitutes information, or whether non-human entities can be considered authors, sources, or neither.
 In conclusion, it might be beneficial to revise ethical guidelines, less so because AI requires concrete recommendations, and more because they challenge substantive assumptions upon which guidelines rely. Also, new possibilities afforded by AI might put pressure on certain values, such as reproducibility and academic craftsmanship. Assuming that academia/library communities consider these important to preserve, it might be beneficial to reaffirm these values in light of the changing landscape.

Core Competencies for Cataloging and Metadata Professional Librarians: Assessment of Community Use and Recommendations for the Future of the Document

The Association for Library Collections & Technical Services (ALCTS) Board of Directors approved the Core Competencies for Cataloging and Metadata Professional Librarians, hereafter referred to as the “Core Competencies,” in January 2017. The Core Competencies lists the skills required of professionals performing cataloging and metadata work in libraries of all types. In the six years since the document’s release, the cataloging and metadata community has adopted new cataloging standards, experimented with new tools, and engaged in conversations and reparative efforts around inclusive metadata. In this paper, we, the authors of the Core Competencies, report the results of our survey research that assessed the current use of the document within the cataloging and metadata community and solicited comments on ways in which the document might be revised. We conclude with recommendations for immediate changes to the document, and for its future use and maintenance.

A Comparative Study of University Library Websites of Nepal

Universities bear the responsibility of delivering higher education and research work. To achieve this goal, well-facilitated libraries are required. In the present scenario, the daily work of people is becoming easier with the use of internet. Hence, libraries and their services also need to show their presence on the web. The websites of Universities of Nepal have been explored using a checklist prepared for the purpose, of finding the status of central library websites and their services available via websites. The result showed that there is no uniformity in managing information in websites and available IT facilities are not being used properly in such an important sector of education. Library professionals now should make an effort to maintain uniformity in library websites which is now as much essential as the uniformity of cataloguing and classification work of libraries.

Mentorship for All Librarians: Collaborating to Create a Statewide Mentorship Program

This article will describe the steps taken to create a statewide mentorship program for interested and motivated library staff. The authors will share a pilot project in Colorado that was founded with a commitment to increasing diversity in library leadership, and fostering equity, diversity and inclusion by empowering library workers, library administrators, and information professionals to connect with each other and share professional knowledge and experience for career growth. Included will be group formation and logistics, how work was created and operationalized, evaluation results from participants, program sustainability, and lessons learned.