Library Community Research Articles

The role of Jatmika Reading House volunteers in instilling children’s environmental literacy

Jatmika Reading House is a community library that actively teaches environmental literacy through various activities, one of which is eco-enzyme making. This study aims to explore the role of volunteers in eco-enzyme making, identify the challenges faced during the activity, and understand the motivation of volunteers in contributing to Jatmika Reading House's activities. This research used a qualitative method with a case study approach. The informants in this study were two volunteers who were selected through a purposive sampling technique due to their direct involvement in eco-enzyme-making activity. Data collection techniques included interviews, indirect observation, documentation, and literature review. This research is important because although environmental education has developed, there are still few studies that specifically discuss the role of volunteers in teaching environmental literacy to children. In fact, volunteers have a strategic role in introducing the concept of sustainability and building environmental awareness through community activities. The results showed that volunteers acted as facilitators, mentors, instructors, encouragers, and organizers of children's participation. They faced various challenges, such as unconducive conditions due to limited tools and materials and an inadequate number of volunteers, resulting in less optimal activity management. Volunteers' motivations varied, ranging from the satisfaction of sharing knowledge and commitment to improving community literacy to personal happiness in social interaction. The findings from this study are expected to provide new insights to strengthen environmental literacy programs involving volunteers.

Impact of Information Disorders in Librarians’ Community

Objective. Librarians' role is crucial in combating information disorders. Their ability to identify false information is a core professional competency. As librarians refine their professional identities, they also cultivate a robust knowledge practice. This paper delves into the impact of information disorders on the librarian community. Methods. A group of Filipino public librarians were interviewed to understand the librarians' perceptions of the severity and impact of information disorders on their communities. Results. After careful analysis of qualitative data, five themes emerged including credibility threat, detrimental information, unfounded claims, manipulation of information, and promotion of truthful information. Conclusions. Information disorders pose a serious threat to librarians and the public. Malicious actors exploit these to manipulate public opinion, leading to fraud and false expertise. Librarians can counter these threats by sharing credible resources. They can also address the crisis of credibility by sharing expert advice and advocating for the value of accurate information

Mental Health in the Workplace: what Librarians in Croatia Think about It?

Goal: Training Centre for Continuing Education of Librarians in Croatia (CSSU), which has conducted programs of professional development for librarians and information specialists since 2002, as a part of the National and University Library in Zagreb, carried out trainings on mental health in the workplace in 2022, which received great interest from the participants. The aim of this paper is to examine the attitudes of participants in educational programs and to present feedback on satisfaction and interest in additional educational content. Another goal is to explore the current awareness of the importance of mental health in the workplace within the Croatian library community. Approach/methodology: The research utilized three data sources: the archival documentation of CSSU from 2022 for the interpretation of numerical indicators of program implementation, an evaluation questionnaire on satisfaction with professional development, and an orientation questionnaire on mental health in the workplace, which were distributed to participants electronically after the educational sessions. Results: The results indicate a high level of participant satisfaction with the instructor, educational content, and presentation materials, as well as a willingness to recommend the training to colleagues in the field. Participants additionally suggest a deeper insight into the topic and express a desire for further training. Limitations: The percentage of completed questionnaires on mental health in the workplace is lower, which can be considered a limitation in interpreting the librarians’ attitudes. Originality/Value: The originality of this work arises from its focus on the unique needs and challenges of the library work environment, where mental health has traditionally not received significant attention. By collecting feedback through questionnaires, the study provides insights into the existing level of awareness regarding mental health and the need for further education. Social Significance: By raising awareness of the importance of mental health in the workplace, this study contributes to the creation of a supportive and informed work culture, which in the long term may lead to a reduction in professional stress and an enhancement of the quality of library services. The findings can serve as a starting point for other sectors in recognizing the importance of mental health, especially in those that involve public services and working with people.

Outreach as a Topical Direction of Approaching Library Services to Consumers

The aim of the article is to outline the state of outreach issues in Ukrainian librarianship, to reveal the guidelines of the international library community regarding outreach activity, to clarify paradigmatic relations between terms “outreach” and “non-stationary library service” for exchanging knowledge in the process of professional communication. Research methods. General scientific methods of cognition (analysis, synthesis, abstraction), semantic analysis, comparative analysis are used to compare the essence of terms; terminological analysis, method of content analysis are applied in the study of texts and documents. The scientific novelty of this research grounds on the fact that the contexts of outreach activity as a communicative, informative and educational activity direction of libraries in ensuring the citizens’ barrier-free access to information resources by means of non-stationary library services are outlined, and the relevance of this tendency in current conditions of Ukraine is substantiated. Main conclusions. In the information space of Ukraine, there are obvious contradictions between requirements for the general availability of information for the country’s citizens and objective/subjective factors that cause the presence of various barriers and determine the information inequality of access to information resources, the main of which are military operations and a decrease of the society’s interest to reading. In these conditions, non- stationary library service is updated as one of directions of informative and educational, as well as communicative activity of public libraries. Used in foreign librarian scientific discourse and practice activity, the term “outreach (outreach activity)”, is synonymous with the term from Ukrainian library science and practice “non-stationary library service”, and essentially characterises the informative and educational function of libraries in conditions of approaching library services to the population’s place of work, study, recreation or residence. International library institutions, library associations of foreign countries actively support outreach activity, offering recommendations for mobile library function and manuals for mobile service personnel, presenting it as as an integral and vital part of library practice in providing access to information and studying resources throughout life for all communities. Projects and practices of outreach activity in Ukraine appear as one of the relevant function forms in current conditions, and require positioning in the library science through the prism of comprehensive studying the communication strategies of libraries.

Guideline concordance of electronic health record order sets for hospital-based treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

Treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) in hospitals is inconsistent. Electronic health record (EHR) order sets protocolize care. We examined variation in AWS order sets across hospital organizations and their concordance with AWS guidelines. We conducted a cross-sectional study of hospital organization user-created EHR order sets for AWS extracted from the December 2021 Epic® userweb community library. Hospital organizations with an acute care hospital and 1 AWS order set were included. We measured the proportion of guideline-concordant care practices within four categories: (1) laboratory assessment, (2) risk assessment for severe AWS and associated management changes, (3) symptom assessment and treatment of AWS, and identification and management of complications and (4) screening, diagnosis, and treatment of unhealthy alcohol use and AUD including medications for alcohol use disorder (MAUD). Ninety-five organizations with 289 order sets were included. The proportion of organizations with guideline-concordant laboratory assessments included testing of electrolytes (83%), hepatic function (75%), substance use (83%), and screening for infections (33%). Guidance for assessing risk of severe AWS (34%) and indications for care escalation (63%) used inconsistent definitions. Use of guideline-concordant medications for AWS (99%) and AWS symptom scores (91%) were nearly universal. MAUD was included by two organizations (2%). A common templated order set was used by 26% of organizations in EHR order sets. We observed frequent organizational inclusion of guideline-concordant medications and symptom scores but rare and/or poorly defined guidance for evaluating risk of severe AWS, escalation of care, and MAUD.

Exploring the open-source impact on Bangladesh academic library service sustainability

PurposeThis study investigates the impact of open-source software (OSS) on the sustainability of academic library services in Bangladesh. It aims to understand how OSS can address budget constraints, technological demands and the need for enhanced service delivery in these libraries.Design/methodology/approachAn in-depth qualitative research approach was used, involving semi-structured interviews with library administrators, IT staff and librarians from various academic institutions across Bangladesh.FindingsThe study reveals that OSS adoption is primarily driven by financial imperatives and the need for flexible, customizable solutions tailored to specific institutional needs. Key benefits identified include significant cost savings, improved customization and flexibility of services and enhanced community support and collaboration. However, challenges such as a lack of in-house technical expertise, resistance to change among staff and stakeholders and inadequate IT infrastructure impede successful OSS implementation.Practical implicationsTo harness the full potential of OSS, academic libraries must invest in capacity building through targeted training programs, improve IT infrastructure and foster a culture of collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the library community. These strategies are essential to overcoming existing barriers and ensuring long-term sustainability.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the understanding of OSS’s role in enhancing the sustainability of academic library services. It provides practical recommendations for academic libraries seeking to leverage OSS for improved service delivery and operational efficiency.

The Expanding Role of Public Libraries in Tribal Settings: From Traditional Services to (Advanced) Digital Skills, Citizen Engagement, and Innovation

ABSTRACT This paper presents a case study of Ignacio Community Library (ICL) on the Southern Ute Indian Tribe Reservation (Colorado) to show how public libraries in tribal settings currently contribute to their communities and whether such context influences these contributions. Based on existing literature and a dozen in-depth interviews, we find that ICL meets various needs and empowers citizens with (advanced) digital skills to use (emerging) technologies for specific purposes and also to innovate. Further, ICL expands opportunities for active citizen engagement in public affairs. These contributions align with local priorities and demonstrate how unique local circumstances affect specific ICL’s contributions.

Decolonizing the Library: Considering the Movement in the Irish Colonial Contexts

Abstract Decolonization is a concept which has been rapidly gaining traction in the library community, particularly in England, the United States, and Australia. This article addresses the question: “what does decolonizing the library look like in the Irish colonial contexts?” The role which libraries play in reckoning with colonial pasts cannot be understated. This paper will explore what decolonization can look like through Irish libraries both north and south of the border. This will be examined through Irish language revitalization, the presence of oral histories in library collections, and how libraries respond to underserved communities. This study also establishes areas for further research in this nascent field as well as outlining practical steps to implement the concept of decolonizing the library in the Irish contexts. Drawing on qualitative data pulled from interviews this paper will offer the latest information on the Irish library landscape and its relation to the broader decolonization movement. This paper aims to demonstrate the value of using the decolonization framework to address the colonial past which has impacted the way in which the information services function in modern day Ireland and pave the way towards an inclusive and equitable future.

Building bridges and the chance to do better tomorrow: global resource sharing moving forward

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to disseminate the American Library Association (ALA) Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) Sharing and Transforming Access to Resources Section (STARS) international interlibrary loan (ILL) Committee 2023 international ILL survey results and findings. The survey evaluates current international resource sharing operations, identifies trends and challenges and recommends promoting services within the global library community. Design/methodology/approach The survey used the Qualtrics platform and included multiple-choice and open-ended questions. The survey questionnaire was built upon the 2019 and 2015 instruments to facilitate longitudinal data analysis and comparison. The committee added new questions related to the COVID-19 pandemic and controlled digital lending (CDL). The survey was distributed to libraries worldwide via multiple channels, in all seven official International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) languages. Qualitative comparative analysis methodology was applied to analyze the survey results. Findings The survey results reveal the challenges and opportunities to engage in international ILL activities. The importance of sharing electronic resource content continues to grow as library collections shift from print to electronic resources. Originality/value The 2023 international ILL survey is the first offered in all seven official IFLA languages and included questions on the topics of COVID-19 and CDL. It contributes to the literature by providing global trends and perspectives on current international resource sharing practices, challenges and opportunities facing the global resource sharing community and recommendations on building bridges to do better in the future.

Linked Data in Library Workflows

As the library community continues to explore linked data for cataloging and data management, there are a variety of new opportunities as well as challenges to ensure that data is interoperable and manageable across bibliographic datasets. Data model interoperability is critical to ensure we can continue to manage bibliographic materials at scale across the wide range of material types and metadata providers and consumers. Additionally, the interoperability of the linked data that connects our bibliographic materials together—traditionally seen as authorities—must be evaluated and managed to improve the way users find and interact with library materials. To meet the challenges, OCLC, in partnership with others, is building a robust and interoperable set of linked data that can be used in future-facing data management workflows and discovery interfaces.

Documenting the War: American Library Community Supports Ukrainian Colleagues

This project shares experiences of a multi-institutional team of library scholars to document the crimes of Russo-Ukrainian war. It highlights construction of a community archive of Ukrainian libraries affected by the war. The project employs participatory archiving with the Ukrainian partners engaged in collection, appraisal, and description and the U.S. researchers create platforms to preserve, classify and disseminate the knowledge, via digital archive in two languages. The project brings experiences of the war to American audience seeking to end the war and prevent future violence.

Dollar General Literacy Foundation awards $4 million for libraries in communities across store footprint

Dollar General Literacy Foundation awards $4 million for libraries in communities across store footprint

Mirrors of Knowledge and Indigenous Knowledge Management

This study assessed the role of mirrors of knowledge in the management and preservation of indigenous knowledge for sustainability and development in Ghana. The qualitative research design and structured interview were used in this study. The study focused on three categories of mirrors of knowledge: libraries (academic libraries, research libraries, special libraries, and public and community libraries), museums, and archive centers. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze the data collected via the interview. The study established that the managers and officers of the mirrors of knowledge understand and appreciate the concept of indigenous knowledge; there was the availability of technological systems and tools to facilitate the management and preservation of indigenous knowledge; and the mirrors of knowledge played a significant role in the management and preservation of knowledge. However, the absence of a collection development policy on indigenous knowledge; the outdated nature of most of the technological tools; the lack of funding; the lack of appreciation of indigenous knowledge by the staff and community members; etc. affected the quest to effectively manage and preserve indigenous knowledge for sustainable development. This study will serve as a guide for managers and policymakers of all the categories of mirrors of knowledge on the need, role, and importance of a collection development policy for indigenous knowledge, and guide in the identification and deployment of the appropriate technological systems for the management and preservation of indigenous knowledge. It will also inform the managers, policymakers, and stakeholders of indigenous knowledge of the challenges associated with the collection and management of indigenous knowledge and measures that can be deployed to help solve these problems for sustainability and development.

Gilyarevsky Rujero Sergeevich – founder of the information science

Rujero Sergeevich Gilyarevsky is a prominent Russian scholar, Doctor of Science in Philology, Professor, one of the founders of information science, wellknown library scientist, Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation, Chief Researcher, Head of Theoretical and Applied Problems Division of the All-Russian Institute for Scientific and Technical Information of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Rujero Gilyarevsky is among the most remarkable, vivid, and versatile individuals in the information and library community. He is characterized by creativity, scope of expertise and high competence.

Caribbean libraries 2.0: the robotic revolution in Caribbean academic library spaces

Purpose This paper is the genesis for robots and robotic technology and their introduction to the Caribbean Academic library community. This paper aims to explore the specific areas that this technology can improve as well as their adaptability and dynamic yet multifaceted nature it possesses. Design/methodology/approach A thorough assessment of literature was done of all developed libraries that are employing the services of robots and robotic technology in their daily operations. Additionally, a meticulous analysis was done of all Caribbean Libraries that have explored, are currently exploring or actively explored the implementation of robots and robotic technology for effective use in their libraries. Findings Seamless functionality as well as the reduction of mundane repetitive tasks by library staff is at the fore. Efficacy and heightened levels of accuracy are also found to be a great factor for implementation as well as speed of retrieval and offsite storage are further benefits to the implementation of robots and robotic technology. Research limitations/implications This research primarily assessed material on robotics and robotic technology that offers unprecedented efficacy and accuracy in the processing of information and tasks assigned as well as smooth location and retrieval of library material resulting in reduction in wait time for all library users. Originality/value To the best of the author’s knowledge, this paper is the first of its kind and is intended to trigger a “light bulb” in the minds of decision-makers and managers of Library spaces as to the potential robots and robotic technology has on fostering greater levels of efficacy in certain key areas of libraries and help improve user services while adding to the theoretical body of knowledge available in the field on this fast rising area.

The Unified Phenotype Ontology (uPheno): A framework for cross-species integrative phenomics.

Phenotypic data are critical for understanding biological mechanisms and consequences of genomic variation, and are pivotal for clinical use cases such as disease diagnostics and treatment development. For over a century, vast quantities of phenotype data have been collected in many different contexts covering a variety of organisms. The emerging field of phenomics focuses on integrating and interpreting these data to inform biological hypotheses. A major impediment in phenomics is the wide range of distinct and disconnected approaches to recording the observable characteristics of an organism. Phenotype data are collected and curated using free text, single terms or combinations of terms, using multiple vocabularies, terminologies, or ontologies. Integrating these heterogeneous and often siloed data enables the application of biological knowledge both within and across species. Existing integration efforts are typically limited to mappings between pairs of terminologies; a generic knowledge representation that captures the full range of cross-species phenomics data is much needed. We have developed the Unified Phenotype Ontology (uPheno) framework, a community effort to provide an integration layer over domain-specific phenotype ontologies, as a single, unified, logical representation. uPheno comprises (1) a system for consistent computational definition of phenotype terms using ontology design patterns, maintained as a community library; (2) a hierarchical vocabulary of species-neutral phenotype terms under which their species-specific counterparts are grouped; and (3) mapping tables between species-specific ontologies. This harmonized representation supports use cases such as cross-species integration of genotype-phenotype associations from different organisms and cross-species informed variant prioritization.

Social Prescribing in a Japanese Community Library Shows Positive Impacts on Participants

A Review of: Morimoto, Y., Koga, Y., Kenzaka, T., & Son, D. (2023). Social prescribing initiative at community library and its impact on residents and the community: A qualitative study. Journal of Primary Care & Community Health, 14, https://doi.org/10.1177/21501319231181877 Objective – To determine the impacts of social prescribing in community libraries when medical and social professionals participate. Design – Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews Setting – A community library operated by medical and social support staff in Toyooka City, Japan. Subjects – 10 library participants of various ages, genders, occupations, and levels of involvement. Methods – Two of the authors in this study conducted semi-structured interviews with the users, volunteers, and staff of a community library to solicit their experiences in participating in this initiative. Using an interview guide, data was collected from study participants at the community library site or at a local college, and interviews took place in Japanese, but data was later translated to English post-transcription and analysis. This analysis was completed using the Steps for Coding and Theorization method (or SCAT) (Otani, 2008) for qualitative analysis. Main Results – The authors’ analysis of interview data revealed 11 major categories that participants spoke of the community library offering them, such as “a place to stay, attractive space design, diverse accessibility, choosability of various roles, consultation function, social support, empowerment, mutual trust, formation of connections across generations/attributes, co-creation, and social impact”. Conclusion – Embedding primary care medical providers and staff who recommend or provide social supports in community libraries can reduce barriers to access in both domains and improve the local community overall. This study has implications for all libraries that welcome users to partake in supplemental services and events. However, public libraries should take special note of this study’s findings as they could be inspired to incorporate community members, primary care providers, and social supports into their service provision.

Prospective Approaches for Artificial Intelligence Integration in Indian School Libraries

School libraries play a crucial role in the educational ecosystem, offering a variety of resources and services that contribute significantly to students’ academic success, personal development, and lifelong learning.The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in school libraries brings about several benefits and opportunities, enhancing the overall learning experience for students and streamlining library operations.Libraries are dynamic institutions, and their tools need to evolve to keep pace with technological advancements and changing user expectations. Regular assessments, feedback from users, and collaboration with the broader library community can help identify areas for improvement and guide the development of more effective library science tools.While libraries can function without incorporating AI, certain challenges and limitations may arise in the absence of AI technologies. In this paper, we focus on AI research in the field of library science is essential for leveraging technology to its fullest potential, improving efficiency, enhancing user experiences, and ensuring that libraries remain dynamic and relevant in the digital age. It allows libraries to adapt to changing user needs and technological advancements, ultimately contributing to the overall effectiveness and impact of library services.

Summary of User Rights Network Symposium: Protecting Copyright User Rights from Contractual Override

In this paper, Benson, Blumenthal, and Klosek summarize the proceedings of the public symposium on the “Protection of Copyright User Rights from Contractual Override.” The American Library Association (ALA) and the Association of Research Libraries (ARL)—together, the Library Copyright Alliance (LCA)—sponsored the symposium in partnership with the American University Washington College of Law Program on Information Justice and Intellectual Property (PIJIP). The paper includes summaries of each panel, questions that were discussed, and takeaways for the library community to consider. Keywords: copyright, contracts, public policy, limitations and exceptions

The Evolution of an Academic Library Community Through Its Strategic Choices

This article reviews the evolution of PASCAL, a statewide academic library consortium in South Carolina, with a focus on how factors such as the priorities of member libraries, a focus on building “mutually reinforcing” programming, and the availability of funding have impacted its evolution. Borrowing from Brian Lavoie’s model of library decision-making regarding sourcing options, it seeks to illustrate that the decisions libraries make regarding how they interact with consortia intersect with the decisions made by a consortium itself, and further that—at least in the case of PASCAL—these choices have been made interactively.