Library Experience Research Articles

Are we still here at mid-career?: A qualitative analysis of the experiences of academic librarians of color

Are we still here at mid-career?: A qualitative analysis of the experiences of academic librarians of color

Developing a Sense of Community in the Activities of the University Library of Ukraine in Wartime (on the Example of the Scientific Library of USUST)

Objective. The authors believe that during the crisis of the highest level, associated with the threat to human life and health, the socio-cultural aspects of the activities of libraries of higher education institutions are important for different countries and require more detailed study. The purpose of the paper is to highlight the practices of developing a sense of community in the socio-cultural activities of a university library in Ukraine in wartime (on the example of the Scientific library of the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies). Methods. The article is based on self-reflection, direct experiences and crisis experience of the authors in organising and conducting library leisure activities for students at the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies (USUST) (Dnipro, Ukraine). The work uses a combination of research approaches and methods: to determine the state of development of the scientific problem, the author used a source search and analysis of relevant publications on the topic of the study; a comparative approach – to compare the similarities and differences in the main functions of university libraries in Ukraine and abroad; the method of observation – to determine the features of various library activities aimed at developing a sense of community among students. Results. The crisis experience of wartime librarians demonstrates the ability to quickly replace (despite narrow specialisation in peacetime) and unite colleagues, the ability to integrate cultural and social activities into a single process, simultaneous involvement in various types and forms of professional activities aimed at communities of students, teachers, researchers, and the public. The article presents a fairly wide landscape of leisure practices in the socio-cultural work of the university library of USUST in the frontline city of Dnipro, which allows students, teachers and their children to escape from the already everyday and familiar danger. Librarians help students to restore a sense of unity, cohesion, community, a sense of “I am not alone” and “together we are many”, even when they are often physically separated. Conclusions. Community has become a phenomenon that represents Ukrainian spirituality, humanity, dignity and resilience. The activities of university libraries aimed at developing community are especially important for those countries that are experiencing social and political transformations as a result of military conflicts.

Practical Case Exploration of Cultural Tourism Integration in Public Libraries

The role of public library has changed in this era. Public library and tourism are bonding together nowadays. Consumer and readers’ have changed over the time, they are expecting brand new experiences in tourism and library. As the traditional cultural and information resources collection and service institutions, it’s role in the integrated development of cultural tourism has become more and more prominent. Libraries have rich historical and cultural resources and professional service capabilities which can provide rich materials and intellectual support for the innovation of cultural tourism products.

Assessing the Impact of Digital Transformation on Access, User Experience, and Knowledge Management in Academic Libraries

This study investigates the impact of digital transformation on access, user experience, and knowledge management in academic libraries. Findings indicate significant improvements in resource accessibility and user satisfaction with digital tools, although challenges remain in interface design and digital literacy. The introduction of AI-driven knowledge management systems has enhanced the accuracy and efficiency of information retrieval. Despite progress, issues such as budget constraints and the need for inclusivity in digital tools highlight areas for continued development. This research emphasizes the need for further investments in technology, staff training, and inclusive practices. .

Methods of popularization of library resources in the conditions of social upheaval (based on the experience of the scientific-technical library of the E. O. Paton Electric Welding Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine)

Methods of popularization of library resources in the conditions of social upheaval (based on the experience of the scientific-technical library of the E. O. Paton Electric Welding Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine)

The potential use of immersive virtual environments for collecting and archiving heritage gameplay activities in digital libraries

Purpose This paper aims to discuss and propose the potential use of immersive virtual environments (IVEs) for archiving and collecting heritage gameplay activities in digital libraries, which is expected to triangulate further discussions on the said knowledge scopes. Design/methodology/approach The key question of this paper is, how we can preserve and revitalize fading heritage game activities in digital libraries? To answer this, the paper is going to understand the applications of IVEs in heritage studies; the use of telepresence experiences in IVEs for activity-based collection; the creation of virtual and telepresence experiences in digital libraries; and a proposed use of IVEs for archiving heritage gameplay activities. Findings The applications of IVEs and/or other virtual technologies have certainly been gaining positive feedback about their ability to provide vivid images of artefacts and art pieces; perform a high level of interactivity between the exhibits and visitors; enhance visitors’ sense of immersion that evoke their memories of heritage issues; facilitate visitors’ learning process in libraries; increase enjoyment in digital libraries. As mentioned in the previous section, the activity-based historical collection, for instance, the heritage gameplay activities, can be preserved and archived vividly using IVEs. Research limitations/implications This paper is explorative, there is no empirical result for generalization. Originality/value This paper aims to provide librarians with valuable insight to apply IVEs for archiving and collecting heritage gameplay activities. Setting up a new type of digital library is affected greatly by the openness of librarians, visitors’ expectations and a whole lot of things that are happening around the technological world and digital culture. This paper addresses the applications of IVEs in heritage studies, the importance of creating virtual and telepresence experiences for library visits as well as proposing the use of IVEs for archiving heritage gameplay activities.

School librarian experience as an agent in fostering a reading culture

School librarian experience as an agent in fostering a reading culture

“Begging to be heard”: The Profession’s Exclusion and Marginalization of Neurodivergent Librarians

While libraries are increasingly implementing practices and services designed to serve neurodivergent patrons, such efforts have not yet been extended to neurodivergent library employees, resulting in a lack of research or best practices for workplace neuroinclusion. This research addresses that gap by investigating neuroinclusion in public and academic library workplaces and identifying barriers to and enablers of inclusion and empowerment. This work highlights the voices of neurodivergent librarians and their journey of negotiating identity and deploying embodied knowledge to navigate the barriers and enablers they encounter in their workplace and profession. This study will inform how libraries can alter their workplace environment, practices, and professional norms to improve the recruitment, retention, and advancement of neurodivergent librarians. Historically, neurodiversity research has been conducted on neurodivergent people from a medicalized perspective, focusing on diagnosis and characteristics of individuals and proposing interventions or changes to the individual or their behavior. This study instead centers neurodivergence by adopting a neurodiversity paradigm and critical disability approach to conducting research with and by neurodivergent people themselves, in accordance with their priorities and values. This study will expand library literature by attending to the various intersecting identities of neurodivergent people and analyzing the impact of professional norms and expectations on the workplace experiences of neurodivergent librarians. Through the development of this unique critical approach to ‘centering neurodivergence,’ this work will also contribute a new research paradigm for future research on neurodiversity. Furthermore, this dissertation will highlight neuroinclusive workplace practices that librarians can enact in their library workplaces.

Risk of Bias in Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System Studies Using QUADAS-2.

Purpose: Use a tailored version of the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool to evaluate risk of bias and applicability across LIRADS related publications. Method: A tailored QUADAS-2 tool was created through consensus approach to assess risk of bias and applicability across 37 LI-RADS related publications. Studies were selected from 2017 to 2022 using the assistance of experienced hospital librarians to search for studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of CT, MRI, or contrast-enhanced ultrasound for HCC using LI-RADS through multiple different databases. QUADAS-2 assessments were performed in duplicate and independently by 2 authors with experience using the QUADAS-2 tool. Disagreements were resolved with a third expert reviewer. Consensus QUADAS-2 assessments were tabulated for each domain. Results: Using the tailored QUADAS-2 tool, 31 of the 37 included LI-RADS studies were assessed as high risk of bias, and 9 out of 37 studies demonstrated concerns for applicability. Patient selection (21 out of 37 studies) and flow/timing (24 out of 37 studies) domains demonstrated the highest risk of bias. 6 out of 37 studies in the index domain demonstrated high risk of bias. 2 out of 37 studies showed high risk of bias in the reference standard domain. Conclusion: A significant proportion of LI-RADS research is at risk of bias with concerns for applicability. Identifying risk of bias in such research is essential to recognize limitations of a study that may affect the validity of the results. Areas for improvement in LI-RADS research include reducing selection bias, avoiding inappropriate exclusions, and decreasing verification bias.

Preservice Librarians and Principals' Hiring Practice

Every year, principals face the challenge of hiring staff to fill the open positions on their campus and may only hire one or two school librarians during their tenure. School principals can build a cohesive team to help ensure student success by hiring staff with strong leadership skills. School librarian preparation standards suggest that school librarians be educated to serve as leaders (American Library Association, American Association of School Libraries, & Council for the Accreditation of Educators Preparation, 2019). Moreover, the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) advocates for the leadership role of school librarians in its mission statement (2018). Research indicates that transformational leadership behaviors apply to school librarians because they interact with the entire school community and may serve as change agents to positively transform their school’s culture (Smith, 2011). This study posits that principals often hire preservice school librarians instead of experienced school librarians. Therefore, there is a need to understand the relationship between the hiring criteria identified by principals and the leadership role specified in the school librarian standards. This mixed-methods study examines the criterion principals use to hire librarians and their alignment with the transformational leadership behaviors of preservice librarians.

Information Brokerage Skills: a Necessity in the Digital Library Environment

As digital technologies continue to revolutionize the information landscape, the role of information professionals has evolved significantly. In the digital library environment, information brokerage skills have become a necessity to bridge the gap between users and the vast amount of digital information available. This seminar explores the critical role of information brokerage skills in digital libraries, emphasizing their importance in information retrieval, evaluation, curation, user support, and information literacy instruction. It also examines the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age and discusses how information professionals can leverage their expertise to enhance the digital library experience for users. By embracing the challenges and opportunities of the digital age, information brokers play a pivotal role in shaping the future of digital libraries and promoting information literacy in the digital era. In conclusion, information brokerage skills are indispensable in the digital library environment. Information professionals, equipped with information retrieval expertise, curation abilities, and information literacy instruction, enhance the digital library experience and empower users in navigating the digital information landscape

The user experience of university library: A text mining analysis of a Q&A platform in China

To gain a deeper understanding of the user experience in university libraries, an alternative channel for collecting user feedback was explored utilizing a prominent Chinese Question and Answer (Q&A) platform, Zhihu. A dataset consisting of 11 questions and 12,647 valid answers related to the user experience of university libraries on the Zhihu platform was collected. To analyze the collected user comments (answers) quantitatively, various techniques including word frequency analysis, semantic network analysis, Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic modeling, and sentiment analysis were used. Findings revealed that factors influencing user experience can be categorized into six main groups: university life and future planning, choice and efficiency of study spaces, library resource management and staff behavior, seat usage behavior, noise issues, and the behavior of other users. Sentiment analysis revealed a mix of emotions in user experience. Positive experiences stemmed from quality learning environments and personal development support, while negative experiences were primarily caused by noise, seat scarcity, management issues, and other users' behavior. These varied emotional responses and suggested targeted improvements were explored. Findings could contribute to a deeper understanding of the user experience in university libraries and offer practical insights for improving library services.

Information Support of Scientific Research Based on Bibliometric Methods in the Conditions of Digitalization: the Experience of Educational Libraries

Information Support of Scientific Research Based on Bibliometric Methods in the Conditions of Digitalization: the Experience of Educational Libraries

Exploring the Impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence on Higher Education Students’ Utilization of Library Resources

In the field of higher education, generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has become a revolutionary influence, shaping how students access and use library resources. This study explores the intricate balance of both positive and negative effects that GenAI might have on the academic library experience for higher education (HE) students. The key aspects of enhanced discovery and retrieval, personalization and engagement, streamlined research processes, and digital literacy and information evaluation potentially offered through using generative AI will be considered. These prospective advantages to HE students offered by using GenAI will be examined through will be examined through the theoretical framework of the Technological Acceptance Model (TAM) introduced by Davis et al. in 1986, which suggests that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use are key factors in determining user acceptance and utilization of technology. The adoption of GenAI by higher education students will be analyzed from this viewpoint before assessing its impact on their use of library resources.

Evolving Perceptions of Intellectual Freedom and the Right to Read in Library Science Students: An MLS Program Self-Study

To understand the effect of library science coursework on student perceptions of issues related to intellectual freedom, researchers surveyed students at the start and end of their enrollment in a Master of Library Science program. When the results were compared, the percentage of graduating students who indicated that they might rethink purchasing a resource because of non–age-appropriate content and potential parent objection was significantly higher than that of beginning students. The percentage of graduating students who identified sexual content and profanity as potential reasons not to acquire an item was also significantly higher than that of beginning students. On the other hand, graduating students were less likely to classify their own personal views as potential reasons to avoid collecting a title. Finally, a greater percentage of graduating students were uncertain about the appropriateness of restricted collections for potentially controversial items than beginning students. In the second phase of the study, researchers interviewed program graduates with at least five years of professional experience in libraries to ascertain how their work experiences and environments had affected their perception of intellectual freedom, censorship, and the right of access to information regardless of age. These librarians were strong advocates for diverse collections despite increasing external pressure to censor resources, particularly items with LGBTQ content and characters. Most felt it necessary to have some type of restricted collections so that children did not check out material above their grade or age level.

Guest Speakers as Mentors: What Classroom Experiences Mean to Them

Resulting from the collaboration between five practicing professionals and an LIS faculty member, this article illuminates the experiences of librarians and archivists who engage with LIS students on a continuous basis as guest speakers in LIS classrooms. The phenomenological approach helps to elicit first-hand accounts that encapsulate practitioners’ priorities and concerns. The free-floating narratives are combined with an extensive literature review related to mentorship practices in professional fields; they are used to produce a blended viewpoint-analytical article that places empirical data in the context of the three-pronged framework of mentorship motivations, focusing on outcome-oriented, student-oriented, and personal-learning-oriented motivations. These types of mentorship motivations focus on transmitting professional knowledge, socializing LIS students to become responsible professional citizens, and learning about the state of the field and the workforce from students themselves. The article provides suggestions for future empirical research into the motivation of LIS professionals who choose to mentor LIS students through classroom engagements and other avenues.

Training Future Library Professionals to Use Neural Networks in Socio-Cultural Activities

The effectiveness of the socio-cultural activities of libraries depends largely on the professionalism of the staff, their communication skills, creativity and skills in the use of digital technologies. The relevance of the article is determined by the increasing popularity of neural networks, their implementation in various spheres of human activity. The aim of the article is to examine the possibilities of the formation of competences on the use of neural networks in socio-cultural activities in the students of library and information studies, as well as to determine the readiness of students to perceive all aspects of the use of neural network algorithms. In the article, the analysis of publications and express survey was conducted. The latter was performed among the third and fourth year students of the Belarusian State University of Culture and Arts, who are studying on the speciality "Library and Information Activities". An attempt is made to diversify the potential of neural networks for training a competent specialist in the socio-cultural activity of libraries. The results of the study show the following. In training library and information workers on the use of neural networks in socio-cultural activities the key conditions are as follows: study and analysis of the experience of libraries in the use of neural networks in sociocultural activities; introduction into the educational programme of theoretical and practical blocks on the use of neural networks in the sociocultural activities of libraries; accounting and risk management of the use of neural networks. In implementing the above, more attention should be paid to responsible, emotional, creative manifestations of activity in educational and production processes.

Enhancing User Experience in Small Academic Libraries: Leveraging Matomo Analytics as a UX Design Tool

Enhancing User Experience in Small Academic Libraries: Leveraging Matomo Analytics as a UX Design Tool

Features of Reference and Bibliographic Services for Students in University Libraries

Students are in a continuous process of communication, using various information environments and electronic resources of the Internet. But at the same time they do not interact with libraries enough, they do not know their capabilities. This paper highlights the issue of effective use of modern technologies to create forms and methods of reference and bibliographic services adapted to the information needs of students. The purpose of the article is to identify the experience of foreign university libraries aimed at attracting students and increasing their awareness of reference services on the basis of publications in English-language periodicals. Readers belonging to the Internet generation are an active segment of the target audience, and specialists of reference and bibliographic services should study their individual information needs and purposefully promote library resources and services oriented to the youth audience. One of the ways to solve these problems is to organize library cooperation programmes, where librarians integrate their knowledge and skills into the educational process, being in constant contact with both students and university lecturers. The article considers the key vectors of development of reference and bibliographic services in the conditions of modern society. It is concluded that students prefer a multi-level hybrid model of reference bibliographic service with the fulfillment of user requests (remotely and face-to-face) in the context of their personal preferences in combination with independent search using information resources of libraries.

Interim Leadership

Upon the departure of a library administrator, such as dean or director, a librarian may be asked to serve in a leadership position on a limited term or open-ended, interim basis. In such a position, an interim leader can feel isolated, overwhelmed, and unprepared to navigate the challenges of the role. With this in mind, this column focuses specifically on the needs and experiences of librarians serving in interim leadership positions. Topics addressed include roles and expectations, planning and transparency, relationships and support, and imposter syndrome. The column concludes with a summary of advice for interim library leaders and the rewards that may result.