Library Initiatives Research Articles

Ground Truths: Engaging Kansas Public Libraries in Resilience Research

In Kansas, the NSF-funded statewide initiative Adaptive and Resilient Infrastructure for Social Equity (ARISE) was formed with the goal to create tools and programs that ensure support for communities in rural and urban areas who are most vulnerable to disaster, both natural and human-made. Data literacy has been identified as a foundational infrastructure need. This poster describes emerging findings from Data Literacy for All: A Kansas Public Library Initiative, a project within the ARISE initiative. This year-long study seeks to engage Kansas public library leaders in community-based research to identify the needs of their libraries for supporting everyday life data literacy in the communities they serve. Everyday life data literacy, defined as “the sociocultural data practices that occur within and across different domains of existing literacy practices,” is fundamental for social and economic resilience and can serve as a protective mechanism against misinformation. Using surveys and interviews with public library leaders, this study set out to uncover the ground truths of public library needs across the state of Kansas. An early and emerging picture suggests that public libraries may be best positioned to support data literacy and other resilience initiatives when they are recognized within their communities as critical infrastructure. This poster will report on continued findings in the Data Literacy for All project; the benefits and challenges of using community-engaged methods to involve library professionals in resilience research endeavors; and implications for preparing pre-service librarians for the profession.

The green library advocacy: Need to engage the international communities in a climate change action

This paper seeks to explore the pivotal role of libraries in global initiatives to combat climate change and emphasize the significance of international cooperation in advocating for sustainable practices. Through an extensive exploration of existing literature and real-world case studies obtained from various sources of information, this paper scrutinizes various endeavors undertaken by libraries worldwide to promote environmental advocacy and tackle climate-related challenges. It assesses the obstacles and prospects encountered by libraries in engaging communities and fostering sustainability. The study underscores the indispensable role of libraries as centers for environmental education, awareness-raising, and proactive measures. Libraries serve as vital platforms for disseminating information, conducting workshops, and advocating for policies conducive to environmental preservation. Collaborative ventures like the Climate Action Libraries Network (CALN) and the Global Library Consortium for Climate Action (GLCCA) showcase the potency of collective efforts in addressing climate change issues. Additionally, the paper highlights significant hurdles, such as resource constraints and institutional barriers, while proposing future strategies for advancing green library advocacy. This paper enriches the scholarly discourse by accentuating the transformative potential of libraries in championing sustainability and nurturing resilient communities. It underscores the imperative of international collaboration in nurturing green library initiatives and underscores avenues for libraries to augment their influence in confronting climate change globally.

Analyzing sustainability efforts in supporting the Green Library Initiative by Kenyan University Libraries

Analyzing sustainability efforts in supporting the Green Library Initiative by Kenyan University Libraries

Keep me PoS-ted: experimenting with Part-of-Speech prediction on Old Babylonian letters

Abstract Within this paper we will account for a cooperation between Ghent University based Assyriologists and computational linguists that has set up a pilot study to analyse the language used in Old Babylonian (OB) letters using Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques. OB letters make up an interesting dataset because (1) they form an invaluable source for everyday vernacular language, and (2) more than 5000 have been recovered, many of which are accessible in transliteration and translation through the series Altbabylonische Briefe and the Cuneiform Digital Library Initiative. Based on a first batch of letters from OB Sippar, later extended by other Akkadian letters, we aim to develop machine learning approaches to perform semi-automatic text analysis and annotation of the letters. We will here present a Part-of-Speech (PoS) tag prediction model using machine learning. The input data is Akkadian in transliteration and the best performing model is a fine-tuned Multilingual BERT Transformer with Word embeddings (weighted avg F1: 90.19 %). When compared to the benchmark attempt of PoS tagging on a larger Akkadian corpus (97.67 %), it leaves room for improvement. However, analysing the results shows us that multilingual word embeddings improve the model performance and with an enlargement of the corpus targeting certain classes, we could considerably better the macro average F1 scores.

State Regulation of Public Libraries’ Activities in Russia in the Second Half of the XIX-th Century

The purpose of the article is to present the evolution of state policy towards public libraries in Russia in the second half of the XIX century. As a result of the research, the author has established that the content of laws and by-laws regulating the work of public libraries was determined by their status as public organizations and reflected deep contradictions of the government course during the years of bourgeois transformations and in the post-reform era.The government of Alexander II took the library initiative of education zealots as continuation and support of their own reformation attempts. The author shows how the legal status of public libraries was fixed in the legal field of Russia, acquisition rules were changing, the procedure for opening public libraries and supervision for their activities was carried out. The author notes how the repressive nature of legislation, aimed at protecting the urban reading public from unwanted literature, which intensified in the 1880s and 1890s, had a negative impact on public self-organization in the field of education. He concludes that circumstances formed significantly hindered the development of public libraries in Russia.

From silent spaces to smart spaces: Leveraging IoT-based innovative services to enhance library system performance using SEM approach

The Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged as a disruptive technology with enormous potential to alter various fields, including libraries. However, research on IoT uptake in libraries still needs to be more extensive, especially in Pakistan. This research aims to fill that vacuum by exploring the variables driving IoT uptake in Pakistani libraries and assessing its effect on library services. A quantitative approach was used, with data collected from Pakistani libraries using a survey technique. The poll specifically addressed librarians and administrators to understand their views on the IoT adoption advantages they see. We designed a theoretical framework combining the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) paradigm and adding two variables: digital transformation and innovativeness. A total of 341 responses were gathered, providing insightful data on the IoT adoption trends in Pakistan. The research examines the connections between numerous variables impacting IoT uptake in libraries using advanced statistical approaches like SmartPLS-based partial least squares structural equation modeling. The findings reveal several vital factors influencing the adoption of IoT in Pakistani libraries. The study emphasizes the significance of solid management practices and the effective use of technology resources in facilitating the successful implementation of the Internet of Things and ensuring enhanced library services. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing a comprehensive perspective on IoT adoption in Pakistan. It addresses a considerable knowledge deficit regarding the implementation of IoT in libraries, concentrating specifically on the Pakistani view. The findings of this study are beneficial for library professionals, researchers, and policymakers, as they enable them to make informed decisions and drive successful IoT adoption initiatives in Pakistani libraries.

Navigating Knowledge Deserts: Information Literacy Initiatives in Rural Libraries

Navigating Knowledge Deserts: Information Literacy Initiatives in Rural Libraries

The green library revolution: a catalyst for climate change action

PurposeLibraries are currently undergoing a significant transformation, emerging as dynamic advocates for environmental sustainability, surpassing their conventional roles as mere repositories of knowledge. In today’s world, dominated by the growing climate crisis, these evolving institutions are poised to play a pivotal role in addressing climate change. However, they confront a range of challenges, including the need to establish sustainable operations, provide accessible climate information, engage diverse audiences and uphold ethical standards.Design/methodology/approachThe research methodology used for this study involves an extensive review of literature. The authors analyze existing studies concerning green libraries and their role as catalysts for climate change action globally. This analysis draws from a variety of scholarly sources, encompassing articles, books and reports, to provide a comprehensive overview of the subject.FindingsThe findings indicate that despite the aforementioned challenges, libraries in developed countries worldwide have demonstrated noteworthy success through initiatives such as green building projects, community engagement programs, collaborative partnerships, expansion of digital resources, innovative climate literacy initiatives and a commitment to ethical stewardship. These achievements serve as a source of inspiration, fostering hope and spurring action as libraries empower communities to embrace environmental stewardship. They showcase the potential of libraries as catalysts for positive environmental change.Originality/valueThe originality and value of this research lie in its insights into the potential of green libraries initiative as a catalyst for climate change action. Ultimately, this study opens the door to untold literary exploration, revolutionizing the art of green library capacity in the ever-evolving technological landscape. To augment their impact, libraries are encouraged to broaden the scope of their climate education initiatives, expand their digital resources, cultivate strategic collaborations, prioritize ethical responsibility and implement thorough evaluation and communication practices.

Establishing Knowledge Centers: Applying The CIPPO Evaluation Model to Enhance The Efficiency of Libraries at Islamic Schools

The library plays a crucial role as the nucleus of academic knowledge and necessitates efficient management for the learning process. This study aims to assess how legal principles are implemented as guidelines for the structure and administration of school libraries, particularly within the Al-Hasanah Foundation. This evaluation is based on compliance with Regulation Number 12 of 2017, issued by the Head of the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia, delineating national library standards. Employing a qualitative and evaluative research approach, this study applies the CIPPO assessment model to monitor and evaluate the operational features of the library. Evidence suggests that the Al-Hasanah Foundation Library needs to adequately meet the predetermined criteria due to a shortage of personnel, resulting in inefficiencies in executing duties, providing services, and implementing school library initiatives. Despite these challenges, the Al-Hasanah Foundation Library effectively addresses the information needs of its users, especially in acquiring library resources. The highlighted constraints significantly impact visitor engagement, underscoring the necessity of resolving human resource limitations to enhance library performance.

The Pack Horse Library Initiative and Kentucky's librarians in the Great Depression: An academic essay

The history of libraries is a complex story of ups and downs. There have been times in American history when libraries almost ceased to exist (Boyd, 2009). One of those moments was during the American Great Depression of the 1930s. During this time, American institutions failed, jobs disappeared, homes were lost, and American libraries began to disappear. This paper aims to discover the Pack Horse Library Project's role in Kentucky history and its legacy. This paper answers two questions—How did The Pack Horse Library Project save libraries in Kentucky? And how did women save library services in eastern Kentucky?—by exploring different aspects of this topic, including the history of libraries in Kentucky during the Great Depression, The New Deal, the creation of the Works Progress Administration, the history of the Pack Horse Library Project, what role the program had on the development of libraries in Kentucky, and how the Pack Horse Library Project affected the role of women in the library.

Placemaking strategies in greening Universiti Malaya Main Library

<abstract> <p>Libraries are vital for learning, literacy, and fostering innovation. Emphasizing green and sustainable practices is crucial to conserve resources. This research focused on transforming the Universiti Malaya (UM) Main Library into a greener space through placemaking and green initiatives. To assess the greening potential of the library, a systematic review was conducted to establish a list of green library initiatives. Eighteen distinctive themes or categories of green library initiatives were identified. Ten categories deemed of critical importance, including indoor air quality, water quality and management, energy consumption, noise control, policies, waste management, interior design, ecological environment, services and facilities, and library sources, were selected for inclusion in a comprehensive user survey. The survey encompassed five sections, namely: (A) Demographic information, (B) Users' satisfaction with the UM Main Library, (C) Users' knowledges of the green libraries and practices, (D) Users' perceptions towards greening UM Main Library, and (E) Users' additional aspects which include Likert-scale questions and open-ended question soliciting users' opinions on additional green initiatives or improvements. A total of 407 respondents completed the survey, offering valuable insights into their perspectives. Overall, most of respondents revealed a prevailing inclination among library users toward endorsing and adopting green library practices in alignment with those categories. A total of 12 categories and 67 initiatives and strategies were listed based on both article reviews and users' suggestions. This study underscores the significance of integrating greening strategies within the UM Main Library to enhance its environmental quality and user experience by incorporating user feedback.</p> </abstract>

A tiny library with a million volumes: Open-source resource sharing with fulfillment interlibrary loan (ILL)

his paper is based upon a lightning talk given at the NISO Plus conference on February 14, 2023 and it describes interlibrary Loan syste4m, Fulfillment, developed by the Equinox Open Library Initiative. A thriving resource-sharing consortium allows libraries to offer broader and deeper opportunities for individual learning and greater community equity. It unlocks access to additional copies beyond what an owning library has available, along with a broad range of content owned within the network, which provides a diverse collection for library users. Providing access to such a rich network of resources is the goal of Fulfillment, an open-source resource sharing system which breaks down barriers to sharing collections.

Always Room for Mindfulness

CU Boulder Libraries created a Mindfulness Room by embracing a whole learner perspective, in which patrons can meditate, pray, learn, and be inspired. Although initiated by Muslim students seeking a place to pray at a secular, public university, the Mindfulness Room has transformed into a space that encourages all to explore mindfulness practices in the midst of stress and burnout in an academic setting. The presentation emphasized how the space signals to students that libraries support the spiritual, mental, and educational aspects of being a college student, thus positively impacting the student experience as a whole. The presentation situated the project in broader trends of mental health initiatives in libraries, and discussed the contents of the mindfulness room, including a non-circulating collection, as well as future related projects. Speakers reflected on learning opportunities and challenges that arose from balancing multi-faith and secular perspectives in a single, welcoming space.

Fostering Virtue-Driven Information Literacy

This conversation group emerged from the discussions of the Roundtable for Virtue-Driven Information Literacy (VIL) formed in 2022. The presenters defined VIL, emphasizing intellectual virtues and the cultivation of virtuous intellectual habits in the pursuit of truth and the potential benefits of VIL as a foundation for information literacy in academic libraries. Participants identified the value of VIL in providing a theoretical framework for information-literacy instruction, motivating students, and connecting library initiatives with faith-based worldviews. Breakout groups also discussed the practical challenges associated with VIL implementation. The presenters concluded with suggestions for resources and an invitation for collaboration among librarians.

Sealed Bullae and Livestock Management at Irisaĝrig in the Early Old Babylonian Period

Abstract This article offers a detailed study of the organization of livestock management at Irisaĝrig in post-Ur III times. Three clusters of texts will be discussed, which focus on the activities of a small group of officials who oversaw the collection and disbursement of small cattle for religious and secular purposes. It is argued that the central urban organization on whose behalf these administrators operated was the local palace. The analysis of the archival records reveals a strong royal presence in the city and suggests that Irisaĝrig was an important center of the newly established kingdom of Malgûm Text abbreviations follow those of BDTNS = Database of Neo-Sumerian Texts (http://bdtns.filol.csic.es) and/or CDLI = Cuneiform Digital Library Initiative (http://cdli.ucla.edu); other abbreviations after RlA. .

A simple plan? Reflections on how a library service secured investment for a new library management system

The purpose of this article is to report and reflect on how a UK academic library secured investment for a new library management system. This is written from the perspective of the former Head of Service. This is a professional article which describes the organisational context and the stages of the initiative, including planning and implementation. The article sets the organisational context of the Library Service, which was formed out of the merger of 5 libraries. The author highlights issues which staff identified with the library management system (LMS) and the initial information gathering exercise to assess alternatives. The article describes an initial failed bid for investment and stages of hiatus due to unexpected events like COVID-19. The article describes how the Library developed a wider vision, and lobbied for wider support for digital changes through a cross-organisational group. The article describes the second bid for investment, and key features of this which made it successful. The author offers reflections on the failure and success of the project, and lessons from the experience. The article highlights that contextual evidence is vital to secure investment in library initiatives. It indicates that a story-telling approach to writing a business case can be powerful, in addition to market and sector data. It highlights the attributes and skills which library leaders might need in order to drive forward major strategic change. The author highlights some considerations for future policy and research, particularly around how library leaders can be equipped with skills.

Customer care in selected academic libraries in Ghana

This article reflects on a study done on the state of customer care in five selected academic libraries in Ghana. The study examined the prevailing customer care programmes – the policies, structures, practices, and the effects of customer care on the use of library products and services. Based on a pragmatic assumption, the researchers adopted a mixed-method research approach and a survey design with a sample of 3153 respondents which comprised three strata: students, faculty and library staff from the five selected academic libraries in Ghana. Data was largely collected with questionnaires and interviews were used to gather information from university librarians/heads of customer service. A document review instrument was used to confirm information provided by the respondents. The findings revealed that all five academic libraries had some form of customer care programmes. The article also established that customer care programmes contributed greatly to the improvement of skills, knowledge, experiences, and service performance of the academic library staff, which influenced the patronage of library products and services. However, the researchers identified inadequate financial resources, lack of written customer care policies, shortfalls in the customer care practices and training programmes as some of the challenges facing the implementation of customer care initiatives in academic libraries in Ghana. The article recommends developing written customer service policies and programmes specific to the provision of excellent customer services in academic libraries, adequate funding for regular customer service training of library staff and effective application of modern technology to enhance customer care in academic libraries.

Making Ends Meet in a Pandemic: African Library Initiatives During COVID‐19

ABSTRACTThis poster captures the initiatives of African community and public libraries in the early stages of COVID‐19. This is part of an ongoing research on the impact of the COVID‐19 and long‐term implications for African libraries. We conducted 11 interviews in 9 countries using both purposive and snowball sampling. We analyzed the recorded data through a thematic analysis approach. Arising from the data, we found that librarians employed empathetic information interventions using widely available information technology tools to deliver critical information to promote the well‐being of their communities. The libraries initiated social cohesion talks to foster unity among families. They also used WhatsApp to send snapshots of study materials to examination candidates and to point people to social services. This work contributes data to scant literature about the initiatives of African community and public libraries during the COVID‐19 and how low resource libraries can support their communities in crisis.

Augmented reality applications and the future library

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate how augmented reality (AR) technology is adopted in the library to transform it into an immersive and interactive platform and highlights the future possibilities of the application of AR in libraries.Design/methodology/approachThe study examines the current applications of AR in the library by consulting related literature and analyzing different library websites covering diverse geographical areas.FindingsThe paper with examples summarizes the current library practices of using AR technology and focuses on the AR-supported major library initiatives – right from document tracking, inventory management, wayfinding, supporting innovation and research, developing information literacy skills, etc.Originality/valueThe paper explores the possibility of improving user experience in the library by introducing AR applications and engaging users in an interactive and captivating environment.

Achieving acoustic comfort in the library: a sound masking initiative

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the sources of noise generation in a library and suggest the implementation of a sound masking system to provide acoustic comfort, maintain speech privacy and create an environment more engaging for the users. Design/methodology/approach Analyzing the existing literature and exploring the existing practices as observed in different libraries, the study gives an overview of the sound masking initiatives in libraries. Findings With practical examples of libraries, the study demonstrates how a sound masking system has been implemented to invoke better acoustic design in the library. The expansion of various activities in the library and a gradual shift from individual attention to a collaborative approach necessitates a strong focus on the acoustic design architecture of the library. The study showcases how the libraries adopt sound masking with the introduction of acoustic panels, dual panel partitions, sound-absorbent false ceilings, sound insulation, sound isolation and noise-dampening measures, installing furniture with sound containment features, adopting vibration control mechanism, mounting of white noise machines, etc., keeping the aesthetic quotient of the library alive. Originality/value The study attempts to show the current practices of the adoption of the sound masking system in libraries and promotes collaborative reading with the creation of an acoustic design-influenced library environment to control noise and reverberation and provide a comfortable reading environment.