Public Library Research Articles

Edge computing task scheduling method based on user’s social relations: a construction and solution for Smart City Library

In the realm of the development of a Smart City Library, the integration of robust edge computing is vital. The research suggests a novel task-scheduling model for edge computing, leveraging user’s social relationships. Analyzing these connections involves constructing a user’s social relationship graph by implementing mathematical convolution and the Jaccard similarity ratio. This precise quantification of social ties ensures secure and reliable task scheduling. An equipment connection graph of a user equipment service is also crafted based on Euclidean distance, aligning task scheduling with device-to-device (D2D) communication conditions. Combining a user’s social relationship graph and a user’s device-service device connection graph creates a task-device bipartite graph. On the other hand, the calculation of a task execution cost and edge weight determination finalize a scheduling model. Implementing the proposed method for constructing a model for edge computing task scheduling based on utilizing the Kuhn–Munkres (KM) algorithm demonstrates positive impacts, which are few delays and less energy consumption, on edge computing task scheduling. For instance, when the social threshold score changes from 02. To 0.6, the total task execution delay time increases from 23 to 32, which is the best when compared with other algorithms. The approach strengthens security and reliability while decreasing task execution delays and energy consumption. This research advances edge computing for Smart City Libraries, promising transformative implications.

The contribution of public libraries in strengthening digital citizenship in Egyptian society – an exploratory study

Purpose This study aims to assess the involvement of Egyptian public libraries in supporting digital citizenship and propose a vision to leverage their role in promoting digital citizenship culture, aligning with Egypt Vision 2030 for sustainable development. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire was used to sample 21 public library managers in Egypt. The study adopted a descriptive-analytic approach, measuring library readiness infrastructure, strategic planning for digital citizenship support and participation ratings on nine dimensions of digital citizenship as defined by the Ribble model. Findings Results indicated a moderate level of participation overall (average score of 1.72), with high levels in dimensions like digital access and digital literacy but much lower levels in others, particularly digital law and digital health and safety. Library readiness was found to have a positive effect on the level of digital citizenship promotion. Research limitations/implications The small sample size may limit generalizability. Future research should explore best practices for digital citizenship programming in libraries and strategies for overcoming implementation barriers. Practical implications The study underscores the need for Egyptian public libraries to enhance their readiness and participation in promoting digital citizenship. This requires investment in digital resources, staff training, community outreach and collaboration with educational institutions and community partners. Originality/value This study provides insights into the role of public libraries in promoting digital citizenship in the context of a developing country’s national vision. It offers a framework for libraries worldwide to assess and enhance their digital citizenship initiatives.

Influence of motivational factors on social media use by library personnel: a comparative study of public and private university libraries in southwestern Nigeria

The study investigated the influence of motivational factors on library personnel's social media use for service delivery: a comparative study in public and private university libraries in Southwestern, Nigeria. The participants included library Personnel and covered 42 universities (federal, state and private) in Southwestern, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design of a correlational type was employed with the population of 556 library personnel in Southwestern, Nigeria. Total enumeration technique was adopted. Questionnaire adapted from Davis (1989) and Venkatesh and Bala (2008) was the instrument used to elicit data from the respondents of which 469 copies were returned and were found usable. The findings of the study showed that the most frequently used social media in terms of mean ranking were WhatsApp (x ̅ = 4.40, δ = 0.955), Facebook (x ̅ = 37.54, δ = 4.03) and Google+ (x ̅ = 4.03, δ = 1.139) and majority of the respondents in all the universities used social media for communicating and interacting with users 244(52.0%) with mean score of (x ̅= 3.33,δ=0.817. Additionally, findings showed that all the indices of motivational factors such as (Perceived Usefulness x ̅ = 37.54, δ = 11.691, r=0.775; Perceived Ease of Use x ̅ =18.92, δ= 6.348 r= 0.280; Perceived Enjoyment x ̅=22.37, δ = 7.085 r=0.337 and Computer Playfulness x ̅ = 29.01, δ=8.485, r=0.260; p<0.05) had positive correlation with social media use. The need to implement and adopt social media tools relevant to individual universities for service delivery was suggested among others.

O livro perdido de Pontes de Miranda

The text reveals the search the author conducted to find the book "Method of social-psychological analysis", from Pontes de Miranda, a book that disappeared in 1924 in unknown circumstances, and which until today could not be found either in public or private libraries in any place in the world. The research lasted ten years, checked archives in six countries and has gone through manuscripts and mail from the author to other relevant characters of the

The COVID-19 Pandemic Increased the Risk of Eating Disorders and Emotional Eating Symptoms: A Review of the Current Clinical Evidence

Background: There has been recent evidence to suggest that people who suffer from eating disorders (EDs) or other eating behavior disturbances, such as emotional eating (EE), are particularly vulnerable post-COVID-19. This narrative literature review aims to comprehensively analyze and scrutinize the existing clinical studies regarding the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with EDs or EE. Moreover, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is very important to find out whether a person’s emotional state may lead them to wrongly confront their emotional behavior with food consumption. Methods: A thorough search of several databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Public Library of Science, Google Scholar, CINAHL Complete, PsycINFO, and Academic Search Complete) was performed to identify available clinical studies on the COVID-19 pandemic published between 2020 and 2024 using relevant keywords. Results: There is substantial evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic exerted negative effects on persons suffering from EDs, including those who are symptomatic, those who are in remission, and those with an EE behavior. Characteristically, people diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), or binge eating disorder (BED) showed considerable symptomatic worsening after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinical studies investigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on persons suffering from EE have also clearly demonstrated that their mood disturbances negatively affected their eating behaviors. These studies have also shown that vulnerable people were at greater risk of EE development and progression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic seems to have exerted a significant deleterious effect on people who have a history of suffering from EDs or EE. The COVID-19 pandemic has been related to the frequency of dysfunctional eating behaviors, thus decreasing therapeutic intervention efficiency in people with EDs as well as in those with disturbed eating behaviors such as EE. In this aspect, further clinical studies are strongly recommended to investigate the exact effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as to explore their potential long-term deleterious complications in the post-pandemic period. Public strategies and policies should be applied to provide special healthcare for this group of patients.

The survey of public library services by non-user residents

Public library services are provided based on the basic principle of accessibility to everyone, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, ethnicity, language, or social status. Currently, the access to services of public library is insufficient, 8.8% of the population is using library services. Therefore, this study was conducted to find out why people who do not come to the library do not participate in the service. According to the results of the research, the main reasons for not being able to use public library services are “being too busy to go to the library” and “lives far from the library”. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce services for “busy” and “far away” citizens who cannot participate in public library services, and to improve existing service methods and technologies. Нийтийн номын сангийн үйлчилгээнд хамрагдаагүй оршин суугчдын судалгаа Хураангуй: Нийтийн номын сангийн үйлчилгээг нас, арьсны өнгө, хүйс, шашин шүтлэг, үндэс угсаа, хэл, нийгмийн байдлаас үл хамааран хүн бүрд хүртээмжтэй байх үндсэн зарчим дээр суурилж үзүүлдэг. Одоогоор нийтийн номын сангийн үйлчилгээний хүртээмж хангалтгүй, хүн амын 8.8% номын сангийн үйлчилгээнд хамрагдаж байна. Иймд номын санд ирэхгүй байгаа иргэд яагаад үйлчилгээнд хамрагдахгүй байгааг олж илрүүлэх зорилгоор энэхүү судалгааг хийв. Судалгааны үр дүнгээс үзвэл нийтийн номын сангийн үйлчилгээнд хамрагдаж чадахгүй байгаа хамгийн гол шалтгаан бол “номын санд очих завгүй байдал”, “гэр нь номын сангаас хол байх” ажээ. Иймд нийтийн номын сангийн үйлчилгээнд хамрагдаж чадахгүй байгаа “завгүй” болон “хол гэртэй” иргэдэд зориулсан үйлчилгээ нэвтрүүлэх, одоо байгаа үйлчилгээний арга, технологийг сайжруулах шаардлагатай болжээ. Түлхүүр үгс: нийтийн номын сангийн үйлчилгээ, үйлчилгээний хүртээмж, номын санд бүртгэлгүй оршин суугч

Accommodating Seed Libraries into Public Libraries: A Platform to Address Food Insecurity in India

ABSTRACT There are several initiatives adopted by public libraries to address issues on food insecurity which includes public food programs, community-based agricultural programmes, community food gardens, and seed libraries. The need of a seed library in the community is not just about promoting agricultural practices, it also helps to address the rising food insecurity and hunger issues prevailing in the society. This paper explores how seed libraries could be incorporated within public libraries and their scope in Indian context. For the purpose of the study, previous articles on seed libraries were analyzed to understand its functions and operations. The “Annapurna Seed Library” in Assam is selected to provide insight on the scope for seed libraries in India and how it could be implemented in other states as well.

Situating data stories in space to entice new audiences to engage with science

ABSTRACT Science communication predominantly engages individuals who already possess a pre-existing interest in science, thereby limiting its reach to a broader and more diverse audience. Situated approaches that intertwine content with spatial design may overcome interest barriers as it allows for spontaneous encounters with science. This paper describes the design of a multi-modal physicalisation coined Star Listener as the result of a collaboration between scientific experts (in astrophysics), design researchers and media professionals. Star Listener consists of different sensory engagement modalities, including textual information panels, speakers that distribute sonified data of stars, two public video displays with an animated explainer and interactive touchscreens with a mini-game. Star Listener was placed in an entryway of a public library for a period of 2 months. We evaluated this set-up by observing and interviewing passersby, both in an in-the-wild study and as a controlled in-the-wild study. We present design recommendations for the design of situated data representations and narrative physicalisations to support engagement of varied audiences with science.

Documenting ordinary stories: Local studies collections in public libraries

Documenting ordinary stories: Local studies collections in public libraries

The Fifth Scientific and Practical Conference “The letter and digit: The libraries on the way to digitalization” (“BiblioPiter-2024”)

The authors review the work of the Fifth Scientific and Practical Conference “The letter and digit: The libraries on the way to digitalization” (“BiblioPiter2024”) held on April 9–11, 2024. The conference subject scope comprised the following topics: The role of libraries in information support of science and education; training staff for specialized, academic and public libraries; AI tools development and use in education; status of and prospects for modern information, computer and Internet-based technologies in library practice; modern library functional transformation. The conference discussions are summarized.

‘It’s stuff I’ve been thinking about since I was 6 years old.’: an interview with Mark Waid

ABSTRACT In Fall 2023, as part of the ‘Superman’s Cleveland’ celebration of 85 years of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster’s creations, Mark Waid, the writer of Superman: Birthright, The Last Days of Lex Luthor, Batman/Superman: World’s Finest, Kingdom Come and more sat down or an interview at the Cleveland Public Library. We discussed his childhood love of superhero continuity, what it means to ‘write from the inside out,’ and why Superman persists as a character. Mark Waid also shared insight into his current work on World’s Finest as well as The Last Days of Lex Luthor, and more. We ended with a lightning round of questions.

Robots in Public Libraries: An Empirical Analysis of Current Applications and Future Opportunities

ABSTRACT The paper investigated the current application of robots in public libraries with specific consideration of its future opportunities. Three (3) objectives guided the conduct of the study. The study employed a qualitative research approach. The population for the study comprised librarians who have been certified by the Librarian Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) and worked at public library boards. Thematic analysis and content analysis techniques were adopted for this study. The study found that robots bring various advantages, including increased operational efficiency and streamlined access to information, as well as interactive educational opportunities and heightened user involvement. The findings indicate that embracing robotic technology enables public libraries to establish more accessible, dynamic, and user-focused environments, fostering an atmosphere of innovation and technological progress within the realm of information services. It could be concluded that the integration of robots in public libraries plays a vital role in modernizing and improving library services to meet the evolving demands of library users and communities. However, library stakeholders must address potential obstacles, including financial limitations, technological preparedness, and user acceptance. Prioritizing the training of staff, fostering community involvement, and establishing clear policy frameworks enables public libraries to effectively navigate the challenges related to incorporating robotics, ensuring a smooth transition toward a technologically advanced and user-focused library environment.

Can schools and libraries curb the functional illiteracy crisis? Insights from the Netherlands

ABSTRACT Increasing parts of the world population have rudimentary reading and writing skills but limited command of grammar, syntax and spelling. This functional illiteracy has detrimental effects on labor market participation, population health and political stability. Geographies of illiteracy also include affluent societies like the Netherlands, a country that is not only illustrative of a widespread phenomenon, but arguably also a bellwether of things to come elsewhere in the world if these developments are not reversed. This exploratory paper focuses on two institutional spaces where the literacy crisis is conventionally addressed: schools and public libraries. We argue that while each has a contribution to make, neither institution is currently able to curtail the trend, partially because preferred literacy promotion methods are incongruent with rapidly evolving changes in the literacy landscape, especially regarding youth communication. We consider three possible responses to our current literacy crisis and conclude that efforts to curb functional illiteracy require a pragmatic and multi-pronged approach, and perhaps even some counterintuitive strategies.

Lou Reed’s Emotional Geography

Starting with his band the Velvet Underground, Lou Reed wrote songs imbued with nonmoral depictions of people’s emotional experiences with drug use, sex work, marriage, poverty, friendships, and other aspects of life and survival in New York City. This paper presents an interpretation of Reed’s words and music from the twin perspective of geography and psychology. Drawing on materials in the Lou Reed Archive at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, the author conducted a comprehensive analysis of song recordings released over three distinct periods of Reed’s music career. Each song was considered within the framework of a psychoevolutionary theory of human emotions and situated in New York’s diverse spaces and places. Reed’s grounded lyrics convey a deep empathy for people’s triumphs, setbacks, and conflicts as they search for love and act on a desire for transcendence and freedom. The paper recommends further research into songwriters who use their biography to tell geographic stories.

Exploring best practices in smart public library services: a survey

Purpose This paper aims to the integration of smart cities and technologies has had a profound impact on public library services globally. However, debates continue about how public libraries are incorporating smart technologies and tools, and what this means for their role in smart city development. This paper explores how public libraries are evolving to meet community needs by providing both physical and digital services. Design/methodology/approach The purpose of this study is to assess the role of public libraries in the smart cities and how they are aligning toward development of smart concepts, technologies, services such as contributions to smart city objectives, community impact, the digital divide, unique projects and readiness for future smart city advancements. So, the authors explored 11 public library systems of cities across the world implementing smart city projects. Findings The authors found that all the library systems offer extensive print and digital collections, sustainable buildings and a well-connected network of branches. They provide self-checkout services, makerspaces equipped with 3D printing and coding workshops and advanced recording and video editing technologies. Furthermore, these libraries function as community centers, serving diverse groups including children, women, the elderly and marginalized communities. They function as third spaces that foster lifelong learning and digital literacy. Originality/value Although smart cities face substantial debate regarding their features, tools and feasibility, public libraries have adapted and redefined their roles to become influential public institutions. They now play a crucial part in supporting vibrant and dynamic communities and neighborhoods within smart cities.

From the Pages

In the Fall 1967 issue, Volume 25, Number 4, editor Alva W. Stewart briefly described the evolution of the North Carolina Libraries journal during its first quarter century. One way Stewart highlighted this was to include articles about the growth and development of various kinds of libraries within our state, including public, academic, school, special, and community college libraries. This present issue hearkens back to the spirit of this introspection by including articles about contemporary issues facing academic libraries, the evolution of special libraries, an in-depth look at a special public library, and a crucial opportunity for collaboration that community college libraries are taking advantage of. With all our editors along the way, it is also my hope that our journal will “serve the cause of books and libraries throughout our state.”

ABLS Library of the State Library of North Carolina

The Accessible Books and Library Services (ABLS) Library of the State Library of North Carolina (SLNC) is a unique resource that caters to the needs of persons with a visual or print disability. Strategically located in Raleigh, North Carolina, it is a convenient hub for library professionals, including those from academic, public, school, and private libraries. The ABLS stands out for its diverse range of services, a wealth of information, and robust network, all used to assist and engage persons with visual and print disabilities.

An Approach for Measuring Spatial Accessibility to Services/Facilities by Urban Community Aged Population

Abstract. Population aging is a global trend and a world-wide challenge to many governments. The high-quality life of the elderly cannot be separated from the support of basic services and facilities. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct analysis and research on the accessibility of urban community services and facilities. It is worth noting that the research in this article is based on master thesis (Bai, 2013). Drawing on the data, methods, and conclusions from the master's thesis, in this paper, an approach is designed for measuring spatial accessibility to services/facilities by a spatially dispersed ageing population in urban areas. The local government area (LGA) of Monash in the Melbourne metropolitan area has been selected the case study area. This study combines GIS-based spatial analytical procedures and two-step floating catchment area (2SFCA) method, in conjunction with mesh block level 2011 population data, service/facility data and transportation network data, to measure and map spatial variations in potential accessibility to services and facilities deemed essential to the aged population. Service facilities considered in the study include bus stops, train stations, bank facilities, shopping centres, post offices, churches, parks, public libraries, community centres, pharmacies, GP clinics and hospitals in Monash LGA. The research results can be used to optimize the spatial planning and layout of public facilities for ageing population.

Impact of big data and data analytics on the provision of data services in academic libraries

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to determine the level of awareness among library and information science (LIS) professionals regarding the perceived utility of big data (BD) and data analytics (DA) in academic libraries, as well as their influence on the provision of data services (DSs).Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional survey was carried out to collect the data for this study. The population of this study comprised LIS professionals working in public sector university libraries. A four-factor measurement model estimating the influence of BD and DA on the provision of DSs in academic libraries was tested using the structural equation modelling.FindingsThe findings revealed that awareness (AW) (β = 0.141, CR = 2.534, p = 0.011) demonstrated a significant positive influence on the provision of DSs. The perceived utility of BD (β = 0.058, CR = 0.582, p = 0.561), and perceived utility of DA (β = 0.141, CR = 2.534, p = 0.905) exhibits a positive but statistically non-significant impact on the provision of DSs (β = 0.010, CR = 0.120, p = 0.905). The goodness of fit indices suggest a favourable fit for the model, as evidenced by the following values: χ2 = 1.400, DF = 164; p = 0.001; IFI = 0.954; TLI = 0.946; CFI = 0.953; GFI = 0.906; and RMSEA = 0.043.Originality/valueA new perspective on the use of BD and DA in academic libraries is presented in this study. It presents a four-factor measurement model on the influence of BD and DA on the provision of DSs in university libraries.

Preserving and Presenting the Rotterdam Erasmus Collection since 1868

Abstract The unique collection of Erasmiana in the Rotterdam Public Library has a long history in which there has been varying attention to acquisition, preservation and presentation. This article describes how individuals such as donors, directors and curators developed the collection since it was first mentioned in 1868. This development is reconstructed through archival sources such as year reports, newspaper articles and material evidence in the collection itself. From this reconstruction, it is possible to distinguish three phases in the history of the Erasmus Collection in which it was treated as respectively an archival collection, a scholarly source and a heritage collection. The case study shows why it is important for scholars who make use of a collection to understand the historical development of its contents and the status of the collection as such. Furthermore, knowledge of the history of a collection is valuable for exploring today’s balance between preservation and presentation.