Library Support Research Articles

Staff Perspectives on the Role of Public Libraries in Facilitating College Literacy

The decision-making process for potential college students in the United States is overwhelming because of the volume of information available and the complexity of higher education systems. Prospective students must consider institutional rankings, academic programs, and financial aid opportunities in addition to completing numerous forms. For some students, there exist personal and professional advisors and resources to assist with navigating the process. Others with less social and cultural capital must figure out the system with little or no assistance while facing other barriers. Public libraries can be a resource for the college-bound community; however, research shows that public libraries are not actively engaged in supporting this user group. To provide focused, quality information services to any demographic, it is important to understand the perspectives of public-facing information workers. Through a cross-sectional online questionnaire of library staff across four states, this study sought to learn staff perspectives on the role of public libraries in serving prospective college students. The survey received 160 responses of which 100 open-ended responses pertained to the role of public libraries. Qualitative inductive analysis point to three core themes on the role of public libraries in serving this population, that of connector, provider, and supporter. A fourth theme suggests staff see the role as one for others to meet. This article provides insight into past examinations of public library support of college literacy offering an opening to further discussions on serving this overlooked user group.

A Content Analysis of Health Library Support for Australian Medical Training Programs

ABSTRACT Health libraries play a critical role in supporting medical training in Australia. Accreditation is an important means of ensuring a program of study and the education provider suitably equips trainees with the knowledge, skills and professional attributes necessary to practice in the profession. This study identifies a lack of consistency and specificity in Australian medical colleges accreditation requirements as they pertain to health libraries. The recommended accreditation standard developed in this study provides a benchmark for training providers that will ensure consistency of access to high-quality library collections, services and spaces for all medical trainees. Accreditation standards from 52 medical colleges and associations supporting Australian medical training programs were reviewed. Information extracted from accreditation documents was entered into a working text spreadsheet. Data was organized under three key categories: Collections, Services and Space. Additional categories were added to record the use of the noun Library and expectations for journal access. A data extraction tool was created in Microsoft Excel to note the requirements of each provider for libraries and collections, services and spaces. The results of the content analysis highlight a lack of consistency in accreditation providers’ expectations for library collections, services and spaces. Most providers (87% n = 45) required host organizations to provide access to collections. Requirements for library space were mandated by 54% of providers (n = 28). Less than 50% of providers (n = 22) specified library services as requirements. This content analysis highlights the role of health libraries in supporting medical education, research and evidence-based practice. It also reinforces the need for improved specificity, consistency and clarity in accreditation requirements for health libraries in post-graduate medical training. The recommended benchmark accreditation standard developed in this study is a step toward addressing these issues and ensuring equity of access to library services and facilities for all medical trainees in Australia.

LIBRARY SKILLS REQUIRED BY THE PARAPROFESSIONAL STAFF IN USER SERVICES DEPARTMENT

This paper provides a review on the library skills that are required by the paraprofessional staff in user services department, explore the specific types of paraprofessional staff for user service department, and their roles. The study put together comparatively the user service information resource and service delivery responsibilities and the information utilitarian service support roles of the paraprofessional library staff and examines that, the more befitting type of paraprofessional library staff for user services are the “page”, “library aides”, and “library Services Assistant”. The types of responsibilities of user services paraprofessional staff was examined to be the middle level complementary roles in a way that relates to ‘user assistance’, and ‘library support’ in user management, information retrieval and access, shelve management, circulation desks services, reading area management and close access information services, among others. It also examined the library skills required by the user service paraprofessional library staff, who are expected to have the soft library – skills, hard library – skills, and the library information technologies use – skills, among others. The study concludes by stressing the existence of differing practices in the labelling paraprofessional library staff as “library support staff”, “library nonprofessional”, “not-certified” or “non-licenced librarians”, “post-secondary school” or “diploma certificate holders” in consistently, as well as confusion in their schedule of responsibilities. The study suggests the need for library regulatory agencies/parastatals and the libraries themselves to review the existing library staffing pattern/nomenclature and responsibilities to suit the current changing library environment, development in knowledge acquisition and certificates, changing users’ information needs and seeking behaviour and the changing trends in information services, among others.

Facial length and angle feature recognition for digital libraries.

With the continuous progress of technology, facial recognition technology is widely used in various scenarios as a mature biometric technology. However, the accuracy of facial feature recognition has become a major challenge. This study proposes a face length feature and angle feature recognition method for digital libraries, targeting the recognition of different facial features. Firstly, an in-depth study is conducted on the architecture of facial action networks based on attention mechanisms to provide more accurate and comprehensive facial features. Secondly, a network architecture based on length and angle features of facial expressions, the expression recognition network is explored to improve the recognition rate of different expressions. Finally, an end-to-end network framework based on attention mechanism for facial feature points is constructed to improve the accuracy and stability of facial feature recognition network. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, experiments were conducted using the facial expression dataset FER-2013. The experimental results showed that the average recognition rate for the seven common expressions was 97.28% to 99.97%. The highest recognition rate for happiness and surprise was 99.97%, while the relatively low recognition rate for anger, fear, and neutrality was 97.18%. The data has verified that the research method can effectively recognize and distinguish different facial expressions, with high accuracy and robustness. The recognition method based on attention mechanism for facial feature points has effectively optimized the recognition process of facial length and angle features, significantly improving the stability of facial expression recognition, especially in complex environments, providing reliable technical support for digital libraries and other fields. This study aims to promote the development of facial recognition technology in digital libraries, improve the service quality and user experience of digital libraries.

Librarian Support in Teaching Open Science Research Practices in Higher Education

Librarian Support in Teaching Open Science Research Practices in Higher Education

Exploring the Nexus: Homeschooling and Library Engagement in Connecticut

ABSTRACT In the dynamic landscape of education, homeschooling continues to offer a compelling alternative to traditional schooling. Homeschool numbers surged through the pandemic and have not decreased to pre-pandemic levels. This study examines the shared connections between homeschooled families in Connecticut and local public libraries by looking at how home educators use library resources and participate in library programming; and examining how Connecticut libraries perceive and respond to the diverse needs of homeschooling communities. Based on 2 Connecticut statewide surveys, one sent to public librarians and another to homeschoolers, the study sought to identify areas of strengths, weaknesses and disconnects in the homeschool community and public library relationships in Connecticut. Both qualitative and quantitative data was collected and reviewed to identify potential improvements to the evolving role of libraries in supporting alternative education pathways, and the potential for an infusion of public library support from the homeschool community.

Python's Role in Accelerating Web Application Development with Django

Efficient, secure, and scalable web services are critical in today's digital environment. This study explores the field of web service development and addresses issues such system efficiency, project duration, and changing requirements. The goal of this study is to ensure reliable and efficient web services by streamlining the development process and utilizing the Django framework. The study highlights the application of Django's Model-Template-View (MTV) design pattern, which is customized for a listing management system. Smooth data interaction and effective system performance are ensured by the study's seamless integration of Django's capabilities with MySQL for database management. To further improve system performance, focus is given to standardizing data sharing protocols and expediting user authentication procedures. The automation of web page construction with Python, HTML, and CSS modules, which increases system efficacy, is a crucial component of the research. Furthermore, the study shows how crucial security measures are, such as encryption for data confidentiality and integrity, which are made possible by the REST API interaction with the front end and the Django REST framework. Along with discussing key attacks and weaknesses that are frequent in web technology, the article also offers strategies to reduce these risks. Through the use of suitable SDLC models and testing procedures, it recognizes the crucial role that software engineering processes play in the development process. Focusing attention to Django's feature set, scalability, and wide library support, the study proves its advantages over competing web frameworks. The goal of the research is to provide developers and students with the skills they need to fully utilize Django's capabilities, making it easier to create dependable, successful and safe online applications. This study advances knowledge in the field of web technology and service development by lighting the development, difficulties, and current solutions in these fields. The study's ultimate goal is to open the door for comprehensive, modern, and efficient web service creation in order to satisfy the growing need for effective web solutions in the current digital era.

An Analysis of Organizational Citizenship Behavior and its Impact on Employee Well-being and Task Performance among Library Employees

Employees at the library have opinions about things like equality, processes, and how people should act around each other at work. Library workers are more likely to show organizational dedication, do their jobs, take on extra tasks, and be happy with their jobs when they think the workplace is fair. According to an Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) study, library workers who feel unfairly treated are likelier to do bad things like not doing their jobs or trying to get something they do not deserve. To find out what makes library management work, a poll is given to librarians and the library management system to see how well organizational backing, Employee Well-Being (EWB), work liberty, Task Performance (TP), job expectations, and job stress are met. The results show that library management can be improved by giving workers more useful comments on their work and improving how they feel about the organization's help and their level of freedom. Executives make their workplaces more fair using methods focusing on library support, autonomy, and assessment. These methods aim to minimize views of inequality among workers

Towards Equitable Access: Improving Library Services for Distance Learning Students

Abstract The plans and activities of academic libraries revolve around a user-centered approach to make noticeable improvements in the use of library resources and services. The purpose of this study was to examine library support strategies for the effective utilization of library support services and resources by distance-learning students. The research was conducted at the University of Education, Winneba, and the University of Cape Coast with distance learning students. A mixed-method approach was used, with 1170 students participating in quantitative research and 12 students and six (6) librarians participating in qualitative research, with Astin’s (1993) Input-Environment-Output Model guiding the study. The findings of the study identified a lack of organized strategies for the use of library resources and services among distance learning students. The study proposed a model to improve the use of library resources and services among distance learning students.

Analysis of Wine Using Python Graphic Walker

The exploration and analysis of wine characteristics have long been a fascination for connoisseurs and researchers alike. This abstract delves into the innovative use of Python Graphic Walker in dissecting the multifaceted attributes of wine. Leveraging the power of computational techniques, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of various components contributing to wine quality, such as acidity, sweetness, aroma, and flavor profile. Python Graphic Walker, a versatile tool for data visualization and analysis, offers a dynamic framework for examining intricate patterns within wine datasets. Through its adaptable nature and rich library support, the Graphic Walker facilitates the creation of insightful visualizations, enabling researchers to discern hidden correlations and trends in wine-related data.

Public libraries as social infrastructures: libraries’ response to the COVID crisis in the Emilia-Romagna region

ABSTRACT The research investigates the response of public libraries to the COVID crisis in the Emilia-Romagna region (Italy). Group interviews were conducted involving 36 librarians from the 9 provinces of the Region, using the ethnographic methodology of “deep hanging out”. Results show the resilience of public libraries during the crisis; the importance of libraries as social infrastructure beyond the services they provide, highlighting how the digital divide has affected the demand for the libraries’ services; the need to implement librarian communication and digitization skills, as well as a lack of consistent support from the Region were noted. The first section of the paper provides framework over cultural institutions and the COVID crisis. The second introduces the methodology for the sample choice and for conducting the interviews. The third section presents findings from the interviews. The fourth section presents conclusive remarks and policy indications for the support of public libraries.

Morphological analysis of ballast particles: Characterization and simplified analysis of particle morphology using imaging data

This paper introduces a novel algorithm for the rigorous characterization of three-dimensional (3D) particles, particularly for railway ballast. Degraded railway ballast must be replaced with fresh material for efficient functioning. This study examined the shape and form of degraded (used) ballast to guide future maintenance efforts. Laboratory-generated used ballast, obtained via the Los Angeles abrasion test, was compared to fresh ballast. Thirteen fundamental morphological parameters of fresh and used ballasts were investigated by utilizing the shape information obtained through 3D scanning. The algorithm efficiently processed datasets comprising multiple irregular particles and monitored the morphological characteristics of ballasts based on the shape of the particles. The trimesh library was imported for 3D processing, facilitating the mathematical calculation of diverse parameters using the developed algorithm. The algorithm also incorporated mechanisms for simultaneously storing parameters provided in various 3D configuration models. With the support of the trimesh library, a morphology analyzer was used to analyze various 3D model file formats, such as .stl, .obj, and csg. This method demonstrated its efficacy with reduced runtime and computation cost. Thus, the proposed algorithm has emerged as a valuable resource for researchers investigating the influence of ballast particle shape on the mechanical behavior of granular assemblies.

Exploring University Students' Library Engagement: Reading Habits, Preferences, and Gender Dynamics

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate university students' library engagement, emphasizing preferences, motivations, and reading habits, with an additional focus on gender dynamics. A total of 373 participants were involved in the research, and data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the participants' reading habits in different library sections, types of books read, and reasons for their preference for reading in the library. The Kruskal-Wallis test was employed to examine potential gender differences in these variables. The findings revealed variations in the frequency of students' reading activities across different library sections, with the main reading room being the most preferred section. The study also identified specific book types, such as personal notebooks and library textbooks, that were frequently read by students. Reasons for students' preference for reading in the library included the motivating environment, availability of book options, assistance from librarians, and fewer distractions compared to other places. The results of the Kruskal-Wallis test indicated significant gender differences in the ranks for certain library sections, book types, and reasons for reading in the library. These findings provide valuable insights into students' reading habits and preferences, highlighting the importance of creating diverse reading spaces, expanding book collections, promoting a supportive library environment, and enhancing librarian support. The implications of the study underscore the need for gender-inclusive services, thoughtful space design, and comprehensive collection development to meet the evolving needs of students and foster a reading culture in libraries.

Image Processing using Python

Image processing using Python has become increasingly prevalent due to the availability of powerful libraries such as OpenCV, Pillow (PIL), and scikit-image. This paper provides an overview of digital image processing techniques implemented in Python, focusing on common tasks and operations such as image enhancement, restoration, segmentation, feature extraction, and pattern recognition. We discuss the advantages of using Python for image processing, including its simplicity, versatility, and extensive library support. Through code examples and demonstrations, we illustrate how Python can be used to perform various image processing tasks efficiently and effectively. Additionally, we highlight the applications of digital image processing in different domains, including medical imaging, remote sensing, computer vision, and multimedia. Overall, this paper serves as a comprehensive guide to digital image processing using Python, catering to researchers, practitioners, and enthusiasts interested in leveraging Python for image analysis and manipulation.

Librarians' Understanding and Support for Legal Entity Universities: Case Study of the Transition of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta to Become a Legal Entity State University

University rankings and changes in status of international standards and quality universities toward the Legal Entity State Universities have become a phenomenon in various universities in Indonesia. The university changed its status to Legal Entity State Universities in order to meet and improve its current global vision, mission, and goals. This article examines the librarians image in supporting their universities toward becoming Legal Entity State Universities. This research aims to analyze the understanding and support of librarians toward higher education in the context of Legal Entity State Universities. This research uses a qualitative approach. The research results found that librarian’s support for changes in university status could increase campus productivity. Involving librarians in planning and implementing status changes will influence library service innovation and information resource management. This research has important implications in revealing librarians’ understanding and support for the plan to change the status of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta from Public Service Agency State University to Legal Entity State University. The results of this research can be beneficial for UIN Syarif Hidayatullah policymakers to provide better and more equitable direction to the entire academic community, including librarians.
 Keywords: Legal Entity State University, librarian support, higher education

Bibliometric analysis of librarian involvement in systematic reviews at the University of Alberta.

It is well documented that librarian involvement in systematic reviews generally increases quality of reporting and the review overall. We used bibliometric analysis methods to analyze the level of librarian involvement in systematic reviews conducted at the University of Alberta (U of A). Using Web of Science (WoS), we searched for systematic reviews completed in the years 2016-2020 with a U of A co-author. Systematic reviews identified through WoS were screened in two phases: (i) exclusion of duplicates, protocols, other types of reviews, and systematic review methodology literature to leave true systematic review publications, and (ii) screening for level of librarian involvement (acknowledgement, co-author, or no involvement). 640 reviews were analyzed for the following categories: (i) librarian named as a coauthor; (ii) librarian named in the acknowledgements section; (iii) librarian mentioned in the body of the manuscript; (iv) no librarian involvement. We identified 152 reviews who named a librarian as a co-author on the paper, 125 reviews named a librarian in the acknowledgements section, and 67 reviews mentioned a librarian in the body of the review without naming them as a co-author or in an acknowledgement. WoS Research Areas were used to identify disciplines that used librarian support and those that did not. A keyword network analysis revealed research areas that were very active in producing systematic reviews, while also providing information on the areas publishing systematic reviews without librarian support. There is a great deal of variation in how the work of librarians is reflected in systematic reviews. This was particularly apparent in reviews where a librarian was mentioned in the body of the review but they were not named as an author or formally acknowledged. Continuing to educate researchers about the work of librarians is crucial to fully represent the value librarians bring to systematic reviews. Bibliometric analysis provides useful insights on service gaps for specific disciplines or research areas that are currently not using librarian support in systematic review publications, which can help inform service planning.

Big Data and Java are integrated with machine learning

This in-depth investigation explores the revolutionary nexus of Java, Big Data, and Machine Learning (ML), clarifying the innovations and synergies that result from their integration. The voyage commences with a summary of the past, following the growth from Java's fundamental function in high-level development to the revolutionary influence of Big Data frameworks such as Apache Hadoop and Apache Spark. The story then delves into the fundamentals of machine learning in Java, highlighting its adaptability, rich library support, and crucial role in building strong ML pipelines. The investigation delves into the transformative power of Big Data frameworks, highlighting the distributed file system of Hadoop and the in-memory processing capabilities of Spark. We observe the significant effects of this convergence on a variety of industries through real-world case studies, from e-commerce personalized suggestions to fraud detection in banking. The insights gained from these implementations highlight how crucial it is to use ML models with ethical considerations, interdisciplinary cooperation, and ongoing learning. The following sections cover the nuances of data preprocessing, including the use of Java in ETL workflows, scalable feature engineering using Big Data frameworks, and data quality assurance via transformation and cleansing. ML model deployment is the major focus, along with an exploration of the Java runtime environment, micro services architecture, and crucial aspects of model robustness monitoring and maintenance. The investigation concludes with a focus on case studies and success stories that demonstrate the real-world effects of this convergence in sectors like e-commerce, finance, and healthcare. These real-world examples highlight the accomplishments of companies like Netflix, Uber, Airbnb, and others and provide insightful information about how well integration works to accomplish a range of business objectives.

Library Support: Implications on Student Well-being

Fostering healthy, supportive contexts that holistically enrich growth is fundamental to the central mission of educational institutions. This study evaluated how college students perceive library support across various dimensions and its influence on their well-being, involving 303 students from a private institution in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. Utilizing a researcher-made questionnaire and focus group discussions, it explored the relationship between library support and student well-being. The study revealed that the participants' assessment of library support across physical, intellectual, social, and environmental dimensions was generally high, reflecting satisfaction with resources, assistance, social environments, and the library's ambiance. They also reported high well-being levels in physical, cognitive, and social aspects, indicating a positive overall self-assessment. The participants' library support assessment significantly influenced their well-being levels, suggesting that high-quality library support contributes to higher well-being. Key themes from the students' library support experiences included a conducive environment, technological support, collaboration opportunities, and distractions. This study emphasizes the significant role of academic libraries in enhancing student well-being, advocating for comprehensive library services and a holistic approach to student welfare in higher education. It points to institutions to provide welcoming and collaborative library spaces by applying a "therapeutic landscape" ethos across education, and conducting further research on the influence of library support on well-being across different contexts.

How developing a point of need training tool for evidence synthesis can improve librarian support for researchers.

Medical and health sciences librarians who are involved in evidence synthesis projects will know that systematic reviews are intensely rigorous, requiring research teams to devote significant resources to the methodological process. As expert searchers, librarians are often identified as personnel to conduct the database searching portion and/or are approached as experts in the methodology to guide research teams through the lifecycle of the project. This research method has surged in popularity at our campus and demand for librarian participation is unsustainable. As a response to this, the library created self-directed learning objects in the form of roadmap to assist researchers in learning about the knowledge synthesis methodology in an expedient, self-directed manner. This paper will discuss the creation, implementation and feedback around our educational offering: Systematic & Scoping Reviews: Your Roadmap to Conducting an Evidence Synthesis.

Research in the digital age: Adopting digital methods in humanities and social sciences research in Sri Lankan universities

There has been phenomenal growth in the demand for digital technology for research in recent years. Versatile digital methods and the availability of large volumes of data are enabling different approaches to research. There is also a challenge in order to ensure researchers are aware and are equipped to use digital methods to support their particular research. During the recent period, the field of Humanities and Social Sciences has shifted away from its traditional defensive stance when the issue of impact is addressed. Globally, these fields utilize digital technology in facilitating computer-driven research for studying society, politics, culture, psychology, and economics in addition to humanities and fine arts. This paper presents the outcome of the research carried out in relation to the use of digital research methods among Humanities and Social Sciences academics at Sri Lankan universities. The significant findings of the study are: half of the academics are not familiar with digital research methods; therefore, more attention is needed to promote digital methods in Humanities and Social Sciences research; the adoption of digital methods is conditioned due to computer and digital literacy, infrastructure facilities, institutional and library support, positive attitudes, motivators, and academic discipline.