Technical Library Research Articles

Design, performance, processing, and validation of a pooled CRISPR perturbation screen for bacterial toxins.

Unbiased forward genetic screens have been extensively employed in biological research to elucidate functional genomics. In pooled clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) perturbation screens, various genetically encoded gain-of-function or loss-of-function mutations are introduced into a heterogeneous population of cells. Subsequently, these cells are screened for phenotypes, perturbation-associated genotypes are analyzed and a connection between genotype and phenotype is determined. CRISPR screening techniques enable the investigation of important biological questions, such as how bacterial toxins kill cells and cause disease. However, the broad spectrum of effects caused by diverse toxins presents a challenge when selecting appropriate screening strategies. Here, we provide a step-by-step protocol for a genome-wide pooled CRISPR perturbation screen to study bacterial toxins. We describe technical considerations, pilot experiments, library construction, screen execution, result analysis and validation of the top enriched hits. These screens are applicable for many different types of toxins and are anticipated to reveal a repertoire of host factors crucial in the intoxication pathway, such as receptors, trafficking/translocation factors and substrates. The entire protocol takes 21-27 weeks and does not require specialized knowledge beyond basic biology.

Siberian modernist architect A. A. Volovik

This article presents the creative biography of architect Anatoly Afanasyevich Volovik, a seminal figure in the development of Soviet modernism in Novosibirsk. The article devotes particular attention to Volovik’s notable projects, including the State Public Scientific and Technical Library and Tolmachevo Airport. Additionally, it examines the impact of Volovik’s contributions to the advancement of architectural education and the training of young professionals. It is based on archival materials, contemporaneous testimonies, and an analysis of his legacy in the context of 20th-century architectural heritage.

Mreža občanske znanosti v Sloveniji

Citizen science is a concept of scientific research that promotes an open dialogue between the scientific community and the broader public and thus also guides social development. In Slovenia, this concept has developed considerably over the past year, in particular through the establishment of the specialised portal citizenscience.si and the Citizen Science Network. The European Union has also contributed to the promotion and visibility of citizen science mainly by funding. Along with other organizations as museums and societies, and individuals, universities and research institutes also make an important contribution to citizen science, not only by expanding and strengthening research activities through public engagement, but also by improving their social reputation and strengthening trust in science. In Slovenia, public participation in science has a long tradition, which went under various names until the term "občanska znanost" was established as the most appropriate translation. Since 2017, the Central Technical Library of the University of Ljubljana (CTK) has been involved in the promotion and development of citizen science in Slovenia, first by organising the expert meetings and later by directly supporting a citizen science project. They work with other organisations to organise events to promote collaboration between researchers and libraries and the general public, and is active in international organisations. The content of the citizenscience.si portal and an analysis of the published projects are presented in detail.

Interlibrary relationship development between Baltic republics

In this article, the main periods of the development of interlibrary relationships between Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia are characterized. It is suggested that official interlibrary relationships began in 1930 with the organization of the first conference for librarians. Collaboration between the largest scientific libraries of the Baltic republics emerged in the 1950s. However, during the years 1945-1957, the relationships could be characterized as spontaneous, unplanned, and covering only a few areas of library work. Since the 1960s, these relationships became more intensive, with new forms of collaboration being applied. In the 1960s-1970s, traditional forms of interaction between libraries of the same type were implemented in practice. The most intensive relationships were developed between technical libraries. Although recently a unified coordination of this relationship does not exist, which is why the potential for collaboration is only partially utilized, the interlibrary commissions and methodological centers are the main institutions for the further development of interlibrary coordination.

The features of the development of higher education in librarianship in Soviet Lithuania

Attempts to organize higher library education in Lithuania were made long ago. An episodic course in bibliography was taught at the old Vilnius University in 1829-1830. After the restoration of Soviet power in Lithuania in 1940, the Chair of Bibliology was established at Vilnius State University, and a course in bibliography was offered. Lectures aimed at starting the preparation of skilled librarians and bibliographers were planned to begin in the autumn of 1941. However, this work was interrupted by the war and the Nazi occupation. The Department of Librarianship was founded at Vilnius State University in 1949 (with the Chair of Librarianship established in 1952, and the Chair of Scientific Information in 1973). During a short period, these Chairs achieved significant results in various branches. They developed scientific and research activity in librarianship and bibliography, providing skilled specialists for the libraries of our republic. In recent years, more than 2,000 specialists have been trained at the University. These graduates have been appointed to work in different public, children’s, school, scientific, special, and technical libraries, as well as in scientific information offices.

Compliance Level of Adopting and Approving Harmonised National Standards in Information Sciences: Current State and Prospects

The aim of the article is to study the level of acceptance and approval, to reveal the status and outline the prospects for harmonising national standards in accordance with international normative documents in the field of information sciences, library, publishing and archival studies. Reresearch methods. The offered research grounds on a set of general scientific methods. In the course of studying the professional literature of scientific articles for the set goal and solving the tasks, the methods of analysis and synthesis, generalisation and systematisation, the method of grouping national standards according to the code designations of the National Standard 004: 2020 of the “Ukrainian Classifier of Regulatory Documents” are used, which make it possible to draw conclusions about the methods and the level of accepted and approved harmonised standards in information sciences. The scientific novelty of the article consists in revealing the level of adopting and approving harmonised national standards in information, library, publishing and archival studies in accordance with international regulatory documents, which ensures a high-quality level of development of standardisation in Ukraine. Main conclusions. The first adopted and approved national standards in information, library, publishing and archival studies as harmonised with international norms, requirements, rules and regulatory provisions according to the degree of compliance are mostly identical or modified, some of them are not equivalent to international regulatory documents. During the last decade the Ukrainian information community development the degree of adoption and harmonisation of national standards in relation to international normative documents has increased to 100 %, which makes it possible to improve information support, optimise the fund of normative documents, scientific and terminological base, analytical and synthetic processing of scientific and technical information, documentary, informational, library, publishing and archival studies. As a rule, harmonisation and implementation of international standards in the information sphere is a priority task for ensuring a qualitatively new level of standardisation development in Ukraine.

Formation of Competences of Librarian-Bibliographer — Popularizer of Open Science in Vocational Training

There is a lack of attention to the practical implementation by libraries of citizen science projects, science communication and popularization of open science, including outside the academic environment. This situation is due to their relatively recent appearance in the field of researchers’ attention, as well as to the insufficient formation of the necessary competencies among librarians (especially those who graduated before the introduction of competency-based bachelor’s degree programmes).The study aims to address two objectives: 1) identification of specific competences required for a popularizer of open science in a library; 2) development of a structural and functional model of formation of such competences in vocational training.The competences necessary for a librarian-bibliographer — popularizer of open science are proposed. They are related to project and communicative activities, social partnership, support of scientific research, formation and presentation of content, including media content. The methods of mass work are important, as well as the organization of multifunctional library space, its zoning and navigation in order to ensure the comfort of users needed for the organization of citizen science hubs or centers of scientific cooperation. The structural and functional model of formation of such competences in the framework of additional professional education is presented, taking into account the presence of the following factors: previous unsystematized knowledge, skills and abilities based on the librarian’s work experience; theoretical and practical training; application of the acquired knowledge, skills and abilities in practical activities immediately after successful completion of the advanced training course. Such realization is based both on the presence of external motivation of the librarian and on his/her knowledge of open science (most often related to the concept of open access) and principles of its functioning. Interactive forms and technologies are noted, including in the assessment phase, using remote working tools to keep the trainees motivated as well as integrating them into the open science environment. In addition, the specific working conditions of the librarian should be analyzed when selecting tasks — this can be a decisive factor in the personal interest of the learner. The basis for the implementation and testing of this approach is laid in three modules of the advanced training course “Library for Open Science” of the State Public Scientific and Technical Library of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The results of the course show a high degree of development of skills linked to communication and project activities, but further adaptation of the material related to the legal framework is required.

Canadian Public Library Pandemic Response: Bridging the Digital Divide and Preparing for Future Pandemics

This article examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on computer and Internet access services in Canadian public libraries as well as the implications of this lack of access for people facing socioeconomic barriers, and how Canadian public libraries could address digital divide issues in the post-pandemic era. Recommendations on future pandemic preparedness for public libraries are also discussed in this article. This research project conducted a bilingual (English and French) online survey targeting public library technicians, librarians, and library board members across Canada. From 1,631 research invitation emails sent to public library staff across Canada and three Facebook posts on Canadian public library staff groups, over a one-year period from November 3, 2021, to November 6, 2022. 226 individuals participated in the online survey questionnaire. Findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated social inequalities in Canada, including access to computers and the Internet. The digital divide could lead to poor health outcomes and put existing disadvantaged populations at greater risk in terms of future employment opportunities. The digital divide needs to be addressed so that Canadians in low-income households and those living with disabilities do not get left behind. Importantly, public libraries in Canada have been working tirelessly to equalize access to computers, the Internet, and digital literacy training and support. Their determination, social responsibility, and professional ethics need to be acknowledged. Finally, this article's recommendations for future pandemic preparedness in Canadian public libraries may also be applicable and beneficial to public libraries globally.

International Bibliographic Congresses: Through the Prism of History to the Future

The article presents the International Bibliographic Congress, scheduled for September 2025 in Yakutsk, which will continue the tradition of similar events in recent decades. The first International Bibliographic Congress was held in 2010 in St. Petersburg, the second — in 2015 in Moscow, the third — in 2021 in Novosibirsk. Each time they were cities, and respectively libraries (Russian National Library, Russian State Library, State Public Scientific and Technical Library of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences), preserving and developing rich bibliographic traditions. It is shown that by holding international bibliographic congresses, the bibliographic community of Russia aims to achieve several goals: 1) to identify the current (at the time of the next congress) state of bibliographic science and practice not only in Russia, but also in other countries of the world; 2) to discuss the most pressing problems facing bibliographers; 3) to outline ways of further development of bibliographic activity in the near future and in the distant future.

Fund of valuable and rare publications of scientific libraries of higher education institutions of Ukraine with an aviation component

The proposed article analyzes and summarizes the peculiarities of the formation of funds of valuable and rare publications in Ukrainian institutions of higher education that prepare specialists for civil aviation. The article is intended to inform scientific and pedagogical workers, students of higher education, and the general public about the important resource of valuable and rare publications that are stored in the funds of scientific and technical libraries of Ukrainian higher education institutions with an aviation component. The purpose of the article is to analyze the specifics of the formation and organization of open (online) access to information potential, containing collections of rare publications as a component of information resources of university libraries. The collections of valuable and rare publications, concentrated in the libraries of the aviation profile universities: The National Aerospace University M. E. Zhukovsky "Kharkiv Aviation Institute", The National Aviation University, The National Technical University of Ukraine "Ihor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute". Recommendations on improving the work of scientific and technical libraries on the formation of a system of open access and custody of valuable documents have been formulated.

The book typology in modern studies: responding to Y. V. Nesterovich’s article “Reviewing the “book” term explication in the context of documentology” (Scientific and technical libraries. 2022. No. 7, pp. 129–147)

The author substantiates the application of transdisciplinary approach to the book typology studies. While emphasizing the relevancy of these studies, she reviews the theoretical aspects of the book definition and typological features as they appear in the article by Yury V. Nesterovich “Reviewing the “book” term explication in the context of documentology”. The analysis makes the author convinced that the book typological characteristics have to be seen as the theoretical foundation for grouping the information objects of the book type rather than as the basis for classifying the items within this type structure. In this context, the “book’ term has to be formulated from metatheoretical perspective, along with the documentological and categorical approaches, and adopted to the present information space. Such analysis enables to study the book as a complex fuzzy system and to look at the book typology from the perspective of fuzzy logics theory The author emphasizes transdisciplinary character of these studies and cites some results of fuzzy logic application to e-book analysis. She concludes on the good perspectives for transdisciplinary strategies in the book typology studies.

The network of sci-tech libraries as the foundation of the national system of sci-tech information: The history, status, and prospects

The authors discuss the sci-tech libraries in historical aspect; these libraries make the key element of the national system of sci-tech information and information services and support national science and technology. They follow the dynamics of building the network of research institutions and special sci-tech libraries that replaced technical, factory and company libraries. The role of the USSR State Public Library for Science and Technology (USSR SPLS&T) is highlighted: during the Soviet era it was the country’s head sci-tech library, the main methodological center for technological libraries, interdepartmental coordinator of user services, collection development, interlibrary loan, and translation of scitech literature. The authors emphasize the importance of the national regulation of sci-tech library and information services, and their development through building the state system of sci-tech information. The authors also examine the goals of t he S PLS&T U SSR a s a research institution in the area of library and bibliographic studies; SPLS&T supported the unity of efforts within the system. The authors analyze the implementation of the national sci-tech program; within the framework of the program, the RNPLS&T acts as the head agency of the Automated System of the Russian Union Catalog in science and technology and provides for interaction of sci-tech library network and sci-tech information institutions in using the databases by associated members. The authors substantiate the need for the new national system of sci-tech information based on the laws and regulations adopted in the recent decades. They analyze the results of 2023 All-Russian monitoring of sci-tech libraries and sci-tech information centers; evaluate the capacities of sci-tech libraries for supporting corporate projects, scitech professionals and researchers.

The 4-th conference on the current problems of ecological education “Ecological information and ecological culture” (within the framework of the Seventh World Professional Forum “The Book. Culture. Education. Innovations”): A review

The reviews of library ecological activities have been regularly published in the Scientific and Technical Libraries journal since 2002. The author discusses the 4-th conference on the current problems of ecological education ”Ecological information and ecological culture”. The theme of the year 2023 was “The libraries and noospheric thinking: The 160th anniversary of V. I. Vernadsky”. The participants explored in more depth the role of libraries in ecological education and promotion of sustainable development goals (SDGs), linking this vector to the role of libraries as the centers of socially valuable information, creative industries and areawide development.

Arkady V. Sokolov – a scholar, senior colleague, friend and unique personality

The article is a tribute to Arkady Vasilyevich Sokolov, Russian scientist, professor, Doctor of Science in pedagogy, researcher in the field of librarianship, informatics and social communications theory. Beside the professional relations, there was friendship of many years between Sokolov and the author. The author follows the main stages of Sokolov’s biography and his academic career, discusses his professional interests, namely informatics, bibliography, library science, metatheory of social communications, theory of sociocultural activities, teaching of bibliosphere and bibliologos, and library intelligentsia. He also reviews several publications by Arkady Sokolov.The author remembers A. V. Sokolov’s participation in RNPLS&T’s conferences, i.e. “Crimea” conference (world forum), “LIBCOM” international conference, and “BiblioPiter” conference. A. V. Sokolov contributed a lot to the Scientific and Technical Libraries journal as a member of editorial board, permanent author and reviewer. He made his fair share of contribution to the RNPLS&T joint monograph “E-librarianship”, unfortunately, only the introduction was written, which the author cites.

ORGANIZATION OF WORK IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS FOR CHILDREN WITH SEN WITH DISTANCE EDUCATION (FROM WORK EXPERIENCE)

The article proves the necessity of ensuring quality education and its accessibility for all segments of the population, for children with special educational needs, in particular. Attention is focused on the organization of psychological assistance, increasing the level of social and psychological support, solving problems that may become obstacles in further adult life, and finding new methods for people with special educational needs during distance education. Examples of the organization of work with students with special educational needs in the Communal Institution "Pokotyliv Lyceum No. 2" of the Kharkiv region are given. The cooperative work of this educational institution with the Information and Resource Center "Without Barriers" of the Scientific and Technical Library of the National Technical University "Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute" was noted. It is emphasized that persons with special educational needs receive high-quality general and professional education is one of the main and integral conditions for their effective socialization, ensuring full participation in society, successful self-realization in various types of professional and social activities.

Not a Special Project Anymore: Creating a Culture of Sustainable Deselection and Gifts-In-Kind with Limited Staffing

ABSTRACT Deselection and removal of materials (a.k.a. weeding) and gift acquisition of materials (a.k.a. gift books) are two essential practices for librarianship, yet may not be as routine as other aspects of collection development. These practices often become special projects that require more effort and time than routine practices. In June of 2022, the Christopher Center Library Technical Services Department opted to transition from special project weeding and sporadic gift acquisition to an alternating schedule of deselection and gift acquisition. Due to personnel changes and a smaller workforce within the library, creating a routine practice for collection management was not only best practice, but also was necessary to prevent burnout and bottlenecks within workflows. This article will reflect the first 12 months of the newly developed and implemented policy and explore the successes, obstacles and best practices for libraries interested in routine collection management.

Иностранная часть рукописного собрания академика М. Н. Тихомирова: источники формирования

The article deals with solving actual issues of identifying the sources of formation the collections of manuscripts, old printed book and acts of academician M. N. Tikhomirov, donated by the owner’s will to the State Public Scientific Technical Library of the Siberian Branch of the Academy of Sciences (SPSTL SB RAS) of USSR. The purpose of the study is to clarify the attribution and dating of materials in foreign languages and to establish their provenances. For this purpose, the methods of palaeography and codicology were applied and the possibilities of searching and analyzing data from digital libraries and Internet resources. Attention is paid to such an important aspect of source criticism as the reconstruction of the social context and conditions of origin and existence of a certain document (manuscript, printed edition, acts, etc.). The article identifies the acts – records on parchment, purchased by M. N. Tikhomirov from Leningrad collector and military doctor V. F. Gruzdev. The article gives correct dates of the act sources in the chronological range from the middle of 13th to the last quarter of 15th centuries, presents their brief paleographic description, and identifies some sphragistic data. Three of them refer to Bremen by their origin, the fourth with Lower Silesia. The original storage of at least two of them is identified – Tresekammer (Trese) – the oldest fund of Bremen Staatsarchiv. An archaeographic description of album de luxe of the 17th century, attributed during the admission of Tikhomirov’s collection to the SPSTL SB RAS as an Album of Coats of Arms. Valuable information about it was found in in the publication of 1887 "Zacharias Allerts Tagebuch aus dem Jahre 1627" (The Diary of Zacharias Allert of 1627). According to the brief description of the Album given in it, which was at that time in the city archive of Breslau (Wroc?aw), its identity with the manuscript of the Tikhomirov’s collection was established. The article characterizes the Album, reveals the circle of persons involved in its creation and the circumstances of their biographies, determines its genre and compositional specifics due to the German baroque aesthetics. Especially valuable results were obtained by the discovery of information about manuscripts and documents that had disappeared from the field of view of researchers almost a century ago.

The New Business Model for the State Scientific and Technical Library of Ukraine Enhancing New Digital Tools for Researchers

Objective. The research activities play a significant role in the transformation of libraries, helping them to develop new business models that better suit the changing needs of their users and new services that are responsive to those needs. The new challenges introduced by the Law of Ukraine "On Scientific and Scientific-Technical Activities" 2016 aim to promote a more innovative and competitive scientific and technical ecosystem in Ukraine, and to encourage greater collaboration between researchers, businesses, and the government as well the EU approach to the research data. In this regard, the State Scientific and Technical Library of Ukraine (SSTL of Ukraine) has to redirect its main activities and begin using fundamentally new means and methods of research and science management. This research aims to study the transformation of the SSTL of Ukraine under the influence of changes in scientific data management and the usage of scientific information. These factors play a vital role in the transformation of SSTL of Ukraine by providing a foundation for understanding user needs, developing new models and services, enhancing information literacy, promoting collaboration, and informing policy. By incorporating these insights, SSTL of Ukraine remains relevant in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Methods. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques. A comprehensive review of existing literature on digital tools in research libraries was conducted, followed by surveys and interviews with library stakeholders, researchers, and patrons. The data obtained were analyzed using statistical methods and thematic analysis to derive meaningful insights. Results. The new tools facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling researchers to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and engage in collaborative projects. Such networking opportunities have proven invaluable in promoting innovation and fostering a vibrant research community. Conclusions. The successful implementation of the new business model for the State Scientific and Technical Library of Ukraine, focusing on enhancing research through the utilization of new digital tools, has yielded significant benefits. Researchers now enjoy improved accessibility to research materials, enhanced collaboration opportunities, and advanced data analysis capabilities. These outcomes have positively impacted the research ecosystem in Ukraine by facilitating knowledge dissemination, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, and accelerating the pace of scientific discoveries. The results of this study emphasize the importance of embracing digital transformation in research libraries and provide valuable insights for other institutions seeking to enhance their support for researchers through the integration of digital tools.

The historian of military libraries! (On A. M. Panchenko’s 65-th anniversary)

The article is timed to coincide with the anniversary of Reserve Colonel Anatoly Mikhailovich Panchenko, a prominent researcher of the history of military libraries, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor, Chief Researcher of the Book Science Laboratory of the State Public Scientific and Technical Library of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (GPNTB SB RAS). The biography of the hero of the day is briefly reviewed, including the years of his military service, pedagogical and scientific activities in a military educational institution and work in the scientific institution. The author outlines and characterizes the range of Panchenko’s scientific interests reflected in more than 200 of his scientific publications: the history of military library science, scientific book publishing in the post-Soviet period, history of book culture, work with egodocuments, and cultural traditions of Russian officers. The key scientific works in the history of military libraries of the Russian army are characterized. Panchenko’s contribution to the personalization of the history of military librarianship is emphasized. The author focuses in particular on the interest Panchenko takes in the history of the library of the Military Headquarters and General Staff, its structure and development in the pre-revolutionary period, which is evidenced by the bulk of publications: several of these papers coincide with the Library’s various anniversaries. For many years, A. M. Panchenko has cooperated with the Military Historical Library of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. The journals that publish his works are named. The personal qualities that enable M. Panchenko to succeed in science are emphasized. The works by A. M. Panchenko have received high appraise among Russian historians of librarianship and librarians.

The Book by J. P. Eberhard on Applied Mathematics from the Book Collection of Kolyvan-Voskresensk Mining Plants

The purpose of the article is to consider the book by J. P. Eberhard (Johann Peter Eberhard, 1727– 1779) “Beiträge zur Mathesi Applicata...” (1757) in the context of the reconstruction of the composition of the foreign part of the book collection of Kolyvan Voznesensk mining plants. The edition is a collection of articles on applied mathematics, devoted to the issues of mechanics, optics and gnomonics and intended, according to Eberhard,“for students attending his lectures, for other teachers to prepare and conduct classes, and for those who want to help themselves in the study of applied mathematics”. The article defines the affiliation of the book to the library collections of the Kolyvan Voznesensk mining plants on the basis of service marks, reflecting the earliest stages of the use of the copy as a part of the Altai state libraries collections, attention is paid to thepersonality of the German author, whose works undoubtedly were a part of the scientific and technical thought of Europe in the second half of the XVIII century, the content of the articles composing the book and their compliance with the tasks of the Altai mining industry are revealed. The work “Beiträge zur Mathesi Applicata...” is considered in the context of other works, the continuation of which, according to the author's definition, it is and which, according to our assessment, are also presented in the book collection of the Kolyvan-Voskresensk mining plants. The results of the study expand the idea of the scale of J. P. Eberhard's personality and the relevance of his work for professional mining education and ensuring the production process in the Altai Mining District in the XVIII century, also add to the history of creation of the first in Siberia scientific technical library collection.