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Chapter 2 of Library Technology Reports (vol. 58, no. 7), “Components of E-resource Access,” defines the technology components through which library end users gain access to electronic materials, focusing on those that comprise the discovery service environment. We describe how each component works, the role it plays within the larger library system, and how metadata from these key systems plays an integral role in e-resource access. We discuss different types of metadata, the systems from which they originate, and the spheres of control that govern their management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this issue of Library Technology Reports (vol. 58, no. 7), “The Current Landscape of Electronic Resources Access Issues,” we discuss the current landscape of electronic resources access issues through the lens of the prevailing access tool employed by academic libraries: the discovery service. The report outlines the technical components through which library end users gain access to electronic materials through the discovery system environment and describes the common points of failure within them. The report also discusses the troubleshooting techniques and tools through which access issues are identified and diagnosed. The report closes with a discussion on new technological developments in library discovery and access, highlighting the new opportunities for access failure, as well as the initiatives aimed at mitigating these issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports that JSTOR, which acts as the service provider (SP), then redirects the user to the identity provider (IdP) of the institution with the Where-Are-You-From (WAYF) process. Topics include the IdP can simply assert the user is affiliated with Institution X and entitled to the rights from such an affiliation; and librarian concern about user privacy issues, perhaps driven by the lack of standardization in attribute release standards.

The article discusses the use of census data in libraries, particularly in practitioner-based library work and library and information science (LIS) research. Other topics include how to use census data and geographic information system (GIS) to study library issues, and how librarians can use population data in their decision to buy library materials and create programming to conduct events like workshops and lectures.

A personal narrative is presented which explores the authors experience of imparting to a group of potential web librarians.

The article presents the discussion on showing perfect library website. Topics include significant amount of internal politics becoming a part of the web design process; involved in modern web development helping in managing expectations about cost, timelines, and maintenance; and Mythology persists even in an industry devoting to the dissemination of information.

Chapter 5 of Library Technology Reports (vol. 58, no. 1), “Library Engagement Platforms’ End Goal,” focuses on the end results. David Lee King describes scenarios where these services and engagement platforms succeed and what that might look like to the customer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chapter 2 of Library Technology Reports (vol. 58, no. 1), “Companies and Products,” provides an overview of library engagement platforms currently available. Each software platform is introduced, target customers are described, and service and tool offerings are shared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chapter 2, “Captions,” of Library Technology Reports (vol. 57, no. 3) introduces the concept of captions, including the history of their development. It explains the difference between closed captions and open captions. The chapter also introduces the key audiences for captions in different settings and how they use captions. It details the key considerations in deciding how to create captions. It also offers best practices for creating effective captions that will provide meaningful access for users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the report covers how mobile technology and tools can benefit library staff, including providing smartphones and tablets for staff, using mobile devices for outside library events, using mobile devices for video and social media. It mentions that it is creating a photo booth for customers, and using tablets as digital signage, catalog kiosks, and exhibit accessories.

Most of your library customers own a smartphone, using it for a variety of tasks. They want to use their smartphones in and around the library. This issue of Library Technology Reports (vol. 57, no. 2), "Mobile Technology in Libraries," presents tools and practices for giving your customers a great experience while connecting with your library. It addresses provisions supporting customers' mobile use inside the library, such as Wi-Fi and charging stations, or outside the building, offering mobile access for basic library tasks. The report will show ways in which libraries are using mobile technology to address the digital divide, such as circulating hot spots or training, and how staff can use mobile technology to expand services in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People want connection. A company or a library trying to position itself as a new best friend can come across as fake. But giving people a little nudge shows they are on your radar and is OK—in fact, it’s an important aspect of doing business online. Chapter 1 of Library Technology Reports (vol. 58, no. 1), “What Is a Library Engagement Platform?” presents definitions of library engagement platforms in the context of this report and describes the activities these platforms typically make available in their functionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chapter 3 of Library Technology Reports (vol. 56, no. 7), “One Country One Library,” focuses on what the OCOL platform offers to users and readers and explains how the team set out to develop a user experience meant to surpass the user experience offered by existing open digital libraries. The platform’s versatility is explained in the context of several different user types: general (or lay) readers, elementary and high school students, college and university students, various educators (including teachers as well as professors), notable figures, researchers and scientists, and tourists and visitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Once private data is collected, it’s important to ensure the security and integrity of that data. Similarly, information regarding retention and the ultimate disposition of data provides details on the overall data life cycle. Library privacy policies provide insights into the practices of libraries regarding data security and retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the process of collecting data, it’s important to consider why the data is collected and how it is used. Transactional data is often collected in association with normal library operations and by the electronic systems supporting those operations. Other data can be collected and used for various purposes. Library privacy policies provide insights into why data is collected and how it is used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasingly, third-party applications are a significant component utilized by libraries as they provide patron services and information content. Their utilization, however, represents a critical shift for libraries, as libraries are no longer the sole gatekeepers of private patron data. Many library privacy policies address considerations library patrons should be aware of as they utilize the spectrum of library services, many of which are not under the administrative control of the library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Privacy, confidentiality, and personally identifiable information are important terms often addressed in privacy policies. Across the broad survey of library policies analyzed, a tremendous variety of systems, records, and data types are addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Privacy policies benefit both library organizations and their patrons. Ongoing advocacy work of professional organizations provides a rich foundation of guidance to assist libraries as they look to draft or revise their own privacy policies. Analysis of existing policies collectively illustrates important aspects to include in a privacy policy, as well as a richness in phrasing in how particular aspects are covered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article the author talks about digitization and personal digital archiving. Topics discussed include technology has changed the way in which we store information, and most people no longer print out photos, cut them up, and paste them into scrapbooks; and new technologies introduced into the mix, people have to adapt how they store and share information.

The article discuses the same companies are making adequate strides toward gender equality in response to unfolding public concerns. Topics inlcude meeting their ethical obligations to the extent that they can do so without harming their brands in the eyes of key consumer segments, and the digital assistant technology also presents identifiable language and accent.

Digital breakouts are immersive online experiences that pose exciting challenges for players and along with them opportunities for libraries to engage patrons while imparting learning outcomes and problemsolving skills. In this issue of Library Technology Reports (vol. 56, no. 3), "How to Create Free Digital Breakouts for Libraries," discover how libraries are using these tools to offer information literacy instruction, classroom support, youth programming, and even staff training and how you can create your own digital breakout adventures for your library today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of building a digital repository can be a large and potentially difficult undertaking for libraries. A digital repository can be a valuable resource for patrons and community members but may require significant technology resources to successfully implement. Cloud resources can be used to create digital repositories that meet the needs of different institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights a report related to digital media and library instruction. Topics include that Digital media is a term that runs the gamut of technology and content when it comes to instruction and information; discusses that professionals in the field of librarianship are creative when it comes to the delivery of information and instruction; and mentions about a librarian and his podcast, a blogging librarian, a library professor with educational YouTube channels.

Technology has changed the face of libraries and is continuing to change how we work and how we deliver services to our library customers. This issue of Library Technology Reports (vol. 54, no. 2), "How to Stay on Top of Emerging Technology Trends for Libraries," focuses on personal strategies you can follow to keep up with emerging technology trends and provides you with suggestions for how you can incorporate these trends into your library. This report explores four major areas: why you should stay on top of technology trends, the trend watchers you should follow and how to follow them, practical ways to incorporate new technology trends into your library, and how to prepare for and know when not to pursue current trends. The goal of this issue of Library Technology Reports is to help you become better prepared for technology changes now and in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discussed social media optimization principle reward engagement to build library connections with community through active user interactions on social networks. Topics discussed include listen and appreciate users engagement with the library resources and services and on social networks; role of privacy while engaging with users in social networks; and social networks like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter allows tagging a place in a post.

In this issue of Library Technology Reports (vol. 58, no. 7), we discuss the current landscape of electronic resource access disruptions through the lens of the prevailing access tool employed by academic libraries: the discovery service. In chapter 1, “Introduction,” we outline the contents and structure of this report. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the data collected from the selection of the two groups such as the members of the nonprofit organization Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and the 25 largest public libraries in the U.S., regarding the library websites and discovery services. Topics discussed include the list of libraries participated in the study which was based on fact sheet, and the percentages of the ARL member libraries and large public libraries that present their main website.

The article discusses the state of privacy and security options from the data gathered in a questionnaire completed by vendors regarding patron privacy and the handling of the overall security in a major integrated library systems. Topics discussed include the companies and products which participated in the study such as BiblioCommons and Biblionix, the initial set of questions conducted by library patrons and the encryption of the general patron activity.

Chapter 1, “Why Is Video Accessibility Important?” of Library Technology Reports (vol. 57, no. 3) explains how the prevalence of video content on the internet and the ways in which libraries use video content make it important that videos be made accessible for all users. It also offers background on who has a need for accessible videos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chapter 1 of Library Technology Reports (vol. 49, no. 8), "Streamlining Information Services Using Chatbots," presents a brief history of chatbots, computer programs that use natural language to interact with users. They have existed for nearly fifty years and have been used in libraries since the mid-2000s; chatbots from ELIZA (1966) to Pixel (2010) are introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the data-driven knowledge economy and ubiquitous screen culture, the role of visualization as a communication tool has increased considerably. Topics include visual representations of data reveal patterns and trends hidden in data and enable further exploration and addressing research questions; and the creation of visualizations for digital collections and inspire exploration of collection data.

The increasing popularity of tablet computers in recent years is beginning to transform the way that library users, and in particular postsecondary students and faculty, find and engage with digital content. In response to these changes, university librarians are tailoring information literacy instruction to highlight the advantages of these technologies to their constituencies and to ensure that their users understand the myriad issues involved in effectively leveraging these advantages to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their research. Chapter 6 of Library Technology Reports (vol. 48, no. 8) "Rethinking Reference and Instruction with Tablets" examines the creation of university library workshops developed to introduce students and faculty to these concepts, including mobile learning advantages, online connectivity issues, the process of finding and managing content with tablet devices, and the many new and innovative ways of searching for and manipulating digital information made possible by these new technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of chapter 5 of Library Technology Reports (vol. 48, no. 7) "Making Libraries Accessible: Adaptive Design and Assistive Technology" is to provide libraries and librarians with best practices for increasing the accessibility of library collections to patrons with print disabilities. The chapter summarizes demographic, legal, and technological information that is relevant when considering how to improve library accessibility; it also discusses the methods for enhancing access to library resources, print and digital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As library users access more services through the Web, the importance of providing usable and accessible websites and content has come to the forefront of library service concerns. While libraries do have some unique use cases, for the most part simply following established standards and best practices in usability, accessibility, and universal design will allow libraries to offer clear and consistent Web services and interfaces. This chapter touches on the most important aspects of Web usability and accessibility and offers a basic roadmap for both increasing awareness and accomplishing concrete Web usability goals and accessibility compliance. In chapter 4 of Library Technology Reports (vol. 48, no. 7) "Making Libraries Accessible: Adaptive Design and Assistive Technology" we will look at the basics of Web accessibility, learn how to create and upgrade static websites, and discuss accessibility best practices in modern content management systems such as Drupal or WordPress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although web sites accessed on phones are the most obvious type of mobile Internet use, they're not the only kind. This chapter provides other examples of mobile library services that can be geared toward diverse populations: audiobook collections, text reference and notification, and device lending programs. Where possible, the focus is on inexpensive ways to implement these services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chapter 3 examines differences in ILS satisfaction by library type (public vs. academic) and size. Satisfied libraries praise quality customer service; dissatisfied ones mention a variety of issues, including business direction, ILS functionality, customer service problems, and cost. Chapter 3 also examines trends over time for both satisfaction and interest in open source, and speculates on reasons behind these trends. Finally, it examines the relationship between company loyalty and future migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OpenURL link resolvers have become a core component of a library user's toolkit, yet a historical comparison suggests that they fail nearly a third of the time, and have not improved over the past six years (see [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This chapter of "Building the Digital Branch: Guidelines for Transforming Your Library Website" discusses the relationships and interactions that occur in a digital branch and how they parallel those at a physical library. Topics include both in-person interactions for users of the site like focus groups and online interaction through tools like Twitter, blogs and news groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides an analysis of the use of Second Life virtual world by public libraries. The libraries examined include Cleveland Public Library in Cleveland, Ohio, Glenview Public Library in Glenview, Illinois, and Mark and Emily Turner Memorial Library in Presque Isle, Maine. Reasons that public libraries should consider a virtual world like Second Life include the ability and the opportunity to attract users from a wide range of audience and the opportunity to offer services the library might not be able to offer. The author stresses the need for librarians to think critically about the resources and events they will be able to offer and the benefits the library will gain from Second Life.

The article focuses on capacity planning for broadband use in public libraries in the U.S. The traditional way of building broadband capacity for one-way traffic in the library has been deemed outdate because of often accessed Internet-based resources such as YouTube, Second Life, Facebook and Hulu. A bidirectional network is seen as part of the current broadband needs of libraries. Factors that affect a library's bandwidth include the technology infrastructure and architecture used in the library, network load, traffic route and management and services and resources.

The article presents lessons from the Public Library Connectivity Study of the Office for Information Technology Policy (OITP). According to 58% of public libraries in the U.S., their Internet connectivity speed was insufficient in 2007. This has been attributed to the increased demand for public library Internet access and bandwidth requirement for supporting current Internet applications and services. The study revealed that both library users and staff were affected by the inadequate bandwidth provided.

The article discusses key findings from the 2007-2008 Public Library Funding and Technology Access Study (PLFTAS). The survey team used a sample and replacement strategy, inducing 96% of the U.S. libraries that were sampled to respond. Results showed that 98.9% of public library branches offer public Internet while 72.5% report that they are the only ones to provide free public computer and Internet access in their communities. An average of 12 public access workstations has been posted, increasing from 10.7 in 2006-2007.

The article offers information on virtual worlds. The four components of the metaverse outlined are augmented reality, life logging, virtual worlds and the mirror worlds. It is said that the development of librarianship in virtual worlds is defined by four important emerging knowledge. First, in-world social relationships with other users could be built by users and second, they are committed to the virtual worlds in which they participate. Usually, virtual world is a real-world community and finally, users develop social conventions, mores and cultures. Three types or strains of librarianship are also suggested. They are said to manifest in the real world, in the digital world of two-dimensional Web and other computer networks, and in three-dimensional virtual world librarianship.

The article reports on a discovery and delivery platform called WorldCat Local built by the University of Washington (UW) Libraries in collaboration with Online Computer Library Center (OCLC). The platform was designed to be an end-user tool and its design was based on knowledge about users' information-seeking behaviors and on past usability testing conducted by OCLC. It provides details of usability testing of WorldCat Local. WorldCat Local user feedback was also gathered which indicated issues with the system, but feedback improved once the system improved.

The article reports on planning and implementation of WorldCat Local, a discovery and delivery platform built by the University of Washington (UW) Libraries in collaboration with Online Computer Library Center (OCLC). WorldCat Local integrates a number of data sources and library services and because of this the importance of functional experts in all of these areas involved in planning and implementation is stressed. Details of how UW Libraries worked with OCLC are noted. Steps involved once a library signs a contract for WorldCat Local are highlighted. Also mentioned is the need for the lines between circulation and interlibrary loan to be blurred to bring about seamless integration of delivery for users.

The article discusses ways of developing a mobile Web strategy for libraries. It is important for libraries to create a profile of their patrons, which include not only their age range and information seeking behavior, but also the types of mobile phones they will be using. It stresses the importance for libraries to assess the advantages and disadvantages of mobile Web. A mobile Cascading Style Sheet (CSS) could be created by libraries with simple Web sites and limited development resources. Tips for marketing and designing a mobile Web site are given.

The author reports on improving the availability of technical assistance for library patrons. The goal is for all library workers to be able to assist with any and all research activities using technology. A competencies-based training course is suggested for all library staff. The benefits of implementing such a program include clear performance expectations, reduced expenses, provision of accurate job descriptions, creation of a constant culture of learning and finally, improvement of customer service.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses articles in the issue on topics including digital footprints, digital legacy, and digital lives.

The article discusses reasons why libraries should consider offering gaming resources to patrons despite their perceived lack of educational value and the fact that most people participate in gaming from their homes. The author argues that the traditional notion of libraries as purveyors of books is not accurate today, and that modern libraries offer far more in the way of educational and informational media; games are another extension of this trend. The most fundamental of library services--the promotion of information literacy--can benefit from the incorporation of gaming by facilitating outreach to members of the community who would otherwise not enter the library.

The article discusses the ways that the website Flickr can be utilized by libraries and librarians. Flickr is an image-hosting online community which allows users to upload photos onto their own Flickr pages. The article suggests that library Flickr pages can create a sense of community for the library, create a fun and creative outlet for patrons and librarians, and advertise library services in an unlikely place. Ten ways to use Flickr in libraries are discussed in the article. Five hints for using Flickr in libraries are also presented.