Search

Purpose — To provide a broad overview of the history of the journal Program: electronic library and information systems and its contents over its first 40 years. Design/methodology/approach — Analysis of content from the original published material, as well as from abstracting and indexing publications and from minutes of Editorial Board meetings. Findings — The publication has grown from modest beginnings as a newsletter for UK university librarians to a respected refereed journal with a wide international readership. Originality/value — An analysis of the content of articles published on computer systems in libraries and information units over the last 40 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - To obtain first-hand data on the main challenges in preserving digital resources in libraries, archives and information centres in China. Design/methodology/approach - The data in this paper have been acquired by e-mail questionnaire. The conclusions are based on feedback from 57 respondents, distributed in 14 provinces in China, who work in libraries, archives and information centres with rich digital collections and long-term experience in preserving digital resources. Findings The authors consider that the long-term preservation of digital resources in China faces two critical difficulties: firstly, the pressure on preserving digital resources has not been fully recognized and so the relevant training in the management and operation of digital preservation is absent; secondly, government departments attach little importance to this field and lack uniform guidelines. Therefore, the paper suggests that relevant international conferences or workshops should be held in China, and that a working group led by the National Development and Reform Commission of China should be set up to plan the construction, sharing and maintenance of Chinese digital resources. Research limitations/implications - This research is limited to Chinese administration systems. Although the data in this paper are authentic and representative, nevertheless it is a small sample of the numerous document collection organisations in the country. Practical implications - The data and analysis in this paper should greatly help international colleagues understand the status rewarding the preservation of digital resources in China. Originality/value - This research is the first of its kind undertaken in China and will provide a new vision for international peers and organizations involved in digital documentary heritage around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose-- To discuss the issues and challenges of digital preservation facing institutional repositories and to illustrate the Joint Information Systems Committee's (JISQ view on institutional repositories and its key initiatives in helping UK institutions address these issues. Design/methodology/approach-- A combination of published work and JISC documents (public facing or internal) were used as reference material. Findings-- Digital preservation is a complex process and there are still many unsolved issues which make it a challenging task for institutional repositories. However, the wide deployment of institutional repositories also provides new opportunities for digital preservation. Much could be done to consider digital preservation from the outset, to involve the authors and to embed digital preservation into repository workflow, which will ease the later preservation tasks. Research limitations/implications-- A number of ongoing JlSC-funded projects are briefly reported which explore different models for the provision of digital preservation services for institutional repositories. These models may be a way forward to tackle collectively the issue of long-term preservation within the setting of institutional repositories. Depending on the outcomes of the projects, further investigation and implementation could be undertaken to test the models. Practical implications-- This paper will help the reader to gain a better understanding of the issues related to digital preservation in general and how JTSC's work has helped to tackle these issues. Originality/value-- This paper clearly states JISC's view on, and future plan for, digital repositories. This is of value to the UK educational community as JISC works on its behalf and responds to its needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - To share the experiences gained during the migration of library data from one library management system (LibSys™) to another (e-Granthalaya™). Design/methodology/approach - The paper describes the step-by-step approach taken to migrate the existing library data to the new software. The paper also discusses the peculiarities of the source software from which data were converted and the practical approach adopted in solving the problems faced during the conversion. Findings - During the process of the conversion of the library data from one software to another many lessons have been learned. These lessons and experiences will be useful for us in the future to import/export the data from other software such as MINISIS, CDS/ISIS, TECHLIB PLUS, etc. being used in Indian libraries. Moreover, the switch over from one software to another is also useful for the libraries as the existing data are refined and cleaned during the conversion process. Originality/value - The authors share the lessons learned during the conversion process and hope that these will be useful to others in migration of data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author provides information on the contents of the special volume of the journal "Program: electronic library and information systems" on its 40th year. The issue contains the very first issue of the journal, history of the journal and analysis of the content published over the 40 years, papers and reviews, and reprints of key papers with commentaries of related developments. It is being planned by Emerald to put together all the "40 years" materials into one publication "Celebrating 40 Years of ICT in Libraries, Museums and Archives", at the end of 2006. The author believes that "Program" is the first journal to cover the area of computer applications in libraries.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce a novel method for measuring the utilization of information resources (IRs) in order to provide a complementary index for existing information development indices and to reveal the links between the use of IRs and the readiness of ICT. Design/methodology/approach – This research mainly employs three types of research methodologies: literature study was conducted for defining the term of IRs and for finding the common features of the relevant indices; methods to construct composite indicators are used for developing a theoretical framework, selecting variables, imputation of missing data, normalization of data, weighting and aggregation of the novel index; a case study is carried out to provide a typical application for the index and to reveal the underlying links between the use of IRs and the readiness of ICT. Findings – This paper for the first time proposes a method to measure the utilization of IRs from a Chinese perspective and provides its theoretical foundations, conceptual frameworks, main steps and curial techniques. Further, correlations between the use of IRs and the readiness of ICT in China between 2009 and 2011 are also descried. Practical implications – Measuring the utilization of IRs provides the authorities with an alternative tool to monitor the evolutions a country toward information society. In addition, the novel index presented in this paper can also serve as a method to indentify the gaps among regions in deploying their IRs. Originality/value – This is the first paper to introduce a new measure for utilization of IRs and is also the first paper to reveal links between the use of IRs and the readiness of ICT as well as Gross Domestic Product in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a literature review of the principal formats and frameworks that have been used in the last 20 years to exchange linguistic resources. It aims to give special attention to the most recent approaches to publishing linguistic linked open data on the Web. Design/methodology/approach – Research papers published since 1990 on the use of various formats, standards, frameworks and methods to exchange linguistic information were divided into two main categories: those proposing specific schemas and syntaxes to suit the requirements of a given type of linguistic data (these are referred to as offline approaches), and those adopting the linked data (LD) initiative and the semantic web technologies to support the interoperability of heterogeneous linguistic resources. For each paper, the type of linguistic resource exchanged, the framework/format used, the interoperability approach taken and the related projects were identified. Findings – The information gathered in the survey reflects an increase in recent years in approaches adopting the LD initiative. This is due to the fact that the structural and syntactic issues which arise when addressing the interoperability of linguistic resources can be solved by applying semantic web technologies. What remains an open issue in the field of computational linguistics is the development of knowledge artefacts and mechanisms to support the alignment of the different aspects of linguistic resources in order to guarantee semantic and conceptual interoperability in the linked open data (LOD) cloud. Ontologies have proved to be of great use in achieving this goal. Research limitations/implications – The research presented here is by no means a comprehensive or all-inclusive survey of all existing approaches to the exchange of linguistic resources. Rather, the aim was to highlight, analyze and categorize the most significant advances in the field. Practical implications – This survey has practical implications for computational linguists and for every application requiring new developments in natural language processing. In addition, multilingual issues can be better addressed when semantic interoperability of heterogeneous linguistic resources is achieved. Originality/value – The paper provides a survey of past and present research and developments addressing the interoperability of linguistic resources, including those where the linked data initiative has been adopted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The objective of this paper is to propose a holistic dynamic model for understanding the behavior of a complex and internet-based kind of knowledge market by considering both social and economic interactions. Design/methodology/approach – A system dynamics (SD) model is formulated in this study to investigate the dynamic characteristics of complex interactions in a fee-based online question & answer (Q&A) knowledge market. The proposed model considers the dynamic, non-linear, asymmetric, and reciprocal relationships between its components, and allows the study of the evolution of the market under assumed conditions. Findings – Some illustrative results show that: this market is very sensitive to the prices that the customers choose; low-priced questions are as important as high-priced ones; gradually increasing experts' proportion of a question's price reduces customer satisfaction and experts' reputation; and training programs for experts result in higher customer satisfaction and researchers' reputation. Furthermore, three types of customers are identified and discussed. Practical implications – This model can be used to change, manage, and control this market and also helps to design new similar markets. In addition, the proposed model helps to observe the behavior of a market under one or more policies before applying to the real world. Social implications – Since GA was shut down in 2006, the implications of this research serve as a strategic tool (strategic evaluation software) for understanding and examining the effects of policies for many existing similar Q&A business models. Furthermore, the SD approach can provide new insights into the field of online Q&A knowledge markets and overcome traditional econometric treatment of data for understanding the dynamic behavior of these markets. Originality/value – Understanding the complex social and economic behavior of Q&A markets is one of the most important concerns for academics and practitioners in the areas of online markets' management. The paper shows how SD can provide attractive insights into the field of online fee-based knowledge markets based on a qualitative and quantitative modeling. However, the background literature lacks a holistic view of these kinds of markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the reorganisation of the Andalusian Parliament's digital library to improve the electronic representation and access of its official corpus by taking advantage of a document's internal organisation. Video recordings of the parliamentary sessions have also been integrated with their corresponding textual transcriptions. Design/methodology/approach - After analysing the state of the Andalusian Parliament's digital library and determining the aspects that could be improved both in the repository and access mechanisms, this paper describes each component of the developed integrated information system. Findings - A methodology has been developed to tackle the problem and this could be applied to other similar institutions and organisations. Exploiting the internal structure of the parliament's official documents has also proved to be extremely interesting for users as they are directed towards the most relevant parts of the documents. Originality/value - The paper presents an application of an information retrieval system for structured documents to a real framework and the integration of multimedia sources (e.g. text and video) for retrieval purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of human information behaviour and to explore the relationship between information behaviour of users and the existing approaches dominating design and evaluation of information retrieval (JR) systems and also to describe briefly new design and evaluation methods in which extensive attention is dedicated to the users and their behaviours and conditions. Design/methodology/approach - The paper takes the form of a literature review with particular concentration on the efforts made by information science researchers. Findings - The paper finds that there are four classic approaches to JR systems design: system-centred, user-centred, interactive and cognitive. Not enough research has been carried out to explore the relationship between information behaviour and information systems design to date. Contextual design and participatory design are among the new methods where users' behaviour, factors and contexts are considered more proactively than previously when designing information systems. Originality/value - The paper introduces new methods and research frameworks being investigated currently in the area of information systems design and evaluation in which considerable attention is given to the users' information behaviour and situation. The paper is also useful in gaining a broad understanding about issues explored that have not previously been presented in one publication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to introduce Desa Informasi (Information Village), an institutional repository project carried out by Petra Christian University Library in Surabaya, Indonesia, and discuss its potential for enabling academic libraries to remain relevant in the digital era. Design/methodology/approach - Definitions of an institutional repository are discussed and a short description of Desa Informasi and its digital contents are given. The potential of the digital contents in the repository as a "new species" of resource, as well as for a base for offering new services by academic libraries, is discussed. Lastly, the possibility of an institutional repository project being used by academic libraries to reach out to society is described, with relevant examples from the Desa Informasi project. Findings - An institutional repository project can result in "new" resources and services for academic libraries, and has the potential to reach out to communities outside their traditional user base. Originality/value - This paper identifies opportunities for academic libraries to remain relevant in the digital era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to offer an example of how ontology, such as CIDOC, can be turned into a format from the perspective of an object. In fact, it illustrates the possible semantic analysis of an object description into a view neutral machine-interpretable form. The aim is to show that a museum object located in a museum can be described in detail and then related to other information objects located in other memory institutions such as libraries and archives. Design/methodology/approach – Studying different documents, all the information about Imam Reza's Zarih 4th was derivated. Then the most important were listed and represented in detail, according to CIDOC CRM entities. Findings – The figures explicitly reveal the existing semantic correlations between the heterogeneous cultural heritage information in various memory institutions, such as Organization of Libraries, Museums and Documents Centre of Astan Quds Razavi. Originality/value – The authors capture the knowledge from different resources and relate them in a semantic description with the aid of a semantic conceptual model like CIDOC CRM, to show more effective information integration in a cultural institution such as Organization of Libraries, Museums and Documents Centre of Astan Quds Razavi, in order to provide unified access to collection-level information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper aims to provide an initial understanding of the constraints that historical video collections pose to video retrieval technology and the potential that online access offers to both archive and users. Design/methodology/approach - A small and unique collection of videos on customs and folklore was used as a case study. Multiple methods were employed to investigate the effectiveness of technology and the modality of user access. Automatic keyframe extraction was tested on the visual content while the audio stream was used for automatic classification of speech and music clips. The user access (search vs browse) was assessed in a controlled user evaluation. A focus group and a survey provided insight on the actual use of the analogue archive. The results of these multiple studies were then compared and integrated (triangulation). Findings - The amateur material challenged automatic techniques for video and audio indexing, thus suggesting that the technology must be tested against the material before deciding on a digitisation strategy. Two user interaction modalities, browsing vs searching, were tested in a user evaluation. Results show users preferred searching, but browsing becomes essential when the search engine fails in matching query and indexed words. Browsing was also valued for serendipitous discovery; however the organisation of the archive was judged cryptic and therefore of limited use. This indicates that the categorisation of an online archive should be thought of in terms of users who might not understand the current classification. The focus group and the survey showed clearly the advantage of online access even when the quality of the video surrogate is poor. The evidence gathered suggests that the creation of a digital version of a video archive requires a rethinking of the collection in terms of the new medium: a new archive should be specially designed to exploit the potential that the digital medium offers. Similarly, users' needs have to be considered before designing the digital library interface, as needs are likely to be different from those imagined. Originality/value - This paper is the first attempt to understand the advantages offered and limitations held by video retrieval technology for small video archives like those often found in special collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - To consider the findings of a recent e-resources survey at the University of Exeter Library in the context of the dominance of web search engines in academia, balanced by the development of e-library tools such as the library OPAC, OPenURL resolvers, metasearch engines, LDAP and proxy servers, and electronic resource management modules. Design/methodology/approach - Report of survey findings in the context of similar, recent research and articles. Findings - The survey confirmed the very high usage, ease of use, confident use and user satisfaction in web search engines as the predominant means of accessing academic information. The survey also reveals the considerable use, user confidence, and search success of Exeter's various e-library tools. A number of variations have been detected between user groups including part-time groups, disabled users and those who do not own personal computers. Practical implications - The paper confirms popular conceptions about how academic users access information although it clearly identifies a vital, continuing role for e-library tools which must accordingly develop and adapt to users' preferences. Originality/value - The paper draws on aspects raised by recent international surveys and research. It reveals highly-profiled survey findings in the context of the University of Exeter and a unique insight into the current use of e-library tools in this setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Successful information retrieval is determined by library patrons retrieving accurate, relevant, and up-to-date information stored in documents; this affects their self-efficacy, emotions, and behavior. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of mastery experiences, self-evaluation, vicarious observation of others’ experiences, social feedback, and physiological state of library patrons’ emotions after information retrieval. Design/methodology/approach – A structured close-ended questionnaire survey was utilized of which 200 responses were valid and usable for data analysis. Multiple regression analysis was executed to assess the influence of personal self-evaluation, comparisons with others, physiological state, and social feedback, on the library patrons’ emotions after information retrieval. Findings – The findings of this study indicated that social feedback had the greatest influence on the library patrons’ emotions after information retrieval, followed by personal self-evaluation and physiological state. Originality/value – This study employed quantitative research design utilizing multiple regression analysis which provides useful insight for university librarians on the specific factors that have significant effects on library patrons’ emotions after information retrieval. The outcomes add a new perspective to preceding studies on library patrons’ emotions after information retrieval, which has previously been inadequately researched in the Malaysian setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This article aims to look into a review of library provision in higher education, which was originally set up in 1992 by The Funding Councils of England, Scotland and Wales, and the Department of Education for Northern Ireland. Design/methodology/approach - The review group was structured into three sub-committees, under the umbrella of the main review committee. The responsibilities of these sub-committees were respectively: funding and resources; the management of libraries; and information technology (IT). Findings - The report supported the need for: the electronic delivery of documents over networks; the electronic availability of teaching materials for students; the opportunities for resource sharing and practical co-operation; and an integrated approach to information access and delivery in a complex environment. Funding was also made available to help supply these findings. Originality/value - It was intended that the programme should raise awareness, encourage use of networked services, and ensure that those working in libraries can provide appropriate training and support of users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — To examine and discuss the features of library portals and suggest further development of these research tools. Design/methodology/approach — The two categories of library portals (horizontal or public, and vertical) were examined to establish the characteristics of some of the portal software available in the marketplace. The study involved carrying out a literature search and visiting demonstration sites. Some library sites that have implemented this software were subsequently examined in order to establish features of their sites, and to see how these sites have handled the information literacy/research process. Findings — Suggests that a well-structured subject portal should be based on the principles of the flow of scientific information, and an information literacy component should be embedded in the portal. Such a portal could assist learners to become familiar with the breadth and depth of information resources relevant to their discipline. It should also assist librarians and learning advisers to become familiar with the information literacy requirements of specific subjects and courses. In this way, libraries should achieve their objective of making the learner information-literate with minimal effort, and thus contribute positively to student learning outcomes. Practical implications — The paper is a useful source of information for librarians considering investing in one of the commercial software tools and for those embarking on the development of subject portals. A pilot version of the subject portal implemented at the University of the Witswatersrand is shown. Originality/value — The novelty in this work is the intuitive subject portal that is put forward; the elements and content of the portals are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — To give an overview of the current state and trends in authentication and authorisation in satisfying academic library users' mobility and instant access to digital information resources, and to propose that libraries strongly support efforts to establish a global authentication and authorisation infrastructure. Design/methodology/approach — An overview of some national projects towards such an infrastructure for public institutions, including libraries, is provided. Findings — There are many projects working towards such an infrastructure, but no single widely accepted authentication and authorisation infrastructure exists yet. A global authentication and authorisation infrastructure will enable users to use a single username and a password for all local and remote library services. It will consist of interconnected authentication/authorisation servers, where each institution will be responsible for a local user database. Research limitations/implications — The list of projects towards global authentication and authorisation infrastructure is not complete. Projects are not described in detail. Practical implications — Libraries will have to join efforts towards a global authentication and authorisation infrastructure and to integrate this into their applications. That way, they will improve services for their users who are remote from their home institutions, enable users to access new services faster, lessen user frustration with forgotten passwords, reduce time spent on administrative tasks and also reduce the burden of password management and enable security improvements. Originality/value — This paper fulfils an identified need to speed up the development of a global authentication and authorisation infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of a study of training opportunities for library and information professionals in India and how a selection of Indian university libraries are providing information skills and information literacy programmes for their users. The need for training students, researchers and staff to make appropriate use of resources made available in libraries is recognised. Library and information professionals also need continuing professional development courses as new ways of providing information resources are developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role, potential and interaction of networked catalogues and collection-level description have recently been given emphasis in order that efficient resource discovery mechanisms, and the effective organisation of such resources, be facilitated within the UK's developing JISC information environment (IE). This article describes the work of CC-interop, a JISC project, and related projects that inform the development of the IE and its ability to instantiate the functional model of online resource discovery to which JISC aspires. The article reviews the evolution of Z39.50 virtual union catalogue services and collection description services that preceded CC-interop. The paper also discusses how such work is informing regional information environments, with particular reference to Scotland, and reveals how such local arrangements will benefit the wider JISC IE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The OpenURL standard provides a mechanism to transport metadata or identifiers of a digital item from one resource to another as welt as a way to construct links in a dynamic linking environment. The OpenURL standard provides a means of integrating electronic resources. This article first describes some integration issues for electronic resources in the library and continues to discuss types of URL before giving an overview of the OpenURL standard and the OpenURL linking system, the link resolver. The major OpenURl linking products and host solution options are described, and the impact of the OpenURl standard and OpenURL linking system on library users and library services are discussed. New developments in the OpenURl standard and OpenURL linking systems are provided in the concluding section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — The purpose of this article is to discuss the results of the Log Analysis of Internet Resources in the Arts and Humanities (LAIRAH) study. It aims to concentrate upon the use and importance of information resources, physical research centres and digital finding aids in scholarly research. Design/methodology/approach — Results are presented of web server log analysis of portals for humanities scholars: the arts and humanities data service (AHDS) website and Humbul Humanities Hub. These are used to determine which resources were accessed most often, or seldom. Questionnaire data about perceptions of digital resource use were also gathered. Findings — Information resources such as libraries, archives museums and research centres, and the web pages that provide information about them are vital for humanities scholars. The university library website was considered to be the most important resource, even compared to Google. Secondary finding aids and reference resources are considered more important than primary research resources, especially those produced by other scholars, whose output is less trusted than publications produced by commercial organisations, libraries, archives and museums. Practical implications — Digital resources have not replaced physical information resources and the people who staff them, thus both types of information continue to require funding. Scholars trust the judgment of information professionals, who therefore need to be trained to evaluate and recommend specialist digital research resources. Originality/value — LAIRAH was the first research project to use quantitative data to investigate resource use. Findings about the type of resources used are based on evidence rather than opinions alone. This gives a clearer picture of usage that may be used to plan future information services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — To describe the first year of the implementation of radio frequency identification (RFII)) in Middlesex University Learning Resources. Design/methodology/approach — The technology is explained in detail to set the scene. Information on the implementation is presented in chronological order. Findings — Problems which would generally be applicable to other installations in these early days of the use of RFID in libraries are pointed out. Practical implications — It is possible to implement RFID without too much lead time, although, had longer been available, some aspects would have gone more smoothly. Originality/value — Contains valuable information for other libraries considering or intending to introduce RFII). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The provision of information resources and services is now readily available online via digital libraries furnished by a wide variety of information providers. Information is no longer just text and pictures, and is now available in a wide variety of multimedia formats. Digital libraries represent a new form of information technology in which content management, service delivery and social impact matter as much as technological advancement. In addition, for digital library researchers there is a need to transform information access to knowledge creation and management. Based on research in the USA in the Digital Libraries Initiative and the National Science Digital Library programmes, a review is provided of significant past and emerging digital library research activities, and research based on new knowledge management concepts and technologies is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to investigate the conduct of information operations in Kuwait. One of the top executives or managers from each of the 39 companies, which volunteered to participate in the study, was interviewed. Participant input was sought on a carefully designed questionnaire, containing 19 questions, covering the scatter of information operations. It was noted that most of these companies were engaged in a number of activities for determining user needs and collecting, organising, servicing, packaging, searching and retrieving information from formal and structured information sources. Against this backdrop, the absence of any information unit or professional was quite significant. Little activity was also noted in the use of Web technology and Internet utilities. Another finding, worthy of the attention of the policy makers, was related to little activity in the organisation, control and use of the internal information sources of these companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]