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Bibliotheken wollen und sollen inklusive Orte für alle Menschen sein und eine positive und wertschätzende Atmosphäre schaffen. Teil davon ist der respektvolle Umgang mit Nutzenden, sowohl im direkten Kontakt vor Ort als auch beim Kontakt über Anmeldeformulare und Webseiten. Im Rahmen des digitalen Denklabors „Critical Library Perspectives“, das im Mai und Juni 2022 von der Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin und der Universitätsbibliothek der Freien Universität Berlin veranstaltet wurde, haben wir uns mit gendersensibler Sprache im Kontakt mit Bibliotheksnutzenden auseinandergesetzt. Im ersten Teil werten wir stichprobenartig Anmeldeformulare und Webseiten aus, um ein aktuelles Bild vom Stand der Umsetzung und Anwendung gendersensibler Sprache in diesen Bereichen zu erhalten. Im zweiten Teil verknüpfen wir Anmelde- sowie Auskunftsgespräche vor Ort und deren Ziele mit der Anwendung gendersensibler Sprache. Aus dieser Verknüpfung entsteht eine konkrete Handlungsempfehlung für Mitarbeitende in Auskunftssituationen, wenn diese eine Person misgendert haben. Libraries want to and should be inclusive places for all people and create a positive and appreciative atmosphere. Part of this is respectful interaction with users, both in direct contact on site and in contact via registration forms and websites. As part of the digital Scholar’s Lab "Critical Library Perspectives", organized by the Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin and the University Library of Freie Universität Berlin in May and June 2022, we explored gender-sensitive language in contact with library users. In the first part, we evaluate registration forms and websites to get an up-to-date picture of the state of implementation and use of gender-sensitive language in these settings. In the second part, we link on-site registration as well as reference interviews and their goals with the use of gender-sensitive language. This link results in a practical recommendation for librarians on how to act in case they misgendered a person face-to-face. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Editorial: Towards a contemporary library - Libraries as a microcosm of a modern relationship between the state and civil society" discusses the relationship between libraries and their users. It is noted that this relationship is often characterized by rule development and enforcement, rather than sufficient user orientation. The concept of the Open Library is given as an example, where users are given more responsibility and therefore less control is required from the staff. Another example concerns the amount of fines for late returns of media, where lower penalties are considered sufficient. It is suggested that an activity monitoring system could be used instead of fines to monitor timely renewals. The article emphasizes the importance of providing electronic resources and additional services such as free book scanners to reduce stress and conflicts. It is also pointed out that a better mutual understanding between library staff and users is necessary. The article suggests that a culture of welcome and open communication can promote changes and improvements in libraries. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the concept of the 'Open Library' with regard to its possibilities and challenges from the perspective of a communication expert. The focus of the article is on the fundamental changes that an 'Open Library' brings with it concerning the relationship between the library and its users. The author illustrates from a practical point of view why these changes represent a challenge, but also a great opportunity, for library staff and explains how library teams can prepare for 'Open Library' in a professional and customer-oriented way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resource Description and Access (RDA) is not only intended for use in libraries, but also for all cultural organizations such as archives and museums. It is to be asked whether one standard is enough to satisfy the needs of such a variety of different resources available in such institutions. Although, today, there is no intention of using RDA for unique materials, it is crucial to adapt the existing set of rules in order to meet the challenges of a globalized world. This essay illustrates the current thoughts and developments on the topic and will also outline possible solutions for the problems inherent in RDA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the storage capacities in both buildings of the State Library of Berlin have been exhausted, a new storage library has been built in Berlin-Friedrichshagen. The architect for this building was Eberhard Wimmer from Munich. In phase one of the building work, space has been created for about 6 Million volumes. This space is going to be used by the State Library, the Ibero-American Institute, and the Bildagentur für Kunst, Kultur und Geschichte of the Stiftung Preussischer Kulturbesitz. All volumes will be equally available to all users. Also, for the first time, the storage library will be operated by an external service company. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the users' point of view two aspects are essential for the quality of library online services. On the one hand, relevant content must be available. On the other hand, it should be simple and intuitive to find and to access this content. Therefore, the topics usability and usefulness are of great importance for libraries. This article describes how these two aspects can be evaluated and how libraries can use BibEval and PECI for assessments of their own services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The academic library of "Hochschule für Gesundheit (hsg)", which was founded to form a branch of academic health professionals within the German health supply system in October 2009 in Bochum, shaped a "library development plan" in the beginning of 2010 as a strategic frame for elaborating the services but also including the hurdles and barriers and therefore reasons for changing some decisions. The plan is permanently communicated to university bodies, protagonist scientists and students. Furthermore an online user satisfaction and interests survey concerning collection, usability, web service and library building was initialized as an additional data fundament. Users also can give personal feedback because of the immediate vicinity to the library. A special services newsletter, which was launched after the survey, subject database analysis for scientists as well as curricular and individual library training courses (information literacy program) also preserve approach to the customers. After initial problems a high-quality collection of still important printed material as textbooks and research books together with e-books and e-Journals was built up. Databases are offered by DBIS and the federative medical search engine Medpilot of the "Zentralbibliothek für Medizin, Köln". Thus a strategic subject search is possible. By establishing the open source library management system Koha embedded in a resource discovery system (RDS) context the quick access to the up to 40,000 volumes limited print collection plus lots of electronic resources through an integrative user interface is achievable. As to the diversity of user groups web portal solutions for students (Moodle), academic staff, external users or corporate clients have to be considered. Library building with furnishing and basic technical devices, library user regulations and workflows are further strategic steps on the way to develop a normal academic library and a special library for the health sciences within the concept of the "Gesundheitscampus Bochum". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the 2012 conference of the Mikrofilmarchiv der deutschsprachigen Presse (Microfilm Archives of the German-Language Press), held at the Deutsche Nationalbibliothek (German National Library, DNB) and focused on microfilm preservation and digitization of newspapers. Topics discussed included microfilming or digitization of print newspapers compared to digital preservation of e-papers, selection criteria for digitization, and reader attitudes to different media formats.

The article discusses a field report on providing support to users of the library system in Hesse, Germany, on online chat. The goal was to make the database and search engine more user-friendly and to meet the users´ demand for a search tool like Google. Other topics mentioned include statistics on how library users use new media, the role of QuestionPoint Widgets, and how libraries can use social media networks.

The article discusses the transition, challenges and strategies of public libraries to the digital age on the example of the Main Library of Vienna, Austria. The library improved its accessibility, created new working space for e-readers, and division into college-areas to improve their flexibility. Other topics mentioned were integration and presence of social media at the library, devolpment of digital choices such as ebooks, and the use of the internet at the library.

The article discusses which content and which methods a library can use to improve the information competence of its users. The author examines learning styles, motivations of users, and various teaching methods such as student oriented learning and teacher oriented learning in relation to libraries. Also discussed is the use of the internet as an information source for studying and in schools.

The article focuses on the application of a study titled "Best Practice: Studying Students – A Research Project of the River Campus Libraries in Rochester NY" that was conducted by Holder Schultka and implemented in the Branch Library of Chemistry in the University Library of Münster, Germany. Aspects of the research project that were implemented include surveying library users in order to provide appropriate services.

This article presents the topic of the usage of the internet in libraries and how libraries have increased their functions and made their collections more accessible. With the advent of web 2.0, the internet has become more of a place for collective intelligence and a more simpler, interactive user guide. The author examines how libraries can incorporate this interactive platform to let users help design the services of the library.

This article undertakes a critical look at ongoing library trends and developments. At the same time it attempts to analyse the specifics of medical special libraries and to map out alternative strategies based on individual approaches at the Medical University Graz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the 101st Deutscher Bibliothekartag (German Librarians' Convention) in Hamburg, Germany, in 2012. Themes considered at the meeting included the impact of electronic publishing and digitization efforts on libraries, the increase of library users in Germany between 2000 and 2010, and design, construction, and renovation projects for library buildings.

The article discusses the "Virtual International Authority File (VIAF), which is a virtual authority file that merges existing authority files. The goal of the program is to link all international authority files together, so that the user can access publications in his preferred language via the internet. In forefront of the launch of the VIAF a meeting during the annual International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions congress 2011 in San Juan, Puerto Rico was arranged.

The article reports on the situation of libraries in Germany in 2010. Included are a discussion of the increasing use of libraries by a diverse population, the negative effects of budget deficits as federal funds are reduced, and libraries as a place of lifelong learning. The writer of the article also pleads for support for libraries as places which preserve the cultural heritage of a nation.

The article describes the development of technical standards and user strategies for digital books in German libraries. Comments are given regarding automated processes of integration for meta-data, indexing techniques in digital book collections, and efforts to create standardized citations for digital books. Further note is taken of the organization of information regarding digital books and library user statistics.