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A smart self-service kiosk (SSSK) in a library ensures that users are able to access library services without the help of librarians regardless of the location. An SSSK is web-based and allows library users to access library services remotely. Library users are able to check the availability of information resources, the location of the information resources, and the number of copies of a particular information resource in a particular library. This study sought to investigate the provision of information services at the National University of Lesotho (NUL) Library with a view to suggest a framework for implementing an SSSK. It could be like a point-of-sale self-service touch-screen kiosk check-out, like those used in supermarkets up and down the country, an information point in a tourist attraction, or a kiosk in an airport that allows people to check in without joining a counter queue. An SSSK would be different for every specific field, depending on the specific planned application. In the field of library and information sciences, an SSSK would be used to search for the availability of books, the location of books and to check a book in and out of the library. For this study a literature review was conducted to demonstrate a need for a framework which involves the provision of information services through an SSSK at the NUL Library. The study identified the need for an SSSK to provide reference and information services at the NUL Library. This includes searching for the availability of information resources or just books like elsewhere, the location of such information resources, as well as the self-checking in and out of information resources in the library. The library users through the web portal of the SSSK would also be able to access the library services remotely. The study proposes a framework to provide information services through a SSSK at the NUL Library. It is hoped that the proposed framework may serve as a benchmark and guideline for the provision of information services through a SSSK at the NUL Library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facebook is now being used by library staff to publicise their services. This is due to the fact that Facebook is now part of our daily lives especially students and teaching staff users. This paper explores the views and reaction of library staff of Cape Coast Technical University towards Facebook as a tool; and explores the way library staff use Facebook to portray the duty of library experts and their services to users. The researcher emphasises on the traditional duties of library staff and discusses possibilities for performing this role through Facebook. Current research suggest that Facebook enable library staff to publicise their collections and services to the general public as well as introduce new collections and educate users on the libraries responsibilities and support towards users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Drawing on the survey of Spanish-speaking immigrant and migrant readers in Canada and the US, this study pursues three goals: (1) examine the image of the library held by these readers and trace the change of this image after the international migration; (2) use the study findings to revise and update the currently existing typologies of the image of the library; and (3) understand ethical and effective research practices in the studies of immigrant/migrant communities whereby researchers are external to communities in question. Design/methodology/approach: The data about immigrant/migrant readers were collected through a self-administered survey questionnaire that was available both in print and electronically, both in Spanish and English. The data analysis was guided by hermeneutic phenomenology, as explicated in the article. Theoretical examination of the image of the library relied on the earlier typology developed by V. Stelmakh. Findings: The study elucidates perceptions of libraries and librarians in both North America and countries of origin held by Spanish-speaking immigrant/migrant readers, and highlights changes that occur in the image of the library as readers move across geographic borders. Building on the empirical data, the article develops a new typology of the image of the library. It also offers insight into ethical and effective ways of engaging with immigrant communities that should be upheld by researchers from outside the communities in question. Originality/value: It is the first known study that systematically traces the changes in the image of the library which occur alongside geographic and sociocultural migrations. It is also the first known study that focuses specifically on readers rather than library users in general. The new typology consists of four different elements – the cultural image; the functional image; the humanistic image; and the ideological image of the library – and is accompanied by detailed definitions of each. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]