Search

The article presents the discussion on following papers being accepted for publication in a future issue of the Health Information and Libraries Journal including survey of US academic libraries highlighting the COVID-19 experience.

The article presents the discussion on accepting the publication in a future issue of the Health Information and Libraries Journal. Topics include survey of health information seeking by cancer patients indicating some problems over medical explanations and terminology; and development of a validated search filter for Ovid Embase for degenerative cervical myelopathy.

The article presents the discussion on papers being accepted in the publication of the Health Information and Libraries Journal including qualitative study of the health Information seeking behaviour of adolescent girls in Iran.

Presents findings from a study into the attitudes and practices of pandemic‐era early career researchers (ECRs) in regard to obtaining access to the formally published scholarly literature, which focused on alternative providers, notably ResearchGate and Sci‐Hub. The study is a part of the Harbingers project that has been exploring the work lives and scholarly communication practices of ECRs in pre‐pandemic times and during the pandemic, and utilizes data from two rounds of interviews with around 170 ECRs from the sciences and social sciences in eight countries. Findings show that alternative providers, as represented by ResearchGate and Sci‐Hub, have become established and appear to be gaining ground. However, there are considerable country‐ and discipline‐associated differences. ECRs' country‐specific level of usage of the alternative providers is partly traceable to the adequacy of library provisions, although there are other factors at play in shaping ECRs' attitudes and practices, most notably convenience and time saving, as well as the fact that these platforms have become embedded in the scholarly dashboard. There is a dearth of evidence of the impact of the pandemic on ECRs' ways of obtaining scholarly papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the twenty-first century, many users seek instant gratification when searching library resources: if it is not online, it is not worth pursuing, even if the answers sought may be found in material available in print only. The digitization of older scholarly and related resources is far from complete, and may not happen for years, if ever. It is incumbent upon professional librarians to alert users to this large array of critically important material, available in hard copy only. As these resources may be difficult to find, we must be there to help with this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examines options and procedures for evaluating the physical conditions of Slavic and East Central European publications in libraries. The study concentrates on paper quality, since a large percentage of all materials published in East Central Europe and the countries of the former Soviet Union are at risk since they were printed on acidic paper. The author outlines preservation issues and provides basic instructions for evaluating collections. Such evaluations provide essential information necessary if a library is to develop an organized preservation plan for its collections. The paper outlines a simple program developed at the University of Kansas Libraries to evaluate the degree of risk in collections. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Since the emergence of the first health library standards, a large body of literature has been published in this field, most often focusing on a particular standard, or set of standards. In the case of literature reviews, they have been usually partial and integrated into a broader study. Objective: Identify and analyse national health library standards developed in different countries worldwide over the past 70 years, tracing their historical development and current status. Method: A comprehensive search of published literature was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, Medline, LISA, and Google Scholar up to May 2023. The reference lists and citations of retrieved papers were reviewed. After screening and eligibility, a total of 112 papers were included in the final selection. Results: More than 40 national hospital library standards published by a group of Anglo‐Saxon and European countries were identified. In a chronological approach, the standards have been arranged by decades, from the 1950s to the present day, and the context of their appearance, their main contributions, and the relationships between them have been analysed. The major trends that have marked their evolution and development over time have also been established. Conclusion: Standards have a key role to play in the important challenge facing health libraries today to demonstrate the high impact and value of their services in the functioning of their organisations and in improving patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a bibliography of master's papers from the University of North Carolina School of Information and Library Science. Some of the papers are "An Internet Search Interface for the Ackland Art Museum Collection Database," by Carmen L. Beard; "Archival Literature: Analysis of the Evolution of American Archivist," by Whitney Elizabeth Berman; "Self-Management Support for Indigent Patients with Chronic Disease: the Role of Information Systems," by Brenda Biamon; "Librarians and Left-Handedness: A Speculative Exploration," by Renee A. Bosman; and "Impact of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act on Piracy," by Nicholas George Carr.

This paper in the form of story discusses a college student's information search process. In this story we see Kuhlthau's information search process: initiation, selection, exploration, formulation, collection, and presentation. Katie is a student who goes in search of information for her class research paper. Katie's class readings, her interest and reflection on the topic, and the instructor's guidance really help her to focus on the topic of her research. The librarian's service is also quite helpful by providing needed and timely service. When we compare the service to Grover's model of service, we see that the problem was diagnosed by two people—the instructor and the librarian. The course instructor had already provided the student feedback about narrowing the topic and the advice to refer to primary sources as well. So it was an easy diagnosis for the librarian when the student seeks the librarian's help in finding primary sources. Here the librarian seemed very caring and helpful, which made the student to go back to the librarian for help. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article reports on the submission of student papers that tackle issues on government information in the U.S. According to the article, the topics include historical problems associated with information access, the challenges in carrying out instructional services, the development of various government programs as well as its efforts in placing restrictions in terms of access to information. In addition, it states that the articles are contributed by librarians and educators who taught government information subjects.

This paper examines the cardinal benefits of library consortium which is the resource sharing. Resource sharing aims at maximizing collection and services of libraries and information centres at minimum cost. Various sources of information (primary and secondary literature) were perused to view the essentiality of resource sharing in carrying out effective and efficient library and information services to users. The paper also highlighted the requirements needed for successful resource sharing practices among libraries. The significance/benefits of resource sharing as it relates to economic, developmental, academic/research as well as social life of librarians and library personnel were clearly stated. An ideal library networking model for resource sharing as well as examples such as DELNET, INFLIBNET, GILLDDNET and NULIB were presented. Various challenges militating against effective resource sharing were highlighted. The study concluded that resource sharing is inevitable and absolutely a necessary tool for enhancing an all time effective and efficient library and information services. The study proffered recommendations as remedies to factors militating against effective resource sharing in libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Explores how the national aspiration of “universal access” to information compares with what is actually happening in practice. Outlines some of the issues which emerge in the debate over access versus holdings, and presents some data from Cranfield University to shed some light on it. The Library and Information Commission’s 20-20 Vision Statement (1997) has rightly emphasized that libraries “provide universal access to the products of the human mind”. This has been echoed by the Library Association’s manifesto statement (1997) that “information is the lifeblood of a democratic society”, and more recently the Labour Government’s commitment to a Freedom of Information Act. The Commission’s statement uses the phrase “universal access” which implies that UK citizens will not be denied access to information by price or other barriers erected by the multiplicity of bodies involved in its provision. What I now wish to explore is how these national aspirations square with what is happening at the library coal face where the emphasis is inevitably on meeting the information needs of the key client groups that a specific library is intended to serve. However, the Anderson Report (Joint Funding Councils’ Libraries Review, 1994) and the subsequent LINC/SCONUL Anderson conference (Wressell and associates, 1997) both reinforced the view that “it is neither feasible nor desirable to expect each institution’s library to provide for all the research needs of its staff and students”. This statement of course can be applied to the entire UK library sector but as we move away from local holdings we need to be clear about a number of issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) is the largest repository in the India related to private paper collections of prominent individuals & social and any political organizations actively participated in the struggle for India's freedom. This is an organisation of advanced study in the area of modern and contemporary history. The NMML has one of the largest archives and library in India for documenting information resources relating to the Indian freedom struggle & modern and contemporary Indian history. The NMML has a well equipped centre for visually challenged readers. This centre is being used by the readers effectively. In this paper need of the visually impaired reader has been highlighted. The facilities available in the library have been well described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Institutions of advanced education and research, through their libraries, invest substantially in licensed online resources. Only authorized users of an institution are entitled to access licensed online resources. Seamless on-campus access to licensed resources happens mostly through Internet Protocol (IP) address authentication. Increasingly, licensed online resources are accessed by authorized users from off-campus locations as well. Libraries will, therefore, need to ensure seamless off-campus access to authorized users. Libraries have been using various technologies, including proxy server or virtual private network (VPN) server or single sign-on, to facilitate seamless offcampus access to licensed resources. In this paper, authors share their experience in setting up a Shibboleth-based single sign-on (SSO) access management system at the JRD Tata Memorial Library, Indian Institute of Science, to enable authorized users of the institute to seamlessly access licensed online resources from off-campus locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to ascertain the key journals publishing on the topic of information behaviour. Design/methodology/approach – The study focusses on four key textbooks in the field to compile a list of key journals that were being cited. Findings – The primary aim of the project discussed in this paper is to identify the serials that may be considered the core journals reporting research on young people's information behaviour, with a view to helping the information professional stay up-to-date with important work in this field. While the study is in progress, it emerges that the research may also be of value to practitioner researchers looking to publish their own investigations in this area since it may be assumed that the journals in the upper echelons of the ranking lists are particularly receptive to submissions relating to information behaviour. Practical implications – The paper should be of interest to practitioners involved in the support of information seeking in young people. Originality/value – The paper offers a useful insight for researchers and others interest in information behaviour into the journals they should focus energy in consulting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the information age, the rapid innovation and development of information technology plays an important supporting role in the dissemination and utilization of information. As an important concentration of literature information and knowledge resources, the library also actively introduces various advanced technologies, optimizes the service model, and transforms to intelligence. This paper expounds the development status of smart library and context-aware technology at home and abroad, analyzes the application of context-aware technology in smart library, constructs a framework of smart library based on context awareness, and puts forward some suggestions for smart library's context-aware service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper seeks to argue against the use of social media as an information resource and, in particular, that social media should not presently be considered a credible source of information for information professionals and the general public. Based on an exploration of the current literature, the authors discuss negative aspects of using social media for information purposes, namely, in terms of the dubious credibility of social media content, the commonality of echo chambers, and the effect of emotional content on users. There are several benefits of social media within our society, but ultimately social media should be approached with caution when it is used as a source of information for news, health-related information, or scholarly topics. Although this paper critiques social media primarily in terms of its implications for the library and information science field, it also views these various issues associated with social media more broadly in terms of their implications for the general public in shaping contemporary American culture, society, and politics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Institutional repositories (IRs) have received substantial consideration from various researchers across disciplines and around the world. Universities have considered prioritising the IR's functionality by putting in place various measures to make IRs more efficient. This paper focuses on issues of institutional repositories and digital preservation in South Africa. The study drew from the secondary source of information in the African context and around the globe to have a sound argument that is more systematic towards IRs. The paper shows that in the past, various studies have focused on the field of preservation of cultural heritage in general. The gap identified by literature was that there was very little provision of reliable long-term digital repositories in Africa. The literature further revealed that most institutions of higher learning in South Africa are now migrating to have full implementation of digital preservation for their IRs. It is recommended that digital preservation strategies should be embedded in institutional repositories in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successive governments in Nigeria in the last few decades have come up with different national education programme to improve the standard of education in the country. Unfortunately, none of these programmes seem to achieve the desired results. The major ingredient for the success of these programmes lies in the ability of the individuals to access and exploit quality information which translate to knowledge. Without information, national education plans remains idealistic and inclined towards failure. The relevance of library and information resources and services in the attainment of global education standard in Nigeria cannot be over-emphasized. Libraries as institution saddled with the responsibility of catering for the information needs of the general public, play vital roles in the realization of these objectives. Libraries are seen as factors that firmly wedge together all the various aspects of education efforts in Nigeria. The paper dissected the conceptual clarifications, functions, and services of library and explicitly discussed the vital roles that libraries play in education. It emphasizes the fact that the library is one of the education facilities required to achieve sound education at any level of schooling system in Nigeria. Concluding, the paper holds that both the library and education are inseparable twins in that, one ceases to function well without the others. As library contributes significantly to the advancement of education and learning of all levels; range of variety of documentation and information resources and services that are capable of fostering educational excellence in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This virtual issue of the Health Information and Libraries Journal ( HILJ) has been compiled to mark the 5th International Clinical Librarian Conference 2011. In considering the challenges of clinical information provision, the content selected for the virtual issue offers an international flavour of clinical information provision and covers a variety of different facets of clinical librarianship. The issue broadly covers the areas of information needs and preferences, clinical librarian roles and services, and education and training, and reflects the way in which a normal issue of the HILJ would be presented. This includes a review article, a collection of original articles, and the three regular features which comprise International Perspectives and Initiatives, Learning and Teaching in Action, and Using Evidence in Practice. All papers included in this virtual issue are available free online. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Annals of Library and Information Studies (ALIS) is a quarterly journal, published by National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resource (NISCAIR). This study aimed at analyzing the authorship trends and collaborative pattern of the 312 publications published by ALIS during the period of eleven years (2011-2020). The average publication of the journal is 31 articles per year. Further, Collaborative co-efficient was applied to find out the different levels of multi-authored collaboration and finally conclusion was presented with scope and directions for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to suggest that cataloguing community could benefit by publishing the catalogue records on the cloud using BIBFRAME model with its vocabularies to increase access of the library collection beyond the library. A desk research based on literature review extracted from different information sources. Literature was interpreted based on the search of the researcher on key concepts of the topic. Literature indicates that the establishments that publishes their catalogue on the cloud receive more exposure. Adoption of BIBFRAME could benefit the library users as genuine information published by the libraries will be available on the web. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An essay is presented discussing the relevance of the article "Question-Negotiation and Information Seeking in Libraries" by Robert William Taylor, that was published 50 years ago in the journal, in the field of library science. Topics discussed include different kinds of information needs of researchers, Taylor's article as the most highly cited article in the journal "Library and Information Science" (ISLS), and in-person interviews conducted by Taylor with researchers for the article.

To study library guides, as published on Springshare's LibGuides platform, new approaches are needed to expand the scope of the research, ensure comprehensiveness of data collection, and reduce bias for content analysis. Computational methods can be utilized to conduct a nuanced and thorough evaluation that critically assesses the resources promoted in library guides. Web-based library guides are curated by librarians to provide easy access to high-quality information and resources in a variety of formats to support the research needs of their users. Recent scholarship considers library guides as valuable resources and as de facto publications, highlighting the need for critical study. In this article, the authors present a novel model for comprehensively gathering data about a specific genre of books from individual LibGuide pages and applying computational methods to explore the resultant data. Beginning with a pre-selected list of 159 books, we programmatically queried the titles using the LibGuides Community search engine. After cleaning and filtering the resultant data, we compiled a list of 20,484 book references (of which 6,212 are unique) on 1,529 LibGuide pages. By testing against inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure relevancy, we identified a total of 281 titles relevant to our topic. To gain insights for future study, citation analysis metrics are presented to reveal patterns of frequency, co-occurrence, and bibliographic coupling of books promoted in LibGuides. This proof-of-concept could be adopted for a variety of applications, including assessment of collections, public services, critical librarianship, and other complex questions to enable a richer and more thorough understanding of the information landscape of LibGuides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Libraries throughout the world use OCLC's EZproxy software to manage access to e-resources. When cleaned, processed, visualized and enhanced, these logs paint a valuable picture of a library's impact on researcher's lives. The purpose of this paper is to share techniques and procedures for enhancing and de-identifying EZproxy logs using Tableau, a data analytics and visualization software, and Tableau Prep, a tool used for cleaning, combining and shaping data for analysis. Design/methodology/approach: In February 2018, The Ohio State University Libraries established an automated daily process to extract and clean EZproxy log files. The assessment librarian created a series of procedures in Tableau and Tableau Prep to union, parse and enhance these files by adding information such as user major, user status (faculty, graduate or undergraduate) and the title of the requested resource. She last stripped the data set of identifiers and applied best practices for maintaining confidentiality to visualize the data. Findings: The data set is currently 1.5m rows and growing. The visualizations may be filtered by date, user status and user department/major where applicable. Safeguards are in place to limit data presentation when filters might reveal a user's identity. Originality/value: Tableau used in concert with Tableau Prep allows an assessment librarian to clean and combine data from various sources. Once procedures for cleaning and combining data sources are established, the data driving visualizations can be set to refresh on a set schedule. This expedites the ability of librarians to derive actionable insights from EZproxy data and to share the library's positive impact on researcher's lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the current environment for image delivery in higher education by considering different ways the term "critical mass" has been used. This lexical exercise positions digital image delivery at a crucial point in public acceptance of new technology. The Web offers valuable lessons about how users behave now, how they are changing, and what they will expect from future image services. Strategies for successful image delivery include aggressive study of preferences among mainstream users, recognition of similarities in information-seeking techniques on the Web and general characteristics of picture searching, and an understanding of the profoundly decentralized nature of Internet image delivery and use. Human networking remains critical to our professional role in this new, fluid, complex, and de-centered environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper an attempt has been made to know the various types of information resources available in the print media libraries of Chandigarh, Delhi and Punjab and what procedure is adopted by them to manage these information resources in their libraries. The data which was collected from the twelve print media libraries has been analyses and discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, higher institutions of learning are embracing information resources because of its support for teaching and learning in the new e-learning academic environment. National Open Universities have also embraced digital library through various national and international initiatives. This study examined access and utilization of information resources by distance learners in North-West Study Centers' libraries of National Open University of Nigeria. The study was guided by five research questions. A Survey research design was adopted for the study with a target population of 12,614 and representative sample size of 936 using purposive sampling technique in the three Study Centres with functional library facilities namely: Kaduna, Kano, and Katsina. Questionnaire was the main instrument used in collecting data for this research. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentages scores. Among the findings of the study it was revealed that: the major types of information resources available to distance learners were: past students projects, thesis/dissertations, course materials, past question papers, text books, eresources among others, that information resources were accessible mostly by visiting the libraries. There was a strong correlation between accessibility and utilization among the three centers under study (r = 0.858 at 0.001<0.05). There was a significant correlation between accessibility and utilization among the programme level in the study centers. The result shows that r = 0.856 at 0.001<0.024. It was recommended that library should focus on providing adequate resources to make regular library users access more current and relevant information resources and services across all the regional study Centres to meet the information needs of DLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current review examines about the utilization and mindfulness Library Awareness among public In District Central Library, Tirunelveli. The Public library is a framework that gives admittance to the information data and work of administrations and similarly accessible to all individuals from the local area of identity, Language, business status and instructive accomplishment. An overview technique was directed by utilizing organized questionnaire, which were circulated among 150 public library clients, among them 120 filled poll were gotten with reaction pace of 80%. The review uncovers that greater part 79% of clients of male, about40% of respondents are four year college education holders and it is trailed by post graduates. More number respondents bookkeeping 55% are fall between 20-30 years old gathering, larger part of clients visit the library day to day and they are keen on understanding papers and magazines. The concentrate additionally uncovers that, clients don't know about news section and copy administrations of the library and they are not happy with the assortment of e-assets in the library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Libraries exist to meet its user's basic needs for information by acquiring and organizing information resources, creating enabling environment and providing adequate services to users. Once users' needs, future trends and resources available have been established, the librarian is in a position to plan the marketing objectives, the resources to be used, the place and the time scale of the operation and the strategies required in achieving them. Information professionals must therefore understand that it is essential to actively advocate and market their services. Library advocacy and marketing is critical for any information professional in order to spread the word about their library. They need to draw attention to their library, their services, their worth to their community, their administration, their staff, and their users. This paper takes a look at library and information services to disadvantaged groups, the place of advocacy and marketing in promoting library services to disadvantaged groups and strategies for promoting library services to disadvantaged groups. Conclusion was made by recommending that there is need to build collaborative ventures with stakeholder saddled with information dissemination in order to create awareness for the use of library services by disadvantaged group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2008, the National Library of Medicine (NLM) established the Disaster Information Management Research Center (DIMRC). Prior to 2008, NLM had a long history of involvement in providing health information for disaster management. Aware of this legacy and moved by the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the NLM long range plan (Charting a Course for the 21st Century: NLM's Long Range Plan 2006-2016) called for creation of a center to show 'a strong commitment to disaster remediation and to provide a platform for demonstrating how libraries and librarians can be part of the solution to this national problem'. NLM was urged to 'ensure continuous access to health information and effective use of libraries and librarians when disasters occur'. In response to this charge, NLM has undertaken substantial efforts to ensure that medical libraries have plans for the continuity of their operations, librarians are trained to understand their roles in preparedness and response, online disaster health information resources are available for many audiences and in multiple formats, and research is conducted on tools to enhance the exchange of critical information during and following disasters. This paper documents the history, goals, initiatives, accomplishments and future plans of the Center. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to discuss emerging practices in open evaluation, namely, the concept of co-evaluation and how research on evaluation developed within information science can contribute to enhance stakeholders and citizens' involvement in open science. Design/methodology/approach: A meta-evaluative and transdisciplinary approach – directed toward the intersection between information science, evaluation, competences management, sustainability transitions management and participatory methodologies – provided the basis for the identification and subsequent reflection on the levels of stakeholder participation embedded into ISO 16439's (2014) methods for assessing the impact of libraries and on the domains and competences to be mobilized for (co)evaluation. The contributions of Engaged 2020 Action Catalogue, as well as several taxonomies of evaluator competences and the Council of Europe's (2016) conceptual model of competences for a democratic culture were particularly relevant for this (re)construction process. Findings: Two results of the line of research carried out since 2012 at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities of the Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (Portugal) can significantly contribute to improve stakeholders' participation in Open Science: ISO 16439's systematization of methods and procedures for assessing the impact of libraries and the (co-)evaluation competency framework. Originality/value: This paper presents the transdisciplinary concept of co-evaluation and examines the current epistemological challenges to science by analyzing the general tendency to openness through the lens of research on evaluation and participatory methods developed within information science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Academic libraries play an important role in the provision of health information literacy (IL) skills and there are many approaches to how these can be delivered. In this paper, guest writers Inge Discart and colleagues from KU Leuven Libraries 2Bergen Information Centre (2BIC) in Belgium discuss a pop‐up information literacy skills project. In particular, the article presents the findings from an initial information skills needs assessment conducted at the University, followed by how the concept of the pop‐up sessions was developed and promoted throughout the organisation. The paper identifies the variety of sessions offered and the format in which they were delivered, with final results on how these were received and which sessions were the most popular. This article provides insight into an alternative approach to health information skills delivery and the outcomes from it. H S [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – In light of the decision of the American Library Association to offer the television psychic James Van Praagh a speaking slot at its last annual conference, this paper aims to consider the responsibility of the library profession in advocating the rational over the irrational. Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides a reflective overview; examining issues related to the role of the professions in promoting a rational viewpoint. Findings – That to allow questionable claims to be made within our conferences and meetings ethically obliges us to ensure that the alternative viewpoint is also presented, to ensure the exchange of debate and furtherance of knowledge. To not do so risks the danger of legitimising the irrational viewpoint in the eyes of observers. Practical implication – The paper relates to the wider responsibilities of the library profession. Originality/value – The paper presents a personal viewpoint related to a modern responsibility that the profession should be aware of. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the applicability to information behaviour contexts of the notion of a "search image", a mental entity highlighted in a significant anthropological study appearing in the 1990s. Design/methodology/approach – The paper considers search images of information-seekers by exploring hypothetical situations and using source material pertaining to areas such as information systems, information retrieval, information-seeking and the nature of libraries. Findings – Two types of search image are postulated – those taking the form of a visual memory of a particular source and those providing a detailed specification of material required in a certain situation. Research limitations/implications – The definition of a search image presented here has not been evolved through research featuring specially-undertaken fieldwork. New studies, incorporating individual interviews or think aloud protocols, should be conducted in order to address a series of emergent questions relating to search images. Practical implications – When more has been learned about the characteristics of search images of successful information-seekers, it may be possible to build into programmes of information literacy prompts that will help individuals to clarify in their minds what they require before embarking on an information search. Originality/value – Intended for information practitioners and academics alike, the paper forms the first attempt to apply a particular concept originating outside the discipline, i.e. that of a search image, to information-seeking situations. Attention to search images has the potential to increase one's understanding of how individuals find information, as well as to add a further dimension to information literacy instruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper seeks to see how libraries measure up to futurists' predictions of libraries of the future. Design/methodology/approach - Compares the ten points in futurist Thomas Frey's paper, "The future of libraries" with the reality of current library services. Findings - By and large, much of what Frey predicts for future libraries is already a reality. Originality/value - Confirms that librarians and libraries are at the forefront of technology and providing information through different media and methods. [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]