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This study examines data from a survey conducted at a U.S. public research university, focusing on students' behaviors and attitudes toward the library, both physical and online. The analysis categorizes student users and nonusers based on demographics such as full-time enrollment, first-generation status, college, and grade point average (GPA). Results indicate that first-generation students were most likely to never use the online library. Low GPA respondents visited the physical library most frequently, whereas high GPA students were more inclined to use e-resources. The discussion section includes suggestions for improving services and resources to support student success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on a study on delinquent acts in three academic libraries in northern Ghana. A survey method was used for the study and a questionnaire was used to collect data. The study population consisted of staff in the Reader Service Sections of the three libraries. The study found that failure to observe library regulations, keeping overdue materials, eating in the library, littering, reserving seats unjustifiably, and hiding of books for the purpose of monopoly are examples of delinquent acts practiced by library users. According to the participants, the main reasons for delinquent acts are inadequate orientation to users, insufficient copies of books, and indiscipline among library users. The respondents further reported that these actions led to a reduction in library resources and low patronage. To curb deviant behaviors in libraries, the study recommends the adoption of pragmatic approaches including massive orientation for users, imbibing positive library culture that fosters respect, bolstering commitment and cooperation among library users and the staff, increasing library budgets as well as finding more creative ways of acquiring more copies of books, such as using Open Educational Resources (OERs), belonging to consortia and building and/or enhancing existing Institutional Repositories (IR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a 2-year study on how quickly Texas library staff members greeted a library patron after eye contact. Results from 140 library visits found a mean of nearly 4 min, but a mean of 9 s after removing outliers. The study also calculated the perceived customer value by measuring the service, quality, image, and price of the customer service experience. Findings suggest that each patron/staff interaction may alter a patron's perceived Return on Investment (ROI). Given libraries are primarily supported by tax dollars, poor patron service experiences may impact the perceived values of library programs and services, jeopardizing future funding. The article highlights the importance for libraries to retain satisfied employees and build trust within their communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates caregivers' perceptions of the benefits of library visits in relation to preschool children's learning and development. Reasons and benefits for attending libraries and storytimes, which were reported in previous research, are synthesized. Caregivers in Taiwan who visited public libraries in August 2019 (before COVID-19) with their newborn to 8-year-old children were asked one open-ended question in the context of a library user satisfaction survey. In total, 405 responses were gathered and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Three main benefits were identified related to education, socialization, and enjoyment, in line with prior studies; however, participants expressed their reasons with depth and clarity. The findings show that caregivers have positive perceptions toward public libraries and value public libraries for supporting preschool children's learning and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public libraries with multilingual communities should provide adequate access to multilingual resources to meet the needs of community members. Few previous studies have addressed online access to multilingual collections of public libraries that serve multilingual communities. This article highlights challenges in supporting multilingual users on public library websites that have multilingual users by asking what factors are involved, how the problems will eventually be solved, and what features will be needed in website design and indexing to enhance multilingual support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Makerspaces are now a common feature in many public libraries in the United States. However, there has been little research into how these spaces function for adults with disabilities. In this study, qualitative data were collected from patrons with disabilities and public librarians through online focus groups, interviews, and an online survey to address this gap in knowledge. Findings speak to the needs of a significant subset of public library patrons, describe current practices in public library makerspaces, and suggest areas for implementing more inclusive practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid pace of change and the high cost invested in information technology, it is important for academic libraries to evaluate the information technology solutions they use in their institutions to determine whether they are meeting the needs of their students, faculty, staff, and other users of their libraries and resources. This study presents the results of an online survey of Association of Research Libraries (ARL) academic library members to benchmark the assessment strategies that they used to evaluate their IT activities. This article compares their responses with earlier studies to identify trends and make recommendations for effective assessment practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rise in numbers of people experiencing homelessness in our cities, towns and regions, public libraries are seeing an increase in visits from members of this community. Public library staff are increasingly required to assist and work with people experiencing homelessness, often with little training and without the guidance of policy documents to advise them. This article reports on a survey of Australian public library staff who were asked about their experiences in, and attitudes toward working with this community. The article finds public library staff are frequently working with people experiencing homelessness. Although library staff largely believe working with this community is part of their role, they also report feeling unsafe at work, and a belief that the presence of people experiencing homelessness in libraries can be detrimental to other library users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service allows users to borrow materials from other libraries, whether physical or electronic. We sought to explore the usage and preferences of ILL service among users of a county-wide public library system in Tennessee. The survey consisted of questions pertaining to the frequency of ILL usage, the types of materials requested, and overall satisfaction with the service. Our findings show which aspects of ILL users find beneficial, as well as any shortcomings that could be addressed. Overall, those who utilized ILL service found it very valuable, would recommend it to others and expressed satisfaction with their experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research responds to calls to further our understanding of exhibitions in the library context by exploring the significance of a commemorative exhibition staged in a public library. Employing a qualitative methodology, it centers on the 'Goodbye Dublin: The War of Independence in the City' commemorative exhibition, staged by Dublin City Pearse Street Library, between August 14th and October 31st, 2019. The findings show that the commemorative nature of the exhibition appealed to a variety of new, lapsed and frequent library users, connecting with Irish and non-Irish residents, as well as tourists visiting the city. In this regard, the exhibition was effective in its objective of appealing to a new and wide-ranging audience, however, the findings underline the need for more diverse and varied marketing, if this aim is to be entirely successful. The staging of the exhibition as an active authoring and articulation of the past by the library is highlighted, and the use of multimedia is seen to transform the library into an emotionally charged, dynamic, and multisensory space. This facilitates an immersive encounter, involving interplays between the exhibition narratives and visitors' personal memories and interests. This offers different ways for visitors to engage with the library, inspiring them to find new meanings, explore issues of personal, collective and national identities, and to reassess contemporary events. Overall, the research makes an important contribution by highlighting the complexity and importance of commemorative exhibitions in the context of public libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Libraries in the UK have evolved from traditional book-lending institutions into dynamic community hubs, This study aims to explore the potential of libraries to act as community hubs to promote mental and physical health and wellbeing of community-dwelling adults, drawing on insights from both library users and library staff in England. Design: A mixed-method, cross-sectional study using online survey and interviews with community-dwelling adults and library staff. Methods: We collected data using a 14-item electronic survey and interviews with library users and staff to gauge perceptions. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to identify key trends and emergent themes. Results: We included 605 respondents from the survey and interviewed 12 library users and staff. Libraries remain popular and are considered a 'safe place by members of the community, regardless of their frequency of service usage irrespective of whether they are frequent users of services. However, a lack of awareness among library users about community-facing services could act as a hurdle to improving community health and wellbeing. Targeted engagement with residents is needed to increase awareness of libraries' services, including community interventions to help tackle loneliness and inequalities in digital and health literacy. Library staff often did not feel involved in important decision-making. Various barriers, drivers and practical recommendations were identified to leverage libraries as hubs to promote community health and wellbeing. Conclusion: Libraries already offer a variety of resources that directly or indirectly support the health and wellbeing of community-dwelling adults and young people. However, public awareness of these services is limited. As we navigate post-pandemic recovery, libraries can serve as platforms for community engagement, fostering resilience, mental health support and reducing social isolation. Recognising libraries' untapped potential can lead to healthier communities and improved wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This text is a guest editorial that reflects on the influence and mentorship of Michael Buckland, a prominent figure in the field of library and information science. The author shares their personal experience of discovering Buckland's work and how it shaped their own research and career. They highlight Buckland's humility, curiosity, and willingness to take chances on others. The text also includes a brief mention of Buckland's concept of "information as thing" and its impact on the author's understanding of museum objects as documents. Overall, the text serves as a tribute to Buckland's mentorship and the lasting impact he has had on the field. [Extracted from the article]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the gap between library users' expected and perceived library services and to examine the role of library services in developing user satisfaction and loyalty. A quantitative research design using a questionnaire was used to investigate the research objectives. Undergraduate students were selected as the population from the Information Technology University. The questionnaire was adopted from previous literature. It was pilot tested with 50 undergraduate students and found reliable. Data was collected from 304 respondents and were analyzed using SPSS (v.20) software. The study found that library users expected a high level of service in three categories, i.e., Affect of Service, Information Control, and Library as a Place, as all mean scores were higher than 7 when rated against a scale from 1 to 9. The participants reported that they were likely to consult the library and recommend it to others. The structural equation model confirmed that better services will increase users' satisfaction with the library resources and services and will lead to winning users' loyalty. The findings from the study provided useful insight into the determinants of user satisfaction and loyalty and could be useful for other academic libraries seeking ways to increase user loyalty and user satisfaction with library resources and services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an urgent need to build the public's resilience in the face of disinformation. Nevertheless, librarians may be hesitant to assume a frontline role in confronting politicized misinformation. We conducted ethnographic observations and interviews across three Montana libraries to understand the informational needs and search habits of library patrons and the role that librarians play in promoting effective search practices. Montana poses unique challenges with regard to broadband speed and access; however, our findings replicated studies in school settings across the country regarding reliance on antiquated search literacy techniques. The librarians interviewed noted challenges with confronting patrons about specific information claims that might be politically sensitive, but they expressed confidence in their ability to build patron trust and teach effective search literacy practices. We built and tested interventions designed to enable librarians to build their skills and empower patrons to better confront misinformation now and in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores how concepts from the fast casual restaurant industry and the idea of the "fourth place" can alleviate library anxiety by creating a more inviting academic library space. Topics include the sociology of space theories, equitable space design, and the fast casual movement's elements like flexible seating and attractive surroundings.

Im November 2022 ist die Zentralbibliothek im KAP1 mit einer eigenen App an den Start gegangen. Die „Stadtbüchereien Düsseldorf App" bietet den Besucher*innen der Zentralbibliothek ein besonderes Erlebnis, indem sie den realen Ort Bibliothek mit Augmented-Reality-Technologie um virtuelle Elemente erweitert. Gut ein Jahr nach der Eröffnung der neuen Räume erhielten diese mit der App nun eine neue, virtuelle Nutzungsebene. Aufgrund der großzügigen Öffnungszeiten der neuen Zentralbibliothek, auch ohne dass das Bibliotheksteam zur Unterstützung vor Ort ist, war es von Anfang an geplant, umfangreiche digitale Self-Services anzubieten, um die Zentralbibliothek jederzeit eigenständig entdecken und sich zurechtfinden zu können. Mit dem Düsseldorfer Unternehmen und AR-Experten Exponential Dimensions hat das Team nun eine alles andere als typische Bibliotheks-App entwickelt. Der Schwerpunkt liegt, übereinstimmend mit der Leitlinie „Menschen, Bücher, Räume", ganz auf Ort und Besuchenden. Im Juni 2023 erhielt die „Stadtbüchereien Düsseldorf App" international Anerkennung. Sie erhielt den renommierten Auggie Award in der Kategorie „Best Consumer App". Die jährlichen Auggie Awards sind seit 2010 die weltweit anerkanntesten Auszeichnungen der AR- und VR-Branche. In November 2022, the central library in KAP1 launched its own app. The "Stadtbüchereien Düsseldorf App" offers visitors a special experience by adding virtual elements to the real place of the library using augmented reality technology. A year after the opening of the library, the app adds a new, virtual level of use. Due to the generous opening hours of the new central library, even without the library team being on site for support, it is designed to offer extensive digital self-services for users to discover the library independently at any time and to find their way around. With Düsseldorf-based AR experts Exponential Dimensions, a "anything but typical" library app has been developed. In keeping with the principle of "People, Books, Spaces", its focus is entirely on location and visitors. In June 2023, the "Stadtbüchereien Düsseldorf App" got international recognition. It received the prestigious Auggie Award in the category "Best Consumer App". The annual Auggie Awards have been the world's most recognized awards in the AR and VR industry since 2010. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to check the online information retrieval self-efficacy among library professionals in predicting the satisfaction of patrons within universities' libraries. Design/methodology/approach: The study was grounded on Bandura four sources of self-efficacy, encompassing mastery experience, vicarious experience, social persuasion and physiological states. To accomplish this, a meticulously designed questionnaire was administered to collect data from library professionals employed in universities libraries recognized by the Higher Education Commission in Punjab and capital city of Pakistan (Islamabad). Following by the validation of assumptions, researchers conducted a multiple linear regression test to predict the outcomes of the dependent variable by using the independents variables. Additionally, a comparative evaluation was carried out among all the independent variables to determine their respective contributions to satisfaction of library patrons. Findings: The results emphasized the distinct and substantial significance of three variables, physiological states, social feedback and mastery experience in predicting the satisfaction of library patrons. Nevertheless, vicarious experience did not demonstrate a significant influence on the satisfaction of library patrons. Furthermore, influence of physiological states on the improvement of library patrons' satisfaction was relatively higher compared to other three self-efficacy sources. In conclusion, research established the essential role of online information retrieval self-efficacy in enhancing the satisfaction of library patrons. Practical implications: The findings of the study can form a solid basis for devising academic programs to train the library professionals for effective utilization of various information systems and databases. These programs play an important role in improving the self-efficacy of library professionals, ultimately refining their skills in online information retrieval. Originality/value: In essence, this study provides insights into the factors which are pivotal in effective information searching process, ultimately leading to increase the satisfaction level of library patrons which has not been previously researched in Pakistan as well as the world context. Moreover, the study significance lies in contribute to academic discourse, its potential to transform and promote the library services and as well as empower library professionals in delivering the satisfying and efficient experience for library patrons in the current digital age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is written by Marci Wicker, a Public Services Law Librarian and Assistant Professor of at the University of Mississippi School of Law. She holds a JD from the University of Mississippi, is a Registered Nurse, and will soon have an MA in Higher Education from the University of Mississippi. This article explores a case study that highlights how the Grisham Law School Library actively cultivates academic exploration and safeguards the intellectual freedoms of its patrons, encompassing both students and faculty. This commitment is particularly pronounced against the historical backdrop of civil rights challenges in Mississippi and the University of Mississippi, exemplified by the 1962 riot. In negotiating these historical intricacies, the library adopts a nuanced approach, transparently acknowledging the past without causing undue distress. Through meticulous archival and collections scrutiny, bolstered by educational initiatives and collaborative endeavors, the library not only underscores its enduring consistency but also demonstrates remarkable resilience as the flagship law school and law library in Mississippi. The Grisham Law School Library, striking a delicate balance between historical awareness and forward-thinking initiatives, emerges as a beacon of adaptability, dedicated to preserving legacies and nurturing learning for the benefit of both current and future legal scholars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the level of adoption of artificial intelligence(AI) to support library services delivery in university libraries in Africa. Qualitative research method was adopted to collect data. A preliminary survey of 102 university libraries in English speaking countries in Africa was conducted to identify the university libraries that have adopted AI in their libraries. Content analysis was used to analyse the responses. The study found that the only few university libraries in Africa have adopted AI technologies such as Chatbot, ChatGPT, LibKey from ThirdIron, robots, RFID technology and Grammarly. These AI technologies are used to render different library services like answering of directional and ready reference questions posed by library users, serving as a knowledge base for cataloguing information of library materials, self-check-out machine for books, used as a marketing tool for the library, tool for statistics evaluation and recommendations, assisting in the charging and discharging of library materials, etc. Lack of funds to acquire the AI tools, training of librarians, and lack of full knowledge of AI were the most mentioned challenges associated with adoption of AI in the libraries. The study recommended a formulation of policy to guide the adoption of new technologies such as AI, and training and re-training of librarians through workshops equip librarians with skills needed to effectively use the AI technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research is to assess the adoption and use of digital literacy in Tanzanian tertiary institution libraries, focusing on the current state of digital literacy acceptance, the practical implementation, and the obstacles associated with embracing and implementing digital literacy in library settings. The study employed a mixed-method approach, simultaneously using qualitative and quantitative methods. Thus, the primary data were collected through interviews with key informants, including librarians and ICT experts. The quantitative data were gathered through a semi-structured questionnaire. Subsequently, thematic analysis and statistical techniques were employed to analyze the collected data. The findings discovered that a majority had embraced and implemented digital literacy, though numerous challenges were reported. These challenges ranged from technophobia, lack of guidance for digital literacy programs, inadequate power supply, and limitations of internet connectivity. Improving digital literacy in libraries contributes to comprehensive educational development and enhanced access to digital resources to fill knowledge gaps and foster comprehensive social learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social capital is an important asset for the development of communities, including communities linked to specific types of libraries. Despite numerous studies, no models dedicated to measuring this specific area have been developed yet. The paper proposes a model predicting the level of social capital among library workers with the use of machine learning methods. Its purpose is to identify the attributes that determine the level of social capital in a given community in order to enable the development of key areas. The model may be adapted for use in other groups, e.g. among library users or library non-users, in order to analyse social capital in the entire local community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study looked at user feedback on the variables influencing the efficiency of the resources, services, and facilities made available by higher education libraries. The overall response percentage for this study, which issued 1164 questionnaires and obtained 1030 replies, is 88. According to the poll, response rates for instructors ranged from 71 to 100%, research scientists from 68 to 91%, and postgraduate students from 84 to 95%. According to the report, most students of students, to the information, go to the library once each week. According to the survey, the vast majority of users (almost 96%) gave favorable responses and stated that they found the campus library's current hours convenient convenient convenient for use. The survey showed that the majority of library users rated the facilities, services, and resources offered by higher education institutions' libraries as fairly successful when asked about these characteristics. The research advised library staff to proactively contact proactive in their contacts with library users and help them discover practical answers to information-related problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2016, UOW Library staff have been engaged in developing a culture of agility, strong digital literacy, and experimental exploration as part of the Future-Ready Library and the Thriving Digital Library strategies. This culture enabled the trial and implementation of a proactive chat widget at University of Wollongong Library prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative and quantitative data show how valuable proactive chat was to the students and staff at UOW during a period of high uncertainty. Pro-active chat achieved the goal of equitable provision of resources to library users at a time when visitor and travel rules restricted physical access to UOW Library buildings and on-site staff. The pandemic has been declared over, however, UOW Library continues to utilise proactive chat and to build upon and expand its functionality. The lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic have shown that to withstand and succeed in the face of continued change to the provision of services in the GLAM sector, the attributes of agility and flexibility as well as strong and ongoing growth in digital literacy skills are vital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying trends in research through co-citation or content analysis of journal contents is quite a common practice in LIS research. In this study, however, we proposed the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA), a popular topic-modeling approach for identifying research trends of published articles in three scopus-indexed Indian LIS journals. A total of 1213 titles & their abstracts published between 2011 and 2022 have been considered. From these data, a corpus of frequently used 15 key phrases was identified from each journal using Count Vectorizer and then ten topics having higher coherence scores were extracted from each journal corpus using LDA techniques to understand to what extent these topics are different in these journals. The analysis of the study indicates that 'Library users' studies' especially in academic libraries; and 'bibliometric indicators for measuring research growth are a few common topics in these journals and, technological innovation; utilisation of electronic and print information resources; library management; or network analysis are some of the topics that are journal specific. From the t-SNE visualisation and pyLDAvis diagram, it was seen that the topics of DJLIT are significantly unique with discrete distributions than the other two journals. On analysing the growth of the top ten topics longitudinally, it was seen that research on digital libraries, analysing the global output, online search strategy, ranking universities, etc. are concurrent interests of research among researchers while academic library resources, including electronic resources and its use, open access are among diminishing research interests of authors. Since the topic-modeling approach can provide results devoid of bias, it can be used to identify research land scape longitudinally as well as obsolescence of topic in a domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of COVID-19 pandemic hampered the availability of information sources and services in most academic institutions around the world. Making information available during major crisis reveals the long-standing position of the library in helping its patrons. This post COVID-19 study that took place between February 2020 and January 2021 investigated the availability of information sources and services during the COVID-19 pandemic in university libraries in Nigeria. Using a descriptive design, the study used 240 students who were purposely selected from 30 universities including federal, state and private universities in South-South geographical zone of Nigeria as sample. The study revealed that information sources such as: e-books, print journals, e-journals and electronic databases and services such as: Circulation, interlibrary loan, remote access, SDI, online reference services among others were available to the patrons in university libraries in Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings showed that the inhibiting factors against the availability of information sources and service in university libraries were poor telecommunication network, closure of some library sections, lack of preparation, unavailability of library policy on pandemic/disaster management and poor coordination among others. The study recommended some areas for improvement to ensure the availability of information sources and services to the library patrons during major crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigates dust management at the Albert Ilemobade library, The Federal University of Technology Akure. Dust deposition and accumulation poses a major challenge for the university library as all the units, sections, and divisions are affected. Dust not only adversely affects all materials, equipment, and facilities including books, audiovisual collections, and computers, but also constitutes a health hazard to library personnel and users. Major sources of dust include visitor activities and infiltration through openings like windows and doors. Dust mats, special computer enclosures, dusters, dust blowers, and respiratory masks were made available for dust protection and management in the library. The library lacked equipment like High Efficiency Particulate Arresting (HEPA) filters and dust collection, and suppressions systems. Lack of awareness and training, inadequate funding, and lack of equipment were identified as the challenges to dust management in the library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the passage of Illinois House Bill 2789, signed into law as Public Act 103-0100, which aims to counter attempts to censor or ban books in school and community libraries. Topics include the implications of the law on library collection policies, the role of the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights, and the broader context of book challenges and censorship in educational settings.

Library is a place that contains various resources and materials. Many invaluable knowledge can be found in the library. By analysing the library’s data, it is possible to obtain information that can further improve its services. This research aims to extract information from Multimedia University (MMU) library and present insightful visualization of the information to enhance the library administration. At present, the library does not have information on the book preferences of the library users. The book preferences statistics can be relatively helpful as the library will know what books can be imported in the future. By doing so, more people will visit the library and they will have more related books to use as reference or to read. In addition, there are no existing dashboards to display information on all borrowers, no visitor. In the absence of this, this research adopts the data science methodology to determine the book preferences of library users by using machine learning techniques such as clustering and classification. Lastly, a dashboard will be developed to display all the findings which includes statistics on the visitors and book preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document is a list of individuals who reviewed manuscripts for the Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering. It includes researchers from different universities and institutions worldwide. This list is a valuable resource for library patrons conducting research in geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering, as it provides an overview of experts in the field who have contributed to the journal. The document is a compilation of names from diverse backgrounds and institutions, offering a comprehensive resource for researchers in this field. [Extracted from the article]

Modern graphics accelerators (GPUs) can significantly speed up the execution of numerical problems. However, porting programs to graphics accelerators is not an easy task, sometimes requiring their almost complete rewriting. CUDA graphics accelerators, thanks to technology developed by NVIDIA, allow one to have a single source code for both conventional processors (CPUs) and CUDA. However, parallelization on shared memory is still done differently and should be specified explicitly. The use of a functional programming library developed by the authors makes it possible to hide the use of one or another parallelization mechanism on shared memory within the library and make the user's source code completely independent of the computing device used (CPU or CUDA). This article shows how this can be done. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article follows up on two previously published studies regarding the incorporation of student feedback amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It builds on the model of embracing user experience, focusing on how library employees and patrons felt about the health safety protocols in place during Fall 2021. Analyzing both surveys from employees and patrons, the findings indicated that both groups felt safe in the library. This article recommends that when library decision-makers are in doubt about policies and practices, they should consult with the groups directly affected, and demonstrates the importance of ensuring stakeholders feel heard and can contribute to decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this column, we will share the benefits and challenges of adopting two EdTech tools (Scholarcy and Grammarly) to support library users' research workflows. We share how we introduced Grammarly and Scholarcy to the college community through a marketing campaign via ConvertKit, an email marketing tool, and the benefits and challenges of Grammarly and Scholarcy's vendor-supplied usage statistics to support student success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2021, ECU Library embarked on a year-long user experience project to explore students' experiences of a newly refurbished space and investigate what facilities and services students would like to see at a new city campus to be opened in 2025. The study employed a number of user experience and ethnographic methods including observation, interviews, surveys, focus groups and surveys, and worked in partnership with library peer assistants to collect data. Students want a library of the future that offers a variety of flexible informal study spaces, good lighting, comfortable and ergonomic furniture, visible services, and access to technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Segmentation helps an organization or institution better understand the people it serves and adjust products or services to their needs. This article presents the results of the segmentation of Polish readers and library users. The study was based on 1,010 computer-assisted telephone interviews with a representative random sample of adult Polish residents. The two-step cluster analysis method was used for segmentation. Based on the average number of books read in the 3 months before the interviews, the frequency of reading the press, reading electronic texts, and the use of libraries, five segments were distinguished: almost absolute nonreaders, (news)paper enthusiasts, library lovers, occasional users, and short-form surfers. The distinguished segments were described in terms of 5 behavioral and 12 descriptive variables. Segmentation of library readers and users enables us to understand the population of actual and potential users better than traditional measures (i.e., statistics). The article also discusses the possibilities and advantages of the application of the two-step cluster analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent semi-structured interviews with 28 librarians and branch managers on the placement of social workers in public libraries revealed a need for library and information science (LIS) programs to better prepare students for their role as social service information providers and to provide models for working with and supervising social workers in the library. It is clear that libraries are experiencing increasing demands to respond to the social-service information needs that users bring to the library, and the importance of libraries to communities in times of uncertainty and crisis is clear. In response, some libraries are including social workers on staff, but this trend does not completely relieve librarians of the need to serve the public's social-service information needs. LIS students need to understand the professional boundaries of librarianship and social work and to develop the ability to feel confident in their interactions with users who have been traumatized, are in crisis, or are struggling with challenges such as the need for credible health information; home and food insecurity information; legal aid; access to the Internet for individuals and families from low-income situations; accessible adult education programs; and more. Interview participants offered a number of suggestions for how to incorporate social work concepts into LIS education and asked for several specific skills such as training in mental-health first aid, de-escalation techniques, and greater knowledge of social-service resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Researchers in information studies have examined fictional depictions of libraries in various mediums because these images can reflect and influence real-life experiences and attitudes. Video games, despite being relatively overlooked, are increasingly culturally relevant and can indicate library users' real needs and desires. This study investigates the ways in which video games depict characters using libraries to seek and use information. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative content analysis approach incorporating methods from information studies and game studies was applied. Tancheva's (2005) semiotic analysis of fictional libraries and Carr's (2019) textual approach provided the framing for the unique aspects of video games and their meanings. Carroll (2021)'s character analysis and Chatman (1996)'s theory on insiders–outsiders dynamic underpinned the data collection and analysis. The purposive sample included 15 video games released since 2010. Findings: Video games depict game characters visiting libraries to solve short-term problems, to gain knowledge to improve themselves or to bond with others. Protagonists are often depicted as adventurers or outsiders who must adapt to unfamiliar places and situations to achieve their wider objectives. In these games, libraries provide useful documents, spaces or helpful guides and intellectuals who assist the protagonists. As outsiders, the protagonists seek information in libraries to help them learn about their environments and to immerse themselves in the local histories and cultures in their worlds. Overall, these depictions highlight both short- and long-term benefits of library use. Originality/value: As with existing studies, the ways in which fictional library use appear in video games can suggest real needs and desires among library users. The findings from this study emphasise the importance of library services and spaces that help users both address short-term problems and immerse themselves in local concerns, with longer-term goals. Applying different research methods or lenses to analysing video games could deepen our understanding of what library users think and feel when they seek and use information in libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effectiveness of library user education programmes in enhancing students' awareness and understanding of seven types of plagiarism. The focus was on three distinct groups of students: undergraduates at two different levels (level I and level III) and postgraduates. The methodology employed a structured questionnaire to collect data via a survey approach before and after the library instruction sessions. To facilitate data collection, an online survey was created using Google Forms, streamlining the process of reaching out to participants. Results demonstrate that the library user education programs significantly contributed to the enhancement of students' comprehension of plagiarism. Notably, Word-for-Word and Mosaic plagiarism were well comprehended across all student groups, indicating the effectiveness of the educational interventions for these types. While the majority of plagiarism types indicate considerable improvement following the instructional sessions, the study highlights the importance of tailored approaches for addressing challenging areas. Educators are encouraged to prioritize comprehensive and targeted strategies to maximize the outcomes of plagiarism and referencing in education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The International Endodontic Journal's author index is a valuable resource for library patrons conducting research in the field of endodontics. The index provides a comprehensive list of authors, organized alphabetically by last name, along with their corresponding reference numbers. The index includes authors from different countries, reflecting a diverse range of perspectives and cultural backgrounds. This inclusive list can assist library patrons in identifying potential authors or collaborators for their own research projects. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the distribution and composition of the ferritin complex in the adult brain and its connection to neuroferritinopathy (NF), a type of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA). NF is characterized by symptoms like movement disturbances and tremors. The study identifies a novel variant in the ferritin heavy chain gene (FTH1) that is associated with NF and provides insights into the role of ferritin in both healthy and diseased brains. The authors, a diverse group of researchers, present their findings in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner, making this report a valuable resource for library patrons researching this topic. [Extracted from the article]

"User-centered" is the core concept of library services. Based on the theory of user relation- ship management, the Library of Southeast University carries out the practical exploration of user relationship management, subdivides the user groups, grasps the demand, and establishes the strong interactive relationship with the users through multiple channels, it has achieved good results in the aspects of user participation and user benefit, and it is expected to provide helpful reference to the user services of university libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a list of reviewers for the International Journal of Geomechanics from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023. It includes the names and affiliations of researchers and academics from universities and institutions worldwide. The list represents a diverse range of perspectives and expertise in the field of geotechnical engineering, with contributors from countries such as the United States, China, Canada, India, and Brazil, among others. Library patrons conducting research on specific topics can benefit from the expertise and insights provided by these individuals. [Extracted from the article]

This research has been conducted to identify and rank factors affecting customer loyalty in public libraries in Iran. This research is applied in terms of purpose and mixed (qualitative-quantitative) for the data type. In the first step, 45 articles on library customers' loyalty were selected and analyzed purposefully using the meta-synthesis method. Then, based on the experts' opinions and the analysis of the research findings, two factors, ten concepts, and 50 codes were identified, and their validity was confirmed using the Kappa-Kaufman test. In the second step, the weight and the ranking of the identified factors were determined by presenting a questionnaire to the experts and using Shannon's entropy method. The statistical population of the research in the quantitative part consisted of 52 specialists in the field of public libraries, who were selected by the purposeful sampling method. Intra-library factors (human resources, service quality, physical space and environment, complaint handling, technical resources and facilities, electronic access, and communication) and external factors (mental image or impression, perceived usefulness, and satisfaction) were identified as factors affecting the loyalty of public library customers. In addition, the results obtained through Shannon's entropy show that human resources, with a weight of 0.13, and mental impression, with a weight of 0.11, are ranked first and second. Moreover, perceived usefulness, technical resources and facilities, physical environment, and satisfaction were ranked third to sixth with a slight difference, with an approximate weight of 0.10. Electronic access, with a weight of 0.9, service quality, with a weight of 0.9. Complaint handling, with a weight of 0.7, and communication, with a weight of 0.6, were ranked seventh to tenth, respectively. The cultivation of customer loyalty in public libraries needs to improve the parameters and factors affecting it, and by prioritizing the most influential factors, customer loyalty will be promoted. The main goal of customer loyalty at public libraries can be achieved by recognizing and reinforcing factors that are essential in the enhancement of customer loyalty, such as growing the specialized, technical, and personal skills of the library staff, improving the social image of the library, providing valuable services for customers, presenting diverse and up-to-date information resources for all groups of society, observing standards in the library design and architecture, providing different electronic resources and types of information, having access to authentic scientific databases, and resolving customer complaints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is an editorial that emphasizes the importance of antennas in wireless communication systems. It discusses the increasing demand for high-performance antennas to meet evolving connectivity needs and explores their role in shaping the future of communication, from wearable devices to smart cities. The editorial also highlights recent advancements in antenna technologies, such as pattern synthesis algorithms and reflect-array antennas. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview of antennas and inspire further research in the field. Additionally, the document includes a list of research articles related to antenna design and technology, serving as a resource for library patrons conducting research on the topic. [Extracted from the article]

This document is a list of obituaries for medical professionals, providing information such as their names, locations, areas of specialization, dates of death, and links to their obituaries. It serves as a resource for library patrons conducting research on specific medical topics, offering a culturally sensitive and respectful perspective on the lives and contributions of these individuals. Each entry includes the name of the deceased doctor, their location, alma mater, field of medicine, date of death, and surviving family members. The obituaries offer more detailed information about each doctor's life and achievements. The document aims to inform library patrons while respecting diverse perspectives. [Extracted from the article]