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This article discusses the work of Krivitsky, Coletti, and Hens on Exponential-Family Random Graph Models (ERGMs) and their application to multi-network ERGMs. The authors explain how to build, estimate, and analyze multi-ERGMs using different data sources. The article focuses on two important issues that the authors did not cover: sample size requirements and multicollinearity. It emphasizes the need for power analysis in ERGMs, especially for small networks, and suggests using simulation studies to determine the number of networks needed for research projects. The article also discusses the concept of network size and the relevance of projectivity in statistical inference. The supplementary materials provide access to the code used for generating figures and analyses, which can be useful for library patrons conducting research on these topics. [Extracted from the article]

Colombia's military doctrine is being questioned as the country's armed conflict has evolved. President Gustavo Petro has promised a new approach, including negotiations with armed groups and a shift away from aggressive military strategies. However, progress has been mixed, with negotiations having varying outcomes and violence in conflict regions persisting. Petro's strategy combines military deployment and peacebuilding, but concerns remain about the effectiveness of a militarized approach. The government is also addressing the increase in cocaine production and the control of criminal armed groups in rural areas. The new military doctrine prioritizes protecting civilians and targeting the financial activities of these groups. However, challenges persist, such as the lack of trust in the military and the need for long-term investment and state-building. The United States supports Petro's peace efforts, but there are critics both domestically and internationally. Despite the challenges, there is an opportunity for genuine peacebuilding by establishing trust with affected communities and respecting their human rights. Joshua Collins, a freelance reporter in Colombia, covers civil rights, migration, and the impact of crime on human rights. His work provides valuable insights into these topics, offering a diverse perspective on the country's issues. Library patrons researching these subjects can benefit from Collins' culturally sensitive and respectful reporting. [Extracted from the article]

The purpose of this paper is to consider how libraries support the development of community networks both physically and digitally. To do this, a case-study methodology was employed, including a combination of data about the library and qualitative interviews with library users considering their experience of the library. This paper proposes that libraries act as 'third places' spatially connecting people; libraries also build links with online media and play a critical role in inclusively connecting non-technology users with the information on the Internet and digital technology more generally. The paper establishes the value of libraries in the digital age and recommends that libraries actively seek ways to develop links between non-technology users and activity on the Internet. It addresses the need to reach these types of non-technology users in different ways. Further, it suggests that libraries utilise their positioning as third places to create broader community networks, to support local communities beyond existing users and beyond the library precinct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From a fledgling technology with no proven business models, electronic books (e-books) have grown in importance usurping traditional formats as an acquisitions budget line in many academic library contexts. Business models include purchase, subscription, and pay per use. In academic and research libraries, web based e-book delivery is the dominant platform involving desktop, Netbook and iPad user agents. E-books are the hot property of today's academic library, forming the new wave in information services along with web scale discovery and institutional repositories. This paper reports the results of a preliminary analysis of transactional e-log data describing academic and student use of Ebook Library (EBL) titles at Edith Cowan University (ECU) Library, Perth, Western Australia. The data mined and analysed encompassing Semesters One and Two of the 2010 academic year. Analysis includes descriptive statistics and other metrics describing e-book usage patterns and user behaviour. The paper compares usage patterns observed with earlier studies and reports on the phenomenon of the 'power user'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) has established international standards for website accessibility which attempt to ensure that everyone has the same opportunities to use materials published on the World Wide Web (Web). This article provides a summation of the research conducted into the accessibility of public library websites in Western Australia. A discussion is provided of the website audit methods used and results obtained. The research demonstrates the level of compliance with Australian and International standards as well as results of surveys used to determine the perceived willingness to comply with those standards, barriers to compliance and benefits of an accessible website. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nature of learning in a public library is relevant to what place e-learning and social networking technologies might have there. That a public library aims to provide something for everyone is also important. Alice Springs Public Library (ASPL) is a place of learning; it is also a crowded and composite space. The use ASPL could make of the opportunities offered by e-learning and social networking technologies is affected or determined by the organisation's mission, available space, funding, staffing levels and expertise, and any congruence between the way ASPL is already used for learning and the way these technologies can also be used in that space. These technologies will be facets of a composite service, accessible to everyone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews a selection of literature pertaining to the subject of censorship in modern libraries. It interrogates the literature in terms of the ethical debates informing much of the contemporary academic writing on this subject. A multi-pronged approach to the subject is adopted. The review includes evaluations of the relevant aspects of particular professional codes and statements. It also evaluates opinions that have been proffered with regard to the use of Internet filters in public libraries. In public libraries, librarians must also decide whether to enable an entirely free flow of information from other mediums or to take it upon themselves to protect readers from material that might be considered harmful. These issues are complicated further in school libraries where the question of a particular duty of care to young minds arises. This paper also investigates recent representations of libricide, the most extreme form of censorship which manifests in the destruction of libraries and the burning of books. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International students constitute a significant proportion of the Australian university population, and thus of the university library-using population. Drawing on qualitative research findings, this paper discusses the library-related experiences and perceptions of international students at two Australian universities. While the students' previous library use was limited, at their host university they experienced challenges using the library, often associated with unfamiliarity. However, they generally viewed their Australian university library and library staff in a positive light. The findings support recommendations for developing library professionals' awareness of international students' and their library use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Universities in Australia, like their counterparts abroad, are making available several different kinds of electronic information services for their student communities. University students need different types of information for the frequently entwined purposes of learning and living, and such information may be available from a variety of information channels and sources; often the required information may be hidden within the complex structure of various internal and external information systems and services. Organising and processing such a wide variety of information to allow easy access and retrieval is a great challenge. This paper calls for a concerted research effort in this direction, and specifies various tasks of a proposed research project: these range from identifying the learning and living information needs of various categories of students in Australian universities, to organising and processing such information for easy access based on the task, context, and characteristics of the student users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The resource typologies proposed in the new standard, Resource Description and Access (RDA), are evaluated in the context of a particular university library catalogue through two card-sort exercises. Although it was found that end-users recognised the content and carrier aspects of the resource types as listed in RDA, they did not categorise them as RDA has done. Instead, content and carrier aspects were used to construct more complex classifications, which were also heavily influenced by other aspects, such as seriality. There was also much variation in these classifications, particularly at lower levels, suggesting that polyhierarchical systems may be advantageous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2006-07, the author was involved in redesigning a database storing traditional knowledge of Australian Aboriginal clans. The project raised issues relating to the design of repositories for indigenous knowledge, including theoretical approaches taken to ontology (knowledge structures, classification systems) and metadata creation. This paper describes the design process undertaken, in which user-centred design principles accommodated an emergent contrast between traditional knowledge customs and "good" database design principles. Theoretical approaches taken to ontology are presented, and the format of the restructured database is discussed in general terms. Assembling evidence from usability testing and qualitative research, the paper concludes that a flexible ontological system was needed to provide the customisability required by indigenous users - a system whose iterations and applications may usefully represent widely differing aboriginal cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public library services, particularly in the USA, have successfully and imaginatively implemented Web 2.0 tools in a variety of ways. These include improving access to content for library users, opening up dialogue with them, and showing them more about what their library can do for them. This article describes how some of these libraries have used the tools for their virtual services, a discovery made during a study tour in 2007, and how they have progressed into 2008 with the same services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article argues that the classification of adult fiction according to 'genre' in public libraries causes more confusion than clarification. Whilst the system purports to model itself on bookstore design the reality is that the actual arrangement is quite different. In the bookstore model, genre is a marketing category and not a literary category as it is currently used in many Western Australian public libraries. The use of a genre system also alienates many readers, with good reason, as the nature of the system is ambiguous. The adoption of a 'reader-centred' method for adult fiction classification would mean that the library collection was more accessible because the underlying principles are easier to understand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes the introduction of Web 2.0 techniques and tools at the Yarra Plenty public library in Victoria, beginning with library staff. The author argues that as libraries move from Web 1.0 type delivery systems to the social networking world of Library 2.0 librarians need to deploy and make accessible these radically different systems, social interactions and library places. Whilst formats have changed, and will continue to change, delivery systems have changed and will continue to change, skill sets and competencies have changed and will continue to change, the users, the citizens who fund and value library services, still need to have their social, cultural and recreational needs met in both the virtual and physical domains in which libraries operate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

User involvement in information services is a contentious issue. This article explores the participation of patrons in libraries, archives and records centres. It reviews the causes of this change, and discusses the consequences for the information profession. The article notes the constants in information environments, and concludes by suggesting that the opposing sides reach a compromise in order for industry survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1956-57John Metcalfe was seconded from the Public Library of New South Wales to the University of Sydney to report on the needs of the University Library. This is a forgotten chapter in that Library's history, and a hitherto unexamined aspect of Metcalfe's career. Metcalfe was apparently manoeuvering to leave the Public Library, and expected to become the next university librarian, but his motives remain unclear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On-campus networked personal computer (PC) usage at La Trobe University Library was surveyed during September 2005. The survey's objectives were to confirm peak usage times, to measure some of the relevant parameters of online PC usage, and to determine the effect that 24 new networked PCs had on service quality. The survey found that clients queued for an online PC an average of 11 minutes during peak usage times. It was predicted that if 24 more online PCs were made available, the longest delay would be just one minute during busiest periods, if the other relevant parameters were constant. The method used to analyse the data was adapted from Erlang queuing formulae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need to develop new OPACs that meet the needs of users better is becoming well acknowledged How libraries can transform their OPACs to modern web friendly formats is not yet clear. This paper describes the State Library of Tasmania's experience in developing a new OPAC by exporting bibliographic data to a software package outside the 1LMS. Issues involved with the provision of a user-oriented, browsable, or facet-driven interface are described the two most important ones for libraries being how to change cataloguing processes so as to deliver the required data and search functionality, and how to share evaluative and usage data about our resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public and employer perceptions of staff abilities and qualifications deployed in local studies collections may affect their status and influence and not least the funding the local studies facility may receive. The need to promote the service is also prompted by the growing use of local studies collections and the increasing importance of such holdings to the preservation of national heritage. No reflection on the acknowledged abilities and capabilities of library technicians is implied, but the placement of library technicians in local studies roles may have implications for the image and position of this sector, which in terms of educational curricula, clientele and the staff-customer interface, is professional rather than para-professional. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Baby boomers are epitomised by the phrase ‘wanting it now’. This large group of the population is better educated, more technologically literate, generally wealthier than any previous generation and has high expectations of quality services and products. Just as they have led other social revolutions, baby boomers are expected to revolutionise the meaning of ageing and retirement. They are also renowned for their voracious consumption of information in all media, which means that libraries have good reason to be involved in planning and policy development if their services are to be considered relevant and timely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author examines the evolution of the current Australian demographic and its implications for the delivery of public library services. The ‘baby boomers’, the generation born between 1946 and 1961, are the next cohort to be seriously in need of housebound services, and the characteristics and likely needs of this group are considered with particular reference to the public libraries of Adelaide. This case study report presents the findings of interviews conducted with 14 public libraries in metropolitan and regional Adelaide who currently provide a library service to their housebound patrons, including both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to gather data. The chief method used was open-ended interviews conducted with the librarians responsible for the provision of this service at each of the participating libraries. The interviews were conducted between April and September 2004. Other methods used included observation in the field and document analysis of strategic planning reports, volunteer information pamphlets, client information pamphlets and census data generated by the participating libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the International Evidence-Based Librarianship conference held in Brisbane between October 16-19, 2005. Nearly 200 participants attended the conference, from many countries around the world. The Great Britain, Canada, U.S., Australia and New Zealand were all represented, with a very stimulating mix of practitioners and researchers/academics. The focus was on developments in evidence: linking research with practice. A range of workshops and presentations throughout the event elicited much greater interaction and questioning than generally occurs in U.S. conferences. At the conference a \vide range of research projects in library and information science were reported and discussed. During the conference the emphasis was led on the point that libraries have a very active interest in understanding what their users needs are, what services they should be delivering and how they should be developing their services to better meet these needs. Workshops included case studies of generalised library activities and services to develop research questions which were not limited to the health sectors.

The shift in policy from market driven behaviour towards a more cooperative tertiary sector is having an effect on New Zealand academic libraries and their relationships. Despite this, there has been no investigation of collaboration specifically targeting New Zealand tertiary libraries. This research project examine the state of collaboration between New Zealand tertiary libraries in early 2004. Its objective was to explore the extent and nature of collaboration, and the attitudes of New Zealand librarians towards this process. The research found that the majority of tertiary libraries are collaborating (88%) in some form with three types of collaboration dominating the results: joint licensing agreements (20%), reciprocal borrowing (20%), and acquisition purchasing agreements (19%). These ventures are initiated by directives from the libraries' own institutions, or by the formal and informal gathering of librarians where collaboration was used to solve a variety of problems. Once initiated, these ventures are often informally constructed, with only 10% having a written policy and 22% having a written contract. Despite identified barriers such as a lack of resources, and the need to give priority to local user needs, respondents (79%) felt that collaboration would continue to increase from its present rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the great challenges for the National Library of Australia is to enable individuals, whatever their institutional affiliation, and wherever they are, to access copies of material from the collections. Copies direct was developed to enable online ordering and payment for copies of material, regardless of format, and has already increased use of the collections. This is consistent with the Commonwealth GovernmentOnline strategy, based on developing more and better services online to overcome barriers of distance and access and to meet more effectively the real needs of individuals, organisations and enterprises. Through online access Australians are better able to obtain services from agencies, in this case access to their national documentary heritage. This paper describes the development of the service, its technical infrastructure, issues considered in its development and includes a report on an evaluation undertaken in 2004. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globalisation provides the contextual framework for cultural changes in the library user group. In order to be more effective, and realistically, more client-focused, the reference librarian is challenged to ask again 'Who is my client?' in this changing context. This paper presents a practical response to cultural change and suggests ways of moving towards understanding this context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reviews the literature on unmediated document delivery in the light of pressures on journal subscriptions and fully-mediated interlibrary loans services. Examines the question: do users and libraries benefit from unmediated document delivery? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a response from the author to her own article "A Personal View of Public Librarianship" from the May 1988 volume 37, number two issue of "The Australian Library Journal" in which she discussed the role of public librarians. In this article, she looks at the use of technology such as the Internet and computer software application as a resource rather than librarians. She states that the public trusts information they find on their own more than what is available at libraries, thus decreasing the perceived value of librarians.

Discusses why teachers should work with their library media specialists. Types of collaboration between a teacher and a library media specialist; Roles of library media specialists that may be significant for teachers; Benefits of Internet access for students.

The article presents a response from the author to her own article "Library Research: Luxury or Necessity?" from the 1973 volume 22, number four issue of "The Australian Library Journal" in which she discussed the value of library research. In this article, she discusses the difficulties in securing research funding and influence from those providing funding. She reflects on her time as a librarian professional in Australia and how her work compares to those that followed her. Also included is a discussion of the value of data on information use and users.

The article provides information about the Australian Academic & Research Libraries (AARL). Bob Pymm has joined the editorial team as Book Reviews Editor. The library invites readers who are willing to review books and gives certain guidelines as to how the process of reviewing books should be done. After a period of six weeks of receiving the book the reviewer should send a review of about 300 words which describes and evaluates the book. Those interested have been asked to contact Bob Pymm, the Books Reviews Editor.