Search

The study examined if students would prefer robots to human librarians in the delivery of library services. The study used a descriptive survey research design. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Of the 1009 students surveyed, findings indicated that most students would prefer human librarians to robots in the delivery of library services. However, students would like to see robots introduced into library services because they believe they would be effective in giving directions, welcoming users, ensuring library security, answering library users' questions, monitoring library users' activities, library users' registrations, charging and discharging of books, and maintaining library quietness. The study concluded that robots are necessary for providing library services and therefore recommends that robots be bought to do difficult and time-consuming jobs such as library security, monitoring library user activities, and providing directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Librarians have been seeking solutions to improve library user experience. The popularity of mobile devices leads to the increasing demand for reliable and efficient wireless communication in libraries. The City Tech librarians make an effort to improve Wi-Fi network to address such challenge. The Wi-Fi survey results indicate that students are dissatisfied with the library Wi-Fi access and hope to get better wireless communication for their mobile devices. To seek approaches to the improvement of Wi-Fi speed and reliability, the authors adopted NetSpot Pro loaded with the library building map to audit wireless network performance. The Wi-Fi site survey shows the library Wi-Fi network has not only weak Wi-Fi signal strength, but also experiences severe interference and overlapping channels. The study suggests that the Library and campus IT can enhance the Wi-Fi network performance by adding more wireless APs and optimizing the locations of existing APs, Wi-Fi network setting, and wireless connection procedure. By upgrading the CUNY Fiber Network and network improvement strategy, the Library can provide effective wireless communication for student learning and research, and ultimately give students memorable library experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2017, the Riyad Nassar Library of the Lebanese American University - Beirut, Lebanon - conducted a student survey as part of its assessment plan to evaluate all functions offered to its stakeholders including space design. The results of said survey are discussed in this paper to ensure if the executed redesign of the library space, carried out during the last 5 years, helped in meeting students' perceptions and expectations. The authors will discuss the methods used to assess space change such as survey, behavioral observation and statistics as well as the challenges faced by the library during this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current ad-hoc, organically grown system of digital library inventory management is inefficient, ineffective, and costly, both in dollar terms and in the time and effort of librarians and users. UConn is building a data architecture framework that is integrated in a larger concept of how library data is acquired, managed, and delivered. Collection development policy, data architecture, and information architecture combine to create a strategic framework for collections-based library activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Shared Library Management System (LMS) model is not a new concept. Lately, many libraries consortia have migrated to a shared LMS to reduce their services' total costs. The Hellenic Academic Libraries consortium has implemented a shared LMS service, hosted in a private owned cloud infrastructure for its members during the past years (known as the MITOS project). Recognizing the complexity and significance that joining a shared LMS represents, it is important for librarians and other decision makers to have access to the MITOS experience for operational, technical and financial aspects, during and after the transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Payson Library, the largest library at Pepperdine, primarily serves undergraduate students. It underwent a renovation between spring 2016 and fall 2017. Payson Library was closed during this renovation, and a Library Hub was established as a temporary service point and library information and teaching center on campus. Maintaining market share led to rolling out new services such as RAPID-ILL, repurposing a graduate campus library for increased study spaces, and reliance on a strong library liaison program. Predictably, there was a sharp reduction in patron visits, but there was success in providing reference, instruction, and access to the collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Findings of previous studies revealed that regardless of the objective, age does affect the information-seeking behavior of an individual. Likewise, this study found the same results. Although all of the younger Filipino aquaculture researchers preferred the Internet to begin their search process, it was found that they were more frequent library users, and more reliant on librarians than their older counterparts. Likewise, they preferred the combination of print and electronic formats when reading. Thus, they would print and save the retrieved electronic copy of information at least very often. The study is a valuable addition to the information-seeking behavior studies on Filipinos, and the first to tackle the effects of age on the information-seeking behavior of Filipino aquaculture researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two librarians from the James E. Walker Library at Middle Tennessee State University describe the implementation of prepaid article access to ScienceDirect content. An overview of the initiative is provided along with adjustments that were made to the implementation. Also included is a description on how the use of various tools streamlined the user experience. The authors describe the challenges of determining the levels of mediation that worked for the library and its users. Although the program will be discontinued due to costs and limited customization options, useful information was gathered about article use indicating the need for scholarly resources and document delivery services. This article is based on the lightning talk, Streamlining User Experiences with ScienceDirect Prepaid Articles, presented at the 2022 North Carolina Serials Conference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Libraries continue to be an important source of books for young people, though relatively little is known about how gender and age influence visitation frequency for this purpose. In addition, while supporting children to choose books is part of the role of both school and public librarians, little is known about the strategies and processes children use to select books, and the beliefs and attitudes that underpin them. Findings from the2016 Western Australian Study in Children's Book Readingoffer insights into these areas that can support librarians to guide book choice, and they encourage targeted intervention to ensure that boys and older children make use of their libraries to support their literacy growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With growing interest in applying user experience (UX) methods to improve library interfaces, spaces, and services, it is critical to gain a deeper understanding of the organizational factors influencing libraries' adoption and incorporation of UX expertise. This article reports the results of semi-structured interviews with 16 UX librarians and focuses on how the positions were created, the benefits they have brought to their library, their biggest challenges, and the extent that their work is understood throughout the library. The article concludes with a preliminary model of library UX maturity and six critical directions for the future of UX librarianship. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A well-crafted localized survey is an excellent opportunity to efficiently collect data about library user feelings and experiences on a large scale. 800 undergraduate students and employees of a mid-sized public university responded to an online survey about their feelings on library space, communication, services, and collections. Employing a variety of question types, the authors sought to include measures that would yield both pertinent and meaningful feedback. Results were analyzed and prioritized by significance and librarians culled the results for actionable findings and opportunities for further study or long-term benchmarking. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Libraries have long used patrons' willingness to return as a metric for assessing reference services, but have not measured actual return rates for this service. Knowing if our user base is a small number of highly engaged patrons, or many patrons who visit only once, has implications for service improvements, marketing, and assessment. This study establishes 28% as the baseline return rate for chat reference at one research university, with 62% of all sessions coming from repeat users. Predictors of whether a patron would return after their first session are affiliation (e.g., whether they are faculty, graduate student, undergraduate, staff, or not affiliated with the university), the duration of the session, and where on the library website the chat was initiated. The librarian assisting, wait time, and the patron's own rating of the chat are among the factors that are not predictive. Further research into why patrons do or do not return, and what constitutes a good return rate, is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the relationship between librarians' purchases and the actual preferences of library patrons based on usage. Using ten years of purchase history, we reviewed how print and ebook preferences have changed over time and what role, if any, discipline plays in format preferences. This information will be used to help subject librarians across various disciplines to make informed print and ebook purchases, relying on actual patron preferences rather than guesswork. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past two decades the availability of eBooks to library users has increased exponentially despite continued financial challenges. In this study, four librarians examined eBook and print book usage to determine the best way to allocate collection funds. After determining which subjects were being used, the researchers surveyed students across all campuses and sites to discover the users' preferences for, and knowledge of, the library's collections. The study resulted in an improved distribution of funds and insight into what could be better emphasized in bibliographic instruction sessions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional map library full of map drawers, aerial photographs, atlases and globes has evolved to include computer terminals and data collection equipment. Library patrons are accessing maps and geospatial data digitally. As the library has changed, so has the role of the map librarian. Historically, specialized coursework for map librarianship has been minimal in graduate library science programs. To effectively support library users of geographic information system (GIS), education is needed in this field, as well. A survey was distributed to map librarians via email listserv with a goal of observing trends in job duties and educational backgrounds of today's map librarians. The views of 67 responding map librarians regarding training, professional development and the direction of map librarianship as a profession were also collected. The resulting data show a strong need for training opportunities for work with paper maps as well as GIS data and software. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is written by Mari Cheney, Assistant Director, Research and Instruction at Boley Law Library, Lewis & Clark Law School. She holds a MLIS from the University of Washington and a JD from American University, Washington College of Law. This article enumerates challenges that hearing-impaired law library patrons may encounter when using the library and its resources, and ways academic librarians can increase accessibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on a study that explores the requirements and level of acceptance for the Koha open source software implementation in Malaysian academic libraries. This is a qualitative study based on interviews with system librarians from library application and system divisions in 5 Malaysian universities. The interviews were conducted to understand the technology acceptance, system quality and system information, beliefs and attitude of librarians and to provide insight into a user and open system relations. These factors can be critical in order to understand what may hinder the acceptance of open source systems in Malaysia academic libraries. The findings disclose that the level of acceptance of the Koha open source system among Malaysian librarians is high as they are satisfied with the information quality, system quality and system platform. They have positive intentions to use this system and believe it meets their current and future information needs. The requirements of its implementation are focused on perceived usefulness (technology), attitude toward using (users), and perceived ease of use (system). The subsequent influencing factors are a reflection of Koha system stability and users' acceptance of this system's information quality, system quality, librarians' awareness, satisfaction, user confidence level, support for library standards, highly integrated modules, a web-based solution, intention to use a system, and actual usage of an open-source system. Practical implications include cost savings, outsourced system maintenance, and accessibility of the system after office hours. The Koha open-source system is a new paradigm in system solutions for libraries in Malaysia. The results of the current study are applicable to other library settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reference librarians are tasked with teaching patrons how to access a variety of library materials. With the advent of electronic access to various resources, another worthwhile task has emerged: preventing library user anxiety. In an attempt to provide background on library anxiety a review of the current literature on the issue is offered. Emphasis is placed on the various services that are continuously developed as well as the many trends reference departments pursue, implement, and improve to ensure that fewer users experience overwhelming and anxious feelings when using the library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To change from collection-centric to user-centered research libraries and to survive in tough economic times, libraries face 2 major challenges: 1st, libraries need to change how they are viewed by their constituencies so they are seen as indispensable; and 2nd, libraries need to help the librarians and staff change their own mental models of their roles to remain relevant in these changing times. Metaphors are one way to help people connect terms in new ways so they develop new images of those terms. For more than 100 years, libraries have used metaphors to seek connections that will help people see libraries as something other than warehouses for books. This article will explore various metaphors being used in the library field and how these metaphors can help libraries introduce change to improve their chances of receiving the support needed to survive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Librarians, as the scientific community's purchasing agent, seem to be in a no-win situation: they do not entirely trust their providers. and their customers want more for less; they are caught between the cultures of commerce and science. The historical traditions of these cultures are explored at length. The differing opinions on the ‘Big Deal’ demonstrate the problem but we are now seeing signs of cultural emergence. There are also signs of a rapprochement, and this can be furthered by taking a fresh look at concepts of ‘value’ and ‘cost.’ Librarians and publishers can work together for a common cause using new technology and new commercial models to help advance science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic e-mail discussion lists have been used by librarians and vendors for twenty years. These lists have proliferated, especially in the last ten years, to the point where there are more than 250 library-related lists in use today. This paper describes the various types of lists, looks at the demographics of several library lists, and discusses how these lists can impact libraries and librarians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Streaming video has increased the size of academic library media holdings, while leaving patrons on their own to find what they need. As a result, media collections are now exponentially larger and richer while simultaneously being less discoverable by students. That's because the way libraries organize this information serves the most information-literate users—while potentially leaving others behind. This session explored the history of library media in an effort to understand the reasons why media tends to be one of the most mysterious parts of academic library collections. It also encourages librarians to assess the accessibility of their own media collections and find creative strategies for making these important resources accessible to all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interlibrary loan is a service that involves the borrowing and lending of items between libraries. What also underscores this service is the human communication exchanges had with patrons and ILL staff via emails, phone calls, notes, etc. to ensure that items are correctly processed in a timely manner. This article is written from the perspective of a first-year ILL librarian highlighting the position from the one thing that is known but may get overlooked in the grand scheme of daily transactions: the human element. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into effect to ensure the data protection and privacy of the personal information of its citizens, positive benefits will also befall users around the world. By using GDPR-compliant technology systems and underlying operating processes, global users of many technology systems, including library systems, will notice improved transparency on data collection, its use and sharing, greater access and control over their own personal information, and reduced notification time when a data breach does occur involving their information. Libraries can use these changes as an opportunity to educate patrons and users on privacy topics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Librarians are becoming increasingly interested in applying user experience design to better understand the needs and desires of patrons. One user experience tool that is currently underused by libraries is content strategy. The key idea behind content strategy is planning and strategizing the content of all library communication platforms. Once properly understood, content strategy is a valuable tool for librarians seeking to update and invigorate their websites and social media. This article lays out some of the fundamental tools used by content strategists and discusses how librarians can apply them to their own content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the real world of library service, librarians have to keep up with change by answering specific questions. They need training because technology, the character of populations, and local economics all are changing. Recognizing that technology is a catalyst of change, the author shows how librarians can and do work to help libraries harness the power of technology to navigate the changing reading and information needs of their communities. This article examines useful behaviors as librarians approach their work tasks, relying on new technology to help meet customers’ reading and information needs. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article proposes the coresearch engagement model (CoRE), which addresses how the academic research librarian can become a coresearch partner with any patron. The CoRE model is an interpersonal process and is founded upon the concepts of mutual respect, collaboration, reciprocity, and empowerment. Grounded in Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences theory, Malcolm Knowles’ andragogical model, and guidelines from the Reference and User Services Association, CoRE has the potential to result in engagement for the librarian and patron. The CoRE model can be utilized in many ways including self-awareness and development for those who need and want to expand their abilities as a research librarian. It provides a theoretical framework and a knowledge base, in addition to giving a context for further development by expanding, comparing the related theories for further research, and implementing various applications suggested by this article. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

With social media a normal part of the daily lives of young adults, librarians are using these sites to promote library services. This article investigates the perceptions and attitudes of librarians toward social media as a tool for libraries and explores the way librarians utilize social media to portray professional roles and responsibilities to young patrons. This author focuses on the pastoral role of librarians and discusses possibilities for performing this role through social media. Although presently under-researched, social media provides librarians with one more avenue to advocate for, engage with, and support young adults. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article will be of interest to librarians, particularly those in consortia that are evaluating OpenURL link resolvers. This case study contrasts WebBridge (an Innovative Interface product) and LinkSource (EBSCO's product). This study assisted us in the decision-making process of choosing an OpenURL link resolver that was sustainable to maintain and, most importantly, made it easier for users to access the full text of an article. This case study does not propose that one product is superior to another; however, the criteria and methods used to evaluate the products will be of use to those seeking to improve user access. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This research provides librarians with a model for assessing and predicting which platforms patrons will use to access the same content, specifically comparing usage at the Ohio Library and Information Network (OhioLINK) Electronic Journal Center (EJC) and at Elsevier's ScienceDirect from 2007 to 2013. Findings show that in the earlier years, the EJC was frequented more than ScienceDirect, but, over time, users have gravitated to ScienceDirect over the EJC at a significantly higher rate. In addition, the data show that the higher use of ScienceDirect began prior to and only grew after a devastating platform failure of the EJC in 2009. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Acquiring material in public libraries is a core library activity to fulfill the unique needs of the reader's community. The present study aims to explore the trends of monograph acquisition in public libraries. The population consists of the four major public libraries of Lahore. A case study approach has been used to achieve the objectives of the study. Research is based on primarily the personal visits of the researcher to the acquisition departments of these libraries in order to collect data. Structured interviews were carried out with acquisition librarians to investigate the process of purchasing. The analysis of data reveals that a high ratio of Urdu language books has been purchased during the last decade, literature and religion being the major purchase area, whereas, art and architecture, pure sciences, and languages are the most neglected. The findings further revealed that the studied libraries have primarily been using traditional and informal techniques for acquiring material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in information and technology continue to test how librarians interact with and support patrons. Now, engaged librarians have the opportunity to immerse themselves in their user’s workflows and become partners in the research enterprise. Engagement represents a model of librarianship in which librarians are challenged to move from the traditional collection-centered model to an engaged-focused one. It requires new roles and tasks, as well as a deeper understanding of the academic setting. This article discusses working in a large research institution and articulates the engagement model. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article discusses the idea of personal information about a library patron being available to others. Topics discussed include ambiguity about meaning, ubiquitous information technologies, and demands for improved efficiency, and libraries have faced the challenge of managing patron confidentiality, and librarians serve as the custodians of patron privacy. Other topics discussed include citation of the book "Privacy in the 21st Century: Issues for Public, School and Academic Libraries".

The growing One Health movement recognizes connections among human, animal, and ecosystem health and encourages collaboration among these disciplines. Fostering a One Health perspective in students and faculty is a strategic initiative of the Medical Sciences Library at Texas A&M University, which provides human and animal medicine, public health, agriculture, and life sciences programs. Librarians implemented a four-pronged approach to pilot One Health strategies among user communities—including developing curriculum modules, redesigning library learning spaces, and developing new research services. Aggregate data and participant comments from these activities support the value and feasibility of librarian engagement in One Health initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on geospatial services and discusses the role of geographic information systems (GIS) in information management and visualization. It mentions about the adoption of GIS by libraries as a new avenue to grow their specialized services. It states that the implementation of geospatial services requires purchasing and maintenance of servers, hiring new personnel such as GIS Librarians and application developers and time spent troubleshooting and educating users. It provides guidance to librarians interested in the incorporation of geospatial services into their special libraries.

The nature of music collections and their use means that patrons have always required specialized guidance from librarians to access what they need. Currently, library patrons' expectations are growing as collections and their delivery modes evolve. Music reference services must adapt to effectively address these needs. This article examines the challenges to delivering effective music reference service, the basics of reference assessment, and how assessment models such LibQual+, the Wisconsin-Ohio Reference Evaluation Program, and the Reference Effort Assessment Data Scale can help librarians build patron-centered music reference services. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Librarians who provide virtual reference services often perceive that their patrons self-identify to some degree, even when transactions are anonymous. They also develop a sense of patrons' greatest research-related needs over time. In this article, two librarians analyze two years' worth of virtual reference transcripts to determine what patrons actually disclose about their identities and their needs. The authors discuss the benefits of both preserving anonymity and perceiving needs and identity. The authors also suggest a framework and methodology that other librarians may use to perform similar investigations at their libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As more people use mobile technology, libraries need to be in a position to engage library patrons online. Engaging people online cheaply and effectively is a challenge, but by taking advantage of services such as Twitter, libraries can create a dialog with users. Applications that make managing Twitter accounts easier are free and widely available. Librarians can monitor activity with a simple RSS feed and generate interest for their Twitter accounts through news, discussions, and games. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Decision theory, or the study of how individuals make choices, is a burgeoning field of study within many disciplines: economics, computer science, psychology, and organizational theory, to name a few. However, it has been less examined in library science. The study of how library users make decisions can aid librarians in many ways, such as marketing of services, purchasing decisions, or advocacy efforts. One way to build the study of decision theory into library science would be to incorporate decision-making concepts into Library and Information Science education. This article presents an overview of decision-making concepts and explores why these ideas should be incorporated into Library and Information Science education. The article concludes with suggestions on how to best incorporate decision-making concepts into Library Information Science education. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Area Studies librarianship is a unique, interdisciplinary field, faced with an infrequently researched disciplinary-identity crisis. Although its place among traditional subjects creates many challenges, its unique appeal provides many promises as well. In the traditional, subject-based librarianship model, Area Studies librarians have to make very different decisions regarding collection development, liaison, and instruction than their subject specialist colleagues. The article identifies some challenges and promises of the unique position of being responsible for a geographic area rather than any one subject. It also describes the experience of Area Studies librarians at Miami University and their efforts to work together with their subject colleagues toward satisfying the needs of their users. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Although many recent studies have been conducted on the implementation and results of patron-driven acquisition (PDA) initiatives at academic libraries, very few have focused on whether, or how, patrons’ selections vary from selection choices librarians would have made. This study compares titles selected by patrons during a PDA pilot program against titles chosen by subject librarians from the same PDA list. The findings may serve as a starting point for other researchers interested in the impact of user-oriented selection initiatives on a library's collection development. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In the library literature, a great deal of interest in patron-driven collection development has recently been expressed, especially in those programs that link acquisitions with interlibrary loan. However, the implementation of such programs has been limited, at least in part because of concerns over the potential for wasteful spending. The authors will attempt to address this common concern by assessing whether monies spent via a patron-driven acquisitions program were more or less effective than monies spent via traditional modes of acquisition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article gives a brief description of intellectual freedom and censorship in order to set a foundation for looking into the library community's role in advocating for intellectual freedom and combating censorship. Focus is given to the unique challenges of school libraries in fulfilling the larger library community's expectations in these two endeavors. The article then puts forth suggestions to school librarians on how to uphold intellectual freedom and to suppress efforts towards censorship while also serving the best interests of their patrons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines how librarians may relate video game choice to how students conduct research to add value to common cultural experiences and interests. Video games are said to provide a strong model for the information literacy process, a modeling process that makes games a strong analogy for all libraries to use with students and library patrons. Librarians are advised to use players' experiences with social-driven games on the Facebook site, which require persistence in order to succeed, in discussing research habits.

The authors examine, based on a survey of users, the electronic document delivery methods currently in place as well as changes in the recent past and future developments. Interlibrary loan and document delivery staff from institutions across the United States were surveyed in order to ascertain what document delivery mechanisms are currently in place, how they are being used, and why. Findings from this study should lead to an increased awareness of electronic delivery options in libraries across the country and elucidate the dynamics involved at individual sites. This, in turn, will assist librarians in making decisions, based not only on their individual circumstances but on the experiences and trends found across a broad sampling of institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers the author's insights on library management services and enhancement of internet access to library resources. The author emphasizes the importance of maintaining the connection between the librarians and library users. He says that librarians are facing challenges in maintaining the students' interest in library, in critical thinking and in enhancing information-gathering skills. He adds that broader engagement of the library staff and delivery of virtual services as well as electronic resources can lead to the student's deeper appreciation of the library. Moreover, he mentions ways to enhance the next-generation interfaces including image integration into the interactive design and choosing the photographs that convey real message.

The article discusses aspects of libraries and the acquisitions services required by library users. It is the contention of the authors that libraries are driven by the needs of their users but that library materials selected by librarians do not always address those needs. A number of related factors are examined including the increased number of interlibrary loans, collection development and the requirements of library users, and the acquisition of library materials requested by library patrons.

The Purdue University Libraries have been participating in a patron-driven collection development project for 10 years. This analysis focuses on the books purchased in the science and technology areas. The author found that the books were appropriate and in many cases identified emerging or interdisciplinary topics that might have been missed by librarians. In addition, data proved to be a rich source of information for collecting, such as identifying publishers or emerging areas that warranted further attention from selectors. Although not replacing librarians as the major collection developers, patron-driven selection is one successful way to augment collection development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new Web generations are influencing the minds and changing the habits of software developers and end users. Users, librarians, and information services professionals can interact more efficiently, creating additional information and content and generating knowledge. This new scenario is also changing the behavior of information providers and users in health sciences libraries. This article reviews the new Web environments and tools that give librarians opportunities to tailor their services better, and gives some examples of the advantages and disadvantages for them and their users. Librarians need to adapt to the new mindset of users, linking new technologies, information, and people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The information retrieval systems of Biological Abstracts on SilverPlatter and EBSCOhost were evaluated to determine the levels of sophistication and search expertise required by end users to locate information efficiently. Novice, expert, and natural language queries were used and the search results were compared and analyzed to determine what factors end users need to consider for comprehensive information retrieval while searching Biological Abstracts. It was evident from the search results that effective information retrieval using Biological Abstracts on two vendors' platforms largely depended on users' search skills, their knowledge of the information retrieval systems and the search mechanisms they support. The article is an indicator of the criteria that should be taken into account by the librarians and other information professionals in evaluating databases to make the best choices for their institutions and users. It also confirms the need to train the end users who search databases and other digital resources remotely and without any intermediaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]