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Shows how new terminology related to technological advances has affected communication among library professionals through a literature review and a selective survey of administrators of information technology, public services, and technical services in academic libraries belonging to the Association of Research Libraries. (Author/LRW)

Reviews the structure and historical development of ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center) and describes resources now available through the Internet. Concludes that ERIC's commitment to the adoption of information technologies has allowed the system to redefine the nature of its information services and suggests these resources should be incorporated into libraries' public services. (Contains 85 references.) (Author/LRW)

Discusses the need for a conceptual framework for librarianship and information seeking and suggests that the writings of M.M. Bakhtin can provide an important aid to theoretical groundings and for the rethinking of public services in libraries. Highlights include Bakhtin's views on phenomenology, dialogic communication, and information seeking. (Author/LRW)

Describes OCLC's CORC (Cooperative Online Resource Catalog) service. As a state-of-the-art Web-based metadata creation system, CORC is optimized for creating bibliographic records and pathfinders for electronic resources. Discusses how libraries are using CORC in technical services, public services, and collection development and explains the interoperability of MARC and the Dublin Core. (Author/LRW)

Discusses technical services as a reader service in academic libraries and suggests that the successful implementation of digital libraries needs a systems approach that crosses functional and administrative boundaries. Describes the need for the integration of technical services with other reader services and explains forces pushing for and against it. (Author/LRW)

Describes an ethnographic study that was designed to understand the nature and the role of public library service based on experiences at the Quebec public library. Using theoretical frameworks, the study provides an analysis of the two basic systems of meaning that service providers bring to their interaction with users. (Contains 65 references.) (Author/LRW)

Identifies major problems that affect reader's services departments in Nigerian university libraries. Highlights include the functions of the reader's services department, including circulation, collection management, user education, and interlibrary loan; student population explosion; funding shortages; staffing shortages; and suggested solutions, including automation. (LRW)

Discusses the Wright State University (Ohio) Library policy directive on customer service, and suggests this document as a model to follow in setting up service standards or guidelines for depository-library services. Draft-depository library public-service guidelines for government information in electronic format are appended. (JAK)

In today's electronic environment, government information librarians face new challenges, especially in the arena of quality public-service provision. Given the lack of clear guidelines that Federal Depository Library Program participants follow, and based upon suggested guidelines of reference-oriented literature, a new set of public services guidelines are suggested. (Author/JAK)

Describes a study that analyzed the differences between 1,133 public and technical services positions described in job advertisements in 1988. Content analysis was used to determine differences in the levels of computer skills, foreign-language requirements, previous work experience, education requirements, and minimum salary offered. (20 references) (LRW)

Discussion of the organizational structure of academic libraries focuses on a study that examined how the work of academic librarians is structured and whether the traditional functions of public services and technical services are still separated. Topics addressed include the role of subject specialists, attitudes toward reorganization, and library school curricula. (20 references) (LRW)

Discusses AACR2 rule changes that have the greatest impact on public service librarians. Topics discussed include sound recordings; computer files; materials for the visually handicapped; and access issues relating to pseudonyms, geographic names in the British Isles, and serial title changes. (three references) (LRW)

This theme issue presents eight articles that discuss managing changes in technical services in academic, research, and public libraries. Topics discussed include new technological products and services; personnel; budgeting; planning; online library systems; the relationship with public services; organizational structures; bibliographic access services; and future possibilities. (LRW)

Describes a study of a large urban public library system that compared levels and sources of stress and job satisfaction between public service and technical service employees. Relationships among work load, job content, and job satisfaction are examined, working relationships among employees are discussed, and the organizational climate is considered. (37 references) (LRW)

Examines the extent to which professional catalog librarians in academic libraries are involved in public services activities. Current literature is reviewed, results of a survey begun in 1983 and updated in 1986 and 1988 are analyzed and compared, and new areas in which an expanded role for catalog librarians would be beneficial are suggested. (14 references) (LRW)

Discussion of resistance to technological changes in libraries focuses on a study conducted at Algoma University College (Canada) to determine library users' reactions to the online catalog. The coexistence of traditional card catalogs and online catalogs is discussed, and the importance of the role public service staff play is emphasized. (nine references) (LRW)

This case study describes the management system of Dickinson College Library. Highlights include a rotating chair instead of a director; collegiality in decision making; rotating departmental responsibilities; developing an acceptable level of expertise in both technical and public services; and an emphasis on professionalism. (Author/LRW)

Discusses advantages of tying together library book and journal collections in one online database. The division between the access tools of public and technical services is described and discussed in terms of the use of bibliographic utilities and search services, and some future consequences of full-collection access tools are described. (EM)

Discussion of CD-ROM networking using local area networks (LANs) in libraries focuses on the design and implementation of a public use CD-ROM network at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The use of LANtastic is described, enlarging the network allowing access from remote locations is explained, and personnel requirements are discussed. (22 references) (LRW)

In the field of higher education, generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has become a revolutionary influence, shaping how students access and use library resources. This study explores the intricate balance of both positive and negative effects that GenAI might have on the academic library experience for higher education (HE) students. The key aspects of enhanced discovery and retrieval, personalization and engagement, streamlined research processes, and digital literacy and information evaluation potentially offered through using generative AI will be considered. These prospective advantages to HE students offered by using GenAI will be examined through will be examined through the theoretical framework of the Technological Acceptance Model (TAM) introduced by Davis et al. in 1986, which suggests that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use are key factors in determining user acceptance and utilization of technology. The adoption of GenAI by higher education students will be analyzed from this viewpoint before assessing its impact on their use of library resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of Large Language Models (LLM) to the chatbot landscape has opened intriguing possibilities for academic libraries to offer more responsive and institutionally contextualized support to users, especially outside of regular service hours. While a few academic libraries currently employ AI-based chatbots on their websites, this service has not yet become the norm and there are no best practices in place for how academic libraries should launch, train, and assess the usefulness of a chatbot. In summer 2023, staff from the University of Delaware's Morris Library information technology (IT) and reference departments came together in a unique partnership to pilot a low-cost AI-powered chatbot called UDStax. The goals of the pilot were to learn more about the campus community's interest in engaging with this tool and to better understand the labor required on the staff side to maintain the bot. After researching six different options, the team selected Chatbase, a subscription-model product based on ChatGPT 3.5 that provides user-friendly training methods for an AI model using website URLs and uploaded source material. Chatbase removed the need to utilize the OpenAI API directly to code processes for submitting information to the AI engine to train the model, cutting down the amount of work for library information technology and making it possible to leverage the expertise of reference librarians and other public-facing staff, including student workers, to distribute the work of developing, refining, and reviewing training materials. This article will discuss the development of prompts, leveraging of existing data sources for training materials, and workflows involved in the pilot. It will argue that, when implementing AI-based tools in the academic library, involving staff from across the organization is essential to ensure buy-in and success. Although chatbots are designed to hide the effort of the people behind them, that labor is substantial and needs to be recognized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For many patrons, libraries are synonymous with books and reading. However, people don't always take advantage of reader's advisory services offered by libraries. Rather than approaching librarians for suggestions of what to read, most people instead turn to their personal networks or express a preference for more passive approaches to recommendations. As a halfway point between in-person reader's advisory interactions and algorithmic recommendations, Worthington Libraries staff leveraged the NoveList and Polaris APIs to create custom book recommendation kiosks. Recommendation Stations, as we call them, allow people to scan a book barcode, browse read-alikes, check local availability and print shelf locations, all in the guise of an interactive fortune teller. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The popularity and relevance of the library makerspace has been well-established and documented in the previous decade of researcher and practitioner work, including numerous hands-on guides from a variety of dimensions relevant to starting and operating a makerspace. Less studied, however, and the focus of this work are the applications of maker technologies within wider library work. Prior qualitative research conducted by the author included interviews with librarians to understand and document their use of maker technologies, such as the Raspberry Pi single-board computer, to support broader library work outside of the makerspace. The findings indicated that common use cases included running library display screens and collecting patron traffic numbers and environmental data. The objective of this subsequent case study is to examine the potential for wider use of such projects by librarians in an academic library setting, by introducing these projects into a new library setting and assessing the related code and educational materials developed by the researcher. This work reports on the findings of the case study, in which the projects were successfully operated in several usage contexts, as well as the challenges and broader implications for adoption within libraries of all types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction to articles published within the issue is presented, including one which identified and summarized trends in how libraries have or have not considered the ethical implications of artificial intelligence (AI), another on the steps taken by an institution to develop and implement a library chatbot, and one on the developments in AI-assisted music creation as well as the resultant challenges regarding copyright and cataloging work.

This study investigates the value of the public library service, and library buildings in particular, in qualitative terms, with a focus on how the public library can address issues of loneliness and belonging. A qualitative narrative approach is taken to develop "library stories" and provide a deeper understanding that complements quantitative studies and library statistics. A three-stage research approach is taken: an initial literature analysis to identify issues and themes leads to a directed content analysis of some of this material to generate micro-narratives, which are complemented by an evocative autoethnography. Interrelated connections emerge concerning where our bodies belong and regarding vulnerable and marginalized users. New types of knowledges are identified. This is a novel combination of methods for library/information research, with the potential to highlight in new ways the value of library services and buildings. The study deals with UK public libraries between 2000 and 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the potential of the Gamified Metaverse as a platform for promoting library services. The study compares the effectiveness of a traditional library program with a Metaverse- based library program in terms of knowledge acquisition and library anxiety. The research also examines students' perceptions of implementing gamification within the context of the Gamified Metaverse platform. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, including pre- and post-test analysis, statistical analysis, and qualitative data collection. The results indicate that both the traditional and Metaverse-based library programs effectively increased the participants' knowledge, with no significant difference between the two approaches. However, the Metaverse-based program was found to be less effective in facilitating interaction with librarians and reducing library anxiety. Additionally, students expressed positive perceptions of implementing gamification in the Gamified Metaverse platform, finding it engaging and motivating. These findings contribute to the understanding of the effect of the Metaverse as a tool for promoting library services and enhancing knowledge acquisition. However, it is not as effective in reducing library anxiety, particularly in terms of interaction with librarians and staff. It should be noted that the platform may have limitations such as high costs and potential side effects of virtual reality, making it more suitable as an additional tool for promoting library services, taking into account its feasibility and potential benefits for specific student populations and larger libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To promote an academic library makerspace, the University of Mississippi Libraries hosted a "3D selfie" booth which used body scanning technology. This booth, advertised on campus and set up outside the library during the first weeks of class, was designed to attract attention and perform outreach through the use of body scans to be printed in the makerspace at a later date. Although the hoped-for printing of "selfies" did not materialize, the project resulted in data about interested patrons and ideas for similar projects going forward. This paper serves as a case study for other academic library makerspaces interested in similar outreach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2020, Libraries and Cultural Resources (LCR) at the University of Calgary used Qualtrics XM to design and pilot a point-of-use survey to collect user feedback on the usability of our implementation of Primo, Ex Libris's web-scale discovery service. Over a two-week period, users were presented with the pop-up survey while searching and asked to provide feedback. This article summarizes how we designed and implemented this point-of-use survey and the lessons learned from this project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis study assesses the artificial intelligence (AI) literacy and perceptions among Master of Library Science (MLS) students in India. It aims to identify the most relevant AI knowledge areas for library science, examine students’ attitudes toward AI’s potential impact on library services, and explores the importance of AI literacy for professional practice. A quantitative survey administered to 118 final-year MLS students via WhatsApp groups and personal networks collected data on AI literacy levels, perceptions, and attitudes. The findings reveal that natural language processing (NLP) is considered the most transformative AI technology, with significant interest in other areas like recommender systems and data mining. Students express optimism about AI’s potential to enhance library services but raise concerns about ethical implications and job displacement. The study highlights the need for increased AI literacy training and integration into LIS programs, emphasizing its importance for future career competitiveness. The results provide valuable insights into how AI literacy can be fostered among MLS students to align with evolving library services and user needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article comprehensively examines investments in India's smart cities1 with a specific focus on public libraries. A survey of 100 Smart Cities Mission projects was conducted to gather data on budget allocation and expenditure for public libraries, construction and renovation projects, and IT infrastructure and outreach programs. Results reveal investments in 27 library projects across 12 states geographically distributed throughout India, spanning new library establishments, renovations, digitization efforts, and IT integration with library services. The majority of funds (60%) support new libraries including business and innovation components, while renovation projects claim 30%. The article contributes valuable insights for public library development, targeting library authorities, municipal administrators, and local planners as statutory services at the heart of community development and engagement of public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In libraries, perceptions of high services quality to their target clients are typically able to draw out high level of satisfaction and engagement. Using the descriptive-regression research design, the study was conducted to determine the influence of service quality of public libraries on library user's engagement. It was performed using a survey questionnaire that was tested using Cronbach Alpha and Content Validity. Data were collected from 175 randomly selected respondents who are frequent professional library users in public libraries in Region XII, consisting of graduate students, businessmen and women, retired personnel, and those users who have pursued their law, master's, or doctor's degrees. The data were analyzed using simple linear regression analysis. Results from the quantitative analysis revealed that service quality of public libraries can significantly influence library user's engagement. Thus, it can be claimed that one effective way of enticing more individuals to use public libraries is to improve the level of service quality of public libraries. Based on the findings, it is strongly recommended that public library administrators provide public librarians with comprehensive and continuous professional development opportunities, including seminars, trainings, enrolling in library professional courses, and benchmarking effective strategies that build the confidence and competence of public librarians to improve the quality of services offered to library patrons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a research project focused on implementing knowledge mobilization (KM) tools within the United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS) Knowledge and Library Services to improve team performance and confidence in using KM methods. Topics include the integration of KM tools into team practices, the role of quality improvement (QI) methodology in the project, and the development of a merged KLS team following the merger of two hospitals.

The article focuses on the evolution and adjustments made to the Here For You Librarian mobile library service after facing the U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) concerns. Topics include the shift from physical library spaces to a mobile service model, changes in hospital locations and schedules, and the challenges of balancing HIPAA compliance with the visibility and accessibility of library services.

Research Data Management (RDM) skills encompass a set of abilities needed for RDM services. This study sought to assess the RDM skills of health librarians in Nigeria that can enable the provision of RDM services in health libraries. Employing the descriptive survey method, data was collected using a questionnaire adapted from Federer (2018). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Among other findings, the results showed that, health librarians are inadequately skilled in RDM. Although they have adequate library and personal skills, these are not enough for rendering RDM services in health libraries in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted Japan to review Art. 31 of the Copyright Act in 2021, which pertains to limitations on copyright for library usage. As a result, access to library materials via the internet became legally permissible within certain limits. Specifically, the amendment allows (1) the National Diet Library to transmit rare or out-of-print materials to individuals on the internet; and (2) libraries and similar facilities to provide users with public transmission services (transmitting portions of copyrighted works to users for research or study purposes). This article introduces the revisions made to Art. 31 in the 2021 amendment, explains the current situation regarding internet transmission of library materials in Japan, and explores future issues. Transmission via the internet is not subject to physical or locational constraints. The provision of library materials via the internet will thus involve considering how to position and organize the relationship between the individual transmission service for rare or out-of-print library materials by the National Diet Library and public transmission services by individual libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on cultural capital theory, this study investigates the activities of the National Taiwan Library (NTL) to understand how public libraries promote social inclusion by providing access to cultural resources that enhance individual and community cultural capital. The research examines how NTL contributes to the accumulation of cultural capital through its collections, programs, and services tailored to diverse groups. The findings highlight the transformative potential of public libraries in addressing societal inequalities by empowering individuals with the knowledge and cultural competence needed for active participation in society. The study underscores the importance of public libraries in bridging cultural divides and fostering a more inclusive community through strategic cultural capital development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]