Library Hi Tech News

Publisher:: Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Publication date:: 2021-02-01

ISBN:: 0741-9058

Issue Number

No. 41-10, October - September 2024

Latest documents

Retraction notice: Libraries in the metaverse: the need for metaliteracy for digital librarians and digital age library users
Retraction notice: Moving into the metaverse: libraries in virtual worlds
Implementation and impact of makerspaces in Indian academic libraries: a study of select three academic libraries of North India
Purpose: This study aims to examine the current state of makerspaces in Indian academic libraries. The history of makerspace and its introduction in academic libraries have been elaborated and analysed. Makerspaces of three different academic libraries in Northern India have been compared in the study. Design/methodology/approach: The data was collected using a well-structured interview schedule as well as complemented from the website of the institutions in the study. Field visits to the makerspaces were also conducted for understanding how users are working in makerspaces and the different benefits they gained from such working environments. The different tools and facilities provided by the makerspaces were also analysed and it was found that a versatile group of users can easily collaborate with the help of such interactive and lively environment. Findings: It was found that tools like 3D printers enhanced the benefits and enriched creativity amongst non-tech savvy users too, by giving them a chance of using such tools. Interaction between different groups of people belonging to different fields and having varied experiences and expertise was also reported to be an important aspect of makerspaces. These places also were found to support the “Do it Yourself” culture among youngsters using the libraries. The study concludes that makerspaces are innovative ways in which libraries can encourage more and more users towards the libraries. Originality/value: To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first studies on makerspaces in academic libraries in context of a growing economy like India. Makerspaces can be significantly useful for proper space management and utilisation of resources for academic libraries.
“Through the looking glass: envisioning new library technologies” A glimpse into the future of augmented reality
Purpose: By better understanding the trends around augmented reality (AR) information professionals will be better able to take an active role as it emerges. Design/methodology/approach: This column will examine trends in AR through the lens of three products that have recently been presented to journalists by Snap, Meta and Apple. Findings: This column highlights the technical hurdles to creating mainstream AR experiences, and underscores how large technology companies are invested in overcoming them due to larger strategic goals, such as escaping the closed ecosystem of app development and creating meaningful AI experiences on phones. Originality/value: This column underscores the importance of AR, as a technology that is core to libraries mission. AR will enable digital information to be layered onto physical reality which can change human relationship to both abstract information as well as the physical objects such as books and libraries that are important to the profession.
“Through the looking glass: envisioning new library technologies” AI is changing what photography means for libraries
Purpose: The purpose of this column is to interrogate what it means for photographs as practical storehouses of data, how that interacts with society’s understanding of photography and what all of this may mean for the role of libraries as they relate to photographs. Design/methodology/approach: A new generation of camera technology, integrated into phones, is being released. This column examines the implications for society at large, adding libraries in particular. Findings: Once it is easy to do dramatic photo manipulation on the device that takes the photos, it will change how users think about photos. This has implications for how libraries plan information literacy, advocate for their users in the creation of standards and manage their collections. Originality/value: This column will help information professionals think through the implications of this change for the future of the profession.
Retraction notice: Telepresence robots in libraries: applications and challenges
Retraction notice: Application and use of telepresence robots in libraries and information center services: prospect and challenges
Approaching beyond reality to connect realism in the library
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate how libraries adopt beyond reality technologies like virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality and extended reality to provide an engaging environment and transform user service provision. Design/methodology/approach: The study explained different facets of beyond reality. It surveyed various library websites and analysed literature dealing with varying forms of beyond reality technology to gain an idea of how libraries perceive the relevance of this emerging technology for incorporation in its workflow. Findings: The study presented some use case studies to give an overview of the adoption of this technology in libraries. The study also outlines the scope of future possibilities for the expansion of applications. Originality/value: The practical examples will help improve the understanding of practicing librarians who are contemplating implementation or preparing to cover more areas under this technology in libraries and encourage researchers to explore the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning with this technology in a cloud infrastructure to leverage maximum outcome in a broader perspective from this immersive technology.
Scholarly apps: enhancing research mobility and accessibility
Purpose: This paper aims to explore how scholarly apps are changing the landscape of academic research by increasing mobility, accessibility and user engagement. It assesses the role of mobile-based applications in supporting research activities, enabling access to scholarly content and facilitating seamless communication between researchers and libraries. Design/methodology/approach: A brief content analysis of prominent scholarly apps was performed to evaluate their prime features and usability. Findings: Scholarly apps improve research mobility by offering on-the-go access to academic resources, databases, communication tools, personalized content recommendations and integrated automated citation tools. The integration of AI and machine learning into these apps holds potential for further personalizing and streamlining research processes. Research limitations/implications: Although certain discussed mobile apps are well known and frequently used by users, their value in the field of mobile technology remains significant. Despite their vast popularity, these apps continue to play a significant part in the mobile app ecosystem due to their proven efficacy, widespread acceptance and continuous relevance in meeting user demands. Originality/value: To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies to comprehensively evaluate the scholarly apps and contributes to the literature on mobile-based library services.
Caribbean libraries 2.0: the robotic revolution in Caribbean academic library spaces
Purpose: This paper is the genesis for robots and robotic technology and their introduction to the Caribbean Academic library community. This paper aims to explore the specific areas that this technology can improve as well as their adaptability and dynamic yet multifaceted nature it possesses. Design/methodology/approach: A thorough assessment of literature was done of all developed libraries that are employing the services of robots and robotic technology in their daily operations. Additionally, a meticulous analysis was done of all Caribbean Libraries that have explored, are currently exploring or actively explored the implementation of robots and robotic technology for effective use in their libraries. Findings: Seamless functionality as well as the reduction of mundane repetitive tasks by library staff is at the fore. Efficacy and heightened levels of accuracy are also found to be a great factor for implementation as well as speed of retrieval and offsite storage are further benefits to the implementation of robots and robotic technology. Research limitations/implications: This research primarily assessed material on robotics and robotic technology that offers unprecedented efficacy and accuracy in the processing of information and tasks assigned as well as smooth location and retrieval of library material resulting in reduction in wait time for all library users. Originality/value: To the best of the author’s knowledge, this paper is the first of its kind and is intended to trigger a “light bulb” in the minds of decision-makers and managers of Library spaces as to the potential robots and robotic technology has on fostering greater levels of efficacy in certain key areas of libraries and help improve user services while adding to the theoretical body of knowledge available in the field on this fast rising area.