Library Hi Tech News

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Latest documents

• Retraction notice: Moving into the metaverse: libraries in virtual worlds
• Retraction notice: Libraries in the metaverse: the need for metaliteracy for digital librarians and digital age library users
• 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.

• Are library data and metadata dying or nearly dead? A discussion for everyone

  Purpose: This paper aims to inform noncataloguers about the current and historical significance of both machine readable cataloguing (MARC) records and traditional cataloguing as well as introduce them to current struggles to modernize. Design/methodology/approach: The approach of this column is to break-down what may appear to be a crisis in the modernization of library cataloguing and metadata by placing the issues in their historical context and considering existing technologies in a user-friendly manner. Findings: MARC-based cataloguing is well-established, robust and widely used in many library applications. It is not easily replaced and attempts to do so have had very slow progress. Although change is expected in the future, it may lay with solutions based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies. Originality/value: Although there are many papers discussing the merits of traditional cataloguing and the need for new methods and standards, few are written from a nontechnical point of view and for noncataloguers or those not working in systems departments. This column's intended audience is all library workers with an emphasis on those who are not familiar with MARC.

Featured documents

• 25th IATUL Conference Report

  Gives an overview of the four main themes ‐ elements of library management, policy dilemmas with regard to traditional collection and e‐resources, public relations, and regional library co‐operation ‐ of the 25th conference of the International Association of Technical University Libraries held in...

• AAAS's 37th Annual Forum on Science and Technology Policy

  Purpose: This article aims to report on the 2012 AAAS Forum on Science and Technology Policy, held 26‐27 April 2012 in Washington, DC, at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. Its major focus this year was the current “intertwined budget and political crises”. Design/methodolog...

• An integrative review of Web 3.0 in academic libraries

  Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present an integrated literature review exploring the nature of responsive, semantic and interactive Web 3.0 technologies applicable for academic libraries. Design/methodology/approach: The authors conducted an integrated review of the literature combining...

• Around the World to: The Virginia Reid Moore Marine Research Library: Serving its Community through Library Technology

  Purpose: To inform readers how creativity and fresh ideas can aid an established institution to meet specialized information needs. Design/methdology/approach: This is an introduction to a new library at an established aquarium that is now engaged with a new mission, leadership and is doing a...

• Blockchain, libraries and the data deluge
• Charleston Conference 2009

  Purpose: A report on the Charleston Conference, November 2009. Design/methodology/approach: Summarizes the presentations, reports, plenary sessions and panels. Findings: Both collection development and acquisitions are changing rapidly as a result of the libraries trying to meet the needs of...

• Conference report: innovation, interaction … and a lot of data: first time reflections on Internet Librarian International, UK 2018

  Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to summarise a number of presentations at Day 1 of the Internet Librarian International conference, London, UK (16 October 2018). This was the 20th conference in the series, and the three key themes included were the next-gen library and librarian;...

• Designing a prototype virtual learning environment for library and information science students

  Purpose: The major objective of this paper is to develop holistic e‐content for postgraduate students for library and information science with an aim to benefit the learners about and beyond a syllabus. The objectives of the initiative are: develop e‐content in library and information science...

• EDUCAUSE: A Conference Report

  Purpose: To report on the 2005 EDUCAUSE Conference held in October in Orlando, Florida. Design/methodology/approach: Provides a review of some of the events of the conference. Findings: EDUCAUSE is a non‐profit association whose mission is to advance higher education by promoting the intelligent...

• Evolving Web, Evolving Librarian

  Purpose: To review and discuss significant developments in the evolving Web environment and how these developments impact librarians and library services. Design/methodology/approach: The article discusses how four major information industry trends, personalization, self service, mobility, and...