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

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 21-22
Author(s):  
Ray Harper

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; understanding users, usage and user experience; and inclusion and inspiration: libraries making a difference. Design/methodology/approach This paper reports from the viewpoint of a first-time attendee of the conference. This summarises the main issues raised by each presentation and draws out the key learning points for practical situations. Findings The conference covered a variety of practical ways in which libraries can use technology to support users and make decisions about services. These include developing interactive physical spaces which include augmented reality; introducing “chat-bots” to support users; using new techniques to analyse data; and piloting new ways to engage users (such as coding clubs). A key theme was how we use and harness data in a way that is ethical, effective and relevant to library services. Originality/value This conference focussed on practical examples of how library and information services across sectors and countries are innovating in a period of huge change. The conference gave delegates numerous useful ideas and examples of best practice and demonstrated the strength of the profession in adapting to new technologies and developments.

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Martin Kesselman

Purpose – This conference report is the first in a series of reviews of non-library conferences with implications for technology in libraries. These reports will appear under the umbrella title, “On the Horizon”. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes the form of a conference report. Findings – These reports demonstrate the importance of learning about these technologies and trends and possible implications for libraries, not only for possible library applications but also to be aware of new technologies that are being used by library user communities. Originality/value – This is the first time a library journal has reviewed conferences aimed at other groups of users but demonstrates the value of learning what is going on in other disciplines and environments where technologies are emerging at a rapid pace.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcelo Cajias

PurposeDigitalisation and AI are the most intensively discussed topics in the real estate industry. The subject aims at increasing the efficiency of existing processes and the institutional side of the industry is really interested. And in some ways, this is a breakthrough. This article elaborates on the current status quo and future path of the industry.Design/methodology/approachThe real estate industry is evolving, and parts of the business are increasingly being conquered by “proptechs” and “fintechs”. They have come into real estate to stay not because they discovered inefficiencies in the way one manages and does business with real estate, but because they come with an arsenal of new technologies that can change the whole game. The article discusses a path for changing the game in real estate.Findings“location, location, location” has now evolved to “data, data, data”. However, there is one essential aspect that must be considered before the latter can become the real value creator: the ability of market players to analyse data. And this does not mean being an excellent Excel user. The near future sees a solution called Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) meaning that the econometric world constructed decades ago has an expiry date.Originality/valueOne needs to delete two myths from their mind: data quantity is proportional to accurate insights and that bringing your data to a cloud will deliver you with all the insights your business needs almost immediately.


2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 2-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philomena W. Mwaniki

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize the future of academic libraries in the era of new user needs, new skills for staff and services offered. The literature shows the evolution of new technologies and the implications they have on the staff, library services and new user needs. The discussions in this paper are surrounded by conceptualization of what the library products and services will be in future academic libraries. It also looks at future studies that explore opportunities for librarians to advance their professional role. Design/methodology/approach This is a literature-based conceptual paper that draws on a wide range of literature that hypothetically looks at the future roles of professional librarians, the collection, services and the evolution of technology on the new user needs. Findings The library today will give the basis for the future librarian’s role, the emerging user needs and impact of service delivery. Technological advances have also affected the establishment of library systems and services offered. The emerging future roles will generally depend on how advanced the libraries are in the region or country including Kenya. Originality/value This paper adds a flexible approach to the skills, services as a role of future librarians.


2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Martin Kesselman

Purpose – This paper aims to review the highlights, new technologies and trends presented at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Design/methodology/approach – Conference report. Findings – This report demonstrates the importance of learning about these technologies and trends and possible implications for libraries, not only for possible library applications but also to be aware of new technologies that are being used by library user communities. Originality/value – The CES is the premiere event for the 200-billion dollar consumer technology industry and where new products are introduced and highlighted, some of which may have applicability to libraries and library users.


2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 404-420 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Wójcik

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to subject the potential of Internet of Things (IoT) technology for libraries in terms of the possible scope and usage forms of this technology in public and academic library services. Design/methodology/approach – Based on analysis of the subject literature, the main areas of IoT applications in commercial institutions were identified, then an analysis of Library and Information Science English-language literature from the years 2010 to 2015 was conducted in order to create a profile of modern library services. The range of activities of commercial and non-commercial institutions were compared to ascertain if areas in which commercial entities using or planning to use IoT could also be an inspiration for libraries. In this way, a theoretical model of IoT use in library activities was developed. Findings – The research showed that IoT technology might have the potential to be used in library services and other activities, similar to how it is implemented in the commercial sector. Research limitations/implications – The aim of the paper is to determine the possible, not the actual, scope and forms of using this technology in public and academic libraries’ services. Practical implications – The results can be widely used in libraries as an inspiration for the use of IoT technology in modern library services. Social implications – The use of new technologies in libraries can help to improve the image of these institutions in the eyes of users, especially the younger generation. Originality/value – The use of IoT in libraries is a new issue that has not been studied much yet. The issue of using the potential of this technology for the needs of libraries has, in recent years, been raised at international conferences, become a subject of interest to librarian associations, and been widely discussed in the blogosphere, thus proving that this topic is important to practitioners. It is difficult, however, to find any scientific, comprehensive studies of this topic.


2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 883-893 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Wójcik

Purpose The subject of the paper is haptic technology considered as a tool for improving the performance of libraries. The purpose of this paper is to determine the potential of this technology in the design of innovative library services. Specific goals include description of the ideas and features of haptic technology, identification of the main areas of application of haptic technology and outlining the possible uses of haptic technology in library services. Design/methodology/approach The method of analysis and criticism of literature was used. The state of research from the period 2008–2018 on the use of haptic technology in libraries was established based on a systematic search of selected sources, such as resources indexed by Google Scholar, the Worldcat catalogue and the LISTA database. Findings Haptic technology is a topic that should be covered more often in library and information science because it has a great potential to improve library services and make them more attractive. The two most important areas in which haptic technology could be applied in libraries are education and services, especially for disabled users that have special educational and service needs. Although it could be very helpful for disabled users, haptic technology can also be used in various contexts to provide more responsive and intuitive user interfaces for electronic library services. Research limitations/implications The purpose of this paper is not to exhaust the topic but to continue and complement the problems pointed out by P. Fernandez and to initiate further discussion on this topic. Practical implications The results can be widely used in practice as a framework for the implementation of haptic technology in libraries. Social implications The paper can help to facilitate the debate on the role of implementing new technologies in libraries. Originality/value The problem of haptic technology is very rarely addressed in the subject literature in the field of library and information science.


2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 25-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Butner ◽  
Grace Ho

Purpose Machine learning is beginning to transform the way businesses organize their operations and benefit from technology investments. Design/methodology/approach To learn more about how far along organizations are in deploying intelligent automation and in developing plans and strategies for its adoption, the IBM Institute for Business Value, in collaboration with Oxford Economics surveyed and interviewed 550 technology and operations executives. Findings The primary purpose of intelligent automation is to augment employees’ skills, experience and expertise, extending the human mind in ways that allow for higher productivity, creative problem-solving and more engaging jobs for employees. Practical implications Automation is not a plug-and-play solution: companies cannot just buy the technology, flip the switch and watch robots run the business without any human intervention. Originality/value This recent survey of operations executive with specific knowledge of their companies plans provides insights into best practice. Executives believe that layering new technologies on top of old business processes is apt to be less productive ? and less cost-effective ? than rethinking processes to make the most of intelligent automation. Executives must optimize workflows for automation; this means envisioning the end result, enabling it through logical steps and prototyping the process ? then repairing as necessary before scaling.


2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 853-871 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Angel Navas ◽  
Carlos Sancho ◽  
Jose Carpio

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a new disruptive maintenance model based on new technologies.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is carrying out through the impact of the Industry 4.0, Internet of things, big data, virtual reality and additive manufacturing on maintenance.FindingsThe findings are that new technologies are an evolutionary challenge that is immediately affecting maintenance engineering. It presents a unique opportunity to make a disruptive evolution of maintenance.Research limitations/implicationsThe correct development of Maintenance 4.0 relates to the correct implementation of Industry 4.0.Practical implicationsMaintenance 4.0 will greatly improve the main operating indicators: safety, reliability, availability and cost.Social implicationsMaintenance 4.0 will contribute to a circular and sustainable economy.Originality/valueFor the first time, a complete new Maintenance Engineering 4.0 model is proposed. The application of the new technologies appears in each specific maintenance process of the product life cycle.


2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 211-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith Good ◽  
Sarah Parsons ◽  
Nicola Yuill ◽  
Mark Brosnan

Purpose This short paper reports on the fourth seminar in a seven-seminar series entitled, “Innovative Technologies for Autism: Critical Reflections on Digital Bubbles”, funded by the UK Economic and Social Research Council. The purpose of this paper is to consider in more depth the technologies being developed and used in the autism field, and to critically reflect on their relative benefits and potential pitfalls. Design/methodology/approach Presentations from key researchers and practitioners are reviewed, highlighting contemporary issues in the area of autism and technology. The presentations include descriptions of cutting-edge technologies as well as the role of technology in human-human interaction. Findings Despite its potential, technology for autism is regarded by many with some caution: technology per se cannot provide solutions to key issues in the field. However, by looking in more depth at the features of new technologies and the interactions that take place with and around them, we can begin to build up a picture of best practice around technology for autism. Originality/value This paper offers up-to-date insights from leading academics on the benefits and challenges of innovative technologies in the field of autism research and practice. Specifically, it highlights the importance of including a breadth of expertise in the design of such tools, and the need to consider technology as a means to an end, rather than an end in itself.


2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 134-142
Author(s):  
Alberto Bueno-Guerrero

Purpose This paper aims to study the conditions for the hedging portfolio of any contingent claim on bonds to have no bank account part. Design/methodology/approach Hedging and Malliavin calculus techniques recently developed under a stochastic string framework are applied. Findings A necessary and sufficient condition for the hedging portfolio to have no bank account part is found. This condition is applied to a barrier option, and an example of a contingent claim whose hedging portfolio has a bank account part different from zero is provided. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time that this issue has been addressed in the literature.


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