Defining, evaluating, and achieving accessible library resources

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 425-438 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Kazuye Kimura
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Science Literature ◽  
Web Content ◽  
Digital Resources ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
Complex Landscape ◽  
Accessibility Guidelines ◽  
State Of Research

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review the library and information science literature related to the accessibility of digital resources by individuals with mental, physical or other impairments, to assess the state of research in the field and to explore new avenues for investigation. Design/methodology/approach There is an increasingly rich body of literature surrounding digital accessibility in libraries, ranging from practical guides for authors of Web content, to principles of universal design, to the ethical considerations of libraries subscribing to packages of digital content, to critical examinations of the accessibility guidelines themselves. This review is intended to be illustrative, not exhaustive; less attention is given to studies of specific tools that will become quickly outdated, and more attention is given to underlying considerations and approaches that will remain relevant even as technologies change. Findings Many libraries and vendors have taken steps to provide equal access to websites and electronic resources in recent years. While the literature reflects an increasing level of critical engagement with concepts around disability and diversity, it also demonstrates methodological weaknesses in assessment projects that do not lead to meaningful accessibility. Originality/value This review offers theoretical and practical perspectives from recent work that can assist librarians in planning and decision-making, as they deal with an increasingly complex landscape of digital resources.

Holograms in libraries – the potential for education, promotion and services

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Wójcik
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
Swot Analysis ◽  
Comparative Method ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Situational Analysis ◽  
Cultural Institutions ◽  
Network Resources ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Current State ◽  
State Of Research

Purpose The subject of this paper is the application of holograms in cultural institutions. The purpose of this paper is to define the potential areas of hologram use in libraries, particularly in education and promotion, and also in services. Design/methodology/approach The method of analysis and criticism of literature was used. Based on a search conducted through Google Scholar for the 2006-2016 period, the current state of research on the use of holograms in cultural institutions was established. Subsequently, in order to find examples of hologram use in libraries, museums, galleries, and social organizations, an established set of queries was used to systematically search network resources using global search engines and metasearch engines. The initial list of results was narrowed down to the most relevant. On the basis of the above fact, the main areas of hologram use in cultural institutions were defined and examples of best practices were selected according to chosen criteria. The comparative method then was used to determine potential areas of application of holographic techniques in libraries. Finally, SWOT analysis – the situational analysis method known to management sciences – was used to determine opportunities and threats related to the use of holograms in cultural institutions. Findings Holograms have broad potential use in libraries that is even broader than initially assumed because they are not limited to education, promotion and services, and can also be used in documentation, research and exhibitions. The use of holograms can bring many benefits, but it is also associated with certain risks that need to be considered. Practical implications The results can be widely used in practice as a framework for the implementation of holographic techniques in libraries. Social implications The paper can help initiate debate on the opportunities and risks of using holograms in cultural institutions. Originality/value The issue of the use of holograms has not yet been widely discussed in library and information science scientific journals.

“Ask me what I read”: readers' advisory and immigrant adaptation

2013 ◽  
Vol 114 (11/12) ◽  
pp. 507-526 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keren Dali
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Science Literature ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Greater Toronto Area ◽  
Intercultural Adaptation ◽  
Shared Networks ◽  
Views And Perceptions ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential of readers' advisory (RA) in libraries to help immigrants with psychological and socio-cultural adaptation in a new country. Design/methodology/approach – The data were empirically collected from a sample of Russian-speaking immigrant readers residing in the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada, by means of background surveys and in-depth interviews. Findings – The RA interaction is not merely a conversation about leisure books; it is a powerful intercultural encounter that has the potential to raise the levels of intimacy and attraction between host and immigrant populations, break negative stereotypes, help to build shared networks and create favorable contacts, change intergroup attitudes, and improve readers' mastery of the second language and knowledge of a new country. Originality/value – This article makes a contribution to three areas related to RA. It provides insight into the views and perceptions of RA by a selected group of readers; it gives voice to immigrant readers whose experiences with RA are particularly under-represented in the Library and Information Science literature; and it conceptualizes the RA interaction as an intercultural encounter, using the uncertainty reduction based theory of intercultural adaptation to frame the discussion.

Exploring academic libraries’ use of Twitter: a content analysis

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 1002-1015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sultan M. Al-Daihani ◽  
Suha A. AlAwadhi
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Science Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Patterns Of Communication ◽  
Library Marketing

Purpose – This research aims to analyze academic libraries’ Twitter content and present a categorization framework for the study of their tweets. Design/methodology/approach – The research adopted a statistical descriptive analysis in addition to a content analysis of the tweets. Consequently, many categories and subcategories were created to classify the tweets according to different aspects. A total of 17 academic library accounts were examined. Findings – The findings show that academic libraries used Twitter as a multifaceted tool. “News and announcements” received the highest score as the type of information most often posted on Twitter by libraries, followed by “library collections” and “library services”. The subcategories that received the highest scores were “library marketing and news”, “answers and referrals” and “books”. Academic libraries showed a penchant for posting links more often than other content. Other results show different patterns of communication and interaction between libraries and their Twitter followers. Practical implications – The categorization of tweets provides a framework for understanding how academic libraries use Twitter. Originality/value – As little research can be found in the library and information science literature on Twitter content analysis, this research is expected to contribute significantly. It will also support academic libraries and librarians in using Twitter more efficiently and effectively.

Differences between LIS and non-LIS undergraduates’ conceptions of smart libraries: a drawing analysis approach

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yun-Fang Tu ◽  
Gwo-Jen Hwang ◽  
Shu-Yen Chen ◽  
Chiulin Lai ◽  
Chuan-Miao Chen
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Digital Resources ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Appliances ◽  
Technology Services ◽  
Access To Books

Purpose This study aims to compare similarities and differences in library and information science (LIS) and non-LIS undergraduates’ conceptions and perceptions of smart libraries via drawing analysis. Design/methodology/approach In this study, a total of 156 undergraduate students described their perceptions of smart libraries as drawings and textual descriptions. A modified coding scheme with 8 categories and 51 subcategories was used to analyse the undergraduate students’ drawings. Findings Most of the undergraduate students’ conceptions of smart libraries still involve self-checkout and learning/reading, focusing on information appliances, technical services, activities and objects. The differences are that the LIS undergraduates’ drawings showed smart libraries with robots, interactive book borrowing with technology tools, intelligent services, location-aware services or mobile applications, whereas non-LIS undergraduates presented smart libraries as readers (learners), other activities and no smart technology services. LIS undergraduates focused on providing patron services with technologies. Non-LIS undergraduates were more likely to draw a complex space with immediate access to books or digital resources, quiet reading and the freedom to engage in library activities. Originality/value The results provide a baseline for future research on the topic and provide preliminary evidence of using the methods to discern LIS and non-LIS undergraduates’ conceptions of smart libraries.

Accessibility of distance library services for deaf and hard of hearing users

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 439-448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erica Getts ◽  
Katie Stewart
Keyword(s):  
Hard Of Hearing ◽  
Instructional Materials ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Web Content ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
Accessibility Guidelines ◽  
Type Gene ◽  
Online Library ◽  
Content Accessibility

Purpose This paper aims to review existing literature on distance library services for individuals with disabilities with a specific focus on deaf and hard of hearing (D/HH) users and provide strategies for creating an online library that is accessible to this community. Design/methodology/approach The authors reviewed articles covering distance library services for D/HH users and then identified specific parts of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 that are applicable to the D/HH community. By using the literature, strategies for developing and purchasing accessible electronic library resources are presented. Findings While there is a breadth of literature focused on creating accessible resources for online libraries, there is a gap when it comes to D/HH users. Libraries can cater to this community by providing text-based alternatives for all library instructional materials and working closely with vendors to ensure that library databases are accessible. Practical implications The authors present strategies for creating and converting electronic resources and services that are accessible to D/HH users. Originality/value This paper fills a gap in literature by addressing fully online library services for users with disabilities with a particular focus on meeting the needs of D/HH users in a distance-learning environment.

Twenty years of readership of library and information science literature under Mendeley’s microscope

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aida Pooladian ◽  
Ángel Borrego
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
Research Evaluation ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Library Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Science Literature ◽  
Management Software ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Citation Counts

Purpose Altmetric indicators have been proposed as a complement to citation counts in research evaluation. Conceivably, they might also be used to supplement other methods for estimating journal readership. The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of Mendeley reference management software to characterize the features of the readership of library and information science (LIS) literature. Design/methodology/approach The authors used the Social Sciences Citation Index to retrieve 54,655 articles and reviews published between 1995 and 2014 and indexed in the category “Information Science & Library Science”. Each record was then searched in Mendeley to obtain the number of bookmarks of the paper and the academic status of the users. Findings Mendeley covers 61 per cent of the LIS literature published in the last 20 years. In all, 75 per cent of the papers published in the last five years had been bookmarked at least once in Mendeley whereas just 55 per cent had been cited in Web of Science. Reviews are bookmarked more frequently than articles, and papers in English have more bookmarks than papers in any other language. Most users of LIS literature are PhD and postgraduate students. Originality/value The study shows that altmetrics can be used as a source of data in information behaviour studies. Reference management software provides an unobtrusive means of capturing reading habits in the scholarly literature. Compared to citation counts, bookmarks are rapidly available and also reflect usage outside the academic community.

Collaborative information seeking environments benefiting from holistic ergonomics

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 439-459 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anika Meyer ◽  
Ina Fourie
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Science Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Perspectives ◽  
Collaborative Information Seeking ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the value of utilising a holistic ergonomic approach, covering engineering, cognitive and social perspectives, to cultivate beneficial and productive collaborative information seeking (CIS) systems and environments, specifically with regard to three main CIS pillars (control, communication and awareness). Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative research approach, based on a selective corpus of CIS literature, was utilised to perform a content analysis to note if terms and concepts normally associated with engineering, cognitive and social ergonomics can be used to eliminate terms reflecting issues related to three CIS pillars (control, communication and awareness) that can benefit from a holistic ergonomic approach. Findings – The content analysis revealed that a fairly extensive amount of holistic ergonomic terminology is prominent within the CIS literature, therefore establishing a connection between the two disciplines: CIS and ergonomics. This suggests that CIS system issues could benefit from the insights of a holistic ergonomic approach. Research limitations/implications – Since this is an exploratory study the scope of CIS literature utilised in the content analysis was limited to a selection considered most important by the authors; this should be supplemented by further research. Practical implications – Intended to instigate interest in further exploration of the beneficial and productive implications and practical application of holistic ergonomics in designing CIS systems and environments. Originality/value – This is the first research paper in the Library and Information Science literature that explores the potential of utilising holistic ergonomics to cultivate CIS systems and environments.

Haptic technology – potential for library services

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 883-893 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Wójcik
Keyword(s):  
User Interfaces ◽  
Information Science ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Service Needs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Haptic Technology ◽  
State Of Research

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.

scholarly journals Role of libraries in developing an informed and educated nation

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 422-432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ina Fourie ◽  
Anika Meyer
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Science Literature ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Role Players ◽  
Information Fluency ◽  
Developed Nations

Purpose Libraries of all types have often been called on to take on challenges ranging from information literacy and developing a reading culture to promoting social justice. In recent literature they have been challenged to contribute to the development of informed and educated nations – a big issue in developing countries. Sometimes even to empower people. The purpose of this paper is to raise awareness for this call as important for developing as well as developed nations and the numerous issues, role players and lenses they need to bear in mind. As an opinion piece it can merely scratch the surface of raising awareness. Design/methodology/approach This contribution builds on the literature of library and information science, education and politics to present an exploratory viewpoint and a nascent model to support further work. It intentionally touches on a diversity of issues that may seem at odds with each other, but that in the opinion reflect the enormous scope to address and diversity of individual, institutional and global input and lenses that can make a difference. Findings Many obvious approaches to achieve the object of an informed and educated nation with empowered individuals can be noted such as focusing on information literacy, digital literacy and information fluency. However more awareness is required of the need to take a holistic view of issues to focus on such as tolerance and ethics, and the information behaviour and information practices of people in various contexts, and how changes in the awareness of needs to address and the need to seek information and support from diverse sources, can contribute. A first step would be to note the diversity that might contribute towards a holistic view of a global problem to which libraries can contribute. Originality/value There are limited publications on the topic in the library and information science literature although “developing an informed and educated nation” features in the mission and vision plans of some countries, and empowerment is sometimes specifically noted in publications on user education and information literacy. This paper offers an exploratory viewpoint to raise awareness to consider various approaches and threads to the topic and to not think only in terms of education and information literacy, but to recognise the full role libraries and librarians can play – also in reaching out to other role players such as users, governments and grant providers.

Archivematica outside the box

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaun Trujillo ◽  
Meghan Bergin ◽  
Margaret Jessup ◽  
Johanna Radding ◽  
Sarah Walden McGowan
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
Digital Preservation ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Science Literature ◽  
Digital Collections ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Institutional Repositories ◽  
Resource Limitations ◽  
Experimental Process

Purpose This work aims to provide a report on adopting a consortial model of collaboration toward understanding digital preservation practice. Design/methodology/approach This work provides a case study detailing the work and outcomes of a digital preservation pilot project undertaken by the Five College Libraries between 2014 and 2015. Findings Digital preservation is a broad endeavor and rapidly developing facet of digital collections and institutional repositories; yet, it is often an area that is not fully understood or implemented by many libraries and archives, largely because institutions lack the necessary resources to do it alone. Working across institutional lines provides a possible solution to overcoming resource limitations and general challenges for pursuing robust digital preservation programs. Research limitations/implications Findings reported in this work are based on a limited-scope pilot project. Several questions laid out during the pilot remain unanswered at its close. Originality/value This paper provides insight into an experimental process rarely reported in library and information science literature. The goal of the paper is to provide a reference point for institutions pursuing a consortial approach to the challenges of applied digital preservation practice.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document