Core Topics in Digital Library Education

Author(s):  
Seungwon Yang ◽  
Barbara M. Wildemuth ◽  
Jeffrey P. Pomerantz ◽  
Sanghee Oh

This chapter introduces the effort of developing a digital library (DL) curriculum by an interdisciplinary team from Virginia Tech and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It presents the foundations of the curriculum building, the DL curriculum framework, the DL educational module template, a list of draft modules that are currently developed and evaluated by multiple experts in the area, and more details about the resources used in the draft modules and DL-related workshop topics mapped to the DL curriculum framework. The use of information systems such as DLs is increasing in education and businesses. To better-support their users, DLs must include both a well-organized underlying architecture and a set of services designed to address their potential users’ information needs. For this vision of the future to come to fruition, information professionals need to be educated to establish and manage digital libraries. The proposed curriculum framework provides a firm foundation for these important educational activities.

2011 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 36-41
Author(s):  
Muhammad Waseem Zia ◽  
Farhat Fatima

The aim of this study was to identify the digital library services for visually impaired (VI) students, studying in the University of Karachi. The VI students have the same information needs as that of sighted people but digital information services are not available for them. The VI students have been facing problems in searching information on the internet because they can not use computer and internet without the support of a helper or some specific software or hardware. The researchers collected data by interviewing VI students. The findings show that the VI students had a keen interest in using digital information through digital libraries because they were aware of the importance and usefulness of digital information and wanted to get benefit of that in their education.


1996 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 136-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark R. Mine ◽  
Hans Weber

Oth law of model dynamics: In a finite (and usually very short) amount of time, users of a graphics system will generate a model that shall bring said system to its knees. The purpose of this paper is to discuss our experiences with the impact of megamodels on interactive virtual environments. We consider a megamodel to be any model that causes the Oth law of model dynamics to come into effect. We will demonstrate how working with megamodels quickly reveals the limitations of the graphics hardware and software being used to support the virtual environment. We will give examples, based upon our experiences on the Architectural Walkthrough Project here at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), of the kinds of extra effort required to overcome these limitations.


Libri ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 68 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher M. Owusu-Ansah ◽  
Antonio Rodrigues ◽  
Thomas Van Der Walt

Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore the extent to which individual factors such as academic tasks, preference for print sources and information skills influence distance learners’ use of digital libraries in a teacher distance education programme at the University of Education, Winneba in Ghana. The population of the study consisted of 1,834 distance students and from a sample size of 641 distance learners spread across three distance study centers, namely, Winneba (247), Kumasi (276) and Asante-Mampong (118). A total of 453 (70.67 percent) distance learners, selected randomly, completed a 31-item questionnaire. In addition, 30 distance education tutors, four coordinators and four librarians were purposively selected to participate in the study. The findings showed that academic tasks of distance learners did not require them to use digital library resources, which resulted in low or no academic use of digital libraries. The findings also pointed to a high preference for print resources among distance learners which resulted in the low use of digital library resources. Finally, it was noted that even though most of the distance learners possessed basic ICT skills, this did not result in their of use of digital library resources. To improve digital library use in distance education, it is recommended that academic librarians seek and foster collaboration in teaching information literacy and library instruction in distance education, an approach which must be backed by a policy that mandates the use of (digital) library scholarly resources in teaching and learning in distance education. It is also recommended that the Centre for Distance Education and the University Library collaborate to offer training programmes in specific digital resources and general information literacy courses for all distance education stakeholders in the university to boost digital library use.


2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 1062-1081 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Kuzma ◽  
Albina Moscicka

Purpose This paper aims to present the authors’ attempts to evaluate the access to archival maps available in digital libraries. Its aim was to pinpoint the factors determining the effectiveness of access to old maps and to evaluate which Polish libraries provide resources in such a way as to give the users the best chance of finding the materials necessary for their research. Design/methodology/approach The presented research focussed on archival documents from academic libraries accessible from the Polish Digital Libraries Federation and available from Europeana Collections. The evaluation criteria were established along with features that determine the level of difficulty of access to data describing archival documents. The research took into account the way of recording the data about archival documents in metadata. The authors have also analysed the quantity of available resources and the consistency of metadata record. Findings The results of the research have demonstrated that one-third of the analysed libraries deserve a positive evaluation. The digital library of the Warsaw University and the Jagiellonian Digital Library received the best scores in terms of the description of archival documents. Considering the number of resources, the Jagiellonian Digital Library and the Digital Library of the University of Wrocław are positively distinguished. Originality/value The method of evaluating the access to archival maps has been developed. The criteria and features necessary for this evaluation and the way of their interpretation have also been defined. The future goals leading to the improvement of the access to the archival maps have been also presented.


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 31
Author(s):  
Atin Istiarni ◽  
Endah Kurniasari

The purpose of this study is to find out how the information age community understands digital public space and how the role of the University of Lampung's digital library in creating virtual public spaces. This research uses descriptive qualitative research methods. This research builds on the critical theory of public space proposed by Jurgen Habermas and Henry Lefebvre. Data collection through literature study and interviews. Data analysis includes three stages namely data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion or verification. Based on the results of the study, it was found that the public space in the information society is interpreted as a space where there is an infinite process of interaction. The role of the University of Lampung's digital library in creating public spaces includes (1) Providing freedom of access to systems and content, (2) giving freedom of expression to users through communication facilities between users and managers (3) Providing equality for anyone to access and utilize digital library applications The University of Lampung (4) has a legal umbrella in managing digital libraries (5) has a shared commitment to turn the University of Lampung's digital library into an ideal public space. Keywords: Digital Library, Public Spaces, Information Society. 


Author(s):  
Samuel Owusu-Ansah

This study represents a framework that digital libraries can leverage to increase usage and visibility. The adopted qualitative research aims to examine a digital engagement strategy for the libraries in the University of Ghana (UG). Data is collected from participants (digital librarians) who are key stakeholders of digital library service provision in the University of Ghana Library System (UGLS). The chapter reveals that digital library services included rare collections, e-journal, e-databases, e-books, microfilms, e-theses, e-newspapers, and e-past questions. Additionally, the research revealed that the digital library service patronage could be enhanced through outreach programmes, open access, exhibitions, social media, and conferences. Digital librarians recommend that to optimize digital library services, literacy programmes/instructions, social media platforms, IT equipment, software, and website must be deployed. In conclusion, a DES helps UGLS foster new relationships, connect with new audiences, and establish new or improved brand identity.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chukwuma Clement Okeji ◽  
Okeoghene Mayowa-Adebara

Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the library school’s curriculum in Nigeria with the aim of comparing it with international and national library and information science (LIS) guidelines regarding provision of “digital libraries” course. Design/methodology/approach This study covered 31 universities offering LIS approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC). The main instrument for data collection for the study was analysis of departmental documents containing the LIS curriculum. Second, some library and information science educators from universities that were yet to integrate the course digital libraries in their LIS curriculum were interviewed. Findings This study revealed that majority of the library schools offer the course “digital libraries” or related areas as core course in their curricula. However, only few library schools have computer laboratories for students to enhance digital library skills. Some LIS educators in the library schools identified challenges such as lack of qualified information and communication technology (ICT) staff to handle the course coupled with lack of computer laboratories equipped with modern computers with stable internet facilities in the LIS departments in Nigeria. Practical implications The findings from this study may inform curriculum revision and updating efforts to make it more relevant by incorporating a stand-alone course on “digital libraries” and provision of computer laboratories in the LIS departments to produce future ICT/digital librarians. Originality/value If university administrators, decision-making body in the departments and LIS educators understand the factors that are currently standing in the way of integrating a course on digital libraries, then those barriers can be removed or lowered. If the enabling factors are appreciated, then actions can be taken to stimulate the implementation of the Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN)/NUC recommendations in all library schools in Nigerian universities.


Webology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 105-115
Author(s):  
Othman Abdulkader Obeidat ◽  
- -

This study aims to evaluating the pattern of digital library utilization in the time of COVID-19 by the postgraduate students in Yarmouk University - Jordan, in addition to helping the university library’s staff and decision makers to identify the role that the digital library play as a response to the closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its effectiveness, Moreover, to examine availability of the ICT infrastructure and support modality the distance teaching and learning which took place due to the university closure since the start of the pandemic. A was used to collect data on how the needs of the postgraduate students and their use of the digital library resources during the period of COVID-19 pandemic. The sample consisted of (180) postgraduate students selected by using simple random sampling technique through (GoogleDocs) in order to represent the study population which is (759) postgraduate students. The findings indicated the poor utilization of digital information resources since students depended on the internet to obtain free digital resources. As a conclusion, the students’ skills have overcome the digital gap as their generation depends on the use of all forms of smart devices.


Author(s):  
Felicia Yusuf ◽  
Sola Owolabi ◽  
Ayooluwa Aregbesola ◽  
Sunday Oguntayo ◽  
Foluke Okocha ◽  
...  

The chapter considers the importance of demographic and socio-economic factors as well as cognitive skills to information seeking in a digital library environment. Demographic factors such as age and gender were considered. Younger adults were found to respond positively to the demands of information seeking in the digital environment while their older counterparts are still struggling to come to terms with the changes. In the same vein, studies have revealed that the value placed on technology by men and women varies. While men express high level of confidence in navigating the digital environment, women still suffer low self-confidence in doing same. Identified socio-economic factors that also constitute a barrier to information seeking in a digital environment include income level, level of education, non-availability of ICT infrastructures and epileptic power supply especially in Africa among others. Unwillingness to see one's needs as information needs, inability to articulate one's information needs, unawareness of information sources, low self-efficacy, poor search skills among others were identified as cognitive barriers to information seeking in the digital environment. Based on the findings of this chapter, the study recommends that for persons who are adjudged to be the older generation, it is imperative for them to acquire requisite ICT skills that will make it easier for them to navigate the digital environment. There is also a clarion call on African leaders to provide infrastructures that will enable ICT to thrive as the digital environment is fast replacing the hitherto traditional one.


2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 826-841 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shakeel Ahmad Khan ◽  
Rubina Bhatti

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore useful Semantic Web technologies and ontology-based applications for digital libraries. It also investigates the perceptions of university librarians and academicians in Pakistan about Semantic Web technologies and their use in digital libraries. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory research design based on Delphi research strategy was conducted to answer the research questions. Interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 50 key informants including university librarians and academicians to explore their perceptions about Semantic Web technologies and their use in digital libraries. Thematic analysis of interview data was conducted to obtain results. Findings The results of this paper showed that DuraCloud, Semantic information mashup, OntoEdit and resource description framework (RDF) are the various Semantic Web applications which are useful for digital libraries to develop semantic relationships among digital contents and increase their accessibility in the web environment. Findings revealed that Semantic Web provides precise results and meets user information needs in an effective way. Results also showed that next-generation digital libraries use context-awareness technology, intelligent agent software and detecting sensors to analyze user information needs and provide dynamic information services. This paper recommended that librarians should embrace the use of emerging web technologies in libraries and offer library services through the medium of the web. Practical implications This paper envisaged the future of digital library services and Semantic Web applications that can be used to re-structure metadata of digital library. This paper has practical implications for librarians to consider the useful applications of Semantic Web for digital library and enhance the interoperability of metadata among heterogeneous information systems. Practically, results obtained from this paper are highly useful for library schools and LIS teachers to up-date their curriculum by incorporating new contents related to web languages and Semantic Web applications for digital libraries. Originality/value This paper identifies various Semantic Web applications which are useful for developing Semantic Digital Libraries.


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