Designing metadata schema for a human library: a prototype

Purpose In the absence of a working model for describing, managing and archiving the human library resources, this study aims to attempt a practical approach that will provide all the necessary information to the library users, library professionals and researchers. Design/methodology/approach Initially, different metadata standards, archival projects and attributes of the human books were reviewed to identify appropriate metadata standards that accurately describe the resources of the human library. A free and open-source software; DSpace was considered for implementing newly defined metadata schema in this study. Thereafter, a set of new subject entries was incorporated to standardize the contents of the human library. Findings This study finds that the widely used metadata schema – Dublin Core (DC) is not appropriate to describe the contents of the human book. It shows that selected metadata elements from the types – person and event of schema.org can be used for describing, organizing and archiving the resources of the human library. It further highlights that existing subject entries are not sufficient to standardize the contents of these types of resources. Research limitations/implications Two metadata fields in DSpace are strongly recommended by the DSpace community to consider in the input-forms.xml file, that is why the study could not completely omit DC metadata elements in describing human books. Originality/value The study provides a roadmap to the library professionals on the inclusion of new metadata schemas in describing the uniquely featured resources of the library.

Library transformation

Purpose: The main objective of this study is to examine the importance of digital libraries during the COVID-19 pandemic in dissemination of information services, to know the users’ perspectives towards its success and also examines the challenges faced by the libraries during this pandemic and also about how the librarians cope up with the challenges and function in the new normal situation.Methodology: An online Pan-India survey was conducted among library professionals and user communities. By using survey instrument, Google Form, a total of 12 questions were asked from general to specific towards use of digital libraries during pandemic period. Total 250 responses were received. The responses received were categorized, analyzed and presented in this paper. The research data were primarily collected from blogs, social media and online survey which were carried out among various library professionals to know their perspective towards digital libraries, new skill requirement and current challenges faced by the libraries in the new normal imposed on us due to COVID-19 pandemic.Findings: This study reveals that the library professionals are eager to learn online technologies for developing and delivering information services. It also identifies that to remain connected and to spread knowledge, large numbers of online webinars are conducted in library fields. The major challenges the librarians faced during COVID-19 are physical distancing from workplace, fear of disease contraction, Lack of high speed internet connection, low response of users in social media platforms etc.Originality/ value: This is an original study conducted in India which gives an overview on the transformation of libraries by using digital library services to meet the need of the users during COVID-19.

Promoting the Use of Reference Management Tools An Opportunity for Librarians to Promote Scientific Tradition

The scientific tradition entails that any scientific work needs to be cited if it is responsible for the development of further another research work. This review article discusses the role of library professionals in promoting Reference Management Tools (RMTs) amongst the teachers, students, and researchers to maintain the scientific tradition of citation management. Among the various citation management tools available, four exemplary tools have been discussed briefly. The review of the literature revealed that the users have mixed responses pertaining to the use of RMTs. Especially; the common experience in respect of quality usage is very low. The users seemed to have limited themselves to make use of RMTs for reference management instead of exploring all the options associated with it. An attempt has been made to highlight why and how librarians should promote RMTs in the academic environment. Since librarians are considered experts in the field of reference management, they must grab this opportunity to strengthen the profession. The article urges the library professionals to get expertise in using RMTs so as to promote them successfully for academic writing and research activities.

Sustainability in Danish Public Libraries

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals1 play a growing significance in the work of public libraries in Denmark. This article highlights national and local projects, points out learnings and discusses a framework for getting started working with the SDGs, including what skills library professionals need to achieve these goals.

Social media and library marketing

Purpose The basic purpose of this paper is to find out library professionals how these libraries perceive the importance of social media and emerging technologies what would make the difference in the libraries and how they help libraries to create environments flexible and exclusive. Design/methodology/approach This paper reviews various options for libraries to use different forms of social media to market their resources and services. Findings The reviewed literature has identified the importance and use of emerging technologies and social media in libraries. This paper can help library professionals to engage themselves to use social media and emerging technologies to bring innovation into the library sources and services. Originality/value This paper provides a review of social media and emerging technologies used for marketing in the libraries environment.

Leadership: Tertiary Libraries and the New Library Professional

<p>Research Problem: The library workforce is rapidly aging and many library leaders will be lost as they retire. This is exacerbated in tertiary libraries, which traditionally attract an older workforce. Libraries face constant change that requires leaders to negotiate. Doubts have been expressed about new library professionals’ willingness to take on leadership roles. To understand how problematic this situation is in New Zealand’s tertiary sector, this research examined the attitude of new library professionals’ toward leadership. Methodology: The research used a survey method incorporating quantitative and qualitative questions. For the purpose of this research a new library professional is defined as someone who began studying for a library qualification within the last five years, or who has completed a library qualification within the last five years. Results: 32 eligible participants took part. The results show a desire for access to mentoring and while the attitudes toward leadership are dependent on confidence, experience and involvement in development opportunities, most participants expressed a positive attitude to taking on a leadership role either now or in the future. Implications: Access to leadership development opportunities builds knowledge and confidence, and attitudes are negatively impacted without this. Mentoring is a key development opportunity that the majority of new librarians currently lack. These findings positively reinforce the leadership and mentoring opportunities currently offered by the LIANZA, although regular reminders to new professionals of these opportunities would help. The findings suggest the proposed changes to the MIS library curriculum of incorporating a practicum for all students is an additional development opportunity that will add to new professionals’ experience.</p>

Leadership: Tertiary Libraries and the New Library Professional

<p>Research Problem: The library workforce is rapidly aging and many library leaders will be lost as they retire. This is exacerbated in tertiary libraries, which traditionally attract an older workforce. Libraries face constant change that requires leaders to negotiate. Doubts have been expressed about new library professionals’ willingness to take on leadership roles. To understand how problematic this situation is in New Zealand’s tertiary sector, this research examined the attitude of new library professionals’ toward leadership. Methodology: The research used a survey method incorporating quantitative and qualitative questions. For the purpose of this research a new library professional is defined as someone who began studying for a library qualification within the last five years, or who has completed a library qualification within the last five years. Results: 32 eligible participants took part. The results show a desire for access to mentoring and while the attitudes toward leadership are dependent on confidence, experience and involvement in development opportunities, most participants expressed a positive attitude to taking on a leadership role either now or in the future. Implications: Access to leadership development opportunities builds knowledge and confidence, and attitudes are negatively impacted without this. Mentoring is a key development opportunity that the majority of new librarians currently lack. These findings positively reinforce the leadership and mentoring opportunities currently offered by the LIANZA, although regular reminders to new professionals of these opportunities would help. The findings suggest the proposed changes to the MIS library curriculum of incorporating a practicum for all students is an additional development opportunity that will add to new professionals’ experience.</p>

What is a Hybrid Library? Evidence from Scotland and Brazil

The term “hybrid” has been used in many ways relating to hybrid library professionals; libraries that combine an academic and corporate purpose or a library and museum’s purpose; the use of hybrid instruction methods; a library that combines public and private spaces; reactions of libraries to hybrid open access; and hybrid professionals.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for Library Professionals in Academics Libraries of Ahmedabad/Gandhinagar

The main objective of this paper is to find out the training and development of LIS Professionals of and various aspects of Continuous Professional Development (CPD). Most of library professionals are satisfied with the standards of training meet the standards and they prefer on job training. Overall, the training and development activities improve job performance and it will enhance the technical skills and knowledge. They all recommend the training should be of week duration. Keyword: Training and Development, Continuous Professional Development (CPD), Staff development, HRD