Innovations and Use of Assistive Technologies in Libraries of Institutions of Higher Learning

Access to information for all is a major component of library and information science in this digital era. Libraries in institutions of higher learning are mandated to provide information to all the patrons regardless of their ability to deal with the issue of inclusivity and social justice. A study on the innovations was conducted specifically for patrons with special needs in academic libraries. Different assistive technological types of equipment were outlined as well as the challenges encountered when using the assistive technology tools and applications. The observation was done at one of the academic libraries, and it was discovered that the library has a disability center that is used by patrons with special needs and manned by a trained librarian. The authors recommend the introduction of such services in all the academic libraries to cater to patrons with special needs.

Assessing Strategies of the International Council on Archives

The research aims to assess strategies and planning of the International Council on Archives/Section on University and Research Institution Archives (ICA/SUV) members on the reopening of their archive's repositories during COVID-19. A qualitative method was used to collect data from ICA/SUV members. The research found that most of the respondents had not yet developed an effective strategy and plan on reopening of archives, limited provision of access to information. There were resources allocated for the archives program. COVID-19 provides opportunities of archives institutions to raise awareness on archive programs.

The Environmental Impact of 5G Technology on Humans and Animals

5G has the potential to become the future communication technology as it has the capability to provide faster download speeds, extremely low latency, and higher capacity. The deployment of 5G will be as a wi-fi that will cover the entire globe. It will serve an elevated number of devices than the previous technology; therefore, the distribution of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) will grow rapidly. Although no direct adverse effect has been reported by the service providers, the real health impact of this advanced technology is still under investigation. It is expected that the mm-wave frequency range (30-300 GHz) is ideal for 5G technology, and the devices, in this operating range, will work at very low power due to which small penetration is supposed to occur, but it will require a high density of small cells. It will increase the chances of human exposure to RF-EMF. In this chapter, a theoretical framework is used to describe the effect of 5G technology on humans and animals and also the rumors related to the adaptation of 5G technology.

Evolving Roles of East West University Library During the COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 is a global pandemic disease that was first identified in Wuhan, China. The global reaction to the COVID-19 is varied, but on the whole, the world economy has been seriously deteriorating. COVID-19 has impeded the world's democratic, social-economic, cultural, and religious systems. Globally, educational institutions have been shut down, but their learning activities are being shifted online. Therefore, libraries have been providing diversified resources and services that are important to the needs of users during this pandemic situation. This study aims to comprehensively discuss the ways East West University Library (EWUL), Bangladesh transformed its role during COVID-19 pandemic situation as well as delineate the challenges faced in this quest. This study is basically exploratory in nature. A systematic literature review and document analysis has been conducted, and the author's viewpoints and experiences have also been incorporated in this chapter.

Research Data Management Services in Tertiary Institutions in Zimbabwe

The chapter seeks to analyze how librarians in Zimbabwe are responding to increasing librarian roles in the provision of research data services. The study sought to ascertain librarians' awareness and preparedness to offer research data management services at their institutions and determine support required by librarians to effectively deliver research data services. Participants were invited to respond to the survey, and survey monkey was used to administer the online questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed using content analysis, and it was thematically presented. Findings revealed that librarians in Zimbabwe are aware of their role in research data management, but the majority are not prepared to offer research data management services due to a lack of the required skills and resources. Challenges that were noted include lack of research data management policy at institutional levels and information technology issues such as obsolescence and security issues.

Effectiveness of Reference Models for Knowledge Organization Systems

This chapter intends to study reference models for the development of knowledge organization systems (KOS) to evaluate their effectiveness and their modeling capacity through a comparison of requirements. The tools for the development of technological knowledge management systems that will be compared are Reference Model for an Open Archival Information System (OAIS), Modular Requirements for Records Systems (MoReq), and The Digital Library Reference Model. Through a comparative analysis of these instruments, it is proposed to evaluate and compare their main requirements. The planning of technological systems based on these standards/requirements brings guarantees of a correct use of classifications, thesauri, ontologies, among other types of KOS. They also promote their configuration in technological systems and regarding the business processes in which these technological systems are used.

Low-End XR Practices for Libraries

This chapter presents and discusses a review and comparison of low-end 360-degree and extended reality (XR) practices. The goal of the chapter is to assist both technologically and organizationally with the ubiquitous acceptance of these two technologies as part of the move toward immersive teaching and learning. The chapter shares an overview of rather fluctuant terminology: 360-degree videos and images, virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, extended reality, immersive teaching, and immersive learning. Fostering and accepting a standardized and understandable terminology is an important part of the application process of these technologies to enable immersive teaching and learning. Furthermore, this chapter will argue the importance of a low-end approach toward immersive teaching and learning due to constraints of various characters and as a part of the scalable construct of immersive teaching and learning in academic libraries and respectively on campus.

Beyond the Pandemic

This chapter argues that libraries should sustain and increase allocations to cloud computing technologies following the COVID-19 pandemic, rather than falling back into old management styles. The power of the collaborative environment makes it possible to administratively restructure the library to improve efficiency in the virtual domain, where libraries will find themselves operating more and more. Remote work arrangements have altered the relationship between employee and employer, setting new expectations and demanding new ideas about operations. The author discusses how this “new normal” will necessitate changes in how directors govern their staff, especially in an era of reduced budgets.

Using Social Media for Dynamic Information Dissemination in the 21st Century

The implementation and usage of information and communication technology (ICT) in library functions and facilities has revolutionized the way people use information and librarians perform their work. As a result of the advent of social media, the world's knowledge outlook has changed significantly, resulting in the sharing of thoughts, emotions, images, and videos as resources. A library is worth considering; it is a key to learning, a foundation for long-term mastery of information, and it promotes independent decision-making. The use of social media in library activities has enticed a significant number of users, but it has also challenged libraries to modernize their service delivery. Facebook, Twitter, Wikis, WhatsApp, MySpace, and LinkedIn facilitate community courses, collaboration, and information sharing. As a consequence, it is vital for libraries to consider and prioritize their users' needs.

Pivotal Role of the Library in Higher Education Reforms

This chapter presents a reflective study on academic libraries' roles in reforming higher education systems. This chapter focuses on several aspects of academic libraries in improving higher education in universities and describes the impact of decolonization in higher education, emphasizing National Education Policy 2020 and democratization of higher education institutions (HEIs) worldwide. This study focuses on the mediating role of academic libraries in supporting teaching, learning, research, and innovation in HEIs in term of collection development, positioning university library as a research hub, positioning as a hub for students' learning and success, technology integration and implementation, foster diversity and inclusion, open access advocacy, accreditation and quality assurance, library collaboration and partnership, organizational development, and employee excellence. Further, this chapter discusses how academic libraries matter in accreditation and quality assurance in HEIs.