New Library World

Dorte Skot‐Hansen; Casper Hvenegaard Rasmussen; Henrik Jochumsen

2013 New Library World

doi: 10.1108/03074801311291929

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to present a research project on public libraries in urban development focusing on how libraries contribute to culture‐led urban regeneration as icons, placemakers and community vitalization. Design/methodology/approach – The research project is based on case studies of new “cutting‐edge” public libraries in Europe and North America. These case studies have been conducted through analysis of documents, observation and qualitative interviews with key informants. Findings – The article finds that new public libraries have re‐conceptualized their design, brand and functions as an answer to strategies of culture‐led urban regeneration, and at the same time they have actively contributed to urban development by changing the image and identity of urban places, contributing to urban diversity and addressing social and economic problems. Practical implications – The article provides a framework for development of strategies and legitimization for public libraries and a point of departure for the discussion of the library's contribution to urban development. Originality/value – This is the first public presentation of the findings of the results of the research project Public Libraries in Urban Development – Creativity, Innovation and Experience outside the Nordic countries.

Sridevi Jetty; John Paul Anbu K.

2013 New Library World

doi: 10.1108/03074801311291938

Purpose – Short Message Service (SMS) is an application that is widely used by all types of mobile telephone users. Integration of these short messages for marketing different products and services has become a common practice in e‐commerce. This study aims to look at how SMS‐based mobile alerts can be effectively implemented in libraries for successfully marketing the library services and providing value‐added services. This study seeks to follow‐up an original pilot project conducted by the University of Swaziland and Emerald Group Publishing on SMS‐based alert services for a smaller group of users on Emerald's Intouch platform. In this new study the authors aim to try the same project with a combination of multiple databases and a heterogeneous user groups on an independent platform. Design/methodology/approach – With the experiences gained from the UNISWA‐Emerald pilot project on SMS alerts a similar project with a wider scope was attempted at Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, India, where an attempt was made to see whether a similar content alert system, based on the prototype suggested in the pilot project, can be effectively implemented using the same technology on an independent platform with a semi‐automated system compared to the manual system of the pilot. The methodology, findings, data and the experience gained during the pilot project as well as the follow‐up project are predominantly used in this paper. Findings – This study confirms that the prototype suggested in the pilot project can be implemented on an independent platform with multiple databases by using the same parameters. It proves that a successful SMS‐based alert service similar to a SDI service can be implemented using the SMS messaging and have the potential to successfully market library services to its patrons. Research limitations/implications – This project is a second in the sequence where the authors have tried a heterogeneous user group and mobile alerts consists of the different databases subscribed to by the university library. The alerts were dependent on the effective e‐mail‐based alerts provided by the publishers. The keywords used were generalized and the users provided the keyword based on their personal needs. The major limitation was the manual transmission of the SMS, which needs to be automated with a script. Another limitation was the maximum size of SMS texts. Whenever the texts exceeded 140 characters, only hyperlinks were sent with the actual content being kept as a webpage in the server. Practical implications – This project can be implemented as it is since it generalizes the process of implementing a result‐oriented SMS‐based alert service. Originality/value – This study presents a method for implementing an SMS‐based alert service in libraries. With the experiences gained in a series of practical environments the authors have attempted to document the practical experience, which can be implemented in its present form. With mobile alerts gaining prominence in library services and very little material are available on SMS‐based alert services in libraries this may serve as an important milestone in integrating such a service into the future integrated library services.

Aline Soules; Sarah Nielsen; Hee Youn Lee; Kinda Al Rifae

2013 New Library World

doi: 10.1108/03074801311291947

Purpose – This case study aims to describe the collaborative process used to embed an information literacy curriculum into the MA Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) program at university. Design/methodology/approach – The study focuses on how this curriculum was conceived, implemented, and has evolved based on new ideas from the MA coordinator, the librarian, the students, and continuing review of the literature of librarianship and TESOL. The coordinator and librarian describe their approach to curriculum development and their analysis of curricular outcomes, and two graduates from the program describe the program's impact from the student perspective. Findings – The paper finds that the MA TESOL coordinator and the librarian embedded information literacy through structured assignments, reflective essays, and librarian in‐person classroom visits. Ongoing assessment of student survey results and reflective essays provide impetus for ongoing changes to the curriculum. Students' perceptions about and practice of information literacy enrich their program experiences and improve their preparation for further academic work or subsequent TESOL teaching. Research limitations/implications – More follow up is needed with the three cohorts that have completed the MA program since the development of the embedded information literacy curriculum. Practical implications – In their own teaching, graduates emphasize information literacy to their students, further increasing the impact of this program. Social implications – Students develop a closer relationship with the librarian and think differently and more regularly about libraries and information literacy principles. Originality/value – There is a growing body of library literature on embedded librarianship and language learning students, but none focusing exclusively on the role of information literacy in the preparation of teachers of language learning students.

Diana L.H. Chan; Gabrielle K.W. Wong

2013 New Library World

doi: 10.1108/03074801311291956

Purpose – Using the HKUST Learning Commons as a case study, this paper seeks to reveal a number of insights on how to effectively engage different user groups within the university. Design/methodology/approach – The case study focuses on the user‐group engagement process, highlighting the promotion plan and factors that enhance the user‐group engagement. Findings – Two positive outcomes of the engagement were identified: the diversity of learning activities in the Learning Commons, and the elevated image of the library and librarians. Practical implications – The experience at HKUST reported in this paper highlights the need for libraries moving to the new “commons” service model to actively promote the facilities by engaging different user groups. The process itself is a necessary component to the success of the new service and facilities. Originality/value – The case study uses the user engagement framework to steer the promotion effort. The outcomes of the process have long‐term implications for the image and identity of libraries, and subsequently enhance the library's potential in fund raising and resource allocation.

Zara Wilkinson

2013 New Library World

doi: 10.1108/03074801311291965

Purpose – An increasing amount of tenure‐track academic librarians in the USA are expected to conduct original research and publish their results in peer‐reviewed journals. However, librarians who are new not only to librarianship as a profession but also to academia may find it difficult to become acquainted with research while also mastering the day‐to‐day aspects of their job. The purpose of this paper is to examine why early career academic librarians struggle with research and to present some strategies these librarians can use to get started. Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes the form of a literature review. Findings – Librarians often do not research because of factors such as the lack of time and the lack of research skills. Many strategies, such as time management and collaboration, can help them overcome these barriers. Originality/value – Research is an important topic for academic librarians who hold tenure‐track positions. However, they may be unfamiliar with the sort of research that will be required of them.

John van de Pas

2013 New Library World

doi: 10.1108/03074801311291974

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to define a framework for public information services in the twenty‐first century, as a means to address some arguments that are put forward in the debate on the obsoleteness of public information services in the age of the internet. Design/methodology/approach – The paper discusses theoretical concepts on the function of information in modern democracy, followed by analysis of two foremost models of seeking knowledge, “the wisdom of crowds” and “expertise”, the different kinds of questions both forms apply to, the kind of knowledge the different models result in, and the application of the findings from that analysis in the information services environment. Findings – The function of information in a modern democracy still applies today. Information is a means to allow citizens to make informed decisions in the democratic process. The debate on the proper way to provide functional information services in modern democracy is roughly divided between two “schools of thought”. One of them puts the model of “the wisdom of crowds” forward, and sees information technology as the final answer to all questions. The other relies on expertise, which is paramount in classic information services. The conclusion of this paper is that, where not all (research) questions yield to knowledge derived from the wisdom of crowds, there is a true need for information services that specialize in providing information produced by experts. As no other party provides that, public information services should commit themselves to playing a central role in society in providing expert information. Originality/value – The main value of the paper is comprehensive analysis of the widespread claim that free information on the internet is the end to all means, providing all knowledge at the fingertips. It provides arguments to put forward in debates on the value of public information services.

Bruce E. Massis

2013 New Library World

doi: 10.1108/03074801311291983

Purpose – The purpose of this column is to review an assortment of the latest non‐traditional materials lent by libraries. Design/methodology/approach – The paper surveys a selection of items, both technological and traditional, used by libraries in an effort to expand their horizons with a keen eye towards responding to the needs and expectations of their borrowers. Findings – The paper finds that libraries are eager to enhance an ever‐expanding universe of items to support the borrowing of non‐traditional materials. Once entered into the circulation system, the sky's the limit. The only limitation is the library's budget and creativity in selecting which items to purchase and circulate. Originality/value – The paper provides useful information on the latest non‐traditional materials lent by libraries.

Dydimus Zengenene

2013 New Library World

doi: 10.1108/03074801311291992

Purpose – This paper aims to provide a report for the seminar on “Global Interoperability and Linked Data” which was held at the University of Florence in Italy from 18‐19 July 2012. Design/methodology/approach – The paper goes beyond a report by introducing the concept of linked data and how it is beneficial to libraries. It is derived mainly from papers presented at the seminar in English as well as other complementary sources. Findings – The paper reports that linked data in libraries has become a subject of interdisciplinary interest as evidenced by the diversity of participants and presentations at this conference. Originality/value – Based on the experiences presented at the conference, this report concludes by encouraging libraries to build from each other in adopting linked data.