Library Hi Tech News

Oyelude, Adetoun A.

2017 Library Hi Tech News

doi: 10.1108/LHTN-04-2017-0019

PurposeVirtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are technologies gaining more ground, and their uses in libraries and for educational purposes are expanding.Design/methodology/approachEthical and legal issues in the use of VR and AR are bound to arise in future if the technology is used for less-than-laudable functions.FindingsFor now, the Western world uses both technologies more, even though it is free and, in some cases, less expensive than before now.Originality/valueIt superimposes a computer-generated image on a user’s view of the real world, providing a composite view. Both technologies aim to make the user feel a sense of being there and experiencing what is being viewed in real time.

Vincze, Joseph

2017 Library Hi Tech News

doi: 10.1108/LHTN-03-2017-0016

PurposeThis paper aims to explore integrating chatbot applications into libraries to improve reference services.Design/methodology/approachThis paper explores the benefits of using chatbots as virtual reference librarians. Emma the Mentor Public Library’s Catbot is used as a case study.FindingsChatbots cannot replicate the complexity of human interaction (both knowledge and emotional), but these can provide a cost-effective way to answer the majority of routine reference questions and direct users to the appropriate service.Originality/valueReaders will increase their awareness of how chatbots can streamline the work of the reference department by answering the majority of routine reference questions and freeing library staff to focus on more demanding research and tasks uniquely suited to humans.

Di Monte, Lauren; Serafin, Mike

2017 Library Hi Tech News

doi: 10.1108/LHTN-10-2016-0051

PurposeThis paper aims to take seriously the import accorded to the interface within the digital humanities. It will probe some of the possibilities and limits of the computer interface as a reading and research tool by unpacking theoretical and practical aspects of interface design.Design/methodology/approachThe authors wanted to see if they could design a tool that would meet three interrelated goals: the first was to develop a digital tool that would enable scholarship rather than mere publishing. Next, they wanted to build an interface that would acknowledge the situatedness of reading and meaning-making practices.FindingsThe research-oriented design approach to interface design has shown us how valuable it is to combine research and practice when thinking through issues in the digital humanities. Engaging in such a design project provides the unique opportunity to bring together theoretical concepts relating interface design with robust tools like XML mark-up and Drupal modules.Originality/valueThere is literature on the subject of transformation of print documents to electronic text (Hayles, 2003) and the representation of text within a computer (Sperberg-McQueen, 1991); this project attempts to build a prototype of what these theories might look like.

Kampa, Raj Kishor

2017 Library Hi Tech News

doi: 10.1108/LHTN-11-2016-0055

PurposeThis paper aims to study how a library can be best integrated into eLearning platform, thereby making it easier for both the instructors and students to search the library resources with ease. Further, it explores the perceived usefulness of library integration in the eLearning platform and ease of access of library resources and services through the integrated system by students.Design/methodology/approachThe study has adopted quantitative research design to garner the perceptions of students towards library integration system in eLearning and its perceived usefulness of integration. In total, 156 responses were collected from both first-year and second-year students of the institute. Collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA.FindingsThe author argues that by integrating library in Moodle LMS, the library plays a more significant role in the eLearning environment, especially in facilitating access to electronic resources to the students. Research findings suggest that respondents had positive perceptions towards the library integration in eLearning.Practical implicationsThis paper offers technical strategies for integrating library in learning management system (LMS), thereby strengthening relation with faculties, increasing relevance with students and improving visibility of library.Originality/valueIn the eLearning environment, this paper will be of immense value for the librarians who are looking for establishing their presence in LMS.

Park, Jung ran; Tosaka, Yuji

2017 Library Hi Tech News

doi: 10.1108/LHTN-12-2016-0059

PurposeThis paper aims to report on the survey results relating to the current experience of cataloging and metadata professionals with emerging information standards and technologies, as well as the state of professional training and existing barriers to continuing education (CE) in these emerging areas.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a quantitative analysis of the data collected in the online survey, supplemented with a qualitative analysis of some open-ended responses.FindingsThere was a wide interest in leveraging emerging Semantic Web and Linked Data approaches. Training activities on newer information standards and technologies were reported by more than half of the respondents. The survey data suggested the importance of increasing field-wide collaborations and institution- or organization-level support for professional development. Improving the discoverability of relevant CE resources and programs was also considered to be the key, as were affordability and the ability to incorporate ongoing learning into everyday practice.Originality/valueThere are currently no comprehensive studies or benchmarked data on how the existing CE system meets the needs of cataloging and metadata professionals. This study establishes a baseline for an understanding of their ongoing professional development preferences and requirements relating to new information standards and technologies.