Academic literature on the topic 'Reference services (Libraries) Automation'

The management of special services in school libraries in general aims to provide smoothness to the learning process and to meet the needs of learners for learning reference sources. In order for the purpose of learning and education in schools to be achieved, the library plays an important role in supporting the implementation of learning to take place successfully. Library management must be planned, organized, and controlled so that library functions can be utilized optimally by providing excellent service to its users. The forms of services in the library are circulation services, reference services and information services. With the use of advances in library technology, it has an INLISlite automation system that makes it easier to manage library services. This research uses qualitative methods with literature studies as a data collection technique. This research is expected to be a reference for other libraries that have not implemented INLISlite automation.

Purpose Library automation is required in academic libraries to meet the dynamic demands of clients. This study aims to investigate the level of clients’ satisfaction of Sam Jonah library automation. Design/methodology/approach The study utilized the descriptive research design by using an exploratory case study research method. A disproportionate stratified random sampling was used to select 322 respondents (undergraduates, postgraduates and lecturers/researchers) who consented to participate in the study. Questionnaire and informal interview were used for the data collection. Findings The study showed that more than half of the clients of Sam Jonah library were moderately satisfied with the library’s automation. Clients mostly access internet/Wi-Fi and reference service. Patronage of the services including photocopying, borrowing of books (circulation), e-resources/academic databases, institutional repository, library website and the OPAC was not encouraging. Increase in user education was recommended to improve their usage. Research limitations/implications The study was limited to only one academic library, namely, Sam Jonah library of the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Originality/value The study provides insight into a case study of satisfactory level of clients in accessing automated services of Sam Jonah Library to serve as a basis for further research.

Most of the 2,600 libraries in the Netherlands are now automated. Pica, founded as a centre of library automation and networking in 1969, provides services directly to about 500 libraries and indirectly to over 1,600. These comprise central services – a Shared Cataloguing Service, a Union Catalogue with interlibrary facilities, and access to centrally stored reference databases – and services concerned with the development and exploitation of local library systems; Pica has a programme to integrate the central and local systems into a single library network. It is also trying to establish online information services aimed at end users; these include RAPDOC, a system for the supply of journal articles in electronic form. Pica is also involved in the EC-sponsored EDILIBE (Electronic Data Interchange for Libraries and Booksellers in Europe) project, the E-doc project for the development of tools for cataloguing and accessing electronic documents, and the VISAGE project for storing and accessing electronic full colour pictures through local OPACs. Its future strategy assumes the need to expand into other countries, and a start has been made with the German-speaking parts of Europe.

The main stages in the history of MEPhI National Research Nuclear University Library and its achievements are highlighted; the issues of library automation, e-catalog and www-site (one of the first among those of the university libraries), digital services and remote ordering, user, consulting and reference services are discussed. The innovative approach towards library and information support of education, science and research in the MEPhI University is reviewed. The key library and information services, in particular, those related to the researchers’ publication activity, are analyzed. The virtual space for communicating with the students, social networking, current trends in library services based on user individual preferences are also in the focus. The cultural traditions of the University and its Library are reviewed. The article is prepared on the occasion of the MEPhI Library 75-th anniversary.

In the modern digital society, innovative technologies are coming to the fore in the activities of libraries; with their help the libraries can focus on the value of their role in culture and education, meet information needs in the context of digital transformation. At the same time, libraries try to facilitate the work of their employees as much as possible and simplify the efforts of readers in obtaining the necessary literature. This can be achieved by automation of the process of delivery and return of library materials ordered by users within the premises of the library. As a rule, for such purposes there is used telelift — an automated monorail handling system designed for the delivery of goods up to 50 kg (documents, books, magazines, etc.) inside buildings and premises. Telelift is installed in many large libraries, including national libraries in many countries. In addition to telelifts, national libraries use some other document delivery systems. So, the national library of the Netherlands, which is located in one building, has three reading rooms and several storages in the same building, uses the automated storage and retrieval systems of Swisslog company. The article is based on studying the materials of websites of the national libraries, the appeals to the library virtual reference services Ask a Librarian, correspondence with employees of the departments of storage and library and information services of national libraries, as well as additional questionnaire surveys of libraries on the issues related to the storage of library materials. The questionnaire covered the following topics: conducting complete or partial audit, types of audit, use of RFID tags, delivery of material to reading rooms, including, from the remote repositories, the preferred format for issuing a document to the user if this document has a copy (microfilm, microfiche, electronic copy, etc.), as well as statistics of binding and restoration work, ordering necessary materials by readers, etc. The article presents the questionnaire survey responses of the national libraries of Switzerland, Korea, the Royal Library of Netherlands, the British Library, as well as the the Library and Archives of Canada.

The world experience of libraries’ practical activities shows that in the conditions of rapidly developing information technologies, a service-oriented approach is required when determining the strategic development goals in the field of technologies focused on users, to identify their needs and provide them with the necessary services. To solve the problems of increasing the efficiency of information and library services and information support of science by introducing modern service-oriented information and communication technologies, the urgent task is to develop a model for the effective organization of library processes and support of scientific communications in the web environment. The model is based on the automation of library processes; development strategies for library web resources (catalogs, databases), including heterogeneous information (text, video, audio, data, etc.) and virtual services (reference and bibliographic, library, etc.); implementation of systems for assessing their effectiveness using web analytics tools and qualitative methods, usability testing practices, methods of organizing and managing web representations.

This study investigated the utilisation of emerging technologies for improved service delivery in public university libraries in Rivers State. Two research questions guided the study. The research questions were to identify the emerging technologies in use for improved service delivery among public university information professionals in Rivers State and to find out the extent to which information professionals utilized emerging technologies for improved service delivery in public university libraries in Rivers State. The population consists of 50 information professionals in the three universities; University of Port Harcourt (20), Rivers State University (19) and Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (11) respectively. A sample size of 50 information professionals in the universities representing 100% of the population served as respondents. An accidental sampling technique was used for the study. All the information professionals that make up the population were used. A 12-item questionnaire was used for data collection. Cronbach alpha statistics was used to obtain the 0.77 reliability coefficient of the instrument. Mean scores and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions while the z-test statistics were used to test the hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. The result amongst others revealed that social network websites technologies and video-based communication platforms like the Zoom and WebEx are in use in both Federal and State library but digital reference robots, library automation SOUL software and Protocols VoIP (Voice over Internet) was not in use in both Federal and State university libraries. It was recommended that university management should give the required attention to library use, provide and encourage the application of digital reference robots, library automation SOUL software and Voice over Internet Protocols (VoIP) and other current gadgets to be used to meet the demand of library users, most especially at this period of post covid-19 pandemic.

India's National Library traces its origins to the Calcutta Public Library, which was opened in 1836 and amalgamated with the Imperial Library in 1903. It receives all material published in India. Its four main groups of activity are Collection Building and Collection Organization, Readers' Service, Conservation of Library Materials, and Administration. These activities are carried out by numerous divisions, of which the subject and language divisions function like individual small libraries, responsible for acquisition, processing and specialized reference services. Some stock is available for loan. There is a small Children's Library. The Conservation Wing has Preservation, Laboratory and Reprography Divisions. An extensive automation programme has started fairly recently; first applications will be for acquisitions and cataloguing. Future projects include the production of a National Union Catalogue, the collection of better statistics of Indian book production, and the acquisition of microforms to fill important lacunae in the collection. Plans for a new six-storey building have been approved.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report the training of college librarians, academic and management staff, IT managers and students on how to organise, manage and use a user-friendly library. In Uganda, as in many countries, the problem is that school and/or college libraries are managed by librarians who may have good cataloguing and management skills, but who do not have the pedagogic skills and knowledge of the school curricula that are necessary for librarians to be able to guide and mentor both teachers and students or organise curriculum-related activities or facilitate research. The development of user-friendly libraries contributes in improving education quality through nurturing the interest of students and teachers in literacy activities and active search for knowledge. Under the stewardship of the Belgium Technical Cooperation and the Ministry of Education in Uganda, library stakeholders were trained on how to put users – rather than themselves – in the centre of the library’s operations and introduced to active teaching and learning methodologies and activities with emphasis on getting engaged in transforming spaces, services, outreach to users and collections. Several measures, short and long term were taken to address the gaps limiting the performance of the librarians. Given the disparities in the trainees’ education level and work experience, the training was delivered in seven modules divided into three units for over eight months in 2015. By the end of the training, trainees developed unique library strategic plan, library policies and procedures, capacity to use library systems, physical design and maintenance systems, partnerships, library structure and staff job descriptions. Design/methodology/approach To effectively engage the participants each topic was conducted using active teaching and learning (ATL) methodologies, including: lecture with slides and hands-on practice – each topic was introduced in a lecture form with slides and hands-on exercises. The main goal was to introduce the participants to the concepts discussed, offer opportunities to explore alternative approaches, as well define boundaries for discussion through brainstorming. The question-answer approach kept the participants alert and to start thinking critically on the topic discussed – brainstorming sessions allowed thinking beyond the presentation room, drawing from personal experiences to provide alternatives to anticipated challenges. The goal here was for the participants to provide individual choices and approaches for real life problems; group discussions: case study/ scenario and participant presentations – participants were provided with a scenario and asked to provide alternative approaches that could solve the problem based on their personal experience at their colleges. By the end of the group discussion, participants presented a draft of the deliverable as per the topic under discussion. More so, group discussions were an excellent approach to test participant’s teamwork skills and ability to compromise, as well as respecting team decisions. It was an opportunity to see how librarians will work with the library committees. Group discussions further initiated and cemented the much-needed librarian–academic staff – college management relationship. During the group discussion, librarians, teaching staff, ICT staff and college management staff, specifically the Principals and Deputy Principals interacted freely thus starting and cultivating a new era of work relationship between them. Individual presentation: prior to the workshop, participants were sent instructions to prepare a presentation on a topic. For example, participants were asked to provide their views of what a “user-friendly library” would look like or what would constitute a “user-friendly library”; the college library of HTC-Mulago was asked to talk about their experience working with book reserves, challenges faced and plans they have to address the challenges, while the college librarian from NTC-Kaliro was asked to describe a situation where they were able to assist a patron, the limitations they faced and how they addressed them. Doing so did not only assist to emotionally prepare the participants for the training but also helped to make them start thinking about the training in relation to their libraries and work. Take-home assignment: at the end of each session, participants were given home assignments to not only revise the training material but also prepare for the next day training. Further the take-home assignments provided time for the participants to discuss with their colleagues outside of the training room so as to have a common ground/ understanding on some of the very sensitive issues. Most interesting assignment was when participants were asked to review an article and to make a presentation in relation to their library experiences. Participant reports: participant reports resulted from the take-home assignments and participants were asked to make submission on a given topic. For example, participants were asked to review IFLA section on library management and write a two-page report on how such information provided supported their own work, as well as a participant report came from their own observation after a library visit. Invited talks with library expert: two invited talks by library experts from Consortium of Uganda University Libraries and Uganda Library and Information Science Association with the goal to share their experience, motivate the participants to strive higher and achieve great things for their libraries. Library visitation: there were two library visits conducted on three separate days – International Hospital Kampala (IHK) Library, Makerere University Library and Aga Khan University Hospital Library. Each of these library visits provided unique opportunities for the participants to explore best practices and implement similar practices in their libraries. Visual aids – videos, building plans and still photos: these were visual learning aids to supplement text during the lectures because they carried lot of information while initiating different thoughts best on the participants’ past experience and expertise. The training advocated for the use of ATL methodologies and likewise similar methodologies were used to encourage participants do so in their classrooms. Findings Addressing Key Concerns: Several measures, both long and short term, were taken to address the gaps limiting the performance of the librarians. The measures taken included: selected representative sample of participants including all college stakeholders as discussed above; active teaching and learning methodologies applied in the training and blended in the content of the training materials; initiated and formulated approaches to collaborations, networks and partnerships; visited different libraries to benchmark library practices and encourage future job shadowing opportunities; and encouraged participants to relate freely, understand and value each other’s work to change their mindsets. College librarians were encouraged to ensure library priorities remain on the agenda through advocacy campaigns. Short-term measures: The UFL training was designed as a practical and hands-on training blended with individual and group tasks, discussions, take-home assignments and presentations by participants. This allowed participates to engage with the material and take responsibility for their own work. Further, the training material was prepared with a view that librarians support the academic life of teaching staff and students. Participants were tasked to develop and later fine-tune materials designed to support their work. For example, developing a subject bibliography and posting it on the library website designed using open source tools such as Google website, Wikis, blogs. The developed library manual includes user-friendly policies and procedures referred to as “dos and don’ts in the library” that promote equitable open access to information; drafting book selection memos; new book arrivals lists; subscribing to open access journals; current awareness services and selective dissemination of information service displays and electronic bulletins. Based on their library needs and semester calendar, participants developed action points and timelines to implement tasks in their libraries at the end of each unit training. Librarians were encouraged to share their experiences through library websites, Facebook page, group e-mail/listserv and Instagram; however, they were challenged with intimate internet access. College libraries were rewarded for their extraordinary job. Given their pivotal role in the management and administration of financial and material resources, on top of librarians, the participants in this training were college administrators/ management, teaching and ICT staff, researchers and student leadership. Participants were selected to address the current and future needs of the college library. These are individuals that are perceived to have a great impact towards furthering the college library agenda. The practical nature of this training warranted conducting the workshops from developed but similar library spaces, for example, Aga Khan University Library and Kampala Capital City, Makerere University Library, International Hospital Kampala Library and Uganda Christian University Library. Participants observed orientation sessions, reference desk management and interviews, collection management practices, preservation and conservation, secretarial bureau management, etc. Long-term measures: Changing the mindset of librarians, college administrators and teaching staff is a long-term commitment which continues to demand for innovative interventions. For example: job shadowing allowed college librarian short-term attachments to Makerere University Library, Uganda Christian University Library, Aga Khan Hospital University Library and International Hospital Kampala Library – these libraries were selected because of their comparable practices and size. The mentorship programme lasted between two-three weeks; on-spot supervision and follow-up visits to assess progress with the action plan by the librarians and college administration and college library committee; ensuring that all library documents – library strategic plan, library manual, library organogram, etc are approved by the College Governing Council and are part of the college wide governing documents; and establishing the library committee with a job description for each member – this has strengthened the library most especially as an advocacy tool, planning and budgeting mechanism, awareness channel for library practices, while bringing the library to the agenda – reemphasizing the library’s agenda. To bridge the widened gap between librarians and the rest of the stakeholders, i.e. teaching staff, ICT staff, college administration and students, a college library committee structure and its mandate were established comprising: Library Committee Chairperson – member of the teaching staff; Library Committee Secretary – College Librarian; Student Representative – must be a member of the student Guild with library work experience; and Representative from each college academic department. A library consortium was formed involving all the four project supported colleges to participate in resource sharing practices, shared work practices like shared cataloguing, information literacy training, reference interview and referral services as well a platform for sharing experiences. A library consortium further demanded for automating library functions to facilitate collaboration and shared work. Plans are in place to install Koha integrated library system that will cultivate a strong working relationship between librarians and students, academic staff, college administration and IT managers. This was achieved by ensuring that librarians innovatively implement library practices and skills acquired from the workshop as well as show their relevance to the academic life of the academic staff. Cultivating relationships takes a great deal of time, thus college librarians were coached on: creating inclusive library committees, timely response to user needs, design library programmes that address user needs, keeping with changing technology to suite changing user needs, seeking customer feedback and collecting user statistics to support their requests, strengthening the library’s financial based by starting a secretarial bureau and conducting user surveys to understand users’ information-seeking behaviour. To improve the awareness of new developments in the library world, college librarians were introduced to library networks at national, regional and international levels, as a result they participated in conferences, workshops, seminars at local, regional and international level. For example, for the first time and with funding from Belgium Technical Cooperation, college librarians attended 81st IFLA World Library and Information Congress in South African in 2015. College libraries are now members of the Consortium of Uganda University Libraries and Uganda Library and Information Science Association and have attended meetings of these two very important library organisations in Uganda’s LIS profession. The college librarians have attended meetings and workshops organized by these two organisations. Originality/value At the end of the three units training, participants were able to develop: a strategic plan for their libraries; an organogram with staffing needs and job description matching staff functions; a Library Committee for each library and with a structure unifying all the four project-support Colleges; a library action plan with due dates including deliverables and responsibilities for implementation; workflow plan and organisation of key sections of the library such as reserved and public spaces; furniture and equipment inventory (assets); a library manual and collection development policy; partnerships with KCCA Library and Consortium of Uganda University Libraries; skills to use Koha ILMS for performing library functions including: cataloguing, circulation, acquisitions, serials management, reporting and statistics; skills in searching library databases and information literacy skills; skills in designing simple and intuitive websites using Google Sites tools; and improved working relationship between the stakeholders was visible. To further the user-friendly libraries principle of putting users in the centre of the library’s operations, support ATL methodologies and activities with emphasis on getting engaged in transforming spaces, services, outreach to users and collections the following initiatives are currently implemented in the colleges: getting approval of all library policy documents by College Governing Council, initiating job shadowing opportunities, conducting on-spot supervision, guide libraries to set up college library committees and their job description, design library websites, develop dissemination sessions for all library policies, incorporate user-friendly language in all library documents, initiate income generation activities for libraries, set terms of reference for library staff and staffing as per college organogram, procurement of library tools like DDC and library of congress subject headings (LCSH), encourage attendance to webinars and space planning for the new libraries.

Currently, many libraries have implemented library automation systems or integrated library system. The conventional services are replaced by technology-based services. This article describes the experience of Alauddin UIN Library in migrating data from the old to a new system. This descriptive study uses a case study approach. The data were obtained from observations and experiences of the library staff involved during the migration processes. The study showed that the system transition was carried out because the old system had experienced several obstacles, migrating data required established planning. In addition, the library must also consider the time, cost, funds, and competent human resources. The hardest obstacle faced by the library during migration was in the data conversion section in which there were differences in data structures between the two systems. This study can be used as a reference for other libraries that planning to migrate to a new library system.ABSTRAKSaat ini banyak perpustakaan telah menerapkan sistem otomasi perpustakaan. Pelayanan konvensional digantikan dengan pelayanan berbasis teknologi. Artikel ini menggambarkan pengalaman Perpustakaan UIN Alauddin memigrasikan datanya dari sistem lama ke sistem yang baru. Penelitian deskriptif ini menggunakaan pendekatan studi kasus. Data diperolah dari hasil pengamatan dan pengalaman orang-orang yang terlibat dalam proses migrasi data dari sistem yang lama ke sistem yang baru. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa peralihan sistem dilakukan karena sistem lama telah mengalami beberapa kendala, migrasi data ke sistem yang baru memerlukan perencanaan yang mapan. Selain itu, perpustakaan juga harus mempertimbangan waktu, biaya, dana, dan juga sumber daya manusia yang kompeten. Kendala terberat yang dihadapi perpustakaan ketika migrasi ada pada bagian konversi data di mana terdapat perbedaan struktur data antar kedua sistem. Kajian ini dapat dijadikan sebagai salah satu rujukan bagi perpustakaan-perpustakaan yang hendak melakukan migrasi data.

The research reported here focuses on the application of multimedia to the teaching of information skills in academic libraries. Specifically, the research project has involved the development and evaluation of a multimedia system to instruct novice users of online library catalogues. The research has included an investigation of the characteristics and needs of novice library users. The ways in which novices approach using library-based information technologies which may be applied to any instructional programme for teaching novices how to use library-based information technologies. The research project has involved the development of a comprehensive multimedia system based on the theoretical model. The multimedia system was designed using Macromedia Director v.4.04. The production techniques and operation of the multimedia system are described in some detail. The multimedia system was evaluated and tested using formative evaluation strategies. The evaluation involved the prototype system being reviewed by expert librarians, and multimedia producers, as well as novice users of online library catalogues. The information gathered during the evaluation was used to make suggestions about improvements to the design of the prototype. The results of the evaluation are reported and analysed.

Librarians have long been concerned with connecting researchers with information, typically (but by no means exclusively) by means of face-to-face contact at a reference desk. With the advent of the Internet and the proliferation of online resources and services, librarians have used Web-based resources to add an asynchronic dimension to traditional synchronic reference services. One of the new Web-based technologies that has been discussed by librarians in the past few years is the wiki. Librarians have been using wikis for a variety of purposes, including research guides, knowledge-bases, and library Web sites, though they are flexible enough to work in most situations where collaboration or quick Web editing are desired. Wikis are an attractive tool for reference services because they are a relatively simple and inexpensive way to improve information flows among librarians and between librarians and their campus community.

The development of information and communication technologies, and wide spread of the Internet and its associated technologies have brought about tremendous changes in the reference department of academic libraries, and in the attitudes and expectations of both information professionals and users. Many academic libraries across the globe have embraced Web technologies to fulfil users reference needs in a digital environment. This study aimed to investigate and analyse digital reference services (DRS) in university libraries in Pakistan. It focused on the nature and level of DRS, technologies used for the provision of the service, usage, staffing, marketing, funding, ICT infrastructure available for the service, and looked at the issues faced by academic libraries in implementing and managing the service. A mixed methods research approach combining both quantitative and qualitative methods was employed to achieve the aim and objectives of the study. The quantitative data for the study were collected through an online survey. A total of eighty five university libraries (both in public and private sectors) from all the four provinces, the federal capital and Azad Jammu & Kashmir participated in the survey. The quantitative data were supplemented by the qualitative data which were gathered through semi-structured interviews with the heads of fifteen leading university libraries. Findings suggest that DRS is at an early development stage in university libraries in Pakistan, with a small number of libraries offering the service. Most of the academic libraries which have implemented this cutting-edge service, are large libraries equipped with good human and technological resources. The libraries have mostly developed asynchronous digital reference systems by employing e-mail and web forms. The usage of the service is lower than that of in-person reference in academic libraries due to factors, such as libraries failure to effectively market the service, lack of ICT skills among users, lack of ICT facilities available for users. It was found that the libraries lack skilled and competent LIS professionals to staff the service. Factors contributing to the scarcity of skilled human resources in academic libraries include the lack of in-house training for DRS, shortage of continuing professional development courses in the country, and deficiencies in LIS curricula offered by the country s library schools. A number of issues which affect the implementation and management of DRS in academic libraries have been identified. They include: scarcity of competent human resources; access to appropriate digital resources; unavailability of suitable software for DRS; financial constraints; lack of ICT facilities; absence of a digital reference policy; lack of ICT application; paucity of resources; electricity supply; inadequate physical facilities; lack of local research and literature on DRS.

This study reports an experiment that examines whether librarians provide equitable virtual reference services to diverse user groups. The relative absence of social cues in the virtual environment may mean greater equality of services though at the same time greater inequalities may arise as librarians can become less self-aware online. Findings indicate that the quality of service librarians provide to African Americans and Arabs is lower than the quality of service they provide to Caucasian, Hispanic, Asian, and Jewish students. This study adds to the knowledge of subjective bias in the virtual environment by specifying those that are discriminated against online, identifying the kinds of discriminatory actions of virtual reference librarians, and identifying the type of queries that more frequently result in unbiased service.

Launching of digital reference services by academic libraries is on the increase. Libraries are exploring new ways of expanding their services by interacting with users and responding to user inquiries via the Internet, especially students enrolled on the distance mode of studying. The purpose of this study was to evaluate digital reference services at the Polytechnic of Namibia library and the University of Namibia library. Two aspects were evaluated, namely, ‘Resources’ and ‘elements of the general digital reference model’. This study was a summative evaluation study in which semi-structured interviews and observations were used to collect data. The research findings showed that these libraries used the general digital reference model in providing responses to the library users. The study established that the two libraries did not follow the IFLA and RUSA standards of staffing and training of librarians working with digital reference services. The study further found that a lack of ability to fully demonstrate to users how to access various library services was one of the major problems that the librarians experienced.
Program: Masterprogram: Biblioteks- och informationsvetenskap, Digitala bibliotek och informationstjänster

This study describes a survey of 237 first-year undergraduate students conducted at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Through this study, the researcher aimed to fill in gaps in librarians’ knowledge about first-year students’ awareness of reference services, and students’ preferred modes of communication with librarians. The results show significant positive relationships between librarians’ verbal promotion of reference services and students’ tendency to ask reference questions in person.

AbstractThis chapter is anchored on Collaboration being a new construct in the Digital Library Reference Model proposed by the DELOS Network of Excellence on Digital Libraries. The chapter argues that distance learning library services will be significantly enhanced with a collaboratively implemented digital library service taking into cognizance the role of collaboration in strategic planning and policy development, provision of digital collections and information services, and technological infrastructure and skills development in the distance education context. The study concludes that the collaborative model for implementing digital libraries in open, distance, and digital education (ODDE) can ensure that digital libraries are collaboratively designed leading to wider acceptance and use in ODDE.

AbstractThis chapter is anchored on Collaboration being a new construct in the Digital Library Reference Model proposed by the DELOS Network of Excellence on Digital Libraries. The chapter argues that distance learning library services will be significantly enhanced with a collaboratively implemented digital library service taking into cognizance the role of collaboration in strategic planning and policy development, provision of digital collections and information services, and technological infrastructure and skills development in the distance education context. The study concludes that the collaborative model for implementing digital libraries in open, distance, and digital education (ODDE) can ensure that digital libraries are collaboratively designed leading to wider acceptance and use in ODDE.

AbstractThis chapter is anchored on Collaboration being a new construct in the Digital Library Reference Model proposed by the DELOS Network of Excellence on Digital Libraries. The chapter argues that distance learning library services will be significantly enhanced with a collaboratively implemented digital library service taking into cognizance the role of collaboration in strategic planning and policy development, provision of digital collections and information services, and technological infrastructure and skills development in the distance education context. The study concludes that the collaborative model for implementing digital libraries in open, distance, and digital education (ODDE) can ensure that digital libraries are collaboratively designed leading to wider acceptance and use in ODDE.

Information and communication technologies have been used to assist in various functions of library and information units. Digital reference services that is becoming widely available especially in academic libraries and public libraries around the world provide assistance to remote users especially through e-mail format. This chapter clarifies the concept, format and background of digital reference services. It also focuses on issues, trends and challenges in digital reference services, besides discussing on technological developments in digital reference services. The benefits and limitations of the services are also highlighted in this chapter.

The history of library automation can be traced to early printing methods of the 7th century A.D. The earliest collectors of books were usually religious scholars who amassed the religious texts of the day. Monks from East and West travelled great distances and often at great peril to gather meticulously hand-copied texts. Early inventions of woodblocks, and, later the printing press, enabled the mass-production of books that resulted in libraries’ expansion into the secular world. Librarians have continued to bring technological advances into their work, combining web services, programming scripts, and commercial databases and software in innovative ways. The processes of selection, deselection, and assessment have been enhanced through these new products and services. The authors discuss a variety of technological applications for collection activities that have allowed collection managers to work more efficiently and better understand the use of their print and electronic collections. The effects of automation on the people involved in collection management are also explored.

Staffing challenges are well-documented in reference services, but the use of dashboards to support data-driven scheduling for in-person and virtual reference shifts are not often discussed. This poster examines how Michigan State University Libraries utilized data-influenced decision-making and dashboard design iterations to streamline reference staffing and adapt to evolving conditions over the course of three years. This required continuous communication between dashboard users and creators and constant iteration of visualizations and designs to ensure dashboards remained relevant and current. Limitations of a purely quantitative data-driven strategy are also discussed at the conclusion of the final year.

The Association of Research Libraries (ARL)/Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) Joint Task Force on Research Data Services formed in 2020 with a two-fold purpose: (1) to demonstrate and commit to the roles research libraries have in stewarding research data and as part of institution-wide research support services and (2) to guide the development of resources for the ARL and CARL memberships in advancing their organizations as collaborative partners with respect to research data services in the context of FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable) data principles and the US National Academies’ Open Science by Design framework. Research libraries will be successful in meeting these objectives if they act collectively and are deeply engaged with disciplinary communities. The task force formed three working groups of data practitioners, representing a wealth of expertise, to research the institutional landscape and policy environment in both the US and Canada. This report presents the task force’s recommendations for the roles of research libraries with regard to research data principles, policies, and approaches to managing research data. The report also offers strategies for discipline-specific research data approaches, priorities for automation of processes, economic models to scale and sustain shared resources, prioritization of research data to steward, and decision-making rubrics.