Journal articles 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 Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is responsible for the Filipino cultural heritage; its Library, initiated in 1969, serves as a national repository of material on art and the humanities, and is available to the public for reference. The collections have developed in part thanks to gifts, of publications and of funds; materials are acquired by purchase, through exchange agreements, and because other CCP departments deposit their publications in the Library. The Library is now short of both space and staff. Printed materials are classified using an expanded version of LC; non-print materials are organised by format and access number, a system which is increasingly unsatisfactory. Reference and bibliographic services include the Library’s own catalogue, and a Union cataloge on Philippine Culture produced by the Library. Future plans include automation and the creation of a database devoted to Filipino art and culture.

To investigate the impact of Library automation services in Govt. First grade college libraries in kolar district. The investigators used a questionnaire and interviews. They chose samples on the basis of a stratified sampling method and administered the questionnaire according to a random method for collecting the data. In this study revealed that 7 of 8 libraries are completely automated. Seventy per cent of librarians believe that automation has improved their library’s services, while 85 per cent of users believe that an automated library system is better than the traditional manual system. Of the eight libraries, one library has a shortage of general staff to deal with automation services. The investigators could only select all the institutions for his study. Although so many studies of the same kind have already been conducted on library automation services in different areas of world, this paper revealed the current status of library automation services in Govt. First grade college libraries in kolar district.

This research was conceived to create a picture of the Library Automation System of Academic Libraries in Zamboanga City. The study was premised on null hypotheses which were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The quantitative research design employing descriptive survey method was used. In the selection of respondents, the systematic random sampling was also employed and the five (5) point likert-type questionnaire-checklist was utilized. The findings revealed that the extent of library automation system in terms of: Administration and Staffing: Facilities, and Services of the (3) three Higher Education Institutions (HEls) involved was found that it is moderately implemented. However, HEIs from public institution showed undesirable results in some areas compared to HEIs from private institution, where the library automation system has been helpful in facilitating loaning services in a multicultural level of clientele. The significant differences among institutions do exist in the library services offered showing that the respondents have their own library services needed to satisfy their needs. It also shows that Academic Libraries are for technological advancement using different library automation systems for different reasons to facilitate library transactions. However, the posited null hypothesis is accepted where all average responses are from 3.40 to 4.19 criteria, implying that whatever ethnic profile respondents belong (multicultural clientele), their responses were similar and were rated within the satisfactory criteria. Therefore, multicultural clientele is not a factor of having poor utilization in the transformation of library services using the Library Automation System. Based on the findings, the full implementation of the library automation system, upgrading of library technology tools and e-resources, creating a functional and interactive library web page, and designing innovative library programs using social media tools to support the educational system with diverse clientele were recommended.

Purpose – The purpose of the study is to investigate the impact of automation on library management services of four selected management institutes at Aligarh. Design/methodology/approach – The investigators used a fashioned questionnaire and informal interviews. They chose samples on the basis of a stratified sampling method and administered the questionnaire according to a random method for collecting the data. Findings – The study revealed that 3 of 4 libraries are partially automated, with the exception of Al-Barkaat which is completely automated. Seventy per cent of librarians believe that automation has improved their library’s services, while 85 per cent of users believe that an automated library system is better than the traditional manual system. Of the four libraries, three have a shortage of general staff and three also lack qualified specialized staff to deal with automation. Research limitations – The investigators could only select four management institutes because of time and logistic constraints, despite Aligarh being the educational hub of western Uttar Pradesh. Originality/value – Although many studies of the same kind have already been conducted on library automation in different areas of world, this paper revealed the current status of automation in libraries of selected management institutes at Aligarh.

The reference services in Cameroonian libraries are lagging in the exercise of their activities. Thus, this study raises the problem of the organization and functioning of reference services in the libraries of Cameroon. The purpose of the research is to provide an updated view of research issues in reference services in the libraries of the Republic of Cameroon. It outlines the definition of the notion «reference service»; opens his essence, characteristics, and content; reveals the current state of reference services for Cameroonian libraries and the main factors influencing the activities of reference services in libraries of Cameroon. The research defines the attributes of a reference librarian and proposes and defines several ways and trends for the future improvement of reference services in the libraries of Cameroon. As part of the research conducted, the following methods were used: observation and interviews carried out in Cameroon libraries. The results of this study would, no doubt, be of great benefit to all libraries in Cameroon and should ideally be completed by the Cameroonian reference services.

Results of building the centralized system of library and information automation in the research centers of the Russian Academy of Sciences Siberian Branch in the cities of Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk and Omsk are discussed. Over the first three years of the Single Automation Center, many complementary options for using the single reference and search services for building catalogs and generating and using authority files were revealed and implemented.

Purpose Academic libraries are experiencing numerous changes in their services due to high demands for digital resources and changes in users’ information needs and expectations. Many academic library users give preferences to Google, Google Scholar and other search engines on the internet when they search for information. As reference transactions are decreasing in many academic institutions, this paper aims to investigate the continuing need for mediated reference services in the technology-driven environment in academic libraries. Design/methodology/approach The authors have conducted a literature review to document and analyze the current trends in reference services in academic libraries. They have examined the relevant published literature through a series of reflective questions to determine whether the demise of mediated reference services is imminent in academic libraries. While this literature review is by no means an exhaustive one, the authors have provided a fairly comprehensive representation of articles to synthesize an overview of the history, evolution, and current trends of reference services in academic libraries. Findings This paper clearly demonstrates the importance of human-mediated reference services in academic libraries. It reinforces the need for skilled, knowledgeable professional librarians to provide effective and efficient reference services in a digital environment. Practical implications This paper provides a comprehensive overview of current trends in reference services in academic libraries and analyzes the merits and demerits of these trends to establish the need for mediated reference services in academic libraries. The arguments used in this paper will be useful for library and informational professionals as validation for the need to hire skilled, knowledgeable reference librarians to provide reference services in a digital environment. Originality/value This paper critically looks at the current trends and practices in reference services through the published literature to determine the future need for mediated reference services in academic libraries. It offers important insights to demonstrate why professional librarians’ skills, knowledge and expertise are essential to provide efficient reference services in the digital age.

The present paperprovides the status of library automation of first gradecollege libraries affiliated to University of Mysore. A structured questionnaire was used as the tool to collect basic inputs from college libraries to understand the present status. A total of 160 colleges were taken up for the study in which 135(84.37%)colleges responded,15 first grade college libraries did not have librarians and 10 librarians did not respond.The findings of the study reveal that 60(63.83%)college libraries are using open source software E-Granthalaya and KOHA software for library automation. Out of 135 colleges,29 (30.85%) college libraries are fully automated, 65(69.15%) college libraries are partially automated and 41(28.90%) libraries are not automated. The librarians have to attend intensive training programs on deputation or have to become proficient on their own in automation in order to provide effective and efficient services to users.

Before the pandemic, the University of Toronto was predominantly an in-person experience. The closure of physical libraries and shift to remote learning required library staff and users to adapt to new modes of supporting teaching, learning, and research. A survey was conducted about reference service delivery, staffing models, resources and tools, which asked the respondents to describe reference services at their libraries before and during the pandemic. The objectives of this survey were to capture the state of reference services at the University of Toronto Libraries (UTL), and to compare data about reference practices during the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods with the goal of identifying challenges and opportunities for the future of reference services at UTL. 70% of libraries surveyed used reference desks for reference services pre-pandemic, and during the pandemic, 75% of libraries used virtual reference appointments by video conferencing. The survey results show that reference service staffing and service hours in most surveyed libraries were reduced during the pandemic. Many respondents reported that while they offered fewer reference service hours during the pandemic, they continued to provide assistance outside of scheduled hours. Online tools and platforms that were already familiar to librarians remained popular during the pandemic, allowing service providers to quickly adapt to the virtual environment and ensure seamless service continuity. While the rapid transition in services at the University of Toronto was not without its challenges, it has also offered many new opportunities for re-envisioning reference services at the University of Toronto Libraries.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate digital reference services at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and the University of Namibia (UNAM) library. Two aspects were evaluated, namely, “resources” and “elements of the general digital reference model”. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a descriptive case study approach and used qualitative research methods, which comprised interviews and an observation checklist. The population consisted of librarians working at NUST and UNAM Library. Findings 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 International Federation of Library Associations and Reference and User Services Association 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. Research limitations/implications The study was limited to two academic libraries: UNAM and NUST. Originality/value The study could contribute to a better understanding of digital reference services provided by NUST and the UNAM libraries and contribute to the body of knowledge on the subject of digital reference services, especially in an African context, where few studies have been conducted on this subject. The two libraries could use the findings to improve digital reference services, plan for intervention and develop the services.

Purpose – This paper aims to find the current situation of research data services by academic libraries and summarize some strategies for university libraries to reference. Recent years have seen an increasing number of university libraries extended their traditional roles and provided research data services. Design/methodology/approach – This paper selected 87 libraries of the top 100 universities listed in the World’s Best Universities released by the USA News in October 2012 as samples and conducted a Web site investigation to check if there were any research data services provided. In addition, it made an interview with the Wuhan University Library’s Research Data Service Workgroup to understand the procedure, difficulties and experiences of their research data service. Based on the survey and interview, it analyzed the current status and difficulties of research data services in university libraries and proposed some strategies for others to reference. Findings – Of the 87 university libraries investigated, 50 libraries have offered research data services. Most of the services can be divided into six aspects: research data introduction, data management guideline, data curation and storage service, data management training, data management reference and resource recommendation. Among these services, research data introduction is the most frequently provided (47.13 per cent), followed by data curation and storage services (43.68 per cent), data management guideline (42.53 per cent), data management reference (41.38 per cent), resource recommendation (41.38 per cent) and data management training (24.14 per cent). The difficulties met by research data service of Chinese academic libraries are also concluded. Originality/value – Through Web site investigation and interview with the Wuhan University Library’s Research Data Service, this paper presented an overall picture of research data services in university libraries and identified the difficulties and experiences of research data services of the Wuhan University Library. Based on some successful examples, it put forward some strategies for university libraries to reference. This study is very useful for academic libraries to promote their research data services.

A Review of: Gerbig, M., Holmes, K., Lu, M., & Tang, H. (2021). From bricks and mortar to bits and bytes: Examining the changing state of reference services at the University of Toronto Libraries during COVID-19. Partnership, 16(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.21083/partnership.v16i1.6450 Abstract Objective – To compare data about the provision of reference services at the University of Toronto Libraries (UTL) prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to identify obstacles and opportunities facing UTL reference services in the future. Design – Survey questionnaire. Setting – A large public research university in Ontario, Canada. Subjects – Thirty-nine libraries across the three campuses of UTL. Methods – A Microsoft Forms survey comprised of 37 questions was distributed in August and September 2020. Main Results – Twenty-four libraries responded to the survey, for a response rate of approximately 62%. UTL’s chat service saw a 200% increase in September 2020 compared to September 2019 (since UTL participates in chat as part of the Ontario Council of University Libraries Scholars Portal, some traffic may have been from non-UT users). The option to book a reference appointment with a librarian was available at most of the libraries before the pandemic, and remained available during the pandemic. The survey results suggested that the shift to remote learning resulted in a significant expansion of virtual reference appointments; 75% of libraries reported offering virtual reference, compared to 17% before the pandemic. Consultations and in-depth reference questions rose during the pandemic, with a quarter of responding libraries reporting an increase. Librarians became a larger share of the staff providing reference services during the pandemic, whereas the number of libraries using library technicians or student assistants to staff their reference services decreased. There were changes to formal reference service hours as well, with half of responding libraries reporting a reduction; however, most noted that they continued to answer reference questions over email at other times. In response to the survey question asking for general comments about reference services, some respondents described worries about whether students taking only online classes would engage with online reference services, and whether overstressed faculty members would refer their students to librarians. Several respondents noted positive outcomes in moving towards a primarily online reference model, including more options to connect with students and an uptick in reference requests. Conclusion – The authors note several challenges and opportunities for libraries in shifting to a remote reference model. Challenges include confusion on the part of users about where to go for help and increased workload for librarians. Opportunities include the chance to explore how virtual technologies can be used to make reference services more easily available to library users even after physical spaces have opened back up.

The article examines the status of resources and service in selected women university libraries in south India. The study incorporates different viewpoints like objectives of the Women University Library, status of print and E-resource collections, library membership, staff in the university library, working hours of the libraries, services offered by the university library, E- resources subscription, ICT infrastructure facility in the library and also automation status of the selected women university library.

Providing Reference Services is number 32 in the Practical Guides for Libraries series. Beginning with a brief history of library reference service and a discussion of library stereotypes, the authors quickly move on to identifying criteria for building and maintaining a reference collection, as well as key points to consider when providing reference service, with particular emphasis on the reference interview. The authors note the need to incorporate emotional intelligence into reference work. Emotional intelligence is a topic that has recently garnered increasing interest in the business world, and it is good to see it addressed here in the context of libraries and reference services. This guide does not give detailed plans for implementing reference services but instead highlights key points and concerns to consider when developing reference services. The authors’ approach is broadly based, and the key points can be adapted by small public libraries as well large academic institutions. Each chapter ends with a helpful bibliography of sources and additional reading, and the authors also refer to another guide in the series for readers seeking more detailed help; this kind of continuity within the Practical Guides for Libraries series is useful and appreciated.

The actual issues of promotion of automated technologies to help organizations accessible environment in special and public libraries for users who have difficulty in reading the print. The resources of special library in the formats for the blind on the example of the Bashkir Republican Special Library for the Blind are revealed in the paper. The methods of virtual services for the blind and visually impaired users is shown.

This issue marks 50 years of Information Technology and Libraries. The scope and ever-accelerating pace of technological change over the five decades since Journal of Library Automation was launched in 1968 mirrors what the world at large has experienced. From “automating” existing services and functions a half century ago, libraries are now using technology to rethink, recreate, and reinvent services — often in areas that simply were in the realm of science fiction.

The present paper compares library automation in first-grade college libraries affiliated to the University of Mysore. A structured questionnaire was used to collect primary inputs from college libraries to understand the present status. A total of 160 colleges were taken up for the study in which 135 (84.37%) colleges responded,15 first grade college libraries did not have librarians and ten librarians did not respond. The study’s findings reveal that 94 (69.62%) college libraries are automated. Among them, 29 (30.85%) college libraries are fully automated, 65 (69.14%) college libraries are partially automated and 41 (30.37%) libraries are not automated. The study’s findings reveal that all autonomous colleges are automated—the main reason for not automating the library in Government colleges, Private aided colleges and Unaided colleges are inadequate of finance and lack of trained manpower. It is suggested that the librarians have to attend intensive training programs on deputation or become proficient in automation work to provide effective and efficient services to users.

A Review of: Burke, L. “Models of Reference Services in Australian Academic Libraries.” Journal of Librarianship and Information Science 40.4 (2008): 269-86. Objective – To investigate the current organizational models for reference work in Australian academic libraries, and how these reference services are staffed. Design – Mixed methods. Setting – Academic universities in Australia. Subjects – Forty Council of Australian University Librarians (CAUL) member libraries. Methods – A literature study was undertaken to (1) find a definition of reference services and (2) explore the development of reference service models over time. Statistics from the CAUL member libraries were studied for trends in student population and number of academic and library staff. A web-based survey, with questions based on the findings in the literature study, was then distributed to the 40 Australian university libraries in 2006. Respondents were asked when the library commenced different reference services in five areas: formats in which the library received and responded to reference queries, information literacy, subject specialization, liaison activities, and collection development. Respondents also answered questions about the organization of the reference department, including: whether they had a separate or integrated model; the size of the reference collections; if they had a librarian dedicated to supporting students studying in remote or distant mode; if the interlibrary loans department was part of the suite of reference services; and if they had a mission or statement of purpose for their reference services department. Main Results – Based on the literature study, the working definition of reference services (1) for the project was “all activities which assist in providing relevant and appropriate information services to patrons” (270), including: • All interactions with patrons to assist them in their searches for information in all media types. • All training by librarians of patrons to be able to access information for themselves. • Activities to help the library stay informed of relevant developments, such as establishing and maintaining relationships with patrons. The literature study also revealed (2) a shift from the traditional reference service model, focused on the reference desk and the services delivered from that location, to new models involving “consolidation of reference service points, establishment of tiered reference, reference by appointment, reorganization of reference departments, and limiting services to primary users” (271). The core aspects of reference services have changed little over time, including face-to-face reference work, print collection development, bibliographic instruction, and attending meetings. In some aspects, however, there has been a shift in emphasis, e.g., in bibliographic instruction from the teaching of tools to the teaching of information literacy. In addition, reference work has come to include “going out to users,” or academic liaison work, as well as research consultation as a general way to assist undergraduate student in getting started on assignments and projects. The Web-based survey (n=40, response rate 87.5%) showed that 32.4% of libraries have an integrated inquiry point which incorporates information queries and other queries that are not necessarily related to traditional library reference services (272, Table 1). This survey result supports the findings of the literature study in showing a trend of library services moving away from the traditional reference desk. A majority of the responding libraries still retained a separate reference department, but a significant number of libraries have developed departments incorporating reference services with other library services. Those that retained the separate department varied in how they described services to patrons, the most common name being Information Services, a more user-friendly and descriptive name. In staffing the reference service, the respondents were asked to indicate the classification level of their staff using the Higher Education Worker (HEW) scale (an Australian salary scale, based on competencies, minimum 1 / maximum 10). Staff spans a variety of levels (4-10), the most common level being HEW6, a level where all libraries had staff. This indicates that a large part of reference staff in Australian academic libraries are highly qualified. The shift in higher education, resulting in greater numbers of students and fewer staff (including librarians), has in many libraries resulted in a more flexible organization of reference services, and the utilization of staff from other sections of the library for manning the reference service point. There is also evidence of how the changing student population leads to changing demands for library facilities and services, e.g. a decrease in the traditional complex reference questions, as well as in over the counter loan transactions, and an increase in more general queries. Conclusion – Reference services in Australian academic libraries are becoming more flexible and integrated (although the definition for integrated is still unclear), in part as the result of client demand, and in part due to decreased funding. The author sees an emerging role for reference librarians in helping patrons to navigate the increasingly complex information environment, and to assist in developing the skills to critically evaluate the information they access for authoritativeness and appropriateness.

The present study deals with an opinion of university library staff on library automation in selected university libraries in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The study reveals that, staff education and qualification for library automation process and modules handling the library automation process is dealt. Explains the library staff’s training they have undergone in handling library automation software and to know that necessary training requirement for handling the modules in library automation software as well as improving the overall performance of library computerised services. The study further explains housekeeping activities for create a library database in the university library automation process.

Abstract: Information technology can be used to support activities in various sectors without exception in the field of education. The teaching and learning process in schools is strongly supported by the availability of facilities. Facilities support students in achieving learning objectives. One of the most important facilities to support learning activities in schools is the library. In its management, library functions can be achieved optimally if there is a system to simplify activities in the library. A good library management management system can certainly improve services in school libraries. One form of information technology application for libraries is library automation. The solution to the problem in the form of library automation is expected to be able to assist librarian in carrying out library management. This library automation can also be an important point in providing school facilities and infrastructure, which in turn can be used for school accreditation.Community service activities for the target school scheme with library automation training activities at MA Ma'arif 1 punggur are the availability of software on computers used in libraries as tools used for library automation with features used in the form of book collections (bibliography), library membership and circulation

Information service of users is the most important function of the foreign and the Russian libraries. Informatization and computerization change the user’s needs, professional qualities of librarian-specialist, component part of stock, technology and organization of library processes, and mainly reference service. With the appearance of virtual reference services people got the opportunity to take advantage of the help of specialists, who can demonstrate and provide the necessary high-quality and reliable information.

The major objective of this study was to investigate the use of Reference Sources in the Medical College Libraries of Punjab. The study was quantitative in nature. In this research, the users of libraries participated of different demographics such as; MBBS Students, M. PhilStudents, FCPS Students, Assistant Professors, Associate Professors, and Professors from medical libraries of Punjab, Pakistan as population. A questionnaire was prepared including 35 items and collected data from almost 361 respondents as a sample through simple random sampling bysurvey method. The data was analyzed with the help of the SPSS software.The study found that majority of the users of medical college libraries were moderately aware and getting most of the libraries' reference services and sources. The study further indicates that the majority of respondents used library reference sources for different purposes for learning, education and updating their knowledge. The study also highlights that majority of participants were partially satisfied with available library reference resources.

The importance of this research leads to the emerging technologies of libraries. The library is one of the most important places in any academic institution and remains the primary source of information for students, teachers, and many others. The researcher aims to suggest an option for the state university and colleges in the Province of Sulu on the technological advancement in the managing library. The breakthrough of technologies can help the library in various ways. Libraries need to adopt new technology that will allow them to operate and function efficiently and effectively, increasing their productivity and improving their user services without adding personnel. The main objective is to show that an automated library system using the latest technology is more beneficial. The present scenario demands an updated technology for faster, affordable, and user-friendly in providing various library services. Fortunately, new technologies have developed Barcode, Digital libraries, Quick Response codes, and RFID systems. Consequently, applying these technologies provides an end-to-end solution for easy library operation, such as borrowing and returning books, finding and locating books, and maintaining book records. The need to develop and enhance library services to meet users' demands is necessary.