ITAL Information Technology and Libraries (E-Journal)
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Returning Classification to the Catalog
Get PDFThe concept of a classified catalog, or using classification as a form of subject access, has been almost forgotten by contemporary librarians. Recent developments indicate that this is changing as libraries seek to enhance the capabilities of their online catalogs. The Western North Carolina Library Network (WNCLN) has developed a “classified browse” feature for its shared online catalog that makes use of Library of Congress classification. While this feature is not expected to replace keyword searching, it offers both novice and experienced library users another way of identifying relevant materials
Touchable Online Braille Generator
Get PDFA prototype of a touchable online Braille generator has been developed for the visually impaired or blind using force feedback technology, which has been used in video games for years. Without expensive devices, this prototype allows blind people to access information on the Web by touching output Braille displays with a force feedback mouse. The data collected from user studies conducted with blind participants has provided valuable information about the optimal conditions for the use of the prototype. The end product of this research will enable visually impaired people to enjoy information on the Web more freely
Public Libraries and Internet Access across the United States: A Comparison by State 2004–2006
Get PDFDrawing upon findings from a national survey of U.S. public libraries, this paper examines trends in Internet and public computing access in public libraries across states from 2004 to 2006. Based on library-supplied information about levels and types of Internet and public computing access, the authors offer insights into the network-based content and services that public libraries provide. Examining data from 2004 to 2006 reveals trends and accomplishments in certain states and geographic regions. This paper details and discusses the data, identifies and analyzes issues related to Internet access, and suggests areas for future research
Index Blending: Enabling the Development of Definitive, Discipline-Specific Resources
Get PDFIndex Blending is the process of database development whereby various components are merged and refined to create a single encompassing source of information. Once a research need is determined for a given area of study, existing resources are examined for value and possible contribution to the end product. Index Blending focuses on the quality of bibliographic records as the primary factor with the addition of full text to enhance the end user’s research experience as an added convenience. Key examples of the process of Index Blending involve the fields of communication and mass media, hospitality and tourism, as well as computers and applied sciences. When academia, vendors, subject experts, lexicographers, and other contributors are brought together through the various factors associated with Index Blending, relevant discipline-specific research may be greatly enhanced
ThManager: An Open Source Tool for Creating and Visualizing SKOS
Get PDFKnowledge organization systems denotes formally represented knowledge that is used within the context of digital libraries to improve data sharing and information retrieval. To increase their use, and to reuse them when possible, it is vital to manage them adequately and to provide them in a standard interchange format. Simple knowledge organization systems (SKOS) seem to be the most promising representation for the type of knowledge models used in digital libraries, but there is a lack of tools that are able to properly manage it. This work presents a tool that fills this gap, facilitating their use in different environments and using SKOS as an interchange format
Checking Out Facebook.com: The Impact of a Digital Trend on Academic Libraries
Get PDFWhile the burgeoning trend in online social networks has gained much attention from the media, few studies in library science have yet to address the topic in depth. This article reports on a survey of 126 academic librarians concerning their perspectives toward Facebook.com, an online network for students. Findings suggest that librarians are overwhelmingly aware of the “Facebook phenomenon.” Those who are most enthusiastic about the potential of online social networking suggested ideas for using Facebook to promote library services and events. Few individuals reported problems or distractions as a result of patrons accessing Facebook in the library. When problems have arisen, strict regulation of access to the site seems unfavorable. While some librarians were excited about the possibilities of Facebook, the majority surveyed appeared to consider Facebook outside the purview of professional librarianship
Public Libraries, Values, Trust, and E-Government
Get PDFAs public libraries are becoming e-government access points relied on by both patrons and government agencies, it is important for libraries to consider the implications of these roles. While providing e-government access serves to reinforce the tremendously important role of public libraries in the United States social infrastructure, it also creates new demands on libraries and opens up significant new opportunities. Drawing upon several different strands of research, this paper examines the nexus of public libraries, values, trust, and e-government, focusing on the ways in which the values of librarianship and the trust that communities place in their public libraries reinforce the role of public libraries in the provision of e-government. The unique values embraced by public libraries have not only shaped the missions of libraries, they have influenced popular opinion surrounding public libraries and fostered the confidence that communities place in them as a source of trusted information and assistance in finding information. As public libraries have embraced the provision of Internet access, these values and trust have become intertwined with their new social role as a public access point for e-government both in normal information activities and in the most extreme circumstances. This paper explores the intersections of these issues and the relation of the vital e-government role of public libraries to library funding, public policy, library and information science education, and research initiatives
