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1 – 10 of over 29000
Article
Publication date: 1 February 2005

David Bawden, Polona Vilar and Vlasta Zabukovec

To determine and compare approaches to the education and training of librarians for work in digital libraries. More precisely, to identify – in general terms, rather than…

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Abstract

Purpose

To determine and compare approaches to the education and training of librarians for work in digital libraries. More precisely, to identify – in general terms, rather than specifically – the important competencies required by information professionals in creating and managing digital libraries, and in facilitating their use, and to assess how these competencies are treated in LIS education and training, and therefore how the capacities of the information professions are being developed.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature analysis of the skill sets required by librarians working with digital materials. Evaluation of formal education and of professional development programmes in the UK and in Slovenia, to assess how these needs are being met.

Findings

Both formal education and continuing development training are adapting to cover aspects of the digital library environment, both in the UK and in Slovenia. This is happening as part of the normal process of the redesign of degree programmes and of training courses. Digital library skills and knowledge – embodying conceptual, semantic, syntactic and technical aspects – are being included in existing courses, for the most part, rather than in entities labelled “digital library”. This approach has strengths and also weaknesses. While there is some agreement on core topics, there is much variation in how they are presented, and in the relative importance given to them.

Research limitations/implications

Based on comparison of education and training programmes in two countries, the UK and Slovenia.

Practical implications

Recommendations for curricula are made.

Originality/value

Provides an insight into education and training needs in a developing and important area.

Details

Aslib Proceedings, vol. 57 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0001-253X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 2019

Guixia Li and Guiping Jiang

To study the construction and planning of the library service facility system based on public digital culture teaching in international cultural metropolises, the main body of…

Abstract

To study the construction and planning of the library service facility system based on public digital culture teaching in international cultural metropolises, the main body of resources construction, channels, selection criteria, construction standards, user service policies, service methods and service objects of the National Digital Library of Russia were analyzed. The construction foundation, policy support and digital resource construction of the Chinese and Russian national digital libraries were compared. The results showed that the problem of digital copyright was solved while the library community was constructing digital resources according to the existing rules. Therefore, this method has certain implications for the construction of digital libraries in metropolitan areas in China.

Details

Open House International, vol. 44 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 November 2021

Titilola Aminat Bayero Abdussalam, Janet Oluseyi Adewara, Jamiu Wankasi Abdulraheem, Tunde Toyese Oyedokun and Tawakalitu Raufu Balogun

Funding issues is observed to be the major stumbling block for the development of digital libraries in Nigeria. Hence, this paper aims to explore issues in obtaining and…

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Abstract

Purpose

Funding issues is observed to be the major stumbling block for the development of digital libraries in Nigeria. Hence, this paper aims to explore issues in obtaining and allocating funds for digital library development.

Design/methodology/approach

The review is an explorative report of the state of affairs of digital library development in Nigeria with the associated fundraising issues.

Findings

Digital library initiatives are coincidental development with transformational change in the technology-driven world of global information distribution. The desire of the information users to have better-unrestricted access to information becomes the hallmark of digital content development and web-based information services. The goal of making information accessible globally to large and diverse information users was achievable with the development of a digital library that provides enhanced information services, improves access and usability of digital information resources.

Originality/value

The library of the future has already materialized in form of digital library services, but the cost of developing a digital library is not foreseeable cheap, and if Nigerian libraries are to achieve digital library service goal, alternative sources of finance need to be sought after through fundraising scheme from friends of the library, rental services, consultation fees and collaboration effort on library consortia as well as advocacy for open access initiatives.

Details

Library Hi Tech News, vol. 38 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0741-9058

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 April 2009

Ali Shiri and Sarah Chase‐Kruszewski

The purpose of this paper is to report an investigation into the types of knowledge organisation systems (KOSs) utilised in North American digital library collections.

2063

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report an investigation into the types of knowledge organisation systems (KOSs) utilised in North American digital library collections.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper identifies, analyses and deep scans online North American hosted digital libraries. It reviews the literature related to the application of KOSs on the web, identifies widely used KOSs and tools and reviews the literature related to collaborative collections on the web.

Findings

A total of 269 North American digital library collections were examined. The Library of Congress Subject Headings is the most widely used subject representation tool, followed by domain‐specific thesauri, 113 digital library collections make use of locally developed taxonomies. A few collections use the Dewy Decimal Classification and alphabetical indexes.

Research limitations/implications

This research was limited to North American digital library collections.

Practical implications

The findings show the popular KOSs used in digital library collections. It also shows the organisational contexts of the examined digital library collections.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the areas of digital libraries and to the application of KOSs and services for subject representation and access.

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2003

Ali Shiri

This column gives an overview of current trends in digital library research under the following headings: digital library architecture, systems, tools and technologies; digital

7511

Abstract

This column gives an overview of current trends in digital library research under the following headings: digital library architecture, systems, tools and technologies; digital content and collections; metadata; interoperability; standards; knowledge organisation systems; users and usability; legal, organisational, economic, and social issues in digital libraries.

Details

Library Review, vol. 52 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0024-2535

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2005

Qian Zhou

Aims to focus on the need for appropriately trained librarians of the next‐generation, the “Digital Librarians”, with particular emphasis on China.

3165

Abstract

Purpose

Aims to focus on the need for appropriately trained librarians of the next‐generation, the “Digital Librarians”, with particular emphasis on China.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first analyzes the definition and features of the digital library, and is followed by an introduction to digital libraries developing in China. Work modes and quality composition of digital librarians are then analyzed and discussed.

Findings

Digital libraries emerging in the information age represent an inevitable trend for library development. A digital library contains a vast amount of digital information resources in multiple media. It may provide readers with diversified information services using digital and network technologies. In addition to certain hardware and software availabilities, the evolving digital library requires appropriately trained librarians of the next‐generation, the “Digital Librarians”, which forms the theme of this paper.

Originality/value

Provides recommendations and measures on how China can develop further its digital librarians.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 23 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 June 2007

Michael Seadle and Elke Greifeneder

This editorial seeks to examine the definition of a “digital library” to see whether one can be constructed that usefully distinguishes a digital library from other types of…

7749

Abstract

Purpose

This editorial seeks to examine the definition of a “digital library” to see whether one can be constructed that usefully distinguishes a digital library from other types of electronic resources.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary methodology compares definitions from multiple settings, including formal institutional settings, working definitions from articles, and a synthesis created in a seminar at Humboldt University in Berlin.

Findings

At this point, digital libraries are evolving too fast for any lasting definition. Definitions that users readily understand are too broad and imprecise, and definitions with more technical precision quickly grow too obscure for common use.

Originality/value

A functional definition of a digital library would add clarity to a burgeoning field, especially when trying to evaluate a resource. The student perspective provides a fresh look at the problem.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 25 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2005

A. Alemna and M. Cobblah

To share with a global readership the progress made and the infrastructure in the making to create digital resources and utilize digital resources in libraries in Africa.

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Abstract

Purpose

To share with a global readership the progress made and the infrastructure in the making to create digital resources and utilize digital resources in libraries in Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

Comparisons of how digital libraries evolved or transitioned in more developed parts of the world with Africa. Issues of intellectual property are key interests that need to be reinforced in Africa as the digital library movement matures.

Findings

Africa is ready to pursue developing digital libraries in a more earnest way but lacks some basic resources. Information technology is expanding throughout Africa but at a slower pace, yet with intense efforts directed towards training and implementing more automation.

Research limitations/implications

A more serious infrastructure needs to be established to see the launch of more digital library components in African libraries. The understanding is there but the resources remain undependable and costly to implement on any serious scale.

Practical implications

Serious infrastructure issues need to be resolved in addition to working out the economic and commercial limitations, the legal situation and creating a digital rights roadmap for seeing the digital library provision in place.

Originality/value

The need to catch up with trends in libraries worldwide is sincere and efforts are well underway to create more electronic resources and make digital libraries more of a reality in already information deprived regions of the world.

Details

Library Hi Tech News, vol. 22 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0741-9058

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2004

Yan Quan Liu

This study investigates the state of education for digital libraries. For this study, a Web survey was conducted of syllabi of courses on the subject of digital libraries (DL)…

2247

Abstract

This study investigates the state of education for digital libraries. For this study, a Web survey was conducted of syllabi of courses on the subject of digital libraries (DL). Similarities and differences on such subjects as teaching emphases, course outlines, textbooks and assignments were compared. The majority of classes now contain a “hands‐on” element, a practical component of the course that requires that the students interact with digital libraries. Not all of the course contents are up‐to‐date in the field of library and information technology. While the quality of DL education seems to have advanced at those schools and institutions that offer classes with “hands‐on” requirements, the educational approach at many of the “hands‐off” universities seems somewhat technophobic and overly dependent on outdated pedagogical methods. Those students who have received practical experience with digital libraries, like those provided in the “hands‐on” courses, appear to be best served for future practice in the field of librarianship.

Details

New Library World, vol. 105 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4803

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 February 2007

Anup Kumar Das, Chaitali Dutta and B.K. Sen

The purpose of this paper is to assess the present situation in the development of indigenous digital libraries in India. The study aims to evaluate different retrieval features…

2265

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the present situation in the development of indigenous digital libraries in India. The study aims to evaluate different retrieval features of Indian digital libraries, especially those provide access to multilingual and multimedia documents.

Design/methodology/approach

For this study, eight digital libraries originated in India, which are available in 24×7 timeframe and accessible worldwide through the internet, have been identified and selected. The retrieval features and other information on these digital libraries have been collected mostly from their respective websites and from other published literature, annual reports, etc.

Findings

The paper finds that Indian digital libraries provide universal access to informative and culturally rich digital content related to South Asian region. The digitisation efforts in Indian institutions make these digital libraries operational.

Research limitations/implications

The institutional repositories and open access archives of Indian institutions that give access to the current research literature are not included in this study, because their retrieval features are mostly similar to each other as they use either DSpace or GNU EPrints open source software.

Practical implications

Indigenous digital libraries in India provide universal access to information and knowledge related to culture and heritage of people of South Asian counties. This study gives an insight on how diverse contents are integrated and disseminated to the end‐users in a user‐friendly manner. This study also indicates research initiatives on different aspects of multilingual contents in this region.

Originality/value

No such evaluation on Indian digital libraries has been done from the perspective of information retrieval features. This study will generate new knowledge in area of indigenous digital libraries in a developing country like India. This study is also an attempt to popularise Indian indigenous digital libraries among the world community.

Details

OCLC Systems & Services: International digital library perspectives, vol. 23 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1065-075X

Keywords

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