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Article
Publication date: 21 August 2007

Nicholas Joint

Recent areas of digital library innovation, such as digital rights management, have led librarians to apply risk management (RM) principles to certain circumscribed areas of…

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Abstract

Purpose

Recent areas of digital library innovation, such as digital rights management, have led librarians to apply risk management (RM) principles to certain circumscribed areas of library management. This paper will attempt to argue that RM principles can in fact be applied much more generally in modern library administration.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual paper based on abstract principles of RM.

Findings

That different approaches to RM apply in digital librarianship, as opposed to traditional, print‐based library work. Also, that different models of “RM” can be used at the level of the employee in contrast to the global perspective of the organisation as a whole.

Research limitations/implications

Because this is a conceptual piece, there is ample room for further experimental testing of these hypotheses.

Practical implications

This paper rejects some of the principles of RM that are less relevant to the “people management” problems of hybrid (print‐electronic) library administration. It offers an abstract statement of RM principles that should be of genuine practical usefulness to middle managers helping staff cope with the problems of “mixed media”, hybrid library environments.

Originality/value

This paper relates ideas from general business RM to practitioner librarianship in ways that have not been attempted previously.

Details

Library Review, vol. 56 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0024-2535

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 June 2016

Zhengbiao Han, Shuiqing Huang, Huan Li and Ni Ren

This paper uses the GB/T20984-2007 multiplicative method to assess the information security risk of a typical digital library in compliance with the principle and thought of ISO…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper uses the GB/T20984-2007 multiplicative method to assess the information security risk of a typical digital library in compliance with the principle and thought of ISO 27000. The purpose of this paper is to testify the feasibility of this method and provide suggestions for improving information security of the digital library.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts convenience sampling to select respondents. The assessment of assets is through analyzing digital library-related business and function through a questionnaire which collects data to determine asset types and the importance of asset attributes. The five-point Likert scale questionnaire method is used to identify the threat possibility and its influence on the assets. The 12 respondents include directors and senior network technicians from the editorial department, comic library, children’s library, counseling department and the learning promotion centre. Three different Guttman scale questionnaires, tool testing and on-site inspection are combined to identify and assess vulnerabilities. There were different Guttman scale questionnaires for management personnel, technical personnel and general librarian. In all, 15 management librarians, 7 technical librarians and 72 ordinary librarians answered the vulnerability questionnaire. On-site inspection was conducted on the basis of 11 control domains of ISO 27002. Vulnerabilities were scanned using remote security evaluation system NSFOCUS. The scanning covered ten IP sections and a total of 81 hosts.

Findings

Overall, 2,792 risk scores were obtained. Among them, 282 items (accounting for 10.1 per cent of the total) reached the high risk level; 2 (0.1 per cent) reached the very high risk level. High-risk items involved 26 threat types (accounting for 44.1 per cent of all threat types) and 13 vulnerability types (accounting for 22.1 per cent of all vulnerability types). The evaluation revealed that this digital library faces seven major hidden dangers in information security. The assessment results were well accepted by staff members of this digital library, which testified to the applicability of this method to a Chinese digital library.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is only a case study of a typical Chinese digital library using a digital library information security assessment method. More case-based explorations are necessary to prove the feasibility of the assessing strategy proposed in this study.

Originality/value

Based on the findings of recent literature, the authors found that very few researchers have made efforts to develop methods for calculating the indicators for digital library information security risk assessment. On the basis of ISO 27000 and other related information security standards, this case study proposed an operable method of digital library information security risk assessment and used it to assess a the information security of a typical Chinese digital library. This study can offer insights for formulating a digital library information security risk assessment scale.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 34 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 July 2019

Yi Xie, Jia Liu, Shufan Zhu, Dazhi Chong, Hui Shi and Yong Chen

When integrating smart elements offered by emergent technologies, libraries are facing the challenges of technological renovation and maintaining their operation using emerging…

Abstract

Purpose

When integrating smart elements offered by emergent technologies, libraries are facing the challenges of technological renovation and maintaining their operation using emerging technology. Given the importance of smart library, new technologies are needed in building new libraries or renovation of existing libraries. The purpose of this paper is to propose a risk warning system for library construction or renovation in the aspect of risk management.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed Internet of Things (IoT)-based system consists of sensors that automatically monitor the status of materials, equipment and construction activities in real time. AI techniques including case-based reasoning and fuzzy sets are applied.

Findings

The proposed system can easily track material flow and visualize construction processes. The experiment shows that the proposed system can effectively detect, monitor and manage risks in construction projects including library construction.

Originality/value

Compared with existing risk warning systems, the proposed IoT-based system requires less data for making dynamic predictions. The proposed system can be applied to new builds and renovation of libraries.

Article
Publication date: 4 April 2016

Chan Li, Wen-De Zhang and Yi-Xin Lan

– The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential risks of copyright infringement in digital library based on the extension theory.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential risks of copyright infringement in digital library based on the extension theory.

Design/methodology/approach

At first, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is used to determine the weights of the existing indicator system for early warning. Second, a model is built to evaluate the potential risks of copyright infringement based on the extension theory in digital library. Finally, a real-world application is presented to show the effectiveness and usefulness of this approach.

Findings

The main findings of this paper are as follows: the early warning extension theory model is effective in distinguishing the degree of the potential risks of copyright infringement in digital library; the ranges of the value and the values of the indicators can directly affect the results while using this approach, so the accuracy of these two aspects is a crucial question.

Social implications

The social impact is that copyright infringement risks of digital library is reduced; the lawsuit rate and economic loss due to copyright infringement are thereby decreased as well.

Originality/value

This paper introduces the evaluation of the potential risks of copyright infringement based on the extension theory in digital library. The results provide support for the decision-makers in handling the potential risks of copyright infringement in digital library.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 34 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2002

Sarah Farrugia

Outlines the problem of violence in British public libraries, where incidents commonly involve problem groups from drunks to unruly youths to irate patrons. The problem can be…

2173

Abstract

Outlines the problem of violence in British public libraries, where incidents commonly involve problem groups from drunks to unruly youths to irate patrons. The problem can be more extreme in US libraries with several librarians being killed, in a country that averages 20 workplace murders each week. Current feelings amongst library staff are of managerial apathy and a reluctance to tackle the problem with appropriate resources. Discusses the reasons for violence and suggests measures that can be employed to reduce the threat and deal with incidents if they occur. Risk assessment is the crucial first step in this process and risk management strategies should follow. This should incorporate security measures and staff training. Results of a survey of library workers carried out in 2001 to gauge a random “snapshot” view of violence in libraries is discussed and compared to a similar survey undertaken in 1995 by McGrath.

Details

New Library World, vol. 103 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4803

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 June 2023

Cornelia Posch

This paper aims to provide insights into the state of emergency preparedness in libraries, highlight critical aspects of risk and prevention and present ideas and resources for…

201

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide insights into the state of emergency preparedness in libraries, highlight critical aspects of risk and prevention and present ideas and resources for libraries to take action.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on examples and results from research and practice on planning and risk assessment, the paper introduces key concepts and offers practical steps to improve library preparedness.

Findings

Despite evidence of emergencies and disasters seriously impacting libraries and other cultural institutions, the level of preparedness at these venues tends to be low. Institutional and psychological issues keep decisionmakers and practitioners from taking action to plan concretely for the protection of written cultural heritage. Examples from libraries that experienced emergencies or prepared for a major disruption can help define tasks that can be easily implemented and serve as starting point for hesitant institutions.

Practical implications

The paper offers numerous examples of activities staff can engage in, increasing their knowledge of their institution, improving the safety of the collection, and emphasizing agency of individuals.

Originality/value

In the face of climate change, increasingly extreme weather and political instability around the world, protecting cultural heritage is of the utmost importance.

Details

Library Management, vol. 44 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 August 2012

Yahia Zare Mehrjerdi

The aim of this article is to propose a model to study the expenses of an RFID‐based library system. For this purpose risk‐benefit factors using causal loop concepts are studied…

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this article is to propose a model to study the expenses of an RFID‐based library system. For this purpose risk‐benefit factors using causal loop concepts are studied and identified. Then, a flow diagram is developed and the mathematical formulation of the proposed model is presented and used for simulation purposes.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is written based on research and observations from scientific journals and reports. For this purpose key elements of risks and benefits of radio frequency identification in library services are identified. For model development purposes the concepts of systems thinking and system dynamics are employed. The systems thinking perspective is used as a tool to relate key factors of risks and benefits, and system dynamics are used to simulate the model of the problem.

Findings

Systems thinking can provide an efficient way to analyze the risks, benefits, and the risk‐benefit phenomena of systems. The use of system dynamics allows us to look into the behavior of the level variable that is of main concern to management. In the case of this article, it is library expenses that are studied and kept under control.

Practical implications

Library managers can benefit from this article through the development of similar models using systems thinking and simulating similar models using system dynamics to find the behaviour of one or more variables of the system to analyze system expenses and manage costs.

Originality/value

A system with a given level of expense was employed, and then by taking key factors into consideration a system is proposed that can provide lower expenses with the presence of RFID technology. Due to the fact that the proposed methodology allows management to look into the expenses of the library over coming periods and to design the system the way management feels is possible (a new expense level in a period of n years), this study makes a significant contribution to the literature.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 30 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 15 December 2016

Cindy Pierard, Jason Shoup, Susanne K. Clement, Mark Emmons, Teresa Y. Neely and Frances C. Wilkinson

This chapter introduces Building Back Better Libraries (BBBL) as a critical concept for improved library planning both prior to and following a disaster or other emergency…

Abstract

Purpose

This chapter introduces Building Back Better Libraries (BBBL) as a critical concept for improved library planning both prior to and following a disaster or other emergency. Building Back Better, an idea widely discussed in the disaster recovery literature, seeks to use the difficulty of a disaster as an opportunity to go beyond the status quo and to promote changes that result in stronger, more resilient communities. The authors will define BBB elements and frameworks, building upon those to create a model for library disaster planning and recovery, and applying it to cases involving space and facilities, collections, services, and people.

Methodology/approach

Literature on the Building Back Better concept and frameworks, as well as library emergency response, was reviewed. This source material was used to develop a modified framework for improved library disaster planning and recovery. The Building Back Better Libraries framework is discussed and applied to cases involving library facilities and spaces, collections, and services, and its implementation through a disaster planning team is reviewed.

Findings

Though all libraries hope to avoid disaster, few succeed. One survey found that as many as 75% of academic library respondents had experienced a disaster or emergency. Evidence also suggests that few libraries are prepared, with as many as 66–80% of libraries reporting that they have no emergency plan with staff trained to carry it out. Even when plans are in place, the rush to respond to immediate needs following a disaster can overwhelm the ability to pursue effective long-term planning. Building Back Better, when framed for libraries, provides a planning tool to balance short-term response with long-term recovery and resilience. The Building Back Better Libraries framework focuses on the areas of risk assessment for library collections and spaces; recovery and rejuvenation for facilities, collections, and services; and implementation and monitoring, with particular discussion of the human element and the role of a library disaster planning team.

Practical implications

The proposed framework, Building Back Better Libraries (BBBL), can be used to strengthen disaster planning in a manner that balances meeting immediate needs with implementing longer term plans to create stronger and more resilient libraries.

Originality/value

Although aspects of BBB ideas are present in existing library literature, the concept is not formally defined for the library context.

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1987

Chris Sugnet

Companies that supply libraries with automation technology are part of the computer‐industry marketplace. However, vendors that serve the library component of this marketplace…

Abstract

Companies that supply libraries with automation technology are part of the computer‐industry marketplace. However, vendors that serve the library component of this marketplace face problems not typical of the industry as a whole. Significant and unique problems include the protracted selection processes employed by libraries, the very slow and drawn‐out payment cycles, the dependence of the libraries on vendors, and the adversarial relationships that frequently exist between the libraries and vendors. These, and related issues, are discussed by representatives of eight prominent automation firms: Joseph R. Matthews (INLEX), James J. Michael (Data Research Associates), Harry Porteous (Geac), Gene Robinson (CLSI), Stephen R. Salmon (Carlyle), Stephen Silberstein (Innovative Interfaces), Phyllis Bova Spies (OCLC Local Systems), and Harriet Valázques (Utlas).

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 5 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Article
Publication date: 1 May 1996

Paul Eden and Graham Matthews

Presents the preliminary findings of a one‐year British Library Research and Development Department‐funded project looking at disaster management in British libraries. Based on…

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Abstract

Presents the preliminary findings of a one‐year British Library Research and Development Department‐funded project looking at disaster management in British libraries. Based on visits to some 30 organizations within and outside the library profession and analysis of 62 library disaster control plans, considers the terms “disaster”, “disaster control planning” and “disaster management”, highlighting the central role of the written disaster control plan. Emphasizes the need for these plans to be managed and supported by risk assessments and regular inspections of buildings and equipment, the identification and use of reliable expert advice, staff training programmes and contingency planning for temporary services, accommodation and storage. Undertlines the importance of personnel issues such as the careful selection of those responsible for disaster management and staff counselling following a disaster, and also the need to investigate insurance cover and to consider the installation of fire detection and suppression systems.

Details

Library Management, vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

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