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Article
Publication date: 25 July 2023

Sanjay Kumar Jha

Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the emerging technologies of this time. AI is a widely used technology in library services that can transform the best services in the age…

1724

Abstract

Purpose

Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the emerging technologies of this time. AI is a widely used technology in library services that can transform the best services in the age of information technology. This paper aims to highlight the use of AI in library operations. Several research has been undertaken on this subject, but that only address a few applications. AI and libraries have a substantial nexus; nevertheless, the use and awareness of AI in library services are still creating question marks addressed in this paper. This study will help the policy stakeholder, librarians and scholars in the field to address these issues before the deployment of AI in library services.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a qualitative method using content analysis techniques. An extensive review of literature on “artificial intelligence”, “smart libraries” was carried to ascertain the emerging technologies in the smart library domain. Literature was searched against various keywords like artificial intelligence, smart technologies, Internet of Things, electronic resource management, data mining and ambient intelligence. This study highlights the pros and cons of AI in library services and its possible solutions.

Findings

The findings of this study show that AI is a vibrant technology that can be used in library services; however, some obstacles like adequate funds, the attitude of librarians and technical skills are a few obstacles that hamper AI in library operations. The findings also reveal that using AI in library operations will accelerate libraries in the right direction. Furthermore, this study highlights various applications that can be deployed without spending costs.

Practical implications

This paper may be of interest to academic, librarians, policymakers, researchers and the government to have a perspective on initiatives in the country on application of technology in library services. This study can introduce the current status and potential of this technology to bring the technology revolution in library and information center services.

Social implications

This study will motivate library professionals to take advantage of AI in library services and further accelerate library operations in the right direction.

Originality/value

This study covers the understanding of AI in library services that will help the librarian’s and information professionals leverage AI in library scenarios. Furthermore, the practical implication of AI in library services will bring positive change in implementing AI.

Article
Publication date: 18 May 2018

Maryam Pakdaman Naeini, Hadi Sharif Moghaddam, Soraya Ziaei and Amir Ghaebi

As many organizations and institutions in recent years are trying to update their hardware and software platforms toward using mobile technology, libraries and information centers…

2938

Abstract

Purpose

As many organizations and institutions in recent years are trying to update their hardware and software platforms toward using mobile technology, libraries and information centers as trustees and leaders of information management and information science need to be futurists in this area. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the status of using mobile-based services in the world’s top university libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

In this direct observation and quantitative research survey, the authors reviewed the status of using mobile-based services in the libraries of the world’s top universities.

Findings

The results showed that 84 percent of the libraries of the top 50 universities in the world have made their websites mobile-friendly and provide mobile-based services; however, only 30 percent of them have designed mobile library application. The findings of this study revealed that mobile phone services such as “Search catalog,” “Hour of library,” “Contact,” “Ask the librarian” and “News” in more than 50 percent of the libraries with mobile-based services has been used. While some services like “Services for disabled,” “Library card,” “Library Strategic Plan” and “Financial services” are less important to deliver on the mobile platform.

Research limitations/implications

The results of the current research are only limited to this environment. Furthermore limited access to all features of some mobile library applications is another limitation of this work. Also, failure to download some of the university apps from the usual App store due to the nationality of the researchers is other limitations of the study. The authors try to find more details of these apps with connecting to the librarians of this statistic society.

Practical implications

The research results indicated that the majority of libraries in the world’s top universities have moved toward designing and using mobile platform in their websites. This survey suggests that the academic libraries of developing countries in order to follow this trend are supposed to plug in most used services based on experience of academic libraries of top universities.

Originality/value

The research results indicated that the majority of libraries in the world’s top universities have moved toward designing and using mobile platform in their websites. This survey suggests that the Iranian academic libraries affiliated with the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology and the Ministry of Health and Medical Education are also trying to follow this trend in order to meet the users’ information needs.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 37 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 August 2010

Elisha Ondieki Makori

The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of marketing of information products and services in university libraries in Kenya.

1656

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of marketing of information products and services in university libraries in Kenya.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper utilises literature surveys of currently published articles and the researcher's professional experience.

Findings

Marketing is a basic and essential management process for promoting information products and services in university libraries in Kenya, but it is not given the attention it deserves and/or is poorly coordinated. Marketing avails university libraries the unique opportunity to provide quality, and demand‐based and user‐oriented information products and services.

Research limitations/implications

The paper used mainly literature surveys of currently published articles and the researcher's professional experience.

Practical implications

The paper offers reasons, strategies or initiatives and recommendations on how to make university libraries the destination for the user population. In this respect, university libraries should be proactively involved in marketing of information products and services to the user population.

Social implications

University libraries in Kenya should involve themselves actively in marketing and promotion of information products and services to the information audience. This helps to create awareness among the user population leading to increased use of information products and services in the libraries.

Originality/value

The paper highlights various marketing initiatives of making university libraries in Kenya the destination for the user population. Also, the paper explores recent innovative strategies for marketing information products and services. Marketing helps university libraries to: market and promote information products and services, provide innovative products and services, understand the needs and demands of the information audience or user population, plan service provision, and provide efficient and effective information products and services.

Details

Library Review, vol. 59 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0024-2535

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2001

Roswitha Poll

The paper presents performance indicators for the library’s electronic services. Traditional performance indicators were meant for libraries with print collections and lending…

1587

Abstract

The paper presents performance indicators for the library’s electronic services. Traditional performance indicators were meant for libraries with print collections and lending services. In several projects and international cooperation indicators have been developed for library networked resources and services. The paper describes the problems of data collection and gives definitions for the electronic collection and the different steps of using electronic services.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 19 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1979

J.E. Rowley

THhe value of current awareness services has long been recognized, and the possible forms of such tools are well documented. However, little attempt has been made to study the…

Abstract

THhe value of current awareness services has long been recognized, and the possible forms of such tools are well documented. However, little attempt has been made to study the role and exploitation of these techniques in libraries and information units. Questions such as: which current awareness services are most popular?, is the most appropriate dissemination method dependent on the sector of librarianship?, how significant a part of a libary's activities are current awareness services? and, how do they fit into the day‐to‐day routine of the library?, remain unanswered.

Details

Aslib Proceedings, vol. 31 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0001-253X

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1995

Peter Wei He and Michael Knee

The evolution of technology in libraries is causing more technically oriented professionals to join the library profession. Having an electronic services librarian has become a…

Abstract

The evolution of technology in libraries is causing more technically oriented professionals to join the library profession. Having an electronic services librarian has become a hallmark of the electronic age. Many imaginative but similar job titles appear in library employment advertisements: “Network Services Librarian,” “Reference and Electronic Information Services Librarian,” “Electronic Information and Multimedia Librarian,” “Information Integrator.” Why is this new field in librarianship so popular? What are the requirements to be an “electronic services librarian?” What will their future be like? Is this new professional the answer to all new library technology developments? This article examines these questions and explores the problems in this emerging position by analyzing the experience of one academic library.

Details

Reference Services Review, vol. 23 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0090-7324

Article
Publication date: 15 November 2011

Hajar Zarei and Zahra Abazari

This research aims at conducting a survey of web‐based services offered by Asian national libraries.

1549

Abstract

Purpose

This research aims at conducting a survey of web‐based services offered by Asian national libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

To do this, 23 accessible and English language web sites of national libraries in Asia were studied. Direct observation and a checklist including six general services were used for data collection and data evaluation, respectively. In order to determine the detailed services provided by national library web sites, five web sites of the greatest and historical national libraries in the world with appropriate geographical distribution were taken into account.

Findings

National Library of Singapore had the first rank in providing its services via a web site for users and was the only national library in Asia that provides more than half of its services (52.29 per cent) via the web site. The national libraries of seven countries: Japan, Malaysia, China, Iran, Israel, Seri Lanka, and Kyrgyzstan provide web‐based services in the range of 25‐50 per cent, respectively in descending order. And the web sites of Asian national libraries (ANLs) were far from ideal and optimal as an online service provider.

Practical implications

Asian National Libraries must use the web facilities for achievement of their target goals and provision of their information services in the best manner. It is also suggested that these libraries should make high use of both traditional library tools like bibliographies and web‐based ones including web forms, chat, videoconferences, and so forth to meet their goals and ideals.

Originality/value

This study provides a unique insight into the situation of provision of web‐based services offered by national libraries in selected Asian countries.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 29 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 January 2023

Abid Hussain

Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the emerging technologies of this time. It has been associated with several trades like business, defense, health and education, but its…

2941

Abstract

Purpose

Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the emerging technologies of this time. It has been associated with several trades like business, defense, health and education, but its role in library services will foster intelligent decisions. AI is a widely used technology in library services that can transform the best services in the age of information technology. This paper aims to highlight the use of AI in library operations. Several research have been undertaken on this subject, but that only address a few applications. This paper highlights the pros and cons of AI in library services. AI and libraries have a substantial nexus; nevertheless, the use and awareness of AI in library services are still creating question marks addressed in this paper. This study will help the policy stakeholder, librarians and scholars in the field to address these issues before the deployment of AI in library services.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a qualitative method using content analysis techniques. Extant literature was explored on the subject and was analyzed for this study. This study highlights the pros and cons of AI in library services and its possible solutions.

Findings

The findings of this study show that AI is a vibrant technology that can be used in library services; however, some obstacles like adequate funds, the attitude of librarians and technical skills are a few obstacles that hamper AI in library operations. The findings also reveal that using AI in library operations will accelerate libraries in the right direction. Furthermore, this study highlights various applications that can be deployed without spending costs.

Originality/value

This study covers the understanding of AI in library services that will help the librarian's information professionals leverage AI in library scenarios. Furthermore, the practical implication of AI in library services will bring positive change in implementing AI. Social implications: This study will motivate library professionals to take advantage of AI in library services and further accelerate library operations in the right direction.

Details

Library Hi Tech News, vol. 40 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0741-9058

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2006

LiLi Li

The purpose of this paper is to explore key issues involved with opportunities, challenges, and future developing trends of delivering dynamic and distributed web‐based academic…

3150

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore key issues involved with opportunities, challenges, and future developing trends of delivering dynamic and distributed web‐based academic library information resources, services, and instructions for library users in the digital age.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the typical web‐based, three‐tier client/server architecture, this paper explores ten key issues how to leverage quality library user services in the digital age: roles of academic libraries; funding support; information resources; information access; information services; instructions and trainings; impacts of cutting‐edge technologies and emerging technologies; web contents management and knowledge base; assessment and evaluation; and Librarians. Also discussed are the next‐generation web‐based client/server library information architecture and services in the foreseeable future.

Findings

With the rapid development of the internet and the world wide web, information exchange and information distribution can be transformed either by disparate formats or by dynamic channels. Knowledge, competence, and skills cannot follow up with the rapid advances of science and technologies. Many library users need assistance to access, locate, convert, synthesize, and evaluate information effectively and efficiently. It is very imperative for libraries and librarians to design, develop, enhance, implement, and deliver high quality user‐centered information services, resources, and instruction at the fingertips of library users.

Originality/value

Target readers who include librarians, instructors, trainers, consultants, managers, IT specialists, executives, and other professionals who are involved with developing and delivering distributed library user services via the internet will find this article of value.

Details

Library Management, vol. 27 no. 6/7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 July 2010

Niels Ole Pors

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the introduction of citizen services in the public libraries in Denmark. The paper focuses on how library staff has perceived the…

1796

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the introduction of citizen services in the public libraries in Denmark. The paper focuses on how library staff has perceived the introduction and how the library visitors look at it. The paper further elicits information about differences between library visitors using this service and visitors not using it.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the introduction of citizen services in two local libraries. It focuses on staff reactions and perceptions and it also analyses the use and perception of the service in relation to the traditional services. The paper is based on interviews with the involved library staff, citizen service users and administrative staff. The paper is also founded on a survey among library visitors in the two libraries. The survey was conducted as an on‐line and a paper‐based survey.

Findings

The major findings of the paper are that the library staff as a whole welcome the new work tasks because they feel that it is of value for the local community. The findings also indicate that a feared conflict between service tasks and authority tasks did not pose a problem in reality. The library visitors as a whole also welcomed the citizen service in the local libraries and perceived it as a kind of service improvement. Nearly, 25 per cent of the users have used this service in the library and they appreciated it very much. However, the service does not rank high in the visitors' perception of significance of library services. It indicates that the library visitors appreciate new services that are convenient but also that it does not matter that much. The paper also indicates that it is frequent library visitors who use citizen services in library most. There is no indication of the new library users as an effect of the introduction of citizen services in the library.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation is, of course, that the paper is based on a study of only two local branches and it would be scientifically problematic to generalise the results – at least in a statistical sense.

Originality/value

The paper is based on a traditional evaluation study. It is one of the comprehensive assessments of introduction of citizen services in Denmark and some of the findings will be of wider interest for other libraries that intend to take up the cooperative service.

Details

New Library World, vol. 111 no. 7/8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4803

Keywords

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