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This paper aims to explore current developments in the semantic Web and the role libraries can play in exposing institutional and bibliographic content using linked data and unique identifier systems.

This is a regular journal column.

There are many ways in which libraries can contribute to the scholarly community through the description as well as traditional authority control work flow to integrate research and bibliographic content with the larger semantic Web.

The theory behind linked data is commencing to have a more pronounced impact on the way the Web operates. Major players including publishers and commercial entities are contributing to the semantic Web through partnerships with the wider Internet community as well as data providers such as Universities. Given the open nature of many of these systems as well as consortial participation, this is an opportune time for libraries to contribute to these efforts in service of their constituencies.

The purpose of this paper is to provide some ideas concerning the design and implementation of the library virtual architecture and its relation to the psychology of information‐seeking behavior.

This paper is purely theoretical and speculative. No systematic design was involved.

The renovation of a library's “virtual space” can be as important as the renewal of the physical space. Many libraries are taking advantage of user‐centric design principles as they renew the physical layout and service orientation of their libraries from an architectural standpoint. These same principles can be applied to virtual architecture in order to provide a positive and successful user experience on web sites.

This paper may assist librarians in being more comprehensive in the planning of virtual architecture on web sites and in the creation of electronic finding aids.

Should be interesting to those librarians who focus in their daily work on issues of information architecture and web site usability. It may also be useful to those who work in some reference capacity or regularly assist patrons in finding information.

This column aims to examine the issue of modular library technology infrastructure, and how it can help libraries to offer more flexible services to patrons.

This column is exploratory, and looks at the pros and cons of various technology approaches to digital library services.

In order to remain flexible with regard to the evolving needs of patrons, libraries should seriously consider a technology model which would allow the digital library to offer more responsive services to patrons. It is suggested that a deeper look at service‐oriented architecture (SOA) design principles as opposed to the standard model of large monolithic systems be examined and adopted.

This column offers alternatives in the area of digital library services, and focuses primarily on the possibilities rendered by service‐oriented architectures and robust web services.

The purpose of this paper is to compare the use of WebCT in support of online and blended learning in the Faculty of Architecture of a Hong Kong university.

Paper questionnaires are used to collect students' experiences, perceptions and attitudes towards the online course they have undertaken. Focus group interviews are conducted with two groups of students at the end of the semester. In addition, both formal and informal interviews are conducted with the instructor to understand his perceptions and perspectives.

In general, students prefer to have course management systems (CMS) as a supplement to face‐to‐face lectures rather than as its replacement. They perceive WebCT as mainly a platform for downloading materials and submitting assignments rather than a platform for teaching and learning. Learning fully online is perceived as self‐learning. The traditional lecture is considered more effective and efficient by many students to grasp concepts and principles.

This is an exploratory study at a Hong Kong university. However, it provides initial evidence to shed light on issues concerning the use of CMS in support of online and blended learning.

In order to ensure a more engaging and rewarding online learning experience, teacher's online presence should be strengthened. Other than teacher presence, the cognitive presence could be fostered through engineering the student‐to‐student interaction in co‐located settings.

The paper usefully demonstrates how the blended mode of learning that combines face‐to‐face and online learning has become increasingly popular, while the courses conducted entirely online are comparatively rare at universities in Hong Kong.

This paper seeks to examine text mining as a launching point for innovative library services.

The paper presents a discussion of the subject.

Text mining is a relatively new field, but with the rapid increase of available digital content, the possibility of creating innovative digital library services based on lexical and semantic analysis is becoming a reality. The field of text mining is discussed, and some of the issues and challenges are explored.

This paper suggests ways to enhance services by leveraging existing digital content using the techniques of digital text mining. It suggests ways for improving library services based on the vast wealth of digital content that is continually growing.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the issue of the next generation OPAC, and several proposed solutions to that problem.

This is an exploratory paper. It examines several proposals for reinventing the traditional library OPAC into a more relevant, user centered system.

Libraries need to seriously re‐evaluate the relevance of the online public access catalog as it exists today. There are no one size fits all solutions given the rapidly changing information environment libraries find themselves in today.

This paper provides points of discussion for professional librarians and library staff to engage in as they consider to future of the OPAC. Several key members of the library technology community are cited, and may provide further information on this important topic.

This paper aims to examine technology developed to aid in e‐journal archiving and preservation.

This paper examines two organizations and relevant technology which has been developed over the last five years to meet the needs of e‐journal archiving and preservation.

This paper is exploratory in nature and examines two potential solutions for the e‐journal preservation dilemma.

Since the advent of e‐journal licensing, concerns regarding the preservation of digital born content have grown. The need to establish means to preserve this content for the future is acute.

This paper examines the pros and cons associated with the two primary organizations, Portico and LOCKSS, regarding e‐journal content preservation. It is hoped that this information will be useful to librarians and library staff who are responsible for exploring the means to implement digital preservation and will guide them to further resources which will be helpful in making an informed decision.

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the importance of instructional design and educational technology for libraries.

The paper consists of a literature review followed by composition of concepts for column.

Instructional design can assist libraries in providing proactive services in many areas of instruction and embedded librarianship.

This column touches on an area that is not considered by library professionals, but is becoming increasingly important.

This column seeks to examine the role of libraries in the description, organization, and accumulation of critical research data.

This is an opinion column, but the literature was briefly examined to understand the trends for this area.

Libraries have an important role in data curation and preservation regarding the research data output of a university.

There is a very important opportunity for libraries to take the lead in the important area of data curation and preservation regarding research data.

Libraries can play a vital role in establishing orderly policies and procedures surrounding the curation, preservation, and organization of important research data, which is an emerging area at research institutions, but is becoming an acute need.

This column aims to discuss a tool used in user experience studies called personas.

This is a conceptual column discussing personas as a design tool.

Personas can be a powerful tool used in the design of digital library services.

The personas methodology could be a very powerful tool for libraries in helping them understand their constituent populations and serve them better.