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In 2016, the “Data Deluge Column” explored the sometimes frustrating reality of cataloguing and metadata librarians as their discipline underwent change.

The column, called “Metadata specialists in transition: from MARC cataloguing to linked data and BIBFRAME”, alluded to the ongoing and significant changes in the practice of cataloguing and metadata creation, but did not delve into the nature of the changes and what they mean for libraries in general.

This instalment of the “Data Deluge Column” expands that discussion by exploring the emerging model for the data that libraries create and manage.

It seems that it has taken about 20 years to overcome the inertia required to begin to reinvent the practice of and environment for creating library data. Perhaps, some of this inertia is because of predictions of the current distress and pressure felt by cataloguing departments today.

The digitization of our unique resources, and digital projects that exhibit and display these resources, have taken on a new importance in the electronic environment. Finding funds and support for these endeavors, however, requires skills and talents that often have to be developed individually. Yet, there are many funding sources for digitization and digital projects, and the rewards and monies are there for those who enter this arena. This article will examine how to prepare for, apply for funds and grants, and begin your first digitization project, as well as how to approach continued funding of digital projects.

To highlight content of interest to this journal’s readership that promotes current thinking and activities in information technology.

A selective conference report of the annual meeting of the American Library Association and a pre‐conference.

The largest conference of librarians, the variety of programs, activities, exhibit halls, creates one of the best professional development opportunities for librarians. Attracting librarians from all sectors and work environments from around the globe, this conference is hard to describe in a brief way except to say it is an experience. Documenting relevant programs about information technology was the goal of this contribution.

An alternative to not being present while gaining some information and coverage.

Contains information of particular interest to readers who did not attend these sessions. Introducers them to presenters and important hot topics.

To report the highlights of the annual LITA National Forum.

Provides a brief review of the conference.

The forum offered a wide variety of timely presentations that were on new and emerging technologies and the application to the library environment.

This paper is a useful summary of a conference of interest to library and information management professionals.

There has been a great deal of interest recently, notably in the USA, in the concept of virtual reference services. Of particular interest is the use of software that allows a “chat” session between librarian and patron. While many libraries in Australia and New Zealand already offer online reference services via e‐mail or a Web form, as yet very few have ventured into the world of online reference services in real‐time. During the summer of 2001‐2002 a pilot group at the University of Canterbury was formed to investigate whether our library should offer such a service in 2002. This paper will briefly describe the service which went live in April 2002, including our reasons for offering it, the process of implementation and preliminary results. It will then outline and discuss in detail some of the issues that have arisen out of the service with comments and recommendations from our experience.

Identifies key activities that network users can perform in order to use the network effectively. Offers recommended reading, from beginner to expert user status. Explains some commonly used terms (e.g. Turbo Gopher with Veronica!). Lists useful Internet resources.

Gives the highlights of the 2004 annual conference of the American Library Association (ALA) held in Orlando, Florida, in June 2004. These included differing viewpoints on publishing and licencing scholarly work and technology trends.

Now that XML is five years old, is it time for e‐libraries to start exploiting its full potential by delivering it to the end user rather than converting it to HTML first? What, if any, would be the advantages to users and providers? Could browsers cope? And is it worth the bother?

The purpose of this research is to apply principles from the field of industrial and organizational psychology on organizational analysis and job analysis to better identify successful candidates for employment in an Information Commons.

Review of professional research, research from both library literature and industrial and organizational psychology, review of professional association surveys.

Library administration must invest time to articulate mission, value, and goals for the Information Commons before undertaking the organizational analysis. From the organizational analysis will flow the job analysis, job descriptions and hiring protocols.

Core concepts of organizational analysis and job analysis from the field of industrial and organizational psychology are pertinent and useful to library leaders in planning, implementing and staffing new service models, such as Information Commons.