Research in Library Science is conducted in many areas covering multiple questions, but one thing shared is data collection. Qualitative and quantitative information to support the question at hand are necessary to validate the needs or phenomenon or trends (Wildemuth, 2009). Transaction logs and focus groups are two valuable data collection techniques.
Transaction Logs
Whenever a person logs onto and begins to use a computer in the library, different kinds of information are automatically collected into transaction logs (Jansen, 2006). Sullenger (1997) recommends transaction logs “be examined by librarians to analyze how patrons use the catalog, what features they are using, and to see what areas of searching are problematic” (p. 21). Data can also be collected on “items viewed, sessions, site penetration; time online, users (trace evidence of, not individual information), navigational information” (Nicholas, Huntington, Jamali & Tenopir, 2006, p. 121). These data pieces provide useful information on usage patterns (Das & Turkoglu, 2009).
Transaction logs can be generated in two ways. The first is from the server’s side. These logs include data typically already collected on in-house. Data can also originate client-side using a specifically-written program to collect from the participants’ computers (Wildemuth, 2009). The former is more often used due to the abundance of data and less-costly features. Jansen (2006) describes a three step process to using transaction logs: data collection for a given period of time, preparing the data, and data analysis. He further breaks analysis into three parts: term, query, and session.
A major benefit to using transaction logs is that this is data already collected and waiting to ...
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...groups: Continuities and discontinuities. The Public Opinion Quarterly, 51 (4), 550-566.
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Nicholas, D., Huntington, P., Jamali, H. R. & Tenopir, C. (2006). Finding information in (very large) digital libraries: A deep log approach to determining differences in use according to method of access. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 32 (2), 119-126.
Shoaf, E. C. (2003). Using a professional moderator in library focus group research. Colleges & Research Libraries, 64 (2), 124-132.
Sullenger, P. (1997). A serials transaction log analysis. Serials Review, 23 (3), 21-26.
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STILAS, the Technical Library's networked computer cataloging database, is essential to our day-to-day operations. It allows both patrons and staff up-to-the-minute access to the library current holdings. It shows what is available for check out, what is already checked out, and in some instances- what is missing from the library's collection. The records that appear in the online catalog are created by a process called copy cataloging. Copy cataloging is the process of "copying bibliographic records from a source database such as OCLC WorldCat, [and] has increased librarians' efficiency by eliminating duplication of effort. One library creates a bibliographic record for an item such as a book and many other libraries can copy or migrate the data into their local online catalogs, thus saving each individual library the work of cataloging the item and entering the data into the system." (Beall & Kafadar, 2004). There is one potential flaw to copy cataloging, however. If the original record is created with typographical errors, those errors are then imported, or migrated, into every successive database there afterwards. A typographical error can greatly hinder one's ability to locate desired materials, so this is not situation that is best avoided. However, this flaw can be eliminated or greatly reduced if care is taken to carefully select the source of the record. For instance, if the cataloger at the Technical Library has the option of copy cataloging an original record from a Library of Congress (LCC) cataloger, or from an elementary school library technician, she should choose the LCC record.
This library system is utilizing all the technologies and materials available to them to serve the community in the best way. Despite certain social indicators and demographic statistics indicating that the library should not be overly utilized, it is thriving and is heavily in use. There are areas that the library can look to improve based on statistical evidence, such as reaching out to the low income population and the over 55 years age group. This library seems to be meeting numerous needs for a wide range of patrons, and doing it well.
According to Ronald Hagler, the first of the six functions of bibliographic control, or information organization, is to identify the existence of all types of information resources as they are made available. The motive for identifying resources is obvious – one has to know a resource exists for it to be of any worth. This is true not only for libraries, but for all information providers. This paper will analyze how Hagler’s function is demonstrated by the St. Charles City-County Library District (http://youranswerplace.org/home), the Einstein Archives Online (http://www.alberteinstein.info/), and the domestic organization website, FlyLady.net (http://www.flylady.net/).
Public Librarians’ Attitudes Regarding Acquisition and Access. Judaica Librarianship [serial online]. July 2014; 18:54-87. Available from: Academic Search Complete, Ipswich, MA. Accessed February 4, 2015.
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...of Library and Information Sciences, Third Edition (pp. 1507–1517). Taylor & Francis. Retrieved from http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1081/E-ELIS3-120043240
RUSA’s (Reference and User Services Association, a division of ALA) Standards and Guidelines Committee revised the existing guidelines for Liaison work in 2009. The standards and guidelines help librarians identify users that can help in collection services and issues. They also identify objectives and continuing education opportunities for liaisons. (2010, p. 97)
It is difficult to overstate the important role that the Internet plays in public libraries. Patrons can use the Internet to find information, access services, and maintain connections with social media, while library staff can use the Internet to access informational resources, compile and maintain library statistics, stay networked with other libraries, and store files on "the cloud" . The Alberta government is working to make high-speed Internet available in all public libraries across the province; as of 2009, they had nearly reached their goal (just 15 of Alberta's 310 municipal public libraries that were not able to get high-speed Internet access due to problems with their infrastructure) (Alberta Municipal Affairs, 2009). This demonstrates that the Internet and public libraries are becoming intrinsically linked, and shows the need for library staff to be aware of how they and their patrons can and cannot use the Internet.
Abstract. Library 2.0 consists of many applications which are based from the Web 2.0 application and tools. There are many Library 2.0 tools that can be applied in academic libraries and the use of Library 2.0 tools are varying according to its function which can benefit the academic libraries. The objective of this study is to investigate whether librarians in academic libraries are practising Library 2.0, their awareness level, use of Library 2.0 in their organisation, their acceptance toward Library 2.0 application in their organisation and to access if they face problems in using Library 2.0. The study will use quantitative approach which involves librarians from three academic university libraries. The result of this study will provide a significant view of academic librarian’s perception relating to Library 2.0 implementation which is useful for academic library future improvement.
Watson-Boone, R. and Weingand, D. (1996),Deans Rank Indicators of effectiveness for schools of library and information studies.Journal of Education for Library and Information Science, 37 (1), 30-42.
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Library professionals are charged with the job of not only keeping abreast of the ever-changing world of technology, but also being leaders in using technology. The trends and the applications that fit within those trends will be discussed in the following sections. Additionally, some of the applications will be discussed along with ideas for use of those applications in a library setting, specifically a school library setting, although many of the applications could apply to other types of libraries. Library professionals should be informed about t...
Digital library refers to an electronic library in which collections are stored in electronic media formats as opposed print, microform, or other media and accessible via computers. One of the biggest areas for hardware and software development outside the traditional ILS, digital content management for libraries present itself as the newest moving target in library automation. Sometimes as simple as scanning a document for electronic course reverse, or as complex as state-of-the-art digital management, access, and preservations, the digital library movement is probably the most perplexing and promising development for libraries since library automation began almost seven decades ago. Though this subject is worthy of its own textbook , but its ironically, the paper library on digital libraries is a growing one. The more humble the aim of this work is to put digital libraries in the context of library-vendor and library-dot-com relationships.
Senturk, B. (2012). The concept of user satisfaction in archival institutions. Library Management, 33(1/2), 66-72.