Information seekers are generally on their own to discover and use a research library’s growing array of digital col- lections, and coordination of these collections’ development and maintenance is often not optimal...Information seekers are generally on their own to discover and use a research library’s growing array of digital col- lections, and coordination of these collections’ development and maintenance is often not optimal. The frequent lack of a con- scious design for how collections fit together is of equal concern because it means that research libraries are not making the most of the substantial investments they are making in digital initiatives. This paper proposes a framework for a research library’s digital collections that offers integrated discovery and a set of best practices to underpin collection building, federated access, and sus- tainability. The framework’s purpose is to give information seekers a powerful and easy way to search across existing and future collections and to retrieve integrated sets of results. The paper and its recommendations are based upon research undertaken by the author and a team of librarians and technologists at Cornell University Library. The team conducted structured interviews of forty-five library staff members involved in digital collection building at Cornell, studied an inventory of the library’s more than fifty digital collections, and evaluated seven existing Open Archives Initiative (OAI) and federated search production or prototype systems. The author will discuss her team’s research and the rationale for their recommendations to: present a cohesive view of the library’s digital collections for both browsing and searching at the object level; take a programmatic (rather than project-based) approach to digital collection building; require that all new digital collections conform to library-developed and agreed-upon OAI best practices for data providers; and implement organizational structures to sustain the library’s digital collections over the long term.展开更多
Public libraries are increasingly challenged to serve ageing and homebound populations who face barriers to physical access.This case study explores the Home Library Visit Service provided by Lambeth Libraries in Sout...Public libraries are increasingly challenged to serve ageing and homebound populations who face barriers to physical access.This case study explores the Home Library Visit Service provided by Lambeth Libraries in South London,which offers free book and media delivery to residents unable to visit the library due to age,disability,or chronic illness.Drawing on on-site observation during a work placement and informal staff interviews,the study investigates how the service supports both informational access and emotional wellbeing.It identifies key features such as personalised book selection,continuity of service through assigned librarians,and meaningful relationships formed between staff and users.While the service demonstrates strong inclusivity and user satisfaction,it also faces challenges including limited staffing,low public awareness,and a lack of formalised policies and emotional support structures.Based on these findings,the study recommends the introduction of structured feedback mechanisms,formal service documentation,and better support for staff wellbeing.It concludes that Lambeth's human-centred approach offers a sustainable and adaptable model for inclusive public library outreach,with potential implications for other regions,particularly where home-based services are still emerging or underdeveloped.展开更多
文摘Information seekers are generally on their own to discover and use a research library’s growing array of digital col- lections, and coordination of these collections’ development and maintenance is often not optimal. The frequent lack of a con- scious design for how collections fit together is of equal concern because it means that research libraries are not making the most of the substantial investments they are making in digital initiatives. This paper proposes a framework for a research library’s digital collections that offers integrated discovery and a set of best practices to underpin collection building, federated access, and sus- tainability. The framework’s purpose is to give information seekers a powerful and easy way to search across existing and future collections and to retrieve integrated sets of results. The paper and its recommendations are based upon research undertaken by the author and a team of librarians and technologists at Cornell University Library. The team conducted structured interviews of forty-five library staff members involved in digital collection building at Cornell, studied an inventory of the library’s more than fifty digital collections, and evaluated seven existing Open Archives Initiative (OAI) and federated search production or prototype systems. The author will discuss her team’s research and the rationale for their recommendations to: present a cohesive view of the library’s digital collections for both browsing and searching at the object level; take a programmatic (rather than project-based) approach to digital collection building; require that all new digital collections conform to library-developed and agreed-upon OAI best practices for data providers; and implement organizational structures to sustain the library’s digital collections over the long term.
文摘Public libraries are increasingly challenged to serve ageing and homebound populations who face barriers to physical access.This case study explores the Home Library Visit Service provided by Lambeth Libraries in South London,which offers free book and media delivery to residents unable to visit the library due to age,disability,or chronic illness.Drawing on on-site observation during a work placement and informal staff interviews,the study investigates how the service supports both informational access and emotional wellbeing.It identifies key features such as personalised book selection,continuity of service through assigned librarians,and meaningful relationships formed between staff and users.While the service demonstrates strong inclusivity and user satisfaction,it also faces challenges including limited staffing,low public awareness,and a lack of formalised policies and emotional support structures.Based on these findings,the study recommends the introduction of structured feedback mechanisms,formal service documentation,and better support for staff wellbeing.It concludes that Lambeth's human-centred approach offers a sustainable and adaptable model for inclusive public library outreach,with potential implications for other regions,particularly where home-based services are still emerging or underdeveloped.
