Digital Reference Services in Academic Libraries presents the background of DRS, evolution of DRS, the concept of DRS, emerging models of DRS, benefits and limitation of DRS, personalized services, trends and challenges, technological developments, evaluation and guidelines, effectiveness and DRS in academic libraries. The case study examined the existing status of digital reference services (DRS) in four selected public academic libraries in Malaysia. Focused is given on the awareness, usage, users’ perception, users’ satisfaction, library’s performance, and looked at the perceived needs, issues and problems faced by librarians and students. The study is important to determine how academic librarians are exploiting the latest information and communication technologies to improve reference service operations. Recommendations are made on the need for the implementation of synchronous DRS, enhancing the role of DRS, marketing and promotion, staff training, user education programmes and cooperation. The main contribution of this book is the assessment of effectiveness of DRS in academic libraries in Malaysia, the identification of perceived needs, issues and problems and suggestions on the areas of improvement in the use of DRS. In the process, a conceptual model for the effectiveness of the implementation of DRS in academic libraries in Malaysia is presented. The author also proposes directions for future research in the area of DRS.

An Introduction to Reference Services in Academic Libraries is a comprehensive textbook that presents compelling case studies and thought-provoking essays that teach the principles of reference services. Eighteen authorities from private and public academic libraries around the United States offer unique perspectives and solid information in an active learning format that requires students to think and learn. The book provides a stimulating starting point for those learning about planning, managing, and evaluating reference services. Each chapter is thoroughly referenced, and many have charts and activities to help spark student engagement in the learning process. Over 30 tables and figures make complex information easy to access and understand.

Extensive data on the theoretical and practical aspects of electronic reference services! Digital Reference Services provides an overview of electronic reference services and software, and explores the opportunities that real-time digital reference services can offer in a variety of library settings. Experts in the field convey numerous opinions and theory about the growth of this new approach to answering reference questions. This book teaches librarians new methods and techniques for offering technologically advanced reference services to the public. The first half of Digital Reference Services includes such topics as: real-time or “live online” reference services the historical development of digital reference services and the role of the reference librarian mediated online searches how to create a virtual-ready reference collection of elite reference Web sites—includes a list of the top sites available to the public how to start and operate a digital reference desk in your library The second half of Digital Reference Services covers examples of libraries—both large and small—which have used revolutionary ideas to bring electronic reference services to their patrons. These ideas include: utilizing ATM-like kiosks in remote locations from library buildings to connect with underserved populations implementing live, interactive web-based reference services—the challenges and benefits, cost, training, and workload requirements evaluating your real-time references services—investigating self-assessment and blind reviewing, incorporating your assessment into an existing evaluative program, and obtaining the administrative support essential for an accurate assessment creating a statewide virtual reference system—selecting software, developing policy, marketing, coordinating the project, and staffing and training online reference management for smaller libraries—because of the smaller staff, smaller budget, and smaller amount of patrons, is it a feasible addition to the library? much more! This well-referenced volume contains case examples, figures, useful Web sites, and case histories to show how the basic principles of digital reference services work. Librarians and students of information and library science will find Digital Reference Services a helpful resource to enhance their library and electronic reference expertise.

This book outlines and evaluates the digital reference services in libraries worldwide. The work is based on an international collaborative project between two groups from German and Chinese institutions, during which digital reference services provided by nearly 200 libraries all over the world were evaluated. The book also examines the reasons for the resulting differences; it also contains more generic proposals and perspectives on digital reference services. - An international, evaluative approach is taken - Includes unique information - which has never before being gathered and evaluated - Includes a brief introduction to the basic knowledge and development in the field of digital reference service in the library

The organization, functioning and the role of libraries in university communities continue to change dramatically. This volume addresses the issue by providing insight into the current changes and developments within the area of library science.

In the ever-evolving landscape of information technology within library and information science, scholars often find themselves navigating a complex web of diverse research areas. The broad spectrum of topics, ranging from digital libraries to artificial intelligence, poses a significant challenge for academic scholars seeking a comprehensive understanding of the field's intricacies. The absence of a consolidated resource tailored to the specific needs of graduate students, professors, and practitioners further exacerbates this issue. Multidisciplinary Approach to Information Technology in Library and Information Science addresses the pressing challenges faced by scholars in the realm of library and information science. This reference handbook serves as a beacon, illuminating the multifaceted interactions and impacts of technologies on information resources. This book delves into the ethical, legal, and social implications of information technology across diverse contexts – libraries, information centers, archives, museums, education, business, government, and healthcare.

Of key findings. Description of university, library, and staffing -- Cataloging productivity -- New technologies, enhancement of online catalogs -- Transition to metadata standards -- Cataloging of web sites and digital, special collections -- Library catalog/ metadata training and presentation -- Database maintenance, holdings, and physical processing -- Relationship with acquisitions departments -- Staff education -- Other issues facing library cataloging staff -- Curry College -- The University of North Dakota -- Haverford College -- University of Washington -- Yale University -- Brigham Young University -- Illinois State University -- Louisiana State University -- Pennsylvania State University.

Traditionally education is centered on sources such as schools, teachers and print media. The learners reached the information sources by enrolling with schools, teachers and libraries. Prior to the digital era, information was not accessible by the majority of people, and even those accessed were unable to obtain current information with respect to today's context. The modern society wants to know the information as it happens and when it happens, and the world is moving from an information society to a knowledge society. Thus education is given the highest priority and brainpower is becoming the most valuable asset of an organisation. Advances in digital technology have opened up many avenues of learning. Technology has made information accessible / transmittable from anywhere and by / to all groups of people. The higher education landscape is changing rapidly, challenging academic professionals to think critically about their roles in the field.

contents Foreword........................................................................................................................ix Acknowledgement ..........................................................................................................xi Preface..........................................................................................................................xiii Chapter 1 ............................................................................................................15 Higher Education and Libraries Chapter 2 ............................................................................................................31 History of the Academic Libraries Chapter 3 ............................................................................................................43 Organizational Structure Chapter 4 ............................................................................................................55 Library Budget and Budgeting Chapter 5 ............................................................................................................73 Library Services in Electronic Environment Chapter 6 ............................................................................................................91 Resource Sharing and Library Networks Chapter 7 ..........................................................................................................103 INFLIBNET and UGC-Infonet Digital Library Consortium Chapter 8 ..........................................................................................................111 Library Consortia Chapter 9 ..........................................................................................................137 ICT and University Libraries Chapter –10......................................................................................................153 Marketing the Library Chapter 11........................................................................................................177 Management Consultancy Bibliography Index

This collection of essays explores the ethical issues that arise when information technology seems to exceed and even contradict the purpose of its creators. The studies focus upon the management of information technology, specifically the Internet, considering the most ethical ways of generating, using, and controlling information technology in our time. Section One includes essays pertaining to Africa’s place in the 21st century, including democracy, information flow, connections with the world through the Internet, telecommunications, Uganda and the digital divide, and an examination of a pilot study in South Africa for developing a universal tool to measure information poverty. The essays of Section Two cover topical library issues, such as professional information organizations and their ethic codes, communicating ethics when teaching electronic research to undergraduates, pay-for-placement search engines, consumer health information services, laws applying to confidentiality of library records, privacy control after September 11, cybercrime investigation, and the technologies protecting copyright. The essays were originally presented at the “Ethics of Electronic Information in the 21st Century” symposium held at the University of Memphis on October 24-27, 2002. Each includes references and helpful Internet resources.