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Showing posts from July, 2011

Mobile technologies for libraries: A list of mobile applications and resources for development

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) estimated that more than 5 billion mobile subscriptions would exist worldwide by the end of 2010, which more than tripled home Internet access. ITU also predicts Web access from mobile devices will exceed access from desktop computers within the next five years. Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC), estimates that by May, 2010 – April, 2011, there would be ninety million (90, 000.000) active lines in the telecommunication industry. Mobile (GSM) – 83, 643, 903million, mobile (CDMA)- 5, 985, 163 and fixed wired/wireless- 957, 719. Therefore, libraries should be exploring mobile devices as a way to connect with patrons. Creating a library application (“app”) or mobile Web site that allows patrons to access library hours, view their library account or even search databases is easier than most people think. The resources below should help libraries begin to plan and implement their own unique mobile presence. http://crln.acrl.org/conte

More than 4, 000 National Academies Press PDFs now available to download for free

The National Academies—National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine, and National Research Council—are committed to distributing their reports to as wide an audience as possible. Since 1994 they have offered “Read for Free” options for almost all their titles. In addition, they have been offering free downloads of most of our titles to everyone and of all titles to readers in the developing world. They are now going one step further. Effective June 2nd, PDFs of reports that are currently for sale on the National Academies Press (NAP) Website and PDFs associated with future reports* will be offered free of charge to all Web visitors. http://www.nap.edu/

Internet Archive Starts Backing Up Digital Books on Paper

If you want real long-term backups of digitized ebooks, then look no further than dead tree. At least, that's the consensus of the Internet Archive project, which has announced an incredibly ambitious plan to store one physical copy of every published book in the world. "Internet Archive is building a physical archive for the long term preservation of one copy of every book, record, and movie they are able to attract or acquire... The goal is to preserve one copy of every published work,". Kahle cites a number of reasons for wanting to preserve physical copies of works that are being digitized; for instance, a dispute could arise about the fidelity of the digital version, and only access to a copy of the original would resolve it. http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2011/06/internet-archive-backs-up-digital-books-on-paper.ars

British Library makes Google search deal

Thousands of pages from one of the world's biggest collections of historic books, pamphlets and periodicals are to be made available on the internet. The British Library has reached a deal with search engine Google about 250,000 texts dating back to the 18th Century. It will allow readers to view, search and copy the out-of-copyright works at no charge on both the library and Google books websites. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13836332

Seven best practices for creating and sustaining value the Peter Drucker way

Wisdom Can Inspire and Transform Your Life 1. Keep your focus on achievement and leaving something behind of value. If you do that regularly, you will never be finished with worthwhile things to do. 2. Identify and cultivate your unique strengths/core competencies. How can these strengths make you a more valuable person at work and outside of work? How can they help make your organization more valuable? 3. Blend reflection and action. Consider what people in your organization, your personal network, friends and family find valuable. 4. Practice systematic abandonment. You may have to give up things that you enjoy doing, or that your organization found to be useful in the past, in order to create new meaning and new value. 5. Get out of the office and into the world. You can become a more valuable person, and recognize important opportunities for your organization, by developing meaningful leisure opportunities, taking or teachi

The 2011 Best Practices for Government Libraries: e-Initiatives and e-Efforts:

• EMBRACING NEW AVENUES OF COMMUNICATION • ADAPTING TO NEW AND EVOLVNG TECHNOLOGIES • ALTERING OUR PLACES AND SPACES • TACKLING CHANGING EXPECTATIONS, RESOURCES, AND JOB DESCRIPTIONS • PRESERVING WHAT WE HAVE AND PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE • EXPANDING HORIZONS

specific job responsibilities of the following in a typical library settings in Nigeria: (a) Cataloguer ( b) Systems librarian

1) Enumerate the specific job responsibilities of the following in a typical library settings in Nigeria: (a) Cataloguer ( b) Systems librarian CATALOGUER According to Kim (2003: 96-98) cataloguing is the process of creating entries for a catalogue. In libraries, this usually includes the bibliographic description, subject analysis, assignment of classification notation and other activities involved in physically preparing the item for the shelf. These tasks are usually performed under the supervision of a librarian trained as a cataloguer. There are two types of cataloguing, original cataloguing and copy cataloguing. Original cataloguing refers to the preparation of a bibliographic record from scratch, without the aid of a pre-existing catalogue record for the same edition which is time consuming for the cataloguer. Copy cataloguing involves the adaptation of a pre-existing bibliographic record from other bibliographic databases, such as OCLC or NUC, to fit the characteristics of

CDS/ISIS PRACTICAL SESSION

The Department of library, Archival and Information Studies (LARIS) librarian, Emeaghara, N. Evelyn (Mrs.) had a practical session on CDS/ISIS with LARIS post graduate student (MLIS I). Computerized Documentation System/Integrated Set of Information System (CDS/ISIS) is an information management system dealing with predominantly non-numerical data elements, which are stored in database. CDS/ISIS was developed by United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The CDS/ISIS version 1.4 software package is used in LARIS Departmental Library and WEDLIS is the most recent version of CDS/ISIS. It has search modules, data entry modules, print enabled and import enabled. CDS/ISIS have many distinctive features which gives you more control over the way you work as well as enabling you to use more of the power of the computer. It allows you to have more than one CDS/ISIS database open. CDS/ISIS was developed for bibliographic information, i.e. information about doc

PRACTICAL SESSION AT THE COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT SECTION OF KENNETH DIKE LIBRARY, UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN

On the 9th of March, 2011, post graduate students in the Department of Library, Archival and Information Studies paid a scheduled visit to Collection Development Section of Kenneth Dike Library, University of Ibadan. We were received by the Head – Collection Development Section. Collection development involves selecting, acquiring and weeding of information materials in the library. It is a process of planning stock acquisition programme not only for the immediate library users, but also, to build a reliable collection over a period of time. Collection development principle is based on the goals, aims and objectives of the parent institution (university), objectives of the library, subject matter, availability of funds etc. Selection of information materials is performed to reflect community analysis, collection development policy, selection policy, acquisition and evaluation. Some selection tools used in selecting information materials include: • Books in print • National Bi

PRACTICAL SESSION AT THE COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT SECTION OF KENNETH DIKE LIBRARY, UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN

On the 9th of March, 2011, post graduate students in the Department of Library, Archival and Information Studies paid a scheduled visit to Collection Development Section of Kenneth Dike Library, University of Ibadan. We were received by the Head – Collection Development Section. Collection development involves selecting, acquiring and weeding of information materials in the library. It is a process of planning stock acquisition programme not only for the immediate library users, but also, to build a reliable collection over a period of time. Collection development principle is based on the goals, aims and objectives of the parent institution (university), objectives of the library, subject matter, availability of funds etc. Selection of information materials is performed to reflect community analysis, collection development policy, selection policy, acquisition and evaluation. Some selection tools used in selecting information materials include: • Books in print • National Bi

PRACTICAL SESSION AT THE REFERENCE SECTION OF KENNETH DIKE LIBRARY, UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN

On the 22nd of March, 2011, post graduate students in the Department of Library, Archival and Information Studies, had a practical session on reference sources and services at the Reference Section of Kenneth Dike Library, University of Ibadan. The class was grouped into two groups. On arrival, group two was received by the Head of reference Section – Vincent, A. The reference section is divided into two open and closed access. In the open access, library users are free to make use of the reference materials, thus, access to such materials are unhindered. The closed access is a restricted area. Library users are denied access to the area, as well as the information materials contained in it. Most materials in the closed access are legal deposit materials. The reference section is to provide effective and efficient reference services to library users. Such services include: answering users query, educating them on the availability of reference sources and how they are used. Other d

ACQUISITION OF INFORMATION MATERIALS IN NATIONAL LIBRARY OF NIGERIA

INTRODUCTION The National Library of Nigeria is the apex Library in the country. It was established by Act No. 29 of 1979 and has responsibility for the development and provision of Library and information Services in Nigeria. The acquisition policy of the National Library does not include textbooks for Primary and Secondary schools but tertiary materials. The national Library takes cognizance of the purposes and resources of other libraries in the vicinity and will cooperate with other libraries objectives. Selection of expensive or specialized materials contained in the collections of other libraries like those of Nigeria Law School and College of Medicine are generally avoided in areas where they are located. WORK FLOW a) Subject areas are allocated to librarians for selection. b) All the titles selected are checked against the catalogue for titles already purchased to avoid duplication. c) Materials selected on the subject areas are collated by the Head of Division for subm

THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE (IITA) LIBRARY VISIT

On the 5th of April, 2011, Masters, Library and information Science students paid a scheduled excursion to the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan. The excursion was led by the Dr. A. Adetiminrin, and we were received by the library manager- Mrs. Ezemo. The International Institute of tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1967, governed by a Board of Trustees, and supported by several countries. The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is one of the world's leading research partners in finding solutions for hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. IITA research for development addresses the development needs of tropical countries. IITA work with partners to enhance crop quality and productivity, reduce producer and consumer risks, and generate wealth from agriculture. THE LIBRARY The Library Service provides easy and quick access to information that scientists, visiting scientists, collaborators, training pa

INFORMATION NEEDS OF AN UNDERGRADUATE

There are diverse information needs of an undergraduate. Such information needs include: HOW DO I REGISTER AT SCHOOL? It is imperative that all new and returning students register for their courses, accommodation, medical etc. HOW DO I SELECT MY COURSES? All students are advised to read the course guide and select the required compulsory units’ courses and elective units’ courses for the academic session. INFORMATION LITERACY NEED For undergraduates, information literacy encompasses a broad spectrum of abilities, including the ability to recognize and articulate information needs; to locate, critically evaluate, and organize information for a specific purpose; and to recognize and reflect on the ethical use of information. FINANCIAL AID NEED Undergraduates, who are in need for financial assistance, request for possible avenue where additional funds could be sourced to further their programme. THE NEED FOR COMMUNICATION SKILLS Undergraduates, who communicate effectively,

INFORMATION NEEDS OF A FRIEND (FOOTBALLER)

FOOTBALL PASSING NEED Mastering the art of soccer passing is a must if you want to perform well as a soccer player. Without good passing skills your time on the field will be short. Passing is so simple but still so difficult. It may look simple when professional players find each other with long and precise passes, but these players have spent thousands of hours on a soccer field practicing soccer passing. You should always try to pass the ball simple. Simple meanS that passing the ball to a nearby standing teammate should always be your first option. Providing your teammates with quality passing especially when you are under pressure is also a moment where you need to be calm and try to find an easy solution. In order to become good at passing, you also need to become familiar with the different type of passes such as: push pass, wall pass and chip pass, and the various ways in which they are used. FOOTBALL DRIBBLING NEED Use your soccer dribbling skills in the right situations

UNDERGRADUATE INFORMATION NEED ON NIGERIA GENERAL ELECTION RESULTS

Reference service is more than answering questions. Discovering and meeting information needs is a process that involves finding the real information need behind the questions. The reference process involves open communication between you and the patron, working until the need is met. It is the obligation of the library staff to provide the best service possible in order to meet the needs of its users. Not only is it a basic obligation of the library to see that its patron/users are well served, but quality reference and information services result in excellent public relations in which the library is held in high regard by its local citizens. THE REFERENCE INTERVIEW The user’s need cannot be met unless the librarian understands the question. Often the patron fails to clearly state the need. The librarian’s adage- the first question asked is not the real need-is often true. In order to determine the need, the librarian must be skilled at asking questions. This process of question n

MY PERSONAL INFORMATION NEED

Information need is an individual or group's desire to locate and obtain information to satisfy a conscious or unconscious need. The ‘information’ and ‘need’ in ‘information need’ are inseparable interconnection. Needs and interests call forth information. My personal information needs include the following: WHY SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT POST GRADUATE EDUCATION? Continuing education is vital to staying current with trends and updates in the library profession. Ours is a field that continually adjusts to include innovations and new technology. This dynamic environment leads to changes in job duties and what it means to be a librarian. Participating in post graduate education with University of Ibadan, Department of Library, Archival and Information Studies (LARIS) will provide me with the opportunity to learn new skills and adapt to a changing profession. RAISING CONFIDENT KIDS Naturally, parents want to instill a can-do attitude in their kids so that they'll bravely tak

Twenty-First Century Skills

What the Framework for 21st century learning does is combine all the skills that are necessary to successfully survive in the 21st century and beyond; with the purpose of stating unequivocally that this is what education today must equip students with. This means that we can no longer afford to leave it to luck or chance of a fortunate minority, but have to ensure that all are equipped with these skills that are necessary to survive in our increasingly complex and changing world. 20th Century Library Primarily content driven Library as repositories for resources for job seekers Mostly tangible objects Library building as destination for resources One-way Library uses website and newsletter to share information Focus on presentation and display Library provides programs and exhibits Acts independently Located in community Learning outcomes assumed, implied Library provides training in basic skills Access to resources during opening hours Predominantly a faceless organ

LJ's New Landmark Libraries

The quest to identify the the most inspiring and innovative public libraries names ten winning public libraries and ten honorable mentions. Library Journal is proud to present its inaugural list of New Landmark Libraries. These ten public libraries, plus ten Honorable Mentions, will inspire and inform any building project. At LJ, after years of covering new library construction and renovations and exploring innovations in design, we realized that librarians could use a master list of the best libraries to study, in person or virtually, for models and insight into coming trends. From a national pool of nominations, the judges chose ten New Landmark Libraries and ten Honorable Mentions. http://www.libraryjournal.com/lj/home/890303-264/ljs_new_landmark_libraries.html.csp

200-year-old library book returned to Camden

The worn leather book might be riddled with tiny wormholes and have pages that are yellowed by time. The stamp inside a book published in 1790 shows that it was the property of the "Federal Society Library in Cambden, in the County of Lincoln," the first library established in Camden But two centuries after being part of Camden’s very first lending library, Oliver Goldsmith’s 1790 “History of England, Vol. 1,” has come home at last to the delight of astonished local librarians. http://new.bangordailynews.com/2011/05/11/news/midcoast/200-year-old-library-book-returned-to-camden/