The electronic library manager's guide to using central computer facilities

The Intra-Laboratory Network (ILN) is a general-purpose computer communications network located at Argonne National Laboratory. This network provides communications between computers connected to the network. In addition to its general-purpose capability, the ILN also provides a remote job entry (RJE) system that allows users to move files from the user's computer system to ANL's Central Computing Facility (CCF), move files from the CCF to the user's computer system as batch job retrievals, check on the status of CCF jobs, cancel jobs, etc. This document describes the use of the ILN RJE system for users who have TI990 computer systems running the TX990/TXDS operating system. The ILN RJE system consists of three parts. Closest to the user is the ILN RJE utility program that runs on the user's host. Between the host and the CCF is the ILN which contains, in addition to the network control, an ILN RJE facility that supports the utility program and interfaces to the CCF. The third part is the CCF, which is accessed via the CCF front-end Varian V73 communications processors. The procedures for running the ILN RJE utility program are described first. Next, the commands that can be used to submit and retrieve jobs, check on job status, etc., are discussed. Each command description includes the command syntax, a brief description of the function, and one or more examples. Then techniques for transferring files between a host and either CCF or another host are outlined. Appendixes summarize the ILN RJE system commands, the possible error messages and the ASCII/EBCDIC conversion table that is used in the ILN. (RWR)

The study examined the impact of economic recession in library and information services amongst public libraries in Lagos State. Data were collected with a self-designed questionnaire administered to forty-one (41) employees in the public libraries within Lagos State. The data were analysed with descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, mean and standard deviation while the hypotheses were analysed with Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) tested at 5% level of significance. Findings revealed a positive and significant relationship between economic recession and library services. There is a positive significant at 0.582 at 5% (p=0.00<0.05 but negative relationship at 1.72-0.523, p<0.05 for economic recession and provision of library services; this implies that economic recession has a direct and an inverse influence on the provision of library and information services. The study recommends for adequate funding, library advocacy amongst the youth in the society, sustainability of public-private partnership embarked upon by the Lagos State Government.Keywords: Economic Recession, Lagos State, Public Libraries, library Services

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is an automatic identification method, relying on storing and remotely retrieving data using devices called RFID tags or transponders. RFID stands for Radiofrequency Identification. The acronym refers to small electronic devices that consist of a small chip and an antenna. RFID technology, initially explored in the 1980s, became more accessible and widely implemented by the early 2000s.Libraries Libraries have long served as essential institutions for knowledge preservation and dissemination, traditionally relying on physical resources like books and journals. RFID systems consist of tags, readers, and integrated software. The integration of RFID technology represents a significant advancement in library services, enhancing efficiency and user experience. A notable development in this area is RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology, which has significantly enhanced library management and user experience. RFID technology utilizes radio waves to identify and track objects, such as library materials, automatically. The advent of digital technology has revolutionized libraries, transforming them into dynamic hubs of information and community engagement. RFID technology provides several benefits, including improved user experience, operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and optimized resource utilization. The evolution of library technology began with mechanical cataloguing systems, progressing to automated systems and Integrated Library Systems (ILS). In a library setting, RFID technology improves inventory control, self-checkout systems, and security. While challenges exist, the benefits of RFID technology in improving library operations and services are substantial. RFID technology in libraries offers significant enhancements across various operational aspects. The adoption of RFID in libraries has led to benefits such as faster inventory checks, reduced checkout times, and enhanced security against theft. This technological evolution encompasses digital cataloguing systems, online databases, e-books, and automated circulation systems, among other advancements. Self-checkout systems improve user convenience by allowing patrons to borrow materials independently. RFID also enhances security through anti-theft measures and enables real-time data collection for operational insights and personalized services.

Chapter 3 - Collection metrics

The paper examines the current state of libraries in South Africa. It draws on the state's role in the provision of library services since South Africa became a democracy in 1994. There seems to be a worrisome aspect that the place of public libraries within local and provincial governments is in a state of uncertainty. Hence the urgency with which the National Council for Library and Information Services (NCLIS) is approaching the problem by having appointed a technical team to develop broad legislative and policy guidelines for the transformation of the library and information services (LIS) sector. The focus of the paper is rather on an argument for a rethink of the role of libraries and librarians within the local and provincial context. It is the author's contention that the services of a library should contribute towards the quality of life, that is, the library should play a role in education, the promotion of moral values, the eradication of illiteracy, the alleviation of poverty and assisting in the quest for knowledge and the promotion of democracy in society. The whole notion of democracy needs to be deconstructed. Certain objectives need to be set in order to attain this aim of the library, namely, the library should foster and provide certain facilities for the development of individuals and groups at all levels of education, for example, a study area and an activity room or auditorium; the library should be accessible to the user to fulfil his / her information needs, in the quickest possible time; the library should be a main centre for the promotion and appreciation of all arts so that cultural life can be enriched; the library should play a positive part in the encouragement of active usage of leisure and recreation time. This calls for a well informed and empowered library professional. Although the concept of library professional is used somewhat loosely here, library workers in general should not be excluded when library services are rendered.

7 - Central site computer facilities

Information professionals in a globalized world: Kosova libraries: Where practical steps are most needed

Despite the number of studies conducted on users’ satisfaction with library services, only a handful of reports was able to assess the level of users’ satisfaction with library electronic services. The review showed that previous studies measured the quality of services rendered by the federal university libraries with just a question or an extract from the ServQual instrument without proper application of the ServQual model. Identification of determinants of library users' satisfaction needs an in-depth investigation using different methods before librarians can work towards improving those identified factors for maximum utilization of library resources and services. This present study used the ServQual model for determining users' satisfaction with electronic resources and services provided in six federal university libraries. The instruments used for data collection were descriptive surveys, focus groups, observation, and interview designs. This study applied a multistage sampling technique to arrive at the 733 sample size that represented the registered postgraduate users for the selected federal university libraries from the six geo-political zones of Nigeria. Structural Equation Model and SPSS were used to analyze data collected from the respondents, it was found that the federal university libraries provided minimal (acceptable) electronic services with a beta coefficient of (β=0.66**) which showed a significant level of user satisfaction with electronic services. Determinants of users’ satisfaction were a conducive environment; good Internet connection; constant power supply; adequate computer systems; use of laptops either personal or loan; longer operating hours; remote access to eResources; adequate security measures, availability and accessibility of electronic resources, currency and adequacy of electronic resources. The study concluded that users were moderately satisfied with library services provision but libraries need to improve the quality of resources quality of services provided in the various universities. This paper recommended that, the library environment must be conducive to learning; good Internet connection is provided and sustained; have power backups; provide adequate computer systems; allow users to bring in their laptops to the library; increase their operation hours; provide remote access to e-resources; re-work the security systems and subscribe to numerous electronic resources to optimally satisfied users.

Today libraries are moving from traditional ways towards Automation, which is the result of the need for modern information society. Automated libraries can immediately adopt various innovations in technology and provide the services very effectively, rapidly, efficiently, adequately and economically. The recent trend in automation of library has made significant growth in development and upgrading of the library. In India, Information Technology is being successfully introduced in all types of libraries and information centres. This article reviews the literature on the library automation. The literature includes journal articles, reports, monographs etc., published inside and outside India, discussing about Library Automation, Library Technical Process, Library Networking, Information Systems, Library Co-operations, Cataloguing, Integrated Library Systems, Library Services, Information processing, Academic Libraries, the need for library automation and the problems faced by library professionals.

The library is a growing organism that requires consistent positive changes to address the issue of its users. The innovation and emergence of computers brought about a definite transformation in the public. Along these lines, mechanisation has turned into the need of great importance. Library computerisation not only enhances the picture of the library and staff, in addition furnishes extra administrations to the users with the current staff. Library automation in essential terms is the utilization of PCs and the utilization of PC based things and organizations for doing various library exercises and limits. This research illustrates a review of the literature on Library Automation in University and related aspects of the theme. Apart from the literature on library automation in the university libraries, the aspects of the study includes library orientation programme, comparative Study of library software, integrated library systems, libraries, image analysis, imaging systems, universities libraries, information storage & retrieval systems, information science, open source software, Information resources management, digital library system, Library and internet users, library administration, library use studies. Finally, it covers the literature published on library automation in the university libraries, staff attitude towards on library automation, staff opinion on library automation, users’ opinion on library automation and requirement of orientation program in the university libraries. The work also covers the impact of the automation on users, staff and library services, e-resources development and use of electronic resources.

Cloud computing is an umbrella term used to describe a category of sophisticated on-demand computing services. Libraries generally have been adopting cloud-based solutions for different services such as electronic journal access management, integrated library system (ILS) hosting, electronic databases, digital library hosting, and cloud OPAC. This chapter discusses how cloud computing technology tools can be deployed to ensure uniformity in library services and standard of information resources available to students at all the study centers spread across the six geo-political zones. The chapter concludes that cloud computing offers many opportunities for academic libraries, and especially for the NOUN Library.

Chapter 9 - University of Southern California

A study was done to document the standards that should be adhered to by library and information professionals in Zimbabwe to assure quality in service provision in order to meet the sustainable development goals. A literature review and web content analysis were done to unpack the various standards that all types of libraries should consider from library buildings, service provision, qualifications and accreditation of library and information science schools and professionals, and assessing the impact of libraries in the communities that they are serving. The findings review that there are international and national standards from various governing bodies that should be considered in library and information service provision. The author recommends the implementation of these standards in all the libraries to assure quality in library and information service provision.

The aim of the article is to reveal peculiarities of using social media (social networks, video hosting, etc.) as a modern toolkit of digital libraries in the context of the remote services development. Research methods. The methods of analysis and synthesis, logical, system-structural and comparative methods are applied, which contribute to systematising and generalising theoretical and methodological foundations of the remote services development of digital libraries; studying of popular practices of Ukrainian libraries in social media; identifying peculiarities of using different types of social media in library activities. The method of cognitive analysis is applied in order to highlight basic characteristics of social media as tools of remote services of digital libraries. Using the methods of deduction and generalisation contributes to the formulation of research conclusions. Scientific novelty. Features of applying various types of social media in library activity at the current stage are studied; the basic characteristics of social media as tools of remote services of digital libraries are clarified; the specifics of using social media (social networks, video hosting, podcasts, etc.) as a modern toolkit of digital libraries in the context of the development of remote services is clarified. The most effective types of social media in the context of the specifics of the remote services development of digital libraries in Ukraine are identified. Main conclusions. Having led to revolutionary changes in information and communication practice, social media becomes an integral part of library activity at the present stage. Social media provides libraries with an opportunity to engage users in multifaceted communication while promoting library services and resources beyond geographic boundaries and physical library spaces. Features of social media usage (social networks, video hosting, podcasts, etc.) as a modern toolkit of digital libraries in the context of the development of remote services are the following: promotion of services (notifications about news, relevant items from the collection and library events); connections with library users; provision of library programmes and services 24/7 regardless of territorial location; possibilities of creating corporate communication in order to improve the library service, etc.

The Advanced Scientific Computers Project of Argonne's Applied Mathematics Division has two objectives: to evaluate supercomputers and to determine their effect on Argonne's computing workload. Initial efforts have focused on the CRAY-1, which is the only advanced computer currently available. Users from seven Argonne divisions executed test programs on the CRAY and made performance comparisons with the IBM 370/195 at Argonne. This report describes these experiences and discusses various techniques for improving run times on the CRAY. Direct translations of code from scalar to vector processor reduced running times as much as two-fold, and this reduction will become more pronounced as the CRAY compiler is developed. Further improvement (two- to ten-fold) was realized by making minor code changes to facilitate compiler recognition of the parallel and vector structure within the programs. Finally, extensive rewriting of the FORTRAN code structure reduced execution times dramatically, in three cases by a factor of more than 20; and even greater reduction should be possible by changing algorithms within a production code. It is condluded that the CRAY-1 would be of great benefit to Argonne researchers. Existing codes could be modified with relative ease to run significantly faster than on the 370/195. More important, the CRAY would permit scientists to investigate complex problems currently deemed infeasibile on traditional scalar machines. Finally, an interface between the CRAY-1 and IBM computers such as the 370/195, scheduled by Cray Research for the first quarter of 1979, would considerably facilitate the task of integrating the CRAY into Argonne's Central Computing Facility. 13 tables.