Digital Libraries in the Central African Sub-region: A Case Study of Cameroon

Valuable research is being carried out in the developing countries but researchers are hampered by not being able to access, use, and share essential scientific information. Nurturing a capability for creating local information collections is an effective strategy for sustained long-term human development as knowledge fostering cultural and scientific exchange can be assembled, thus increasing international understanding. Digitization offers the promise of increasing access to resources while preserving the original information. Digital libraries provide access to an integrated collection of print, electronic, and multimedia resources delivered seamlessly and transparently to users regardless of their physical location or the location and ownership of the information.This paper looks at the current state and future perspective of digital libraries in Cameroon, which is a reflection of the situation in the Central African sub-region where she is the leading nation. It outlines the advantages and disadvantages of digitization and proposes an urgent overhauling of the information infrastructure to lay down the basis of knowledge acquisition, storage, transfer, and management; else the notion of digital libraries will continue to be a myth. We need to start now to begin our journey on this revolutionary and evolutionary path toward this future learning environment.     

Digital Libraries in the Central African Sub-region: A Case Study of Cameroon

Valuable research is being carried out in the developing countries but researchers are hampered by not being able to access, use, and share essential scientific information. Nurturing a capability for creating local information collections is an effective strategy for sustained long-term human development as knowledge fostering cultural and scientific exchange can be assembled, thus increasing international understanding. Digitization offers the promise of increasing access to resources while preserving the original information. Digital libraries provide access to an integrated collection of print, electronic, and multimedia resources delivered seamlessly and transparently to users regardless of their physical location or the location and ownership of the information.

This paper looks at the current state and future perspective of digital libraries in Cameroon, which is a reflection of the situation in the Central African sub-region where she is the leading nation. It outlines the advantages and disadvantages of digitization and proposes an urgent overhauling of the information infrastructure to lay down the basis of knowledge acquisition, storage, transfer, and management; else the notion of digital libraries will continue to be a myth. We need to start now to begin our journey on this revolutionary and evolutionary path toward this future learning environment.     

科学图书馆与知识管理

从电子图书馆和信息资源管理入手,介绍知识管理的基本概念和应用,分析其对科学图书馆理论研究的启示,强调读者(用户)参与构建科学图书馆的新型馆藏资源是知识管理在科学图书馆的现实应用。     

Digital library development: identifying sources of content for developing countries with special reference to India

Digital libraries aim at unhindered access to content over computer and communication networks, and digitization may be taken as a visible proposition to enhance the shelf life of non-digital content by preservation apart from the virtue of increased and easy access, thereby furthering usage. As a fresh, lively and dynamic area with a lot of enthusiasm and activity by researchers from different disciplines, institutions and countries, digital libraries are viewed in different perspectives and the single most development that has brought about sweeping changes in the library and information discipline currently in the developed world is that of digital libraries. Advancements in computer and information technology with breakthroughs in memory technology has not only reduced the cost of infrastructure required for hosting digital libraries, but the demonstrated success of a wide variety of projects in USA and Europe also endorsed the chances of their survival even in a developing country. Though the professionals and libraries in developing countries are also experiencing the virtues of Internet, and electronic information highways, many of these libraries have not gone much farther than the computerization of in-house operations, availing databases in electronic media such as CD-ROMs, and web access of subscribed journals and various free resources. Digital library development should be taken up as an additional task to populate the web sites with valuable in-house content like the research reports, publications of in-house researchers, and so on. Digital library projects and developments in the country are so many, though a large number of them are only at an aggressively enthusiastic preliminary stage. In a country such as India so rich in content of indigenous research and development in disciplines varied from science and technology to social science, humanities and spirituality, there is tremendous need for hosting full fledged digital libraries by appropriately tagging the content with affordable information technology. However, what is lacking, especially in developing countries, is a coordinated collaborative approach to bring in institutions and identifying content valuable for digitization with sufficient monetary and infrastructure support. The digital library development in the country needs a two-pronged strategy (i) to digitize local content, and (ii) to devise options for accessing external resources. Channels for internal content include journals and serials for research, conference proceedings, theses and dissertations and preprints, research and status reports, textbooks and learning materials, government publications, spiritual/heritage sources, tourism information, traditional knowledge, etc. As far as external resources are concerned, there are electronic options from publishers and information provides such as, online access through Web of subscribed journals, CDs and floppies containing supplementary material of printed books, bibliographic/full-text databases, which can be hosted on library servers or intranet along with local content. The problems for digital library development are manifold in India such as lack of interest, non-availability of computer and IT infrastructure for library activities, copyright problems, ensuring secure access, properly selecting content from the mass available, internet bandwidth, absence of sufficient financial support, over concentration of professional time on administrative routines, acute shortage over concentration of professional time on administrative routines, acute shortage of competent manpower, etc. The software boom engulfing the country, as a result of the big leap in computer penetration, sudden rise in proficient manpower, and sizable improvement in communication infrastructure should also be treated as an asset and taken advantage of by authorities and information professionals to create and maintain digital information facilities to usher in the new information age.     

The Impact of Digital Resource and Service Use on Urban Residents in New England Public Libraries—A Survey Report

Today, access to digital information is essential to patrons using public libraries, whether they have contact with computers at home, work or school or whether the public library is their only contact. In order to evaluate and ultimately enhance public library digital resources and services, it is critical for administrators, librarians and digital information architects to recognize the impact their current digital offerings have on users. This study utilizes a survey to gauge the perceptions of patrons who use digital resources and services in six urban New England public libraries as part of ongoing research into digital information access in public libraries in the United States from the perspective of users.     

美国学术图书馆联盟TRLN成员研究数据集调查分析

[目的/意义]对美国高校图书馆以研究数据管理服务为目的的研究数据集进行调查分析,旨在为大数据环境下国内高校图书馆开展研究数据管理服务与数据资源建设提供参考。[方法/过程]选取美国学术图书馆联盟TRLN成员及其所在高校为典型案例,采用网络调研法、典型案例法、文献调研法,从研究数据集内容、分类组织、来源、数据处理工具与设施以及数据管理服务5个角度对TRLN成员研究数据集建设现状与特点进行深度解析。[结果/结论]研究数据管理服务已成为TRLN成员支持与参与数据密集型科研活动的重要举措与实践;TRLN成员正在利用丰富的研究数据集与先进的数据处理工具与技术,引领用户超越机构限制获取数据以及利用数据进行知识发现与创新;研究数据集与图书、期刊、报纸、学位论文等纸质和数字资源一样已成为TRLN成员馆藏内容之一;目前TRLN成员研究数据馆藏主要采用以自有数据、用户数据、第三方机构数据与政府数据相结合的采集与共享授权模式。以上研究可为我国高校图书馆开展研究数据管理服务与数字信息资源建设提供借鉴与启示。     

Electronic initiatives of the federal depository library program

The Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) is in a period of transition from dissemination of primarily print government publications, to an expanded program including distribution of and access to electronic government information. In an electronic FDLP, the traditional roles of producing, acquiring, and disseminating government publications are expanded with additional roles of providing ongoing, long-term access to selected documents, and increasing the level of services to depository libraries. FDLP has already undertaken the transition with electronic initiatives. Additional projects are being developed which will facilitate access to electronic government documents. A more electronic FDLP implies significant changes for Library Programs Service and depository libraries. The goal of the transition is to improve the depository library program and continue to support public access to government publications.     

传统图书馆将走向消亡吗

通过师范院校读者查阅信息方式调查统计，分析利用纸本文献、数字图书馆，搜索引擎查阅信息的各自优缺点。讨论传统图书馆和数字图书馆、搜索引擎的相互关系，得出传统图书馆永远不会消亡的结论。     

Using Topic Modeling to Enhance Access to Library Digital Collections

ABSTRACT

Information centers are increasingly being confronted with the challenges of shifting information environments. The development of a digital information society has dictated that libraries devise strategies to capture, describe, and provide access to these digital documents in addition to physical formats. This is nowhere more apparent than in the field of government information. With a public access mandate and a distribution model that has forever been destabilized by the development of low barrier Web publishing technologies, libraries providing access to government information face more challenges than ever. This article looks at the possibility of using topic modeling to increase access to the growing number of poorly described digital texts distributed to libraries and archives. The article provides a basic overview of what topic modeling is and its potential applications in libraries, describes some popular tools and potential workflows, and illustrates how the author tested a potential workflow.     

面向服务的数字图书馆体系结构研究与设计

采用面向服务的设计思想,设计了一种面向服务的数字图书馆体系结构,旨在将分布的、异构的多个数字图书馆联合起来,形成可动态配置的数字图书馆联盟.该体系结构实现了数字图书馆之间的无缝连接,使现代信息用户可对多个分布异构的数字信息资源进行统一资源访问.     

新馆建设与省级公共图书馆事业发展

新馆建设是公共图书馆的重大发展机遇，应把建设具有特色的开放式，多功能，研究型，公益性的现代化知识中心，信息中心和教育中心，文化中心作为省级公共图书馆的基本发展定位，在新馆条件下，以下四个方面应作为可持续发展的主玫目标；不间断地强化文献资源建设，确保印刷文献与数字化文献建设同步协调发展：充分利用新馆设施与设备条件，努力做到利用率最大化；积极开拓馆外服务，大力拓宽服务面，增强服务辐射力，大力推进以聘任制为中心的用人机制和管理体制改革，全面优化员工队伍素质。     

数字图书馆信息资源建设中的易访问性问题与解决方式

信息资源的易访问性是实现数字图书馆目标的关键,而当前信息资源的易访问性并没有得到数字图书馆设计者、开发者应有的重视。同时,针对数字图书馆信息资源建设中出现的问题及其产生的原因进行分析,并就如何解决数字图书馆信息资源易访问性问题提出相应的解决方案。     

“双一流”高校图书馆数字资源采购信息公开现状调查分析

为了解我国"双一流"高校图书馆数字资源采购信息公开现状,本文采用网络调查法对42所"双一流"高校图书馆进行调查,发现数字资源采购信息公开存在范围不完整、内容不规范、时间不连续、渠道利用不充分等问题,提出开展数字资源采购信息公开工作的几点建议:转变信息公开观念、建立健全数字资源采购信息公开制度、制定数字资源采购信息公开标准、拓展信息公开路径等,以推动高校图书馆数字资源采购信息公开工作地有效开展。     

图书馆信息资源数字化项目规划因素解析

在对国内外图书馆信息资源数字化项目规划内容考察的基础上，作者认为这类项目规划所包括的主要因素有数字资源管理政策的制定、数字资源用户及其需求的界定、图书馆馆藏资源的模拟图像和数字图像的评估、项目目标的确定、相似项目的调研、项目实施风险的分析和项目规划的制定。本文论述了这七大因素包括的基本内容，并指出了解析图书馆信息资源数字化项目规划因素的目的在于规范项目管理．提高数字化项目的运行效率。     

Use of IT in university libraries of Punjab, Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh: A comparative study

This paper is designed to measure the use of Information Technology (IT) in the university libraries of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh with an ulterior objective to establish some co-relation between quality in libraries and use of IT. The paper highlights the use of hardware and software facilities in university libraries. It also highlights the access of networks, information services and barriers in IT applications. A survey conducted on four university libraries, namely Panjab University library, Chandigarh; Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla; Punjabi university Library, Patiala; and Guru Nanak Dev University Library, Amritsar found that only Panjab University Library, Chandigarh and GND university library, Amritsar have provided computerised access to in-house databases. The findings presented are based on a survey conducted with the help of questionnaires, interview and observation methods. Library literature reveals that quality depends on merging print culture with digital culture but the result of this survey confirm that print culture is still dominating in university libraries of this region.     

Use of IT in university libraries of Punjab,Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh: A comparative study

This paper is designed to measure the use of Information Technology (IT) in the university libraries of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh with an ulterior objective to establish some co-relation between quality in libraries and use of IT. The paper highlights the use of hardware and software facilities in university libraries. It also highlights the access of networks, information services and barriers in IT applications. A survey conducted on four university libraries, namely Panjab University library, Chandigarh; Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla; Punjabi university Library, Patiala; and Guru Nanak Dev University Library, Amritsar found that only Panjab University Library, Chandigarh and GND university library, Amritsar have provided computerised access to in-house databases. The findings presented are based on a survey conducted with the help of questionnaires, interview and observation methods. Library literature reveals that quality depends on merging print culture with digital culture but the result of this survey confirm that print culture is still dominating in university libraries of this region.     

云计算环境下图书馆信息资源管理研究

云计算在IT领域产生了很大影响,也引起了图书馆界的广泛关注。研究了云计算环境下的信息获取、信息组织、信息服务等信息资源管理的核心问题,提出必须从满足用户信息需求以及方便用户信息获取的角度进行信息资源组织,为用户提供基于云计算按需服务理念的专业化、个性化信息服务。     

信息整流与知识增值服务

本文提出数字图书馆的主要功能目标是信息整流与知识增值服务 ;信息与知识转换是数字图书馆的关键理论和技术问题。图书馆受到Internet的巨大冲击、不再是文献信息服务的唯一提供者 ,数字图书馆如何才能挽回失去的老用户 ,吸引新用户 ?知识管理工程将使数字图书馆成为 2 1世纪学习的大平台、文化知识的大平台和知识资源中心。     

国外图书馆数字资源许可政策新近发展研究

数字信息技术的发展、开放获取运动的深入、读者对数字资源使用方式的增加及有关法律的修订等,均对数字资源许可政策提出了新的要求。自2014年以来,国外图书馆数字资源许可政策出现了新一轮的修订潮,美国、加拿大、英国及澳大利亚的多个较早从事数字资源许可政策研究的图书馆联盟先后更新了其数字资源示范许可协议或指导原则。文章拟从这一轮新修订的数字资源许可政策中,选取部分有代表性的政策文本,通过纵向和横向的梳理比较,重点关注新旧政策的变化,分析修订的背景、原因及作用,总结国外图书馆数字资源许可的最新发展动向及经验,并探讨其对我国图书馆的启示,以期助益我国图书馆数字资源许可的实践。     

试论高校图书馆与创新人才的培养

随着知识经济时代的来临，创新人才的培养显得日益迫切。作为高校三大支柱之一的图书馆，要通过搞好图书馆硬件设施建设，提供丰富而高质量的信息，举办读、写、展各种活动等措施，为创新人才的培养作出贡献。