bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The case for international co‐operation in cataloguing: from copy cataloguing to multilingual subject access Â experiences within the British Library
Authors: Oddy Pat
Published: May 2004

An outline of a cataloguing strategy that might be adopted for the millennium is given with reference to how such a strategy is being implemented at the British Library. The first stage has involved co‐operation with American libraries and future plans are linked to co‐operation with European libraries. Such developments involve countries with different languages and different cataloguing cultures and so present many challenges. Finally skills required by staff needed to implement the cataloguing strategy are discussed.
Developments in new media publishing: an overview of recent market research
Authors: Hoffos Signe
Published: May 2004

Developments in multimedia publishing from interactive video in the early 1980s to compact discs in the late 1980s and the 1990s phenomena of the Web and DVD (Digital Versatile (or Video) Disc) are outlined in this paper. In addition, an overview of market research reports in this area is provided which is based on the author’s compilation of a directory of such reports. The concluding section summarises some of the main findings of these reports. Links are given to web sites of relevant market research companies.
The use of information and communication technologies in commercial libraries in the UK
Authors: Barlow Lisa J. , Graham Margaret E.
Published: May 2004

A survey undertaken between January and March 1998 investigated the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in a sample of 120 industrial and commercial libraries. Ninety‐six per cent of the organisations which responded to the questionnaire use computers for some aspect of their library and information services. ICT was used for a range of office and other applications including, in rank order, e‐mail, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation packages and database management systems. Ninety‐one per cent of the sample used various Internet facilities including e‐mail, World Wide Web, file transfer protocol (ftp) and telnet. This paper describes the results of the survey, reporting on the current state of the art of ICT use and future plans for automation in the sample.
Implementation of the Unicorn library management system at Reading University Library
Authors: Salisbury Ruth
Published: May 2004

Reading University Library installed a Sirsi Unicorn library management system in 1997. This paper provides a discussion of the impact of implementing such a client/server system and describes some of the new features offered: Electronic Data Interchange, automatic e‐mailing of system‐generated notices, holds and recalls and so on. The impact of the new system on staff within the library and with other university departments is also discussed. The paper concludes with a list of future projects planned and overall impressions of the system.
Redesigning finding aids at the Public Record Office
Authors: Sweet Meg , Thomas David , Stockting Bill , Hillyard Matthew , Breeden Derek
Published: May 2004

Until March 1998 the most “high‐tech” access to a significant Public Record Office (PRO) finding aid was via irregularly produced microfiches. By January 2001 the full catalogue of the PRO’s holdings (conservatively estimated at 7 million records) will be available via the World Wide Web. This article describes the steps taken to achieve this transformation. Use made of various standards such as the International Standard Archival Description (ISAD(G)), Encoded Archival Description (EAD) and the Standard Generalised Markup Language (SGML) is described.
A study of information and communications technologies in museums with particular reference to Wales
Authors: Hywel E. Roberts D. , Everitt Jean
Published: May 2004

This paper reports on a project which aimed to ascertain current and anticipated use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in museums in Wales. The project also traced the primary ICT trends in the museum community worldwide, and listed relevant contemporary policy and project initiatives and funding sources in the UK. The main findings – applications, the resource and other issues, barriers to development, the perceived value of ICT in museum work, and the main project outcomes and recommendations are listed.
The implementation of the Arabic script in OLIB7 at the American University of Beirut Libraries
Authors: Medawar Katia
Published: May 2004

Developing software for processing bibliographic materials in the Arabic language is a relatively recent development. When libraries in parts of the Middle East, where Arabic is the main language, started automating their collections, most library systems did not provide for the use of Arabic script and this capability had to be developed. Automated library systems started to emerge (like Minisis, ALEPH, Dobis/Libis, TinLib, OLIB) to fill the gap for non‐Roman scripts. This article describes the stages the American University of Beirut Libraries went through in converting their Arabic materials for use in the OLIB7 library management system. A description of the background of the library is given along with the details of the romanisation process, the conversion process, the software and hardware chosen, the testing of the database, problems encountered, output and the handling of authority records.
Academic/librarianship partnerships in the electronic library
Authors: Dugdale Christine
Published: May 2004

The necessity for closer engagement with the academic community was one of the more important conclusions to emerge from the ResIDe Electronic Reserve Project at the University of the West of England. Academic and library staff must work more closely in selecting materials, promoting services, training and guiding students in using/processing information held on electronic reserves if these electronic systems are to become important library resources. A current study, investigating electronic reserves’ potential role in both supporting current pedagogic practices and initiating innovative teaching and learning methods, has immediately highlighted the importance of developing such close relationships to ensure an efficient and cost‐effective service.
Development of the interlibrary loans module for Aleph500 at King’s College London
Authors: Prowse Stephen
Published: May 2004

This paper describes the implementation of the Aleph500 system in the libraries of King’s College London, with special emphasis on the interlibrary loans (ILL) module. King’s is a large, multi‐site institution undergoing rapid change, with diverse ILL practices in operation following a history of mergers with other institutions. The Aleph system architecture is outlined and what this means in terms of the libraries using it. Each key step of ILL processing is explained. However, this is not simply a description of how the module works, instead concentration is focused on the process of developing the beta version of the ILL module. In this way an insight is gained into the process of evolution and problem solution, from the initial test phase through to the point of use, incorporating future development. Relationships with other modules are also described.
Time for change. A personal insight into library systems’ implementation: experiences at Exeter University Library
Authors: Myhill Martin
Published: May 2004

In 1998 over 1,000 library systems were sold worldwide. Many libraries, faced with users’ demands for increased system functionality, are considering purchase of new systems. The key to a successful implementation is proper management of time; time for planning, time for data conversion and time for the new system’s introduction – the consequences of undue haste may abound for many years. Each of these stages has many considerations including legal procedures, drafting of the system specification or a review of the functionality of available products, detailed conversion issues relating to differences between old and new systems, training and future development or product support. A short case study of the University of Exeter’s change from LIBERTAS to INNOPAC demonstrates many of the issues arising during a successful implementation.
Content creation and rights management: experiences of SCRAN (the Scottish Cultural Resources Access Network)
Authors: Royan Bruce
Published: May 2004

Perhaps the single greatest obstacle to the creation and use of digital content, is uncertainty over copyright issues, and in particular a fear that the new technologies may facilitate intellectual property theft. This paper draws on the experience of the Scottish Cultural Resources Access Network (SCRAN) to review some of the issues that should be addressed in this area.
The digitisation of heritage material: arguing for an interpretative approach based on the experience of the Powys Digital History Project
Authors: Reid Gordon
Published: May 2004

In the past, librarians, museum curators and archivists have responded to ICT developments by adapting them to traditional working practices such as cataloguing. Recent developments are creating new pressures, however, and the expectations on information professionals are changing. The most radical innovation is that of the Internet, and it may no longer be appropriate to think in traditional terms to exploit this new medium to the full. The Internet offers remote access and digitisation programmes are being designed to make use of that. So far, these programmes have concentrated on the digitisation of finding aids or of selected primary source materials, but there is also a need for other programmes (“digital exhibitions”) to be developed with a greater emphasis on collaboration and interpretation, aimed at the non‐academic, or casual user. In this way librarians, museum curators and archivists can demonstrate their readiness to embrace the visions of such programmes as the People’s Network and the National Grid for Learning and at the same time reach a whole new audience.
Conversions to and from CDS/ISIS: an overview of the possibilities, problems and the programs
Authors: De Keyser Piet
Published: May 2004

Although there are many articles on CDS/ISIS which describe projects in which conversion techniques are used, there is very little literature about the conversion programs themselves.This paper provides an overview of the conversion process and gives brief descriptions of some of the available programs.
Information literacy for scientists and engineers: experiences of EDUCATE and DEDICATE
Authors: Fjällbrant Nancy
Published: May 2004

This paper introduces the concept of information literacy and describes the impact of information technology on information literacy. The European Union funded EDUCATE project addressed the subject‐related aspects of information literacy for scientists and engineers. One outcome of the project was a series of modules covering ways of accessing and searching information that could be used in formal courses, distance learning courses or for self‐instruction. EDUCATE “spawned” a number of other projects. One, DEDICATE, deals with distance education information courses and is described in the paper along with brief details of its use in various universities in Central and Eastern Europe.
An overview of the information retrieval features of twenty digital libraries
Authors: Chowdhury G.G. , Chowdhury Sudatta
Published: May 2004

A number of digital libraries have been set up in the course of various research and development activities in different parts of the world during the last few years. How do these digital libraries fair in terms of information retrieval features? This paper looks into this question by reviewing the information retrieval features of 20 digital libraries chosen from around the globe. The first part of the paper briefly describes the features of the chosen digital libraries in terms of their nature and content. The second part looks into the information retrieval features of each digital library. Unique features of some digital libraries have been indicated. Major areas of research that would improve the information retrieval features of the future digital libraries have been indicated.
Implementing a new library management system at Bristol University: experiences with Aleph 500
Authors: King Peter
Published: May 2004

In common with many other UK academic libraries using the LIBERTAS library management system, Bristol University Library set out in 1998 to acquire a replacement. This paper describes the background to the Bristol project to choose a new system, and some of its distinctive features, briefly indicates the outcome (acquisition of Aleph 500 from Ex Libris), and draws some lessons from the experience. It is easy to under. estimate the size of the task involved in installing a modern library management system. Careful thought should be given to an assessment of conversion needs and to the justifcation for retaining existing practices (e.g. use of UKMARC) rather than accepting the international norm. Both staff and users must understand the need for change and be prepared for its consequences. On‐site support from the system supplier is vital and time is of the essence.
Ranganathan and the Net: using facet analysis to search and organise the World Wide Web
Authors: Ellis David , Vasconcelos Ana
Published: May 2004

This paper documents the continuing relevance of facet analysis as a technique for searching and organising World Wide Web based materials. The two approaches underlying WWW searching and indexing – word and concept based indexing – are outlined. It is argued that facet analysis as an a posteori approach to classification using words from the subject field as the concept terms in the classification derived represents an excellent approach to searching and organising the results of WWW searches using either search engines or search directories. Finally, it is argued that the underlying philosophy of facet analysis is better suited to the disparate nature of WWW resources and searchers than the assumptions of contemporary IR research.
Football information services: fanzines, “Match of the Day” and the modem
Authors: Green Richard
Published: May 2004

The character, growth and demand for football information services in England and Wales is examined. Questionnaires were sent to football clubs and supporters to investigate the quantity, quality and types of information services available, and whether the demand for football information is being met. It was found that there is more football information available than previously, through a wider range of services, and that demand for club information is growing. However, supporters feel the information is often of poor quality. The growth in football information services is attributed to the appeal of the game to non‐traditional supporters and the use of information services to market clubs as global “brands”. Democratic supporters movements have had a major influence on the development of football information services. The Internet is set to have a big impact.
Librarians – architects of the future?
Authors: Rowbotham Julie
Published: May 2004

This article explores the reasons why librarians should be at the heart of Internet site development. There are two distinct ways in which librarians can most effectively contribute to this medium. The first is by getting involved in information architecture. This new discipline requires skills such as expertise in search techniques and navigational logic, and generally involves the librarian working closely with graphic designers to create a firm foundation for the site. The second area is the role librarians can play in the structuring of the data which drives the site (data management).
Deconstructing ‘knowledge management’
Authors: Streatfield David , Wilson Tom
Published: May 2004

Prologue: a fairy tale– Once upon a time there were four Goblins who were, of course, chartered accountants. They became tired of counting hoards of gold for the Gnomes so they sought help from the Wizard of Ecognomeics. “We want our own treasure chests,” they pleaded. “That’s easy,” said the Wizard “Human beings have the idea that information technology will solve all their work problems. I’ll turn you into Management Consultancy Goblins. Then you can each take one idea from the Academic Ivory Tower and that should make you piles of gold.” After 5,000 days the four met up at the International Goblin Warming Conference and compared experiences. “I chose Corporate Management Information Systems,” said Goblin 1, “and I was selling loads of mainframes. Then the Gnome Computers Wizard invented the personal computer and everyone started networking instead.” Goblin 2 had taken the software route. “My Computer‐Assisted Management Systems were selling like hot cakes until somebody noticed that they were only doing administration. Then it all went pear‐shaped.” “I chose fear,” said Goblin 3, “All the companies were latching on to my ‘Information for Competitive Advantage’ until someone asked ‘What happens when everyone is doing it?” The fourth Goblin adjusted position on his platinum toadstool, glanced at his Cartier watch and asked, “Have you sad Goblins ever heard of my Knowledge Management?”
Internet, intranet, extranet: managing the information bazaar
Authors: Watson Ian
Published: May 2004

The web has brought to the business world an inexpensive way of distributing corporate information to employees, business partners and customers. The term intranet describes a closed computer network built upon World Wide Web technology in which access is restricted to a particular group of users, typically employees of a company. The term extranet is used when access is extended to a privileged user group: customers and suppliers for example. This paper examines the role of the World Wide Web in the Research Library at Scottish Media Newspapers, in particular how it complements the portfolio of traditional online sources, CD Roms and books. It also describes the extent to which searching has moved from the intermediary to the end user. In the mid 1990s, just as the web was beginning its spectacular rise to fame, Scottish Media Newspapers developed a browser‐based interface to the in‐house database of newspaper stories, a process that led to the creation of a corporate intranet. The creation of the intranet has been accompanied by a redefining of staff roles in an attempt to change the image from passive librarian to dynamic research specialist. The paper concludes by examining the role of the information professional/librarian in a world where end users will have a vast range of information from internal and external sources at their fingertips.
A national survey of the citizenship information needs of the general public
Authors: Marcella Rita , Baxter Graeme
Published: May 2004

This paper reports the results of a survey of information needs and information seeking behaviour of a national sample of the UK population. The survey was the first stage of the Citizenship Information project, funded by the British Library Research and Innovation Centre. In total, 1294 responses were received giving a valid and demographically representative response rate of 45.7 per cent. Major findings include: that the majority of respondents had sought information in the past (59.4 per cent) and that an even greater number predicted a future need for information (78.4 per cent). Over three quarters of respondents said that they would use public libraries and between half and three quarters would approach Citizens Advice Bureaux, Post Offices, Government departments or family and friends. Face‐to‐face communications and reading a book were the most popular means of accessing information, but a wide variety of other preferred options were cited. Only a small proportion expressed a preference for using a computer to seek information, and there was a clear emphasis on public libraries as an appropriate location for accessing electronic information. A highly significant majority (79.2 per cent) believed that access to information was very important for exercising their rights as a citizen.
The migration of news to the web
Authors: Williams Peter , Nicholas David
Published: May 2004

Virtually all UK and US newspapers and the vast majority of regional and even local titles are now represented on the web. Indeed, the Yahoo news and media directory lists no less than 114 UK newspapers online (as of November 1998). Broadcasters from the BBC and Sky downwards, and all the famous news agencies (Press Association, Reuters etc.) also boast comprehensive Internet services. With such an array of sources available, the future of mass access to the Internet, possibly via TV terminals, suggests that more and more people may soon opt for this medium to receive the bulk of their news information. This paper gives an overview of the characteristics of the medium illustrated with examples of how these are being used to both facilitate and enhance the content and dissemination of the news product. These characteristics include hyperlinking to external information sources, providing archive access to past reports, reader interactivity and other features not possible to incorporate into more passive media such as the hardcopy newspaper. From a survey of UK and US news providers it is clear that American newspapers are exploiting the advantages of web information dissemination to a far greater extent than their British counterparts, with the notable exception of The Electronic Telegraph. UK broadcasters, however, generally appear to have adapted better to the new medium, with the BBC rivaling CNN in its depth and extent of news coverage, use of links and other elements.
Have you heard the library news? Personalised Net alerts for librarians
Authors: Yeates Robin
Published: May 2004

The role of software agents in the provision of personalised news is explored in the context of the NewsAgent for Libraries project, which has been developed as a prototype and is about to launch a new free news alerting service for library and information staff. The issues that have arisen as the project moves from the research phase to service implementation are described, along with the prospects for the planned service.
Developing and testing methods to determine the use of web sites: case study newspapers
Authors: Nicholas David , Huntington Paul , Williams Peter , Lievesley Nat , Dobrowolski Tom , Withey Richard
Published: May 2004

There is a general dearth of trustworthy information on who is using the web and how they use it. Such information is of vital concern to web managers and their advertisers yet the systems for delivering such data, where in place, generally cannot supply accurate enough data. Nor have web managers the expertise or time to evaluate the enormous amounts of information that are generated by web sites. The article, based on the experience of evaluating The Times web server access logs, describes the methodological problems that lie at the heart of web log analysis, evaluates a range of use measures (visits, page impressions, hits) and provides some advice on what analyses are worth conducting.
Information available on UK agricultural web sites
Authors: Craig Gillian M.
Published: May 2004

In a survey of 132 UK agricultural web sites, more than 60 per cent mounted directorytype information like that found in printed directories of information sources, but this was not always easily accessible. Information about people in organisations varied between the different categories of web site. Just under three‐quarters of all sites mounted some substantive content but the amount of content on sites was small. Documents were available on slightly more than half the sites, but other types of content were available on fewer sites. Few sites explained how to locate information on the site or stated the intended audience. Less than one‐third of sites had facilities to aid site navigation, but there were differences between the site categories for these features. Just over half the web sites displayed revision dates, but only about one‐third had been updated in the last three months.
Non‐use of business libraries and information services: a study of the library and information managers’ perception, experience and reaction to non‐use
Authors: Brick Laura
Published: May 2004

Not since 1980 has research provided any insights into how information managers perceive and cope with non‐use. In an attempt to fill the vacuum information professionals in business companies were surveyed: 42 information managers were questioned and 12 interviewed. The study found that non‐use is widespread, and that the non‐use situation is a complicated mix of non‐use and unsatisfactory user behaviour. The most commonly perceived cause of non‐use was a lack of awareness of the services’ capabilities. There is no stereotypical non‐user. A significant majority of the managers had a positive attitude to non‐use and were worried about the extent of non‐users. Some tackled non‐use head‐on and implemented remedial treatment but less than a third could identify their non‐users. Recent advances in information system design do not seem to have improved the situation and there has been little change in the scale of non‐use, or reactions of information managers to it since 1980. The study concludes that the fruits of such an obviously positive attitude to tackling the non‐user will only be gathered if it is converted into a reality and becomes an integral part of the information managers’ marketing strategy.
Perspectives on information overload
Authors: Bawden David , Holtham Clive , Courtney Nigel
Published: May 2004

Information overload is by no means a new concept, but has come to prominence during the last decade. This paper reviews the nature and causes of overload, and considers possible solutions, both organisational and technical, and its relevance to the information professional.
Derivation of interaction environment and information object properties for enhanced integrated access and value‐adding to electronic documents
Authors: Li Liew Chern , Foo Schubert
Published: May 2004

The recent unprecedented growth of information in digital form advocates the need for better ways to interact with this vast amount of richly‐conveyed information. This paper reviews and analyses the design considerations of an advanced information environment for users to interact in novel manners with online documents such as electronic journals. The interaction environment is also intended to support value‐adding of electronic documents. The design is inspired by analyses of user requirements in interacting with information, by advances in the electronic information world, and by innovations in human‐computer interaction. These led to the derivation and proposal of a set of properties in both the interaction environment and the information objects within the environment. The environment is a visually‐rich, interactive information environment based on user‐controlled malleability and integration with various interaction tools. The information objects within the environment are fractionally structured, contextualized and explicable, queriable and navigable at multiple levels of granularity, and associated with layers of additional information and metadata.
The introduction of intranets into the newspaper industry
Authors: Drennan Jackie
Published: May 2004

An evaluation of the current state of intranet usage in the UK newspaper industry. Librarians and information managers from all the UK national newspapers were contacted to establish which newspapers had, or were intending to introduce, an intranet. Those who had an intranet were interviewed. To provide a point of comparison with newspapers in the United States, who appeared to have quickly embraced intranet technology, email questionnaires were distributed via the Special Library Association mailing list. The paper shows that librarians are closely involved in the planning of newspaper intranets and describes the management issues, attractions and problems associated with them.
What do we know about public library use?
Authors: Smith Ian M.
Published: May 2004

Data from Westminster Libraries on membership, borrowing frequency and stock use is compared with significant studies of public library use from the last 50 years. The article examines the extent of public library use, and the social and demographic factors influencing use. Analysis of book and audio‐visual stock use indicates the concentration of demand on a few titles and subjects, and the relationship to what is in demand commercially. Aspects of public library use have remained constant over at least the last 50 years, and across geographical boundaries. Public libraries are used principally for leisure, for borrowing recent fiction, for useful non fiction related to immediate life interests, and for pop music. Quantitative data from library systems provides a different, probably more accurate, picture of the nature and extent of public library use.
The net generation: the experiences, attitudes and behaviour of children using the Internet for their own purposes
Authors: Williams Peter
Published: May 2004

The much trumpeted ‘information society’ borne by the Internet has been greeted by a confusing mixture of delight and trepidation, not least regarding the attendant implications for children. No clear consensus has emerged among librarians, educators or others as to whether the potential benefits of the system outweigh any risk associated with retrieving potentially harmful material. Presented here is a pilot research study that examines how children use the Internet, and what their opinions of the system are. This was undertaken to inform a research proposal to be submitted to funding organisations. Results of the preliminary fieldwork point to much independent educational use, particularly with regard to project work. Printouts of photographs and documents were prized more than the intangible information itself, so children were not discouraged by the reading level of a text and did not evaluate relevance on this criterion. Leisure use was dominated by game playing. Some children accessed online chat groups, with occasional foul language encountered accepted as a natural, if unwanted, consequence of Internet use. There was little evidence of other potentially harmful or upsetting material being viewed.
Will online images prove to be a multimedia cornucopia for museums?
Authors: Maier Edith
Published: May 2004

Faced with increasingly tight budgets many museums have come under pressure to explore new sources of income. The marketing of museum assets seems to offer one possibility especially since there is an apparently insatiable demand for content from the multimedia and ‘edutainment’ industries. Furthermore, providing access to the cultural heritage of Europe has come to be seen as a major aim of the EU and various programmes have been set up to encourage and facilitate this. Apart from the economic potential of digital museum content, the concomitant legal and security issues are investigated.
Access to information on the World Wide Web for blind and visually impaired people
Authors: Oppenheim Charles , Selby Karen
Published: May 2004

The Internet gives access for blind and visually impaired users to previously unobtainable information via Braille or speech synthesis interpretation. This paper looks at how three search engines, AltaVista, Yahoo! and Infoseek presented their information to a small group of visually impaired and blind users and how accessible individual Internet pages are. Two participants had varying levels of partial sight and two Subjects were blind and solely reliant on speech synthesis output. Subjects were asked for feedback on interface design at various stages of their search and any problems they encountered were noted. The barriers to access that were found appear to come about by lack of knowledge and thought by the page designers themselves. An accessible page does not have to be dull. By adhering to simple guidelines, visually impaired users would be able to access information more effectively than would otherwise be possible. Visually disabled people would also have the same opportunity to access knowledge as their sighted colleagues.
Public libraries and EU information
Authors: Cooper Mike
Published: May 2004

Surveys the immediate background to, and establishment of, the European Commission supported European Public Information Centres (EPICs) operating in UK public libraries. Current structures for support and cooperation are outlined, and the author suggests that, although the network has been popular and successful, EPICs face challenges for the future, including external networking and internal cultural change.
Tales on the Internet: making it up as you go along
Authors: Frost Chris
Published: May 2004

The Internet‘s email system is a fast and efficient communication method and one that has become particularly popular for rumours and hoaxes. These include virus alerts, one of the favourite types of hoax, and urban myths or contemporary legends. An interesting element of these types of rumours and hoaxes is: the apparent reduction in caution about their retransmission; the speed and ease of re‐transmission that email offers; the extensive detail that is often included at variance to standard word of mouth transmission of rumour. This paper examines a single case study in order to investigate the differences between e‐rumours and word of mouth rumours. Theory suggests that detail adds verisimilitude to a rumour and this could certainly explain why such emails often provide extensive detail. The email system eases the job of re‐transmitting and this might explain why readers are prepared to broadcast such rumours without further checking.
Task analysis of the webmaster: results of an empirical study
Authors: Van der Walt Pieter , Van Brakel Pieter
Published: May 2004

The functions or tasks of the typical webmaster appear to be extremely diverse in nature. These can vary from basic web page design to gathering website statistics or even to establishing the web‐based information needs of the employees of a specific organisation. Although a number of mainly electronic documents were written on the functions of the webmaster, not many studies were undertaken to empirically verify these. This article discusses the results from an international survey in which the webmasters or managers of web teams were involved from 100 of the Global 500 list of organisations. An analysis of the information provided by the respondents indicated that one person (the traditional webmaster) can no longer be responsible for all the responsibilities of developing and/or maintaining the information flow within an organisation‘s website. The diversity of tasks that were identified by the respondents were analysed and the results brought together in a number of figures and tables.
A distant mirror?; the Internet and the printing press
Authors: Bawden David , Robinson Lyn
Published: May 2004

The introduction of the printing press to Europe in the mid‐fifteenth century, and its effect on the communication of information, are considered, largely by reference to the writings of Elisabeth Eisenstein. Analogies and similarities with the impact of the Internet are identified, as a way of gaining insight into the current communications revolution.
A proposed information environment for enhanced integrated access and valueadding to electronic documents
Authors: Li Liew Chern , Foo Schubert , Chennupati K.R.
Published: May 2004

Providing enhanced access and added value to electronic documents (e‐documents) will require interfaces that effectively mediate between the information seeking needs of the users and the information that the e‐document has to offer. A proposed information environment (PIE) to support effective and creative use of e‐documents to fulfil users’ various information tasks and needs is presented. Providing a suite of novel features and interactive tools that can be flexibly combined, the PIE allows users to apply multiple novel ways to intuitively query and navigate information in an e‐document. The querying and browsing processes in the PIE are supported by various interactive and visualisation techniques. Users work within a visually sovereign, integrated environment for information gathering and organising, based on navigable, fractional information objects that are also affiliated with rich metadata and additional layers of value‐adding information. This paper describes the conceptual design of the PIE and uses a representative scenario to show how the PIE is likely to be used for interacting with electronic journals (e‐journals) and the ability of the proposed environment to provide enhanced user interaction and value‐adding.
Teaching infopreneurship: students’ perspectives
Authors: du Toit Adeline
Published: May 2004

A university course in infopreneurship could contribute to bridging the gap between the so‐called security of full‐time employment and the imagined insecurity of an own information business. At present the Rand Afrikaans University in South Africa offers infopreneurship courses to Information Science and Computer Science students. The course content and presentation methods of the courses are similar in nature, but the same cannot be said about the two groups of students. It was therefore decided to conduct a questionnaire‐based survey of the two groups of students and to compare their responses. The exploratory investigation reported here scrutinises the status quo of infopreneurship education at universities. The perceptions of the two groups of students with regard to the objectives of an infopreneurship course at the university, course contents and presentation methods are compared. In conclusion possible adaptions and improvements to the course are considered.
The impact of the Internet on information seeking in the Media1
Authors: Nicholas David , Williams Peter , Cole Peter , Martin Helen
Published: May 2004

There is very little qualitative data on what impact the Internet is having on information seeking in the workplace. Using open‐ended interviews, questionnaires and observation, the impact of the Internet on the British Media was assessed. The focus was largely on newspapers, with The Guardian being covered in some depth. Over 300 journalists and media librarians were surveyed. It was found that amongst traditional journalists use was light. Poor access to the Internet – and good access to other information resources – were largely the reasons for this. Of the journalists it was mainly the older and more senior journalists and the New Media journalists who used the Internet. Librarians were also significant users. Searching the World Wide Web was the principal Internet activity and use was generally conservative in character. Newspapers and official sites were favoured, and searches were mainly of a fact‐checking nature. Email was used on a very limited scale and was not regarded as a serious journalistic tool. Non‐users were partly put off by the Internet‘s potential for overloading them with information and its reputation for producing information of suspect quality. Users generally dismissed these concerns, dealing with potential overload and quality problems largely by using authoritative sites and exploiting the lower quality data where it was needed. Where the Internet has been used it has not been at the expense of other information sources or communication channels, but online hosts seem to be at most risk in the future.
Citizenship information needs in the UK: results of a national survey of the general public by personal doorstep interview
Authors: Marcella Rita , Baxter Graeme
Published: May 2004

This paper reports the results of the second stage of the Citizenship Information research project funded by the BLR&IC: a national survey, by personal doorstep interview, of the citizenship information needs of 898 members of the UK public. Major findings include: that the public obtain most of their information on current issues via the media, and that they generally feel well informed on these issues. The public believe, however, that government is not doing enough to inform them about the Single European Currency and local council cutbacks. Small proportions of the sample had encountered problems in relation to employment, education, housing or welfare benefits and had consulted a range of information sources in order to solve these problems. Over a quarter of respondents had experienced disadvantage through a lack of access to information. Significant proportions of respondents were poorly informed about legal rights, welfare benefits and local politics. A highly significant majority (91.7%) believed that freedom of information was important for exercising their rights as citizens. Although access to computers in the home is presently limited, the majority of respondents indicated a willingness to use computers to vote and interact with government. Public libraries were the preferred source of government information and were seen as appropriate locations for a range of other types of citizenship information.
“The liveliest of corpses”: trends and challenges for the future in the book publishing industry
Authors: Stevenson Iain
Published: May 2004

Reviews the perceived and actual threats to the book publishing industry arising from electronic storage, management and distribution of information. It argues that publishing has always been primarily a content‐management industry and if not entirely free from technological obsolescence, it has at least been relatively insulated from its worst effects by concentrating on the maintenance of quality and authority of the information it provides. Greater challenges may arise from other quarters, Including globalisation, threats to intellectual property regimes, and changes in retailing and distribution, and publishers must think about the impacts of these on their businesses.
Implementing the “New Library: The People’s Network” and the management of change
Authors: Boughey Alan
Published: May 2004

The New Library: The People’s Network and other recent government initiatives have set out a new direction for public library services in Britain. The aim is to create “hybrid” libraries, combining existing book lending and information services with extensive ICT access. With the new technology will come enhanced roles in information, learning support and reader development. Management of change theory emphasises the effects of introducing change in one area on the whole of the organisation. If this theory is applied to public libraries, significant “knock on” effects can be expected. Some examples are taken from the practical experience of Bury Libraries.
Facilitating scientific communication for industrial innovation
Authors: Evans Paul M.
Published: May 2004

Much has been written about how methods of working and communicating can improve the productivity of innovation for industry. Less has been related to this from the overall development of science and policies that assist this. The changing organisational context of industrial research brings the need for scientific publishers to reinvent themselves for this market segment. Scientific communication, including one of its key functions, awareness, is examined and it is concluded that functions and processes in scientific communication may be organised more efficiently to increase the productivity of industrial research. The new context of virtual communities, exploiting the opportunities for interactivity, provides the organisational basis for introducing new methods for inculcating new approaches to knowledge management, for innovation in industry to occur more effectively. An approach to better understanding knowledge synthesis and the potential role of the publisher, as communications facilitator, is discussed.
Information sharing in an online community of journalists
Authors: Millen David R. , Dray Susan M.
Published: May 2004

Informal groups of professional workers are forming online communities to create and share information with each other. This paper offers an analysis of an online community of news reporters. Through participant observation in the group electronic discussion, and analysis of archival copies of the group conversation, the authors explore the ways in which this group requests and offers assistance to each other. The types of information created are examined and the temporal characteristics of the group are explored. The analysis revealed a vibrant online community of professionals who use the online communication medium to compliment professional face to face meetings and other forms of communication such as newsletters and journals.
Embarking on the Internet: what motivates people?
Authors: Savolainen Reijo
Published: May 2004

Issues of becoming an Internet user primarily in non‐work contexts are discussed. The author reviews individual, social and economic factors motivating network use. Main findings of an empirical study based on the interviews of 23 Finns in 1997 are analysed. In addition, comparisons are made with the findings of the Consumer Research Project (1996‐98), conducted in Finland. The main motivating factors leading to network use
were the requirements of work and study; also making everyday transactions easier, for example by home banking, was seen as important. The network connections were also acquired for keeping in contact with others and for hobbies, whereas entertainment purposes were not valued.
A user‐centred approach to the evaluation of Subject Based Information Gateways: case study SOSIG
Authors: Monopoli Maria , Nicholas David
Published: May 2004

There has been a massive increase in the amount of information available to people as a result of the Internet and information seekers are expected to be in the position to identify and evaluate this information according to their needs. As a response to this, Subject Based Information Gateways have been introduced providing people with an
organised collection of digital information. An evaluation of the Social Science Information Gateway (SOSIG), conducted by an online questionnaire, examines such issues as who the SOSIG users are, how frequently they use the service and what their reasons for using the service are.
Practice makes perfect? Vets’ information seeking behaviour and information use explored
Authors: Wales Tim
Published: May 2004

A random sample of UK veterinary practitioners was surveyed and interviewed on behalf of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Wellcome Library to identify key issues in veterinary information use (IU) and information seeking behaviour (ISB).1 A greater proportion of respondents used the Internet for veterinary information than used a veterinary library. However, conventional journals, textbooks and conferences were the main information sources used. Some variations in information source use by practice size and type and information type were identified. The majority of library users and non‐users wanted enhanced library access via the Internet, especially to full‐text journals.
Visions of the information future
Authors: Scammell Alison
Published: May 2004

A synthesis of some of the themes and ideas developed in a recently published book about the future of information: i in the sky: visions of the information future. Common themes included: problems in defining information and defining future time‐scales, theubiquity of information, accessibility, privacy censorship and control, customisation ofinformation products, the development of the World Wide Web, artificial intelligence and cybernetics, changes in working roles and structures of organisations, information literacy, information overload and the organisation and retrieval of information.
Comment When did peer review become anonymous?
Authors: Madden A.D.
Published: May 2004

Anonymous peer review is an important part of the process by which academic information is evaluated. Some of the problems associated with the process are discussed below. Although the history of peer review is well documented, there appears to be no record of when it became anonymous. Since most criticisms associated with the practice result from the anonymity of referees, this is significant. A number of well‐known and long‐established journals were approached in an attempt to determine when they adopted the process but none of the correspondents at the journals knew.