Building A Virtual Library

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

How to Build a Digital Library reviews knowledge and tools to construct and maintain a digital library, regardless of the size or purpose. A resource for individuals, agencies, and institutions wishing to put this powerful tool to work in their burgeoning information treasuries. The Second Edition reflects developments in the field as well as in the Greenstone Digital Library open source software. In Part I, the authors have added an entire new chapter on user groups, user support, collaborative browsing, user contributions, and so on. There is also new material on content-based queries, map-based queries, cross-media queries. There is an increased emphasis placed on multimedia by adding a "digitizing" section to each major media type. A new chapter has also been added on "internationalization," which will address Unicode standards, multi-language interfaces and collections, and issues with non-European languages (Chinese, Hindi, etc.). Part II, the software tools section, has been completely rewritten to reflect the new developments in Greenstone Digital Library Software, an internationally popular open source software tool with a comprehensive graphical facility for creating and maintaining digital libraries. Outlines the history of libraries on both traditional and digital Written for both technical and non-technical audiences and covers the entire spectrum of media, including text, images, audio, video, and related XML standards Web-enhanced with software documentation, color illustrations, full-text index, source code, and more

Interest in m-library services has grown exponentially in the last five years, as libraries are recognizing the potential of ubiquitous and increasingly sophisticated mobile devices. Building on the highly regarded M-Libraries: libraries on the move to provide virtual access, this new book brings together research and case studies from all corners of the globe on the development and delivery of library services and content to mobile devices. Based on the proceedings of the Second International M-Libraries Conference held in Vancouver, this new collection of contributions from authorities in the field serves to demonstrate the ingenuity and creativity of developers and service providers in this area, ranging from the innovative application of basic mobile phone technology to provide information services in remote parts of the globe lacking internet access, to the development of new tools and technologies which harness the full functionality of popular mobile phones. Key topics include: enhancing library access through the use of mobile technology the university library digital reading room mobile access for workplace and language training the role of an agent supplying content on mobile devices cyberlearning and reference services via mobile devices podcasting as an outreach tool service models for information therapy services delivered to mobiles bibliographic ontology and e-books health literacy and healthy action in the connected age a collaborative approach to support flexible, blended and technology-enhanced learning The collection demonstrates the emergence of an evidence base for m-libraries, with a number of contributions presenting the results of user surveys and studies of user behaviour. Readership: This highly topical book should be read by information professionals in all sectors, and by policy makers, researchers, developers, publishers and suppliers. It will also be of great interest to library and information studies students and newcomers to the profession.

"Virtual Worlds, Real Libraries is designed to help librarians and educators recognize the potential of multi-user virtual environments (MUVEs) and consider ways to get involved as they proliferate. Lori Bell, Rhonda B. Trueman, and 24 contributors describe innovative projects in Second Life and other virtual worlds, and demonstrate how reference, teaching, collections, discussion groups, young adult programs, and other services can be successfully applied in a virtual environment."--Cover.

Written for information professionals and librarians trying to implement and manage Web 2.0 in their physical and online collections, Building Library 3.0 pays careful attention to the implementation of social web applications, mobile computing, and RFID and QR Code technology. The book details both how to make these technologies work for libraries and also explores why libraries must gain ground in the important new territories of Web 2.0. The changing relationships between information seekers, the information being sought, and the professional information gatekeepers is of great importance in this change, and this book explains both the use of the technology to reach information seeking communities, and the profound ways in which such relationships will change the nature of librarianship. A primer for Library 2.0, and concrete steps available to libraries seeking to catch up to their web-savvy patrons Detailed and critical examinations of social networking sites, and their potential for libraries outreach Studies the actions librarians can take right now to prepare for the ‘border-bleeding’ between physical and virtual collections

This book will thoroughly orient LIS students and others new to the world of digital libraries, and also ensure that current professionals have the knowledge and guidance necessary to construct a digital repository from its inception.

This excellent reference traces the construction and maintenance of the digital collections and services that have been available day in and day out to users worldwide for more than a decade. It examines applicable guidelines for any library looking to build and manage systems, conduct and evaluate projects, and scout new directions for mainstreaming and hybridizing the building of a digital library. Including contributions from seasoned experts in specializations such as staffing, collection development, and technology project management for digital libraries, Becoming a Digital Library discusses the techniques for finding and training the right people to build a digital library.

While there are several books devoted to specific issues relating to digital libraries, "How to Build a Digital Library" is the only one to equip readers with all the knowledge and the tools they need to construct and maintain one. Designed for a diverse audience, the methodology is supported by a wide range of examples and can be adapted to any size project.