Historical Fabrications on the Internet

Summary

Although the Internet provides access to a wealth of information, there is little, if any, control over the quality of that information. Side-by-side with reliable information, one finds disinformation, misinformation, and hoaxes. The authors of this paper discuss numerous examples of fabricated historical information on the Internet (ranging from denials of the Holocaust to personal vendettas), offer suggestions on how to evaluate websites, and argue that these fabrications can be incorporated into bibliographic instruction classes.     

Interactive television: A model of analysis of business economic dynamics

Abstract

Between 1996 and 2001 over $13 trillion dollars was invested in information and telecommunications industries based on the vision of expanding markets and a pro competitive law know as the Telecommunications Act of 1996 ("'96 Act"). Since 2001 investment has substantially shrunk along with expectations about growth and new opportunities in converging information, communications and entertainment ("ICE") industries.

This paper identifies how stakeholders and governments made false assumptions about the near term future of telecommunications demand and the prospects for seamless convergence of information and telecommunications technologies and markets. The paper provides suggestions on how national legislatures and regulators should respond to current circumstances.     

From Magicians to Teachers

Summary

Electronic reference is a large part of today's library. Computer technology has clearly been the dominant catalyst for change in library service over the last few decades. Reference service has changed along with the prevailing technology. An exclusive group of searchers serviced electronic information requests during the online searching craze of the 1970s and 1980s. In the library of today, this model of electronic reference is no longer operational. Electronic information is now available to anyone on a computer terminal. In response, all librarians have become familiar with computer technology, and have a new emphasis on teaching and basic information literacy. This article will examine how this came to be, and the technologies that helped make it happen.     

Automated Epistemology: Bots,Computational Propaganda & Information Literacy Instruction

Computational technologies have vastly replaced our prior modalities of information seeking. Social media platforms have become the first choice of many information seekers. Increasingly, these platforms are also becoming vehicles for coordinated, manipulative disinformation campaigns. These campaigns of computational propaganda have resulted in an information environment in which the assignment of authority and trust in information sources has become increasingly opaque. This epistemic process of information evaluation has increasingly become the purview of automated algorithmic systems that we as human beings tend to falsely implicitly trust to provide us with the most accurate information available. Propagandists have begun to exploit the algorithmic components of these systems as well as human cognitive deficits in order to manipulate public opinion, control the narrative of public discourse, and flood our information ecosystems in order to work towards the manufacture of false consensus on a wide range of political and cultural issues. This work aims to review and synthesize the literature on computational propaganda, how it manipulates our human cognitive deficits, and how information literacy can be utilized in order to correct for the resultant epistemic failure.     

The Half-Million-Square-Miles Campus

Abstract

A database that tracked information requests from University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) distance students using the Elmer E. Rasmuson Library's Off-Campus Services (OCS) indicated that, beginning in 2001, students became more self-reliant searchers. Reasons for this trend included: increased number of licensed online resources from which to choose; improved Internet connectivity for remote Alaskan communities; increased familiarity with e-mail and online searching; increased options for delivering material; and ongoing user education via the OCS office. As both UAF on-campus and distance students become more reliant on the library's online resources, services to both groups have begun to overlap and have become similar.     

The Information Explosion: Continuing Implications for Reference Services to Adult Learners in Academia

Summary

The reference environment is being transformed by constant changes in computer technologies and communications, as collections and information in general become increasingly accessible electronically. Academic library users now have access to seemingly unlimited information. The explosion of information choices has implications for reference services to all users, particularly adult learners —those students older than the typical undergraduate —who are becoming a large presence on university and college campuses. This paper will explore these implications, stress the need for information literacy, and challenge academic reference librarians to assert themselves in the information arena.     

Online health information seeking and digital health literacy among information and learning resources undergraduate students

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, students have trouble coping with the available health information regarding the coronavirus in their daily lives because of misinformation.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate online health information seeking and digital health literacy among information and learning resources undergraduate students at Taibah University during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsTo investigate the primary goal, this study used a simultaneous exploratory mixed methods design. Seventeen students participated in phone interviews, and 306 were invited to complete an online survey.AnalysisThe collected data was analyzed using both quantitative (SPSS) and qualitative (NVivo 10) methods.ResultsSearch engines, social media, and YouTube were most often used by the respondents as sources to search for COVID-19-related information. COVID-19 symptoms, restrictions, and the current spread of COVID-19 were the most searched topics by the respondents. Significant and relevant differences emerged for the digital health literacy subscales “information search” and “adding self-generated content”. However, there were no significant differences in the digital health literacy subscale “determining relevance”.ConclusionUsing the internet to provide health information tailored to the needs and interests of students to seek health information online and thereby improve their health literacy.     

Academic libraries as active contributors to student wellness

Abstract

Colleges and universities have come to realize that student wellness is a factor in student retention and success. While academic libraries have not generally been included in wellness initiatives they are strategically placed on college campuses to play an essential role. By parlaying their reputations as trusted information providers and community centers, academic libraries can partner with more traditional campus health providers to be active and effective participants in this essential form of outreach.     

社交媒体虚假健康信息特征识别

[目的/意义] 识别社交媒体虚假健康信息特征,构建社交媒体虚假健康信息特征清单,以期为社交媒体虚假健康信息特征的测度提供一定理论支撑,也为用户和社交媒体平台判别虚假健康信息提供有益参考。[方法/过程] 采集1 004条社交媒体健康数据,利用程序化编码抽取社交媒体虚假健康信息的关键特征,运用卡方检验和方差分析揭示社交媒体虚假健康信息的显著特征,并构建社交媒体虚假健康信息特征清单。[结果/结论] 研究结果表明,社交媒体虚假健康信息特征具有表面特征、语义特征和来源特征3个维度、11个主要特征以及29个子特征。其中,社交媒体上食品安全主题的虚假健康信息在"术语包装"特征上表现得更为显著;"夸大事实"为社交媒体上常见疾病主题虚假健康信息的显著特征;社交媒体上养生保健主题的虚假健康信息具有"元数据缺失"和"假借权威"显著特征。     

Google Analytics http://www.google.com/analytics/

Abstract

A review of the help files in several major databases revealed that database vendors have begun including information on citing sources, which has the potential to be very useful to students. Surprisingly, 94% of the citation examples in the databases reviewed had errors. The average number of errors per example was 4.3. The citation help appears to have been put together quickly, with little thought and no proofreading. Librarians must insist that vendors correct or remove this information.     

Advances and Trends in Geospatial Information Accessibility-Part I

Abstract

Geospatial information access continues to be central to the mission of geography and map libraries. Providing or facilitating access has been, and continues to be, a dynamic process in light of both technological change and policy challenges. While technological changes in providing access have gathered much attention in the literature, substantive discussions regarding policies and practices preventing or assisting information access have been lacking. Even more troubling is the fact that archiving digital geospatial information receives even less attention. This first paper reviews developments and trends with regard to digital geospatial libraries, as this concept has become the primary metaphor by which access is measured. The second paper will focus on international trends related to the effect of policy and practice in terms of promoting the sharing and use of geospatial information needed to bridge gaps in access. These comparative policy and practice perspectives are also needed in order to point to the true promise held by new technologies for sharing, exemplified by digital libraries designed for geospatial information.     

Meeting Changing Information Needs of Illinois Firefighters

Abstract

The Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) Library, established in 1990 to support instructional teaching and research, continued to support the academic programs in the Institute while initiating and developing its Outreach Program in 1998. This program provides library and information services to Illinois fire departments and firefighters throughout the state. Since establishing the Outreach Program, the IFSI Library has accumulated more than 7,000 entries in a “Reference Request Database.”

This paper reports and analyzes the data, including request methods, delivery methods, types of requests, and types of resources. Trends indicate a change over time in request and delivery methods. Different regions of the state and different user groups have begun to use the library. The research can serve as a model for designing, developing and evaluating outreach reference service in a special or small library dedicated to meeting the information needs of remote library users.     

Internet Reference Service: General Sources and Trends

Summary

Providing quality reference services is more challenging than ever. In addition to traditional print sources, the information professional now has a dazzling array of databases, both free and expensive, readily available. Internet reference service has evolved quickly over the last decade, moving from a place of last resort to a mainstream application. Librarians have responded in many innovative ways to connect their customers with information available on the Internet. However, superior Internet reference service requires substantial investments in equipment that administrators will have to consider. Staff and customer training have become pressing needs. Providing access to appropriate databases and materials will become increasingly challenging.     

Promise,Perils, and Planning

Summary

The promising future of new and better information services supported by the use of information technologies is well documented. Many journal articles describe successful experiences with better reference and instructional services, new services to new kinds of students who are engaged in distant independent learning or other non-traditional education, and better communication with library users. However, there are many perils on the way to delivering such improvements with the use of new finding tools, new software, new printing systems, and new telecommunication networks. An administrative overview of the sorts of planning which can smooth the implementation of information technology-based reference and instructional services outlines options for staffing, troubleshooting, fund raising, and budget development. Planning takes time and effort, collaboration and creativity. With appropriate emphasis on planning, the promise of implementing improvements in quality of services through information technologies can and should become a reality.     

Technological Tools for Library User Education

Abstract

In today's world, library users are confronted with almost too many options for using information because of the ubiquitousness of technology. Yet, libraries can harness the power of the same technologies to help users find the information they need at the time it is needed. The tools described in this article represent a starting point for librarians looking for technologies that are easy to use, inexpensive, and have a reasonable learning curve. Technologies addressed include classroom technologies such as audience response systems and Web-based technologies, including Web tutorials and screencasting. These technologies enhance and offer flexibility and variety in many educational settings.     

Acquisitions Problems in Ukrainian Libraries and New Electronic Solutions

SUMMARY

The author discusses a wide range of new developments in Ukrainian libraries that affects library acquisitions. New strategies are now required for obtaining library materials due to the inadequacy of obligatory deposit and changes in bibliographic control of new publications. Libraries are actively developing computer and Internet technologies, including websites, online catalogs, access to databases, sites linking to online resources, and collections of digitized full-text material. A number of libraries have recently begun implementing virtual reference services. A new professional journal, whose title translates as Library Forum of Ukraine, has arisen to address all aspects of librarian-ship.     

Electronic Government Information Dissemination

SUMMARY

The federal government, “the largest single producer, consumer, collector, and disseminator of information in the United States,”¹ has begun to disseminate most of that information electronically. Legislation and more economic production and dissemination of government information have produced changes in the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) and federal agency dissemination. This chapter examines the dissemination of electronic government information from the Government Printing Office (GPO) through the FDLP and executive branch agencies and discusses the impact that this has on users, libraries, and government information specialists.     

Collaboration and Information Literacy

Abstract

The National University Library Information Literacy Plan has been in place since 1999. Following a slow start, information literacy has begun to be accepted throughout the University. Faculty collaboration, dogged determination of librarians, and impressive assessment results have helped pave the way for this program. In this paper, a program overview will be briefly discussed followed by the National University LIC Librarians (virtual librarians at the regional learning centers) discussing faculty collaboration efforts, a University core curriculum class on information literacy, and information literacy assessment.     

International Library Consortia

Summary

Library consortia have grown substantially over the past ten years, both within North America and globally. As this resurgent consortial movement has begun to mature, and as publishers and vendors have begun to adapt to consortial purchasing models, consortia have expanded their agendas for action. The movement to globalize consortia is traced (including the development and current work of the International Coalition of Library Consortia-ICOLC). A methodology is explored to classify library consortia by articulating the key factors that affect and distinguish consortia as organizations within three major areas: strategic, tactical, and practical (or managerial) concerns. Common consortial values are examined, and a list of known international library consortia appears in the appendix.     

Changing Strategies for Information Delivery: Theory into Practice

ABSTRACT

Many events over the past decade have jeopardized the library's ability to fulfill its basic mission resulting in a shift of information delivery paradigms. Interlibrary loan, document delivery and resource sharing have become essential rather than peripheral and funding patterns are reflecting this philosophical shift. There is renewed interest in cooperative collection development and multiple options for meshing document delivery with an existing ILL program. Within this environment under a redefined mission statement, the Rasmuson Library, University of Alaska Fairbanks, addresses these shifting paradigms and has implemented a program to meet the information needs of its patrons.