Open Access World - New Blog

I have started a new blog ''Open Access World'' to share views , news and important sources related to open access. Hope this will be useful to all. Comments / Suggestions are most welcome related to the subject of new blog.

Open data

Like open access journals, open data is another type of open access resource.

According to definition given by open data hand book Open data is data that can be freely used, re-used and redistributed by anyone - subject only, at most, to the requirement to attribute and sharealike.

Like institutional repositories, open data repositories are also getting popular.

The Harvard Dataverse (https://dataverse.harvard.edu/) is one such data repository which is open to all scientific data from all disciplines worldwide.  It has different categories of data such as Research Project, Researcher, Organization or Institution, Journal, Research Group,Teaching Course and Laboratory. Various file formats such as  Stata, SPSS, R, Excel (xlsx) and CSV files etc can be uploaded. Tabular data files can be further explored and manipulated with TwoRavens - a statistical data exploration application integrated with Dataverse.

There are different types of software available for hosting open data repositories such as open source, commercial and self hosting. 

Many experts have predicted that managing data will be one of the main job of librarians in near future. Hence it is important that librarians should be aware about the latest developments taking place in this area and get required skill sets also for managing such data and providing related services.

Due to vast benefits associated with making data available online, worldwide Governments in many countries have already adopted open access policies. In India also, Government has published National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy (NDSAP), March 2012 through which the Government of India has mandated opening up data by all publicly funded institutes and organizations.  

Accordingly data is made available at https://data.gov.in/ at national level. Similarly such data is also made available at state (e.g. for Maharashtra state https://mahasdb.maharashtra.gov.in/home.do) and local i.e. district level (For e.g. Pune http://www.punecorporation.org/en/open-data) for transparency purpose.

Open data Search engines:

There are search engines specifically for searching open data. Few of them are:

• http://www.re3data.org/
• https://www.opendatanetwork.com/
• https://dev.socrata.com/data/

There are other search engines also including some paid services with specialized data search.

Reading habits in kids

Today's kids are smarter in using various gadgets and are aware about all the latest technologies available in the market.. Thanks to the Ads which are bombarded on TV, Papers etc.all the time. My 6 year kid is no exception as he was giving me advice (!!) last week while I was just roaming around in mall looking for various laptops and their configuration.

Education through technology is having its plus points no doubt as children can learn the new things may be at faster rate and as a result they can recollect it easily than just reading the books.

But using various gadgets for video games, play station, internet surfing etc. are no no for me. It does not give any creative satisfaction if compared to activities like drawing or painting or any other physical activity also which is required for overall growth of child.

Today children can sit ideal in front of TV, Computer for many hours but reading a book may be difficult for them... Its parents responsibility to inculcate reading habits in child at an early stage by helping them reading story books, identifying pictures, giving books as gifts instead of giving costly gadgets / games.

Being a librarian I make a point to gift books when ever possible not only to kids but also to my friends and relatives also. I hope that these small steps can help to bring joy again by reading good books for all.

So keep reading!!!!!!!!!!!

Now free online textbooks!!

Updating the blog was on my priority list for many months (!!) but due to other professional commitments I couldn't do it..

Recently I came across a site http://www.flatworldknowledge.com/ where users can access free and open college textbooks. Anyone can read the book online but for customization / adoption one needs to register. There is separate provision for faculty as well as students.

This is a good start for online free textbooks.

From Indian point of view there should be more such efforts where Indian textbooks will be available free and online. This will change the educational scenario as the present one is unaffordable due to high fees. At least students can get the access to books and study material free.

Infographics in Libraries

Recently I come across a new term “Infographics” which means Information graphics or graphic visual representations of information, data or knowledge.

I found Is Print Dead? (Infographic) very interesting.

The librarians can use this technique for displaying library usage, collection development, and expenditure analysis over a period of time. Generally this kind of information is given during committee meetings by means of PowerPoint presentations. But for display purpose the infographics is best way to communicate same data / information to the readers.

This may be used for library advocacy programme as suggested by Linda W Braun in How-To Use Infographics for Library Advocacy 

Another example I come across is Layola University in New Orleans where the students are guided about infographics.

Anatomy of a Librarian is another example for infographics. The accuracy of data given is not known but the picture gives an idea how infographics helps the readers to understand the concept in better way with visual representation.

Instead of giving data / statistical information in tabular forms infographics really works due to its meaningful presentation by use of charts, graphs & visualizations.

Also University of Texas Libraries is organizing special class / workshop Beyond PowerPoint: Say it with Infographics in October 2011.

This is something new hence sharing with all of you!!!!

A new beginning

It has been a long time since I updated my blog..

Most important reason is that I have changed my job and now working as Incharge Library at National Institute of Bank Management, Pune.

I remember my own post Changing job for librarians and presently experiencing it while working in new office. There are moments when I feel frustrated with new surroundings, starts comparing with previous job but I know eventually I will settle down at new job in near future. After all it is my own decision to move on!!

It has been 10 years that I worked in previous organization and hence changing a job was really a tough decision especially being a women and considering the responsibilities at home front. But thanks to my husband who always motivates me and helps me in achieving newer heights in my career.

Thanks to my well wishers, my friends who also supports and encourage me.

It's really a new beginning for me.. Wish me luck!!

Blogging experience for librarians

After the workshop, I realised that there is great need for library professionals to update their knowledge especially about the technological aspects as well as about library profession in general.

Creating a library blog and managing it is really an art. One should have creativity, innovative capability and a urge to do something new especially for your library users. You may add numerous gadgets to your blog to look it more attractive but it will not work until the contents on the blog are useful and educative from user's point of view.

There is also general observation, that many times professionals are always eager to learn new things thro' various workshops, conferences but when they go back it's up to them how they utilise their knowledge in their working schedule.

Library blogs are really useful if it is used to optimum level. Following are few examples listed but not limited to:

1. Announcements purpose:

• Change in time
• Library Holidays
• Exhibitions
• Library Orientation Session

    2.   User's Participation:

• Thro' Book reviews
• Ask a librarian
• Debate
• Survey about library services
• Ask their opinion as and when required
• Students' corner - to share their library experience / to announce their achievements
• Special lectures on specific topics / authors
• Online library orientation session
• Quiz

    3.    Information Services:

• New Arrivals
• News - General / Subject specific thro' Google News
• Thro' RSS Feeds from similar blogs
• Useful resources - (A list)
• RSS Feeds from Publishers for latest releases
• Sharing / displaying Twitter, Delicious etc accounts on blogs
• Posting latest happening in particular field of interest of users

    4.   Library information:

• Collection information
• Library Timings
• Virtual tour thr' pictures
• Special facilities if any
• Services provided
• E-collection
• Library OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue) Search facility
• Library Staff
• Contact details
• Holiday List
• Any other important aspect

The blog provides a medium for publishing the information online instantly. Now a days users are getting tech-savvy hence it also helps to create an image for library. Blog management is simpler as compared to website management and hence the librarians can do it for themselves.

Most important thing is, the web itself provides the vaiours blog creation and hosting software platforms and that too free!!! It's high time that librarians should get serious and apply these freely available latest techniques in otherwise budget crunch environment of library.

Workshop on web technology in Library services

At present I am busy in preparing for the upcoming "Workshop on web technology in Library services" on 24-25 January 2011" which will take place at NIA, Pune

I will be teaching the blogging activity. Those who are interested please see the details here.

Emphasis will be on practical usage with hands on sessions and will be useful for librarians who are new this technology.

Web Tools

People are not aware about various web tools available on the Internet. Recently I came across following such tools/sites, which will be useful for others and hence sharing with you. It will give idea and even motivation to others to do something new. Few resources given below are such lists and some sources gives the idea about how to use such web tools.



1. Directory of Experimental Library Tools: Blog written by Ken Varnum.

2. Illinois Library Web 2.0: The Blog

3. GO2WEB20 - Web Applications Index

4. Zotero

5. Web and Library Tools from SLA


Before using these web tools do please check their utility, functionality and also their pricing..

Writer's block

Hi friends


You may be surprised to see someting new on the blog after a long time .. but simultaneously there is nothing new actually!!!!!!!!!

I am not a great writer but still I felt that I am unable to write something new which would be exciting for me as well as for others too. This is not an excuse but I was preoccupied with my personal and other professional priorities too. But I promise that I will be back on my track and hope it to continue.

Good news is that I had published a paper titled as "Application of modern techniques in Library Service : A case study of Insurance Sector Library " along with my colleague Ms. Bhagyashree Sane who presented the paper at 10th MANLIBNET Convention received the BEST PAPER AWARD.

Meantime I got many hits, new followers and new comments too. I thank you all.

Have faith and keep going

Bhakti Gole

Librarian's Job

The librarian’s job is to assist users in finding relevant information by proper guidance and / or by providing alternative means to do the same work in different way. Recently I came across one such resource which is titled as “Guide to Library Research at Cornell: Seven Steps to Effective Library Research developed at Cornell University Library which helps the users from deciding the research topic till it’s citations by way of tips, multimedia etc. It is really a great resource from library users point of view. At the same time, it is an innovative yet simple mechanism to serve the users. It may also serve as a tool for information literacy programme for library users.

Importance of enhancing competencies for librarians

It is important for library professionals to enhance the competencies as per the job requirement and changing times. In view of this a very useful Competency Index for the Library Field by WebJunction were compiled from input from a spectrum of library practitioners and leaders, and from competencies defined by other library organizations.

Till date we are used to phrases like people skills, management skills, leadership skills etc. but this index emphasizes the “Librarian skills” which involves no doubt multi-tasking jobs.

This will be useful especially for new entrants in the profession as guidelines.

Changing job for librarians

The library professionals may be distinguished depending on their nature of job, subject they serve, or expertise they develop (e.g. Corporate Librarian, Medical Librarian, Serials Librarian). But the basic skills for being library professional required are almost same irrespective of you work in Educational (school / college / University) or Special (Public / Research / Subject oriented) library etc.

I remember, when I was interviewed for my second job, the member from the interview panel asked me how I will be able to serve my new users who are in the field of rural development being an NGO whereas I had experienced of working in science background of research institute!!

I replied that we library professionals are so trained that we can locate any kind of information irrespective of subject background. In the initial phase one may require time to learn and get the nuance of new subject but with our skills it is not a difficult task at all…

The question is how one can be prepared while there is job change. It may happen in following situations:

1. If one gets promoted
2. Transferred to new location or new department
3. Change in job by proper planning with complete preparation

The librarian may face dilemma while change in the job due to numerous factors such as:

a. Lack of skills required for new position e.g. Using technology for library automation /
management
b. Mentally not prepared for new responsibilities in case job change is unexpected
c. New atmosphere for starting all over again as change in users, their requirements, the new
library system etc.

In case, the person decides with proper planning with full preparation then it is easy to face new challenges but still one needs to do homework for smooth transition. Before applying for a new job, the library professional should be aware and satisfied about the responsibities, skills required for particular job, the present situation of library or information center, the parent organization to serve, the nature of users and their requirements etc. & would be expectations from management side & challenges. One needs to study all these aspects and prepare accordingly.

The change in job is must sometimes even in same organization to avoid monotonous routine, to learn something new. In any circumstances one must remain positive and prepare himself / herself as per changing situations in the library profession to face present and future challenges by acquiring new skills whenever required.

Web 2.0 applications for Libraries

Evernote.Com
Evernote is free software allows you to easily capture information in any format irrespective of device used and makes this information accessible and searchable at any time. As Roy "Todd" Vandenbark mentiones it is very useful web 2.0 tool comes in versions for Windows and Mac computers, and many mobile devices including Windows Mobile phones, the iPhone, and iPod Touch. And Evernote organizes everything based on tags you add to each item, allowing you to search for items and group them into "notebooks." You can publish any of your notebooks for others to see, and once published, it will be given its own unique URL and indexed by search engines.

Evernote offers two service plans, free and premium. The free account allows you to upload up to 40 MB of information per month, and is limited to images, audio files, link files, and PDFs. Notebooks published from any free account will include advertising in the margin. For $5 per month, or $45 per year, you can upload up to 500 MB of information in any file type, and they are secure socket layer (SSL) encrypted for added security during transfer. In addition, advertising is turned-off for premium users. The Web site offers some documentation and searchable support, and it includes a number of helpful tutorials.


LibGuides
The librarians experimenting with Web 2.0 applications may try tools provided by Springshare.com through which libraries can distribute their content to other websites, blogs, and courseware systems. As mentioned on their website Librarians can use it to create attractive multimedia content, share knowledge and information, and promote library resources to the community. Academic, Public, Special, and K-12 School Libraries find LibGuides an ideal solution for subject guides, information portals, course guides, community guides, research help, faculty/teacher support, etc. But this is not free software.

Innovations in libraries: Need of the day

The library staff usually tends to become bored after doing same work over period of time. To keep interest alive, one must try something new though the original work may remain the same. This is nothing but one’s innovation and creativity, which helps in bringing new value to monotonous work.

As Michelle McLean mentioned in her post on the blog, four elements of innovation are creativity, strategy, implementation and profitability. Innovations not only bring out creativeness in librarians but also save the times of users.

Innovation is useful for libraries as it:

· Makes optimal use of resources
· Attracts new users
· Builds stronger loyalty among current ones
· Gives creative satisfaction to library staff
· Helps in smooth running of activity irrespective of existing or newly introduced
· To enhance the library image amongst management as well as user community

To give some examples from library background, following changes may be considered as innovations:

i.) The library visit now can be replaced by Virtual Tour / Library Map on internet / intranet site.

ii) Previously library marketing was done through Brochures / Pamphlets which is easier through Library Blog.

iii) Earlier reference service was provided in person but now it can be done remotely also by Ask A Librarian / Instant Messaging service

iv) Previously library collection had both print as well as non-print (CDs/DVDs) material which may be now replaced by Digital Library / Online databases etc.

The above examples uses the various tools provided by information technology (IT) applications. But irrespective of IT, the librarians can do many things such as:

1. Announcing “Best User” Awards to excel reading habits of users
2. Display of slow moving titles in themes for increasing awareness amongst users
3. Using user-friendly furniture & displays etc.
4. Creating “Book Clubs” of users

32 Tips To Inspire Innovation for You and Your Library, Part 1, 2 and 3 by Stephen Abram, SirsiDynix vice president of Innovation are also helpful in this regard.

The most important of all is one’s own determination to make changes as and when required for maintaining balance between the present scenario and latest happenings in and around library keeping in mind future planning.

National Knowledge Commission Launches Online Contest

NKC's recommendations have been crafted to achieve the objective of tapping into India's enormous reservoir of knowledge, mobilising national talent and creating an empowered generation with access to tremendous possibilities for the 550 million youth.

To accelerate the process of reform and to create a groundswell of public opinion, NKC invites everyone to Online Contests.
Contest Period: 1 February – 1 March 2009
Categories: Film, Debate and Essay
Film Topic: Make a short film (not exceeding 6 mins)
1) How can I make a difference in transforming India
Debate Topics: Give your opinions in video format (not exceeding 4 mins each)
1) India will realise its demographic dividend in the next 15 years
2) Vocational education and training courses should be introduced in all schools
Essay Topics: Write your views (not exceeding 2000 words each)
1) How can India unleash its innovation and entrepreneurship potential?
2) Expansion, excellence and inclusion – the three challenges of the Indian education system Important Dates:
Contest Begins: Feb 1, 2009
Contest Closes: March 1, 2009
Results Declaration: March 10, 2009
Prizes Winners get to meet Mr. Sam PitrodaCash Prizes of more than INR 1.5 lakhsCertificates to first 500 entries
Log on to http://knowledgepor tal.in/contests to participate

Role of libraries in Social Networking

Today libraries are using latest trends to make their services popular & user friendly especially in western countries. These trends are now also catching up with Indian library professionals. Every body is now talking about Lib 2.0 applications. One of them is Social Networking (SN)!!

Librarians are always maintaining good rapport with their users as well as other professional fellow beings. But doing the same with new resources provided by Information & Communication Technologies (ICT) is now termed as “Social Networking” where users especially college students are targeted as they gets fascinated by such applications. The basic aim is same as resource sharing.

Those who are not aware about SN may try following resources available on Internet. They also give insight how libraries can play role in social networking:

1. Using Social Networking Tags in a Library Setting
2. MySpace, Social Networking and Its Impact on Library Services
3. Building a Social Networking Environment at the Library
4. Social Networking Websites
5. San Rafael Library joins social networking site Facebook
6. Social Networking by Yale University Science Libraries

At the same time there are incidences where libraries themselves have banned these sites due to various reasons.

1. No MySpace, Facebook at Mishawaka Library
2. Library Bans Social Networking

SN may prove dangerous in some instances like misuse of personal details. Everything has its pros and cons. One should look for positive things. SN also may prove useful if applied correctly. In this regard, a book titled as Online Social Networking on Campus may prove to be useful. The book is a professional guide for Higher Education faculty and Student Affairs administrators, which rigorously examines college students’ use of online social networking sites and how they use these to develop relationships both on and off campus.

OCLC have designed a special course titled as MySpace, Facebook, and Social Networking Tools for Libraries

Actual usage of such tools by libraries in India is not identified. But elsewhere survey is also conducted to know the usage.

As per the PEW report, the share of adult Internet users who have a profile on an online social network site has more than quadrupled in the past four years -- from 8% in 2005 to 35% now, according to the Pew Internet & American Life Project's December 2008 tracking survey.

While media coverage and policy attention focus heavily on how children and young adults use social network sites, adults still make up the bulk of the users of these websites. Adults make up a larger portion of the US population than teens, which is why the 35% number represents a larger number of users than the 65% of online teens who also use online social networks

Whether and how to use SN is the main point library professionals have to deal with keeping in mind all the pros and cons, which may vary from organization to organization also.

Best Practices for Lib 2.0

Last week I attended the INDEST-AICTE Workshop and Sixth Annual Meet 7-9, January 2009 at Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai. There were many presentations focused on Web 2.0 applications in libraries, which is popularly known as Lib 2.0.

The Lib 2.0 applications includes:
¨ Wikis
¨ Blogs
¨ RSS feeds
¨ Podcasts
¨ Folksonomies
¨ Social Networking
¨ Mashups etc.

One can study these applications and use it for library users in various ways as it does not require programming or technical knowledge. But it is essential to follow some standard practices or “Best Practices”.

The Society for New Communications Research is dedicated to identifying and promoting best practices surrounding the development, adoption, usage, monitoring and measurement of new media and communications tools, technologies and practices. They have published following best practices, which will be useful for everyone:

• Best Practices for Corporate Blogging
• Best Practices for Blogger Relations
• Best Practices for Using Social Networks

National Seminar in Pune

Department of Library & Information Science of University of Pune is organizing National Seminar on Library & Information Services in Changing Era during January 22-23, 2009 on the occassion of Golden Jubilee year of the Department.

I am sure this will be a great event as library professionals from all over India are expected. Being a ex-student of the Department of Lib & Inf. Sicence I am really looking forward to attend it.

Soft skills for librarians

For today’s librarians having professional degrees in library and information science is not sufficient unlike in the past. There is demand for librarians having multidimensional aptitude in the areas of technical work, administrative work and also in providing user oriented services along with soft skills. Like any other profession, the soft skills are required in day-to-day working for carrying out routine jobs more effectively. The librarians working in large organizations like corporate offices are already practicing these skills through by experience or training. One may learn these soft skills easily provided they are aware what these are!!

Following are soft sills required to become a successful library professional:

Listening skills: The library professionals must have good listening skills as he/she has to interact with different types of users all the time. By carefully listening to users’ he/she can identify the exact requirement and then provide the service accordingly.

Communications skills: Command on language especially English and also regional one will improve the communication. Good communication skills also require understanding people, self-confidence. With this one can achieve lot and solve problems too.

Interpersonal skills: Librarians have to deal with all levels of people like Management, users, colleagues in library, vendors etc. To deal with each one on them in rightful manner requires interpersonal skills. When you work in large organization, it is most important to build rapport with all departments, which helps in managing the library and providing better services to every one.

Public relations: One needs to use PR very effectively to attract users in libraries through various ways. It also helps to bond with users and vendors too. Also gives ability to work with other professionals.

Customer service: Customer is library user and to satisfy his information needs is customer service. The librarians are always giving attention to their users and providing services through CAS, SDI or other specialized services. The customer service emphasizes the customer satisfaction, which guarantees that user will always come back to library.

Leadership skills & Teamwork: Library management especially the big library is team exercise. Hence it is required to have leadership skills to manage and guiding the team time to time, as every subordinate is important for carrying out their work efficiently for smooth running of library.

Negotiating skills: These skills are required on special occasions such as handling bulk purchases, specialized databases subscription with vendors etc. Also some times in delicate situations like library committee meetings or avoiding undue requirements from arrogant users etc.

Writing skills: The librarians are sometimes asked to submit/help in writing research proposal/ business proposal/project report, which requires good writing skills. Today there are many library professionals who are contributing to various publications even in-house or even by blogging for sharing their experiences and helping users.

Project management skills: In corporate sector many times, librarians are part of some project team and assigned specialized jobs such as knowledge management or digital institutional repository. These require dedication, understanding of the project, time management for completion of work, teamwork and reporting back the results etc.

Presentation skills: The presentation skills are required in report writing, library committee meetings and even in daily work which represents the library management overall for users. It not only emphasizes the individual skills but also from library presentation by means of its decoration, users guides, and library ambience.

Teaching skills: This is essential for new user orientations or in case new service is introduced such as online database searching. It also includes motivating reading habits in users.

For young professionals, I would like to mention that as there is tremendous competition, having the soft skills would be added advantage as when such skills are listed in CV it will be enriched and not doubt it will attract the prospective employers.