{"title":"Analysis of professional secrecy in Ibero-America: Ethical and legal perspectives","authors":"Alonso Estrada-Cuzcano, Karen Alfaro-Mendives","doi":"10.1177/03400352211057149","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/03400352211057149","url":null,"abstract":"Eight Ibero-American political constitutions that include professional secrecy (confidentiality) as a constitutional guarantee are analysed, and their influence as a fundamental right in the professional practice of librarians is examined. The impact of professional secrecy is established in professional codes of ethics, and it is shown that they do not clearly express this principle; its application in trade unions has limited effectiveness. The various difficulties involved in preserving professional secrecy in library practice, which work centres try to violate, are shown.","PeriodicalId":45334,"journal":{"name":"IFLA JOURNAL-INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF LIBRARY ASSOCIATIONS","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2021-12-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45813334","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Adrian W. Chew, C. Oo, Adeline L. H. Wong, Joanne M. Gladding
{"title":"An initial evaluation of research data management online training at the University of New South Wales","authors":"Adrian W. Chew, C. Oo, Adeline L. H. Wong, Joanne M. Gladding","doi":"10.1177/03400352211054120","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/03400352211054120","url":null,"abstract":"In response to low research data management engagement at the University of New South Wales, Australia, an introductory research data management online training was developed and rolled out to all newly enrolled Higher Degree Research candidates. This article outlines the development process of the research data management online training and provides an initial evaluation of the training from the perspectives of the candidates and the university. As such, this article joins up with existing literature on research data management training to assist institutions and research data management stakeholders with the development of research data management training to help researchers and research students enact research data management best practices. Overall, the majority of the candidates (n = 643) were satisfied with the quality of the training and found it helpful. The benefits the training brought to the university are mapped out by linking institutional research data management problems, the research data management online training’s design and findings into a coherent narrative.","PeriodicalId":45334,"journal":{"name":"IFLA JOURNAL-INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF LIBRARY ASSOCIATIONS","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2021-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43313212","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Long tail metaphysics: The epistemic crisis and intellectual freedom","authors":"Sarah Hartman-Caverly","doi":"10.1177/03400352211057146","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/03400352211057146","url":null,"abstract":"In reaction to the epistemic crisis, efforts to restrict free expression and access to information have not only failed to preserve the truth, but sometimes also suppressed it. Libraries’ commitment to intellectual freedom creates unique opportunities to deliver alternative solutions. By renewing the emphasis on intellectual freedom in core library functions like collections, education, and programming, libraries can provide the epistemic resources that patrons need amidst a broader context of distrust, manipulation, and censorship. This essay examines the epistemic crisis in the USA in light of intellectual freedom and the IFLA Statement on Libraries and Intellectual Freedom. Organized into three parts, this piece explores plurality as normative in the human condition, considers the impact of information and communications technology on free expression and the legitimacy of information institutions, and reconciles the emerging tensions by applying concepts from virtue epistemology to intellectual freedom. The essay concludes with considerations for library practice.","PeriodicalId":45334,"journal":{"name":"IFLA JOURNAL-INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF LIBRARY ASSOCIATIONS","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2021-11-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43935971","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The library as soft-power actor: A review","authors":"Emilia C. Bell, M. Kennan","doi":"10.1177/03400352211054113","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/03400352211054113","url":null,"abstract":"This narrative review pursues an understanding of the relationship of libraries to the concepts of soft power and public and cultural diplomacy. The cross-disciplinary nature of the study required that the search approach include literature from both the International Relations and Library and Information Science disciplines. The analysed literature reveals three key gaps. First, research explicitly addressing the topic of ‘libraries and soft power’ is scarce. Second, the little Library and Information Science literature that addresses libraries and soft power rarely considers contemporary discourse. Third, the literature often has an implicit liberal institutionalist perspective, overlooking negative or hegemonic aspects of soft power. Given that soft power is considered increasingly relevant for representing national interests, understanding libraries’ roles and impact in international relations is significant and warrants further research.","PeriodicalId":45334,"journal":{"name":"IFLA JOURNAL-INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF LIBRARY ASSOCIATIONS","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2021-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49229668","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S. Wakeling, J. Garner, P. Hider, H. Jamali, Jessie Lymn, Yazdan Mansourian, H. Randell-Moon
{"title":"‘The challenge now is for us to remain relevant’: Australian public libraries and the COVID-19 crisis","authors":"S. Wakeling, J. Garner, P. Hider, H. Jamali, Jessie Lymn, Yazdan Mansourian, H. Randell-Moon","doi":"10.1177/03400352211054115","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/03400352211054115","url":null,"abstract":"The COVID-19 crisis has had a significant impact on public libraries around the world. In Australia, almost all public libraries experienced some period of building closure, requiring libraries to adapt their services and delivery models. This article reports findings from a large-scale survey of public library managers in Australia, which was conducted in August 2020. In particular, it presents the results of a thematic analysis of the participants’ free-text responses to open questions asked as part of the survey. This analysis reveals important insights relating to responses to library closures, staffing issues, new and expanded services and programmes, relationships with parent bodies, and the role of public libraries during the crisis and beyond. While public libraries are perceived by managers to have been agile and adaptable, and to have utilised technology effectively, the findings clearly demonstrate the value to users of library buildings, with important consequences for understanding the role of public libraries.","PeriodicalId":45334,"journal":{"name":"IFLA JOURNAL-INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF LIBRARY ASSOCIATIONS","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2021-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41820390","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"An assessment of health information literacy among women in rural Lake Zone, Tanzania","authors":"M. Kassim, F. Ndumbaro","doi":"10.1177/03400352211048914","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/03400352211048914","url":null,"abstract":"This article presents the results from a descriptive cross-sectional survey that was conducted to assess the health information literacy skills of women of childbearing age in rural Lake Zone, Tanzania. A total of 349 women were involved in the study. The study found that most rural women in the study area have low levels of health information literacy. The aggregate scores of health information literacy indicate a mean of 42.86% with a normal distribution curve, and estimated close-to-zero skewness (0.172) and kurtosis (−0.297) measures. The causal relationships between health information literacy and women’s socio-demographic factors indicate a positive and statistically significant effect (p < .01) of women’s level of education, income, ownership of means of communication and access to health facilities on their level of health information literacy. The women’s inadequate ability to access, read, understand, appraise and use health information is a barrier to their acquisition of relevant health information. Enhancing the health information literacy skills of these women is most likely to improve their health outcomes.","PeriodicalId":45334,"journal":{"name":"IFLA JOURNAL-INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF LIBRARY ASSOCIATIONS","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2021-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41289636","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Deborah A Becker, J. Arendse, Veliswa Tshetsha, Zulaiga Davids, Vuyokazi Kiva-Johnson
{"title":"The development of LibGuides at Cape Peninsula University of Technology Libraries and the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on their usage","authors":"Deborah A Becker, J. Arendse, Veliswa Tshetsha, Zulaiga Davids, Vuyokazi Kiva-Johnson","doi":"10.1177/03400352211046025","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/03400352211046025","url":null,"abstract":"LibGuides have been used by librarians at Cape Peninsula University of Technology since 2012 as a means of providing subject-based information to students, with quick links to selected resources and information supplementing information literacy training. Lecturers use the resources for preparing lectures and identifying learning materials, while researchers and postgraduate students use research support guides when writing their papers. As the worldwide pandemic caused a major lockdown, academic institutions in South Africa were closed and students sent home. However, students still needed to complete their studies, and librarians at Cape Peninsula University of Technology had to continue providing support to these students. One of the online services available was LibGuides. This article provides insight into the historical developments of LibGuides at Cape Peninsula University of Technology, the use of LibGuides during lockdown, and the experiences of a selected group of students and librarians.","PeriodicalId":45334,"journal":{"name":"IFLA JOURNAL-INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF LIBRARY ASSOCIATIONS","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2021-10-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48210687","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Framework for the provision of information to the visually impaired in academic libraries in compliance with the Marrakesh Treaty","authors":"Samuel Macharia Were, J. Otike, Emily Bosire","doi":"10.1177/03400352211046018","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/03400352211046018","url":null,"abstract":"This study aimed to propose a framework for the provision of information to the visually impaired in compliance with the Marrakesh Treaty. Its objectives were to examine copyright-related challenges in accessing copyrighted information; identify strategies to improve access to copyrighted information in compliance with the Marrakesh Treaty; and propose a framework for the provision of information to the visually impaired in in compliance with the Marrakesh Treaty. The study targeted university librarians and library users with visual impairments. Interviews were used to collect data and were analysed thematically. The findings revealed that the challenges include the unavailability of appropriate policies and the high costs and problems involved in accessing copyright consent. Among the strategies to improve access to copyrighted information include role reallocation in libraries, training and creating awareness of the Marrakesh Treaty among all stakeholders. The study concluded with a proposed framework for implementing the Marrakesh Treaty.","PeriodicalId":45334,"journal":{"name":"IFLA JOURNAL-INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF LIBRARY ASSOCIATIONS","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2021-10-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45083076","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Practices and thinking of public libraries in China during COVID-19","authors":"Z. Xin","doi":"10.1177/03400352211046024","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/03400352211046024","url":null,"abstract":"As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, libraries in China closed their doors in early 2020 and moved all their services online. This change has brought unprecedented challenges for the development of library services, while it has also brought opportunities and motivation for the future transformation of libraries. This article uses official WeChat accounts of the National Library of China and more than 30 provincial public libraries as the main information sources to summarize and classify the services provided during the period of closure. It also collates and analyses news items released by these libraries to guide the improvement of the online services of public libraries in the pandemic environment. Finally, it puts forward the author’s reflections and suggestions on the key development directions of libraries in the post-pandemic era in six areas: reading promotion, smart libraries, new media operation, information literacy cultivation, open access and collaborative development.","PeriodicalId":45334,"journal":{"name":"IFLA JOURNAL-INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF LIBRARY ASSOCIATIONS","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2021-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43526388","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Navigating complex authorities: Intellectual freedom, information literacy and truth in pandemic STEM information","authors":"Kate Mercer, Kari D. Weaver, Khrystine Waked","doi":"10.1177/03400352211048915","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/03400352211048915","url":null,"abstract":"Traversing scientific information has become increasingly fraught, as the new information landscape allows anyone to access endless information with a few keystrokes. However, those trying to find information, understand authorities and navigate experts need a deeper understanding not only of the information itself, but also of how and why information is shared. Increasingly, questions of expertise, locale and bias are driving the scientific information ecosystem and creating or expanding disinformation, misinformation and propaganda efforts. Librarians are in the centre of this maelstrom of information and are obligated to help people learn to be critical of information. This article presents an illustrative case study, using the example of scientific information around the safety and efficacy of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to demonstrate how modern scientific information sharing is shaped by the ways in which misinformation and fake news spread.","PeriodicalId":45334,"journal":{"name":"IFLA JOURNAL-INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF LIBRARY ASSOCIATIONS","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2021-10-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45824910","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}