Chatbots have experienced significant growth over the past decade, with a proliferation of new applications across various domains. Previous studies also demonstrate the trend of new technologies, especially artificial intelligence, being adopted in libraries. The purpose of this study is to determine the current research priorities and findings…

Motivated by mixed evidence on the effectiveness of reading companions on children's reading performance, as well as the clear and present need for libraries to conduct literacy education, this study sought to investigate the feasibility of using social robots in library literacy activities and to extract the essential functions of effective…

The informatics moment is the moment when a person seeks help in using some digital technology that is new to him or her. This article examines the informatics moment in people's everyday lives as they sought help at a branch public library. Four types of literacy were involved: basic literacy (reading and writing), computer literacy (use of a…

This article presents a reading of the user interface in one public library system. Its aim is to find out the frames and competences required and used in the communication between the computer and the patron. The authors see the computer as a text that is to be read by the user who wants to search for information from the library. The transition…

Outlines structural changes in the information supply community effected by the emergence of computer-searchable files as a major information resource together with other developments in electronic technology. Database definitions, interface differences, DuPont experiences, and options available to libraries and information centers are discussed.…

Explains four historical discontinuities: time and space; mind and body; real and virtual; and humans and technology. Considers how an awareness of them can assist librarians in creating virtual space for libraries, adapting to changing roles, and developing new value-added services. (Contains 126 references.) (Author/LRW)

Question analysis and search strategy development were broken down into nine steps for answering reference questions. These steps were examined for possible mechanization of the answering process. Such automation was not proved feasible. (LS)

This report describes implementation and exercising of simulation models for a portion of user behavior in the library setting. The emphasis is on user estimations of timing and convenience factors of service and how these are affected by actual service. The report begins with an oversimplified view of the user and becomes progressively more…

Describes the successful use of online database systems by the Library Services Division, Center for the Study of Youth Development at Boys Town for answering specific, limited reference questions; and identifies system use in acquisitions, interlibrary loan verification, name/address verification, and identification of persons, groups, or…

Discusses rise of videotex and teletext systems (delivery of graphic and textual information through electronic systems) in the United States, noting the role of libraries and librarians in providing these services. Corporate involvement, U.S. markets, library reference services, and major issues confronting growth are noted. Two references are…

Eleven articles introduce expert systems applications in library and information science, and present design and implementation issues of system development for reference services. Topics covered include knowledge based systems, prototype development, the use of artificial intelligence to remedy current system inadequacies, and an expert system to…

Discusses the use of microcomputer-based workstations that are provided for public access in libraries. Criteria for workstations are discussed, including standard hardware, open-design software, scalable interface, and connectivity options for networking; systems that provide full-text access are described; and the need for standards is…

Results from one of a series of cooperative projects to study public access to online catalogs are discussed. This report focuses on a survey of 1,152 users and 1,315 non-users of six computer systems at seven libraries, with library participants including (1) Claremont Colleges Library, which uses the Claremont Total Library System; (2) the…

Describes adoption of microcomputer tutorial for library orientation at state-owned school of approximately 2,800 students. Highlights include advantages and disadvantages of microcomputer-assisted instruction, production of tutorial software, the program, evaluation, and revisions. Goals for library instruction and sampling of questions used to…