How big data can help researchers mine up to 50,000 titles at a time was the subject of a lecture during the second edition of the joint conference between Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) and American Library Association (ALA) at Expo Centre yesterday.Robert H. McDonald, Associate Dean for Library Technologies and the Deputy Director of the Data to Insight Center, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana and Co-founder of the HathiTrust Research Center along with Ann Arbor, Michigan, the Kuali Open Library Environment, Bloomington, Indiana presented “Academic Libraries and Big Data” to the delegates.McDonald said, “American research libraries are becoming more involved in the process of research data management, planning, and access with their faculty and researchers. Big Data can now help support book research workflow as this technology has become more accessible. It is a natural progression as the tools to utilize Big Data to mine thousands of titles for trends or themes is more available. This presentation looks at where libraries fit into this new development.” Librarians have skills and abilities to offer the research data phenomenon but must build capabilities in the libraries to support appropriate collection development around research data needs and services, added McDonald.
In another session at the same time, M.O Raghunathan, Head Librarian, The Westminster School, Dubai presented a session called “School Libraries as Window to the World” which looked at how pupils can work collaboratively to develop 21st century learning skills. Raghunathan says that to develop well rounded students who use libraries for research, activities can be set by librarians to help them and in that way school libraries can be windows to the world of information through various activities.He said, “The activities cover modern learning skills, such as collaborative learning, improving the use of ICT for learning and skilled communication, problem solving, self-regulation, knowledge construction, multiple-intelligence, multicultural working skills, improving reading habits, and more.”
It provides student centric learning skills and when they work with each other instead of in front of a teacher they can discuss the subject in a less self-conscious way with their peers. It creates a more convivial atmosphere to learn in and develops self-regulation, problem solving and innovation skills, added Raghunathan. “The 21st century librarian is a teacher, a moderator, and a research guide”, he said.Across the hall a third session was taking place called “Library as Cultural Hub and Family Destination” with Ghaleb Masoud, Library Director, Abdul Hameed Shoman Public Library, Amman, Jordan. The Public Library in Jordan has been striving to become a cultural hub and a family destination by organizing various literary activities for both children and adults. Masoud said, “We have had regular cultural evening for both adults and children such as book launches and book signings, monthly poetry recitals and musical evenings, and book club discussions.
We also provide continuous capacity-building workshops for library users including workshops for software training. In addition we have held workshops for children on origami and poetry as well as scientific film screenings.” There are approximately 330 librarians from 18 countries being hosted at the ALA conference taking place alongside the Sharjah International Book Fair 2015 with expert speakers delving into topics of importance for professionals in public, academic and government libraries.Experts from libraries across the globe discuss concepts such as Big Data, Mobile Library, libraries as a cultural hub, linked data practices, digital literacy and LIS development in the region at different sessions during the conference. There is a special stand for librarians to explore new products and services as well as library exhibits. For more information visit www.sharjahbookfair.com.