2023 - Information Matters

November 7, 2023 Shahan Ahmad Chowdhury

UI Can Make or Break User Information Search Experience

Efficient and effective information search in web platforms is crucial to providing a better digital experience for users in today’s landscape. Whether you are searching for a product in the digital marketplace, researching a topic online, or seeking specific answers to your questions, the user interface (UI) you encounter plays an important role in shaping your search experience. This article highlights the impact of the search experience on users and the importance of getting it right.

Education Featured

November 7, 2023 Siby Shaji

Opening Doors to the World: Reading’s Role in Children’s Holistic Growth

In this article, we embark on a journey to explore the multifaceted significance of reading during the formative years of a child’s life, focusing on its pivotal role in nurturing holistic development and the enduring impact it leaves on young minds.

Op/Ed

October 26, 2023 Steve Sawyer

JASIST Editorial Note: 25 October 2023

Two topics in this editorial update. First, I introduce and explain the Journal’s newly formed Advisory Board (AB). Second, I highlight some advice for developing a manuscript that will have a higher likelihood of thriving in peer review.

Editorial

October 25, 2023 Chirag Shah

AI and the Future of Information Access

AI offers tremendous benefits for deepening and widening access to information. But there are also many problem and challenges. The future of AI-driven information access is not set yet, but it’s constantly being shaped through our discourse, policies, and actions. What will we choose and do? Is it possible to leverage AI’s potentials while minimizing risks and harms? I propose three ethos to make that happen.

Education

October 23, 2023 Sigy George

The Dark Side of India’s Education System: The Silent Suffering of Its Youth

This article delves into the pervasive and concerning issue of the intense pressure on Indian children to excel academically. Within India’s highly competitive education system, the pursuit of top grades and entrance exam scores is akin to a high-stakes game, leaving students grappling with anxiety attacks, low self-confidence, depression, and, tragically, suicidal tendencies. The proliferation of coaching institutes in places like Kota exacerbates this pressure, pushing young minds to their breaking point. This article sheds light on the harrowing consequences of this relentless race for marks and calls for urgent reforms, emphasizing the need to prioritize holistic development, mental health support, and a nurturing environment for India’s youth.

Featured Translation

October 18, 2023 Siyao Cheng

Navigating the Landscape of Traditional Cultural Expressions (TCEs) in Library Settings

Managing traditional cultural expressions (TCEs) within library settings can be cumbersome for any librarian, and is especially challenging for those lacking adequate training to handle the complex legal and ethical issues involved in collection development and managing collections including TCEs. Below, we explore intersections between TCEs and librarianship, including current issues and potential remedies within LIS education.

Education Featured

October 12, 2023 Sigy George

Silenced Voices: Ripples of Book Ban

The written word, a conduit for the human experience, has long held a central place in our society. While the arguments in favor of book bans often revolve around protecting children from perceived harm or maintaining societal norms, their side effects ripple across multiple facets of our world.

Featured Translation

October 12, 2023 Maja Krtalić

Tattoo and Information

For many people, tattoos are a powerful and beautiful way to adorn the body and express identity, memory, ideas or artistic preferences. For some, tattoos are symbols of trauma and regret. Whether tattoos simply decorate the body or carry a deeper meaning, information is created, captured and communicated through tattoo images and during the tattooing process. Researchers at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand have been exploring the informational aspect of tattoos in a project called Tattoo and Information. We interviewed 25 New Zealanders of diverse profiles. Here is what we know so far.

Education Featured

October 11, 2023 Siby Shaji

Unlocking Minds: The Battle Over Banned Books and the Power of Free Thought

In a world where information and ideas flow freely, the concept of banning books may seem archaic or even regressive. However, throughout history and even in the present day, certain books have faced censorship, removed from libraries, challenged in schools, and restricted from young readers. While the intent behind banning books may be rooted in concerns over sensitive or controversial content, it’s essential to recognize that these banned books often hold immense value and provide valuable learning experiences for young minds.