EDITOR'S NOTES
From Data to Big Data, Librarians Rule
by Dick Kaser
No one will argue that large language models and the new AI apps aren’t a big deal. We’ve covered the topic extensively in CIL and Online Searcher this year. But there are other data sources that we still need to work with every day. In this issue, we look at data from a variety of angles and perspectives.
Assessment librarian Alexandria Green (Texas State University) discusses how disparate internal data collection and storage were hampering the library’s ability to use its own data effectively. She was tasked with developing a data management strategy and shares her insights with you.
Wesley Johnson (Daviess County Public Library) shares his experience with social media scams, which often include celebrity impersonation profiles on social media. He shows how to spot fakes and help your patrons avoid falling for the associated scams.
On the AI front, Robin Hastings and Dan Alexander (Northeast Kansas Library System) discuss their training program for bringing library staffers up-to-speed on the questions they may be asked by patrons who want to know more about AI applications. And Kevin Leary (St. Petersburg College) gives his firsthand tips on using AI apps to help your library and its patrons with the grant-writing process.
In the area of library cataloging and resource identification, who could forget linked data? Columnist Terence Huwe provides a review and update on the state of this art.
In the EDTECH section, Robert Loftus (Baldwinsville Public Library) shares his knowledge for building a gaming machine for younger library patrons using open source software and basic hardware that won’t break the bank. Just follow his detailed instructions.
At CIL, we are always looking for case studies about how librarians have applied tech to meet their goals. Why don’t you share what you know by writing for us in 2025? We are now accepting queries at infotoday.com/cilmag for next year, and we’d love to hear what you have to share.
Dick Kaser, Executive Editor
kaser@infotoday.com
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