EDITOR'S NOTES
Understanding and Deploying Library and Research Apps
by Dick Kaser
This issue highlights some of the ways that librarians are leveraging apps, platforms, and online systems to meet the needs of their users. In a review of the top AI tools for helping students with academic research, librarians Susan Gardner Archambault and José J. Rincón (Loyola Marymount University) share the results of their detailed evaluation. Using the REACT framework, each of six tools for citation mapping and literature review is evaluated and rated.
Rachel Kinnon (San Francisco Public Library) discusses her work with programs for the incarcerated by detailing how she was able to deliver free ebooks to inmates using the stripped-down tablets available to them with hoopla as the content delivery platform. Due to content restrictions in jails, this was not as easy as it may sound. Kinnon shares her experience and insights on how to make it work in what is probably an underserved community in your area.
Using Springshare’s LibGuides, long-time educator Sarah Cowley (Jefferson County Public Schools) describes how the libraries across her school system are building school websites featuring localized, tailored content.
Finally, frequent CIL contributor Cal LaFountain challenges you to think outside the box, creating services by observing and learning from the innovative applications developed by institutions outside libraries.
Speaking of innovation, I hope to see you online later this month (Oct. 22–24) for Information Today, Inc.’s virtual library conference, Internet Librarian Connect 2024, which features many sessions on how to apply today’s technology in your library. For details and to register, visit internet-librarian.infotoday.com/2024.
Dick Kaser, Executive Editor
kaser@infotoday.com
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