http://hdl.handle.net/10197/2546 2017-10-31T10:22:09Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/8695 Social Science Data Archives: A Historical Social Network Analysis Kalpana Shankar; Eschenfelder, Kristin R.; Shankar, Kalpana As public investment in archiving research data grows, there has been increasing attention to the longevity or sustainability of the data repositories that curate such data. While there have been many conceptual frameworks developed and case reports of individual archives and digital repositories, there have been few empirical studies of how such archives persist over time. In this paper, we draw upon organizational studies theories to approach the issue of sustainability from an organizational perspective, focusing specifically on the organizational histories of three social science data archives (SSDA): ICPSR, UKDA, and LIS. Using a framework of organizational resilience to understand how archives perceive crisis, respond to it, and learn from experience, this article reports on an empirical study of sustainability in these long-lived SSDAs. The study draws from archival documents and interviews to examine how sustainability can and should be conceptualized as on-going processes over time and not as a quality at a single moment. Implications for research and practice in data archive sustainability are discussed. 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/8684 Usability testing the Letters of 1916 Digital Edition Wusteman, Judith Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe the process and implications of usability testing a prototype version of the Letters of 1916 Digital Edition. Design/methodology/approach: The paper presents the testing, the lessons learned and how those lessons informed the subsequent redesign of the site. Findings: Results imply that a majority of users, even digital humanists, were not looking for a unique and specialised interface, but assumed – and preferred – a user experience that reflects common search systems. Although the audience for digital humanities sites is becoming increasingly diverse, the needs of the different user groups may be more similar than had previously been assumed. Research limitations/implications: The usability test employed 11 participants, five of whom were coded as 'general public'. Four of these five had previously volunteered to transcribe and upload letters. This meant that they were already familiar with the project and with the Letters of 1916 Transcription Desk. However, their prior involvement was a result of their genuine interest in the site, thus ensuring that their interactions during testing were more realistic. Practical implications: The lesson learned may be useful for the Digital Editions of future crowdsourced humanities projects. Originality/value: Letters of 1916 is the first crowdsourced humanities project in Ireland. The theme of the project is topical, emotive and socially important in Ireland and among Irish diaspora today. The project’s content has been created by the 'ordinary citizens of Ireland' and they are likely to be the major users of the Digital Edition. The study explores how the Digital Edition can support these users, while also facilitating the range of traditional scholars and digital humanities researchers. 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/8634 Proceedings of the European Data and Computational Journalism Conference Petricek, Tomas; Heravi, Bahareh R.; Stark, Jennifer A.; et al. The European Data and Computational Journalism Conference aims to bring together industry, practitioners and academics in the fields of journalism and news production and information, data, social and computer sciences, facilitating a multidisciplinary discussion on these topics in order to advance research and practice in the broad area of Data and Computational Journalism. European Data and Computational Journalism Conference, Univerisity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, 6-7 July 2017 2017-07-06T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/8612 Developments in the Gambling Area: Emerging trends and issues supporting the development of policy and legislation in Ireland Fulton, Crystal This report provides a summary of literature which has been published on developments in gambling since 2013, in addition to an analysis of the responses from consultation with gambling industry stakeholders and experts. The aims of the report are to highlight emerging trends and developments in gambling since 2013, with a focus on the following specific areas: international legislation, gambling industry mergers, services provided to problem gamblers and gambling technology.Examination of gambling legislation internationally looked at how international legislation has been dealing with emerging issues such as online gambling, sports betting, harm reduction, problem gambling and advertising.Gambling industry mergers, which have become increasingly common in recent years, are discussed with regard to the reasons for these mergers.Services which are available both in Ireland and internationally for problem gamblers  2and those affected by problem gambling were also examined. Issues which have arisen include service providers which are funded by the gambling industry itself and the usage levels of gambling services online versus land-based gambling support services as well as a lack of support services for families affected by problem gambling.The review of technological developments in the gambling industry covers both online gambling developments and land-based technological developments. New research into the risks of both online gambling and machine based gambling as well as aspects necessary for successful use of pre-commitment systems in managing the risks associated with both are summarised. The emergence and popularity of social media and social media gaming, and how the gambling industry is embracing this technology, was a common theme in much of the literature surrounding online gambling. An important factor that is looked at is the blurring of lines between online gambling and social media games which simulate gambling. This is a continually evolving area and as such requires monitoring. 2017-02-23T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/8156 Web Development Skills for Information Architects Wusteman, Judith Some information architects can merely propose information architectures, but the most useful information architects have skills that enable them to be actively involved in Web development. What Web skills does a good information architect need? In this article, I’ll propose a set of Web skills that a graduate with a Masters in Information Architecture would ideally possess. 2014-06-23T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/8147 Organizational resilience, financial strategies, and social science data archives Eschenfelder, Kristin R.; Shankar, Kalpana How do financial strategies, and changes to financial strategies over time, contribute to the organizational resiliency of data archives? We explore the challenges, crisis and opportunities faced by data archives over 40 years and the financial strategies they have employed to deal with challenges and opportunities. This paper describes how two well-known social science data archives, ICPSR and the UK Data Archive (UKDA), adopted and adapted their financial structures over a 40 year period in order to remain sustainable. SciDatCon 2016, Denver, Colorado, USA, 11-13 September 2016 2016-09-13T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/8124 Creating an Evidence-Based Digital Curation Curriculum for Ireland: Case Study at University College Dublin Shankar, Kalpana; Cushing, Amber Digital curation is an ongoing set of processes for selecting, preserving, archiving describing, and sharing born-digital and digitised resources, such as documents, data, photos, sound, and film.  The importance of digital curation for identifying and preserving digital materials for the future is of increasing importance to cultural and commercial institutions. Although digital curation as a profession is still in its infancy, library and information professionals are increasingly tasked with meeting these demands.  In this article, the authors briefly outline digital curation as a practice, discuss digital curation in the Irish context, and describe how University College Dublin's School of Information and Communication Studies new educational initiatives in digital curation are addressing these challenges. 2016-10-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/8074 Editorial: Virtual research environments: Issues and opportunities for librarians Wusteman, Judith Purpose: This editorial aims to introduce a special issue of Library Hi Tech on "Virtual research environments: issues and opportunities for librarians". It defines the concept of the virtual research environment (VRE), describes its relationship both to the virtual learning environment and to Web 2.0, and proposes that librarians play a central role in VRE development and use. Findings: The VRE is likely to have a huge impact on many aspects of research and, thus, on the role of the academic and the research librarian. If VREs are to fulfill their potential as useful and usable artifacts, librarians need to have a central role in their development and application. Practical implications: Librarians need to be proactive in identifying and advocating for their potential roles in VRE development and use. These roles need to be taken into account in the curricula of schools of library and information studies. Originality/value: This is an ideal time for librarians to explore the potential of VREs because there is still time to influence their eventual form. 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/8073 OJAX: a case study in Agile Web 2.0 Open Source Development Wusteman, Judith Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe a case study of the development, features and evaluation of a rich internet application for libraries. It aims to demonstrate best practice in the use of software standards, development processes and evaluation. Design/methodology/approach: Web 2.0, open source design methods and usability testing were used within an agile framework. Findings: The adoption of agile software development methods, coupled with usability testing, would enable the library community to take full advantage of the techniques and principles inherent in Web 2.0 open source software. Research limitations/implications: A major component of the evaluation of OJAX was a series of usability tests. As is the nature of most usability studies, the results are not generalisable. Originality/value: Aspects of agile software development methods, such as usability testing and iterative design, are recognised in the literature as contributing to the usability of library software. However, exploration of the use of a full agile framework plus usability testing to facilitate Web 2.0 open source software is rare in library‐related literature. 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/8072 Editorial: Virtual Research Environments: What is the librarian's role? Wusteman, Judith Virtual Research Environments (VREs) will increasingly change the face of research and librarians have a crucial role to play in their development and use. In the future, VREs should be as fundamentally integrated into the university library information space as Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) are now. If VREs are to achieve their potential in supporting researchers, librarians need to ensure that they are involved at this early stage of their evolution so that they can influence their development. 2008-06-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/8071 Realising the potential of web services Wusteman, Judith Purpose: To highlight the potential of web services for libraries. Design/methodology/approach: A brief description of web services is followed by a discussion of the importance of web service standards and the role of initiatives to encourage the development and use of such standards in libraries. Findings: Web services offer many advantages to the library community, but the majority of these advantages will only be realised if web services are standardised. Originality/value: This paper is a call to the library community to prevent the proliferation of proprietary web services by supporting the development and use of standard web services. 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/8070 Using Ajax to Empower Dynamic Searching Wusteman, Judith; O'hIceadha, Pádraig The use of Ajax, or Asynchronous JavaScript + XML, can result in Web applications that demonstrate the flexibility, responsiveness, and usability traditionally found only in desktop software. To illustrate this, a repository metasearch user interface, OJAX, has been developed. OJAX is simple, unintimidating but powerful. It attempts to minimize upfront user investment and provide immediate dynamic feedback, thus encouraging experimentation and enabling enactive learning. This article introduces the Ajax approach to the development of interactive Web applications and discusses its implications. It then describes the OJAX user interface and illustrates how it can transform the user experience. 2006-06-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/7654 Future Proofing the Digital Society: An Introduction to Digital Curation and Data Practices Shankar, Kalpana In this article, I briefly introduce digital curation, discuss some of the successes of the process (and a cautionary tale), and invite readers to contribute articles. 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/7566 Studying the History of Social Science Data Archives as Knowledge Infrastructure Shankar, Kalpana; Eschenfelder, Kristin R.; Downey, Greg In this paper, we develop a brief history of Social Science Data Archives (SSDAs) and their implications for evolving scholarship on the sustainability and coordination of contemporary knowledge infrastructures.  We draw upon analyses of institutional and policy documents and interviews from active SSDAs as well as field level analyses of professional societies for staff and representatives of SSDAs.  We examine the history of SSDAs in shaping the social sciences of the latter part of the twentieth century, their strategies for remaining active and relevant through institutional and financial uncertainty, and conclude with implications for current STS scholarship in cyberinfrastructures and open data. 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/7331 Sustaining Data Archives over Time: Lessons from the Organizational Studies Literature Shankar, Kalpana; Eschenfelder, Kristin R. This article will explore how organizational theoretic approaches to understanding institutional sustainability could be applied to contemporary data archives and archival practices, with the aim of raising larger questions about data sustainability. The article is part of a larger study in progress of how one particular example of long-lived archives, Social Science Data Archives (SSDAs), have maintained themselves over time. SSDAs predate both computers and the Internet and provide a unique opportunity to examine perceptions about what makes an archive sustainable, through the ups and downs of funding cycles and massive changes in technical and organizational infrastructure. 2015-12-17T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/7272 For Want of a Nail: Three Tropes in Digital Curation Shankar, Kalpana This article explores the role of three key tropes in the data curation profession. Using interviews with digital preservation experts, researchers, public sector statisticians, and social science data archivists as well as popular and professional literature and media, this article discusses how tropes and narratives are used to create shared meaning among data curation stakeholders. The article explores how tropes of abundance / overload, openness, and trust are created and used and concludes with reflections on how such stories articulate professional values and concerns. The article advocates for further attention to the use of narratives and stories as the data curation profession develops. 2015-12-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/6796 Playing Social Roulette: The Impact of Gambling on Individuals and Society in Ireland Fulton, Crystal This scholarly research study explored gambling behaviour in Ireland, specifically the issue of problem gambling and its impact on the individual, the gambler’s relationships with social connections, and the wider impact of problem gambling behaviour on community and society. The project followed an exploratory, ethnographic approach to enable participants to express themselves fully from their perspective, to facilitate in-depth understanding of gambling behaviour, and to provide a foundation for future research projects in this area. The research was conducted as four work packages, involving data collection with critical stakeholders: 1) Addiction Service Providers, 2) Gamblers, 3) Gamblers' Social Connections, and 4) the Gambling Industry. Data were collected using semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Problem gambling not only affects the individual who participates in gambling opportunities, but also that person’s family members, friends, and wider community. There are multiple areas where stakeholders' needs can be facilitated, including regulation and policy development to protect those vulnerable to negative outcomes associated with gambling. Importantly, collaboration among all stakeholders should be initiated. Findings suggest that development of a regulatory framework and a social policy framework is urgently needed. A national strategy for service provision is essential. Further research into gambling behaviour and approaches and services is urgently needed in Ireland. 2015-06-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/6639 Sustaining Data Archives over Time: Lessons from the Organisational Studies Literature Shankar, Kalpana; Eschenfelder, Kristin R. The long-term preservation of digital data involves a complex intersection of technologies, institutions, stakeholders, and policies. But for data to remain accessible over time, the data repository which houses it, preserves it, and circulates it must itself be sustainable. The sustainability of data repositories is a growing concern as researchers, archival practitioners, and funders of digital archive projects seek to ensure that resources invested in research will have benefits that endure beyond the period of individual research contracts and grants. However, sustainability efforts are limited by lack of long-term comparative studies of digital repositories in research field contexts, national and market contexts [6]. Also, there has been little attempt to synthesize the organisational literature with practitioner perspectives in an effort understand how successful data archives maintain themselves (and how and why some data archives do not). This paper will explore how organisational theory approaches to understanding institutional sustainability could be applied to contemporary data archives and archival practices, with the aim of raising larger questions about data sustainability. The paper is part of a larger study in progress of how one particular example of long-lived archives, Social Science Data Archives (SSDAs), have maintained themselves over time. SSDAs predate both computers and the Internet and provide a unique opportunity to examine perceptions about what makes an archive sustainable, through the ups and downs of funding cycles and massive changes in technical and organisational infrastructure. The 1st Annual Conference on Digital Preservation for the Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities (DPASSH), 25-26 June 2015, Dublin, Ireland 2015-06-26T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/6532 A sign on a tree: A case for 'public knowledge' Ma, Lai Can information be objective and/or subjective? Based on Patrick Wilson’s notion of public knowledge and a story of a sign on a tree, this paper argues that private information is not the same as subjective information, and that the very communicative process of making information makes information objective. It also argues that the objective sense of information—public knowledge—has been and will be most relevant to information science, hence questions concerning collective responsibility in collecting, preserving, and organizing information shall be considered. 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/6531 Some philosophical considerations in using mixed methods in library and information science research Ma, Lai Mixed methods research (MMR) has been described as the third research paradigm that combines qualitative and quantitative research methods. The mixing of research methods requires an epistemological framework that embraces the 'reality' uncovered by different research methods. Three formal ontological categories are introduced for deconstructing the polarized view of reality in objectivism and relativism and for differentiating the nature and characteristics of objective, subjective, and normative validity claims as well as the conditions for justifying 'objectivity' in social research. The characterization of 'information' as objective, subjective, and normative-evaluative simultaneously demands the study of conditions of information-related phenomena that may call for mixed methods research in library and information science. 2012-09-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/6530 Meanings of information: The assumptions and research consequences of three foundational LIS theories Ma, Lai This article addresses the question 'what is information?' by comparing the meaning of the term 'information' and epistemological assumptions of three theories in library and information science: the 'Shannon-Weaver model,' Brookes’ interpretation of Popper's World 3, and the Data-Information-Knowledge-Wisdom model. It shows that the term 'information' in these theories refers to empirical entities or events and is conceptualized as having causal powers upon human minds. It is argued that the epistemological assumptions have led to the negligence of the cultural and social aspects of the constitution of information (i.e., how something is considered to be and not to be information) and the unquestioned nature of science in research methodologies. 2012-04-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/6280 Hurling against a haystack: The incentives and challenges of open data in the Republic of Ireland O'Neill, Brittney; Shankar, Kalpana Comparative research on data practices is hampered by the difficulty of studying across cases. The Republic of Ireland, with its small geographical size and population, an economy that is highly leveraged in information technology investment, and a centralized funding model provides a unique 'laboratory' for examining data infrastructures in social and cultural contexts. This project reports on a preliminary study of the Open Data movement in the Irish public sector with an eye to surfacing themes for understanding data practices and challenges across different sectors. Using semi-structured interviews with individuals (n=11) involved in open data administration across the Republic, the researchers discuss current implementation and ongoing practices. Initial findings with respect to difficulties in measuring success, the sustainability of data, and valuating data are discussed. Future work on understanding how culture may play a role in open data infrastructures, stated and implicit values and biases, and creating and measuring need and impact are briefly discussed. iConference 2015, Newport Beach, California, USA, 24-27 March, 2015 2015-03-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/6148 Response to Ireland's Open Data Implementation Shankar, Kalpana; O'Neill, Brittney We would like to commend Insight and DPER for their hard work and inclusive process on furthering Ireland’s Open Data initiatives. Although we have many concerns and thoughts about the initiatives to date, we will limit ourselves to two categories in which we feel that we have the greatest depth of expertise: the digital curation component and education/outreach of data creators. Some general comments on data audit are also included at the end. 2014-09-19T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/6015 Evaluating the Case for a Virtual Research Environment for Researchers of Irish Composition Lyons, Tricia; Wusteman, Judith This article describes a study to determine whether there exists a need for a custom-built Virtual Research Environment (VRE) for academic and independent researchers who study Irish-based music composition. It assesses the potential forms such a VRE could take, based on user requirements and existing VRE models. Challenges and limitations for researchers are identified as possible entry-points for VRE solutions. The feasibility of using components of existing VRE projects for this purpose is considered. Finally, two possible scenarios for the implementation of a VRE are discussed. 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/5890 OJAX++: Demonstrating the next generation of Virtual Research Environments Jeffery, David; Wusteman, Judith Purpose: This paper aims to introduce the OJAX++ virtual research environment (VRE) and illustrate how it can enable researchers to organise and collaborate on their research in one place while using their own choice of popular web‐based applications. Design/methodology/approach: Recent state‐of‐the‐art reports have highlighted trends in best practice VRE design: the move towards lightweight, modular, Web 2.0 VRE frameworks, and the importance of interoperability and integration of third party applications in such frameworks. Findings: OJAX++ is a practical demonstration of these trends. Practical implications: The OJAX++ VRE is freely available under an open source licence. Social implications: The aim of VREs is to facilitate the research process and the OJAX++ VRE illustrates an implementation of this goal. Originality/value: The OJAX++ VRE demonstrates best practice in VRE design, as highlighted in recent state‐of‐the‐art reports. 2012-02-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/5421 Book reviews: Reinventing data protection? edited by Serge Gutwirth, Yves Poullet, Paul de Hert, Cecile de Terwangne, and Sjaak Nouwt Shankar, Kalpana 2014-05-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/5360 Learning to be an information architect Wusteman, Judith This article describes a recently introduced module at University College Dublin School of Information and Library Studies (SILS), entitled Information Architecture: Designing the Web. The module provides students with a realistic experience of how information architects apply their skills to produce usable web sites, via a project to produce a documented Virtual Research Environment for information architecture researchers. The article discusses the importance of both information architecture and Virtual Research Environments to LIS education and explains how the module achieves its aims. 2013-04-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/5262 Social media and migration: virtual community 2.0 Komito, Lee Research indicates that migrants' social media usage in Ireland enables a background awareness of friends and acquaintances that supports bonding capital and transnational communities in ways not previously reported. Interview data from 65 Polish and Filipino non-nationals in Ireland provide evidence that their social media practices enable a shared experience with friends and relations living outside Ireland that is not simply an elaboration of the social relations enabled by earlier Internet applications. Social media usage enables a passive monitoring of others, through the circulation of voice, video, text, and pictures, that maintains a low level mutual awareness and supports a dispersed community of affinity. This ambient, or background, awareness of others enhances and supports dispersed communities by contributing to bonding capital. This may lead to significant changes in the process of migration by slowing down the process of integration and participation in host societies while also encouraging continual movement of migrants from one society to another. 2011-06-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/5243 The potential use of online tools for scientific collaboration by biology researchers Bracken, Fintan; Earls, Daniel; Madders, Catherine; O'Leary, Faye; Ronan, Stephanie; Ward, Ciara; Tolan, Paul; Wusteman, Judith Purpose – This study aims to discover the research practices of biology researchers and to assess the suitability of the OJAX++ Virtual Research Environment (VRE) for these researchers. Design/methodology/approach – Usability testing was used to evaluate the usability of OJAX++ in relation to biology researchers. Interviews with biology researchers in a large Irish university were conducted to investigate their research information behaviour, to establish user requirements in their discipline and to evaluate the feasibility of using OJAX++ in their research. Findings – The results show that biology researchers used online tools extensively in their research but do not use social networking tools. Email and phone conversations are the preferred methods of collaborating with colleagues. The biology researchers found that OJAX++ was easy to use, intuitive and professionally presented but in its present format, OJAX++ does not fit in with current research practices as they do not use Web 2.0 tools that facilitate tagging. A list of requirements of a VRE for biology researchers is presented. Originality/value – The findings of the study will assist developers of VREs and other web tools to better understand how researchers, in particular biologists, collaborate during the research process and what they require from online research tools. This study gives an important insight into the information behaviour of life science researchers. 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/5242 How do libraries manage the ethical and privacy issues of RFID implementation? A qualitative investigation into the decision-making processes of ten libraries Ferguson, Stuart; Thornley, Clare V.; Gibb, Forbes This paper explores how library managers go about implementing RFID (radio frequency identification) technology and particularly how associated privacy issues have been managed. The research methodology consisted of a literature review, theme identification, interview scheduling, interviews and interview analysis. The sample was ten libraries or library networks and eighteen participants. Findings covered the main drivers of RFID development, perceived benefits, tag data, data security, levels of ethical concern, public consultation, potential impact of technological developments on ethical issues, and managers’ sources of ethical decision-making. Analysis of potential ethical issues was not found to be a central part of the process of implementing RFID technology in the libraries. The study sees RFID implementation as an informative example of current practice in the implementation of new technologies in libraries and suggests that we look at management structures and decision making processes to clarify where responsibility for ethical considerations should lie. 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/5213 Social Science Data Archives: Case Studies in Data Sustainability Shankar, Kalpana; Eschenfelder, Kristin R.; Downey, Greg; et al. There has been a sizeable investment in the development of large-scale data and appropriate infrastructures in the physical and biological sciences and increasingly in the social sciences and humanities. Concerns about data sustainability have attracted a great deal of attention as research project data collection represents a significant investment, and loss of subsequent use of that data represents a loss of potential value.  In this poster, we focus on of the most long-lived examples of data archives: Social Science Data Archives (SSDAs).  SSDAs provide a long view on these topics as they predate both computers and the Internet. They also provide a unique opportunity to examine perceptions about what makes an archive sustainable over long periods of time, through the ups and downs of funding cycles and massive changes in technical and organizational infrastructure.  In this study, we report on preliminary research on the historical, institutional, and operational dimensions over SSDAs over time.  Drawing upon analyses of institutional and policy documents and interviews with staff, depositors, and administrators, this poster briefly discusses current challenges to SSDA longevity and implications for We describe initial findings with respect to these two SSDAs and detail next steps in expanding the study both theoretically and methodologically. iConference 2014, 4-7 March, 2014, Berlin, Germany 2014-03-04T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/5120 Privacy concerns in assisted living technologies Garg, Vaibhav; Camp, L. Jean; Lorenzen-Huber, Lesa; Shankar, Kalpana; Connelly, Kay The challenges of an aging population require the adoption of in- home and medical technologies to complement the traditional caregiver model. Adoption of such technologies is, however, impinged by privacy concerns. This study investigates a four dimensional framework that explains the tradeoffs between functionality and privacy as constructed by older adults. The four dimensions constitute perceived utility, data granularity, data recipient, and activity sensitivity. We conducted a survey based study to empirically examine the applicability and robustness of this framework. Our results have implications for the adoption of a wide range of privacy enhancing technologies. By focusing on the intersection of an under-studied group (non-technical older adults) and sensitive data (medical and at home), this work has the potential to enable Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PETs) that might be widely adopted.  2013-10-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/4404 Biomedical Information and Its Users Shankar, Kalpana The purpose of this chapter is to introduce the information science reader to the wide range of data and other resources that constitute “biological information”. Attention is paid to both paper and digital sources and the use of digital libraries and cyberinfrastructure for the creation, use, and re-use of information. The chapter discusses various user communities and their needs, including scientists, educators and students, policymakers, and other secondary users. The chapter concludes with challenges for data sharing, preservation, and access. 2009-12-09T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/4352 Big Data: Rewards and Risks for the Social Sciences Shankar, Kalpana; Wallis, Jillian Both applicants have been extensively involved in science data (Big Data, Small Data, and the transitions among them) and have conducted ethnographic and qualitative studies of data creation and use, but have recently shifted their interests and work to social science data. Although they have not formally worked together, they have worked on the same large science data project (Center for Embedded Networked Sensing at University of California, Los Angeles). More recent interactions and conversations have brought them together to share interests and concerns. To perhaps begin collaboration, they are interested in jointly applying for this workshop. In this paper, we briefly discuss three issues that are of interest to us in the realm of big data and the social sciences. Big Data: Rewards and Risks for the Social Sciences workshop, Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford, 21 - 22 March 2013 2013-03-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/4255 Making Sense of Mobile and Web Based Wellness Information Technology: A Cross Generational Study Kutz, Daniel O.; Shankar, Kalpana; Connelly, Kay Information and communication technologies (ICTs) that can harness the knowledge and support of other people and allow individuals to manage and understand their health and wellness can empower individuals to actively manage their health, change their behaviors, and learn more about health conditions [1,2]. Examples include general social networking platforms such as Facebook [3], online patient communities [4], smartphones [5] and exercise oriented video games [6]. These applications generate data about and for the individual, data that can influence their health-related decision-making and technology adoption. Individuals' preferences about using such applications, useful features, and related factors will be predicated upon their previous experiences with ICTs, similar systems and other contextualizing concerns, including what others think about them. The popularity and potential of user-targeted health applications for personal empowerment argues for research that can provide us with a deeper understanding of how people perceive such technologies and their interests and concerns about sharing health-related information.   2013-05-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/4254 Confronting Institutional and Structural Inequities in Computing and Academia Shankar, Kalpana 2012-06-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/4243 Aging, Privacy, and Home-Based Computing: Developing a Design Framework Shankar, Kalpana; Camp, L. Jean; Connelly, Kay; Huber, Lesa Applications for "aging in place" focus on supporting elders and informing the caregiver but often at the risk of abrogating privacy. The authors developed and tested various prototypes to create a privacy framework for designing home-based computing for seniors. 2012-10-24T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/4226 Pervasive Computing and an Aging Populace: Methodological Challenges for Understanding Privacy Implications Shankar, Kalpana Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe some of the methodological challenges of investigating privacy and ubiquitous computing in the home, particularly among the healthy elderly. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on focus groups with 60 senior citizens either living independently or in an assisted living facility. Prototypes of home-based ubiquitous computing devices were created and deployed in a home-like living lab setting; elders were brought to the lab to interact with the prototypes, then brought together in focus groups to discuss their insights and concerns. Findings – Initial analyses suggest that extant metaphors of privacy may be inadequate for understanding pervasive computing in the home. Concepts of data, affective concerns, and the creation of appropriate prototypes for eliciting privacy are considered. Considerations for future studies of the elderly and privacy are made. Research limitations/implications – The homogeneity of the study population in terms of socioeconomic status, location, and community networks suggests that the study needs to be repeated with wider populations. Originality/value – Although a number of projects and studies have examined the usability of home-based ubiquitous computing and design for aging, there has been little integration of privacy and ethical concerns into general research discourse. 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/4209 A Review of "Scientific Collaboration on the Internet" edited by Gary M. Olsen, Ann Zimmerman, and Nathan Bos Shankar, Kalpana 2012-05-11T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/4208 Virtual Research Environments: Balancing Incentives and Closure in an Emergent Information Infrastructure Shankar, Kalpana Innovation in Information Infrastructures workshop, Edinburgh, 9-11th October, 2012 2012-10-09T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/4135 How In-Home Technologies Mediate Caregiving Relationships in Later Life Huber, Lesa; Shankar, Kalpana; Connelly, Kay; Caine, Kelly E.; Camp, L. Jean; Walker, Beth Ann; Borrero, Lisa In-home technologies can support older adults' activities of daily living, provide physical safety and security, and connect elders to family and friends. They facilitate aging in place while reducing caregiver burden. One of older adults' primary concerns about in-home technologies is their potential to reduce human contact, particularly from cherished caregivers. In this exploratory in-situ study, we provided an ecosystem of networked monitoring technologies to six older adults and their caregivers. We analyzed the amount and content of communication between them. The amount of non-computer-mediated communication did not decrease through the six week study. The content of communication coalesced into four themes: communication about the technologies, communication facilitated by technologies, intrusiveness of technologies, and fun and playfulness with the technologies. Results suggest that in-home technologies, designed with sensitivity to older adults' primary motivations, have the potential to shape and tailor important relationships in later life. 2013-05-14T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/3607 The experience of Chinese students in Irish third level libraries: an investigation of current challenges and an analysis of possible solutions Mannion, David; Thornley, Clare V. Past research has shown that international students often experience difficulty in the library due to cultural differences and difficulties with language and communication. This can cause a gap between the quality of library service experienced by international students and indigenous students in any country. Previous studies have tended to investigate international students as one entire group rather than a multitude of different nationalities with different needs. In the Irish context little has been done to investigate the library experiences of international students, despite the constant efforts being made to attract international students to study here and the huge revenues they generate into the economy. This article, based on a Masters thesis in Library and Information Studies (2010), provides an insight into the academic library experiences of Chinese students (both under-graduate and post-graduate) studying at an Irish third level institution. Corroborating past research conducted elsewhere, it found that they do not always enjoy the same quality of library service as indigenous students or those whose first language is English. This is due to factors such as limited communication skills, diverse cultural traits, and a lack of understanding of library services. It also found that the library failed to adapt to a diverse user base in areas such as policy making and user instruction. It suggests that the library should acknowledge the cultural traits of Chinese students, and others, when developing library induction and training courses. It recommends that library staff undergo training in how best to serve an international user base. Finally, it suggests that co-operation with the International office and student societies are essential to find ways to establish a library service that is useful to all patrons. 2011-10-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/3606 Do RFIDs (radio frequency identifier devices) provide new ethical dilemmas for librarians and information professionals? Thornley, Clare V.; Gibb, Forbes; Ferguson, Stuart; Weckert, John Abstract: This paper provides an analysis of the current and potential ethical implications of RFID technology for the library and information professions. These issues are analysed as a series of ethical dilemmas, or hard-to-resolve competing ethical obligations, which the librarian has in relationship to information objects, library users and the wider social and political environment or state. A process model of the library is used as a framework for the discussion to illustrate the relationship between the different participants in the library system and it is argued that ethical analysis should involve the identification of future developments as well as current issues. The analysis shows that RFIDs do currently pose some dilemmas for librarians in terms of the conflicts between efficient service, privacy of users and an obligation to protect the safety of society as a whole, and that these are likely to become more problematic as the technology develops. This paper is part 2 of a series of papers on RFIDs and the library and information professions. 2011-12-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/3605 Dilemmas in information science (IS) and information retrieval (IR): recurring challenges or new solutions? Thornley, Clare V. Purpose: This paper analyses the extent to which understanding IS and IR as disciplines characterised by intractable dilemmas is a useful conceptual framework through reviewing and re-evaluating an important contribution to the field (Neill, 1987, 1992) in light of more recent developments. Design/methodology/approach: This paper reviews the discussion of central dilemmas within information science (IS) and information retrieval (IR), through literature review and conceptual analysis. It assesses the extent to which they remain intractable problems or whether improved solutions have been developed and discusses the implications of these ongoing challenges. The main problem addressed is, in Neill’s (1987, 1992) terminology “the dilemma of the subjective in information organisation and retrieval” which is understood as the problem of how the meaning of documents can be represented to meet the needs of the user. Findings: Many of the dilemmas discussed within IS and IR remain fairly intractable primarily because information and meaning have both subjective and objective qualities which often have a complex relationship. Recent technological developments have, however, altered the nature of some of these dilemmas and also created some new dilemmas for the subject. Research implications/limitations: Historical perspectives within IR and IS should be used when discussing theoretical and technological developments in the subject. The conceptual framework of dilemmas remains a useful theoretical tool for IS and IR in terms of examining the nature of problems in research and practice. Originality/value: This paper re-visits an important theme in IS and IR and provides an updated perspective on some central issues. 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/3604 A dialectical approach to information retrieval Thornley, Clare V.; Gibb, Forbes Purpose:The paper explores the question of whether the often paradoxical and conceptually contradictory discipline of information retrieval (IR) can be understood more clearly when it is analysed from a dialectical perspective. Methodology/Approach:Conceptual analysis and literature review. Findings:A dialectical understanding of meaning can assist in clarifying some aspects of the complex nature of current IR theory. Research Implications:Philosophy has the potential to explore the conflicts and contradictions in IR and should not be used just as a means of synthesis and resolution. The use of the philosophy of meaning should include a broader understanding of the philosophical oppositions which lie behind the nature of meaning. Originality/value of paper:This paper suggests a new perspective on the role of meaning in IR: the dialectical model. 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/3587 The application of RFIDs in libraries : an assessment of technological, management and professional issues Gibb, Forbes; Thornley, Clare V.; Ferguson, Stuart; Weckert, John This paper starts by outlining the technologies involved in RFIDs and reviews the issues raised by their general application. It then identifies their potential application areas within the library sector based on a generic process view of library activities. Finally it highlights the issues that are raised by their application in libraries and provides an assessment of which of these issues are likely to raise ethical concerns for library professionals. The purpose is to provide an overview of the technology within the context of the library process and to highlight issues which may raise ethical concerns for the profession. A second paper will focus specifically on these concerns within the context of the professional obligations of the librarian. 2011-06-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/3579 Meaning in philosophy and meaning in information retrieval (IR) Thornley, Clare V.; Gibb, Forbes Purpose -The paper explores the question of whether the differences between meaning in philosophy and meaning in information retrieval (IR) have implications for the use of philosophy in supporting research in IR. Design/methodology/approach - Conceptual analysis and literature review. Findings - There are some differences in the role of meaning in terms of purpose, content and use which should be clarified in order to assist a productive relationship between the philosophy of language and IR. Research Implications -This provides some new theoretical insights into the philosophical context of IR. It suggests that further productive work on the central concepts within IR could be achieved through the use of a methodology which analyses how exactly these concepts are discussed in other disciplines and the implications of any differences in the way in which they may operate in IR. Originality/value - This paper suggests a new perspective on the relationship between philosophy and IR by exploring the role of meaning in these respective disciplines and highlighting differences, as well as similarities, with particular reference to the role of information as well as meaning in IR. This contributes to an understanding of two of the central concepts in IR, meaning and information, and the ways in which they are related. There is a history of work in IR and information science (IS) examining dilemmas (Neill, 1987; Ellis, 1992, 1996) and this paper builds on this work by relating it to some similar dilemmas in philosophy. Thus it develops the theory and conceptual understanding of IR by suggesting that philosophy could be used as a way of exploring intractable dilemmas in IR. 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/3038 A bibliometric study of video retrieval evaluation benchmarking (TRECVid) : a methodological analysis Thornley, Clare V.; McLoughlin, Shane J.; Johnson, Andrea C.; Smeaton, Alan F. This paper provides a discussion and analysis of methodological issues encountered during a scholarly impact and bibliometric study within the field of computer science (TRECVid Text Retrieval and Evaluation Conference, Video Retrieval Evaluation). The purpose of this paper is to provide a reflection and analysis of the methods used to provide useful information and guidance for those who may wish to undertake similar studies, and is of particular relevance for the academic disciplines which have publication and citation norms that may not perform well using traditional tools. Scopus and Google Scholar are discussed and a detailed comparison of the effects of different search methods and cleaning methods within and between these tools for subject and author analysis is provided. The additional database capabilities and usefulness of “Scopus More” in addition to “Scopus General” is discussed and evaluated. Scopus paper coverage is found to favourably compare to Google Scholar but Scholar consistently has superior performance at finding citations to those papers. These additional citations significantly increase the citation totals and also change the relative ranking of papers. Publish or Perish (PoP), a software wrapper for Google Scholar, is also examined and its limitations and some possible solutions are described. Data cleaning methods, including duplicate checks, expert domain checking of bibliographic data, and content checking of retrieved papers are compared and their relative effects on paper and citation count discussed. Google Scholar and Scopus are also compared as tools for collecting bibliographic data for visualisations of developing trends and, due to the comparative ease of collecting abstracts, Scopus is found far more effective. 2011-12-19T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/2967 'With your unconstraining voice still persuade us to rejoice' : poetry promotion in public libraries Hegarty, Brian; Thornley, Clare V. 2010-10-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/2861 Migrants' information practices and use of social media in Ireland : networks and community Komito, Lee; Bates, Jessica Migrants, having left their home society and community, often depend on electronic modes of communication to maintain contacts with distant friends and relations. Their practices illustrate the affordances provided by social media when face to face communication is not available. This paper describes the information and communication practices of Polish and Filipino nationals in Ireland, based on interviews with over sixty-five migrants in 2009. Migrants display increased dependence on the Internet as an information source and use various electronic media to maintain significant contacts with friends and relations in their home societies. Social media (including Web 2.0) practices have an impact on long distance relations that previous technologies have not had, due to differences in the way these technologies are utilized. Social media usage is a passive monitoring that complements the active communication of first generation technologies; this monitoring creates a background awareness and presence in terms of which active communication takes place, which facilitates bonding as well as bridging capital. This enables resilient and durable transnational links, while also facilitating greater mobility for migrants. Presented at iConference 2011, February 8-11, 2011, Seattle, WA, USA 2011-02-10T00:00:00Z