The Source: news about digital libraries and library innovations from around the web

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International Study on the Impact of Copyright Law on Digital Preservation (note: PDF)

From the QUT ePrints website

In a world of ephemeral digital objects, libraries need to be aware of the issues surrounding digital preservation. The Library of Congress National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation Program (NDIIPP) created a report with its counterparts from other countries to review the current state of copyright laws and make recommendations for legislative reform. The section that covers US copyright law is very complete, covering all appropriate laws for digitization and digital preservation activities. Joint recommendations include establishing laws that would apply equally to all categories of copyrighted materials in all media and formats. Without more even laws and policies, we risk losing print and digital materials every day.


On the Move with the Mobile Web: Libraries and Mobile Technologies

From Current Cites, July 2008, (c)Copyright 2008 by Roy Tennant.
Contributed to Current Cites by Roy Tennant

Full text of the article available in: Library Technology Reports, July 2008, Vol. 44, Issue 5

The fifth issue of Library Technology Reports this year looks to the very near future — and for some libraries "on the move with the mobile Web," it highlights libraries' mobile activities already developed for the present. More and more library users are using their cellphones or other mobile devices (e.g., PDAs, smartphones, etc.) for much more than talking and texting. Many are searching and browsing the web, reading magazines and books, and generally doing things that until recently required a computer to do. In this issue of Library Technology Reports, author and library-technology blogger Ellyssa Kroski does an excellent job of surveying the present usage of mobile devices, providing an overview of devices, providers, and features, describing the various activities these devices support, highlighting how libraries are responding with services tailored for these devices, and providing good advice and assistance for any libraries wanting to go further. It is well-researched, nicely illustrated, and chock-full of good advice and assistance with getting started. Highly recommended for any library wanting to better understand mobile users and/or tailoring services for them.


Skills for Life: Progress in Improving Adult Literacy and Numeracy (Note: PDF)

From the National Audit Office website

This report examines the progress made by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, and the Learning and Skills Council in improving adult literacy, numeracy and English language skills since January 2006. The report assesses progress against the following criteria:
* the Skills for Life Public Service Agreement target (and in particular progress against the 2007 interim target)
* increasing programme participation and achievement, and in particular participation of hard-to-reach learners and learners engaged through their employers
* increasing the diversity of learning providers
* improving the quality of provision, including the skills levels of the teaching workforce, and the diversity of providers
* how the organisations involved are preparing to meet the challenges set out by the Department’s new 2020 targets announced in


read:write. Digital Possibilities for Literature (Note: PDF)

From the if:book - the Future of the Book website

This is an overview of how companies, organisations and individuals in the commercial and funded sectors are using Web 2.0 to market fiction, poetry and live literature; spot writing talent; guide readers and potential readers; create, share and review writing. In particular we were asked to look at:
* what opportunities digitisation offers to writers, publishers and other literature organisations
* how funded organisations can achieve greater sustainability/self-sufficiency or lower costs by making use of technology
* how organisations can develop audiences and increase participation through use of digital media
The report begins by looking at the rapid changes that have taken place since literature organisations first set up websites.


What the Web Looks Like to the Colour Blind

From the Colourlovers blog

Here is a website that shows you what various web pages look like to people who have different types of colour blindness. The Colour Blind Web Page Filter shows how any site appears to people with different types of the condition.


Digital futures report: the internet in Australia (Note: PDF)

From the ARC Centre of Excellence for Creative Industries and Innovation (CCI) website

This report presents findings from the first survey undertaken by the Australian component of the World Internet Project. Analysis already conducted shows that broadband does make a substantial difference to peoples’ use of the internet. The internet is more highly valued by those with broadband connections and they use the internet for longer and for a greater variety of purposes. Younger people have been quick to integrate the internet into their lives, they use the internet more and particularly for entertainment.


The Internet in New Zealand 2007: Final Report (Note: PDF)

From the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) website

This survey provides an overview of New Zealanders’ usage of and attitudes towards the Internet in 2007. It contains analysis of top level data from the first WIPNZ survey, conducted in September/October 2007. A national probability sample of 1529 New Zealanders were questioned about their involvement with the Internet. The first part of this report graphs highlights of the survey findings, alongside commentary on their significance. The second part displays cross-tabulations which show how gender, age, ethnicity, area and income affect New Zealanders’ interactions with the Internet.