LIS Quiz #01

 

1. What does the acronym FAIR stand for in the context of data management?

A) Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable
B) Free, Accessible, Interchangeable, Reliable
C) Findable, Available, Interoperable, Reproducible
D) Free, Available, Interchangeable, Reusable

Answer: A) Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable


2. Which of the following is a linked data initiative aimed at improving bibliographic data sharing?

A) BIBFRAME
B) MARC21
C) Dublin Core
D) MODS

Answer: A) BIBFRAME


3. The Plan S initiative is associated with which aspect of scholarly publishing?

A) Subscription-based access
B) Open Access mandates
C) Print-only publications
D) Peer review processes

Answer: B) Open Access mandates


4. In the context of digital preservation, what does LOCKSS stand for?

A) Lots of Copies Keep Stuff Safe
B) Long-term Online Content Keeping System
C) Library Online Content Keeping Secure
D) Local Online Content Keeping System

Answer: A) Lots of Copies Keep Stuff Safe


5. The ORCID identifier is primarily used for:

A) Identifying research institutions
B) Identifying individual researchers
C) Cataloguing books in libraries
D) Classifying journal articles

Answer: B) Identifying individual researchers


6. Altmetrics are used to measure:

A) The traditional citation impact of scholarly articles
B) The alternative impact of research outputs, including social media mentions
C) The number of downloads of a research paper
D) The peer review status of a journal

Answer: B) The alternative impact of research outputs, including social media mentions


7. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is legislation enacted by:

A) The United States
B) The European Union
C) The United Nations
D) The World Intellectual Property Organisation

Answer: B) The European Union


8. Data curation in libraries refers to:

A) The selection and management of digital data over its lifecycle
B) The process of cataloguing physical books
C) The acquisition of new library materials
D) The archiving of historical manuscripts

Answer: A) The selection and management of digital data over its lifecycle


9. The Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license allows creators to:

A) Retain all rights while allowing free distribution
B) Waive all their copyright and place their work in the public domain
C) Require attribution for any use of their work
D) Restrict commercial use of their work

Answer: B) Waive all their copyright and place their work in the public domain


10. Predatory journals are characterised by:

A) Rigorous peer review processes
B) Charging high fees without providing legitimate editorial services
C) Being indexed in reputable databases
D) Having high impact factors

Answer: B) Charging high fees without providing legitimate editorial services

LIS Notes #08 - Useful Koha Commands

 

Koha is an open-source Integrated Library System (ILS) widely used by libraries for cataloging, circulation, and managing library resources. Here are some commonly used Koha commands and tasks, typically executed in a Linux terminal or via the Koha interface:


1. General System Commands

  • Start Koha instance:

sudo koha-start <instance-name>

  • Stop Koha instance:

sudo koha-stop <instance-name>

  • Restart Koha instance:

sudo koha-restart <instance-name>

  • Check the status of Koha instance:

sudo koha-list

sudo koha-shell <instance-name>


2. Database Management (MySQL/ MariaDB)

  • Access Koha MySQL database:

sudo koha-mysql <instance-name>

  • Backup the database:

sudo koha-dump <instance-name>

  • Restore the database:

sudo koha-restore <instance-name> /path/to/backup-file.sql.gz


3. Managing Users and Permissions

  • Create a new super librarian user:

sudo koha-create-admin <instance-name>

  • Reset a user's password:

sudo koha-passwd <instance-name> <username>


4. Maintenance and Housekeeping

  • Rebuild Zebra Indexes (for search):

sudo koha-rebuild-zebra -v -f <instance-name>

  • Clear Koha cache:

sudo koha-plack --restart <instance-name>

  • Run overdue notices and fines process:

sudo koha-foreach --enabled --command "/usr/share/koha/bin/cronjobs/overdue_notices.pl"


5. Log Management

  • View Koha logs:

tail -f /var/log/koha/<instance-name>/plack-error.log

tail -f /var/log/koha/<instance-name>/opac-error.log


6. Crontab Scheduling

  • Edit Koha Crontab for automated tasks (e.g., overdue notices, backups):

sudo crontab -e -u koha


7. Package and System Updates

  • Update Koha to the latest version:

sudo apt update

sudo apt upgrade koha-common



LIS Notes #07 - Faceted Classification Scheme

Faceted Classification Schemes offer a flexible, multidimensional approach to organizing information, allowing multiple characteristics (or facets) of a subject to be represented simultaneously. This system is especially useful for handling complex and interdisciplinary subjects.


Key Features of Faceted Classification Schemes


1. Division into Fundamental Categories (Facets)

Faceted systems break down subjects into basic categories or facets, each representing a different characteristic of the subject.

  • Example from Colon Classification (by Dr. S. R. Ranganathan):
    • PPersonality (Main subject)
    • MMatter (Material or property of the subject)
    • EEnergy (Processes or activities related to the subject)
    • SSpace (Geographical location)
    • TTime (Chronological aspect)

2. Flexibility and Scalability

Faceted classification allows for the combination of facets in various ways, offering flexibility to represent complex or new subjects without restructuring the entire system.

  • Example:
    You can classify "History of Mathematics in Europe during the 19th Century" by combining facets of subject (Mathematics), time (19th Century), and space (Europe).

3. Synthesis of Class Numbers

In faceted systems, class numbers are synthesised by combining notations from different facets, often using symbols like colons, commas, or periods.

  • Example:
    In Colon Classification, B3:5 could represent Algebra (B3) applied to Engineering (5).

4. Hospitality to New Subjects

Faceted classification schemes are open-ended and can easily accommodate new fields of knowledge without disrupting the existing structure.

  • Example:
    New technological advancements like Artificial Intelligence or Quantum Computing can be added by combining relevant facets.

5. Analytical Approach

Faceted classification employs an analytical-synthetic method:

  • Analytical: Breaking down complex subjects into their fundamental facets.
  • Synthetic: Recombining these facets to form specific, detailed class numbers.

6. Mnemonics and Predictability

Faceted systems often use mnemonics (memory aids) to make classification easier to learn and predict. Symbols or specific notations are consistently applied.

  • Example:
    The use of S for Space or T for Time across classifications in Colon Classification.

7. Useful for Multidisciplinary Subjects

Faceted classification is particularly effective for interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary topics where multiple aspects of knowledge intersect.

  • Example:
    Environmental Impact of Industrial Engineering in Asia (2020s) can be classified by combining environmental science, engineering, geography, and time facets.

8. Compatibility with Digital and Online Systems

Faceted systems are well-suited for digital libraries, databases, and online catalogues, where users can filter or refine searches based on multiple facets like subject, date, author, and location.

  • Example:
    E-commerce websites like Amazon use faceted navigation allowing users to filter products by brand, price, ratings, etc.

Advantages of Faceted Classification Schemes

  1. Greater Flexibility: Can handle complex, evolving, and interdisciplinary subjects.
  2. Ease of Expansion: New topics can be added without restructuring the system.
  3. User-Friendly: Facilitates easy navigation, especially in digital environments.
  4. Precision in Classification: Allows for detailed and specific categorisation.
  5. Supports Advanced Searching: Ideal for databases and digital catalogues where multi-faceted filtering is common.

Examples of Faceted Classification Systems

  1. Colon Classification (CC) – Developed by Dr. S. R. Ranganathan.
  2. Art & Architecture Thesaurus (AAT) – Used in museums and cultural institutions.
  3. BSO (Broad System of Ordering) – Developed for international information systems.
  4. Facet-based online catalogues – Used in digital libraries and e-commerce platforms for advanced search filtering.