The Journal of Information Science and Technology Association
(Johono Kagaku to Gijutsu)
Abstract

Shunsaku TAMURA
Faculty of Letters, Keio University
2-15-45 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8345 JAPAN

Abstract: Based upon an overview of trends in reference service in the U.S. as well as in Japan, the author points out major changes in the provision of the service. Examination of definitions of the service in textbooks and job analyses leads to a proposal that the service be defined from such facets as �@information sources, �Aprocess of information search and search tools, �Bcommunication between users and librarians, �Cmanagement of the service, and �Dassistance in solving users' problems.

Keywords：  reference service / internet / university libraries / public libraries / helping users solving problems

Mamoru ANDO
Careerpower inc.
Nihon-Seimei Kyoto Yasaka Building 4F
843-2 Higashi-Shiokoji-cho, Shiokoji-dori Karasuma Nishiiru-Sagaru
Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8216 JAPAN

Makoto INOUE
Division of Higher Education Research Projects, The Consortium of Universities in Kyoto
Campus Plaza Kyoto, 939 Higashi-Shiokoji-cho, Nishino-Toin-dori Shiokoji Sagaru
Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8216 JAPAN

Abstract: With the spread of information resources on the web, the role of reference services at libraries has changed dramatically. Under a situation where users can easily access information resources, the role of reference librarians is not merely to satisfy users' needs by introducing information resources in the traditional way, but to show them ways to effectively find relevant resources, and to suggest ways to integrate information into knowledge to use as solutions for the overall research process. What capabilities do reference librarians need in order to fulfill this role? One is meta-cognitive ability in searching for information resources, and another is being able to understand new technologies for segmenting information and new ontologies, for example, using folksonomy (collaborative tagging) in the Internet world. This paper discusses how these capacities can be acquired, by giving some examples of reference transactions.

Keywords：  internet / reference librarian / reference tool / collaborative reference database / metacognitive ability / social tagging / folksonomy / collective intelligence / web 2.0

Momoko YONO
Tokyo Metropolitan Tama Library
6-3-1 Nishiki-cho, Tachikawa-shi,Tokyo 190-0022 JAPAN

Abstract: This article focuses on the business reference in the business support service at library, and shows the concrete method of skill improvement for "the individual" and "the organization", such as the sharing of the reference cases, the information sending and the qualification acquisition etc. It also considers an effective training method referring to "Business reference correspondence course" held by Tokyo Metropolitan Library and "Business librarian course" held by Business Library Promotion Conference every year. At the end, it considers some points that seem necessary to continue the business support service in the future.

Keywords：  business support service / business reference / sharing of reference case / information sending / qualification acquisition / effective training method

Riko MODEKI
Ochanomizu University Library and Information Team
2-1-1 Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8610 JAPAN

Abstract: Ochanomizu University Learning Commons was set up in April, 2007 to provide an interactive study space for students. The Learning Commons symbolizes one of the University's recent educational reform plans: "A New Approach to Advanced Liberal Arts Education in the 21st Century." It serves as a collaboration base for the library and other student-affairs offices. This article describes how Ochanomizu, a small-scale University library, has played a leadership role in the collaboration of on-campus student services, focusing on three points: (1) emphasize the library's strong engagement in student affairs to other staff; (2) start from small projects; and (3) encourage as well as support student participation in the reform.

Keywords：  Learning Commons / career education / student services / study space / university libraries / educational reform / liberal arts / collaboration

Hidetaka MASUDA
Tokyo Denki University, School of Science and Technology for Future Life
2-2 Kandanishikicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8457 JAPAN

Yoji KIYOTA, Hiroshi NAKAGAWA
The University of Tokyo, Information Technology Center
7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033 JAPAN

Abstract: While using Web search engines plays a central role in information retrieval, the outputs of the Web search engines have several problems. For example, it is difficult to find necessary information and there are not a few information with low reliability. These problems can be solved with using libraries. However, the information and resources provided by libraries have the following problems. Those are not properly organized for ordinary users and those are less contemporary than the information on the Web. To improve the situation, we suggest methodology to guide Web to the resource how the library is useful as a clue by using library resources integratively such as information retrieval meta-knowledge, book classification systems, and Web resource.

Keywords：  Wikipedia / NDC / BSH / ontology / folksonomy / Web2.0 / OPAC / information-seeking / information-integration / library

Jun KAWASHIMA
Hayabusa International Patent Office
Norn-Akihabara Bldg., 2-13-1 Kanda suda-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0041 JAPAN

Abstract: The research of patent information retrieval system in Japan was started in 1960's by the Patent Office's examination mechanization laboratory. In 1971, Japan Patent Information Center (Japatic) was established, and the free keyword patent search system was developed for public services. By mounting this system into the online system, PATOLIS was born in 1978 and rapidly spread. The PATOLIS was succeeded by Japan Patent Information Organization (Japio) in 1985 and monopolized online patent information services. However, the PATOLIS monopoly is in decline owing to participation of private enterprises to online service business caused by the publication of CD-ROM of patent applications in 1993 and the advent of free service of the Patent Office's Industrial Property Digital Library (IPDL) in 1999.

Keywords：  patent office / patent examination mechanization / patent information / Japatic / Japio / free keyword / online information retrieval system / PATOLIS / IPDL

Mashiro ITO, Kota OZAWA
Business, Science and Technology Division, Reference and Special Collections Department, National Diet Library
1-10-1 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8924 JAPAN

Abstract: We analyzed the existing condition of online pathfinders in Japan through a survey of questionnaire and a research of websites of the prefectural and government-designated city libraries and a part of the university libraries. It was found that only 40% of the researched libraries offered online pathfinders on their websites. An imbalance of the subject area was also observed. We attribute this situation to the insufficiency of human resources to create pathfinders in each library and a lack of streamlining of the libraries cooperation. We suggest specialization of the pathfinders of each library into the area the library is characterized in. Also we recommend developing a pathfinder-network in order to contribute to the access to information by people with online pathfinders.

Keywords：  online pathfinders / subject guides / digital reference service / subject information / Collaborative Reference Database Project / Pathfinder Bank / libraries cooperation / National Diet Library