The results of decades of research shows that children and adolescents encounter challenges and obstacles in searching for information and retrieving relevant results, and have difficulty interpreting results within various information environments. However, a recent paradigm shift points to the changed information behavior of the new generation of users; children and adolescents born after the advent of the Web. Technologically savvy, they skim and surf for information, multi-task, search collaboratively, and share information on social networks. This book comprises innovative research on the information behavior of various age groups and special populations. It provides studies and reflections on designing systems that help the new generation cope with a complex knowledge society. In addition to information scholars, this book will also be of interest to information professionals, librarians, educators, Web designers, and human-computer interaction researchers.

Recent advances in technology such as cloud computing, recent industry standards such as RFID, bibliographic standards like RDA and BIBFRAME, the increased adoption of open source integrated library systems (ILS), and continued shift in users' expectations have increased the complexity of the decision regarding ILS for all types of libraries. Recent advances in technology such as cloud computing, recent industry standards such as RFID, bibliographic standards like RDA and BIBFRAME, the increased adoption of open source integrated library systems (ILS), and continued shift in users' expectations have increased the complexity of the decision regarding ILS for all types of libraries. In a complete re-envisioning of the previous edition, Automating Media Centers and Small Libraries: A Microcomputer-Based Approach, Dania Bilal conceptualizes library automation in the Library Automation Life Cycle (LALC) that is informed by the systems development lifecycle (SDLC). She explains how the next-generation discovery services supported in the library services platforms (LSPs) provide a single point of access to library content in all types and formats, thereby offering a unified solution to managing library operations. The book covers methods of analyzing user requirements, describes how to structure these requirements in RFPs, and details proprietary and open-source integrated library systems (ILSs) and LSPs for school, public, special, and academic libraries. Up-to-date information is provided about ILS software installation and testing, software and hardware architecture such as single- and multi-tenant SaaS and Paas and IaaS, and usability assessment strategies for evaluating the ILS or LSP. The author concludes by describing what is likely coming next in the library automation arena. Addresses a key question: Should media centers and small libraries focus only on commercially available software, or would it be advantageous to choose open source software? Provides an in-depth treatment of the systems development lifecycle (SDLC) and a six-phase systems analysis and design approach Covers a wide range of topics, including open source software selection and evaluation, joining consortia, designing and developing in-house integrated automated library systems (ILS), usability principles and assessment methods, and project management