Submissions

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Author Guidelines

Authors are invited to make a submission to this journal. All submissions will be assessed by an editor to determine whether they meet the aims and scope of this journal. Those considered to be a good fit will be sent for peer review before determining whether they will be accepted or rejected.

Before making a submission, authors are responsible for obtaining permission to publish any material included with the submission, such as photos, documents and datasets. All authors identified on the submission must consent to be identified as an author. Where appropriate, research should be approved by an appropriate ethics committee in accordance with the legal requirements of the study's country.

An editor may desk reject a submission if it does not meet minimum standards of quality. Before submitting, please ensure that the study design and research argument are structured and articulated properly. The title should be concise and the abstract should be able to stand on its own. This will increase the likelihood of reviewers agreeing to review the paper. When you're satisfied that your submission meets this standard, please follow the checklist below to prepare your submission.

Submission Preparation Checklist

All submissions must meet the following requirements.

  • This submission meets the requirements outlined in the Author Guidelines.
  • This submission has not been previously published, nor is it before another journal for consideration.
  • All references have been checked for accuracy and completeness.
  • All tables and figures have been numbered and labeled.
  • Permission has been obtained to publish all photos, datasets and other material provided with this submission.

Research Articles

  • Types of Submissions: Original research papers related to emerging technologies, library innovations, digital transformation, and the intersection of library services and technological advancements.
  • Peer Review: Double-blind peer review process. Submissions will be reviewed by two or more independent experts in the field.
  • Length Requirements: Maximum 8,000 words, including references, tables, and appendices.
  • Formatting Guidelines: Manuscripts should follow the APA 7th edition style for citations, references, and formatting. All submissions should be formatted in a DOCX or LaTeX file format.
  • Criteria:
    • Must present original, unpublished research that makes a significant contribution to the field of library science or digital technologies in library environments.
    • Research must be well-supported by data, appropriate methodology, and sound analysis.
    • Articles should explore emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, IoT, blockchain, big data, and their impact on library services.
    • Clear hypotheses, well-defined research questions, and robust conclusions are required.

Case Studies

  • Types of Submissions: Case studies detailing real-world applications of technologies or innovative practices in libraries. These could include examples of implementing new tools, systems, or services to address specific library challenges.
  • Peer Review: Peer review process with a focus on practical value and applied research. Reviewers are expected to assess the case study’s contribution to the practical understanding of library services.
  • Length Requirements: Maximum 6,000 words, including references and any supplementary material.
  • Formatting Guidelines: Case studies should be written in a clear, concise narrative style. The manuscript should be structured as follows:
    • Introduction
    • Problem Statement/Challenges
    • Methodology/Approach
    • Implementation/Findings
    • Conclusion/Lessons Learned
    • Recommendations for others in the field
  • Criteria:
    • The case study should focus on real-world applications, innovations, and challenges faced by libraries in integrating technology.
    • The narrative should clearly describe the context, the solution implemented, and the impact on library services or operations.
    • Case studies should include data, if applicable, and practical insights that can help other libraries in similar situations.

Technical Reviews

  • Types of Submissions: Reviews of current or emerging technologies used in libraries, systems innovations, digital tools, and software applications. The reviews should provide critical assessments of the technology’s effectiveness, potential, and limitations.
  • Peer Review: Editorial review, as the focus is on analyzing and reviewing technologies rather than original research.
  • Length Requirements: Maximum 5,000 words.
  • Formatting Guidelines: Articles should be formatted in a structured review format, including:
    • Introduction to the technology or system being reviewed
    • Key features and functionality
    • Comparison to other similar technologies (if applicable)
    • Pros and cons
    • Recommendations for library professionals considering adoption or use
  • Criteria:
    • The review should provide an in-depth analysis of the technology, considering both its theoretical underpinnings and practical applications.
    • Reviews should assess the technology’s relevance, usability, scalability, and impact on library services.
    • Authors should include a critical evaluation and practical suggestions for libraries considering similar technologies.

Experimental Findings

  • Types of Submissions: Reports of experiments or pilot projects related to library services, technology integrations, or innovation. These findings should offer empirical evidence or data-based outcomes.
  • Peer Review: Double-blind peer review process. Submissions will be reviewed by experts who assess the validity and significance of the experimental design and findings.
  • Length Requirements: Maximum 6,000 words.
  • Formatting Guidelines: Manuscripts should be organized in the following structure:
    • Abstract
    • Introduction
    • Methodology/Experimental Design
    • Results/Findings (with tables, charts, or figures as needed)
    • Discussion/Analysis
    • Conclusion
    • References
  • Criteria:
    • The experiment should focus on testing or piloting new approaches, technologies, or practices within libraries.
    • Authors should provide detailed methodology, clear experimental design, and robust analysis of the results.
    • The findings should offer new insights, practical applications, or suggestions for future research or implementation.

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