curated-code4lib-other: A Pathfinder

This is a computer-generated pathfinder created against the Distant Reader study called curated-code4lib-other.

Each Distant Reader study carrel is composed of many individual items. Each item is bibliographically described with author, title, date, summary, and keyword values. Below is a list of the items' most signficant keywords as well as lists of the items themselves. Purpusing the content of this pathfinder provides the student, researcher, or scholar with one way to get their heads around the content of the carrel. The keywords include:

Data; Metadata; Web; Search; Project; Content; Libraries; Information; System; Records; Text; Software; Development; Collections; Work; Source; Google; Code; Model; Code4lib; Access; Database; Marc; Time; Users; Api; Internet; Application; Xml; Files; Preservation; Process; Community; Script; Services; Editorial; Media; Mobile; Catalog; Item; Staff; Video; Resources; Query; Technology; Title; Subject; Record; Field; Form; Format; Request; Xsl; Articles; Audio; Course; Authors; Reference; Diversity; Link; Authority; Music; List; Display; Year; Network; Product; Iiif; Power; Policy; Editors; Aria; Summer; Evaluation; Openness; Brightness; Ideas

Data

According to the provided source, data refers to structured information that can be programmatically accessed and manipulated, such as catalog search results, metadata fields, or social media content collected via APIs. This data is used to develop novel applications, as seen with North Carolina State University's CatalogWS platform enabling web service access to catalog search services. The article also describes data as the foundational material for various library projects, including analyzing collection usage for decision-making or transforming datasets for improved uses through processes like data munging. Furthermore, data encompasses the information processed by tools to create visualizations, support discovery, or automate library services.

Metadata

Based on the provided text, metadata is descriptive information used to manage, discover, and access resources like digitized texts, audio, and photographs. It is essential for building infrastructures that require high-quality information, as seen in the Library of a Billion Words project. The collected metadata are often displayed and managed in interactive systems, such as the grid view mentioned, to facilitate its use. Furthermore, metadata is subject to quality control and analysis to ensure accuracy and interoperability, which is a growing need in libraries.

Web

Based on the provided source material, the web is a fragile medium where digital information, such as the average webpage, has an estimated half-life of two years. This fragility necessitates the implementation of web archiving services, like Archive-It from the Internet Archive, to proactively preserve online content. Furthermore, there is a recognized need to improve the accessibility of web content and services provided by libraries and public institutions, leading to the incorporation of guidelines like the W3C’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0. It also serves as a platform for developing systems to manage library resources, such as institutional repositories and web-based augmented reality content.

Search

According to the provided source, "search" is examined in the specific context of library discovery systems and information retrieval. It is portrayed as a function that can be improved by applying feminist principles to recognize bias and enhance access, as suggested by Sadler and Bourg. The source describes the development of search interfaces, such as Eagle Explorer, that treat digital collections as a cohesive whole and details efforts to improve search results through metadata enhancements and user evaluation. Additionally, the concept of search curation is presented as a strategic intervention for improving unified enterprise search within organizations.

Project

According to the provided source, a "project" refers to an organized initiative with specific goals, such as the Harold B. Lee Library's INDI project for managing large technology implementations. Projects can also involve digital preservation efforts, like Cornell University Library's grant-funded analysis of born-digital artworks or Virginia Tech's library tour application using iBeacons. Additionally, projects may focus on software development, as seen with the mobile wayfinding app at St. John’s University Libraries or Oregon State University's migration of their institutional repository. These examples illustrate projects as discrete, goal-oriented endeavors undertaken to achieve specific library outcomes.

Content

Based on the provided sources, "content" refers to various forms of digital information and media managed by libraries and archives, such as audiovisual files and interactive educational resources. This includes the massive audio and video content integrated into digital collections, which requires automated processing tools like FFmpeg for preservation. Similarly, it encompasses the movie data in the Rasmuson Library DVD Browser, which includes covers, titles, and reviews scraped from the library catalog. The term also applies to interactive resources created with tools like the Ink scripting language to develop choice-based text games playable in a web browser.

Libraries

Libraries are organizations that utilize technical tools and lightweight project management applications to enhance their operations and services, as discussed in The Code4Lib Journal. They engage with initiatives like integrating diversity goals into digitization policies and developing prioritization strategies for special collections to counteract systemic issues such as racism. Libraries also implement practical solutions, such as programming consultation services and intranets for internal coordination, to better serve their communities. Additionally, they address access and authentication challenges, ensuring seamless connections to electronic resources and contributing to the broader mission of providing information access for all.

Information

Based on the provided source, "information" can be defined as the extensive data points extracted from digital objects to create meaningful archival records. This includes specific data types like file format identification reports, which detail the technical specifications of files. Additionally, it encompasses record-events gathered from systems like NTFS using digital forensics tools, capturing the history of the files. Ultimately, this raw data is used to construct rich metadata records that make archival collections accessible and understandable.

System

Based on the provided text, the term "system" refers to a technological framework or software application designed to perform specific library or repository functions. For instance, it describes the NYPL Design Toolkit as a website system built by an in-house team and the Wayne State Library System's application that maps material locations within the catalog. It also references a library system that replaced VAX terminals and an automated 3D printing system implemented in a health sciences library. These examples illustrate "system" as an integrated set of tools or programs that automate or enhance library services and operations.

Records

"Records" in this context refer to structured data entries in library and archival systems, such as the 79,000 print serial item records affected by Warburg College's migration to Alma. The term also encompasses cataloging entries like the 1,487 MARC bibliographic records enriched at Code4Lib or the unstructured date records updated by Yale University archivists. Additionally, records include metadata like the Dublin Core records repurposed by Mansfield Library from the Readex database. These examples illustrate records as data objects that document holdings, descriptions, or metadata within information management systems.

Text

Text involves digitizing physical materials into machine-readable formats using optical character recognition (OCR) software to enable broader access. It also includes transforming content into various formats like HTML and PDFs through systems such as the Lantern OER workflow. Text can be processed through methods like lemmatization for automated subject indexing and classification to improve discoverability. Additionally, text encompasses information delivery services, such as providing library hours and workstation availability via SMS messages.

Software

From the context of The Code4Lib Journal articles, software is a critical component for libraries to manage large numbers of diverse digital objects, as the main decision when starting a digital repository is which software to use. The sources highlight that it can be developed using inexpensive components and open-source principles, which emphasize collaboration, transparency, and affordable distribution. It is also the subject of evaluation for its community availability and is used as a tool—such as Optical Musical Recognition (OMR) software—in specific digitization and preservation processes. Furthermore, the need for software development processes is underscored by library project teams working to overcome struggles related to its implementation.

Development

"Development" in this context refers to the process of enhancing and improving systems or functions, as seen in the series of developments undertaken by North Carolina State University Libraries to upgrade CORAL for workflow management. It also describes the creation of new software integrations like Archidora, which was sponsored by the University of Saskatchewan Library to add digital preservation functionality. Furthermore, it encompasses educational initiatives, such as the University of Florida's Marston Science Library program MADE@UF, which migrated to focus on developing virtual and augmented reality applications. Additionally, development involves adopting methodologies like Agile and user-centered design in tools such as Concordia for the Library of Congress' crowdsourcing program, as well as implementing change management workflows using Git and GitLab at Oakland University.

Collections

"Collections" refer to curated groups of digital objects preserved and made accessible by libraries, such as digitized archives or media. This concept is exemplified by Collections U of T, which provides access to 375 digital collections and over 203,000 digital objects. These collections are supported by systems like IIIF-enabled Islandora, with each parent collection having multiple Drupal sites for presentation. Libraries continuously explore technological solutions, including migrations and AI, to maintain and enhance access to these vital digital collections.

Work

I am unable to answer your question about the nature of "work" based solely on the provided source material. The text describes articles and a keynote address from The Code4Lib Journal, focusing on digital projects and community initiatives. It mentions "student work files" in the context of the Harvard Graduate School of Design's data management project, referring to digital files created by students. However, the source does not contain a broader philosophical or general definition of "work" as a concept.

Source

Google

"Google" is not explicitly defined in the source material provided. The documents refer to several Google products and services, such as Google Sheets, Google Drive, Google Tag Manager, Google Translate, Google Calendar, and Google’s Nexus 7 tablets. These references indicate that Google provides a variety of technological tools used in library operations for tasks like data management, digital storage, and hardware solutions. However, the sources do not offer a direct definition or description of Google as a company or its broader services.

Code

"Code" refers to the software instructions and scripts used in developing applications, as exemplified by the reverse-engineering of the Summon interface's AngularJS components. It encompasses both large-scale application development and small modifications, which can significantly benefit library systems and users. The application lifecycle, from development to production, is changing with the prevalence of cloud-based SaaS systems. This context highlights that even minor code adjustments or sharing technical knowledge can be highly valuable to the community.

Model

Code4lib

The Code4Lib Journal is a community-driven publication dedicated to the intersection of libraries, technology, and the future. It operates with a leaderless editorial committee of volunteers and publishes practical articles to help the library community achieve its technological goals. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Journal invites participation from individuals across all areas of library work by contributing articles about their successes, failures, and ideas. Since its inception, the Journal has grown from a listserv into a thriving community with annual conferences and quarterly issues.

Access

"Access" in library contexts refers to the ability for users to obtain and use digital materials or resources. It includes services that allow direct linking from databases to full-text articles in institutional repositories, as demonstrated by the NCBI LinkOut service resulting in increased web traffic. Access also encompasses user interfaces like SCOPE, which enable searching and downloading of digital archive materials directly to a local machine. However, it must be managed responsibly, as unauthorized use through stolen credentials can lead to revoked access for entire institutions, as experienced by the University of Saskatchewan.

Database

Based on the provided source, a "database" in this context refers to a structured system for organizing and managing data, such as the electronic resource usage and spending reports generated using R and the Tidyverse. The term also pertains to the hybrid relational database used with Encyclopedia Virginia, integrated via XSLT's SQL extension across different management systems. Furthermore, it encompasses the practical application of creating online resources like the A-Z list of databases, which are accessed through pages listing databases by title and subject. These implementations aim to systematize data processes and enhance access to digital collections.

Marc

Based strictly on the provided source, the term "marc" is not explicitly defined. The source mentions the use of a "pymarc library" in a process for matching bookstore ISBNs to library eBook ISBNs. This context implies that "marc" relates to a type of library data or standard used in such matching processes. However, the source does not offer a specific definition beyond this application.

Time

Based solely on the provided text, your question about the nature of "time" cannot be answered as the source materials do not contain a definition or discussion of this concept. The given sources exclusively discuss library science topics, specifically stock management tools like the FachRef-Assistant and the content of the Code4Lib Journal. The articles focus on the application of statistics in libraries and the operational aspects of a professional publication. Therefore, no information about the concept of time is present in the provided excerpts.

Users

According to the provided sources, "users" are individuals who interact with library systems such as the catalog or discovery layer. The article mentions that Williams Libraries developed a system for users to report problems with Primo, their library catalog and discovery layer. This indicates that users are the patrons who utilize these library services. The discussion focuses on how public service staff reacted and managed the problems once submitted by these users.

Api

Based on the provided source, the term "api" is not directly defined. The source only mentions APIs as "freely-available APIs" used by the University of North Texas Libraries to enhance map metadata. This usage implies that APIs are tools or interfaces that allow different software applications to communicate with each other to retrieve or process data. The project demonstrates that APIs can be leveraged for targeted, automated metadata enhancement with significant impact.

Internet

Application

Xml

Based on the provided text, XML is referred to as the "basic XML source format" named JATS, which is used as a foundational format in a publishing workflow. This XML-based workflow was designed to change the main publishing format of an Open Access journal from PDF to EPUB. The use of XML makes the workflow suitable for use by non-professional publishers. The code for this XML-based process is attached to the article and is free for others to reuse.

Files

Based on the provided source, the term "files" is mentioned within the context of digital preservation and batch processing. Specifically, files can refer to dissertation "associated files" downloaded from a BePress repository for preservation purposes. The term is also contextualized through discussions on command-line tools like Unix commands and FFMPEG, which are used to manipulate and transcode digital files. These processes highlight the practical handling of files within library and archival workflows for organization and preservation.

Preservation

Process

Community

Based on the provided source, a "community" is exemplified by the Code4Lib community, whose members work together towards a shared vision. This community operates through collaboration among individuals from cultural heritage organizations and software engineers to achieve common goals, such as the adoption of open source software in libraries. The community functions effectively even with a modest or partial alignment of purpose, as indicated by the issue title "Just Enough of a Shared Vision." Furthermore, the source implies that a community is also defined by its ability to create a supportive environment, such as offering proposals to mitigate issues like impostor syndrome among its members.

Script

Based on the provided source, the term "script" is not explicitly defined or discussed. The text focuses on specific technological applications and tools within library services, such as SierraDNA and various projects described in the Code4Lib Journal. These descriptions include the development of specific tools like a "stat-bot" and the Ref2RIS software. Since the source material does not contain a definition for "script," an answer cannot be provided from this text.

Services

"Services" are modular components that libraries make available for accessing and integrating library resources. These services are intended to be reusable through standard APIs, enabling their use across different applications. The UCLA Library exemplifies this through building services supporting IIIF for its digital collections. This involved determining the appropriate infrastructure by testing multiple configurations under varied conditions.

Editorial

The term "editorial" refers to the work performed by an editor or editorial board, such as the volunteer editors who handle article proposals, drafts, and final approvals for the Code4Lib Journal. Editors carry out tasks in regular waves, including entering articles into WordPress and conducting a final review before publication. For example, a coordinating editor may write an introduction to an issue, as seen with Gabriel Farrell's introduction entitled "Ride On, Mighty Warriors" for issue 13. Additionally, an editorial can refer to a specific piece written by an editor, such as when a new editor is asked to write an editorial about joining the Journal or to document a process like converting code.

Media

Mobile

Based on the provided source, "mobile" refers to a portable and accessible platform for delivering library services and resources. The University of Illinois Library researched and tested a specific mobile application that incorporates augmented reality features. In a practical example, the Ursula C. Schwerin library created a separate mobile website to host its subscribed eBooks. This required extracting data from the main Drupal-based site to be presented effectively on the mobile platform.

Catalog

According to the provided source, a catalog refers to an offline library catalog constructed using tools like VuFind, XAMPPP, and flash drives for use within a liberal arts program in a prison. This system was developed to support educational initiatives, such as Grinnell College's program for inmates, by providing access to library resources. The catalog's purpose is to bridge the gap between the catalog entries and the physical books on the shelf, facilitating resource discovery in a restricted environment. It functions as a crucial tool for enabling educational access where standard internet-connected technologies are unavailable.

Item

The provided sources do not define "item" in a context relevant to OneButton or CONTENTdm metadata.

Staff

The provided sources do not contain a definition for the term "staff." The information focuses on Bugzilla as a bug tracking application used by the IT department and on best practices for laptop lending programs at university libraries. These sources detail processes and equipment but do not define personnel roles or titles. Therefore, a definition cannot be constructed from the given material.

Video

Resources

Based on the provided text, "resources" refers to electronic materials and literature accessible through library systems. The sources mention "electronic resources management" and "e-resources" in the context of troubleshooting access problems and ensuring reliable patron access. Additionally, "resources" can refer to "recommended resources on the library’s website" which are managed via a tool like SemanticScuttle. The text also discusses literature about a specific region, indicating that "resources" can encompass bibliographic materials and spatial subject classifications.

Query

Technology

Title

Based strictly on the provided text, "title" refers to a journal title as JAbbr is a tool used to decipher journal title abbreviations by matching them against a list of serial titles. The context also suggests that "title" can refer to serial titles extracted from a library catalog for this matching process. In the context of the Print-on-Demand project, a "title" is part of the bibliographic metadata taken from a MARC record to produce book covers. Furthermore, the titles of the 90,000 digitized books are what make them available for print-on-demand.

Subject

Based on the provided source text, the term "subject" is not explicitly defined. However, it is used to refer to specific academic disciplines or fields of study. This usage is implied by the description of a system that forwards consultation requests to "subject specialist librarians." These are librarians with expertise in particular subject areas, such as history or biology, who assist patrons with their research needs.

Record

Field

Form

Format

Request

Xsl

Articles

Based on the provided text, "articles" refers to pieces within the Infopedia collection managed by the National Library Board of Singapore. The source mentions that Apache Mahout was used to link contents in several collections, specifically citing this "Infopedia collection of articles." This suggests that, in this context, articles are informational entries or documents that are part of a digital library collection. No further details about the nature of these articles are available from the given source.

Audio

Based on the provided sources, "audio" refers to archival audio files and audio content that requires digitization processes within a library context. It specifically involves master audio files that need to be converted or manipulated, such as being split into sub-item tracks to create web-deliverable MP3s. This work is part of digitization efforts supervised by individuals like Nitin Arora, who has been involved since 2009. The process is enhanced through custom scripts, like those described by Austin Dixon in a Code4Lib Journal article, which improve the efficiency of handling these audio files.

Course

Authors

Based on the provided source, the term "authors" is not explicitly defined or mentioned. The source focuses on the Code4Lib Journal's editorial processes, its leadership, and the tools it offers. It discusses the Editorial Committee's efforts to improve journal content, but it does not specify who the authors contributing to the journal are. Therefore, no definition of "authors" can be derived from this text.

Reference

Diversity

Link

Authority

Music

List

Display

Year

Network

Product

Iiif

Power

Policy

Editors

Aria

Summer

Evaluation

Openness

Brightness

Ideas

Epilogue

For more detail, about this study carrel, see the computed home page. For more detail about study carrels in general, see the read me file.

Created: 2025-11-20