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Thursday, March 09, 2023

Web-Scale Discovery Services vs. Online Public Access Catalogs in Libraries

Web-scale discovery services (WSDS) VS PAC (Online Public Access Catalog)


Libraries have always been an integral part of the information ecosystem, providing users access to a wide range of resources while upholding the core values of the entry. And as digital resources and search engines have become more prevalent, libraries have continued to adapt and evolve to meet the changing needs of their users.
Two essential tools used in libraries today are Web-Scale Discovery Services (WSDS) and Online Public Access Catalogs (OPACs).

While WSDS provides a single interface for searching through multiple databases, it can only partially replace the richness of specialized bibliographic systems that libraries have built up over time. 

On the other hand, OPACs list the library's holdings and help users find specific resources within the library's collection.
 
Some differences between WSDS and OPAC


WSDS

OPAC

Purpose

To search across multiple databases and resources.

To list the library's holdings.

Coverage

Provides broader and deeper coverage of resources.

Limited to the library's holdings.

Search

Uses natural language and advanced search features.

Search options are usually limited.

Results

Results are often significant in number and diverse in type.

Results are limited to the library's holdings.

Quality

Metadata quality can vary widely between databases and resources.

Metadata quality is usually high and standardized.

Updates

Updates can be frequent and immediate.

Updates are usually less frequent.

Usage

Used for general searching and research purposes.

Used for specific item or collection searching.

Interface

Modern and user-friendly interface.

Traditional and sometimes outdated interface.


Few major vendors offer WSDSs and OPACs

Vendor

WSDS

OPAC

Ex Libris

Primo

Alma

EBSCO Information Services

EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS)

EDS Catalog

ProQuest

ProQuest One Academic

Symphony

OCLC

WorldCat Discovery

WorldCat Local

SirsiDynix

BLUEcloud Discovery

BLUEcloud Catalog

Innovative Interfaces

Encore Duet

Sierra

Follett

Destiny Discover

Destiny Library Manager

BiblioCommons

BiblioCommons Discover

BiblioCommons Catalog

Adam Matthew Digital

Quartex

N/A


While WSDS provides a single interface for searching through multiple databases, it can only partially replace the richness of specialized bibliographic systems that libraries have built up over time because specialized bibliographic systems, such as Online Public Access Catalogs (OPACs), provide highly detailed and curated metadata specific to the library's holdings.

It must be stressed that OPAC metadata is produced by expert catalogers who have a deep understanding of the resources in the library's collections and the needs of their patrons. 

Since library-specific tailor-made metadata is only sometimes available in WSDS, essential collection items such as archival materials, rare books, and special collections may be missing in WSDS. Meaning it is not possible to provide the same level of precision and relevance in search results as in specialized bibliographic systems 

Therefore, libraries must continue improving their metadata production, ensuring it is high quality and standardized to enable effective discovery and retrieval of resources.

Wednesday, March 08, 2023

Quick Start Text Guide to Making And Judging ChatGPT3Librarian Prompts

Quick Start Text Guide to Making And Judging ChatGPT3Librarian Prompts

By ChatGPTLibrarian


AI language models are not capable of understanding or reading human intentions. Still, for the benefit of the users, a clear prompt or research question must include the following:

  • The specific area of interest

  • Key concepts or keywords

  • The purpose or objective of the research

  • It should be concise and easy to understand.

For example, "I am interested in researching the effects of social media on mental health among teenagers. Can you help me find relevant literature on this topic?"


Measuring the accuracy and relevance of ChatGPT Librarian responses

As an AI language model, ChatGPT's accuracy and relevance in providing answers largely depend on the quality of the data it learns from and the diversity of the input it receives. Some strategies to measure its accuracy and relevance include:


Testing with general questions:


One approach to verifying the accuracy of the ChatGPT responses is to ask it a series of known questions it should have the correct answers. 


One can determine the answers' accuracy by comparing the answers to the expected outcome.

A/B testing:


Comparing the responses of ChatGPT to a human librarian's answer to the same question can help assess its relevance. 


A/B testing involves presenting a similar question to ChatGPT and a librarian and then comparing the accuracy and relevance of the two responses.

Feedback analysis:


Collecting feedback from users who have interacted with ChatGPT can help evaluate its accuracy and relevance. 


Users can express their level of satisfaction with ChatGPT's responses, indicating how accurate and relevant they are.

Comparison with similar models:

Finally, comparing ChatGPT with other similar models can also provide a measure of its accuracy and relevance.


Consider comparing different models' accuracy scores on specific datasets or questioning them on a particular topic to see how well they perform.

Guide to Create Librarian GPT-3 Prompts

A successful library reference research prompt typically includes the following elements:

Specific research goals:

The prompt should include specific research goals, such as identifying a particular type of information or data, analyzing a specific aspect of the research question, or locating relevant literature. This helps the librarian understand the research's desired outcome and provide more targeted assistance.

Background or context: 

The prompt should provide some background or context for the research question. This helps the librarian to understand the broader context of the research and can guide the librarian in providing relevant resources.

Descriptive details: 

The prompt should include descriptive details about the research topic or question, such as the relevant dates, locations, or key individuals involved. This helps the librarian narrow the search and find more appropriate resources.

Appropriate terminology (Keywords and Concepts:):

The prompt should use appropriate terminology relevant to the research topic or question, helping to clarify the specifics of the request and ensuring that the librarian understands the scope of the research. In addition, the prompt should include relevant keywords and concepts that will help the librarian to identify appropriate sources. These keywords and images may be based on the research question or related topics.

Clarity: 

The prompt should be clear and specific, clearly describing the topic or question that needs to be researched. This will help the librarian understand the required information and how to find it.

Search Parameters:

The prompt should include any search parameters or constraints the patron would like to apply to their searches, such as a specific date range, language, or type of source material.

Feedback: 

The prompt should allow feedback and communication between the librarian and the user. This will help ensure the information is accurate, relevant, and meets user needs.

Expected Outcomes

The prompt should give an idea of the expected outcomes or deliverables of the research, such as a bibliography, a summary of key findings, or a full-length research paper.

Preferred Resources: 

If the patron prefers a particular resource or database, they should include this in the prompt. This can help the librarian choose appropriate resources and search strategies.


Guide to Judge GPT-3 Librarian Responses


Overall, the effectiveness of Librarian GPT-3 Prompts would largely depend on how well they meet the desired criteria and deliver a practical, positive user experience. Here are some possible measures that can be used to assess their effectiveness. 

Accuracy


The prompts should generate accurate and relevant information regarding the user's query. Therefore, they should provide relevant and accurate data.


Impartiality


Are the responses generated by GPT-3 prompt, impartial, and free from biases or assumptions?

Consistency


Are the responses generated by the GPT-3 prompt consistent with the quality and accuracy of answers provided by human librarians?

Accessibility 


The prompts should be easily accessible, and the users should be able to find relevant information easily without struggling or undergoing additional training.

Personalization


The prompts should be personalized to suit the user's needs and preferences, ensuring they receive the most relevant and targeted results.

Speed


The prompts should quickly generate responses to the users' queries, minimizing the wait time for users to get the information they need. 

User Feedback

Collecting user feedback on how helpful the prompts are in their research process is crucial to evaluating their effectiveness. This feedback can provide insight into areas that need improvement or indicate which prompts are practical and helpful.

Comparative Analysis

Comparing the effectiveness of the prompts to other search methods or tools and measuring their efficiency could be an essential metric for understanding how effective they are.


Examples of General ChatGPTLibrarian Prompts: Cataloging, Collection Development, and Other Services

Task

Prompt

Response

Cataloging

How do I handle a book published under multiple titles or pseudonyms?

For a book published under various titles or pseudonyms, you may need to create separate bibliographic records for each version of the book, using the correct title or pseudonym in each form. You can also use "see also" references to link the different versions of the book together in the library's catalog.

Collection Development

"What are some strategies for developing a diverse collection in the library?"

"To develop a diverse collection, you can start by analyzing the library's current holdings and identifying gaps in representation. You can also solicit input from patrons and community members on what materials they would like to see in the collection. Additionally, you can seek out diverse authors and perspectives in your selection process."

Other Services

"What resources can the library offer to support local businesses?"

"The library can offer resources such as market research databases, business plan templates, and industry reports to support local businesses. Additionally, you can offer business-related workshops or events and provide access to legal and financial resources to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses."


Example ChatGPT Librarian Reference Prompts For Sophisticated Searches 

How do I find literature on the use of blockchain technology in supply chain management?

Consider consulting specialized databases like IEEE Xplore or ScienceDirect to find literature on this topic. You can also try using search terms like "blockchain," "supply chain management," "logistics," and "smart contracts" in combination to narrow down your search.

Can you help me find articles on the relationship between gene expression and epigenetic modifications in cancer cells?

Sure thing! One database that may be useful for this search is PubMed. Try using search terms like "gene expression," "epigenetic modifications," "cancer cells," and "carcinogenesis" in variety to narrow down your search.

How do I find primary sources on the history of alchemy in early modern Europe?

To find primary sources, consult specialized databases like Early English Books Online or the Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica. You can also try using search terms like "alchemy," "early modern Europe," and "hermeticism" in combination to narrow down your search.

Can you help me find articles on using machine learning in natural language processing for sentiment analysis?

Certainly! One database that may be useful for this search is ACM Digital Library. Try using search terms like "machine learning," "natural language processing," "sentiment analysis," and "text classification" in combination to narrow down your search.

How do I find literature on social networks' role in spreading infectious diseases?

Consider consulting specialized databases like Web of Science or Scopus to find literature on this topic. You can also try using search phrases like "social networks," "infectious diseases," "epidemiology," and "disease transmission" in combination to narrow down your search.

Searching Transdisciplinary Topics with ChatGPT


Task

Prompt

Response

Transdisciplinary Searches

Can you help me find literature on the intersection of ethics, social justice, and urban planning?

Certainly! One database that may be useful for this search is Academic Search Premier. Try using search terms like "ethics," "social justice," "urban planning," and "public policy" in combination to narrow down your search.

Transdisciplinary Searches

How do I find articles on the relationship between neuroplasticity and second language acquisition?

Consider consulting specialized databases like PubMed or Linguistics and Language Behavior Abstracts to find articles on this topic. You can also try using search terms like "neuroplasticity," "second language acquisition," and "brain plasticity" in combination to narrow down your search.

Transdisciplinary Searches

Can you help me find data sets on the relationship between environmental pollutants and public health outcomes in urban areas?

One resource that may be useful for this search is the Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool. You can also try using search terms like "environmental pollutants," "public health," "urban areas," and "toxicology" in combination to narrow down your search.

Transdisciplinary Searches

How do I find literature on the intersection of art, psychology, and cognitive science?

You should consult specialized databases like PsycINFO or Art Full Text to find literature on this topic. You can also try using search terms like "art therapy," "cognitive psychology," "neuroaesthetics," and "visual perception" in combination to narrow down your search.

Transdisciplinary Searches

Can you help me find articles on using drones for environmental monitoring in marine ecosystems?

One database that may be useful for this search is Scopus. Try using search terms like "drones," "environmental monitoring," "marine ecosystems," and "remote sensing" in variety to narrow down your search.





Hosting ChatGPT Librarian Prompts

There are several ways in which librarians can host their GPT-3 prompts, depending on their specific needs and resources. Here are a few options to consider:

In-house Hosting

Librarians can host their GPT-3 prompts in-house, using their servers and resources. This can provide greater control over the technology and data generated by the model but may require significant technical expertise and resources.

Cloud Hosting

Alternatively, librarians can host their GPT-3 prompts in the cloud, using platforms like Amazon Web Services or Google Cloud. This can provide a more scalable and cost-effective solution but may require greater trust in the security and privacy measures offered by the cloud provider.

Vendor-Hosted Solutions

Some vendors, such as Ex Libris or OCLC, offer hosted solutions for GPT-3 prompts specifically designed for librarians. These solutions may provide greater ease of use and technical support but also require a significant investment in vendor products and services.

Integrated Library Systems (ILS)

Many libraries use an ILS to manage their collections and services. In addition, librarians can be integrated into the ILS, allowing patrons to access them through the library's online catalog or other search interfaces.

Library Website

Librarians can be hosted on the library's website as a separate page or chatbot that pops up to assist patrons with their research needs.

Chat or Messaging Platforms

Librarians can be hosted on chat or messaging platforms like Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp, allowing patrons to easily access assistance through their mobile devices.

Email or Phone

Librarian prompts can also be hosted through traditional channels like email or phone, with librarians responding to patron inquiries directly.



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