The December 2025 issue of the open-access journal Information Technology and Libraries (ITAL, a publication of the American Library Association’s Core division) is now available. This issue contains the following peer-reviewed articles:
Using AI to Auto-Tag Graduate Theses, by Kyle Morgan, presents a practical approach to using artificial intelligence (AI) for tagging graduate theses in an institutional repository with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Utilizing strategies requiring no prior programming experience, the article provides a step-by-step guide, cost analysis, and lessons learned from employing two AI-based tagging methods. These methods, attempted with varying degrees of success, highlight the real potential of using AI for the thematic tagging of digital library resources.
VIAF Governance Concerns about the Refurbished VIAF Web and API Interfaces, by Stefano Bargioni, In January 2025, OCLC made significant changes to the web and application programming interfaces for Virtual International Authority File (VIAF) clusters. This article will compare the old and new interfaces, highlighting the pros and cons introduced and calling attention, especially, to critical errors introduced that compromise the functionality of much of the VIAF product. Consequently, it will raise questions and concerns regarding the governance of VIAF, as well as OCLC’s development model, testing, and feedback before public rollout.
Measuring the Impact of Digital Collections, b, Ayla Stein Kenfieldy Santi Thompson, Joyce Chapman, Joyce Chapman, Ayla Stein Kenfield, and Ali Shiri, Assessing content use and reuse is a considerable challenge for gallery, library, archives, museum, and repository (GLAMR) digital library practitioners. While a number of digital object content use studies focus on quantitative approaches to assessment, including digital object downloads, views, and visits, little research has investigated the ways in which digital repository materials are utilized and repurposed.
Validation of GDPR Compliance in a Library Management System, A BISIS and TeMDA Case Study, by Tijana Rajačić, Danijela Boberić-Krstićev, Danijela Tešendić, and Gordana Milosavljević, explores the challenges of achieving General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliance in library management systems (LMSes) by integrating our novel TeMDA framework into BISIS.
From Linked Open Data to Collections as Data, A Reproducible Framework Using Federated Queries, by Meltem Dişli, Giulia Osti, Gustavo Candela, and Richard Zijdeman, Libraries are adopting Linked Open Data (LOD) and Collections as Data (CaD) approaches to present their collections as datasets for direct computational use. However, research focused on federated and reproducible access to these datasets is limited. This work aims to develop a federated and reproducible approach for extracting CaD from LOD repositories.
From Availability to Access, How Students Perceive and Navigate Access to Online Information Resources, by Brittany Brannon, Samuel R. Putnam, Amy G. Buhler, Tara Tobin Cataldo, Ixchel M. Faniel, and Lynn Silipigni Connaway, reports on student perspectives on access to online information resources when conducting an initial search for a school project. Through thematic analysis and user vignettes based on data from 175 students in elementary through graduate school, this paper explores how students determine whether they have access to online information resources, the barriers and enablers they attend to when pursuing access, and the characteristics that influence this process.
AI-Infused Discovery Environments, Information Retrieval Boon or Overpromised Hype? by Dr. Blake L. Galbreath, Dr. Erica England, Corey M. Johnson, and Jen Saulnier Lange, outlines steps taken to examine Primo Research Assistant, an AI-infused discovery environment, for potential deployment at a large US public research university.
This issue also has our regular contributed column:
ITAL & …: Relationality Over Neutrality On Technology, by Kailyn Slater, Bridging the disciplinary gaps between library and information science and communication/cultural studies, this column utilizes LIS’s interest in generative AI to frame a critical discussion regarding neutrality towards technology within librarianship.
