Using Research to Promote Literacy and Reading in Libraries: Guidelines for Librarians. IFLA Professional Report No. 125.
The publication is aimed specifically at librarians and related organisations who want to find ways to foster literacy within the global society. It focuses on the importance of wisely consuming, conducting and applying research conducted by librarians and their partners in order to promote literacy and reading.
The Study of International Librarianship
This chapter introduces the topic of international librarianship and explains why I want to take a new look at it in terms of how it is practiced both at home and abroad. It offers readers various definitions and perspectives from the library literature, including considerations of its North American expressions and the role of English in its practice. It also offers further perspectives from the literature of higher education that can potentially broaden its understanding and practice for librarians, such as internationalization at home and transnational education. Its purpose is to set the stage for the research study that comprises the core content of this book.
Palaeomicrobiology: current issues and perspectives
Palaeomicrobiology is an emerging field that is devoted to the detection, identification and characterization of microorganisms in ancient remains. Data indicate that host-associated microbial DNA can survive for almost 20,000 years, and environmental bacterial DNA preserved in permafrost samples has been dated to 400,000–600,000 years. In addition to frozen and mummified soft tissues, bone and dental pulp can also be used to search for microbial pathogens. Various techniques, including microscopy and immunodetection, can be used in palaeomicrobiology, but most data have been obtained using PCR-based molecular techniques. Infections caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites have all been diagnosed using palaeomicrobiological techniques. Additionally, molecular typing of ancient pathogens could help to reconstruct the epidemiology of past epidemics and could feed into current models of emerging infections, therefore contributing to the development of appropriate preventative measures.