PurposeThis column seeks to examine the role of libraries in the description, organization, and accumulation of critical research data.Design/methodology/approachThis is an opinion column, but the literature was briefly examined to understand the trends for this area.FindingsLibraries have an important role in data curation and preservation regarding the research data output of a university.Practical implicationsThere is a very important opportunity for libraries to take the lead in the important area of data curation and preservation regarding research data.Originality/valueLibraries can play a vital role in establishing orderly policies and procedures surrounding the curation, preservation, and organization of important research data, which is an emerging area at research institutions, but is becoming an acute need.

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to provide some ideas concerning the design and implementation of the library virtual architecture and its relation to the psychology of information-seeking behavior. Design/methodology/approach -This paper is purely theoretical and speculative. No systematic design was involved. Findings -The renovation of a library's "virtual space" can be as important as the renewal of the physical space. Many libraries are taking advantage of user-centric design principles as they renew the physical layout and service orientation of their libraries from an architectural standpoint. These same principles can be applied to virtual architecture in order to provide a positive and successful user experience on web sites. Practical implications -This paper may assist librarians in being more comprehensive in the planning of virtual architecture on web sites and in the creation of electronic finding aids. Originalityvalue -Should be interesting to those librarians who focus in their daily work on issues of information architecture and web site usability. It may also be useful to those who work in some reference capacity or regularly assist patrons in finding information.

PurposeAims to give an overview of web services, related protocols, and examples of use.Design/methodology/approachThis column simply provides a technical overview of technology directly related to the work of digital libraries and digital library services.FindingsIt is increasingly important for digital libraries to consider how internet‐based applications can share data and provide standardized means for exposing content and allow more sophisticated querying to occur. Web services, which is a model for this purpose, has been in development for several years and yet has not been widely adopted by libraries maintaining digital repositories and applications containing other digital content. The basic technology for web services is examined, along with several examples of web service protocols in use as well as several instances of how various organizations are taking advantage of those technologies.Practical implicationsWeb services and related protocols hold much promise for digital libraries and digital repositories.Originality/valueThis column will be most useful for libraries and institutions that are beginning to think about incorporating web services into their current technical infrastructure. It is particularly important for digital libraries that maintain archival, rare materials and research archives to be aware of and use web services to share and syndicate their important and valuable content.

PurposeThis paper aims to examine issues surrounding digital stewardship and information security with the digital library.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is exploratory in nature.FindingsThis paper highlights areas in which there needs to be awareness of information security issues in order to protect patrons and library resources.Practical implicationsInformation security is now everyone's business. Librarians who deal heavily in digital content must be active in their stewardship of digital library resources, both to preserve and protect potentially sensitive content, but also the privacy and confidentiality of the patrons.Originality/valueIt is hoped that everyone who has anything to do with the creation, maintenance, dissemination and preservation of digital content in the library context will take information security seriously. This paper is intended to be a primer for those who have not taken account of information security issues to begin doing so on an ongoing basis.