BOOKENDS January 2025, Volume 8, Issue 2

In the last few months, Khalifa University Libraries have introduced two new AI-powered tools designed to assist patrons in finding information about library services, resources, and research materials. While each tool focuses on different areas, both make accessing help easier than ever for library users.

KU Bee is an AI program developed by the university to answer questions about university services. As part of this project, detailed information about library services, products, and resources has been integrated. KU users can ask natural language questions to receive detailed guidance on accessing and using the library’s many offerings.

The Primo AI Research Assistant has been added to the library’s discovery service. This AI tool helps users find answers to research questions by searching through thousands of journal articles and e-books available in the library's collection. Most importantly, the tool cites and links to the sources of its answers, ensuring that users can verify and incorporate reliable information into their research.

Key features include:
•    Enhanced Search & Discovery – AI-driven searches help users find relevant materials and analyze research trends.
•    Smart Recommendations – Personalized book and article suggestions based on user preferences and past searches.
•    Automated Citations – Accurate citations in various academic formats to support research integrity.
•    Chatbot Assistance – Real-time responses to research queries, guiding users through library resources and policies.
•    Data Insights – Helps librarians track user engagement and research patterns for improved decision-making.

By integrating AI into Primo, Khalifa University Libraries are taking a significant step toward modernizing research support, making knowledge access more efficient and interactive for students, faculty, and researchers.

-by Muna Alblooshi and Walter Brian Hall

Introduction. The journey through university is a transformative period in a student's life, filled with academic challenges, personal growth, and the development of essential life skills. Learning to balance studies, relaxation, and stress management is crucial for success. The following words explores the experiences of a student navigating university life, highlighting the importance of learning, relaxation, and effective stress control. 

The Learning Experience. University education is more than just attending lectures and passing exams; it is about developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a lifelong love for knowledge. Students engage in rigorous coursework, participate in research, and collaborate with peers to expand their understanding. Learning how to manage time efficiently, seek help when needed, and maintain a growth mindset significantly enhances academic performance. Additionally, getting adequate sleep plays a crucial role in the remembering process, reinforcing new information and improving cognitive function. Furthermore, students should work on improving their communication skills and learn to ask questions whenever needed to enhance their understanding and confidence. 

The Role of Relaxation. In the middle of the academic rigour, relaxation plays a vital role in maintaining overall well-being; the roman poet Juvenal wrote “Mens sana in corpore sano: A healthy mind in a healthy body” (First century AD). Activities such as exercise, reading, and for those who know how meditation can provide mental clarity and well being. Engaging in hobbies, having a social life with other students, and taking breaks help students feel better. Universities often offer recreational facilities and student organisations to encourage a healthy work-life balance. Moreover, maintaining a nutritious diet by consuming well-balanced meals supports brain function, enhances concentration, and contributes to overall health.  

Controlling Stress. Stress is an inevitable part of university life and life in general, but learning how to manage it effectively is key to long-term success. Techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, and structured planning help students stay focused and reduce anxiety. Seeking support from family, friends and professors, can provide guidance and motivation. Developing resilience and adopting a positive attitude can make challenging situations more manageable.  

Conclusion. The university journey is a dynamic process of academic achievement, self-discovery, and personal growth. Balancing learning, relaxation, and stress management allows students to make the most of their educational experience. By cultivating a disciplined yet flexible approach, students can navigate university life successfully and prepare for future challenges with confidence. 

-by Dr. Mokhtar Kirane

Since 2020, KU Libraries have been supporting university authors who publish articles in high-quality Open Access journals. The project started as a small effort to support the university’s goal of increasing the visibility and reputation of its scholars. Over the ensuing years, the number of publishers supported has more than doubled and the number of annual articles paid by the library has grown by 450%. 

Studies have shown that articles that are published in Open Access journals are read more often, downloaded more often, and cited more frequently than similar articles published using the traditional subscription-based model.

During the first years of the Open Access Services project, only the publishers ACS, IEEE, and Wiley were included and eligible for support. During the first year, the library paid the article processing charges (APC) for 55 articles with those three publishers. With the support of the university administration, there are now seven publishers that are included in the project: ACS, Elsevier, Frontiers, IEEE, PLOS, Taylor & Francis, and Wiley. 

As a result of both the expansion of the number of publishers as well as the increased awareness of the advantages of OA publishing, the number of OA articles that have been covered by the library’s OA Services as grown substantially over the past five years. And the trend for January is ahead of last year’s rate as well.

 
If you would like to find out more about the OA project, please visit our website at https://library.ku.ac.ae/oa, or contact us at openaccess@ku.ac.ae. 

- by Walter Brian Hall

IQ by Joe Ide is an exciting and unique crime novel that introduces Isaiah Quintabe, also known as IQ, a smart detective from East Long Beach, California. IQ uses his sharp mind to solve cases that others can’t, often helping people who can’t pay him. When he’s asked to investigate an attempted murder on a famous rapper, he gets caught up in a dangerous world of criminals and lies.

What makes IQ special is its main character. Isaiah isn’t your typical detective, he’s self-taught, smart, and has a difficult past. Ide does a great job of mixing his backstory with the main case, showing how IQ became the brilliant investigator he is today. He’s not just book smart but knows how to read people and think quickly in tough situations.

Ide’s writing is fast and keeps you hooked, with plenty of action and twists. The dialogue feels real and often funny, especially between IQ and his friend Dodson, who adds some humor and energy to the story. The two of them make a great team.

While the book is mainly a crime story, it also touches on important themes like justice, morality, and survival. IQ wants to do the right thing for his community, even though he’s dealing with his own personal struggles. This makes him a very relatable and interesting character.

Overall, IQ is a great novel that mixes crime, action, and character development. If you enjoy thrilling mysteries and smart detectives, this is a book you shouldn't miss.

Many of us begin the new year with many new year’s resolutions. For some, it may be to achieve a fitness goal. For other it may be a reading challenge! If that’s the case here are some great reading apps to help you achieve that goal!

Libby by Overdrive – Access Free eBooks from your Local Public Library

This user-friendly app allows you to download eBooks and audiobooks to your device of choice. Access content from your mobile phone, tablet, internet browser and even your Kindle. Most of the titles are popular bestsellers from famous authors and classic fiction. All you need to do is search for your local public library in the app and sign in with your credentials and you are good to go.

Amazon Kindle – Browse, Buy and Read

Amazon has a long history of being one of the top purveyors of books that are in print or digital. Here you will find the most extensive collection of eBooks in a variety of genres. This app allows users to customize their reading experience with a variety of font sizes and themes within the app. The easy-to-use app allows you to sync your reading progress across your phone, tablet or computer. This way, you can always read on the go! If you are a proper bookworm, you can subscribe to Kindle Unlimited to get access to over 4 million titles.

- by William Nathaniel Hutchinson III

That the oldest continually operating library is at University of Al Qarawiyyin in Fez, Morocco.

Since This historical library was founded by a Muslim woman, Fatima El-Fihriya. Since it opened its doors in 859 C.E., the library has been restored during the last three years by another woman, Canadian-Moroccan architect Aziza Chaouni. Also, this library is home to ninth- century Qur’an escribed on camel skin and has been modernized with solar panels and high-tech lab dedicated to restoring ancient manuscripts.