Mariella Pilgrim

Bio: Mariella Pilgrim is an academic researcher from University of the West Indies. The author has contributed to research in topics: Protestantism & Investment (military). The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 3 publications receiving 8 citations.

Our Journey from Print to Electronic Resources: An Acquisitions Perspective at a Caribbean Academic Library

Abstract: This article seeks to add to the body of literature about the provision and management of electronic resources in academic libraries in developing countries. It recognizes the importance of providing increased electronic information to users and describes the efforts of an academic library in the Caribbean to address this need. The role of the Acquisitions and Serials Unit in making this transition possible is explored. Furthermore, an assessment of the progress attained in the transition process is documented, including issues encountered, many of which have not yet been resolved. Future plans for successful development of an increased electronic resources environment have also been proposed.

Directory of Caribbean Theological Libraries

Abstract: This directory focuses on libraries in the Caribbean whose primary interests are theology and religion. The aim of the authors in creating this directory was three-fold: to raise the profile of the Caribbean's theological libraries, facilitate co-operation among the libraries themselves and possibly even their parent institutions, and to provide an invaluable guide to researchers who may wish to draw on the rich and, in some cases, unique resources held by these libraries. Criteria for inclusion were simple. First, the institution had to use a classification scheme, either conventional or in-house, to organize its materials. Second, the directory is limited to libraries belonging to Christian denominations: Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Mainline Protestant, and Evangelical including Pentecostal Churches.

Crossing Frontiers: Implementing an EBA Model at a Caribbean Academic Library

Abstract: ABSTRACT Evidence-based acquisition (EBA) programmes have been gaining momentum in academic libraries over the past 5–10 years. This paper examines our experience implementing one of these programmes at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus. In 2019, The Alma Jordan Library of the St. Augustine Campus partnered with Wiley Publishers to administer the Usage Based Collection Management (UBCM) programme. The results at the end of this first year were very encouraging and therefore, the decision was taken to extend the programme for a second year, and it has been continued for a third year. This paper describes the process of selecting a provider of a user-driven eBook acquisition model, implementing the programme, and gathering usage statistics. An analysis of the data was conducted at the end of the programme, and then criteria developed and used for identifying titles for purchase. In the analysis, the authors explore the following: usage based on titles not owned, usage based on subject areas; return on investment to the library; continued use of UBCM- purchased titles. Also included are the benefits of implementing such a programme, challenges experienced, and recommendations for libraries wishing to embark on such a project.

Depicting Caribbean Theological Libraries

Abstract: Theological libraries in the Caribbean have suffered from invisibility, so this study aims to bring these libraries to the fore. It presents key features of the libraries and seeks to determine if these are influenced by the libraries’ denominational affiliation, geographic location, and size. Geographically speaking, the target area was twenty-nine Caribbean territories. Data was gathered using a questionnaire containing mainly open-ended questions in English and Spanish, which was mostly administered face-to-face. The general results are offered first: the number of libraries found, their geographic location—whether in the English, Spanish and Dutch-speaking Caribbean—their denominations, and their size. These results are followed by a more detailed presentation focusing on classification schemes, subject headings, automation, and staffing at the supervisory level. The findings are then analyzed by denomination, location, and size. The article ends with a discussion of the results, comparing theological...

Crossing Frontiers: Implementing an EBA Model at a Caribbean Academic Library

Abstract: Evidence-based acquisition (EBA) programmes have been gaining momentum in academic libraries over the past 5–10 years. This paper examines our experience implementing one of these programmes at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus. In 2019, The Alma Jordan Library of the St. Augustine Campus partnered with Wiley Publishers to administer the Usage Based Collection Management (UBCM) programme. The results at the end of this first year were very encouraging and therefore, the decision was taken to extend the programme for a second year, and it has been continued for a third year. This paper describes the process of selecting a provider of a user-driven eBook acquisition model, implementing the programme, and gathering usage statistics. An analysis of the data was conducted at the end of the programme, and then criteria developed and used for identifying titles for purchase. In the analysis, the authors explore the following: usage based on titles not owned, usage based on subject areas; return on investment to the library; continued use of UBCM- purchased titles. Also included are the benefits of implementing such a programme, challenges experienced, and recommendations for libraries wishing to embark on such a project.

The Impact of Policies and Infrastructures on The Access and Use of Library Electronic Resources: A Case Study of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the Impact of policies and infrastructures on the access and use of library electronic resources the extent of access to and use of library electronic resources and their implications on remote users at the National Open University of Nigeria. The study adopted a quantitative research approach and survey research method was employed. The study targeted 1,680 population samples of which include 1,513 Students, 140 Academic staffs, and 27 Academic Librarians. Probability (Stratified random and systematic) sampling and nonprobability (purposive) sampling methods were adopted. Two sample frames were used: Students classified into subgroups (Level) in each selected study centers and Academic staff classified into subgroups (academic staff/academic librarian). Online (Google form) selfadministered closed-ended questionnaire was sent to participants’ email. Data collected were analyzed through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). This finding revealed that the academic staff and students access and use the library electronic resources for various multidimensional purposes, however, there is a low patronage of these electronic resources by academic staff and students as less than 40% of academic staff and students access and use the library electronic resources. Recommendations: the library management should develop awareness programmes that is appropriate for an ODL university community through the use of modern communication tools, and emphasy should be on the use of electronic resources in the university curriculum.

Literature of Acquisitions in Review, 2010–11

Abstract: This review covers the literature of acquisitions from 2010 through 2011. This period was punctuated by continuing economic challenge, and the themes expressed in the literature are largely related to this situation. Libraries moved with conviction toward patron-driven acquisitions. The reexamination of the Big Deal persisted as libraries felt the strain of budget cuts. Approval plans continued to evolve and e-books steadily increased market share. Workflows and management tools became more sophisticated as librarians and vendors sought to cope efficiently with the influx of electronic resources.

At Sea: Reclaiming a Serials Collection at a Small Specialized Library

Abstract: This article describes a multi-year project in which a small specialized academic library worked to restore and optimize its print serial holdings for preservation and access. After a review of the literature the article focuses on project work flow, preservation, bibliographic control, and the criteria for decision-making processes among the librarians to determine appropriate titles to keep or discard. Provided are data collected on titles, some statistics, and tentative future plans to augment access and digitize holdings.