Showing papers in "Collection Management in 1993"
13 citations
TL;DR: An investigation to determine if signs have an impact on the success of library users in locating what they need, and designed a survey instrument to evaluate users' perceptions of the value of directional and locational signs.
Abstract: Wayfinding in libraries can be a difficult and challenging task, and yet few studies of wayfinding have been concerned with libraries. Although it is true that the library and information science literature includes studies designed to measure user frustration, wayfinding problems as a cause of frustration have been neglected here, too. This is an investigation to determine if signs have an impact on the success of library users in locating what they need. Using the University of Rhode Island Library as a laboratory, the authors designed a survey instrument to evaluate users' perceptions of the value of directional and locational signs. Dala confirmed previous observations of user search difficulties. Although local in focus, the study has implications for most academic libraries.
13 citations
TL;DR: The organizational shifts that have occurred in academic libraries with respect to the function of circulation have been traced in this paper, and the major forces affecting this change were the influence fo scientific management, increasing specialization of labor, and the growing emphasis on unit efficiency.
Abstract: This article traces the organizational shifts that have occurred in academic libraries with respect to the function of circulation. First, the responsibilities assigned to the circulation department were broad and included a variety of reader advisory services; then, the work became mechanical and routine. The major forces affecting this change were the influence fo scientific management, increasing specialization of labor, and the growing emphasis on unit efficiency. Since 1980, however, the function of the circulation department has begun to broaden once again
12 citations
TL;DR: Providing good access to library material in remote storage is the key to making the use of remote storage an acceptable option for dealing with overcrowding in libraries on prime campus land.
Abstract: Providing good access to library material in remote storage is the key to making the use of remote storage an acceptable option for dealing with overcrowding in libraries on prime campus land. Users' concerns with remote storage include issues such as browsability, retrieval time, and distance factors. Each of these concerns must be addressed to provide users with adequate access to stored collections. Electronic browsing can replace physical browsing. Turnaround time may be reduced with requests submitted through electronic mail, telefacsimile transmissions, and regular pickups. At the UC Southern Regional Library Facility, bibliographic access is provided by the UCLA online automated system, ORION, and the union catalog for all of the University of California, Melvyl™. The primary focus of policies and procedures at the facility is to provide quick and easy access to materials once they are stored.
10 citations
TL;DR: The authors examine the ways in which collection development pohcy is formulated as well as the assumptions built into traditional modes of collection building, and examine the social and political functions of cultural transmission.
Abstract: Current controversy over the university's role in transmitting a cultural legacy has important implications for collections librarians. Broader definitions of what constitutes culture, as well as claims about the social and political functions of cultural transmission, require that we scrutinize the ways in which collection development pohcy is formulated as well as the assumptions built into traditional modes of collection building.
9 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a review of both the before and after, as well as the transition itself, identifies factors affecting this change and faculty participation in general, among these factors are disciplinary information needs, the library's collection and collecting priorities, faculty members' attitudes towards the shift in responsibility and funds, and personal interest.
Abstract: Participation in collection development by social science faculty at Tulane University decreased following the shift in primary responsibility for selection from the faculty to the library in 1987. A review of both the before and after, as well as the transition itself, identifies factors affecting this change and faculty participation in general. Among these factors are disciplinary information needs, the library's collection and collecting priorities, faculty members' attitudes towards the shift in responsibility and funds, and personal interest.
6 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss questions that need to be con sidered in developing a collection policy for the information file, look at appropriate selection tools, and briefly outline various methods of ensuring adequate access.
Abstract: Information or vertical files in academic libraries are an often neglected resource. This is in part owing to the fact that such files are frequently neither current nor adequately accessible. Yet they have the potential of providing valuable resources and data not found elsewhere in the library. The position taken in this article is that the information file can serve a vital role in the information finding process if it is managed according to standards similar to those generally applied in the academic library for collection building and access. The paper discusses questions that need to be con sidered in developing a collection policy for the information file, looks at appropriate selection tools, and briefly outlines various methods of ensuring adequate access. The appendix contains a list of newsletters dealing with current or controversial issues that are suitable for addition to an academic library information file.
5 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the technique of using peer institution data as a basis for forming and proposing changes in circulation policies at an ARL Library and found that the process of using PIR data focused discussion and proved to be an effective catalyst for changing policies.
Abstract: This article examines the technique of using peer institution data as a basis for forming and proposing changes in circulation policies at an ARL Library. Peer institutions for the University of Arizona Library were surveyed in respect to their circulation policies. The data were compared to other academic library circulation policy surveys and used to recommend specific changes in the graduate loan period, the fines structure, telephone renewals and fees for non-university borrowers. The process of using peer institution data focused discussion and proved to be an effective catalyst for changing policies. Most important, it was a process considered relevant by library and campus administrators.
4 citations
TL;DR: In this article, some enduring purposes of traditional access services are discussed in terms of their significance in an electronic library environment, where a great amount of bibliographic information can be located online in real time, but acquisition of this information may be timeconsuming and lead to patron frustration.
Abstract: The emergence of the electronic library has greatly increased access to bibliographic information. While there are many new technological advances in information services, electronic delivery is still only possible in limited forms. Users often have the capability to identify information, verify its availability status, and even place an order for it electronically. Nevertheless, in most cases, it can only be delivered via conventional means. This creates a situation where a great amount of bibliographic information can be located online in real time, but acquisition of this information may be time-consuming and lead to patron frustration. Some enduring purposes of traditional access services are thus discussed in terms of their significance in an electronic library environment
3 citations
TL;DR: Scholars who published articles in five major ethnic studies journals (Canadian Ethnic Studies, Ethnic Forum, International Migration Review, Journal of American Ethnic History, and Journal of Ethnic Studies) were surveyed in order to provide a profile of scholars in this cross-disciplinary field; discover the kids of information they use for their research; and how they retrieve information for their use as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Scholars who published articles in five major ethnic studies journals (Canadian Ethnic Studies, Ethnic Forum, International Migration Review, Journal of American Ethnic History, and Journal of Ethnic Studies) were surveyed in order to: (1) provide a profile of scholars in this cross-disciplinary field; (2) discover the kids of information they use for their research; and (3) how they retrieve information for their use Findings indicate that respondents are a male dominated group, the majority of whom hold a PhD degree in the social sciences and are affiliated with public universities in the US The primary focus of their research is on individual ethnic groups, immigration, demography, cultural diversity and race relations, and various specific aspects of ethnicity, eg, ethnic literature and ethnic press Many findings of the INFROSS and other earlier studies were confirmed and are still valued For example, ethnic studies scholars use many primary sources and rely heavily on identifying information s
TL;DR: A general operational and informational framework for access services managers is described and a research agenda for both short and long-term studies is recommended.
Abstract: This article identifies and discusses the primary issues associated with managing an access services department. Some of the issues presented include: (1) identification of functions reporting to access services, (2) organizational considerations, (3) role of access services manager including level of expertise and leadership/management characteristics and (4) managerial issues and recommended proficiencies. The article describes a general operational and informational framework for access services managers and recommends a research agenda for both short and long-term studies.
TL;DR: There is some evidence, however, which suggests that job standards and evaluation may be the interacting variables with accuracy percents, and further data is needed to fully study these relationships.
Abstract: Shelving is an important task in the work flow of the library. Books must be quickly and accurately reshelved in the stacks for optimum patron usage. The Brigham Young University shelving study had three purposes: (1) determine if shelving speed influences the accuracy with which books are returned to the shelves, (2) determine if the day of the week influences accuracy, and (3) determine if the length of a shelver's employment influences accuracy. Call numbers were written down from the shelver's cart after it was sorted. Later, after the shelver left for the day, each call number was checked and marked as shelved correctly, shelved incorrectly, or not found in the stacks. All test results on data revealed no interaction among the variables. The data provides some evidence, however, which suggests that job standards and evaluation may be the interacting variables with accuracy percents. Further data is needed to fully study these relationships.
TL;DR: In this paper, Ranganathan's five laws of library science are examined for the implications they hold for determining access services policies, and a number of theoretical and practical problems are discussed in light of the insights gaines from Raghavanathan's laws.
Abstract: SR Ranganathan's five laws of library science are examined for the implications they hold for determining access services policies A number of theoretical and practical problems are discussed in light of the insights gaines from Ranganathan's laws
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TL;DR: Binnie Syril Braunstein this paper has published three romance novels and thirty-six published short stories under her pseudonym, BINI SYRIL, under the Harlequin Temptation imprint.
Abstract: Baltimore writer Binnie Syril Braunstein has authored three romance novels and thirty-six published short stories. The novels (The Color of Love, Out of the Darkness, and Baby Love) were published by Harlequin Temptation under her pseudonym, Binnie Syril. She is also a book collector; her collection includes (among other things), over one-hundred ten (110) different editions of her favorite fairy tale, "Beauty and the Beast." In doing the research for her fifth book, Ms. Braunstein became aware of the very strong link between collecting and creating. The article which follows includes an examination of that link, a brief discussion of romance novels in general, and a preview of her new book proposal, tentatively titled, A Rare Find.
TL;DR: The possibilities for integrating existing networked electronic information into current library structure are explored by exploring both the variety of electronic documents currently available on the network and the present means of access.
Abstract: The increasing number of electronic serials, books, and other documents being produced, and the opportunity for wide distribution of information over the Internet has raised new issues regarding library access to information. Few libraries currently provide access to such information sources, nor do most network users think to turn to a library to find these documents. This article concentrates on the possibilities for integrating existing networked electronic information into current library structure by exploring both the variety of electronic documents currently available on the network and the present means of access, followed by a discussion of the possibilities for providing library access and implications for access services
TL;DR: The concept of triage management (which separates tasks into categories of "can wait," "hopeless," and "urgent") and the use of descriptive statistics are discussed in terms of how they relate to various functions of access services.
Abstract: Most libraries record a wide variety of numerical measures and descriptive statistics in an attempt to measure the use of their collections and services and to track any changes in those patterns. Nevertheless, if this information has no practical applications, then the entire data collection process is of little utility. In this article, the concept of triage management (which separates tasks into categories of "can wait," "hopeless," and "urgent") and the use of descriptive statistics are discussed in terms of how they relate to various functions of access services. Examples of the use of simple numerical measures to better manage changing patterns of work loads behveen areas of access services are examined from the University of Montana, Mansfield Library.
TL;DR: Funding, orientation, seleclion criteria and charging users was found to vary significantly when comparing the parent library and the off-campus sites, and which CD-ROMs are most often purchased, selection criteria and funding.
Abstract: A 1989 survey was conducted of forty-three academic libraries utilizing CD-ROMs with their extended-campus community. Thirty-one responses were received. The survey found twenty-two (70.9%) conducted searches only on the home campus, and thirteen (31.9%) provided CD-ROMs at the site. The paper surveys which CD-ROMs are most often purchased, selection criteria and funding. Funding, orientation, seleclion criteria and charging users was found to vary significantly when comparing the parent library and the off-campus sites.
TL;DR: The basic principles of quality services are described, with particular reference to how they have been implemented in the access services department at Texas Tech University Libraries.
Abstract: The concept of quality services has proven useful in business and has applications in the development and delivery of library access services. This article describes some of the basic principles of quality services, with particular reference to how they have been implemented in the access services department at Texas Tech University Libraries
TL;DR: In order to meet the demand the library established a separate information desk service which became the first line of service for incoming telephone callers as discussed by the authors, which screened callers and transferred appropriate reference calls to the reference desk.
Abstract: Telephone reference service at the University of California had become problematic in recent years due to increased volume of patron demand, both in-person and on the telephone. In order to meet the demand the library established a separate information desk service which became the first line of service for incoming telephone callers. Staff at the information desk screened callers and transferred appropriate reference calls to the reference desk. In 1991 the information and reference desk staff conducted a survey to see how well this arrangement was meeting the needs of their primary patrons. The survey results provided the departments with valuable information that has helped them to take new directions to better serve the needs of the primary patrons
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe two tools, used at Vancouver Community Library, that enable the manager to document workflow: performance standards and time surveys, together with a general picture of how the department meets its public service goals.
Abstract: Planning is essential for circulation and access service managers so they can maximize public access to library materials, etablish service priorities, identify what resources are necessary to maintain service levels, and provide staff with clear performance expectations. This article descrives two tools, used at Vancouver Community Library, that enable the manager to document workflow: performance standards and time surveys. Together, these two provide a general picture of how the department meets its public service goals. With limited resources available to them, circulation and access services managers must plan to increase efficiency, or fail to meet their public obligations
TL;DR: The access services manager is in a unique position to provide input and support for the type of policy formation efforts required to fully address the library's response to user access issues in a changing environment.
Abstract: This article describes the role of the access services manager in the formation and implementation of policies related to patron access to the library and its services. Automation of libraries has made it possible to re-think assumptions regarding levels of service provided, the ways in which these services are offered, and the development of related policies. The types of policies, factors influencing them, their development and implementation, and the expanding role of the access services manager in this process are discussed. Given the speed with which technology changes and the increase of user demands for new electronic based services, a proactive approach is needed to adequately address these and other issues in the future. The access services manager is in a unique position to provide input and support for the type of policy formation efforts required to fully address the library's response to user access issues in a changing environment.