Showing papers in "Library Collections Acquisitions & Technical Services in 2009"

E-book usage in an academic library: User attitudes and behaviors

Abstract: This paper presents the results of a large scale survey designed to investigate usage patterns and library patron attitudes toward e-books. The survey reveals a university community's discovery and knowledge of e-books, their likes and dislikes about book content in electronic format as opposed to print, and their predictions of how they will use electronic and print book materials in the future. The survey shows that acceptance of e-books has reached a level where they have become an important library service. The results, based on a study conducted in collaboration with Springer, break down e-book awareness and attitudes into faculty, graduate student, and undergraduate student constituent groups. Additionally, statistics are presented to complement the survey results by showing that the usage of e-book content at the University of Illinois is increasing at a rapid pace.11 The author wishes to thank William H. Mischo and Sharif Islam for their invaluable assistance in managing and querying the s...

E-books or print books, “big deals” or local selections—What gets more use?

Abstract: This paper tracks the use of several hundred books at Oakland University that were made available both in print and electronically. This study attempts to determine if there are discernable differences in usage based on format. It also examines usage to determine if collections of books that were locally selected exhibit different usage than those purchased through a consortium. The author concludes that locally selected collections receive greater usage than consortially selected collections. Furthermore, the author finds that usage of a particular title in one format does not correlate to usage of that title in the other, but that there is a relationship between the formats when you compare aggregate circulations/accesses of books based within NetLibrary subject areas.

Citation analysis of PhD thesis at Wuhan University, China

Abstract: This case study is a citation analysis of 56 PhD theses submitted in 2005 at Wuhan University (www.whu.edu.cn) in China. The authors analyzed 10,222 citations in theses in Library and Information Science, Biology, Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, and Stomatology and reviewed and compared the characteristics of the literature cited in the four disciplines. The results revealed that in Biology and Stomatology mainly English language publications were cited whereas in the field of Library and Information Science, the cited literature came primarily from Chinese sources. In Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, citations were almost evenly split between English and Chinese sources. An appendix with tables of the journal titles cited most frequently may be used to evaluate serial holdings and to serve as a guide for students preparing their theses. In addition, the implications for library collection development policies and other technical services are discussed.

An analysis model of creating a core journal collection for academic libraries

Abstract: This study presents an analysis model for setting up a core journal collection for academic libraries. The model uses multiple factors based on the concept that convergence of data from all available sources should be used in core journal selection due to the inherent limitations of each source. The factors considered in the study are locally collected citations, local use, impact factor, and subscription price. The scores of journals range from ‘0’ to ‘400’ with about 20% of the total collection representing the core list. This study also conducts a case study to demonstrate how academic libraries could apply the model to formulate a list of core journals for their collections.

A journal back file overlap analysis: Looking back to move forward

Abstract: Back runs of print journals have traditionally been accessed by binding the individual issues or by replacing them with microfilm. In the online world there is often format duplication as non-current issues of print journals can appear in aggregator databases and other vendor packages. Criteria need to be developed to decide whether a print journal subscription needs to be archived on site in traditional formats or whether the online access for a given title is adequate and sustainable. The Adelphi University Libraries saved $27,664 by developing and applying criteria for relying on online access and to journal back runs.

Employers' Expectations for Head of Technical Services Positions in Academic Libraries

Abstract: A poster session presented at Washington State University Academic Showcase, March 26, 2010. The poster is based on (Lihong Zhu. Employers' Expectations for Head of Technical Services Positions in Academic Libraries. Library Collections, Acquisitions and Technical Services, 33 (2009))

An attempt of data exchange between the institutional repository and the information environment for the management of scientific research—ARP

Abstract: In the present paper an attempt of data exchange between the institutional repository based on DSpace and the Academy Resource Planning System (ARP) of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), which is the information environment for management of scientific research in CAS, was described. It includes the development of a tool based on browser which imports data from EXCEL into DSpace and a tool which exports data from DSpace into EXCEL. Consequently, data can be exchanged between ARP and DSpace through EXCEL. In addition, the way to customize the input form and the display page according to different types of documents was introduced.

Low-cost method of removing periodical duplicates using a collection growth formula at a medium-sized academic library

Abstract: The authors detail a low-cost, two-phased formula-based approach to bound periodical weeding at a medium-sized academic library with the goal of opening space for five years' growth, while still meeting user needs. Phase I included weeding bound titles with overlapping microfilm holdings. Phase II used the following criteria to determine which titles to discard: (1) four or fewer items, (2) availability in the University of Wisconsin System, (3) usage statistics and online access, (4) department consultation. This article summarizes the design, implementation, and successful results of the project.

Re-modeling ILS acquisitions data to financially transition from print to digital formats

Abstract: When Adelphi University Libraries began shifting serials subscriptions from print to digital formats, we recognized a need to alter acquisitions procedures and codes for more effective use of the Innovative Interfaces Millennium acquisitions module for budget management. A review of procedures dictated collapsing fund structures, replacing obsolete and redundant order codes, and adding new codes for electronic resources. As a result, we vastly improved accounting for online resources. Such modifications now enable us to track changing patterns of spending and use our ILS reports to support administrative decisions in anticipation of future increased campus allocations needed for electronic resources.

Music score approval plans in research libraries: A survey of librarian satisfaction with and without approval plans

Abstract: In this study, the researchers submitted a music score approval plan survey to all ARL libraries. Two surveys were created, one for libraries with music score approval plans, one for those without. Forty-four surveys were returned. The authors' purpose was to analyze and discuss the survey results, incorporating elements of the scholarly work preceding this study. Discussions, roundtables, and listservs participated in by music librarians over the years formed the basis of the topic at hand. The goal was to ascertain whether these discussions and underlying assumptions of approval plans held true to the real world.

Bringing public services experience to technical services: Improvements in practice

Abstract: Service to our users is the principal basis for a library's existence and as users' expectations increase, libraries must continually change their organization's policies, procedures and workflows to meet these expectations In order to achieve this in the Acquisitions Monographs Unit at Texas A&M University (TAMU) Libraries, Library Administration utilized a public service librarian who has a strong user oriented background to provide a fresh look at established procedures This librarian examined TAMU Libraries Acquisition Monographic policies, procedures and workflows from a user perspective and found some of them to be out of date Then the librarian researched other businesses and libraries best practices which she then adopted and modified to fit the needs of her unit These “New Best Practices” could be transferable to any library facing similar organizational needs

Using scenarios to identify and manage allocation decision risks

Abstract: This paper employs the solver function in Microsoft Excelâ„¢ to make a ‘what-if' analysis of library materials budgetary allocation decisions. Two sets of allocation constraints are presented and used to describe two different theoretical scenarios: (1) a slight materials budget increase and (2) a significant materials budget decrease. In each scenario, the associated allocation ‘parity' risks are identified using solver and the outcomes of different risk management strategies are considered. Sensitivity to context requires different risk management solutions to minimize conflicts between stakeholders with competing interests. By pre-managing allocation risks, the decisions allow library materials budgets to be optimized.

Student workers wave goodbye to the government documents default list

Abstract: Many libraries with federal depository collections have relied on loading large files of MARC records to add catalog records into their online systems. The addition of tens of thousands of MARC records created a catalog maintenance problem for the Sterling C. Evans Library of Texas A&M University. This paper discusses the use of student workers to clean the catalog of these problem records, describing lessons learned and procedures developed.

LCC from UDC: Managing the conversion

Abstract: The Singapore Polytechnic (SP) Library embarked on the project to convert books and periodicals from the Universal Decimal Classification system to the Library of Congress Classification (LCC) system after benchmarking projects showed that work performance could be improved upon the conversion. Planning began in 2005 with strong support from SP management. It was decided to carry out the project in-house. Internship at the National University of Singapore Library was arranged for one staff to learn the use of LCC and how special collections and issues were handled. Student assistants were recruited to assist in various processes. In addition, 10,000 bibliographic records were outsourced to a vendor to assign LCC call numbers in order to speed up the project. The library collection was converted and re-shelved during the Polytechnic vacation periods from February 2007 to March 2008, with the Library remaining open throughout the period.