Showing papers in "Serials Librarian in 2004"

How Electronic Journals Are Changing Patterns of Use

Abstract: SUMMARY Surveys of faculty, students, and scientists in non-university settings over time show that journals and journal articles continue to be a valued resource. Scientists today read from a variety of sources including print journals, electronic journals, e-print servers, and full-text databases; the amounts for each vary with subject discipline and library collection decisions. Scientists expect the library to provide resources and electronic journals that are designed to meet the needs of their specific discipline.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Impact Factor for Journal Collection Management in Libraries

Abstract: An overview and analysis of the Journal Citation Reports'impact factor is provided here. The historical development, calculation of, and alternatives to impact factor are briefly described. Nine general uses of impact factor, including library collection management decisions, journal rankings, journal decision models, and full-text database evaluation, are discussed. Ten benefits, such as its well-established authority, are listed. Finally, more than a dozen criticisms of citation data in general (e.g., self-citations are counted) and impact factor specifically (e.g., problems with the formula for its calculation) are analyzed. The author concludes that impact factor, if used appropriately and in combination with other criteria, is a valid tool that can assist journal collection management decisions in research libraries.

Usage Statistics: Taking E-Metrics to the Next Level

Abstract: You can't manage what you can't measure is the popular quote attributed to Peter Drucker. E-metrics is all about measuring for the purpose of managing the many aspects of e-content and e-collections. The notion of what to measure and how to manage depends on your perspective, however. There are a number of players in the online information business. For this talk we will focus on three of them: libraries, publishers, and aggregators. Each of these participants has somewhat different requirements for e-metrics. The subtitle of this presentation is Taking E-Metrics to the Next Level. We will start with the prerequisite look at why we need usage statistics. This will be followed by a discussion and examples of reports available today and a look at some of the challenges faced when e-metrics are provided from several sources. Next will be an overview of some of the standard efforts in process that could reduce or eliminate these challenges. Finally, we will look ahead to expanding uses of e-metrics and some additional challenges to be faced as well.

Defining the boundaries: FRBR, AACR and the serial

Abstract: Researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno, are unravelling the tectonic activity of the Colorado Plateau, a unique geological area that is still poorly understood despite its important role in activity at the Pacific-North America plate boundary Professor Corné Kreemer is using geodetic data from GPS stations to refine the measurement of strain rates between tectonic plates. His technique has become an invaluable tool for geophysical researchers

E-resource cataloging practices: A survey of academic libraries and consortia

Abstract: This article discusses current practices for the cataloging and display of electronic resources in academic/research libraries and consortia. Data were collected via survey by the Cataloging Electronic Resources/Electronic Resource Display in OPAC (CatER) Task Force of the Illinois Library Computer Systems Organization (ILCSO) Users' Advisory Group during the spring and summer of 2003. Survey questions covered a variety of areas, including: methods of access, percentages of total e-resources cataloged, policies and guidelines, adherence to national standards, the single-record versus multiple-record approach, the use of vendor records, the placement, tracking, and verification of URLs and their components, persistent problems, future plans to enhance bibliographic control, and the cataloging and display of electronic resources.

Breaking with the past: Formula allocation at Portland State University

Abstract: For over 25 years, inflation has dictated the growth of the collection at Portland State University's (PSU) Millar Library. In 1975, Joseph Kohut, former PSU librarian, stated that if “the current trends continue, within a few years, the total book budget of many academic libraries faced with constant or decreasing book budgets will be exhausted by serial subscription costs.” From 1986 to 2000, serial costs in ARL libraries rose 226%, thereby reaffirming that this dilemma has not ended. This paper outlines steps taken by PSU to improve the alignment between the allocation of PSU's library materials budget and PSU's priorities.

OpenURL and SFX Linking

Abstract: It is only a few short years since the early academic research lead by Herbert Van de Sompel at Ghent University in Belgium that resulted in the formulation of the OpenURL standard and the development of the SFX link server. These complementary components have revolutionized linking for libraries, putting control for linking in the hands of the librarian. This paper considers briefly the early linking initiatives, explains the purpose and structure of the OpenURL and the role of linking components—the sources, targets, and the link server, with a focus on the SFX link server.

Is it working: Usage data as a tool for evaluating the success of new full-text title access methods

Abstract: SUMMARY Using data captured by the North Carolina State University (NCSU) Libraries' in-house tool, the E-journal Finder, as well as locally gathered e-resource usage data, researchers Joanna Duy and Eric Pauley1 proceeded to answer two research questions: did the E-journal Finder make a difference in the amount of use of the libraries' full-text databases? And, how do people search with the tool? The researchers ascertained that, following the implementation of the E-journal Finder, the access to information increased, particularly in full-text databases.

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About SFX but Were Afraid to Ask

Abstract: Link resolvers, including Ex Libris' SFX, use OpenURL to provide library patrons with context-sensitive links, such as the ability to move quickly from a citation in an abstracting and indexing database to the full text. In SFX, information for determining the appropriate links is maintained in the knowledge base, which contains details about a library's electronic holdings and other information about electronic information resources. This article describes SFX functionality, what the service looks like from a patron's point of view, and how it can be of particular assistance to a serials librarian.

Copyright law: Fact or fiction?

Abstract: When the University of the Pacific purchased a new integrated library system there was a desire to make access to all types of materials more visible in the system. This required reviewing copyright law and determining the differences in the print and electronic environment. Licensing restrictions in the contracts for electronic databases and journals also influenced how the University of the Pacific would be able to handle these materials.

From Catalogers to Ontologists: Changing Roles and Opportunities for Technical Services Librarians

Abstract: SUMMARY In this presentation, Nathan Rupp discussed how the cataloging profession has evolved over the past few decades and whether Library and Information Science (LIS) programs are providing a sufficient educational background. As new formats for information resources and other technologies have developed, the tasks covered under the job title of cataloger have splintered, especially within the last ten years. Cataloging classes in LIS programs have changed, including their title, now usually called Organization of Informationclasses. These classes take a more generalist and theoretical approach to describing information materials, rather than simply drilling students in using MARC and AACR2. However, since these classes usually are not required and core courses absorb so many credits of the students, opportunities to take the courses are limited (let alone take additional classes to further cataloging skills).

A Journal Usage Study in an Academic Library: Evaluation of Selected Criteria

Abstract: This article describes a one-year (three semesters) print and microform journal usage study at Lovejoy Library, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The study, based on 20% random sample of eligible days, was conducted for three purposes: (1) to identify low-use current subscription journal titles that could be considered for cancellation; (2) to determine low-use bound journals based on publication date, so that retention and storage decisions could be made; and (3) to distinguish high-use journal titles that were critical to maintaining the core collection. Data were analyzed for all titles, formats, year of the journal, use by time of day, day of week, and month of year.

Back to basics: what is the e-journal?

Abstract: The author considers the evolution of the electronic journal from the first fledgling examples in the 1980s. The impact of the different forms of journal on both academic and popular culture is considered, and some of the differences and idiosyncrasies between this relatively new medium and its print counterpart are outlined. The article also looks at both popular and academic influences on the development of digital content, and probable future developments are discussed.

International Newspapers and Research

Abstract: International newspapers can provide a wealth of information to researchers. However, because of their size and the quality of the paper, newspapers are not usually preserved, and the more local a newspaper is, the less is the chance it will be available in alternative formats, or indexed. News databases would seem to provide a solution to this problem, but an analysis of the non-English language sources available from Lexis-Nexis Academic Universeshows that few daily newspapers are included, and most have only a limited backfile available.

Profession on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown

Abstract: The portrayal of the librarian as an uptight, stern, dowdy “shhhush”-meister is a popular Madison Avenue cliche. Recent advertisements playing off the stereotype sell everything from rum to cars. Reacting to this superficial image, actual librarians are fighting back, whether collectively by forming Web sites spoofing the stereotype of their profession, or individually by speaking up, as when a Web site posted insults by a Chicago law student. But the backlash against the stereotype is the outward reaction to a much more serious crisis of threats to basic library practice. The de-emphasis of trained librarians in a system with increased clerical personnel has left librarians feeling pushed aside. As library services have become outsourced and subdivided, there has been a dilution of responsibility for librarians, and with it, a rising tide of dissent toward stereotypes that in the new context of threatened careers feel not just silly, but dehumanizing, and an endorsement for change in myriad forms.

The Aggregator-Neutral Record: Putting Procedures into Practice

Abstract: The author presents examples of electronic serial bibliographic records created following CONSER's aggregator-neutral record policy. Included is a comparison of bibliographic records created before and after the adoption of this policy and a discussion of OCLC's project to convert existing electronic serial bibliographic records to the new practice.

Understanding Embargoes and Utilizing Other Services

Abstract: What are embargoes? When embargoes are implemented, how can one utilize other services to get to the content? This presentation made at the NASIG E-Journal Workshop in July 2002 focuses on the answers to those questions. It defines embargoes and explains how they benefit publishers and affect aggregators. It covers other services by which users can access the full text of embargoed titles, such as purchasing articles and linking from citations to electronic journal subscriptions.

Beyond Title Lists

Abstract: Librarians and patrons can access many thousands of electronic journals today. Librarians who incorporate records for these journals into their OPACs will maximize the journals' access and use, but accurately tracking them can be difficult. This paper describes a commercial solution to the problem. Serials Solutions combines aggregator title lists with CONSER MARC records to improve access to these titles. This paper reviews the benefits and challenges associated with this process, and identifies several areas in which aggregators and OPAC vendors can improve the services they provide, to facilitate this process.

Finding a better trail through the journals forest

Abstract: SUMMARY SUNY Albany began to find its Web-based list of electronic journals (accompanied by an independent Serials Solutions list and OPAC records for some titles) increasingly unworkable, confusing to the library user and costly to maintain. Discussions during the winter and spring of 2001/2002 led to the decision to complete cataloging of all e-journals prior to the start of the fall 2002 semester (using a single record per title with multiple holdings for all formats and locations), including those in the Serials Solutions list, and to replace the e-journals and Serials Solutions lists with a link to the OPAC periodicals search box. This permits finding information on the library's holdings of all formats for a given periodical title in one place, as well as hot links to any available electronic form.

Serial aggregations, multiple versions, and the virtual union catalog: The California Digital Library catalog, SUNY, and Ex Libris experiences

Abstract: Librarians have long agonized over the challenge of the so-called multiple version problem: how to catalog, associate, and present related titles or related manifestations of a given work. The appearance of increasingly large aggregations of electronic serials that defy easy control has raised the level of interest in newer approaches. At the LC Bicentennial Conference on Bibliographic Control, Confronting the Challenge of Networked Resources and the Web, I argued that vendor supply of metadata for serial aggregations was essential if the library community was to achieve title-level control of these important and expensive titles. It was argued that keeping MARC records for the aggregations separate in the technical services view of the catalog but merging them on the fly for the public view of the catalog would allow a sophisticated ILS to achieve the best of both worlds by having individual records and supporting a multiple versions approach to the public display. Since that talk was delivered in November 2000, the California Digital Library and the State University of New York's Office of Library Information Services have worked with Ex Libris to implement a multiple versions approach to their virtual union catalogs.

Reinventing Acquisitions with a “Forget-to-Do” List

Abstract: SUMMARY Many changes have occurred in our work in the last few years. In the Dartmouth College Library Acquisitions Department, there was new work to do without additional resources; in fact, there were fewer people. How could the acquisitions staff manage this situation? McHugo commented that their then-new director gave them the title of their presentation by suggesting that they would just “have to forget to do” some things. Here they present the strategies they developed to meet the challenge.

Starting with an empty map: Benchmarking time and costs for serials operations

Abstract: SUMMARY Nancy Slight-Gibney and Mary Grenci from the University of Oregon Libraries presented the results of a time/cost study conducted during 2002 to measure resource utilization associated with all aspects of technical services operations performed in the University of Oregon Libraries Acquisition and Catalog Departments. This workshop focused on the data gathered regarding serials operations across the departments. The overall goal of the study was to provide a solid research foundation that could be used to support process and budgetary decisions that would best support the mission of the Libraries. The workshop concluded with an audience participation discussion regarding possible interpretations of the research results.

Helping manage the E-journal forest: Do you need an agent any more? Part 2

Abstract: SUMMARY Electronic publishing is changing the business of serial publication. Yet despite tremendous growth in the volume of electronic publishing, traditional print publishing has not disappeared; consequently e-publishing has introduced more complexity into the environment, and current service needs co-exist alongside the need for new services required to manage e-publishing. Some believe that electronic publishing will be the end of the serial vendor or subscription agent; others are not so ready to mark their passing. Assuming that the current commercial model will remain relatively unchanged as the basis for most scholarly communication, the roles of serial vendors or subscription agents will change, but the services they bring to the library and the publishing community will continue to prove valuable. Support will still be needed for paper subscriptions, and new services are needed to manage e-journals. Of course change is inevitable, and those service providers that fail to react to the changing e...

Using the Library's OPAC to Dynamically Generate Webpages for E-Journals

Abstract: Electronic journals are being added to library collections at exponential rates. Kathryn Paul and Elena Romaniuk shared their experiences with the audience on how to provide electronic journal access to the users of their libraries. The workshop included a brief introduction of the University of Victoria and its libraries, the context of the project, its rationale, and a detailed explanation of the methodologies with emphases on planning, policies, processes, and systems. They then examined the challenges they faced and will still be facing. They concluded that their users loved the easy access to the electronic journals. An online demonstration was given at the end of the presentation.

The Faxon aftermath: Come together over me

Abstract: The Faxon Company traces its roots back to 1881. For more than a century, this company was part of the landscape of the world of scholarly communications. This article briefly documents the history of the Faxon Company, and chronicles the events that occurred following its final days. Insight is given into the nature of the relationships among publishers, vendors and libraries.

digitalnewspapers.org: The Digital Newspapers Program at the University of Utah

Abstract: This article describes the Utah Digital Newspapers Program at the University of Utah's Maniott Library. Background information regarding the historical importance of newspapers, the current state of commercial newspaper digitization, and the problems with small newspaper digitization are reviewed, and the solution provided by the University of Utah is offered. Details are provided for the program's history, funding, goals, and future plans. Other topics covered include the trade-offs between microfilm and hard copy source materials, how titles were selected, the processes and technologies utilized, Website organization, displaying PDF files with Macintosh computers, and using bi-tonal or grayscale images.

When the rug comes out from under: Managing change, technology, information, and staff

Abstract: SUMMARY Change is inherent in modern organizations Various models that managers may follow in order to promote change within the organization were discussed The change process should involve planning, two-way communication, participation by staff, and constructive feedback

Tools for Tenure Trailblazing: Planning Productive Paths for Green Serialists

Abstract: SUMMARY Claire Dygert and Markel Tumlin presented an overview of the tenure process by providing definitions, history, and factors for success. While stressing that the process and requirements vary from institution to institution, they outlined six factors for success which included: (1) succeeding in the application process; (2) putting a file/ dossier together; (3) developing your academic career; (4) finding a mentor; (5) the importance of collegiality; and (6) understanding the political culture of your institution.