Showing papers in "Serials Librarian in 2016"
TL;DR: The Copley Open Educational Resources (Copley OER) Initiative as mentioned in this paper explored open educational resources (OER) at the University of San Diego (UCSD) to address the economic challenges facing today's libraries.
Abstract: In 2014, three librarians at the University of San Diego came together to explore open educational resources (OER). Coming from both technical services and digital collections, we were well-versed in the economic challenges facing today’s libraries. In order to formulate the approach that would work best for our campus, we first had to educate ourselves on the past, present, and possible future of the Open Access movement. While traditionally Open Access has focused on serials, OER offer the opportunity to expand its benefits to other formats. This article examines opportunities and tensions surrounding OER, as well as highlighting major players on the OER landscape. Our efforts began with a focus group for faculty to assess their own knowledge of and opinions on OER. After establishing a stipend budget, we sent out a call for proposals to faculty who were interested in participating in the Copley OER Initiative.
24 citations
TL;DR: The playing field is not level, however, in the search for information since factors such as literacy, computer literacy, mobility, dexterity, dexterity and others all play a part in successful information seeking results.
Abstract: We live in a world where more and more the availability of needed information is determined by access to technology. This presents a barrier for some segments of the population. Older adult...
17 citations
TL;DR: After a review of alternatives to GA following Edward Snowden's revelations, Piwik (piwik.org) was selected as a replacement for GA because it is a free, open source, and most importantly, supports local data collection.
Abstract: Like many other libraries, Cornell University Library uses Google Analytics (GA) to track website usage. GA, designed to support Google’s primary revenue stream, advertising, has many strengths, in...
13 citations
TL;DR: A methodology to generate a list of local core journal titles by doing a citation analysis and details the process for retrieving and downloading data from Scopus reveal significant correlations between journal rankings and journal usage.
Abstract: This article outlines a methodology to generate a list of local core journal titles by doing a citation analysis and details the process for retrieving and downloading data from Scopus. It analyzes correlations among citation count, journal rankings, and journal usage. The results of this study reveal significant correlations between journal rankings and journal usage. No correlation with citation count has been found. Limitations and implications for collection development and outreach are also discussed.
13 citations
TL;DR: This study investigates three years of ILL usage data for 1651 journals prior to undertaking subscriptions and then Counting Online Usage of Networked Electronic Resources (COUNTER) usage for these same journals over a three year subscription period, and suggests a predictive ratio of I LL requests to COUNTER uses and COUNter uses to ILL requests.
Abstract: More and more libraries are investigating the possibility of breaking apart or unbundling their “Big Deal” publisher packages In doing so, libraries acknowledge and ready themselves for the possibility of a significant portion of journal use shifting to interlibrary loan (ILL), and attempt to estimate what this shift from subscription to the ILL mode means in terms of costs This study investigates three years of ILL usage data for 1651 journals prior to undertaking subscriptions and then Counting Online Usage of Networked Electronic Resources (COUNTER) usage for these same journals over a three year subscription period The results suggest a predictive ratio of ILL requests to COUNTER uses and COUNTER uses to ILL requests
12 citations
TL;DR: This paper explored the sociological academic literature on professions to determine if librarianship meets the requirements to be a profession, if library literature supports library literature, and why it matters for libraries.
Abstract: What does it mean to be a professional, and do librarians meet the academic definition of a professional? Professions are strongly related to identity, and stereotypes associated with the culture of a profession are going to have some effect on the public’s perceptions of that profession. The stereotype of the vaguely purposed but somehow controlling older person (who “shushes” patrons to maintain silence) does not contribute positively to the professional image of a librarian. Library users do not even superficially understand what librarians do, and this leads to an undervaluing of the impact and importance of librarians. In the modern environment of budget challenges, it is important to be able to articulate the value of both libraries and particularly librarians. This article explores the sociological academic literature on professions to determine if librarianship meets the requirements to be a profession, if library literature supports librarianship as a profession, and why it matters for li...
11 citations
TL;DR: This session reported the findings of a comparative analysis of how e-books are represented across multiple platforms, including the inclusion of various metadata, the visual presentation of e-book content, and variations in search results.
Abstract: This session reported the findings of a comparative analysis of how e-books are represented across multiple platforms. In this session, the presenters shared the results of a study that examined how a sample of academic e-books are represented across different platforms. Topics of analysis included: the inclusion of various metadata, the visual presentation of e-book content, and variations in search results. This presentation also focused on the similarities and differences between e-book representation and what impact these various representations might have on users of academic e-books.
10 citations
TL;DR: This column is a conversation with Eric Miller, a founding father of Semantic Web technologies, a member of the original BIBFRAME team and president of Zepheira, a company that helps libraries increase their visibility on the open web.
Abstract: In 2011 the Library of Congress commissioned the development of the next generation of machine-readable cataloging. The result of that effort was the Bibliographic Framework Initiative (BIBFRAME), which employed linked data and Semantic Web technologies to provide the basis for the future of bibliographic description. Some people are optimistic about the potential of BIBFRAME, others view BIBFRAME as an interesting experiment with an element of uncertainty as to its practical application, and still others are less optimistic about its prospects. To get a clearer picture of BIBFRAME and its true potential, we contacted Eric Miller, a founding father of Semantic Web technologies, a member of the original BIBFRAME team and president of Zepheira, a company that helps libraries increase their visibility on the open web. This column is a conversation with Eric in which we discuss the past, present and future of BIBFRAME and library linked data, including some success stories.
8 citations
TL;DR: The Salisbury University Libraries embarked on a serials and database cancellation project in the 2014–2015 academic year, eventually cutting nearly 20% of journals without causing any faculty protests.
Abstract: The Salisbury University Libraries embarked on a serials and database cancellation project in the 2014–2015 academic year, eventually cutting nearly 20% of journals without causing any faculty protests. Picking up ideas from numerous other libraries, the three-person project task force developed a three-stage process: 1) preparation—gathering data and laying the groundwork for getting feedback; 2) getting feedback from liaisons, faculty, and departments; and 3) making decisions about what to cut and sharing the results. This article details the steps taken and key recommendations for other libraries undertaking similar projects.
8 citations
TL;DR: In-person and remote usability testing found that students expect direct access to full text, have an unfavorable impression of Interlibrary Loan (ILL), and are unsure, based on terminology, which links provide direct accessto full text.
Abstract: Simmons College Library conducted in-person and remote usability testing to observe how students retrieve full text when using Library Search, its discovery service system powered by EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS). Testing was conducted as a collaborative study with a consultant associated with EBSCO Information Services User Research Group. This testing found that students expect direct access to full text, have an unfavorable impression of Interlibrary Loan (ILL), and are unsure, based on terminology, which links provide direct access to full text. Steps taken by the library in response to the findings include local customization of EDS, improvements to ILL messaging, updates to user education regarding full text formats and terminology, and requests to EBSCO to update terminology to support users’ direct access to full text. Study findings also validated decisions the library made during the initial set up of its discovery service system.
8 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors synthesize seven peer-reviewed articles that investigate the varying roles of social networking sites, cyber peers, and social capital in the information seeking behavior of adolescents.
Abstract: This article synthesizes seven peer-reviewed articles that investigate the varying roles of social networking sites, cyber peers, and social capital in the information seeking behavior of adolescents. The theoretical approaches of Brenda Dervin, Elfreda Chatman, and Carol Kuhlthau are instrumental in establishing the basis for the research in terms of information seeking behavior. There are three main foci of the research synthesized: information seeking behavior and information needs; maturation or development and behavioral norms; and the ideas of sociability or social capital and bridging capital.
TL;DR: An overview of the availability, benefits, and drawbacks of various LMS systems and OSS variants, drawing from experiences in the present Indian context are provided.
Abstract: The explosion of availability of information on the Internet requires that libraries evolve into value-added information providers, rather than mere curators of collections. Modern libraries need to stay relevant to a diverse, technologically savvy patron base and to facilitate and add value to the research community, while facing significant resource constraints. To face these challenges, libraries need to embrace digital technologies and library management systems (LMS) in order to work smart and achieve more with less. While LMS systems have been around for decades, libraries can explore the new frontier by embracing open source solutions, like open source software (OSS) library systems, which are free to acquire. They need to collaborate with computer experts and become technologically savvy to harness the full power of OSS solutions to meet the specific needs of the library and patron base. This article provides an overview of the availability, benefits, and drawbacks of various LMS systems a...
TL;DR: This session, three librarians gave an overview of their experiences and strategies for maintaining separate link resolving and discovery services in lieu of adopting a full suite of services from a single service provider.
Abstract: There is a growing trend toward a consolidation of services for electronic resources management, A–Z journal listings, full text link resolving, and discovery services under a single service provider. In many cases, the adoption of a discovery service from a provider that is not the same as the libraries’ existing link resolver service means managing multiple knowledgebases. In this session, three librarians gave an overview of their experiences and strategies for maintaining separate link resolving and discovery services in lieu of adopting a full suite of services from a single service provider. Each speaker presented a case study on the advantages and challenges of managing their chosen discovery service: EBSCO Discovery Service, Ex Libris’ Primo and ProQuest’s Summon, in conjunction with the CUFTS/GODOT open source knowledgebase and link resolver service.
TL;DR: This article describes a project documenting and analyzing the electronic resource workflows for the library at Baruch College, CUNY (City University of New York), focusing on “gaps” in the lifecycle, indications of where the workflow could be streamlined, and examples of beneficial conversations within library departments.
Abstract: This article describes a project documenting and analyzing the electronic resource workflows for the library at Baruch College, CUNY (City University of New York). The presenter discusses her approach, how background research informed the documentation process, and explains the methodology and framework used to analyze the lifecycle of the electronic resources. Multiple interviews conducted with staff, faculty, and stakeholders involved in these workflows offered clarification of the steps involved and afforded the opportunity to delve into lengthier discussions about the process. This presentation highlights some outcomes of the project, focusing on “gaps” in the lifecycle, indications of where the workflow could be streamlined, and examples of beneficial conversations within library departments.
TL;DR: Accessibility is explained and strategies for creating an accessibility initiative at your college or university are provided.
Abstract: Electronic resources librarians mediate access to a variety of resources and content ranging from electronic journals and databases provided by publishers and vendors to locally produced web pages, documentation, and instructional videos. Providing accessible resources is essential to ensuring equal access and opportunity for students, faculty, and staff in higher education. This article explains accessibility and provides strategies for creating an accessibility initiative at your college or university.
TL;DR: In 2014, the Online Computer Library Center, Inc. (OCLC) launched a service to provide automated holdings management within the WorldCat knowledgebase for a select group of content providers including some of the largest e-book aggregators as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: For e-resource librarians, maintaining e-book and e-journal holdings within electronic resource management systems is a labor intensive and often manual process. In 2014, with the aim of saving library staff valuable time and effort, the Online Computer Library Center, Inc. (OCLC) launched a service to provide automated holdings management within the WorldCat knowledgebase. For a select group of content providers, including some of the largest e-book aggregators, holdings information can be populated and updated automatically within the knowledgebase without intervention from library staff. At the University of Toronto Libraries, we conducted a study to assess the accuracy and efficiency of these automated holdings management services. This presentation outlines the results of the study and provides suggestions for further improvement to the current services offered.
TL;DR: Analysis of historical data from reported e-resources access problems at the Georgia State University Library was employed to improve the format and quality of future access problem identification and reportage and to create training for public services staff.
Abstract: The purpose of this article is to show how analysis of historical data from reported e-resources access problems at the Georgia State University Library was employed to improve the format and quality of future access problem identification and reportage and to create training for public services staff. The goal of the training was to provide front line staff at public service points with an appropriate level of knowledge, enabling them to either resolve basic issues with patrons in real time, or to report critical information effectively to others, thereby ensuring faster and more accurate problem resolution. The authors discuss the development, delivery, and impact of this ongoing training.
TL;DR: Three librarians from two similar but unaffiliated state colleges discuss how they confronted similar e-book acquisition concerns, taking two different approaches toward revising their collection development policies, economizing their processes and streamlining their workflows.
Abstract: Three librarians from two similar but unaffiliated state colleges—both members of larger university systems—discuss how they confronted similar e-book acquisition concerns. In this session, presenters described how they took two different approaches toward revising their collection development policies, economizing their processes and streamlining their workflows. The presenters discussed patron-driven acquisition e-book programs, as well as the importance of communication and collaboration among library personnel. By formalizing the purchasing decisions of electronic formats, libraries can provide the structure needed to support changing staff roles and shrinking resources, as well as address important related issues such as accessibility and timeliness.
TL;DR: New types of calculation methodologies, called altmetrics, which is short for alternative metrics, are increasingly being used to measure and analyze the scholarly communication networks of researchers, librarians, publishers, and funding organizations.
Abstract: New types of calculation methodologies, called altmetrics, which is short for alternative metrics, are increasingly being used to measure and analyze the scholarly communication networks of researchers, librarians, publishers, and funding organizations. By applying altmetrics to emergent online forums like Twitter, Academia.edu, Mendeley, and ResearchGate, studies have shown that early measures of social attention to a work or body of work can be correlated with later usage and citation statistics to predict the diffusion and impact of research output. However, standards for altmetrics are needed to build confidence and trust among the information community.
TL;DR: An analysis of the Swets bankruptcy illustrates some strategies that librarians can use to assess an agent’s financial health as well as gauge the quality of service.
Abstract: In late summer of 2014, there was an exchange on the SERIALST listserv about why libraries would or should pay a service charge to work with subscription agents rather than order directly from publishers. The Swets Information Services bankruptcy was announced in September, impacting libraries, publishers, and others in the supply chain. The speakers explore the advantages of using an agent for both libraries and publishers and reported on the responses to a survey sent to various communities regarding the use of subscription agents. An analysis of the Swets bankruptcy illustrates some strategies that librarians can use to assess an agent’s financial health as well as gauge the quality of service.
TL;DR: The development of the concept of the digital divide is reviewed, and its implications for library and information studies, institutions, and beyond are considered.
Abstract: The digitization of collections is often lauded not only for its preservation benefits but also for its social ones, as it can facilitate increased access to information. However, it is crucial to consider such developments within the context of differential access to and use of digital information and resources, an issue broadly known as the “digital divide.” More specifically, it is important to consider the possibility that such technological developments might exacerbate existing inequities. This article reviews the development of the concept of the digital divide, and considers its implications for library and information studies, institutions, and beyond.
Jisc1
TL;DR: How higher education institutions across the United Kingdom are implementing systems and workflows in order to meet open access requirements for the next Research Excellence Framework is concerns.
Abstract: This article concerns how higher education institutions across the United Kingdom are implementing systems and workflows in order to meet open access requirements for the next Research Excellence Framework. The way that institutions are preparing is not uniform, although there are key areas which require attention: cost management, advocacy, systems and metadata, structural workflows, and internal policy. Examples of preparative work in these areas are taken from institutions who have participated in the Open Access Good Practice initiative supported by Jisc.
TL;DR: Funding for a project to specifically evaluate strategies for expanding e-journal preservation is secured, and techniques for identifying at risk e-journals, integrating preservation into license negotiation with publishers, tracking the preservation status of e-Journals, and developing relationships with existing preservation agencies are discussed.
Abstract: The responsibility for and the initiative to preserve electronic journal content is neither clear nor easy, and knowing the preservation status of an e-journal is not a basic step within the NASIG Core Competencies for Electronic Resources Librarians life cycle of electronic resources management. Columbia and Cornell University Libraries secured funding for a project to specifically evaluate strategies for expanding e-journal preservation. A wide range of e-journal categories are evaluated within the scope of the project, including: content direct from publishers, small and society publishers, Open Access e-journals, full-text content from third-party content providers, and university generated e-journals. Discussed are techniques for identifying at risk e-journals, integrating preservation into license negotiation with publishers, tracking the preservation status of e-journals, and developing relationships with existing preservation agencies. The quality of future of scholarship and teaching hinges on th...
TL;DR: Using interlibrary loan (ILL) data on requests for materials available online, the electronic resources staff at the Samford University Library detected problems with the implementation of their new link resolver.
Abstract: Troubleshooting electronic resource linking issues can seem to be an insurmountable task—so many resources, so little time. Using interlibrary loan (ILL) data on requests for materials available online, the electronic resources staff at the Samford University Library detected problems with the implementation of their new link resolver. This data also provided a window into some systemic issues within the metadata of certain sources and the link resolver knowledgebase. In addition to helping us improve linking for our users, the establishment of a workflow for communicating cancelled ILL transaction data on an ongoing basis has also improved the communication between electronic resources staff and the ILL department regarding the overall linking process.
TL;DR: Over the past thirty years NASIG has evolved as a community, supporting the exchange of ideas regarding serials in the early days and more recently expanding into broader topics such as electronic resources and scholarly communications.
Abstract: Over the past thirty years NASIG has evolved as a community, supporting the exchange of ideas regarding serials in the early days and more recently expanding into broader topics such as electronic resources and scholarly communications. Thirty years of NASIG conference programs, publications, workshops, and webinars will be evaluated to identify trends and understand the evolution of NASIG as an organization.
TL;DR: Broad library support is crucial to the sustainability of third-party preservation archives, but coverage is incomplete and uneven, leaving some categories of materials well-covered and others vulnerable.
Abstract: In the shift of scholarly publishing from the print environment to online, the preservation of the scholarly record has become more complex, difficult, and uncertain. Current efforts are not adequate. Core criteria and certification processes have been developed for digital preservation repositories. Broad library support is crucial to the sustainability of third-party preservation archives. Publisher participation in third-party archives has grown, but coverage is incomplete and uneven, leaving some categories of materials well-covered and others vulnerable. Preservation programs need to coordinate their efforts and view themselves as collaborators rather than competitors. The task of preserving the digital scholarly record cannot fall to libraries alone—it requires a social compact among all involved parties.
TL;DR: The Orbis Cascade Alliance as mentioned in this paper is a consortium of thirty-seven public and private academic institutions in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho that migrated to the Alma/Primo library system.
Abstract: The Orbis Cascade Alliance is a consortium of thirty-seven public and private academic institutions in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. In January 2012, the Alliance began a two-year process of migrating all thirty-seven institutions to a single, shared integrated library system. The speaker describes the migration from the perspective of a large academic library that was in the first of four migration cohorts. Topics covered include the motivations for migrating to Alma/Primo as a consortium, the implementation process, key post-migration wins, lessons learned, and migration tips and tricks.
TL;DR: IRUS-UK is a national aggregation service, containing details of all content downloaded from participating IRs in the United Kingdom, which provides comparable and authoritative standards-based data and also acts as an intermediary between UK repositories and other agencies.
Abstract: Institutional repositories (IRs) are important research management tools that can give increased visibility to the institution’s scholarly outputs. Although statistics were previously available through the various repository interfaces, without an agreed standard it was not possible to measure usage across a range of IRs accurately. IRUS-UK is a national aggregation service, containing details of all content downloaded from participating IRs in the United Kingdom. Through collecting raw usage data and processing them into item-level usage statistics IRUS-UK provides comparable and authoritative standards-based data and also acts as an intermediary between UK repositories and other agencies.
TL;DR: Salo as mentioned in this paper argued that librarians should protect the privacy of patrons using electronic serials and the data generated from that usage, and that vendors of such resources should express their concerns about their collection and commercialization of user data and should stipulate provisions in their contracts and licensing agreements to prevent such misuse of patron's personal information.
Abstract: Ms. Dorothea Salo, Faculty Associate at the School of Library & Information Studies of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, argued passionately and cogently about the obligation of librarians to protect the privacy of patrons using electronic serials and the data generated from that usage. Libraries should forcefully express their concerns to vendors of such resources about their collection and commercialization of user data and should stipulate provisions in their contracts and licensing agreements to prevent such misuse of patron’s personal information.
TL;DR: Current challenges and how Release 5 of the COUNTER Code of Practice might address them are discussed.
Abstract: Since its first Code of Practice was published in 2003, setting the first international standard for reporting usage of scholarly content, Counting Online Usage of Networked Electronic Resources (COUNTER) has been continually refining the code of practice to meet the evolving needs of its library, publisher, and vendor membership. The latest release of the Code of Practice went into effect in early 2014 and introduced several improvements over the prior releases. Work is now underway on Release 5 of the COUNTER Code of Practice with a promise that it will provide further improvements to better report on usage of scholarly information in an ever-changing discovery and access environment. This column discusses current challenges and how Release 5 might address them.