Showing papers in "Technical Services Quarterly in 1994"

Bottoming Out the Bottomless Pit with the Journal Usage/Cost Relational Index

Abstract: What serials should be cancelled and what is a systematic way to do it? The Usage/Cost Relational Index identifies low-use journals and ranks the titles in relation to their subscription cost. The Index has a simple formula easy for librarians to apply and explain to inquisitive faculty. The Index Numbers are calculated on a spreadsheet that can receive subscription and use statistics by importing electronic data files in ASCII format. The Index is individual for each library and flexible in the usage data needed for the study. Use statistics may include interlibrary loan activity, exclude in-house use or have other data quirks. It is important for the manager to be aware of what the usage figures represent. Use studies can be timeconsuming and, therefore, expensive, but their costs can be recovered in the cancellation process.

Cataloging with Copy

Abstract: Effective management of library staff who catalog with copy requires a combination of technical, human, and conceptual skills. At the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library, the OCLC Cataloging Section within the Automated Services Unit is responsible for the cataloging and classification of approximately 85% of all monographic materials processed at the Library. A number of measures were recently adopted in order to enhance production levels utilizing shared cataloging resources. Improving service to our users through a more timely productivity was our goal. These measures were designed both to strengthen our service function and to reinforce the team cataloging environment.

Searching for the Human Good

Abstract: Technical services, like other specializations within a profession, face situations and issues which are not addressed by the generalized ethical statement of the profession. Using Lovin's approach to ethics as the choice of behavior that will enhance human good, this article examines other specialized ethical statements, outlines some ethical concerns among a cohort of practitioners, and suggests nine elements which should be included in an ethical statement for technical services.

The Changing Role of Access Services

Abstract: Widespread implementation of the integrated library system has created the need for libraries to reexamine how their organizations are structured. With the merging of public, circulation, and technical services tasks instigated by changing technology, access services have branched out from the narrowly defined world of the circulation department. This paper describes the experience at Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University, which has a NOTIS system. The principles are applicable to any library environment with an integrated library system or planning to implement an integrated library system.

The Duplicate Exchange Union

Abstract: The current budget situation in many institutions does not allow additional funds for the replacement of journal issues unless book funds are utilized. Recently, the Governors State University serials department engaged in a study of the Duplicate Exchange Union. Statistics were kept on the amount of time taken to review a duplicate exchange list, the number of issues requested and received, and the amount of postage that was reimbursed to the offering institutions. This article describes the steps taken in the study and their findings.

Who Killed the Subject Code

Abstract: A recent article suggested that the subject code movement of the late 1980s and early 1990s was "virtually dead." Although the author believes that this may not necessarily be true, the situation is reviewed from the perspective that the subject code is indeed dead. Several potential suspects in the killing are examined, and some conclusions as to guilt are formulated.

Recruiting and Retention Revisited

Abstract: Library literature indicates a shortage of qualified catalog librarians. Recent conferences have addressed aspects of this issue, including recruitment and retention. Many librarians begin their careers in cataloging, whether by choice or necessity. Through analyzing the opinions and experiences of these librarians, a clearer approach to addressing the shortage of catalogers may emerge. In a study conducted by the authors, 79 entry level academic catalog librarians were surveyed concerning prior job experience, library education, current work environment and career goals. The study identified reasons why these librarians believe they may or may not remain in cataloging. The study also revealed attitudes expressed by library educators and professional colleagues and perceived deficiencies of library education in preparation for cataloging.

The Benefits of Online Series Authority Control

Abstract: The Ralph Brown Draughon Library of Auburn University has established an online series title authority file which is intended to benefit technical services personnel, public services personnel and patrons. On the technical services side, the file quickly and clearly indicates whether a given item should be distributed to the Serials Department wfiich is responsible for all monographs in traced series, or to the Monographic Cataloging Department, which is responsible for all other monographs, including those in untraced series. The series authority records also provide instructions on the processing of items in series or booksets, i.e., whether a not they are classed separately or together. On the public side, the file provides easier access to titles in often difficult to search monographic series through cross-references to variant titles or to earlier and later titles. This article examines the various benefits of an online saies title authority file in detail.