Showing papers in "Technical Services Quarterly in 2003"
TL;DR: Comparisons were made between 3,275 free-text searches representing 2,075 unique terms and three controlled vocabularies: Library of Congress Subject Headings, Water Resources Abstracts Thesaurus, and Aqualine Thesauri 2.
Abstract: Free-text query terms were recorded from the University of Nebraska Water Quality Web Site. Comparisons were made between 3,275 free-text searches representing 2,075 unique terms and three controlled vocabularies: Library of Congress Subject Headings, Water Resources Abstracts Thesaurus, and Aqualine Thesaurus 2. Between 30 percent and 40 percent of the free-text queries were exact matches to a term in one of the controlled vocabularies. Other user query terms varied from the controlled vocabularies in whether the term was singular or plural, in spelling, and in word endings. About 40 percent of the terms had no near matches. Around 15 percent of the users included a non-subject resource descriptor. Resource descriptions of most interest to searchers were keywords, geographical delineators, and genre/format terms.
17 citations
TL;DR: How theses and dissertations are currently being cataloged in the United States is found to find out how libraries' actual practices in their attempt to provide quality cataloging within the constraints of ever-shrinking budgets are examined.
Abstract: Theses and dissertations (T/Ds) and electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs) present scholarly research and thus warrant access through quality cataloging. Continuing budget constraints, however, necessitate cataloging T/Ds in the most efficient manner possible. What are libraries' actual practices in their attempt to provide quality cataloging within the constraints of ever-shrinking budgets? To examine these practices, a survey was designed to find out how theses and dissertations are currently being cataloged in the United States. Participants were asked about their practices regarding classification, provision of access points with special emphasis on subject headings, keywords, and the involvement of paraprofessionals and other personnel in the cataloging process. Other treatment/handling procedures such as establishing and checking format standards were also studied. The survey was emailed to all 258 institutions designated by the year 2000 Carnegie Classification as either Doctoral/Resea...
14 citations
TL;DR: The study offers the participants a side-by-side comparison of the previous design and the current design in order to determine if the changes that were made as a result of an initial survey benefited users.
Abstract: Having a library Web site that users feel comfortable and confident navigating is as important as having your library's front door visible, unobstructed, and unlocked while you are open to serve your patrons. This paper presents a unique study on the usability and functionality of one library's Web site. The study offers the participants a side-by-side comparison of the previous design and the current design in order to determine if the changes that were made as a result of an initial survey benefited users. Participants were asked to answer a series of questions in both the previous and current library Web sites. Their responses helped gauge the functionality and usability of the library's Web site.
5 citations
TL;DR: This article discusses one library's efforts to find space on overcrowded library shelves by moving selected resources to off-site storage and at the same time promoting use of electronic resources, namely the electronic journals that make up the JSTOR database.
Abstract: Despite ever-increasing electronic information, space on library shelves continues to be a problem. This article discusses one library's efforts to find space on overcrowded library shelves by moving selected resources to off-site storage and at the same time promoting use of electronic resources, namely the electronic journals that make up the JSTOR database. Issues explored include in-house use of bound periodicals, circulation statistics, interlibrary loan requests, and computer printing vs. photocopying for print titles available through JSTOR.
5 citations
TL;DR: The article provides technical information for creating online Web resources and includes a historical overview of the library's participation in Seton World Wide, the university's distance education program.
Abstract: This article describes the planning and implementation of library distance education services at Seton Hall University. By capitalizing on the collective expertise of librarians, faculty, administrators, and information technology staff, existing services and resources were expanded and enhanced to accommodate an online learning community at relatively little additional expense. This package of services includes: customized library Web pages for every distance education program, library orientation, research assistance via phone and email, and initiation of additional resource sharing initiatives. The article provides technical information for creating online Web resources and includes a historical overview of the library's participation in Seton World Wide, the university's distance education program.
3 citations
TL;DR: In the fall of 1999, the number of incidents of disruptions, vandalism and other inappropriate behavior in the University of Alabama Libraries began to increase significantly as discussed by the authors, among these problems were ongoing difficulties with groups of fraternity pledges holding required "study halls" in library facilities.
Abstract: In the fall of 1999 the number of incidents of disruptions, vandalism and other inappropriate behavior in the University of Alabama Libraries began to increase significantly. Among these problems were ongoing difficulties with groups of fraternity pledges holding required “study halls” in library facilities. The University Libraries appointed a committee to study the situation and recommend an effective way to work with these groups rather than banning them outright. As we worked toward this goal, we discovered that we needed to address all problem patron behaviors, not just those involving the Greek letter organizations. This article discusses the course of action taken by the committee, and the results experienced by the Libraries' staff and patrons (problem and otherwise). Also included is a bibliography of further resources for working with problem patrons.
3 citations
TL;DR: The authors present an overview of library program responses that assist graduate students in completing theses and dissertations, and a review of the literature and discussion of staff configurations is given.
Abstract: As research libraries investigate digital storage options for theses and dissertations, a range of new service issues emerge. At the outset, staffing these projects creates a challenge. Library roles are changing with regard to handling theses and dissertations, meeting new demands beyond traditional binding, cataloging, and shelving. In some cases, the functions and services provided to graduate students by academic departments, graduate schools, and libraries are reconfigured as electronic publishing services. The authors present an overview of library program responses that assist graduate students in completing theses and dissertations. A review of the literature and discussion of staff configurations is given. From the few university libraries engaged in electronic theses and dissertations (ET/D) projects, information is discerned as to library roles in ET/D services, the relative number of electronic documents published, details on Web sites for contact information and staff, and the level ...
3 citations
TL;DR: The Catalog Librarian trained copy catalogers to use the Web-based OPAC, Windows-based cataloging module, and MFHDs–entailing major visual and conceptual changes–using an “incremental” approach, which reduced large concepts to manageable pieces.
Abstract: In January 2001, Valdosta State University's Odum Library migrated from a Data Research Associates (DRA) integrated system to an Endeavor Voyager system. Cataloging staff needed to shift from using a DOS-based cataloging module and online public catalog (OPAC) to using a Windows-based interface for daily cataloging and a Web-based OPAC. Cataloging staff also needed to learn to use MARC format for holdings data (MFHD). The Catalog Librarian trained copy catalogers to use the Web-based OPAC, Windows-based cataloging module, and MFHDs–entailing major visual and conceptual changes–using an “incremental” approach, which reduced large concepts to manageable pieces. This gradual, low-stress training enabled catalogers to learn a vast amount of material and apply it successfully immediately after migration without feeling psychologically overwhelmed and with no significant interruption in production.
2 citations
TL;DR: This article examines and annotates a selected list of translation dictionary web sites that are freely available on the Internet and determined by searching various Internet search engines and metacrawlers using a specific search term.
Abstract: Catalogers often work with material in non-English languages that they need help translating. Print dictionaries are not always readily available as a resource to assist in this process. This article examines and annotates a selected list of translation dictionary web sites that are freely available on the Internet. The sites included in the study were determined by searching various Internet search engines and metacrawlers using a specific search term. Results of the study are discussed.