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Showing papers in "Technical Services Quarterly in 2007"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This article reviewed the origins of strategic planning and its various uses in academic libraries, and then discussed several positive and negative impacts on academic libraries and associations, including fundraising, acknowledgment of the political impact to strategic planning, continued preparation in the use of technology and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the process may have a positive impact for academic libraries.
Abstract: As strategic plans developed in the 1990s reach maturity, it is crucial to question the use and impact of strategic planning in academic libraries. This article reviews the origins of strategic planning and its various uses in academic libraries, and then discusses several positive and negative impacts of strategic planning on academic libraries and associations. The inclusion of fundraising, the acknowledgment of the political impact to strategic planning, the continued preparation in the use of technology and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the process may have a positive impact for academic libraries. Until empirical evidence of the strategic planning process in libraries is shared with the academic community, researchers must look to literature reviews, cited application of the strategic planning process, and the advice of the experienced for a renewed vision of the strategic planning process. Thirty-five years after strategic planning checked into the library, can strategic pla...

58 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide a step-by-step overview on how to develop a comprehensive marketing plan, from both a public and a private institution's perspective, for academic libraries.
Abstract: The importance of marketing library services and programs to users is indisputable, but developing an effective library marketing plan can be daunting for individuals new to the task. Much has been written recently about ways to market the academic library, but there is more to marketing than simply hanging a flyer or distributing a bookmark. Now, more than ever, marketing should be a part of the library's overall strategic planning process. Libraries must develop a marketing plan that incorporates the library's strategic plan as well as the mission and vision statements. This article provides a step-by-step overview on how to develop a comprehensive marketing plan, from both a public and a private institution's perspective.

41 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Topics include the use of multilingual features, bibliographic instruction given in the students' home nations, and questions about the literal translation of search keywords and terms.
Abstract: Library service to international students is a challenge because many are not fluent in English or have any previous library experience in American universities. Library database interfaces, suchs as EBSCO, OCLC's FirstSearch, Cambridge Scientific Abstracts (CSA), and JSTOR provide additional language features (in Spanish, French, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean) to assist international students. Librarians at Central Missouri State University and St. Louis University conducted a survey to find out the preferences of international students. Topics include the use of multilingual features, bibliographic instruction given in the students' home nations, and questions about the literal translation of search keywords and terms.

33 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This automated batch loading of holdings data into WorldCat has implications for public services by extending local library catalog holdings to the World Wide Web; for Interlibrary Loan by increasing the number of requests for articles in electronic serials; and most profoundly in cataloging departments where established policies and procedures need to be reviewed and revised.
Abstract: Washington State University Libraries is participating in the OCLC eSerials Holdings Pilot. This project explores the possibilities of using existing management tools to enter holdings information into WorldCat with minimal impact on workflow for the participating libraries. This automated batch loading of holdings data into WorldCat has implications for public services by extending local library catalog holdings to the World Wide Web; for Interlibrary Loan by increasing the number of requests for articles in electronic serials; and most profoundly in cataloging departments where established policies and procedures need to be reviewed and revised.

7 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A workflow task analysis of technical services functions conducted at Southern Illinois University Carbon-dale's Morris Library during the 2005–2006 academic year documented current practices, revealed differences in the way faculty and civil-service staff members spent their time, and informed changes to staff work assignments.
Abstract: This article summarizes a workflow task analysis of technical services functions conducted at Southern Illinois University Carbon-dale's Morris Library during the 2005–2006 academic year. During the workflow analysis, procedures were identified that could be modified or eliminated, and awareness was raised about the role of the various sections. The task analysis documented current practices, revealed differences in the way faculty and civil-service staff members spent their time, and informed changes to staff work assignments.

6 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This empirical research study reveals how 289 survey respondents use languages other than English and suggests that these librarians acquire language proficiencies independently of library education and read or translate data elements for the construction and enhancement of English-language bibliographic records.
Abstract: Employers and technical services managers recognize the importance of hiring catalogers who possess reading and writing proficiencies in multiple languages. This empirical research study reveals how 289 survey respondents use languages other than English. Respondents indicated their multilingual proficiencies, the tasks for which these skills are needed, and the most frequently used languages. Findings suggest that these librarians acquire language proficiencies independently of library education and read or translate data elements for the construction and enhancement of English-language bibliographic records. The identification of catalogers who bring language proficiencies with them is essential for maximizing access to multilingual resources available locally and globally.

6 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Using Excel, the borders function was used to create stack blueprints, measure the amount of shelf space available, and determine where shelves could be added or built, and this shift and merger was successfully completed using the methodology described.
Abstract: At Adelphi University (AU), the circulating collections of two satellite libraries needed to be merged into the circulating stacks of the main campus library. However, there were no architectural shelving blueprints to use to determine the amount of available shelf space in the main stacks, and no accurate, current information on the size of the collections to be merged. With Excel, the borders function was used to create stack blueprints, measure the amount of shelf space available, and determine where shelves could be added or built. Classmark counts for the three collections were obtained from the library OPAC, and average classmark widths from library literature were used to obtain measurements of each classmark. This shift and merger was successfully completed using the methodology described. In addition, the blueprints were then modified to create floor plans on each stack level.

5 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The collaboration enhanced access and education about the use of social science datasets by undergraduate students and articulates the emerging role libraries are playing in dataset management.
Abstract: Economics, Political Science, and Sociology faculty members as well as Information Technology administrators joined library personnel in a collaborative project to enhance access and education about the use of social science datasets by undergraduate students. Seizing the opportunity to bring together all stakeholders, the Illinois Wesleyan University library was the catalyst and leader in advancing data services at the university. Detailing the collaboration, this article discusses steps leading to successful project management across university units and articulates the emerging role libraries are playing in dataset management.

5 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: An innovative fellowship program for current graduate students at the author's university enabled the cataloging department to make use of the knowledge of a graduate student in German to reduce a backlog while giving the student insight into the professional work of cataloging in an academic library.
Abstract: The need for recruiting new students to librarianship, especially to cataloging, is well recognized. At the same time, cataloging departments often have backlogs of materials in languages in which current staff are not fluent. An innovative fellowship program for current graduate students at the author's university enabled the cataloging department to make use of the knowledge of a graduate student in German to reduce a backlog while giving the student insight into the professional work of cataloging in an academic library. Readily available department sources were used for training, and the focus of the work was on subject analysis.

5 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The OBOC program in New Hanover County (NC) illustrates the benefits of collaboration among multiple libraries and an ideal opportunity for libraries to collaborate with other organizations, particularly other libraries.
Abstract: Abstract One Book, One Community (OBOC) is a program whose aim is to promote reading and discussion in a community by encouraging everyone to read the same book during a specified period of time. The “community” is typically a school, city, county, or state. The OBOC program is an ideal opportunity for libraries to collaborate with other organizations, particularly other libraries. The OBOC program in New Hanover County (NC) illustrates the benefits of collaboration among multiple libraries. A description of the 2005 program is provided, as well as a planning timeline, a proposed budget, and concrete suggestions for implementation.

5 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Although there are some differences to account for when using competitive usability, overall it is an effective addition to a usability study of online catalogs.
Abstract: Competitive Web site usability, which involves examining “competitor” Web sites during a usability study, can also be used when examining the usability of online catalogs. Catalogs are frequently a major problem for our users. This article examines the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating competitive usability into a usability study of the online public access catalog at the University of North Texas Libraries. Although there are some differences to account for when using competitive usability, overall it is an effective addition to a usability study of online catalogs.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe how librarians at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) have made an effort to expand access to resources in a digital library both in their library catalog and in WorldCat.
Abstract: With the proliferation of digitized materials and digital libraries, academic librarians have an opportunity to use their metadata and database design expertise to cultivate relationships with faculty and digital-object users. This article describes how librarians at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) have made an effort to expand access to resources in a digital library both in their library catalog and in WorldCat.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The definition and characteristics of learning objects and learning-objects metadata resulting from the project's investigation and the author's experience with selecting and testing systems to develop a prototype of a learning-object repository are introduced.
Abstract: People of Chinese origin have lived in British Columbia, Canada, since the beginning of non-aboriginal settlement Many of them have left Chinese-language records that are valuable for the study of Chinese immigrant history This article provides information about a pilot project completed at the Asian Library of the University of British Columbia to build a learning-object repository using an archival collection of historical Chinese language materials The collection supports the undergraduate curriculum Chinese-Canadian history This article introduces the definition and characteristics of learning objects and learning-objects metadata resulting from the project's investigation and the author's experience with selecting and testing systems to develop a prototype of a learning-object repository

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The Grinnell College Libraries, at capacity for shelving for several years, renovated an existing building as a storage facility, and materials moved to the storage facility are primarily journals and monographs available full-text online.
Abstract: Abstract The Grinnell College Libraries, at capacity for shelving for several years, renovated an existing building as a storage facility. The libraries are at the beginning of a building project including a science library that will house more volumes than the Windsor Science Library. Options for our main library are being explored but would be built ten or more years in the future. Our storage facility is located offcampus. It is climate controlled, equipped with dry fire suppression and security, and outfitted with compact shelving. It will not be staffed or have additional staffing to support paging of materials. Materials moved to the storage facility are primarily journals and monographs available full-text online.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The Cataloging Department at Carnegie Mellon University Libraries is involved in a number of digital projects and has established new procedures and workflows to accommodate the various project materials that enter and leave the department.
Abstract: The Cataloging Department at Carnegie Mellon University Libraries is involved in a number of digital projects. The libraries' projects to digitize out-of-copyright monographs, the Posner Family Collection, and computer science technical reports; to catalog electronic honors theses in the library management system; and to begin participation in the DLF/OCLC digital registry have all had an impact on the work of the department. We have established new procedures and workflows to accommodate the various project materials that enter and leave the department. Our successful participation in these projects depends on a number of factors–key among them is flexibility.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The intricate role of technical services in the development of several different types of library displays at Dowling College are reviewed, the creative process involved in display development is demonstrated, and how changing technology adds value to displays is shown.
Abstract: Dowling College Library's Display Committee has found that collaboration and the innovative use of technical services have enhanced the library's displays. Minor changes in the catalog assist researchers while use of HTML and the Web gives the displays a wider reach. The collaborative nature of the display-making process allows for flexibility in achieving the library's mission: to support a dynamic, diverse, and stimulating learning environment. This article will review the intricate role of technical services in the development of several different types of library displays at Dowling College, demonstrate the creative process involved in display development, and show how changing technology adds value to displays.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The article demonstrates how the Florida Journalism History Project connects the old and the new by providing a resource that incorporates elements of a traditional bibliography with the delivery of digitized full-text documents and other Internet based resources.
Abstract: As a result of advancements in technology, traditional methods of historical research are intersecting with new methods of information delivery. In the past researchers have had to navigate through resources that are often difficult to locate and access. Effective alternatives, however, are now being developed. Digitization and electronic delivery methods are now supplementing or replacing familiar ways of researching history that were utilized in the past. The authors propose that the development of small “grassroots” or localized projects such as the Florida Journalism History Project have a valuable role in the quickly evolving paradigm of scholarly communication. The article demonstrates how the project connects the old and the new by providing a resource that incorporates elements of a traditional bibliography with the delivery of digitized full-text documents and other Internet based resources.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The article discusses and describes the use of the springboard story, the primary form of storytelling in managing organizations, and also explains the qualities needed for this type of story.
Abstract: Storytelling has been recognized as powerful for the classroom and for library programs promoting reading, but in recent years, advocates promoting storytelling for the management of organizations have also become active, especially in the private sector. Librarians can benefit from the use of storytelling in managing organizations. This article promotes the adaptation and use of stories for managing libraries and examines the primary literature from the private sector and from professional library journals that promotes storytelling for management. Because stories for management use real-life examples to address a specific purpose for management, the article discusses and describes the use of the springboard story, the primary form of storytelling in managing organizations, and also explains the qualities needed for this type of story. The article also includes a story that models these qualities.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The implementation and outcomes of using FISH! with student employees are discussed, which aims to help solve motivation and work quality issues in academic libraries.
Abstract: Abstract Student employees in academic libraries often perform repetitive jobs, such as shelving, which can become boring. As a result, they are not motivated by the work, which in turn leads to attendance problems and poor quality work. Student employees need to be aware of the value of their contributions to the library and to understand the overall day-to-day operations of the library. O'Keefe Library at St. Ambrose University has adapted the FISH! business model to use with student employees to help solve motivation and work quality issues. This article discusses the implementation and outcomes of using FISH! with student employees.



Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The authors of the Newbery and Caldecott Reference Index published by Linworth, 2003 as mentioned in this paper, share the problems and lessons learned while producing their first reference book, including selecting research partners, dividing the responsibilities, and dealing with the decisions of producing the book.
Abstract: The four librarians who created Newbery and Caldecott Awards: A Subject Index published by Linworth, 2003, share the problems and lessons learned while producing their first reference book. Topics include selecting research partners, dividing the responsibilities, and dealing with the decisions of producing the book. The article also discusses finding a publisher, submitting a proposal, signing a contract, understanding publishing terminology, working out misunderstandings, and other publishing basics. This article addresses the problems first-time authors face. It explains the procedure involved in creating a book-length manuscript, what to expect from co-authors and editors, and specific steps for bringing the manuscript to fruition. The perils and pitfalls discussed go beyond the scope of information that the authors found while researching the publication process. The goal of the article is to make the publishing journey a smooth one for aspiring authors.