Showing papers in "Technical Services Quarterly in 2011"
TL;DR: This article explored library services and accessibility in public, school, and academic libraries from the perspective(s) of patrons who are differently-able and provided suggestions on how library accessibility may be improved.
Abstract: This article explores library services and accessibility in public, school, and academic libraries from the perspective(s) of patrons who are differently-able. 1 For this study, five individuals, each of whom has unique experiences with disability and society, participated in in-depth interviews. Qualitative data analysis revealed the following themes: love for libraries and reading; disability as a socially-constructed phenomenon; physical limitations and barriers to library accessibility and services; technology and adaptation; and legislative compliance versus compassion. Through participants' voices, the study lends understanding to the “lived experiences” of library patrons who are differently-able and offers suggestions on how library accessibility may be improved.
22 citations
TL;DR: The use of machine-readable cataloging (MARC) has been a hot topic in the library community for decades as discussed by the authors, with early efforts gradually leading to the Library of Congress exploring the idea for its own library.
Abstract: Automation in libraries dates back to the 1950s, with early efforts gradually leading to the Library of Congress exploring the idea for its own library. This led to the MARC pilot project in 1965. Sixteen libraries participated in the distribution of early MARC I records. The success of the project resulted in MARC II, with the Library of Congress becoming the distributor of machine readable cataloging records. Use of Machine-Readable Cataloging (MARC) exploded in the 1970s, helped by the growth of cataloging services such as Ohio College Library Center (OCLC) and Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN). Changes to MARC became the responsibility of the Library of Congress and the American Library Association's MARBI. LC-MARC became USMARC in the 1980s, which became MARC 21 in the late 1990s. Resource Description Access (RDA), the replacement for the Anglo-American Cataloging Rules, 2nd ed., 2002 revision will produce many changes to MARC 21, but some elements of MARC 21 already address RDA under dif...
21 citations
TL;DR: The chapter discusses the planning and procedures for two digitization grants received from METRO in 2005 and 2006 by the Pratt Institute Libraries, where despite the creation of a timeline, unexpected issues necessitated adjustments.
Abstract: The chapter discusses the planning and procedures for two digitization grants received from METRO in 2005 and 2006 by the Pratt Institute Libraries. Despite the creation of a timeline, unexpected issues necessitated adjustments. Selection of materials was more labor intensive and time consuming than expected. Our collection consisted of different formats, which required managing significant differences in metadata content and interpretation. OAIcompliancy was problematic with our image management software. Also, we had modified the Dublin Core fields, which created compatibility issues with OAI gateways. In 2006, we planned for potential pitfalls based on our previous experiences, but still encountered delays and problems, such as color management. In 2008 we mounted our images on Flickr and saw a marked increase in use.
9 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, Seton Hall University Libraries embarked upon an inventory project that was cost effective and unique among university libraries, using an effective tried-and-true inventory method with the application of sophisticated computer report functioning and programming capabilities.
Abstract: With an eye toward preparing for a future integrated library management system, Seton Hall University Libraries embarked upon an inventory project that was cost effective and unique among university libraries. An effective tried-and-true inventory method has been employed and modernized with the application of sophisticated computer report functioning and programming capabilities.
7 citations
TL;DR: The authors argue that in many ways it is now the technical services division that is best positioned to provide outreach services to a community—whether at the university or municipal level.
Abstract: The model of a library staff divided into technical and informational service divisions remains common—especially among academic libraries. The authors argue that in many ways it is now the technical services division that is best positioned to provide outreach services to a community—whether at the university or municipal level. Maintaining bibliographic access amid the changing information landscape hinges on a clear understanding of systems, metadata, and traditional organizational skills, all home grown in the back rooms of conventional libraries. The authors cite examples of library outreach that emanated from technical service departments and conclude that the sequestered staffs of the past must make themselves indispensible today by sharing their knowledge and talents, offering services to their communities that require their technical expertise, and advance the mission of the library organization.
6 citations
TL;DR: The author used descriptive statistics and content analysis to analyze the authorship, dynamics, and topical content of 24 blogs, indicating that the majority of weblogs were authored by women, and at least half of the bloggers were academic librarians.
Abstract: In this article the author addresses a gap in studies of librarian bloggers by examining personal weblogs focused on cataloging and metadata topics. The author used descriptive statistics and content analysis to analyze the authorship, dynamics, and topical content of 24 blogs. Results indicated that the majority of weblogs were authored by women, and at least half of the bloggers were academic librarians. Weblogs displayed moderate activity. The upcoming Resource Description and Access rules and challenges faced by cataloging as a profession were themes addressed most often. In addition to cataloging and metadata topics, bloggers discussed issues related to general librarianship, technology, Web 2.0, professional development, and library services and operations, as well as personal topics.
4 citations
TL;DR: The process and time invested in the collection of both electronic and hard-copy usage statics' of the journals for each fund in the University of Mississippi's collection are focused on.
Abstract: The cooperative efforts of the technical service librarian, the business subject librarian, and the business school faculty to gather data in order to rank journals by usage, faculty citations, and faculty perceived worth are examined in this article. Specifically, the authors focus on the following: the process and time invested in the collection of both electronic and hard-copy usage statics' of the journals for each fund in the University of Mississippi's collection; presentation of the access database created by the business librarian to collect and analyze the business school's faculty's citations over the last five years; the matrix developed to analyze the input of the business-school faculty's recommendations for journal cuts to ensure key research and academic support journals were protected; and a comparison between the ordered list and the faculty's recommendations for cuts.
4 citations
TL;DR: Westbrooks’ experience busted a few myths about metadata and search tools, and offered recommendations for embarking on a discovery tool implementation.
Abstract: Library and information technology association (LITA) Emerging Technologies Interest Group presented a panel discussion program, “What is Your Library Doing about Emerging Technologies?” Bohyun Kim...
4 citations
TL;DR: Two tools were developed to adequately calculate space availability and collection distribution figures at the University of Miami, and this article will focus on the specific steps taken to develop, implement, and utilize these instruments.
Abstract: In order to effectively assess space needs, libraries must first determine their space availability, establish their collection distribution, and calculate their growth rates. At the University of Miami, two tools were developed to adequately calculate these figures: a space availability spreadsheet and a collection distribution spreadsheet. This article will focus on the specific steps taken to develop, implement, and utilize these instruments.
4 citations
3 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss the problem of approaching all of the above problems as an architect: "As an architect, I'm guilty of approach all of them as a problem."
Abstract: Sandra Feinberg and James R. Keller, AIA. Chicago, Illinois; American Library Association, 2010, 192 pp., ISBN 978-0-8389-1020-7, softcover, $60.00. As an architect, I'm guilty of approaching all o...
TL;DR: The cataloging department of the Michigan State University Libraries undertook a retrospective cataloging project of digitized Extension bulletins published during the past 100 years as mentioned in this paper, and a decision-making flow chart was created to provide guidelines in searching variant usages and name authority records on OCLC, as well as to help coordinate authority work among project catalogers.
Abstract: The cataloging department of the Michigan State University Libraries undertook a retrospective cataloging project of digitized Extension bulletins published during the past 100 years. The project's retrospective nature and concentration of authorship created challenges in coordination and execution of personal-name authority work. A decision-making flow chart was created to provide guidelines in searching variant usages and name authority records on OCLC, as well as to help coordinate authority work among project catalogers. Although the project was satisfactorily completed with the help of this flow chart, some issues remained unresolved and the adequacy and efficiency of the existing name authority workflow was questioned.
TL;DR: The survey results indicate that subject analysis was done by a large majority of respondents, with a number of comments expressed about challenges facing current subject-analysis practices.
Abstract: A survey on subject analysis of theses/dissertations in print and electronic formats was sent to 280 academic libraries classified as Doctorate-granting Universities under the 2007 Carnegie Classification. Questions were asked about resources used in subject analysis, use of keywords and social tags, personnel involved in subject analysis, Subject Authority Cooperative Program membership, and problems encountered in subject analysis. A total of 205 responses were received, yielding a response rate of 73%. The survey results indicate that subject analysis was done by a large majority of respondents, with a number of comments expressed about challenges facing current subject-analysis practices.
TL;DR: The results of an exploratory quantitative study conducted in early 2009 regarding wiki adoption and use in academic library technical services departments are explored.
Abstract: With the establishment of Web 2.0 applications, libraries found themselves with new tools to manage organizational information, including wikis. While many reported their wiki successes, there is a lack of representation in the literature from academic library technical services departments. This article will explore the results of an exploratory quantitative study conducted in early 2009 regarding wiki adoption and use in these departments. The article will include a literature review outlining the history and concepts of Web 2.0, wikis, and wikis in library literature as well as a discussion on the implications of the results and suggestions for further research.
TL;DR: The emerging trend of remote or separate locations for technical service units is explored by the author in this paper, who conducted a survey open to all types of libraries to gather more information on remote technical services.
Abstract: The emerging trend of remote or separate locations for technical service units is explored by the author in this article. The goal of the author is to begin a discussion on the topic and to collect suggestions and tips for technical services units facing a transition to a remote location. The author conducted a survey open to all types of libraries to gather more information on remote technical services. Although the survey results provided feedback as to how respondents felt concerning the remote technical services situation and recommendations for success, the responses to the more specific questions in the survey were not as helpful.
TL;DR: Using the Access database has allowed for individual reels from a series to be checked out separately, whereas previous practice had required users to check out an entire title or series if they wanted to use any part of it.
Abstract: The Microsoft Office 2007 version of Access includes a number of templates, including one titled ‘Lending Library.’ This template has been modified for use at the Libraries Service Center as a stand-alone circulation module for microform materials. Using this database has allowed for individual reels from a series to be checked out separately, whereas previous practice had required users to check out an entire title or series if they wanted to use any part of it. This allowed for a less cumbersome solution that did not block access for other patrons to request other reels within the same series. The Access database also allows for better tracking of circulating items.
TL;DR: In this paper, a database was constructed of purchases to track how much money was saved buying from secondary and used-book sources versus buying from commercial vendors, and the authors then tracked how often the preservation unit within the library was consulted to determine whether the materials were in acceptable condition and or could be reasonably repaired.
Abstract: Between 2004 and 2008, Morris Library's monographic budget was reduced by over $400,000 representing a fifty percent reduction. The increase in serial prices forced the shifting of monograph funds to the serials budget. Despite this shift, the increase in serials costs, combined with an otherwise flat budget, resulted in two serials' cancellation projects in a span of four years. Faced with these economic realities, the acquisitions unit at Southern Illinois University's Morris Library has sought alternative schemas to save money. One decision was to consider purchasing materials from secondary and used-book sources. For fiscal year 2009, a database was constructed of purchases to track how much money was saved buying from these resources versus buying from commercial vendors. The authors then tracked how often the preservation unit within the library was consulted to determine whether the materials were in acceptable condition and/or could be reasonably repaired. From this tracking, we hoped to determine...
TL;DR: The Task Force on the Cost/Value Assessment of Bibliographic Control (TVABC) as discussed by the authors presented the findings of the task force on the cost/value assessment of bibliographic control.
Abstract: Task Force Chair Erin Stalberg (Head of Metadata and Cataloging at North Carolina State) presented the findings of the Task Force on the Cost/Value Assessment of Bibliographic Control, a group impa...