Showing papers in "Technical Services Quarterly in 2013"
TL;DR: Circulation of print books at Seton Hall University Libraries is analyzed using the WorldCat Analysis tool and Voyager data to inform collection development and prompted a comprehensive weeding project, participation in an international scholarly reading study, and an e-book, patron-driven acquisition program.
Abstract: In this article the author analyzes circulation of print books at Seton Hall University Libraries using the WorldCat Analysis tool and Voyager data. Only 21.5% of the collection circulated between 2005 and 2009, but circulation varied by subject area. Circulation was higher for subjects with more current collections. Over one-third of recent science books circulated, while older science books had low circulation. Print book circulation declined by 23% between 2005 and 2009. Results of this study informed collection development and prompted a comprehensive weeding project, participation in an international scholarly reading study, and an e-book, patron-driven acquisition program.
33 citations
21 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors ask the skeptical questions that should be considered before buying into the idea of patron-driven acquisitions as the panacea for all circulation and budget ills, and foster pause for thought and to cause academic librarians to read more carefully the literature for its logical lapses.
Abstract: Academic librarians have embraced patron-driven acquisitions (PDA) without asking the tough, critical questions about the literature that champions it, which often stretches the boundaries of logical analysis in its conclusions. Realizing what is at stake, in this article the authors ask the skeptical questions that should be considered before buying into the idea of PDA as the panacea for all circulation and budget ills. The goal of the authors is to foster pause for thought and to cause academic librarians to read more carefully the literature for its logical lapses. Since no true dialogue on PDA seems to exist, this is offered as a starting point.
15 citations
TL;DR: This column explores notions of value in libraries in general and information services specifically and considers ways in which one key service, metadata, has been used as a measure of library value.
Abstract: While it is common for communities to value their libraries and other information institutions, measuring both the overall value of an institution and the value of its specific information services can be difficult, particularly in a rapidly changing environment in which the relevance of these services and allocation of resources can change in very short periods of time. This column explores notions of value in libraries in general and information services specifically and considers ways in which one key service, metadata, has been used as a measure of library value. In turn, the column also explores how metadata work itself is valued in light of increasing use of automated and outsourced metadata acquisition, processing and discovery platforms. Staying focused on the changing value of metadata, the column concludes by considering the impact of current value measures as well as new measures in supporting decision making and resource allocation for metadata related services.
11 citations
TL;DR: The authors present their research in which they examined circulation statistics after retrospectively enhancing records for anthologies of literature with low prior circulation, and results indicate that circulation increased for some subject areas, but not others.
Abstract: Libraries seek methods of maximizing users' discovery of relevant resources. One of these methods is to enhance bibliographic records with tables of contents. Limited previous research has shown a positive correlation between record enhancement and circulation, but the costs for enhancement can vary widely. The authors present their research in which they examined circulation statistics after retrospectively enhancing records for anthologies of literature with low prior circulation. Results indicate that circulation increased for some subject areas, but not others. The authors conclude that this service is of value to our users, and discuss the issues of costs and selection of items for this kind of project.
10 citations
TL;DR: The case study and survey were found to be the two most widely used research methods; the majority of studies employed qualitative data analysis; and the topics of electronic resources management and access to the materials in online catalog were the most popular research topics during the investigated time period.
Abstract: Through this study the author adds to the existing body of literature on library and information science research by reporting results of statistical descriptive data analysis of the empirical research studies in the field of technical services. The author used the non-probability purposive sample approach and content analysis method to collect and analyze 256 articles published in a group of 21 journals over 5-year period (2007–2011). The author aimed to answer the questions on research methods used and topics addressed by the other authors reviewed in this study. The case study and survey were found to be the two most widely used research methods; the majority of studies employed qualitative data analysis; and the topics of electronic resources management and access to the materials in online catalog were the most popular research topics during the investigated time period. The study is set in context of previous examinations of general library and information science research as well as research conduc...
9 citations
TL;DR: The author describes the four PDA models, the cataloging policies and processes, and staffing levels needed for managing the records.
Abstract: Academic libraries have widely embraced patron-driven acquisition (PDA) models for electronic and print books. Vendors supply title level MARC records to facilitate discovery through library catalogs, and managing these records can be challenging. Colorado State University Libraries (CSUL) implemented four PDA models over the past two years. Since these records constitute a growing portion of the collection, CSUL recognizes the importance of developing careful record management policies and workflows to handle various acquisitions models. In this article the author describes the four PDA models, the cataloging policies and processes, and staffing levels needed for managing the records.
9 citations
TL;DR: The checklist has helped make library e-resources more discoverable in both the library's local Innovative Interfaces Inc. catalog (KentLINK), and the consortial catalog (OhioLINK).
Abstract: During the past several years at Kent State University Libraries, there has been a shift in responsibility for handling and processing batch cataloging projects from the systems department to the technical services department. This shift was driven by the increasing number of e-resource packages being acquired by the library, many with available MARC records. Cataloging staff began to take on primary responsibility for managing these batch cataloging projects. In order to develop effective workflows and maintain adequate documentation, Kent State developed an e-Book checklist tool. The checklist serves as a best-practices guide. It records information on both the routine and unique aspects of each individual batch cataloging project. Data obtained from the use of the checklist not only helps organize departmental workflow, it also provides information on issues such as training, MARC record quality, and vendor customer service. By asking the “right questions,” the checklist has proven to be an effective m...
8 citations
TL;DR: Case studies from RDA testing experiences provide an interesting community-sourced view of the uses, impact and challenges associated not only with RDA but of the shift to new metadata models and systems.
Abstract: In 2010 and 2011 a number of libraries engaged in RDA testing in order to evaluate its readiness for adoption. Case studies from these testing experiences are now emerging in the literature and provide an interesting community-sourced view of the uses, impact and challenges associated not only with RDA but of the shift to new metadata models and systems. This column explores these case studies, identifying common themes and unique experiences while also exploring what the adoption of RDA will mean for libraries. In examining the experiences of these libraries, this column asks questions about how libraries might prepare themselves for RDA adoption and what key research questions remain in this area.
8 citations
TL;DR: Criteria for “vetting” the new female protagonist is provided, looking for positive female role models who will appeal to all audiences and earn a secure place in public and school library graphic novel collections.
Abstract: Libraries should not lack a comprehensive graphic novel collection, representing all readers in a healthy and respectful manner. As professionals, librarians have the skills and resources to discover new and interesting graphic novel titles. Certain standards are required to reinforce and defend our choices and best to serve our entire community. To assist librarians in critiquing and expanding their graphic novel collections, in this article the authors provide criteria for “vetting” the new female protagonist, looking for positive female role models who will appeal to all audiences and earn a secure place in public and school library graphic novel collections.
7 citations
TL;DR: This article conducted a survey at the University of Central Missouri to determine ownership and usage patterns of the campus community and found that faculty and students across a broad age range own multiple technologies and are comfortable using them for both personal and educational reasons.
Abstract: Technology is an integral part of life on college and university campuses and its use impacts both education and libraries. A survey was conducted at the University of Central Missouri to determine ownership and usage patterns of the campus community. Unlike other similar studies, faculty was also surveyed. The results of this survey show that faculty and students across a broad age range own multiple technologies and are comfortable using them for both personal and educational reasons. Demographic trends identified related to age and gender were unexpected.
TL;DR: The author explores tools that support programmatic work with metadata and considers the functional differences between the tools and the literacies required for librarians to use these tools.
Abstract: Metadata management and migration is an important and complex task that requires conceptual and technical expertise. This work is facing new challenges as the volume and speed of metadata work increases and as metadata librarians consider new formats and uses of metadata. In this article the author explores tools that support programmatic work with metadata and considers the functional differences between the tools and the literacies required for librarians to use these tools.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe an outreach program, consisting of an exhibition and three associated talks, initiated by the University Library to demonstrate how art can be extended to the community and tie in with the University Vision.
Abstract: In this article the authors describe an outreach program, consisting of an exhibition and three associated talks, initiated by the University Library to demonstrate how art can be extended to the community and tie in with the University Vision. Technical services librarians have worked closely in the planning, developing, and delivering of the program. The preparation process has engaged faculty from the fields of History and Visual Arts to support cross-disciplinary talks. Attempts were made to collect feedback from exhibition visitors and seminar participants. Results suggest that the program has provided a different kind of learning experience for librarians, faculty, students, and the community.
TL;DR: A selection of articles that provide job related practical advice as well as a comprehensive synopsis of the development of RDA and its related metadata schema are provided.
Abstract: With the publication of the new cataloging standard, Resource Development and Access (RDA) in June 2010, the follow-up beta testing, and an imminent implementation date announced for the near future, catalogers are immersed in RDA preparation. Consequently, the library literature on RDA is extensive. The purpose of the author of this article is to provide catalogers with a selection of articles that provide job related practical advice as well as a comprehensive synopsis of the development of RDA and its related metadata schema. A relevant timeline is appended.
TL;DR: The Morris Library at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale has over 2.5 million volumes of monographs, serials, and microfilm and has three additional storage facilities across campus and in the town of Carlino as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Southern Illinois University at Carbondale has a student population of 18,847 undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students. Morris Library, an Academic Research Library (ARL), has over 2.5 million volumes of monographs, serials, and microfilm. The library has three additional storage facilities across the campus and in the town of Carbondale. In 2011, mold was discovered on a bound journal title in one of the storage buildings. A brief assessment determined that there was a major mold outbreak spanning many collections within the building. At the same time, the library and campus experienced budget and labor issues which posed problems for planning a mold remediation project. Planning the project was just one of many obstacles. Other issues included securing money for supplies, labor, training, and the realization four months after the start of the project that the mold growth was much more widespread than originally thought. Research established that the mold was most likely between 5 to 12 years old but ha...
TL;DR: The author discusses the transformational efforts of Technical Services at the University of Nevada, Reno Libraries and concludes with lessons learned and suggestions for other libraries interested in exploring a transformation of their technical services.
Abstract: Technical services in academic libraries face tremendous challenges to transform and move to the next generation of operations and services. Following an overview of the transformational changes affecting library technical services and the strategic shifts that are currently happening, in this article the author discusses the transformational efforts of Technical Services at the University of Nevada, Reno Libraries and concludes with lessons learned and suggestions for other libraries interested in exploring a transformation of their technical services.
TL;DR: jQuery Mobile as discussed by the authors is an open source web development framework that uses a unified HTML5-based user interface appropriate for all mobile device platforms and provides an easy and professional way to create and manage web applications.
Abstract: jQuery Mobile is an open source web development framework that uses a unified HTML5-based user interface appropriate for all mobile device platforms. It provides an easy and professional way to cre...
TL;DR: A method for identifying and planning services for patrons who possess advanced information literacies within the context of metadata-rich systems is explored.
Abstract: Libraries have a long history of designing information services that meet the needs of a wide range of information consumers. The growing use of digital documents both as part of our information community's everyday lives as well as in more formal library contexts poses new challenges in these information services as well as new opportunities to connect with patrons who possess advanced information literacies or fluencies with regards to these documents. In this column the author explores a method for identifying and planning services for patrons who possess these literacies within the context of metadata-rich systems. The author also explores the implications on common metadata services given this new framework.
TL;DR: The ALCTS Electronic Resource Management Interest Group meeting at ALA's 2013 Midwinter Meeting featured two presentations from two different viewpoints (a vendor and a librarian) on the topic of t...
Abstract: The ALCTS Electronic Resource Management Interest Group meeting at ALA's 2013 Midwinter Meeting featured two presentations from two different viewpoints (a vendor and a librarian) on the topic of t...
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Middle Tennessee State University's James E. Walker Library implemented an acquisitions workflow in which repurposed data is loaded into the ILS, an example of how data can be efficiently repurposing to meet operational needs.
Abstract: Middle Tennessee State University's James E. Walker Library implemented an acquisitions workflow in which repurposed data is loaded into the ILS. The workflow involves the use of a local MS Access database that tracks order requests and the use of the MarcEdit software to create brief bibliographic and order records from information in the database. Records are loaded into the library's ILS using the batch-load function. By integrating automation into their local workflow, the department has optimized the use of the ILS while supporting efficiency, accuracy, and accountability. The workflow is an example of how data can be efficiently repurposed to meet operational needs.