Showing papers in "Vine in 2004"
TL;DR: The fully operational e‐Depot at the KB is discussed, and the issue of digital preservation in detail is addressed, by discussing the use of the universal virtual computer (UVC).
Abstract: Digital publishing is causing publishers, research institutions and libraries to develop new policies, new business models and new infrastructures and techniques. A major problem is that, at the same rate at which our world is becoming digital, digital information is threatened. New types of hardware, computer applications and file formats supersede each other, making our recorded digital information inaccessible in the long‐term. The Koninklijke Bibliotheek (KB) has jointly with IBM developed a standard‐based deposit system (the e‐Depot) and signed archiving agreements with major science publishers for permanent preservation of their digital materials. This paper discusses the fully operational e‐Depot at the KB. It focuses on the data flow of processing the digital publications, and we address the issue of digital preservation in detail, by discussing the use of the universal virtual computer (UVC).
23 citations
TL;DR: An update on COUNTER, the international organisation that is developing and maintaining a Code of Practice that has set standards for the recording and reporting of vendor‐generated usage statistics for online products, and how this has built on a number of existing industry initiatives.
Abstract: Purpose. To provide an update on COUNTER, the international organisation that is developing and maintaining a Code of Practice that has set standards for the recording and reporting of vendor‐generated usage statistics for online products. Design/methodology/approach. COUNTER has built on a number of existing industry initiatives. Release 1 of the COUNTER Code of Practice, focusing on journals and databases, was published in January 2003. Based on customer feedback, this Code of Practice is being refined and extended. Work has also begun on a Code of Practice covering e‐books and e‐reference works. Findings. Since it was published in January 2003, the COUNTER Code of Practice has been widely adopted by vendors. It is estimated that over 50 per cent of the annual output of articles covered by the Science Citation Index are in COUNTER‐compliant journals. On the whole, both librarians and vendors have indicated that the role of COUNTER should be to provide a core set of basic, reliable usage reports. Research limitations/implications. COUNTER is in the very early stages of implementation. The usage reports are not being audited in 2004, but from 2005 they will be, which will further increase confidence in their reliability. Practical implications. Reliable usage statistics will allow librarians to better assess the value of online publications, and will allow publishers to evaluate the effectiveness of different delivery channels. Originality/value. COUNTER is the first initiative to set practical international standards for the recording and reporting of vendor‐generated usage statistics.
22 citations
TL;DR: Some original thinking is provided about the problem and some innovative techniques and approaches are suggested to addressing the need to develop effective and useful performance measurement frameworks.
Abstract: Purpose. To provide a critique, some sources of data, and a broader conception for informing development of e‐measures frameworks for use in academic library services. Approach. Suggests that the broader context for e‐measurement is investigated and provides a critique of current thinking. Provides four additional sources or routes for improved measures, including scholarly communication methods, information literacy, developments in measuring library and e‐service quality, and the critical success factors of serials staff. Develops a proposed framework for e‐measures based on the balanced scorecard approach. Findings. Provides specific suggestions arising from the four sources for relevant e‐measures, and provides a framework based on the balanced scorecard which incorporates these and other suggestions for data collection under the following perspectives: financial, customers, process and projects, staff development, and organisational learning and development. Value. The paper will be valuable to library directors and managers and library researchers interested in the field of performance measurement and evaluation of e‐resources. It provides some original thinking about the problem and suggests some innovative techniques and approaches to addressing the need to develop effective and useful performance measurement frameworks.
20 citations
TL;DR: The results of phase 1 of the e‐measures project are described, to increase awareness of the project and the understanding of the issues involved in collecting data for e‐measure, and to inform case studies planned for phase 2.
Abstract: Purpose. Describes the work of the e‐measures project, which aims to produce a set of statistics for measuring electronic information services in UK higher education libraries, to be used nationally as part of the Annual Library Statistics produced by the Society of College, National and University Libraries (SCONUL) and locally for library decision making and user support. Design/methodology/approach. A group of 25 higher education libraries are piloting a range of 21 e‐measures covering holdings, usage and costs of electronic services. Data collected over a four‐month period in phase 1 are currently being analysed and a review of issues raised will inform case studies planned for phase 2. Findings. Issues raised by phase 1 of the project are presented here. Reports from pilot libraries illustrate both the importance of the work being undertaken and its complexity. Research limitations/implications. The project has highlighted the issues involved in the collection of data for measuring use of electronic information services and drawn attention to the difficulties in getting reliable, consistent data. Practical implications. After testing by the pilot libraries, selected e‐measures will be incorporated into the SCONUL Annual Library Statistics, to be collected on a regular basis by all SCONUL libraries. Libraries will also have a greater understanding of their use of electronic resources through the guidance and support provided by the project. Originality/value. This paper, in describing the results of phase 1 of the e‐measures project, increases awareness of the project and the understanding of the issues involved in collecting data for e‐measures.
17 citations
TL;DR: A brief overview of the main issues in digital preservation is provided, highlighting current research and standards efforts.
Abstract: Digital preservation is currently a major concern for the information management, technological and scientific communities in all domains. It is also critical at the organisational level, with special pressure for all institutions with a responsibility for preservation, such as libraries and archives. This paper provides a brief overview of the main issues in digital preservation, highlighting current research and standards efforts.
15 citations
TL;DR: The starting assumptions of the designers were challenged as they moved from theory towards implementation, and the logic leading to changes in policy and in preservation strategies is described.
Abstract: This article describes the evolution of the design of the FCLA digital archive, a preservation repository under development for the libraries of the public universities of Florida. The starting assumptions of the designers were challenged as they moved from theory towards implementation. The logic leading to changes in policy and in preservation strategies is described.
15 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors conducted a series of interviews with student assistants working in the Knowledge Commons, in an attempt to provide an evaluation of the impact of this resource on teaching and learning at UCT.
Abstract: States that in 2001 the University of Cape Town (UCT) Libraries opened a new and integrated learning centre based on the “information commons” concept fairly common in the USA today and first encountered at the Leavey Library of the University of Southern California. Discusses the results of a series of interviews with student assistants working in the Knowledge Commons, in an attempt to provide an evaluation of the impact of this resource on teaching and learning at UCT. Concludes that the study has confirmed the importance of most of the unique features of the information commons as discussed in the literature.
15 citations
TL;DR: The GDFR and JHOVE projects, a global digital format registry to maintain format representation information and an extensible format validation framework for JSTOR and the Harvard University Library, are introduced.
Abstract: The concept of representation format permeates all technical aspects of digital repository architecture and is, therefore, the foundation of many, if not all, digital preservation activities. Digital formats need to be understood both as general classes of encodings and in the specific instances of digital objects. The Digital Library Foundation (DLF) has sponsored an initial investigation into the creation of a global digital format registry (GDRF) to maintain format representation information. Using such information, ancillary tools and services can be created for additional repository and preservation‐related functions such as format‐specific object identification, validation, and characterization. JSTOR and the Harvard University Library are cooperating on the development of an extensible format validation framework called JHOVE. This paper introduces both the GDFR and JHOVE projects.
15 citations
TL;DR: The eVALUEd toolkit makes a distinct contribution to EIS evaluation through its focus on people rather than resources or technology, emphasis on qualitative methods and promotion of all aspects of the evaluation cycle.
Abstract: Purpose. To provide an overview of the approach to EIS evaluation taken by the eVALUEd toolkit and relate this to other work in this area. Design/methodology/approach. The eVALUEd toolkit was designed to fill a gap in EIS evaluation in relation to qualitative techniques, user‐focused evaluation and the utilisation of evaluation findings. Findings. The eVALUEd toolkit makes a distinct contribution to EIS evaluation through its focus on people rather than resources or technology, emphasis on qualitative methods and promotion of all aspects of the evaluation cycle. Research limitations/implications. Further work is required in relation to mixed methods of EIS evaluation and case studies would provide greater insight into the ways in which such data can be used in practice. Practical implications. There should be greater consideration given to the use of qualitative methods of EIS evaluation as statistical data alone are rarely sufficient for investigating complex problems and planning and managing services. However, there is a need for further guidance and training in this area. Originality/value. Aimed at library practitioners and researchers and others who provide support with evaluation. Reports on a practical tool and offers a balance to work focused on quantitative evaluation methods.
14 citations
TL;DR: Experiments take place on four different record types: text documents, spreadsheets, emails and databases of different size, complexity and nature, and the effectiveness of each approach will be evaluated, but also their limits, costs and application potential.
Abstract: Digital Preservation test‐bed is a three‐year practical research project with the overall goal of investigating options to secure sustained accessibility to authentic archival records over the long‐term, by carrying out experiments in a controlled and secure environment. This allows one to ascertain the effects of undertaken preservation action on archival records. Test‐bed is researching three different approaches to long‐term digital preservation: migration, XML and emulation. Not only will the effectiveness of each approach be evaluated, but also their limits, costs and application potential. Experiments take place on four different record types: text documents, spreadsheets, emails and databases of different size, complexity and nature. At the end of 2003 the digital preservation test‐bed project was to provide: advice on how to deal with current digital records, recommendations for an appropriate preservation approach or a combination of approaches per record type, functional requirements for a preservation function, cost models of the various preservation strategies, a decision model to select the right preservation strategy, and recommendations concerning archival guidelines and regulations.
13 citations
TL;DR: The first phase of an initiative to assess the impact of higher education libraries on learning, teaching, and research is described in this article, where ten libraries across the UK are participating in the first phase.
Abstract: Purpose. Ten libraries across the UK are participating in the first phase of an initiative to assess the impact of higher education libraries on learning, teaching, and research. The initiative is being undertaken under the auspices of the Library and Information Research Group and the Society of College, National, and University Libraries. This interim report provides an overview of the initiative and describes participation by two of the libraries: Glasgow Caledonian University and University College Chester. Design/methodology/approach. Each of the libraries has chosen an area of their activity where they wish to assess their impact. The ten participating institutions have then followed a common approach to assessing impact which involves specifying objectives for what the library is trying to achieve, determining success criteria, establishing impact measures, identifying what evidence is needed, and choosing methods for gathering evidence. Findings. Assessing a library's impact is not easy but the potential benefits can be considerable. Issues identified in the first phase include the time/resources needed, the importance of having good research skills, the difficulties of getting the evidence, and separating out the library's contribution. Benefits illustrated in the case studies include demonstrating that the library is supporting university strategy, building closer links with academics, and enabling staff to gain a better understanding of academic processes. Originality/value. The paper will interest library managers and staff who are concerned about the impact of their services and are seeking ways to demonstrate the difference that they make to their host organisations.
TL;DR: The EC Project Presto as discussed by the authors surveyed the holdings and status of ten major broadcast archives, including some of the largest individual collections, and found that approximately 75% of this material is at risk or inaccessible and the collections are growing at roughly four times the rate of current progress in preservation work.
Abstract: Digitisation is used for preservation of audiovisual material. This preservation work is a major producer of digital collections – which then need digital preservation for sustainability. EC Project Presto surveyed the holdings and status of ten major broadcast archives – a significant portion of total European broadcast archives, including some of the largest individual collections. The main findings are that approximately 75 per cent of this material is at risk or inaccessible and that the collections are growing at roughly four times the rate of current progress in preservation work. This paper gives further results of the project, and gives practical guidance for preservation of audiovisual material. Presto demonstrated the effectiveness of the “preservation factory” concept for major broadcast archives – a way to reduce cost while still maintaining or even increasing quality. There is now a new EC project, Presto‐space, which will make the preservation factory available to small and medium‐sized collections.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on the research outcomes of a longitudinal, in-depth investigation of the electronic information resource use of 16 young people and provide a flexible, qualitative framework that can be applied within local contexts to enable context-specific understanding of electronic information resources use.
Abstract: Focuses on the research outcomes of a longitudinal, in‐depth investigation of the electronic information resource use of 16 young people. Aims to provide a flexible, qualitative framework that can be applied within local contexts to enable context‐specific understanding of electronic information resource use. Concludes that, although the groups may remain consistent, personal constructions and notions of value within those groups is more likely to be context‐specific.
TL;DR: Examples of innovations in evaluation systems and the use of data within the Open University that could serve as illustrations of the potential benefits of this type of work for other libraries are provided.
Abstract: Purpose. This paper details initiatives used by the Open University Library in comprehensively evaluating its electronic information services (EIS). It sets the context within the Open University and details how the Library's performance measurement has developed since 1999, tools and systems used for capture of data and the use of quantitative and qualitative data within the Library for operational and strategic planning. Methodology/approach. A case study approach has been used to outline work undertaken within the Library. Findings. The findings of the report detail the dangers inherent in the gathering and use of data. Future issues and initiatives are outlined. Originality/value. The paper seeks to provide examples of innovations in evaluation systems and the use of data within the Open University that could serve as illustrations of the potential benefits of this type of work for other libraries.
TL;DR: The Digital Preservation Coalition as discussed by the authors aims to leverage maximum benefit from the activities being undertaken individually and co-operatively by member institutions, and to provide a catalyst for further action in the UK.
Abstract: Digital preservation has been regarded as a matter of increasingly urgent priority in the UK for a number of years. The Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) and the British Library hosted a Workshop at the University of Warwick in 1995 to determine what needed to be done to develop an agenda for the UK. Since then, there has been a great deal of effort and progress, coupled with a growing imperative to move beyond theoretical research and into practical digital preservation programmes. The Digital Preservation Coalition, launched in February 2002, aims to leverage maximum benefit from the activities being undertaken individually and co‐operatively by member institutions, and to provide a catalyst for further action.
TL;DR: Think about the preparation needed to collect networked statistics and how the process can be handled as efficiently as possible before the effort begins can help ensure that the library staff uses its time as wisely in the data collection process.
Abstract: Purpose. To offer a range of practical suggestions for library staff and others who intend to collect and analyze data that describe their networked services. Method/approach. Based on the author's experience in completing a number of funded research projects on this topic, working directly with libraries in collecting networked statistics and implementing the findings from those efforts, and observing best practices at those libraries. Findings. Factors dealing with understanding the evaluation context, planning, training, organization, determining appropriate data collection methods, managing data, and knowing the target audience for reporting are all‐important. Details a number of specific factors and strategies that can be used to increase the success of collecting networked statistics. Practical implications. Thinking about the preparation needed to collect networked statistics and how the process can be handled as efficiently as possible before the effort begins can help ensure that the library staff uses its time as wisely as possible in the data collection process, collects high quality and useful data, integrates these data into other library data, can draw upon the data for future purposes through a management information system, and uses the data to improve overall library decision making, planning, and meeting community information needs.
TL;DR: The electronic library initiative project at Yale University offers several core contributions both through practical insights into the role of digital images in teaching, learning and service support, and in evolving a model of discovery and expression of an assessment project results.
Abstract: Describes the electronic library initiative project at Yale University and summarizes the first‐year collaborative research methodologies and initial results. Concludes that it offers several core contributions both through practical insights into the role of digital images in teaching, learning and service support, and in evolving a model of discovery and expression of an assessment project results.
TL;DR: An overview of the development of a digital preservation pilot project within a university library, including the future integration of the METS and OAIS standards is provided.
Abstract: Digital preservation poses an increasing cause for concern in UK higher education institutions. This paper provides a general overview of the development of a digital preservation pilot project within a university library, including the future integration of the METS and OAIS standards. It also considers how it is planned to automate these digital preservation practices in Edinburgh University Library's new digital object management system.
TL;DR: It is drawn that it is more cost‐effective to intervene early in the lifecycle of a digital resource and to help ensure good practice in the creation of the resource than to attempt to evaluate and enhance a resource at the end of the creation process.
Abstract: Purpose. There are a large number of free electronic resources available on the web, from various sources, including the outputs of funded research projects. As yet, there are not well‐established procedures for the evaluation of the quality and usefulness of these electronic resources. This article examines two preliminary approaches to the problem. Approach. An investigation into free e‐books was carried out for the JISC to examine the potential for the use of free e‐books in teaching and learning in further and higher education in the UK. Questionnaires, a dissemination workshop and focus groups were used to obtain the research results. Three possible approaches to evaluation are discussed, involving the collection of high‐quality resources in a trusted repository, large‐scale evaluation of available resources, and evaluation by end‐users. The practical problems of each approach are discussed. The prospect of future large‐scale digitisation projects and their possible impact in this field is also considered. In a separate section, the question of evaluation of electronic resources is briefly considered in the context of collections development in the Arts and Humanities Data Service (AHDS). Findings. The conclusion is drawn that it is more cost‐effective to intervene early in the lifecycle of a digital resource and to help ensure good practice in the creation of the resource than to attempt to evaluate and enhance a resource at the end of the creation process. Originality. This paper draws on the unique experience of the AHDS as a central, national service for researchers in the arts and humanities creating and using electronic resources.
TL;DR: Electronic Resource Preservation and Network (ERPANET), the European Commission's major activity under the fifth framework programme of funding, aims to help public and private sector institutions across Europe to improve their knowledge about digital curation and preservation and to enhance their practices.
Abstract: Increasing amounts of Europe's cultural and scientific heritage is being created or represented in digital form. The preservation and reuse of these digital assets forms both the cornerstone of future economic growth and development, and the foundation for the future of memory. Addressing the challenges posed by digital preservation poses a major obstacle to the creation of Europe as a dynamic and economically successful knowledge‐based society. Electronic Resource Preservation and Network (ERPANET), the European Commission's major activity under the fifth framework programme of funding, aims to help public and private sector institutions across Europe to improve their knowledge about digital curation and preservation and to enhance their practices.
TL;DR: One typology of databases affecting preservation methods is described, which covers some outstanding challenges to database preservation and gives pointers to further reading on database preservation activity around the world.
Abstract: This article outlines past and present practice in the long‐term preservation of databases. It describes one typology of databases affecting preservation methods. It also covers some outstanding challenges to database preservation and gives pointers to further reading on database preservation activity around the world.
TL;DR: Investigates, through the uses of questionnaires, the use of electronic information services by students at Glasgow Caledonian University in a programme of research undertaken in conjunction with Leeds Metropolitan University.
Abstract: Investigates, through the use of questionnaires, the use of electronic information services by students at Glasgow Caledonian University in a programme of research undertaken in conjunction with Leeds Metropolitan University. Presents a series of conclusions.
TL;DR: By analysing the environment and its practical, formal and technical obstructions, this contribution tries to identify issues and perspectives for future standardization of library statistics.
Abstract: For decades, standards on library statistics have provided a solid knowledge base for collecting, reporting and comparing statistical data and therefore been widely respected by libraries nation‐ and world‐wide as an extremely useful and important framework. As electronic resources have established their place besides traditional media, the statistics of library collections and their use have become increasingly complex, partially incomplete and even inconsistent. In this environment, many libraries are facing difficulties in collecting and making use of the data for management decisions and planning. By analysing the environment and its practical, formal and technical obstructions, this contribution tries to identify issues and perspectives for future standardization of library statistics.
TL;DR: The British Library (BL) has the ethical and legal responsibility to acquire, preserve and make available all printed material published in the UK as discussed by the authors, and this can be seen in the range of projects at the British Library, including small projects focussed on the initial acquisition in the life cycle through to major programmes intending to incorporate exploration of long-term digital preservation strategies.
Abstract: As national library, the British Library (BL) has the ethical and legal responsibility to acquire, preserve and make available all printed material published in the UK. In recent years the national published output has included an increasingly digital component. Therefore, projects such as those on collection and management issues that focus on any part of the lifecycle of digital materials, are important for the development of essential steps toward their long term preservation. This can be seen in the range of projects at the BL, including small projects focussed on the initial acquisition in the life cycle through to major programmes intending to incorporate exploration of long‐term digital preservation strategies.
TL;DR: In this paper, a discussion of the processes employed with case studies participating in the JUBILEE EIS improvement toolkit was carried out, and the potential improvements to EIS provision of such collaboration between practitioners and research staff outlined.
Abstract: Scope of paper. Through a discussion of the processes employed with case studies participating in the research project this paper will reflect upon JUBILEE's development of its EIS improvement Toolkit, and its experience of integrating the JUBILEE Toolkit into the research process. Evidence of both the strengths and limitations of the use of Toolkit themes in research and practice will be highlighted, and the potential improvements to EIS provision of such collaboration between practitioners and research staff outlined.
OCLC1
TL;DR: The background, design and working of a set of tools to catalogue and ingest (import) objects into a digital archive and their usage by the Connecticut State Library is discussed.
Abstract: Describes the background, design and working of a set of tools to catalogue and ingest (import) objects into a digital archive. The toolset had their origin in a collaboration between OCLC and RLG to define the characteristics of a trusted digital repository. The working of the tools is outlined. Their usage by the Connecticut State Library is discussed.
TL;DR: Findings support a finding from this and other work in EDNER/EDNER+, namely that to students internet search engines in general and Google in particular represent a benchmark of “good”.
Abstract: Purpose. Reports on findings of work concerning the use of the JISC information environment by students, considering how information environments are related to the working environments of their users. Design/methodology/approach. CERLIM at Manchester Metropolitan University, partnered by CSALT (the Centre for Studies in Advanced Learning Technologies) at Lancaster University, has brought to bear perspectives from both information management and educational research. During 2003 to 2004 the scope of the evaluation was broadened to include all of the JISC development activity in the information environment area and has been extended to the further education sector: this is known as EDNER+. Findings. The use of quality attributes approaches can provide clues as to what it is about a service which is creating dissatisfaction among the users. Research limitations/implications. Coupled with other findings about “satisficing” behaviours, the findings are suggestive of some of the key areas which need to be given attention. They also support a finding from this and other work in EDNER/EDNER+, namely that to students internet search engines in general and Google in particular represent a benchmark of “good”. Practical implications. Given that use of bibliographic services is uniformly low among undergraduate students, and that the use of OPACs is variable, IE service developers will have to work very hard to produce services which gain acceptance among this group of users. Since IE includes further education students among its target user groups, it will be critical to address the full range of attributes against the needs of this group, as well as the higher education group, in future service design. Originality/value. Using a wide range of methodologies the team has explored the outcomes of a large number of projects funded by the JISC, as well as examining the architecture and rollout of the information environment itself.
TL;DR: The main outcome of this project has been the realisation that the notion and form of a toolkit and the tools held within has yet to be clearly established.
Abstract: Describes the activities, processes and outcomes involved in the development of a searchable Web‐based directory of toolkits to support the evaluation of information communication technologies in the higher education/further education sector. Explains the definitions and terminology used to define the notion of toolkits, evaluation and the tools listed within the directory. Briefly considers those tools and toolkits included in the database relating to performance measures and quality assessment. Concludes that the main outcome of this project has been the realisation that the notion and form of a toolkit and the tools held within has yet to be clearly established