Our Journey from Print to Electronic Resources: An Acquisitions Perspective at a Caribbean Academic Library
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe the efforts of an academic library in the Caribbean to address the need for increased electronic information to users and explore the role of the Acquisitions and Serials Unit in making this transition possible.
Abstract: This article seeks to add to the body of literature about the provision and management of electronic resources in academic libraries in developing countries. It recognizes the importance of providing increased electronic information to users and describes the efforts of an academic library in the Caribbean to address this need. The role of the Acquisitions and Serials Unit in making this transition possible is explored. Furthermore, an assessment of the progress attained in the transition process is documented, including issues encountered, many of which have not yet been resolved. Future plans for successful development of an increased electronic resources environment have also been proposed.
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01 Jan 2019
TL;DR: In this paper, the impact of policies and infrastructures on the access and use of library electronic resources was investigated at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOMA).
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the Impact of policies and infrastructures on the access and use of library electronic resources the extent of access to and use of library electronic resources and their implications on remote users at the National Open University of Nigeria. The study adopted a quantitative research approach and survey research method was employed. The study targeted 1,680 population samples of which include 1,513 Students, 140 Academic staffs, and 27 Academic Librarians. Probability (Stratified random and systematic) sampling and nonprobability (purposive) sampling methods were adopted. Two sample frames were used: Students classified into subgroups (Level) in each selected study centers and Academic staff classified into subgroups (academic staff/academic librarian). Online (Google form) selfadministered closed-ended questionnaire was sent to participants’ email. Data collected were analyzed through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). This finding revealed that the academic staff and students access and use the library electronic resources for various multidimensional purposes, however, there is a low patronage of these electronic resources by academic staff and students as less than 40% of academic staff and students access and use the library electronic resources. Recommendations: the library management should develop awareness programmes that is appropriate for an ODL university community through the use of modern communication tools, and emphasy should be on the use of electronic resources in the university curriculum.
3 citations
Cites background from "Our Journey from Print to Electroni..."
...And libraries are committed to improving service delivery and meeting the demand for uninterrupted, instantaneous, integrated access to online information (Pilgrim & Dolabaille, 2011 p. 98)....
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TL;DR: A review of the literature of acquisitions from 2010 through 2011 can be found in this paper, where the authors discuss the themes expressed in the literature are largely related to the economic challenge and the reexamination of the Big Deal.
Abstract: This review covers the literature of acquisitions from 2010 through 2011. This period was punctuated by continuing economic challenge, and the themes expressed in the literature are largely related to this situation. Libraries moved with conviction toward patron-driven acquisitions. The reexamination of the Big Deal persisted as libraries felt the strain of budget cuts. Approval plans continued to evolve and e-books steadily increased market share. Workflows and management tools became more sophisticated as librarians and vendors sought to cope efficiently with the influx of electronic resources.
2 citations
TL;DR: A small specialized academic library worked to restore and optimize its print serial holdings for preservation and access and the criteria for decision-making processes among the librarians to determine appropriate titles to keep or discard is focused on.
Abstract: This article describes a multi-year project in which a small specialized academic library worked to restore and optimize its print serial holdings for preservation and access. After a review of the literature the article focuses on project work flow, preservation, bibliographic control, and the criteria for decision-making processes among the librarians to determine appropriate titles to keep or discard. Provided are data collected on titles, some statistics, and tentative future plans to augment access and digitize holdings.
2 citations
Cites background from "Our Journey from Print to Electroni..."
...Augustine Campus in Trinidad and Tobago underwent the digital transition in a multi-year project which resulted in organizational restructuring allowing for the centralization of acquisition functions and changed work flows.(6) Glasser discussed the implications of reduced staff due to changes in serials work processes....
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1 citations
01 Nov 2008
1 citations
References
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01 Jan 2007
TL;DR: This study seeks to discern how far the process of migrating to electronic-only journal publishing has come and to examine library and publisher perspectives on the dynamics that will govern the processof replacement of print editions with entirely electronic journals.
Abstract: Publishers and libraries today find themselves in an extended transition zone between print-only and e-only journals. This study seeks to discern how far the process of migrating to electronic-only journal publishing has come and to examine library and publisher perspectives on the dynamics that will govern the process of replacement of print editions with entirely electronic journals. It is based on interviews conducted between June and August 2007 with two-dozen academic librarians and journal publishers plus a review of relevant research and the experience of the authors.
53 citations
"Our Journey from Print to Electroni..." refers background in this paper
...In fact, a study of ARL research libraries reveals a decrease in print journal subscriptions from 64% in 2002 to 30% in 2006, an increase in both formats from 31% to 33%, and an increase in e-only formats from 5% to 37%.(2) While libraries in developed countries have achieved a greater level of success in the transition from print to electronic resources their experiences reveal that they encountered similar challenges that our libraries currently face....
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TL;DR: This latest research project at Liverpool John Moores University focuses on the evaluation and promotion of electronic journals in academic libraries in the UK and in North America to highlight any significant differences in the way that electronic journals are managed and to identify successes in order to establish “best practice”.
Abstract: With the requisite IT infrastructure now becoming commonplace in academic institutions, electronic journals are becoming an established component of academic life, but the management of electronic journals can not yet be considered trouble‐free. This latest research project at Liverpool John Moores University focuses on the evaluation and promotion of electronic journals in academic libraries in the UK and in North America. The aim is to highlight any significant differences in the way that electronic journals are managed and to identify successes in order to establish “best practice”. Several issues emerge from the research. For electronic journals to become a significant alternative to the print version, there needs to be a recognition that the introduction of electronic journals will impact on working practices and staffing requirements, requiring more technical skills and competencies and changes in management priorities. Furthermore, electronic journals are still a “moving target”, making realignment even more difficult and posing awkward questions for decision makers as to the best way forward. The whole process of electronic journal development requires effective management of change. Interoperability would seem to provide the key to many of the issues involved. All of these factors influence the changing arena of LIS education.
29 citations
"Our Journey from Print to Electroni..." refers background in this paper
...An example is the Coalition of Library Consortia (ICOLC) which comprises a group of over ninety library consortia from all parts of the world.(13) Unlike libraries that exist in the developed world, libraries in developing countries, and certainly for us in the Caribbean, the development of a consortium is indeed challenging, mostly because of inadequate funding, varying levels of technological infrastructure and small user populations of each island....
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TL;DR: The background and development of the migration to an electronic journal collection by the W.W. Hagerty Library of Drexel University, Philadelphia is described.
Abstract: Describes the background and development of the migration to an electronic journal collection by the W.W. Hagerty Library of Drexel University, Philadelphia. Starting in 1998, this transition was a key component of the library’s strategic plan, and with a few exceptions, journals are purchased in electronic‐only format whenever possible. Drexel’s collection now consists of only 800 print subscriptions and 5,500 electronic journals. The transition has had a considerable impact on library staffing and workflow. Offsetting a decrease in the activity levels relating to the print format is a large increase in workload for serials’ acquisitions and management functions. A newly created position of electronic resources librarian acts as a focal point for the integrated development of all electronic resources.
25 citations
"Our Journey from Print to Electroni..." refers background in this paper
...Hagerty Library of Drexel University is a perfect example, where the shift was quick and dramatic, resulting in fundamental changes in library operations— staffing, job descriptions, budgetary allocations, increased need for skilled professional staff, redesign of space, new equipment, and supply needs.(3) Another approach highlighted by Dollar was the use of a consultant and a task force comprised of library staff to manage the transition process....
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TL;DR: The Cushing/Whitney Medical Library at Yale University reorganized its Technical Services Department to focus on managing electronic resources and the serials staff now spends its time managing the materials most important to the library's clientele (e-journals and databases).
Abstract: Objective: To support migration from print to electronic resources, the Cushing/Whitney Medical Library at Yale University reorganized its Technical Services Department to focus on managing electronic resources.
Methods: The library hired consultants to help plan the changes and to present recommendations for integrating electronic resource management into every position. The library task force decided to focus initial efforts on the periodical collection. To free staff time to devote to electronic journals, most of the print subscriptions were switched to online only and new workflows were developed for e-journals.
Results: Staff learned new responsibilities such as activating e-journals, maintaining accurate holdings information in the online public access catalog and e-journals database (“electronic shelf reading”), updating the link resolver knowledgebase, and troubleshooting. All of the serials team members now spend significant amounts of time managing e-journals.
Conclusions: The serials staff now spends its time managing the materials most important to the library's clientele (e-journals and databases). The team's proactive approach to maintenance work and rapid response to reported problems should improve patrons' experiences using e-journals. The library is taking advantage of new technologies such as an electronic resource management system, and library workflows and procedures will continue to evolve as technology changes.
14 citations
"Our Journey from Print to Electroni..." refers background in this paper
...There is a wealth of literature describing the growth of electronic resource collections of libraries in developed countries and academic research libraries take seriously their role of providing electronic access to unprecedented numbers of primary and secondary sources to users’ desktops.(1) In fact, a study of ARL research libraries reveals a decrease in print journal subscriptions from 64% in 2002 to 30% in 2006, an increase in both formats from 31% to 33%, and an increase in e-only formats from 5% to 37%....
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TL;DR: Using a combination of middleware scripts in Cold Fusion, a backend database built on MySQL, this library has been able to provide a user interface for easily identifying and accessing the electronic resources relevant to the research needs of its clientele.
Abstract: This article examines the options being employed at an academic library in the Caribbean, namely the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago, to deliver, and enhance access to, electronic resources via the Internet. Specifically, the focus is on some of the issues related to establishing the appropriate infrastructure for providing these services and the provision of details on the actual interface design. The methodology used for the study phase included a review of relevant documentation, and interviews with participants in collection development and access provision activities as well as subject specialist librarians. Evaluation of the end user Web interface was also undertaken. Using a combination of middleware scripts in Cold Fusion, a backend database built on MySQL, this library has been able to provide a user interface for easily identifying and accessing the electronic resources relevant to the research needs of its clientele. Despite working with limited resources, this developing country academic library is moving in the right direction as far as managing its digital resources is concerned.
4 citations