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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that an internal customer service survey approach to assessment delivers many benefits to technical services and library systems units. Findings from such a survey provide the evidence needed to implement process improvements, conduct strategic planning and more. The survey used in this case study can be adapted by other libraries or library units to conduct assessment, gauge customer satisfaction and identify areas for process improvements. Design/methodology/approach – The Technical Services and Library Systems Division of the University at Albany Libraries conducted an internal customer service survey to gauge customer satisfaction with its services. Findings – Survey results demonstrated that customer surveys are a valuable assessment tool and can be used as an evidence-based approach to library management. Technical services and library systems units should use this tool to identify whether customers are satisfied with the services provided, whether the services are still needed, whether additional services are needed and more. Practical implications – This paper provides an approach to conducting a customer service survey, an analysis of potential benefits and a survey instrument that others could adapt to use in their own libraries. The survey instrument can be used not only for assessment of technical services and library systems, but by other functional units in all types of libraries. Originality/value – This paper and approach is original research; there are no other papers on this topic in the library and information science literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a search engine dedicated to image retrieval in a bilingual (French and English) context. This paper presents the first phase of user testing that was carried out to validate and refine SINCERITY, the new search device. Design/methodology/approach – This first phase of the search engine testing involved a small group of image searchers (10 French-speaking and 10 English-speaking participants) who were asked to retrieve a sample of images (30) using the new tool. A questionnaire was also developed to compile the comments of the users. Findings – The results of this first phase of testing revealed that even though image indexing was sometimes problematic, the participants did not encounter major difficulties retrieving images with SINCERITY. Comments and suggestions received will be taken into consideration to improve the performance and aesthetics of the search engine. Originality/value – Once fully operational, SINCERITY will allow users to search images in an attractive and user-friendly manner. Eventually, other types of images (documentary and artistic) will be added to the image database linked to the image search engine, as well as other languages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce the Lean services methodology as a mechanism for improving products and services in libraries and information organizations. Through a high-level exploration of the philosophy, goals and principles of the methodology, the reader will gain an understanding of the methodology and its usefulness to information organizations. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is a general overview of the philosophy, goals and principles of the Lean services methodology. As such, it serves as a brief introduction to the topic. Findings – The Lean services methodology is an important tool for libraries and information organizations as they attempt to improve customer satisfaction and service. Having been adapted from the principles used in manufacturing to improve processes and customer satisfaction, Lean services is an appropriate tool to enable organizational improvement through individual empowerment. Originality/value – While the Lean services methodology has been widely adopted in other service-based industries, there is scant literature about the role of Lean services in libraries and information organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to uncover the central purposes of institutional repositories, how developments are being affected by policies and researcher behaviour and also what services and approaches are appropriate in supporting repositories from those partners involved in scholarly communication with a particular focus on services that support the publication of research. Design/methodology/approach – The research reviews the literature and current practices within higher education with regard to the core purposes of institutional repositories, the possible causes of low population of repositories in some institutions and subject disciplines, how this is being addressed and likely future developments. A qualitative survey using semi-structured interviews explores current best practices and tests the specific research questions that emerged from the literature review. Findings – The rate at which institutional repositories have grown in number has been very fast in recent years, but the population of repositories with research has been relatively slow. The research identified a number of reasons as to why the population of repositories was likely to accelerate in the future and have a more significant impact on scholarly communication. The main catalysts are: strengthening of national and funder policies that serve to both mandate open access (green or gold) and raise awareness of open access amongst faculty; the alignment of repositories with current research information systems within universities; and the development of metadata and open archives initiative harvesting that will improve discoverability and usage data. Research limitations/implications – As many of the issues around the development of repositories centre on the attitudes of faculty, it would also provide an interesting extension to the research to understand their views of the role of institutional repositories, too. Practical implications – The study presents a number of possible new ways of working by both information professionals and publishers to improve scholarly communication through the inclusion of research within institutional repositories and how perceived barriers could be overcome. Social implications – The study provides guidance on how the communication of scholarly research could be improved and reach a wider audience. This, in turn, will benefit researchers, corporate organisations and the public at large. Originality/value – The paper provides a review of current best practices in managing institutional repositories and identifies new ways of addressing some of the perceived barriers to populating repositories and the benefits for each stakeholder in the scholarly communication process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to delineate a model of library publishing, the library as publishing partner, that reflects the diversity of institutions in higher education. Design/methodology/approach – The model is based on a particular case, but also on the integration of literature on institutional theory, emerging scholarships and library science. Findings – The paper argues that increasing diversity in higher education requires us to think creatively and strategically about different models for library publishing. The library as publishing partner model is presented as an alternative to a one-size-fits-all model based on the experience of research institutions. Research limitations/implications – The library as publishing partner model is intended to spark further research and conversations about models for other institutional types. Practical implications – The library as publishing partner model has potential applications at other public comprehensive institutions (or those with similar missions). Social implications – The library as publishing partner model is intended to combat the tendency in higher education toward academic drift and to contribute to an increasingly diverse landscape in higher education. Originality/value – This paper presents an original model, the library as publishing partner, but also argues for an original perspective, in which academic libraries at different types of institutions can be constructively differentiated from each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to study streamlined request services based on discrete systems’ integration in an academic library. The integration of discrete systems allows patrons to use the library’s online public access catalog to send requests and have the requests automatically transferred to the local integrated library system (ILS), the consortia borrowing system, and an interlibrary loan system. The integration of discrete systems also allows adding the consortia service without adding any library staff. Design/methodology/approach – The authors introduce library holdings behind the search interface, the discrete library systems and the authentication system. The paper illustrates how patron requests can be automatically transferred to discrete library systems. Findings – Resource sharing has become a hot topic in the library world where libraries are facing budget cuts, space limits and employee shortage challenges. Systems’ integration will help libraries to add new services without adding staff. Practical implications – The consortia borrowing system can be seamlessly integrated into discrete library systems and a campus authentication system. Pepperdine University’s experience can serve as an example for libraries which have a plan to implement consortia borrowing systems or want to streamline their workflows. Originality/value – This paper takes a fresh look at the traditional request services using cloud-based systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper aims to, through an analysis of the current literature, explore the current state of the library e-publishing community and its approach to preservation. Libraries are increasingly proposing publishing services as part of their work with their communities, and recently, there has been a pronounced interest in providing electronic publishing (e-publishing) services. The library e-publishing community, however, has not systematically studied the need for the long-term preservation of the digital content they help create. Design/methodology/approach - Through a reflective analysis of the literature, this paper explores the context and the evolution of e-publishing as a trend that aligns with public library missions; in doing so, it also explores implications for digital preservation in the context of these new services and identifies gaps in the literature. Findings - Digital preservation is an important and worthwhile activity for library e-publishers; preservation of community-based author content cannot, however, be an afterthought and should be planned from the beginning. Future study should take into consideration the needs and expectations of community-based authors. Existing digital preservation guidelines also provide a point of reference for the community and researchers. Originality/value - This paper addresses the understudied area of the importance of digital preservation to library e-publishing. In doing so, it also investigates the role of the library in supporting community-based authors when e-publishing through the library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper aims to explore questions and concepts encountered when developing policies for an institutional repository with a library publishing component. Design/methodology/approach - The author describes how publishing needs and library vision shape institutional repository policies, and demonstrates that the repository's guiding policies are determined by the repository's purpose and scope. Findings - Policies for institutional repositories with publishing components will vary across institutions depending on the intended purpose of the repository, scope of publishing activities and institutional context. Originality/value - The article is useful for those just exploring library publishing with repositories and those looking to revamp their policies to accommodate this new use, the paper explores theoretical and practical questions about this new use of repositories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to explore some of technology trends that are affecting higher education, libraries and society, in general. What may seem to be unrelated trends often have a common theme that binds them into a new thread of thought that need to be considered. In this paper, three trends, that are seemingly unrelated but actually create a call to action for libraries and librarians for engagement, have been looked into. Design/methodology/approach -- In this paper, several trends from the "NMC Horizon Project short list: 2013 higher education edition" report are evaluated in light of their long-term significance to libraries. Findings -- If libraries are to maintain their relevance in new technological environments, they must actively engage in technologies and programs that may be seen by some as outside the traditional boundaries of what libraries do. Originality/value -- This article discusses three emerging issues in technology that are relevant to changes in higher education. By looking at these seemingly unrelated trends, a call for a more cohesive approach to addressing emerging issues is proposed to maintain the relevance of libraries in the education process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to suggest an approach to data value considerations that is related to the generalized notion of authenticity and can be applied to the design of preservation policies. There has been considerable progress in the scalable architectures for policy-driven digital collection preservation as well as in modeling preservation costs. However, modeling the value of both digital artifacts and collections seems a more elusive topic that has yet to find a proper methodology and means of expression. Design/methodology/approach -- A top-down conceptual analysis was developed and the principles of information technology service management and quality management were applied to the domain of digital preservation. Then, in a bottom-up analysis, the various notions of authenticity in digital preservation projects, reference models and conceptual papers were reviewed. Findings -- The top-down and bottom-up analyses have a meeting point, establishing a close relation between the concepts of data authenticity and data value. Originality/value -- The generalized understanding of authenticity can support the design of sensible preservation policies and their application to the formation and long-term maintenance of digital collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- Preservation environments such as repositories need scalable and context-aware preservation planning and monitoring capabilities to ensure continued accessibility of content over time. This article identifies a number of gaps in the systems and mechanisms currently available and presents a new, innovative architecture for scalable decision-making and control in such environments. Design/methodology/approach -- The paper illustrates the state of the art in preservation planning and monitoring, highlights the key challenges faced by repositories to provide scalable decision-making and monitoring facilities, and presents the contributions of the SCAPE Planning and Watch suite to provide such capabilities. Findings -- The presented architecture makes preservation planning and monitoring context-aware through a semantic representation of key organizational factors, and integrates this with a business intelligence system that collects and reasons upon preservation-relevant information. Research limitations/implications -- The architecture has been implemented in the SCAPE Planning and Watch suite. Integration with repositories and external information sources provide powerful preservation capabilities that can be freely integrated with virtually any repository. Practical implications -- The open nature of the software suite enables stewardship organizations to integrate the components with their own preservation environments and to contribute to the ongoing improvement of the systems. Originality/value -- The paper reports on innovative research and development to provide preservation capabilities. The results enable proactive, continuous preservation management through a context-aware planning and monitoring cycle integrated with operational systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to describe the Electronic Theses and Dissertations program implemented and managed by the Indiana State University since 2009. The paper illustrates issues relating to the background, policies, platform, workflow and cataloging, as well as the publication and preservation of graduate scholarship. Design/methodology/approach -- The authors examined many aspects of the Electronic Theses and Dissertations program and addressed issues dealt before, during and after the publication of the electronic theses and dissertations collection. The approaches the authors utilized are literature review and personal management experience from working on the program. Findings -- Implementing an Electronic Theses and Dissertations program involves providing a series of management services. These services include developing relevant policies, implementing an archiving and publication platform and creating submission and publishing workflows, as well as cataloging, disseminating and preserving the student collection. Openly publishing the collection through a range of access points significantly increases its visibility and accessibility. Adopting several archival and preservation strategies ensures the long-term readiness of the collection. Originality/value -- This paper will provide useful practices for implementing an ETD program to those institutions new to the ETD initiative process. It also contributes to the current body of literature and to the overall improvement of ETD programs globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight undergraduates as an emergent student–scholar author group and to encourage institutions to take a future-oriented view, focusing greater attention to and support of undergraduate’s publishing. Design/methodology/approach – Highlighting benefits derived from undergraduate research (UR) experiences and publishing taken from the literature and experienced through local practice (Providence College), presenting pedagogical models for transforming students into independent thinkers (students as scholars) and responding to business and non-profit leader graduate skills requests of higher education, this paper argues for the need to cultivate graduate attributes (requisite 21st century workforce skills, abilities and behaviors), especially graduate demonstrated articulation and communication (publication) skills and abilities. Findings – The conclusions drawn in this paper align with the literatures’ support of derived benefits from UR experiences and its completion through articulation and communication (publication). Final remarks reiterate that critical thinking, complex problem-solving and communication (publication) skills and abilities demonstrate graduate agency and preparedness for meeting 21st century challenges. Originality/value – This paper layers several pedagogical engagement-based teacher–learner models, highlights benefits of undergraduates’ completing the research process through communication (publication) and underscores the importance of cultivating 21st century graduate agency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to outline the evolution of University of Illinois at Chicago’s (UIC) journal hosting service from the initial phase of setting up a server to host journals through to the point of offering a suite of library publishing services. The UIC has been hosting Internet-based journals since the 1990s. Design/methodology/approach – In this study, challenges and steps taken for inclusion in PubMed, archiving in PubMed Central and developing policies and parameters of support are discussed. Findings – Venturing into the world of Library as Publisher is not the decision that should be taken lightly, but supporting affordable scholarly publishing, when successful, is rewarding. Originality/value – This paper will be of value to libraries considering offering journal hosting services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the role of libraries and university presses and to present the Australian National University (ANU) Press and Library as a case study of successful structural integration. Design/methodology/approach – The paper analyses current debates about libraries as structural centres for running university presses. Taking into consideration the major areas of debate, the methodology used is to analyse the operation of the press; compare the financial parameters to two traditional Australian university presses; analyse the policy and procedures of the press; review the benefits to the university, library and press of the current operation; and outline issues for the future. Findings – Over the past 10 years, the ANU Press has developed into a major producer of open access scholarly outputs. The relationship with the Library has enabled a sharing of information, joint work on issues such as access and copyright and a platform from which integrated support for scholarly communication can occur. Research limitations/implications – The article is a detailed case study of the ANU Press. Further studies could compare the operations of other university presses that are located within universities and analyse the fit of different models. Practical implications – The model used at ANU has been used to develop two other presses in Australia, with some modifications. It can be used by other universities. Originality/value – Establishing libraries as the structural home for university presses is an area of hotly contested debate. This is a systematic review of a model of a press located within a library. It has resulted in both internal cooperation within the scholarly communication paradigm and a research impact of approximately one million downloads a year. It provides insights into the role of libraries in scholarly communication that have been the basis of assertions in current debate, providing information that will support further experimentation and more informed discussions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the importance of beginning digital preservation efforts with restricted resources. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a case study approach, which is enhanced by advice from national experts in digital preservation. Findings – This paper details how Milner Library digital preservation advocates have approached the task by seeking collaborations, speaking to administration, participating in national efforts and starting with small steps. Research limitations/implications – As a case study, this paper is limited to one institution's experience with promoting digital preservation. Practical implications – This paper reviews basic misconceptions about and challenges with digital preservation. Many smaller or mid-sized institutions are left out of the digital preservation conversation because they cannot begin to meet national standards with restricted resources. Originality/value – This paper represents small and mid-sized institutions and the challenges of digital preservation. As well, the paper includes valuable insights from national experts in digital preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of the national university in developing sustainable cultural heritage digital preservation practices. Design/methodology/approach – Using Nazarbayev University in Astana, Kazakhstan as an example, this paper discusses current development of cultural heritage digital collections, and looks to the university library's impact on nationwide digital practices development. Findings – While the university and its digital collections are still nascent, NU will likely have a large impact on the creation of sustainable digital cultural heritage preservation practices due to its international visibility and direct connection to stakeholders. Originality/value – Focused on developing nations, this paper will be of special interest to librarians working in countries facing similar challenges, such as other CIS nations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Cloud computing flexibility has advantages for IT professionals as well as non-technical users. This paper aims to look at cloud computing from the library instruction perspective. The authors aim to discuss types of cloud computing applications for organizing information and sharing content, creating tutorials, collaboration, scheduling and storage. Additionally, the paper seeks to discuss types of applications used at ISU for library instruction and implications for teaching. Design/methodology/approach – The authors conducted a literature review followed by practical applications of library instruction that included cloud-computing technologies. Findings – The paper encourages library professionals to take advantage of cloud computing applications to provide better library instruction. Originality/value – This paper offers insights on how cloud computing can be used for library instruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The aim of the paper is to investigate the achievements of librarians from the workshop on e-library services organized by the Librarians' Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) in collaboration with The United States Mission, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach – In total, 35 librarians purposively selected from universities, colleges of education, and polytechnic libraries participated in the study, which adopted semi-structured interviews. Findings – It emerged that librarians who participated in the workshop have been exposed to skills in areas such as database searching, using different search engines, using social media, knowledge of relevant websites, and knowledge of planning for e-libraries. The participants are of the opinion that a workshop of this kind should be organized at least twice a year to upgrade librarians' skills on e-library services in Nigeria. Practical implications – Library associations in other developing countries can also partner with professionals from developed countries to organize workshops and seminars like this to equip librarians with the necessary skills to render e-library services effectively and also to train users to use e-resources effectively. Originality/value – The paper reports skills the librarians have been exposed to through the workshop on e-library services. Acquiring such skills will enable them effectively to use e-resources and also train users on different search strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper's purpose is to describe an investigation of whether the addition of an interlibrary loan link as an option in the OpenURL link resolver menu has an effect on interlibrary loan requests for articles. Design/methodology/approach – Four years of link resolver clickthrough data were analyzed in conjunction with ten years of interlibrary loan article request data. Findings – The data showed that requests to ILL increased at first, then fell, and then rose again. There is a correlation between link resolver clickthroughs and ILL requests. Research limitations/implications – This paper employed data gathered over a longer time period than previous research on this topic and thus provides a broader exploration of the effect of providing links to ILL through a link resolver. While most OpenURL clickthrough data employed in research are gathered from the SFX OpenURL resolver, here the authors used WebBridge. Originality/value – This paper offers an example of how non-SFX institutions can employ clickthrough data to explore issues such as user behavior with regard to ILL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe personal privacy and data authenticity problems in the cloud and provide solutions to reduce or eliminate them. Design/methodology/approach – This paper reveals issues and applications of anonymity and authenticity in the cloud. It outlines common privacy settings of five web browsers, anonymous browsing on the Tor network and standard methods for verifying the integrity of files obtained in the cloud. Findings – Cloud computing is an emerging technology for libraries which must balance the convenience of ubiquitous access against the potential risks for loss of anonymity and authenticity. Originality/value – This article contributes to the body of literature on user privacy and data preservation in the cloud and their impact on the library community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze how one relatively small public library, limited in funds and resources, managed to cope with the challenges of digitization of audiovisual material related to local heritage. The paper will also tackle the problem of preservation of information on obsolete media and their digitization in an effort of preserving one important part of the cultural legacy of the twentieth century, which is in danger of being lost due to technology advancement or human negligence. Design/methodology/approach – The author will describe one possible solution of obtaining audiovisual material in libraries and its digitization through established public-private partnership between the Public Library in Čačak and private enterprise sector, or more precisely between Library's Digitization Centre and a local TV station. This partnership forced librarians to introduce new technologies, equipment and practice in their everyday work, to be able to successfully answer challenges of digitization and preservation of audiovisual material. Findings – The public libraries should pay attention to their old collections of audio tapes, VHS, Betamax and other media nowadays out of usage, as well as to other audiovisual collections important for the local heritage kept under the auspices of institutions and individuals in the community. Originality/value – There are not many papers dealing with the described issues of digitization of audiovisual material in public libraries. This paper could be of use for many smaller cultural and memory institutions throughout the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the importance of instructional design and educational technology for libraries. Design/methodology/approach – The paper consists of a literature review followed by composition of concepts for column. Findings – Instructional design can assist libraries in providing proactive services in many areas of instruction and embedded librarianship. Originality/value – This column touches on an area that is not considered by library professionals, but is becoming increasingly important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The paper seeks to explore the impact of a fibre optic network and increased bandwidth on access to electronic resources for libraries in Malawi. Design/methodology/approach – This research adopted a case study methodology. Online interviews were conducted with ICT Directors in colleges of the University of Malawi and Mzuzu University. The ICT Directors provided information on bandwidth levels and estimated costs for libraries using VSAT and fibre optics for internet connectivity. User statistics from INASP for the years 2006, 2011 and 2012 were the main sources of information. Findings – Libraries in Malawi have been affected by the fibre optic network. The fibre optic network has increased bandwidth from a maximum of 1,024 in Kbps around 2006 to between 4 and 8 Mbps per month. Bandwidth costs have been reduced from an average of $US3,000/Mbps in 2006 to around US$1,700/Mbps per month in 2012. The number of articles downloaded has increased from 6,075 in 2006 to 50,860 in 2011, representing a 737 per cent increase. Half-year statistics for 2012 reveal that the number of articles downloaded increased from 50,860 in 2011 to 81,633, representing a 60.5 per cent increase. Practical implications – The paper has practical implications on the impact of a fibre optic network and improved bandwidth on access to e-resources in libraries. Originality/value – There is an information gap on the impact of fibre optic internet connectivity and improved bandwidth on access to e-resources in libraries in Africa, and in Malawi to be specific. This research paper seeks to fill and bridge the gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to describe a project conducted by the University of Oklahoma Libraries to create a digital collection consisting of three-dimensional scientific objects. Design/methodology/approach – The University of Oklahoma Libraries developed the following methodology for creating a digital collection of three-dimensional objects. Digital still photographs of six sides of each object where created. These photographs were then used to create videos that emphasized the most interesting feature on each side of the object. These videos were then imported into CONTENTdm using the picture cube feature to create the digital representation of the three-dimensional object. Findings – This method was found to be a good method for representing three-dimensional objects in a two-dimensional format for inclusion in a digital collection. However, some limitations were encountered. For example, only one interesting feature could be emphasized on each side of the object and the software used to create the digital videos, while easy to use, offered only limited features for enhancing the resulting videos. Practical implications – This paper demonstrates a cost effective and resource efficient method of implementing a digital collection of three-dimensional objects that could be further improved through the use of more advanced video creation software. Originality/value – This paper offers insight into a new way of representing three-dimensional objects in a digital library. This information will be useful to digital librarians faced with resource and cost constraints who have collections of three-dimensional physical objects that would be of interest to their user community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to elucidate the value of opening up digital collections for end-user development of mash-ups and to evaluate the suitability of libraries' infrastructure for this purpose. Design/methodology/approach – The author surveyed ARL members' digital collection platforms to assess the terms of use statements and options for programmatic access. Findings – The findings show that 17 per cent of the institutions surveyed offer some means for mashing up digital collections, and that, while more than half the collections surveyed have some form of terms of use or rights statements, they were not written to support this type of use case. Research limitations/implications – Results of the research suggest that a mashable digital collection service is feasible for most libraries. Originality/value – This paper will be of interest to librarians who are considering providing application programming interface (API) access to their digital collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Images can be seen in a different way by different users. The purpose of this paper is to examine how users describe images and to ascertain whether differences exist between users and librarians in creating metadata on images. Design/methodology/approach – The paper compares metadata on digital images generated by users to metadata generated by librarians. A sample of images taken from Digital Library of Slovenia and Flickr is presented to students to assign tags. The tags are grouped into categories and classes of attributes and compared to keywords added by Slovene librarians and to tags created by Flickr visitors. Findings – The number of assigned tags differs greatly among survey participants, librarians and Flickr users, the participants being the most productive. A majority of tags reflect perceptual attributes and tagging is mostly done for personal benefit. The matching rate for all images is 41.4 percent; matching is a little higher with the Flickr images. Practical implications – Social tagging can be used to develop control vocabularies reflecting users' language and to provide access to digital images. Originality/value – The paper presents quantitative data on image attributes used by users in describing images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of institutional repository (IR) developments that are taking place in the Arabian Gulf Region. Design/methodology/approach – The data were mainly drawn from various sources on the internet and by e-mail contact with the authors' acquaintances in several universities and institutions of the Arabian Gulf region. The approach takes the form of a general review of the open access and IR developments in the Arabian Gulf region. Findings – The study finds that open access and IR developments are at the early stages in the Arabian Gulf region. There is an imperative need to spur the developments in these areas in order to derive utmost benefits to both researchers/stakeholders and institutions. Research limitations/implications – The study covers educational institutions of higher learning and research of the Gulf Cooperation countries only, which include Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sultanate of Oman and the United Arab Emirates. Practical implications – The paper makes a few recommendations, which when implemented, will hopefully further spur the open access and IR developments in the Arabian Gulf region. Originality/value – The lack of information on open access and IR in the Arabian Gulf region, plus the current interest of the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals University (KFUPM) stakeholders in establishing an IR led to the development of this study. Hopefully, this study will contribute to the already scarce literature in the area of open access and IR fields in the Arabian Gulf region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a new web-based cataloguing system for the global music bibliography project, Répertoire International des Sources Musicales (RISM), and discuss the implications for the manipulation and discovery of musical heritage materials. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is designed to illustrate the workflow and tools used in creating a global musical catalogue, and to present the experiences of the Swiss RISM working group in developing new tools and re-thinking traditional music bibliography tools. Findings – The new tools developed present a further decrease in latency between source cataloguing and availability to users by integrating both the cataloguing and exploration interfaces into a single web application. Research limitations/implications – For music researchers, the opportunity to search and manipulate a global musical source database opens up new possibilities for data-driven computational musicology and analysis. Originality/value – This paper reports preliminary work in musical incipit searching in the Swiss RISM database, as well as the latest developments in integrating digital facsimile images and sound resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Describing musical pieces, whether sound recordings, scores, librettos, videos, has always involved cataloger interpretation and judgment. There is considerable variation in records created for exactly the same item. And there is never "proof" that two records which seem to describe the same item actually do. This paper aims to address this issue. Design/methodology/approach – This paper describes some of the challenges encountered in developing software for matching music records, and some approaches to making the software reliable. Findings – The paper finds that matching can be used successfully to create GLIMIR clusters in the WorldCat database. Work is needed in several areas to complete the implementation, but intermediate results are promising. Originality/value – This implementation will allow end-user applications to collocate resources, to improve discovery and delivery in a complex bibliographic universe [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report recent advances on a collaborative project that aims to develop content-based methods for music information retrieval (MIR) as an alternative to standard text-based modes of access to digital music libraries. Design/methodology/approach – The paper describes current practices and ongoing research, and it discusses potential applications for future use. Findings – Content-based MIR approaches can extend and enhance the capabilities of traditional text-based discovery and delivery systems and thus support the work of expert users such as musicians and musicologists. Examples of technologies developed in the context of the project include novel methods for automatic chord identification, motif finding, the visualization of musical structure, and retrieval of musical variations using harmonic and structural information. Practical implications – The paper looks at new, non-verbal modes of interaction with digital music archives based on musically substantive features such as chords, motifs, rhythms, etc. By building more sophisticated dimensions of interactivity into a discovery-and-delivery system, these tools could give the end-user a more meaningful and rewarding experience. The tools potentially would be less costly and more scalable than textual annotation and markup, and their applicability extends beyond digital libraries to other music services. Originality/value – This article discusses the advantages and challenges posed by audio-based MIR and shows, via project-specific examples, its relevance to supporting the needs of digital music library users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper seeks to examine important issues relating to digital preservation with a focus on file integrity and digital forensics. Design/methodology/approach – This is a viewpoint paper. Findings – This paper highlights important issues relating to digital preservation and offers suggestions on comprehensive approaches to achieving a high level of integrity with library digital repositories. Practical implications – Libraries have always had as a part of their core mission the preservation of information and cultural heritage. The seriousness with which the challenges associated with digital preservation are met will determine the reputation of libraries as continuing to be a reliable preserver of cultural heritage and research data. Social implications – Libraries play an important role in cultural heritage and preservation of research data. This role is manifested both generally and specifically within the academic context. It is important that libraries stay at the forefront of developing reliable means for digital preservation. Originality/value – Several means of achieving a high degree of reliability in the area of digital preservation are suggested. If these and similar ideas suggested from others in the field are followed, it will assist libraries in maintaining a reputation as reliable preservers of cultural heritage and as important players in twenty-first century research endeavors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to describe the Tunepal project as an example of a music information retrieval (MIR) system that is having an impact on how musicians access, learn and play traditional Irish music around the world. Design/methodology/approach – This paper describes the functionality of the Tunepal system: consisting of the tune corpus, the web site tunepal.org and mobile apps supporting iOS and Android OS. Tunepal facilitates query-by-title and query-by-playing music (QBP) searches and allows a musician to retrieve and playback scores amongst other supported functions. Findings – Tunepal has been favorably received and musicians report that the system is being used in a variety of scenarios including archiving and the preparation of sleeve notes for commercial recordings. Tunepal has a growing user base in 25 countries. Originality/value – The comprehensive tune corpus (over 16,000 compositions), the query-by-playing technology and the fact that the mobile apps provide access to the corpus in situ in traditional music sessions and classes make this project uniquely useful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe basic and simple practices for technology project management. These practices are the ingredients for all successful software development and digitization projects. Design/methodology/approach – Using project management best practices and personal experience, the paper describes three factors on which a successful technology project must be based. Findings – Whether they are full-time professionals or part-time novices, managers for successful technology projects ensure that their project is well planned, and that all stakeholders communicate clearly and frequently. Originality/value – Librarians often lack formal training in project management and learn project management skills on demand. The paper gives essential tips for project success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – How does one classify instructional videos uploaded by musicians of different caliber and mastery on video-sharing sites? What kinds of communities are forming around these content sources? How does one address the different perception and understanding of what music means to a diverse audience? How does one identify and address the needs of new kinds of users, who learn how to play music by using primarily online resources? While this paper does not seek to directly address all these questions, it aims to raise them with the aim of contextualizing the discussion as a necessary foundation to effectively address the more practical questions above. Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents a knowledge organization model of music knowledge based on the concept of musicianship as used in music education. A balanced and holistic approach is sought, especially in light of the interdisciplinary nature of the challenge being addressed. Drawing on Hjørland's work on domain analysis, and Hennion's concept of the user of music, this paper discusses music as a domain, music as information, and music as knowledge. Findings – In particular, the concept of listening and genre are considered important ways through which one mediates one's understanding of music as knowledge. There are four "layers" in the model: Vocabulary of Music; Structures and Patterns of Music; Appreciation of Music; and Cultural-Historical Contexts. Originality/value – The model addresses knowledge organization challenges specific to the domain of music. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – In 2008, Indiana University received a National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services for a project entitled "Variations/FRBR: variations as a testbed for the FRBR conceptual model". The V/FRBR initiative aims to provide a real world, production implementation in a music digital library system of the Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR) suite of reports from the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) that are being presented as revolutionizing library discovery systems. This paper seeks to examine this issue. Design/methodology/approach – This paper discusses the issues encountered in creating an interoperable data model that implements FRBR concepts. It uses the work of the V/FRBR initiative to describe how FRBR can be used in both a generic and a music-specific environment. Findings – An abstract data model representing FRBR at three levels of specificity (two generic and one music-specific) is defined, along with its binding in XML and plans for expanding into an RDF representation into the future. Practical implications – The data model and its XML representation created by the V/FRBR project have the potential to be re-used by other FRBR-based cataloging and discovery systems in the future. Originality/value – While much discussion of FRBR has taken place in the library community, relatively little formal testing of FRBR-ized data has been done, with even less widespread reporting of lessons learned. The V/FRBR project is among the first to share detailed information about the practical issues faced when implementing the FRBR models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to give an overview of linked data, and to look at some of the possibilities for leveraging linked data in library discovery systems. Design/methodology/approach – This paper explores linked data methodology, and the benefits of using linked data as a discovery mechanism. It briefly touches on the possibilities of using linked data within research. Findings – It is important for libraries to build in mechanisms for exposing data that are being archived and preserved digitally. This will help libraries to participate in the semantic web both by enriching one's own data exposure mechanisms as linked data, and by providing means for patrons to take advantage of the growing volume of linked data available on the internet. Originality/value – The paper explores the basic principles of using linked data, and compares and contrasts that with traditional web browsing using HTML pages. It also touches on the ways in which linked data can help researchers to gain access to data that would otherwise be hidden on the web, by tapping into semantic ontologies that link data in multifaceted ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Undergraduate music majors often search for resources in a limited number of formats. This developed a specialized search interface which might better support the needs of undergraduate music majors. The aim of this paper is to improve music resource discovery now, without spending any additional funds. Design/methodology/approach – A literature search was conducted to inform the design process. The web search capabilities of the library's existing catalog system were then used to develop a specialized music search interface. Finally, user testing was conducted to obtain qualitative feedback on the effectiveness of the new interface compared with the general-purpose library catalog interface. Findings – This project confirmed that an effective specialized music search interface could be created at no additional cost and with minimal effort, and that coupling a keyword search with pre-search format limiting was an effective strategy. Originality/value – The paper provides a low-cost approach to improving music searching using tools that already exist in most ILSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to discuss how collaborative classification works in online music information retrieval systems and its impacts on the construction, fixation and orientation of the social uses of popular music on the internet. Design/methodology/approach – Using a comparative method, the paper examines the logic behind music classification in Recommender Systems by studying the case of Last.fm, one of the most popular web sites of this type on the web. Data collected about users' ritual classifications are compared with the classification used by the music industry, represented by the AllMusic web site. Findings – The paper identifies the differences between the criteria used for the collaborative classification of popular music, which is defined by users, and the traditional standards of commercial classification, used by the cultural industries, and discusses why commercial and non-commercial classification methods vary. Practical implications – Collaborative ritual classification reveals a shift in the demand for cultural information that may affect the way in which this demand is organized, as well as the classification criteria for works on the digital music market. Social implications – Collective creation of a music classification in recommender systems represents a new model of cultural mediation that might change the way of building new uses, tastes and patterns of musical consumption in online environments. Originality/value – The paper highlights the way in which the classification process might influence the behavior of the users of music information retrieval systems, and vice versa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to describe several stages in a university library's approach to providing access to theses and dissertations, culminating in a decision to use CONTENTdm and its Dublin Core-based metadata along with our ability to provide even wider access in the future through OCLC. Design/methodology/approach – The university's treatment of theses and dissertations, from paper through a homegrown electronic system through CONTENTdm and beyond, is recounted in this paper. Findings – Electronic open access to theses and dissertations increases their usage; a digital management software package streamlines their management and presentation. Practical implications – Proprietary software has advantages over home-grown approaches to digital library content. Originality/value – This paper updates the findings in earlier articles about the use of CONTENTdm for ETDs and the use of OCLC services for metadata harvesting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop understanding of the problems of classification, to discover the classification practices of libraries with rich collections on Islam cited in the literature, to find the gaps, and to determine the point from which to start work on further development. Design/methodology/approach – Published and unpublished literature, both print and electronic, that is relevant to the problem was reviewed objectively in the compilation of this paper. Findings – Standard classification systems lack proper space for materials on Islam for two reasons: less awareness on the part of devisers of the depth and variety of Islamic topics; and their bias and lack of interest in Islam. Different indigenous classification systems and expansions have been developed, using either the original notation or alternative notations. Some systems have been developed without following any standards or logic. This study has revealed a need for empirical study of libraries with rich collections on Islam in order to gain a better understanding of the problem and find an optimal solution. Research limitations/implications – No empirical field data are included in this study. This is a review of the literature. Originality/value – The author indicates the current situation of the problem and a potential framework for its solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – In this paper, the author aims to define common causes of resistance to organizational change and describe several tactics project managers can use to overcome some of these causes. Design/methodology/approach – Using theory and example from other management studies, the author relates the relevance of these studies to methods project managers can use to overcome resistance to organizational change. Findings – Resistance to change has several factors, some of them based on level of institutional investment in the change effort as well as the characteristics of interpersonal relations within the organization. Rather than focusing on one aspect, as some earlier research studies have suggested, overcoming resistance to change requires using tactics that can address all of the issues. Originality/value – This paper fills a gap in the digital library project management literature by providing an overview of a useful methodology for addressing issues related to organizational change and resistance to that change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show that there may currently be more motivation to move towards a modern RFID system for libraries Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes the form of a literature review. Findings – The author finds that prices for RFID chips and equipment have dropped significantly. Practical implications] – In these harsh economic times libraries need to use purchasing funds wisely. RFID is a method of accomplishing more, possibly for less money. Originality/value – With more personnel being laid off every day, libraries need to be innovative in using technology, and cost-effective. RFID, once set up, can place the burden of cataloging, circulation and collection management on the computer rather than on staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This column aims to investigate the possibilities of web services for the integration of information with relevant services. Design/methodology/approach – This is a viewpoint paper. Findings – This column encourages the exploration of web services based on careful analysis and semantic ontologies in order to provide relevant integration of services and information. Practical implications – The rapid proliferation of web services – whether RESTful or SOAP based – offers many opportunities both internally and externally for libraries, but the adoption of web services needs to be tempered with careful planning and analysis. Originality/value – The column offers some interesting suggestions for exploring theoretical options in the adoption of web service information and services. Some technical aspects of web service technology are discussed and then related to the core mission of librarianship, which is to assist patrons in navigating the great breadth of data available in increasing quantities via web service technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to conduct a gap analysis for Kate Boyd, Digital Collections Librarian of the University of South Carolina's Digital Collections Department, located at Thomas Cooper Library. Design/methodology/approach – The approaches the researcher utilized are a personal interview, literature review and personal experience. The article attempts to identify, define, and then provide recommendations concerning the gaps needing to be bridged at the University of South Carolina's Digital Collections Department. Findings – After only five years, the University of South Carolina's Digital Collections Department has made significant strides in implementing their program. In conducting a comparative analysis of the University of South Carolina's Digital Collections Department to those surveyed in 2000 by the Digital Library Federation, the findings indicate the department is not immune to the same challenges experienced by previous institutions in developing their digital library program. Originality/value – The paper gives an insight into a gap analysis conducted on the digital collections department of an academic library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper seeks to present the results of an analysis of 20 free and open source ILS platforms offered to the library community. These software platforms were subjected to a three-step analysis, whereby the results aim to assist librarians and decision makers in selecting an open source ILS, based on objective criteria. Design/methodology/approach - The methodology applied involves three broad steps. The first step consists of evaluating all the available ILSs and keeping only those that qualify as truly open source or freely-licensed software. During this step, the correlation between the practices within the community and the terms associated with the free or open software license was measured. The second step involves evaluating the community behind each open source or free ILS project, according to a set of 40 criteria in order to determine the attractiveness and sustainability of each project. The third step entails subjecting the remaining ILSs to an analysis of almost 800 functions and features to determine which ILSs are most suited to the needs of libraries. The final score is used to identify strengths, weaknesses and differentiating or similar features of each ILS. Findings - More than 20 open source ILSs were submitted to this methodology, but only three passed all the steps: Evergreen, Koha, and PMB. The main goal is not to identify the best open source ILS, but rather to highlight from which, of the batch of dozens of open source ILSs, librarians and decision makers can choose without worrying about how perennial or sustainable each open or free project is, as well as understanding which ILS provides them with the functionalities to meet the needs of their institutions. Practical implications - This paper offers a basic model so that librarians and decision makers can make their own analysis and adapt it to the needs of their libraries. Originality/value - This methodology meets the best practices in technology selection, with a multiple criteria decision analysis. It can also be easily adapted to the needs of all libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper aims to explain the circumstances, methods and outcomes of the New York University Health Sciences Libraries' (NYUHSL) migration from their previous Integrated Library System (ILS), Innovative Interfaces, Inc.'s Millennium, to the open-source ILS Koha. Design/methodology/approach - Over the course of three months, the NYUHSL installed, tested, and configured Koha to match with its existing policies and procedures. Migration was performed at the close of the fiscal year, to reduce the amount of acquisitions data to migrate, as well as for contractual reasons. Training was purchased from a Koha support vendor, ByWater Solutions. After migrating, the staff of the NYUHSL identified areas of improvement for Koha, and began discussing how to implement enhancements. Findings - The paper identifies several areas of development for Koha, including electronic resource management, course reserves, and cataloging client enhancements. It proves that a migration from Millennium to Koha can be done very quickly, if the library is properly motivated. Originality/value - This paper provides libraries considering the move to open-source with a real-world success story, as well as many factors to consider. In particular, libraries considering the move from Millennium to Koha stand to benefit from the NYUHSL's experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - Koha is an open-source Integrated Library System (ILS) developed in New Zealand and deployed for the first time in January 2000 for the Horowhenua Library Trust. Koha is a fully-fledged software with basic and advanced features. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate a case study of integration of a big Italian consortium specializing in ITC support for libraries and public administration, in the development community of an integrated library system, and to describe the characteristics of CILEA support for this programme. Design/methodology/approach - The paper describes the main Koha features and functions and what CILEA did in the development community in Italy. Findings - Koha is a very simple but complete ILS, to be used by libraries of every dimension and kind of specialization. CILEA worked to adapt Koha to Italian libraries and now it is a part of the library community. Originality/value - This paper shows how Koha has a strong and wide community of librarians and developers. In particular, it is shown to be suitable for all institutions wanting to automate their libraries using a system that allows complete control over data and over the software itself. The authors of this paper are interested in maximizing the diffusion of Koha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper seeks to show how three university libraries (Rhône-Alpes, France) decided to switch their proprietary software for the Open-ILS Koha, with particular focus on how they organized themselves to pool their technical skills, human resources and costs. Design/methodology/approach - The chronological approach permits one to show how the three libraries first installed Koha, then tested the software, wrote common specifications and finally determined which developments could be carried out in-house and which required outsourcing to a software specialist. Findings - The paper provides information for acquiring knowledge and expertise in an Open-ILS, and to minimize costs by cooperating. Originality/value - This paper suggests a new way to acquire an open-ILS that meets collective expectations while responding well to institutional needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]