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The purpose of this study is to contribute to the establishment of metrics that can be used by libraries to analyze, anticipate, and plan for resource allocation for specialized print-based collections within an academic library. In the context of transactions associated with the circulation of library materials, that is checkouts, renewals, and holds, the resources this study will propose includes two ratios that can be used for evaluating and justifying continued allocation of library resources to specialized print collections. These ratios proposed are the Proportionate Number (P/N) and Internal P/N (I-P/N) Ratios. Beginning with the conceptual framework of how data driven decision making can contribute to the operation of the library, the study will also provide concrete examples of how to analyze data from an Integrated Library System (ILS). Data will be presented for the case study of Gumberg Library at Duquesne University. The study hopes to address a perceived gap in the literature that percentage of users accessing a collection is often not considered in the analysis of circulation data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the potential of the Gamified Metaverse as a platform for promoting library services. The study compares the effectiveness of a traditional library program with a Metaverse- based library program in terms of knowledge acquisition and library anxiety. The research also examines students' perceptions of implementing gamification within the context of the Gamified Metaverse platform. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, including pre- and post-test analysis, statistical analysis, and qualitative data collection. The results indicate that both the traditional and Metaverse-based library programs effectively increased the participants' knowledge, with no significant difference between the two approaches. However, the Metaverse-based program was found to be less effective in facilitating interaction with librarians and reducing library anxiety. Additionally, students expressed positive perceptions of implementing gamification in the Gamified Metaverse platform, finding it engaging and motivating. These findings contribute to the understanding of the effect of the Metaverse as a tool for promoting library services and enhancing knowledge acquisition. However, it is not as effective in reducing library anxiety, particularly in terms of interaction with librarians and staff. It should be noted that the platform may have limitations such as high costs and potential side effects of virtual reality, making it more suitable as an additional tool for promoting library services, taking into account its feasibility and potential benefits for specific student populations and larger libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As libraries, archives, and museums make unique digital collections openly available via digital library platforms, they expose these resources to users who may wish to cite them. Often several URLs are available for a single digital object, depending on which route a user took to find it, but the chosen citation URL should be the one most likely to persist over time. Catalyzed by recent digital collections migration initiatives at Indiana University Libraries, this study investigates the prevalence of persistent URLs for digital objects at peer institutions and examines the ways their platforms instruct users to cite them. This study reviewed institutional websites from the Digital Library Federation's (DLF) published list of 195 members and identified representative digital objects from unique digital collections navigable from each institution's main web page in order to determine persistent URL formats and citation options. Findings indicate an equal split between offering and not offering discernible persistent URLs with four major methods used: Handle, DOI, ARK, and PURL. Significant variation in labeling persistent URLs and inclusion in item-specific citations uncovered areas where the user experience could be improved for more reliable citation of these unique resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a retrospective overview of the discussion of Arnold Dolmetsch, his family, students and friends in Early Music since its first issue in 1973. It connects these cases with a broad range of other literature, suggests the need to rethink and recontextualize the lifetime of Arnold Dolmetsch and considers the significance of archival materials in the Jeanne-Marie Dolmetsch Collection newly available at Cambridge University Library (Ms. Add. 10371). In particular, it demonstrates the largely overlooked intercultural dimension of the Dolmetsch family's contribution to the early music revival, highlighting their interactions with people and music cultures from beyond western Europe. Finally, it suggests a programme for possible future research on the Dolmetsch phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article considers the artists' book collections in two academic libraries: New York University, where books circulate routinely, and Cornell University, where books circulate by special arrangement. The authors examine how these collections were formed, their evolution, the challenges and advantages to having open collections, recommendations for libraries considering making their holdings available to patrons in the open stacks, and how these initiatives can contribute to a more equitable and inclusive library environment. The authors focus on how these endeavors can bridge gaps between patrons from marginalized communities and academic libraries. [This article is a combination of two papers presented at the 50th annual ARLIS/NA conference held in Chicago, Illinois, in April 2022] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An intriguing new opportunity for research into the nineteenth-century history of print culture, libraries, and local communities is performing full-text analyses on the corpus of books held by a specific library or group of libraries. Creating corpora using books that are known to have been owned by a given library at a given point in time is potentially feasible because digitized records of the books in several hundred nineteenth-century library collections are available in the form of scanned book catalogs: a book or pamphlet listing all of the books available in a particular library. However, there are two potential problems with using those book catalogs to create corpora. First, it is not clear whether most or all of the books that were in these collections have been digitized. Second, the prospect of identifying the digital representations of the books listed in the catalogs is daunting, given the diversity of cataloging practices at the time. This article will report on progress towards developing an automated method to match entries in early nineteenth-century book catalogs with digitized versions of those books, and will also provide estimates of the fractions of the library holdings that have been digitized and made available in the Google Books/HathiTrust corpus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Original accounting records relating to early periods of American history of accounting are in ample supply in libraries end archives; but research activity has been only very modest in scope. The major problems facing the researcher are organization of and access to existing materials, also a relative lack of interest in history within the accounting profession and among the general public, and a resulting lack of funds to finance extended historical research. Original records of firms, covering early periods, are abundant in the big public libraries, such as the Library of Congress and the major city libraries such as New York. Materials generally are indexed only alphabetically, by firm name, not by subject matter. This very fact defeats almost every serious effort at researching those materials with regard to accounting development. The major universities also have collections containing original accounting records of early periods These collections generally are better organised and classified than those of the public libraries. Records reflecting history of a particular region of the country are found sometimes in regional universities. For example: Xavier University in New Orleans has interesting records pertaining to the early slave trade. On a country-wide basis, Harvard University and the University of California at Berkeley have the best collections of accounting records. A new edition of the Catalog of Business published by Baker Library at Harvard, is classified by subject matter and permits easy access to the collection for research purposes. This collection comprises about 1,300 sets, over 60,000 items, dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. It includes records related to agriculture, mining, manufacturing, construction, transportation, marketing, financial services, and government. New England firms are emphasized, but other regions of the United States and foreign firms are also represented in the collection. Aside from these universities, the University of California in Los Angeles, the University of Pennsylvania, and New York University, as well as other universities, have significant collections of original accounting records. Early American textbooks on accounting are available in public and university libraries through the country. The richest collections of early texts are found at Boston Public Library (the Bentley Collection), the Kress Library at Harvard, the University of California, and at Columbia University. The Bentley Collection at Boston is perhaps the most complete, including between 500 and 1,000 American texts on bookkeeping and accounting from the 18th and 19th centuries. These early American texts are indexed in the bibliography by Bentley and Leonard. Both the Kress Collection at Harvard and the Robert Montgomery Collection at Columbia University contain approximately 500 early American accounting texts from the 16th through the 19th centuries. The library of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants in New York also has a substantial number of early works The American Accounting Association, official organization of teachers and researchers in the field of accounting, sponsored, for the first time, a committee on accounting history during the academic year 1968-69. This This committee is presently inactive, but may be reactivated at a later date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment on university campuses increasingly emphasizes learning outcomes and student success. Academic librarians need to identify relationships between their collection spaces and the learning activities of the university in order to play a role in the environment of assessment. Measuring the proportions of discipline-oriented content of library collections and comparing those proportions to discipline-oriented learning activities produces collection performance indicators. Academic libraries can use collection performance indicators to assess how well their collection spaces correspond to student demand and student success using readily available metrics. Collection performance indicators answers a gap in library literature pertaining to relationships between collection spaces and learning activities by demonstrating the linkages between learning and the demands placed on physical and digital spaces. Collection performance indicators are used to evaluate the collection space in an academic library at a mid-sized American research university. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collection development is a most important process of a library. This process increases the reading materials of the library for the satisfaction of the reader approach. Collection development policy acts as a guide for selecting library materials. It helps to maintain library cooperation and communication between library staff. This process increases the reading materials of the library for the satisfaction of the reader approach. Collection development policies are written statements of goals and evaluative parameters to guide decision-making when adding material to a library collection. A large number of e-resources collection has become a challenge to libraries as a lot of information is now available to the public without having to visit and use the traditional library. American Library Association states that the collection development policies document which defines the scope of a library's existing collections, plan for the continuing development of resources, identify collection strength and outline the relationship between selection philosophy and institutions goals, general selection criteria, and intellectual freedom. In electronic environment collection development policy select tools and processes, set the principles for the management of electronic resources, allocating the budget for buying of e-resources. Due to information technology, most of the libraries are involved in the sharing of the e-resources in many ways. The Collection development policy must indeed be clear whether the collection is in print or electronic form and also it should full fill the user's demand. This article tried to explore the different collection development policies for e-resources. The information provided in this article is based on secondary data. The information available in this article is a general kind of information and it is applicable in all kinds of libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated influence of institutional management on collection development in Federal Colleges of Agriculture in Northern Nigeria. The study has 3 objectives which include to: determine the types of collection available in Federal College of Agriculture libraries in Northern Nigeria; find out the influence of institutional management on collection development in Federal College of Agriculture libraries in Northern Nigeria and find out the challenges faced by the library management on collection development in Federal College of Agriculture libraries. In order to achieve the stated objectives 3 research questions were asked. The study used a descriptive research design with a population of 72 management staff of Federal College of Agriculture libraries in Northern Nigeria and the sample size drawn was 36 respondents. Out of the 36 copies of questionnaire administered, 28 copies were returned which represent 78%. Data collected was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that there is availability of collection in all the libraries under study. It was revealed that the college management has a lot of influence on collection development of the college libraries. Finally, the findings revealed that funds are not sufficiently provided, which affects adequacy of collections, there is also delay in the delivery of Collections among others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was meant to examine electronic theses and dissertations' development in Nigerian federal university libraries. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The study population comprised forty-eight institutional repository librarians in eighteen Nigerian federal university libraries. The sample consisted of forty three librarians. A questionnaire was used for data collection. The data collected were analyzed with mean and standard deviation. Findings reveal that the policies available for developing electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs) in the libraries require submission of electronic copies of theses and dissertations by students, participation of digital/IR librarians in ETD development and provision of free access to ETDs; the libraries comply with standards of Open Archives Initiative Protocol for Metadata Harvesting and Search/Retrieval via URL using DSpace for building ETDs and taking advantage of such available ICT facilities as computers, scanners, CD-ROM, LAN, internet connectivity and printer. The libraries achieve ETD through digitisation, mandating submission of electronic versions of TDs by students and creation of IR. However, the process is hindered by technological obsolescence, financial problems, absence of clearly-defined ETD development policy, required ICT facilities and trained staff, copyright, irregular power supply and unstable internet connectivity. This study represents a fresh empirical investigation into electronic theses and dissertations' development in federal university libraries in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to develop a model for integration of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in resource sharing practices for enhanced service delivery in academic libraries in Southeast Nigeria. Seven objectives guided the study; ICT-based resource sharing practices in academic libraries in Southeast Nigeria; ICT infrastructure for resource sharing; ICT needs of librarians for resource sharing practices; stages of ICT integration in resource sharing; perception of librarians towards ICT-based resource sharing; challenges to integration of ICT in resource sharing practices; design a model for the integration of ICT into resource sharing; all in academic libraries in Southeast Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach: The research design adopted for this study is the mixed research design containing the "descriptive survey" research design and the "research and development, R&D." The population of the study is 164, comprising all of the librarians in federal universities in Southeast Nigeria. All of the librarians of the five federal universities will be involved in the study. Hence, there was no sampling. The instrument for data collection is a structured questionnaire. Findings: The findings of the study revealed that 88.8% of the librarians use ICT to boost the volume of resources; while 74% of the librarians were positive in all responses pertaining to ICT-based resource sharing practices in the libraries. The study also revealed that ICT infrastructures in the library for resource sharing are highly available and applicable; while computers and internet networks are the most needed gadgets for the operations. Libraries in Southeast Nigeria are in the applying and transforming stages of ICT adoption at a 69.7% response rate; while the librarians have a strong belief and understanding that a lot can be achieved in resource sharing through ICT; and would recommend such. Poor electrification, inadequate funding and unavailability of some ICT technologies were equally identified as challenges. The study conclusively developed a resource sharing model, the Southeast Federal University Library Connect; accessible at https://southeastfeduniconnect.njh.com.ng Originality/value: The research study is one of the few types of research that has developed a functional model for resource sharing in academic libraries in Southeast Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social distancing restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic were declared in Finland in March 2020. Libraries followed Government recommendations resulting in limited library service delivery across a variety of sectors. This research investigates challenges experienced by public, special and academic libraries in the Helsinki metropolitan area focussing on library staff reflections of digital literacy services offered during the pandemic. A multiple case study, with an emergent mixed methods research design was utilised. All data was gathered online due to Covid-19 restrictions: Quantitative data originated from an online survey of library staff; library websites were also audited. Qualitative data originated from semi-structured interviews. Triangulation of the data enabled a clear understanding of digital literacy challenges and responses. Overall, the mixed methods design and the data collection techniques, encouraged reflection upon experience, which in return informed a rich picture of the multiple case study. Results demonstrated that digital literacy challenges existed, particularly related to reaching library customers requiring digital support. Finnish libraries did not differentiate information literacy from digital literacy, as both were perceived as part of library service. Library staffs' reflections corroborated similar research, for example, the impact of teleworking, on technology use and social aspects of working from home. Recommendations include undertaking further research on special libraries and promoting reflective practice as a mechanism for better understanding the views of library staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women by virtue of their being are confronted with many challenges. This is particularly the case in South Africa where gender-based violence, women abuse and femicide are pervasive. This study sought to highlight the contribution of academic libraries in South Africa to SDG 5 on gender equality through Community Engagement (CE) initiatives. The study followed a multi-methods qualitative approach and online interviews with 20 heads of public university libraries, and focus group discussions with 33 Librarians in eight focus groups were its data collection methods. Findings showed that academic libraries in the country contribute to SDG 5 through visits and donations to safe houses and prisons, Take a Girl Child to Work initiative, providing internship opportunities to females, collection and donation of sanitary towels in schools, and panel discussions, visits and displays that tackle women's issues. These results affirm the contribution of academic libraries to the SDGs through CE. CE can be adopted in academic libraries to provide direct contribution to the SDGs that are not always associated with their traditional teaching, learning and research support role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decade, the financial crisis has led to reduced government funding for academic libraries in Greece. Now more than ever, it is imperative for library managers to improve their knowledge and understanding of cost behavior, in order to effectively deliver high quality services at decreasing costs. To do so, they need to apply clearly-defined costing methods, such as Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing (TDABC), that allow them to identify the various costs involved in the library processes. In our study, we applied the TDABC method at the medium-sized library of the University of Macedonia (UoM), in Thessaloniki, Greece, to evaluate the costs of the Inter-library Loans (ILL) services. Since the library managers did not adopt a cost allocation method, the cost estimation of the UoM ILL services was rather simplistic and rudimentary. Our research provides empirical evidence of the advantages of TDABC in an academic library setting. Namely, the TDABC method can help library administrators decide how to successfully allocate the available resources and improve the efficiency of the library processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article is to explore the current research landscape of changing information needs and the need for digital access to library materials. Print reference sources—bibliographies in particular—are discussed and possible solutions for increasing their relevance and appeal as a stable reference point are presented. Several digital curated collections created with bibliographic reference materials are highlighted as a way of reintroducing these materials as a reliable and accessible source of information. The article concludes with future directions for the study of the use of print consultative sources and the main takeaways for adjusting reference and research assistance in an academic library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In academic libraries, the obligation to pay a fine for overdue books is a common global phenomenon. As university libraries try to meet the growing expectations of their users with limited resources, it is important to ensure that the existing collection is available in circulation. This study investigated overdue returns at the BRAC University library, Bangladesh, focusing on the reasons why users returned their books late; students' satisfaction with the current overdue policies; and suggested improvements to the overdue procedures. The study was carried out using a quantitative methodology. Structured questionnaires were distributed to the students and data was collected over a period of 60 days between March and April 2019. Of the 300 questionnaires distributed, 258 were returned, with a response rate of 86%. The primary reasons for users' late return of books were forgetfulness and not completing the task required from the book. It is a positive fact of the study that, most students did not show unwillingness to use the library again after fine had been imposed for a late return; a large number of them managed to pay the fine out of their pocket money. The library's current policies were considered to be satisfactory. The students considered them to be a form of discipline, which made them return items at the appointed time. There was no gender bias in their reactions. Suggestions for improvement included increasing the collection of hard-copy and e-books. The outcomes of this research may help to develop the overdue and circulation policies of academic libraries in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes about the 'Infrastructure facilities in fine arts college libraries in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry states: A case study. The analysis of the study explains about the Books Collections available in the fine arts college Library, Information Facilities and Services in the Library of the Music, Dance and Visual Arts Colleges in Tamilnadu and Pondicherry, Number of Journals subscribed and journal back volumes available by the colleges under study. The study reviled that the library collection of more than 72% of the colleges have more than 5000 books. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Library discovery platforms, which provide searchable user interfaces as their front-facing layer, aggregate tremendous amounts of metadata from multiple data streams describing a wide variety of print and electronic resources. Complicating the matter further, resources may differ in availability or delivery time depending not only on their media but also upon the source of the data stream describing them. How should libraries structure end users' options for searching discovery platforms in light of the many options available? This study used a nonexperimental design and quantitative methods to analyze users' revealed preferences for query type in twenty-four academic libraries in a data set containing metadata, sans queries, for over 64 million searches. Libraries studied were all located in California, used the same discovery layer software, and served similar user and faculty constituencies; however, the number of query types and pre-filtering options available differed between institutions. Results show that, when users were presented with the choice between search options, most conducted simple, more broad searches rather than complex and specific searches. When search options were highly constrained by the default choice architecture, but complex searches were possible, few users opted out of the default simple search. Implications for usability of discovery layers and the motivations of librarians in choice architecture are nontrivial and are discussed. The desires of librarians and "power user" faculty must be balanced with the fact that most users are novices and users of all abilities are largely habituated to commercial search products which emphasize post-search results filtering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study aims to find out the current scenario of library resources and services viz. collection including infrastructure, staff position, library services available in the private university libraries in the state of Assam, India. Methodology: Physical survey of all the five libraries has been conducted for which a questionnaire was designed. Findings: With the increasing number of library users, there should be adequate number of library staff to maintain all the different collections and services of the library. Private university libraries e-books and e-journals facility is not sufficient to cater the increasing demands of the users. Research Limitations: The study is applied to private university libraries within the geographical barrier within the state of Assam. It is applied only on the basic level library resources and services expected from a library. Practical Implications: It will provide an opportunity to the library authority to fill up the gap in providing their basic library services. The method and technique of the study may be applied to any other libraries where the libraries are managed by library science professional with proper library procedures. Originality/value: The study is itself a unique one as no such study was conducted in the area of private university libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If an item is not readily available in an academic library's collection, is it quicker to buy it or does is make better sense to borrow it? At a public, four-year institution, acquisitions and interlibrary loan (ILL) are exploring a new relationship to improve the users' experience. The question is determining what triggers the decision to borrow versus buy an item. The exploration is born of the institution's ongoing migration from a traditional to a demand driven based collections strategy. This article will elucidate how acquisitions and ILL can work together to effectively deliver what users need when they need it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this study was to examine trends and developments in budgeting and financial management of collections in university libraries of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan. Locally there is limited literature available on the financial management of university libraries in Pakistan. However, previously no study of this nature has been conducted. The present study aimed to close this gap through a sector wide survey through face-to-face interviews in 26 universities of the province of KPK. The fieldwork was conducted by principle author in June, 2015 with the specific objectives of investigating financial management of collections in the university libraries of KPK. The study found that no specific norms are followed by the university administration in allocating budget for libraries. The role of Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals in the financial management of libraries seems to be more of facilitators than decision makers. The overall analysis demonstrates that university libraries in KPK are more vulnerable to changes in future because of their reliance and dependence on expenditure allocations from parent institutions that are heavily dependent on public funding from the government. The study suggests that libraries with meager budget allocations cannot develop collections in line with the changing trends and needs of the users. Apart from it in the face of low budget allocation, there is an apprehension that instead of expanding collections, university libraries have been obsessed to maintain their old collection sizes and if weeding takes place then it would mean that collections have shrunk in size. Therefore, LIS professionals in the university libraries of KPK must be aggressive in forging connections both within their institutions and among their communities at large to recognize that financial management of collections is the only important step for effective collection development which will ultimately bring LIS professionals both satisfaction and rewards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital collections of full-text e-books are proliferating on the Web and provide a wealth of open content for students. To examine whether academic libraries are providing a digital gateway to these resources, ten e-book titles from open digital collections were searched in the online catalogs and Web pages of ten academic libraries serving distance learners. Only three of the digital collection e-books were available from any of the library catalogs, and none were found on library Web pages. Availability of the ten e-book titles through Google and other digital discovery tools also had a fixed results. Continued projects for improved delivery of open online content are necessary. In order to fulfill their role as digital gateways for their academic communities, libraries must pursue metadata standards to support cross-searching, collaborative projects, and development of e-resource search software, which integrates with the library catalog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of journals with embargo periods in aggregated databases designed for academic libraries has increased for the simple reason that the number of available full text journals in these collections has also increased. Misconceptions surrounding embargo periods deduce that embargoes diminish access to information by withholding the current full text from journals, when in fact, embargoes increase access to information for journals that otherwise would not be available in aggregated databases. Embargoes exist for the purpose of preserving a publisher's traditional print and electronic journal subscriptions. Full text databases and e-journals are distinctly different resources. The use of embargoes may be valid in one electronic resource, but not the other. Linking capabilities provide seamless access from embargoed journals with current indexing in databases to the corresponding current full text found in a library's e-journal collection. Embargoed information from a given journal is far superior to no full text information at all from that source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arrival of e-books on the scene has had a significant effect on the collection development activities of many academic libraries. Whilst some libraries have made the radical decision to ditch print books in favor of e-books, others are cautiously navigating the new terrain by acquiring both. The current study used the survey research design to study the collection development trends of print books and e-books in academic libraries in Malawi. The study found that academic libraries in Malawi are acquiring both print books and e-books. The trend has resulted from collection development decisions, practices, and budgetary constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examines the extent of academic librarians' teaching, research, communication, and interpersonal skills; key competencies required for the successful implementation of embedded librarianship in Tanzania. A mixed research approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches, was deployed to guide the collection of data from 166 librarians and 6 directors. Whereas cross-section survey questionnaires were used to collect data from librarians from six university libraries. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were used to collect data from directors. Regarding statistical analysis, descriptive statistics were performed to derive frequencies and percentages from quantitative data collected. The qualitative data were analyzed thematically and presented in narrative form. The findings suggest that librarians' teaching skills and their knowledge of the research cycle are inadequate, while their communication and interpersonal skills are sufficient to allow them to effectively embed their services in their users' (researchers, students, and teaching staff) activities. To effectively adopt embedded librarianship, the authors recommend the allocation of adequate funds to support diverse external and in-house training, the development of harmonized library and information science (LIS) curriculum, and the use of social media to interact with users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of collection is of crucial importance for libraries, museums and archives. Defining some clear criteria for documents belonging to one or another of the collections is closely related to the organization of knowledge included in them and has a direct impact on information access. These criteria are necessary more than ever under the existing conditions of digital collections. To this effect, the collection management becomes meaningful to a major extent. The paper will analyze by means of argumentation and examples, the necessity of separating the collections, will present membership criteria of document sets to particular collections and will approach the problem of customizing access to them. The examples provided are taken from the collections of four big Romanian university libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A key attribute to the academic environment is the value given to research due to its enormous benefits to both the researcher and the institution's knowledge creation. As research output increases in volume, libraries are required to have substantial support systems to manage and make access to these collections available to its users. Institutional Repositories (IRs) are library initiatives that aim at providing a digital embodiment for the management, preservation and dissemination of the intellectual work of the institution. Promoting these intellectual outputs on library's IRs has been found to be very important in providing sustainable and proactive library services. The purpose of this study was to find out how Sam Jonah Library is promoting its institutional repository in order to increase the institution's visibility worldwide. Questionnaires were the main data collection instrument used for the study. The findings revealed that the study participants were fully aware of the benefits of IRs in promoting institutional intellectual output. Some of the challenges that hindered the success of promoting IRs were the lack of a policy to help in its operation, lack of funds, lack of technical staff, apathy from staff, lack of training and lack of knowledge on the tools and practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the general consensus that field experience during library school is important for applying theory to practical situations, there is a lack of understanding about what students want from, and the barriers they face to acquire, graduate employment. A survey was sent to ALA accredited Master of Library Science programs in the United States, asking students about their library employment status and to rank factors that influenced their decision to accept their positions. Patterns emerged when results were grouped by various life factors. The results of this study show what students are looking for from employment, which could help employers recruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports the results of a biennial student library use survey distributed in Spring 2021 at a large urban research university. Responses reveal library visits were significantly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Patterns of student needs and the impact of library use on academic achievements were explored, including comparisons to previous biennial survey data. There was a negative correlation with students' GPA and physical library use, and a positive correlation with online library use and GPA. User service librarians, library administrators and academic librarians interested in demonstrating the library value on students' academic success would benefit from this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article demonstrates how a public research university library responded to user needs following radical service changes during Fall 2020 and assesses whether the library met challenges resulting from COVID-19. The library reduced hours and occupancy and implemented a reservation system and new health safety guidelines with the goal of a safe environment. During Fall 2020, 540 survey respondents reported feeling their health was not at risk, suggesting the goal was accomplished. Additionally, users provided feedback about the altered landscape. This article will benefit administrators and user experience librarians who need to balance user preferences and administrative reality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper reports the development in Sweden during the last few years on shared print cooperation. In June 2022, 30 libraries signed a letter of intent on cooperation on preservation and withdrawal of print material. By taking joint responsibility for long-term preservation, libraries aim to secure access as well as diversity and breadth in the collections. Design/methodology/approach: As a first practical step, the working group is conducting a national collection analysis using metadata in the national catalog LIBRIS. Findings: The paper presents the preliminary results of the collection analysis and discusses the next steps for the collaboration. Originality/value: The Swedish collaboration is one of many European and international collaborations on print archiving, and as such being of interest to a global library field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the availability of LGBTQ Spanish language nonfiction books among selected university libraries along the United States–Mexico border to measure access to materials for readers and researchers and identify what resources selectors might use to inform purchases. This study utilizes 37 titles and seven libraries for a comparison of holdings. It seeks to expand the body of knowledge available regarding LGBTQ literature while establishing a baseline regarding the availability of LGBTQ Spanish-language materials in academic libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article considers the distinct challenges that works of art pose for those managing non-art specialist research libraries across the United Kingdom. Using analysis of survey and case-study interview data, the article demonstrates that current approaches to the management of art in non-art specialist research libraries are uneven in such key areas as collection management; cataloguing; storage and access; and librarianship and training. This article seeks to build consensus on best practices with respect to the management of art in libraries and proposes practical recommendations for libraries seeking to improve the care and use of the art in their collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2020 the University of Kansas Libraries began a year-long diversity audit of the circulating monograph collection. The study, which utilized the checklist method evaluated the Libraries' holdings based on a curated list of award winning and nominated titles. In addition to determining if specific titles were part of the collection, the study also sought to learn how these books were acquired. The study found that the library owned 60% of the 6,671 titles checked and of those with a known acquisitions method, 59% came via an approval plan. Titles and publishers not profiled by GOBI were significantly less likely to be in the collection as they were not included in the approval plan or highlighted by a slip notification. The Libraries' reliance on GOBI and efficient and streamlined selection and acquisition processes has resulted in a less diverse collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continued survival and use of university libraries in the present period depend on expanding and modernizing library and information services. The study examined awareness, attitude and use of high-end technologies by libraries in Nigerian Universities. The objectives of the study were to identify the types of high-end technologies available in Nigerian university libraries; determine if staff of Nigerian university libraries are aware of high-end technologies; investigate librarians' attitude towards high-end technology and ascertain if Nigerian university libraries use high-end technologies for service delivery. The study adopts a survey design of mixed method approach, and the population comprised of 40 respondents in three selected university libraries in Kwara State. A self-designed questionnaire was used for data collection, while the data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistic of frequency counts and percentage. Findings of the study revealed that university libraries now feature all-encompassing, user-friendly technology and servicedriven techniques as a result of technological advancements, the study sheds light on librarian understanding, attitude, and use of cutting-edge technologies in university libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria. Only 6 of the 12 high-tech topics mentioned - RFID, IoT, institutional repositories, cloud computing, WEB 2.0/3.0, and WebOPAC - are thought to be well-known and in use. The study recommended that university management and library committee should provide adequate funding, thereby formulating policies addressing the installation and integration of high-end technologies in university libraries; there should be a public awareness campaign about the importance of high-end technologies in academic libraries; librarians should keep up with the latest trends to provide user-oriented services through adherence to these technologies in order to remain relevant in the profession and on the job, and that there should be constant user education on the importance of high-end technologies for both library staff and patrons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colleges are the gateways to the higher education. College is the door step which leads a student to the treasure of knowledge. Up to the college level main focus of education lies at preparing the student to understand how to study. True education begins only after a student steps in a college. Colleges open new vistas of knowledge for the students and make them practical in responding to the problems at individual as well as social level. Apart from teaching the respective subjects, colleges are supposed to develop and enhance the creativity and learning ability among the students as well. Students are taught and trained to develop research aptitude to enter the university level. The role of library in a college is as good as of blood in our body. Besides providing stimulus to reading by procuring materials for study and research, college libraries also feed the intellect of the student, and thus serve the teaching and research needs of the faculty. No academic institute can achieve its goals without a well equipped and up to date library. Teacher as a nation builder should be highly skilled and professional with good knowledge and skills of all the latest developments at global level and such an intellect is formed and shaped only in the library. The significance of a library in an educational institution is highlighted by NKC (2007) as, “A library is not a building stacked with books – it is a repository and source of information and ideas, a place for learning and enquiry, and for the generation of thought and the creation of new knowledge.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public libraries submit the number of holdings and circulation of items in their collections to their state libraries annually, which in turn report these statistics to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Public Library Survey (PLS). The reported numbers qualify public libraries for federal and state funding. Additionally, the quantity of holdings (traditionally monographs, serials and physical popular media) is often compared to the circulation (number of check-outs) of those items to calculate a cost-per-circulation number. This calculation becomes complicated when a library's "holdings" become ephemeral due to the nature of digital media and digital licensing models. This article describes several existing metrics for assessing the holdings and circulation of digital assets within both public and academic libraries and argues for the adoption of post-custodial holding metrics used by archives to better represent items available to library patrons, especially those in traditionally underserved demographics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accessibility of special collections during the COVID-19 pandemic was a matter of concern for libraries and their users due to the specific nature of special collections compared to other information sources in libraries. This study therefore investigated the accessibility of special collections in university libraries in the South South zone of Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic. The population of the study included 233 librarians in federal, state and private universities in the zone. The study adopted an online questionnaire and there was a total of 197 respondents. The findings show that special collections were accessible to library users through library websites, institutional repositories, CD-ROMs and flash drives during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. The study reveals some of the challenges affecting the accessibility of special collections during the COVID-19 pandemic in university libraries in Nigeria and recommends ways of enhancing the accessibility of special collections during a crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the extent to which serials publications are accessible and used for learning purposes by the students in Nigerian Universities. The descriptive survey research design was adopted with the study population made up of students from one federal government owned university, one selected state owned university and one selected private owned university in Ogun state. A self-constructed questionnaire was used for data collection in this study, was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS). Findings revealed that Nigeria university students have access to different serial collections in academic libraries. Serial publications are available and students have equal access to serials publications in the library. Restriction of some serials materials to undergraduate constitutes impediments to the use of serials by students in the university libraries. Students who visit the library frequently to read Bulletins are better informed about the university issues. It was also revealed that students often visit the serial section in the Universities libraries for academic purposes. The Serial Librarian attitude affects student's use of serial section. There is a need to create conducive environment for students and guide the student in the proper use of serial publications. Serial Librarians should be well guided to give the best to the students in the use of serial publications and there is need for various universities to subscribe to different online or electronic serials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maximizing the current organizational culture and diversity/inclusion practices within CUNY libraries is crucial to retaining highly talented support staff with significant potential for future leadership roles. This research explores equity, diversity, and inclusion within the library profession, with the intention of implementing strategic frameworks to attract, recruit, and retain underrepresented groups within the University. To spotlight areas of upward mobility within CUNY academic libraries, a CUNY-wide Library Workplace Climate survey on the perceptions of diversity, universal inclusion, and career progression was conducted. The scope of the survey study compares the different perspectives of CUNY librarians, full-time library classified paraprofessionals, and part-time classified staff to measure CUNY's commitment to addressing the diversity gap in the library profession. CUNY-wide, 141 library employees participated in a survey study to uncover professional development opportunities in support of career advancement and upward mobility. Nearly 2 in 5 African American/Black library staff-members are paraprofessionals, while 13.5% are faculty. A stark contrast to 3 in 5 or 64% CUNY library faculty, which identified as White/Caucasian. The findings reinforce the need for measures to maximize workplace diversity through support-staff mentoring, guidance, and recruitment. Workplace mentorship and career development—across all levels within CUNY libraries—cultivate skills for a better work environment that can lead to promotion and successful plans for succession. Investing and sustaining structured library professional development opportunities geared toward underrepresented groups—generally in paraprofessional and student-worker roles—will help identify next generation CUNY library leadership. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Spring 2021, the Georgia Tech Library received unexpectedly robust support for the redevelopment of the Library's previously removed Popular Reading Collection. The project had a strict four-month deadline to encumber funds and to ensure that materials were available before the Fall 2021 return to campus. A cross-functional team was established to create and implement a plan to achieve this goal. The successful project resulted in widespread positive feedback from students, Institute partners and leaders, and Library leadership. This case study demonstrates the importance of context in deciding library projects, the utility of cross-functional teams in establishing new collections, and the psychological value of physical materials to campus communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historically, LGBTQIA+ individuals have been excluded from mainstream society and thus library collections. At this time in particular, collections reflecting LGBTQIA+ experiences are under attack. This article will provide a case study for how one undergraduate academic library is seeking to mitigate this damage. By analyzing the systemic problems in supporting LGBTQIA+ collections, a variety of difficulties are revealed. One solution to overcome them is to create a stand-alone collection of LGBTQIA+ materials which is what Vairo Library at Penn State Brandywine decided to do. Through restorative collection practices that consider access and preservation of LGBTQIA+ works, new opportunities for engagement also become available and are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While scholarship in library science continues to expand understanding of collaboration and its potential to transform the collective collection, librarian acquisitions trips have been largely absent from the conversation. In early 2020, three US-based South Asian studies librarians traveled together to India, jettisoning solo travel in favor of a model of collaborative fieldwork. Using this trip as a case study, the authors draw on interdisciplinary literature to explore how intersecting identities and the embodied nature of fieldwork shape outcomes for the collective collection. They reflect on how foregrounding care in the field can converge with efforts to build more ethical collections. Finally, the authors consider the possibilities of a shift toward collaboration beyond mere coordination, and offer suggestions for how a relational perspective might be advocated for in their work. At the intersection of theory and practice, this article helps readers understand the holistic work behind area studies librarianship, and offers a vision of improved practice in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]