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Purpose – The purpose of this article is to encourage public librarians to reconsider the future value of their paper book collections. Design/methodology/approach – The author interacts with developing trends to make an argument for supporting paper book collections in the digital age. Findings – The liquidation of Borders Group Inc. provides the public library with an opportunity to market its paper collections to publishers and paper book buyers. Originality/value – The article offers a contrarian perspective on the enduring value physical book collections will play in the digital age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper seeks to argue that when managing strategically it is important for leaders to use diplomacy to collaborate with other units within the parent organization. Design/methodology/approach - The paper discusses and gives examples to illustrate how one can use diplomatic skills to improve the library. Findings - It is helpful for library directors to use diplomacy when interacting with other units. Practical implications - The paper provides one point of view that should be considered when a leader contemplates what actions to take. Originality/value - The paper will help librarians better manage their libraries by considering how to create alliances with other units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When academic journals in electronic format were introduced, librarians eagerly anticipated a drop in wildly escalating journal prices. After all, publishers incur no paper costs, no mailing costs, and no significant additional production costs in distributing an electronic equivalent to their paper journals. However, to date, the crisis in rising serial costs has not been alleviated by the availability of electronic journals. Seven years after his first column discussing libraries' struggles with serial prices, the author revisits the topic of electronic journals and summarizes what we have learned about using journals in this format. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Budget allocation formulas claim objectivity, and hence fairness. But factors composing the formula are limited to supply, demand, and cost. Attempts to correct for this imbalance of empirical data like usage have led to the use of weighted values in the formulas. This paper seeks to argue that assigning "weight" in a formula introduces value judgments and subjectivity, leaving only the misplaced illusion of objectivity. Design/methodology/approach – The paper surveys the published literature on the use of monograph budget allocation formulas and provides analysis to highlight the underlying problems of allocation formulas. Findings – Over the past several decades numerous permutations of the monograph allocation formula have been proposed and published. But there is no magic in formulas once value judgments are introduced. Instead, one is only left with the appearance of objectivity. Originality/value – This paper is a review of the philosophical and economic underpinnings in the library literature on allocation formulas and subsequent budget distribution. It seeks to demonstrate the subjective nature of these formulas, once they are separated from empirical data. The paper seeks to demonstrate the dangerous illusion of objectivity that formulas can create when implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this essay is to provide suggestions for raising money for collections. Design/methodology/approach - The paper discusses and gives examples of strategies to raise awareness of giving opportunities to support library collections. Findings - This paper suggests that traditional fundraising for collections has become more difficult, and innovative appeals are required to attract donors. Originality/value - The value of this paper is in its presentation of examples and strategies for raising funds to support collection building. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to show how Olin Library has maintained exceptional service to its users before, during and after a periodicals review resulting in deep subscription cuts. Design/methodology/approach - The paper takes the form of a review of activities at the Library during a time of financial restraints. Findings - Although Olin's cancellation project is not entirely completed, there is sufficient anecdotal evidence that the exceptional service has not deteriorated. At some point, soon after the cancellations are in place, a survey should be initiated to confirm this assumption about exceptional service. Practical implications - Several guidelines are presented and discussed that may be useful for other libraries faced with having to make tough periodicals decisions after being directed to cut budgets by their administrations. Originality/value - The paper provides guidelines that should greatly benefit librarians in facilitating a periodicals review and the resulting cuts during difficult economic times while still providing the service to which users are accustomed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to bring awareness to all factors that impact on the cost of an integrated library system (ILS). Design/methodology/approach - Using a total cost of ownership approach, a bigger view of all the factors impacting on cost is explored. Findings - The paper finds that many libraries focus entirely on direct costs when selecting a new ILS, rather than factoring in staff time and other long-term costs that will be associated with choosing a system. Originality/value - When the direct and indirect costs are considered, systems that have higher initial costs may be cheaper to own through their entire lifespan than other, seemingly cheaper, products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into issues encountered in maintaining library technologies and electronic collections on a limited budget and with limited personnel. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses real world experiences and data to report on collection development decisions as they relate to electronic journals in an era of shrinking budgets and changing user expectations. Findings – Efficient and ubiquitous access to information has altered user expectations and needs, which in turn have altered the methods and means by which libraries provide services to users. Yet many academic libraries continue to use outmoded models and suffer as a consequence. Originality/value – This paper examines the cost and usage of an individual journal title and the disparities between return on investment for the electronic and printed form of that journal. The author employs real-world cost and usage statistics to make a case for shifting the focus of collection development from print to electronic subscriptions even if the online access is more costly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how, in many cases, the conversion of analog collections to digital collections is still a paradigm shift with regard to the ownership, use and enjoyment of the collections. Design/methodology/approach – The paper discusses how the inclusion of digital collections has led to a new licensing model that has changed the financial management and administration of budgets for the purchase of collections, starting with the acquisition of scientific journals for specialized centers and extending to all types of resource materials. Findings – In the traditional library collection management model, the documents deemed to be most suitable for the libraries were chosen title by title, and the amounts paid were based on the volume of titles chosen. In the analog model, this resulted in a large investment in similar collections in libraries located in close proximity to one another. In research centers and related universities, attempts were made to make coordinated purchases. However, in most cases purchases were made individually, meaning that costs, and specifically direct costs relating to usage, were very high for a usage of journals in the collection which in many cases was very sporadic. The introduction of purchasing consortia in the electronic environment has led to an increase in the collections of all entities, as well as the rationalization of spending on collections, which is more closely related to the needs of the entities' users. However, the use of such consortia should be more extended and rather than being limited to large libraries or institutions, they should be made available to medium-sized groups of entities which can benefit from these instruments. Originality/value – If the possibility of accessing resources were to be increased through these consortia, the author suggests that it would be of great interest to include diverse materials such as films and music, etc. that may be of interest to other type of institutions, such as those serving the general public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The key to a successful library development and fundraising program is a synergistic relationship between development professionals and librarians. The purpose of this paper is to investigate this relationship. Design/methodology/approach - The paper focuses on the partnership in achieving the library mission and its fundraising goals. Findings - The study finds that raising funds for any academic library requires commitment and leadership of the library dean and the development officer. With library faculty and staff members' input, the library development team must work together in writing a compelling case statement that has high dramatic and emotional impact on the mission of the library and the institution. Originality/value - The paper identifies three key elements that library faculty and staff can provide to support any successful library development program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of the paper is to examine how one might proactively trim materials spending. Design/methodology/approach - Provides a viewpoint on how one might proactively trim materials spending. Findings - Faced with a statewide budget reduction of 90 percent, the author found numerous microform and print subscriptions to cancel. Clearly priorities exist, and if we are able to acknowledge and codify them, perhaps we can save money even in years with no budget crisis. A list of central principles and functions might also make weeding and cooperative collection development easier. Originality/value - The idea of a collection management plan is not new, of course, but listing some concrete benefits underscores its importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper sets out to provide an overview of the current state of library services to the poor, and to suggest how it can be improved. Design/methodology/approach - Uses examples to illustrate the gulf between how public libraries often and the services to poor patrons, and the obstacles faced and services required for poor patrons to use the library. Findings - While many libraries think they are adequately serving their poorer constituents, often this is not the case. While one removes barriers to the traditional services one provides, determining the services they want or need is often neglected. Originality/value - Uses examples of how libraries can better serve poor patrons, and offers sound advice on establishing reasonable limits in developing such services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - To determine whether Canada's university research capacity could be increased in quantity, breadth and depth of published scholarly information available to academic researchers, especially through the use of e-journals and cooperatively negotiated pricing and licensing of them. Design/methodology/approach - Evaluates the three-year demonstration project funded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation known as the Canadian National Site Licensing Project (CNSLP). This project used surveys and a logical model method, which integrates inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes and impacts into an account of how a program is fulfilling its objectives. Findings - Demonstrates that CNSLP has successfully found a new model for negotiating and licensing electronic information to expand information available to researchers. It also identified that over 80 percent of respondents surveyed believe that e-journal access has had a significant impact on their ability to conduct research. Value - Both illustrates a model to provide greater access to e-journals and shows that greater access to electronic information increases use of peripheral literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - To outline the various metadata schemes and digital initiatives undertaken by the library community to preserve material in digital formats. Design/methodology/approach - Surveys a number of library metadata initiatives and digital repositories to illustrate that, even in the ever-changing technological world, preservation is essential. Findings - Digital technology changes at an ever-increasing rate, which makes it difficult to preserve digital information. Nonetheless, if information digitally created today is to be useful in the future, it is important to save it in many ways, and migrate it to modem formats when possible. Originality/value - This review reminds us that preservation is key if we are to ensure that information created now is still accessible in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information about the closure of a public library. Often, when a business closes, it is because business has fallen off and customers no longer want or need what is being sold. When it is a public library that is the subject of a closure, again it is usually because demographics have changed in an urban context, and merely a branch needs to close, or be relocated, or consolidated with another location. Rarely do one find a case where a library is closed solely as a result of a shortage of revenue, but that is exactly what happened recently in Salinas, California. Apparently, facing a 9 million dollars budget shortfall, the library failed to obtain the votes needed to institute. As a result, 33 librarians will be laid off, and three libraries closed indefinitely. The community didn't want the library to close as many users being from lower income families rely heavily on library services. Even the American Library Association adopted a resolution opposing the closure of the libraries.

The article examines that breakthroughs in news relating to dinosaurs will affect library collections much like ripples in a pond. Specifically, news releases on dinosaur discoveries in China. The news from China emphasized once more that the science of paleontology is not set in stone--it is merely written there. The first discovery, and arguably the more important of the two for librarians, is that a fossil of an early ancestor of Tyrannosaurus rex shows the existence of protofeathers--precursors to the feathers on modern birds. The new species, named Dilong paradoxus, marks the first time feather-like structures have been directly observed on a tyrannosaurid, and supports earlier predictions by several paleontologists. The second discovery is that of a sleeping dinosaur. From what is described as one of the most complete skeletons discovered, this dinosaur died a peaceful death while curled up with its head tucked under the forearm, similar to how modern birds sleep. These two discoveries are important because they expand our understanding of dinosaur behavior and appearance.

Purpose – The ideas surrounding which institutional attributes make for good libraries vary radically based on patron review, professional association rankings, size of overall collections, and other measures. The purpose of this article is to provide insight into argumentation for establishing how libraries gain the compliment of "good" in an increasingly digital age. Design/methodology/approach – An analysis of the general effect digital content available on the internet has on the mind of the consumer frames the debate on how libraries can be seen as both relevant and good for their communities despite being expensive. Findings – Library leaders always need to advocate for their services and collections, but it is only through true reflective discourse with key stakeholders and governing bodies that enlightenment on the key advantages of libraries can be found. Originality/value – Library popularity and use rises and falls solely based on the conscious user evaluation of collections and services. Focusing this consciousness away from the myth that all material of worth is digital and available online is the key to helping users and governing bodies understand that investments in library infrastructure, technology and (most importantly) raw collections is what makes libraries good for all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes briefly the impact of Information Technology on collection management in libraries and also on the librarian's role. Discusses the factors affecting collection management in libraries and emphasizes the need for change in collection management policy. Provides information about the availability of various electronic formats such as online sources, CD-ROMs, Internet sources and Web sites along with criteria to evaluate them. Discusses the usefulness of subject gateways and compares pricing structures of different e-sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]