Search

Purpose – The purpose is to explore using databases of freely available electronic books as part of a library's collection. Design/methodology/approach – The paper considered whether expensive discovery services, an OCLC product, or an open source product would be practical alternatives to the current labor-intensive system used. Findings – An open source product introduced in 2010 called GIST Gift and Deselection Manager (GDM) appears to fit the author's needs nearly exactly. Research limitations/implications – Since earlier Getting It System Toolkit (GIST) workflow products have a proven track record, the author would expect library students and practitioners to also experiment with the Gift and Deselection Manager. Practical implications – All can start using GDM anytime when they are ready, without spending any money. Social implications – The paper highlights an open source workflow option. Originality/value – The paper notes that the Gift and Deselection Manager was released on August 16, 2010, an event of which some library professionals might not be aware. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This paper aims to show the importance of the Master’s degree in the library and information sciences in learning the essential values of library and information science culture.Design/methodology/approach The paper is a discussion based upon the author’s decades of experience as a librarian and library science professor.Findings Cultural values help unify the diverse profession of librarianship. Librarians working in different types and sizes are able to cooperate because of these shared values.Research limitations/implications The paper does not build upon any research studies.Practical implications The paper provides ways in which library and information science schools can help students learn the important elements of library culture.Social implications Library culture helps librarians bond together and work toward common goals to benefit the profession.Originality/value The value of library culture as a unifying factor has not often been systematically investigated. This paper also integrates current trends in librarianship including the increased focus on information technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper is a thought experiment that investigates the possibilities of moving from the typical “just-in-case” model of managing legacy collections of printed monographs to a centralised “just-in-time” model. Design/methodology/approach – Reliable published statistical data have been used; the core of these are the annual library statistics for UK research libraries collected by SCONUL. From these and other sources, the costs of monograph storage across UK research libraries have been determined. Findings – Establishing a centralised collective collection would bring a large return on investment. Research limitations/implications – This is not an empirical study. Originality/value – The value of this study is high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers news briefs related to libraries in the U.S. Preliminary results of 2007 Public Library Funding and Technology Access Study states that although almost all of the libraries in the country are connected to the Internet and are increasingly offering wireless service, they still face problems in providing adequate bandwidth. Google Inc. continues to strike new agreements with libraries that wish to make their collections available for the Google Books Library Project.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to find out how much the purchasing and lending of individual electronic books really cost. Additionally, this paper investigates which kind of approach would be cheaper and less time-consuming for library staff as well as library patrons – purchase or short-term loan. Design/methodology/approach: This study was conducted at the Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) Library. This is the only university library in Estonia where the Ebook Central platform is adapted on a large scale. For background information, all statistical data of expenditures and average prices of purchases and short-term loans during April 2013 and December 2018 were calculated and analysed. Through a case study, the time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) method was used – all activities related to acquisition and lending of eBooks were identified, recorded in detail and analysed. More specifically, the study concerned eBooks offered in the Ebook Central platform and covered purchasing and short-term loan processes, such as receipt of order request, communication with the patron (if necessary) making a purchase or short-term loan, and feedback to the patron. Findings: While analysing the results, it appeared there are many additional activities libraries can avoid during the eBook short-term loan process compared to purchasing. As a normality in TalTech library, purchase is always followed by a cataloguing process which increases the time and cost of this process in turn. On the basis of the current study, it can be said that short-term loan is a cheaper way to use eBooks; many activities related to the short-term loan of eBooks take remarkably less staff time and financial resources than eBooks acquisition/purchasing activities. When analysing the literature reviewed as well as collected statistical data, the problem may arise when the decision-maker librarian is not experienced, professional or long-sighted enough to understand the future behaviour of the patron or the usage of the specific eBook. When the usage reaches a certain point, it becomes an indicator of continuing future usage and so it makes sense to purchase the eBook, as the library pays no further charges once an eBook is owned. Originality/value: Most studies reviewed by the author are based on the statistical data collected about expenditure, costs, usage, cost-per-use, etc. of short-term loans and purchases. While acquisitions costs, average cost per acquired item per year and cost per usage are easy to identify, it has been difficult to measure associated costs of acquisition, cataloging and circulation. The TDABC methodology seems to be one of the best tools for understanding cost behaviour and refining a cost system for university libraries. Based on the information known to the author, there is no study carried out using the TDABC methodology for analysing costs of eBook programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to explain the concept of Open Educational Resources (OER) and how libraries can make a good case to donors to fund these types of projects. Design/methodology/approach – The literature reveals that donors have been willing to support projects that save students money on textbooks. Course reserves have traditionally been a popular model. More recently, libraries have found funding for OER initiatives. These types of initiatives are discussed and several case studies of donors currently funding OER projects are examined. Findings – Donors, internal and external to the library and to the university, have shown an interest in funding projects that reduce textbook costs for students. They have funded course reserves in the past and have begun to fund OER projects. There are both qualitative and quantitative methods to induce donors to fund these types of projects. Practical implications – Libraries have traditionally supported the mission of access to information and for academic libraries that has sometimes included access to textbooks. Course reserves are a limited solution, whereas when an OER replaces an expensive textbook, it is a viable solution for all students. Social implications – OERs have strong social implications. Any person, whether associated with an institution of higher learning, or not, can access the information in an OER and learn the associated content. Originality/value – There is some literature on specific OER projects. This paper aims to fill a gap in the literature, specifically on how to approach donors regarding OER initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to develop a mathematical model that can be used to forecast the demand for the inter-library loan (ILL) requests. Accurate estimates of demand are valuable for assisting researchers in their research endeavors. Design/methodology/approach – Data were gathered at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for a period of 48 months from July 2008 to the end of June of 2012. Using these data, a centered moving average with seasonal variation model was formulated for forecasting the demand for the inter-library loan. These forecasts were then compared with the actual values to determine the accuracy of prediction. Findings – Centered moving average with seasonal variation model proved to be a good predictor of the demand for the inter-library loans. The model proved to be a very good forecasting tool as the actual values seem to follow the forecasts very closely. Originality/value – It is very important to be able to forecast the demand for the inter-library loans. Researchers constantly demand material for their research and librarians try to fulfill their demands. If the demand can be forecast with some degree of accuracy, the process can be expedited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Purpose - The aim of this article is to share ideas about, and examples of, visual representations of library collections. Design/methodology/approach - The article takes the form of a literature review and opinion. Findings - Although information visualization appears in the literature as a field of study at least as early as 1981, library catalogs and indexes remain overwhelmingly text-based. Originality/value - Since 2010, only about 10 percent of the full-text, scholarly articles in EBSCO databases with thesaurus term "information visualization" are published in library science journals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study the extent to which outsourcing of human resources (HR) is used and the attitude of the library staff towards outsourcing in science and technology libraries in Delhi and Chandigarh, India. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is the result of a survey conducted in 25 science and technology libraries of Delhi and Chandigarh, India. Questionnaire and interview tools of survey were used to collect the primary data. Findings – Most of the Indian libraries have been using selective outsourcing for many years, which has had favourable impact on the activities and services of these libraries. Outsourcing seems a viable solution, as a majority of the libraries lack the required permanent HR. Normally, outsourcing is considered to be an anti-staff and an anti-professional activity. However, the study found the library professional staff supportive of outsourcing because it reduced their workload and improved their skills and professional competencies. Originality/value – This paper explores the hidden practices of Indian libraries to fill the gaps present in required and available HR. However, they hesitate to accept openly that outsourcing is a tool for managing resources and services that are not available in-house. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to look at adequacy or inadequacy of budgets for University of Malawi Libraries (UML) from financial years 2004 to 2009. Design/methodology/approach – A case study design was used to collect quantitative data. University budget estimate from 2003/2004 to 2009/2010 financial years were used. Findings – The results of the study show that of five constituent colleges of the University of Malawi, four (80 per cent) of their college libraries are inadequately funded below 6 per cent. The average funding as a percentage of the total college funding for the five UML in the six-year financial period from 2004 to 2010 are as follows: Bunda College Library 2.7 per cent; Chancellor College Library 3.72 per cent; College of Medicine Library 3.52 per cent; Kamuzu College of Nursing Library 6.27 per cent; and the Polytechnic Library 3.43 per cent. Only Kamuzu College of Nursing Library received a minimum average of 6 per cent of the total college funding. Practical implications – The study recommends that college librarians should lobby for increased budgets for UML. College librarians should also consider income-generating activities as a means to supplement funding through government subvention. Originality/value – There is very little researched information on inadequacy or adequacy of budgeting and funding on UML. This research adds some information on UML budgeting and financing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The addition of digital formats such as specialised magazines and e-books to libraries has led to a dramatic change in management format with respect to those involved in the reading process: users, publishers, distributors, booksellers, and authors; and in turn, the way in which libraries are planned and managed. This article aims to focus on these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The paper analyses the implementation of e-books and the relevant literature on the implementation of electronic books, not only in the library field but in other sectors. The article uses various sources to offer conclusions on the interest not only economic but also to improve the quality of service offered by its implementation in libraries or centers of documentation. Findings – Not only is there space-saving in libraries but also a new manner in which to consume information that libraries must adapt to as soon as possible given the increasing demands of users in this connection. All of the previous has given rise to changes in the economic management of libraries. Originality/value – These changes must be assessed before making a decision regarding the purchase of e-book collections and their subsequent organization and management, which indirectly change many of the tasks currently carried out by library staff members, thereby optimizing times and processes for the benefit of increased visibility of the electronic collection. [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 - To present both the pros and cons that may come from Google's recent effort to digitize vast collections from five large research libraries. Design/methodology/approach - Presents several questions and issues relevant to libraries and suggests what impact Google Print may have in providing information. Findings - Google Print has great potential for broadening access to the world's written legacy. Originality/value - Digitization projects have been around for several years. As such, it is interesting to see how Google Print is both the same and different, and what benefits Google's digitization effort may hold for information professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - Given the common theme of budget cuts, one library presents its award-winning story to provide information to a small community, extended from other common community and state resources. Design/methodology/approach - Explores how this library won the award of being the "Best small library in America". For those not knowledgeable of the geography of the USA, this winner is found in the most unlikely of places, Alaska, one of only two states not connected to the other 48 states. Given the unique way of approaching library service, one can see how the award was won. Findings - Several methods for living in a world of reduced funds include, thinking out of the proverbial box and doing things different ways; partnerships with organizations and grant institutions; doing events and programs for specific groups and involving the entire community in the process. Originality/value - On being seen as an award-winning institution, members of the library world often ask, "How did they win and we didn't?" or "How can we replicate the success which that institution is having?" This paper takes those questions and gives the authors a clear picture of how to accomplish success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimating the cost of public library building projects can be difficult, but there are helpful resources available to assist in creating a projected budget for such a project. In addition to books and the annual Library Journal issue devoted to library architecture, computer software is now available to assist in developing projected building costs. While accurate cost projections have always been important, ever increasing building costs and changing sources of funding over the past ten years have made it all the more pertinent to estimate as accurately as possible from the start of such a venture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Barrie Public Library undertook a study to document its social and economic contributions to the local community. We used The Library's Contribution to Your Community – a manual developed by Southern Ontario Library Service. This article describes our experience with the manual, why and how we did the study, our key findings and the results of the work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on four areas, all of which affect a library's bottom line in one way or another: fitting library materials expenditure into the parent organisation's budget cycle, including suggestions for taking advantage of any unspent institutional allocation at the end of the financial year; budget control, including managing commitment and expenditure; internal budget allocation, where it argues in favour of a flexible formula, developed to suit the needs of the organisation; and audit and stocktake. It argues that success in these areas provides the basis for successful collections management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Time is of the essence for librarians to review the pace of change occurring within higher education and how information will be provided in academic libraries to their vastly changing student population. The integration of technology in higher education has an impact on academic libraries in two direct ways: changing material formats and the scholarly communication options; and changing how information is delivered, beyond the classroom experience. The authors examine the depth of the format change issues, including changes in data preservation and conversion, personnel and facilities issues, and a close examination of scholarly communication and distance education issues facing our higher education and academic libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, libraries within all institutions of higher education are viewing serials collection development in a new light. This paper looks at the issues revolving around these new dynamics, including distance education, electronic serials and how librarians should proceed in the near future. Much change is expected in US Copyright law. At the time of writing the US Register of Copyright issued a substantial report on how copyright will be viewed in our new digital era. This paper aims to provide new answers, and ask new questions the library literature has yet to examine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides an overview of how vendors such as Blackwells have developed services that meet the changes taking place in academic libraries and recommends ways vendors and publishers can better cooperate with libraries to meet their needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on factors that impact the economy and the role they play in the effectiveness of fund-raising efforts. It is noted that identifying and nurturing prospective donors is hard work and time consuming, and the return on that investment is higher in a healthy economy. While it is true that there is nothing that is immediately alarming about the state of the economy, there are indicators that suggest all is not what is seems. The author in this article believes that bubbles in any market are never a good thing, but perhaps they are unavoidable, cyclical, and natural. He recounts that when the stock market bubble popped in the late 1990s, ripples were felt far and wide, even if only slightly. He witnessed a substantial donor become slow to uphold their philanthropic commitment. In many ways, he thinks the real estate market is in a similar situation today. He believes that a housing boom is not historically unprecedented, nor necessarily a bad thing. The most important concern for him about the current housing boom is the number of investors that are purchasing a property or properties other than a primary residence. Another concern is the manner by which buyers are coming by the money to make these purchases.

The digitization of our unique resources, and digital projects that exhibit and display these resources, have taken on a new importance in the electronic environment. Finding funds and support for these endeavors, however, requires skills and talents that often have to be developed individually. Yet, there are many funding sources for digitization and digital projects, and the rewards and monies are there for those who enter this arena. This article will examine how to prepare for, apply for funds and grants, and begin your first digitization project, as well as how to approach continued funding of digital projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article announces winners of the 1st Annual Outstanding Doctoral Research Awards, jointly sponsored by Emerald Group Publishing and the European Foundation for Management Development. The idea behind the awards was to encourage, celebrate and reward excellence in international management research. Winners received €1,500 and a number have had the opportunity to meet and discuss their research with a relevant journal editor. Some of the winners for 2005 are Victoria Little, University of Auckland, New Zealand in the Business-to-Business Marketing Management category; Mamata Jenamani, Indian Institute of Technology, in the Enterprise Applications of Internet Technology category; Leanne Cutcher, University of Sydney, Australia, in the Human Resource Management category; Christian Nielsen, Copenhagen Business School, Denmark, in the Interdisciplinary Accounting Research category; and Tracey Dagger, University of Western Australia, in the International Service Management category.

The article focuses on various issues related to library finance in the U.S. The three libraries in Salinas, California were scheduled to close indefinitely for lack of revenue. The Salinas case is newsworthy because the voters of Salinas will decide if the reprieve is temporary or if there will be steady funding for the library. Although the outrage that followed the announcement of the closings has ensured an easy pass on the measure, it is apparently nothing to take for granted. Lynne Steele, president of the Friends of the Salinas Library, is surprised that there are people in the community who will need convincing that the libraries need a stronger revenue stream. Also, in Bedford, Texas, the library was able to reopen with a reduced schedule and program when an anonymous donor provided funding, which will be augmented with monies from fund-raising efforts by Friends of the Library and residents.