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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]

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to investigate certain aspects, problems and benefits from the migration to a shared Library Management System (LMS). Design/methodology/approach: A review of the literature and a quantitative survey was conducted, based on a structured questionnaire, with a response rate of 44.7%. Findings: Among the crucial issues that should be taken seriously into consideration when transiting into a new and shared LMS, are the audit of the data quality before migration, the employees' training design and the composition of the LMS central support team. The benefits of a shared LMS are mainly effectiveness in terms of libraries' budgets and time for the employees' day-to-day work. Originality/value: The survey presented in this article evaluates the merits of a shared LMS and contributes innovative aspects to the existing bibliography by investigating issues and problems that arose during the transition. This way, the professionals involved in similar initiatives will benefit by avoiding possible mistakes and drawbacks when implementing such a project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Using the Association of Research Libraries' SPEC KIT 303 library assessment framework, this study examines and evaluates academic libraries' efforts toward establishing a culture of assessment. Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative questionnaire is employed to collect data. The sample comprises 70 library staff working in eight academic libraries in public and private universities in Kuwait. Findings: The findings document a readiness to create a culture of assessment in Kuwaiti academic libraries, though this was greater in private universities. Resources to develop this culture, such as assessment and analysis methods and the requisite skills and knowledge, are available, but commitment from academic leaders and plans for a shift toward culture of assessment were not evident. Overall, participating academic library staff acknowledged the value of developing a culture of assessment, but this seems not to be an institutional priority Practical implications: The methodology and findings address gaps in library and information science education and library management on creating a culture of assessment and suggest future research avenues. Originality/value: Library assessment is a core function of libraries, but guaranteeing the continuity and consistency of related activities requires an organizational culture that facilitates and supports such assessment. While many articles have focused on the requisites for building a culture of assessment in higher education, few, if any, have assessed academic libraries in the cultural context of the Middle East. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The imperative role of cataloguing in libraries as the bedrock of information/knowledge organization, the need to manage and retain knowledge for strategic planning and better knowledge management (KM) frameworks, little or no information sharing in cataloguing units in federal university libraries in Nigeria, gave rise to this study. The purpose of this study is to identify knowledge sharing (KS) norms and factors that challenge KS practices among cataloguers to provide positive perspective and approach to KS in cataloguing sections of university libraries and improve KM frameworks for better service delivery. Design/methodology/approach: Based on a qualitative survey design, this study examined KS norms, practices and challenges of cataloguers in five university libraries in south-west Nigeria. Data were collected through an open interview to gather in-depth information from 45 cataloguers. Given the small number of the cataloguing team in each library, an enlisting of all cataloguers (census survey) was pertinent for the study. Data collected were analyzed thematically, interviews transcribed and similar responses grouped to provide answers to research questions. Findings: This study revealed KS norms to be somewhat inconsistent and informal than formal, though participants identified the crucial need for KS in their departments. Factors identified as challenges to KS: mood and pressure from work, participants seeing KS as a waste of time, the "know-it-all" attitude, tribal differences, lack of financial motivation, no formal training and mentoring programme, willingness to learn and copy cataloguing. Originality/value: This study not only improves the dearth of literature on the issue of KS among cataloguers in Nigerian university libraries; but also provides definite perspective and approach to KS in university libraries' cataloguing section to improve KM frameworks for better service delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to conceptualise the issues of alignment for changing academic libraries by using and extending McKinsey's 7S model. Design/methodology/approach: Theoretical work was conducted to consider and extend the 7S model for the situation of academic libraries. Empirical data were then used to confirm the value of these extensions and suggest further changes. The data to support the analysis were drawn from 33 interviews with librarians, library and non-library academics and experts, and a survey of UK library staff. Findings: In the academic library context, the 7S model can be usefully extended to include three library functions (stuff, space and services) and users. It can also include institutional influences and stakeholders, and aspects of the external environment or situation, including suppliers and allies. The revised model then provides a useful framework within which data about library change can be analysed. Perceived barriers to successful performance fit the model and enable the identification of seven challenges of alignment. Research limitations/implications: The resulting model has potential applications such as in the structuring analysis of academic library performance, mapping future directions of development and for exploring variations across the sector and internationally. Practical implications: The revised model can be used by practitioners to think through their own strategic position and to act to shape their future, in the light of seven major areas of alignment. Originality/value: The paper extends a well-known model used in strategy, to produce a more comprehensive, sector-specific analytic tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Academic libraries do not operate in a vacuum; they must co-exist with change and competition on all levels. In order to succeed, they must know their internal strengths in order to take advantage of opportunities, whilst avoiding threats and addressing weaknesses. A SWOT analysis of Jamaican academic libraries can yield strategic insights for academic library praxis in Jamaica, the Caribbean, and the globe. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approach Survey and discussion group were engaged for the five local academic libraries in higher education in Jamaica.Findings Human resources and support are the most recurrent themes in the reported strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.Research limitations/implications This paper focused on local academic libraries in higher education (university level) in Jamaica. A survey of academic libraries at all levels, and using more detailed strategic analytical tools, would be a useful follow up.Practical implications This paper provides academic library managers and the national/regional library associations with a situational analysis of Jamaican academic librarianship, which can be used to inform future planning and management of library and information services. Additionally, the findings can inform the Latin America and Caribbean section of international library documents on trends, issues and future position of academic libraries globally.Originality/value This paper is of value as it is the first published scholarly documentation on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in academic librarianship in Jamaica. In this regard, it makes a useful contribution to the dearth of literature on SWOT analyses of academic libraries per country. It may also represent a starting point for looking at solutions and emerging challenges in a Caribbean academic library environment and should help to focus on the need for continuing innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Because many colleges and universities have growing numbers of students in online and blended programs, libraries should adapt their services and adjust their organizational structures to support them. Students have adopted blended learning programs whether or not the programs are officially designed as blended programs. Libraries need to change their service orientation in response and learn to scale services using available technologies. Scaling services and personnel resources also requires developing a scalable organizational learning culture. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approach Using a change in support for online/distance students and organizational restructuring in Ekstrom Library at the University of Louisville as a case study, this paper examines the review process, organizational restructuring, and focus on scaling services that resulted in a new service model.Findings This study found that scaling services as applied to IT and business organizations is also valuable as an approach in enhancing library services to online students. Changing user needs must be correlated with available organizational resources and technological solutions to deliver appropriate services. Modifying and building services with a goal of scaling them to appropriate levels will enhance library outcomes.Research limitations/implications Other case studies concerned with responding to changing student expectations and scaling services and organizational resources would be useful to add to these findings.Originality/value The perspectives and approach described in this case study will be instructive for adapting library services to changing user environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Multiple research studies show a positive correlation between library usage and student retention. At the same time, no formal research studies focusing on the effect of library usage on LGBT student persistence and retention exist. The purpose of this paper is to provide information about today’s LGBT undergraduates, their personal and academic needs, and how academic libraries may meet those needs.Design/methodology/approach The author will challenge the grand narrative perpetuated by LGBT librarians that “libraries save [LGBT] lives” through a review of existing research literature on LGBT undergraduates and their personal and academic needs, where libraries play a role in LGBT undergraduate life, and whether or not academic libraries actually meet those needs.Findings No formal research studies on how libraries play a role in the retention of LGBT undergraduates exist. While LGBT undergraduates share many similarities with their peers, they seek out resources and spaces that the library may be able to provide independently or through collaborations with other units on campus. The existence of campus LGBT resource centers may impact LGBT undergraduate use of libraries.Practical implications The author will provide suggestions for academic libraries to create appropriate resources, services, and spaces for LGBT undergraduates so that they persist at their institutions and graduate.Originality/value This is the first research paper to address the role that academic libraries play in LGBT student retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to present a Canadian perspective on consortial shared print programs among research libraries. Design/methodology/approach – This paper includes a brief environmental scan of shared print initiatives in Canada and the USA, as well as briefly mentioning shared print programs in Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Hong Kong. The Shared Print Archive Network of the Council of Prairie and Pacific University Libraries in western Canada is used as a case study, to highlight the challenges and opportunities of shared print initiatives. Findings – The importance of a suitably streamlined governance structure for cooperative shared print projects is discussed. The challenge of national coordination in countries where there is no national policy or program is contrasted with those countries having national coordination of shared print or centralized repositories. The challenge of assessing the impact and effectiveness of shared print programs is also discussed. Originality/value – Cooperation between shared print initiatives in different regions will help bring about a culture change in collections management, from operating in isolated silos to open sharing of expertise and practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the nature of the project management concept of resource leveling, particularly how it can be utilized for grant-funded mass digitization projects where time, cost and available resources – the elements of the project scope triangle – are in tension with each other to define the scope and quality of a project. Design/methodology/approach – This article presents a case study of resource leveling for a mass digitization project in an academic library. Details on the use of resource leveling through deconstructing activities, smoothing and alternative scheduling are described in relation to this project. Findings – Resource leveling techniques can assist digitization project managers to meet project milestones on time and within budget and may be particularly useful for digitization projects with limited budgets. Originality/value – As digitization projects become more universal for libraries and cultural heritage institutions, this original case study offers insights into applying no-cost project management techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Although issues on disaster prevention have extensively been studied in the literature and have been embedded in everyday library practices all over the world, the vast majority of Greek libraries have not developed any specific measures. This paper seeks to review several disaster management approaches for academic libraries and to make suggestions for Greek academic libraries by analyzing the results of a nationwide survey. Design/methodology/approach – The literature regarding disaster management approaches for academic libraries is reviewed and accompanied by a survey conducted in July 2010 in order to study the level of risk and disaster preparedness in Greek academic libraries. Findings – In Greece, disaster management within academic libraries seems to be dealt with inefficiently, if not completely neglected. The fearsome economic crisis is further degrading the level of disaster preparedness due to a number of side effects, including the lack of personnel and equipment maintenance activities, inadequate buildings and insufficient funding. Originality/value – While the literature is flooded with risk and disaster preparedness approaches based on the work undertaken in most Western countries, this is the only study presenting evidence on the level of preparedness for Greek academic libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to describe the approach taken by a staff development committee at a large academic library in New Zealand to reinvigorate professional and personal development. It seeks to examine the processes used, projects carried out and to highlight the outcomes. Design/methodology/approach – To identify training needs, a skills and attributes matrix was developed to which current courses were mapped. Priorities identified in the matrix informed the creation of a programme for which courses were commissioned. An orientation programme for new staff was re-introduced which included the creation of a new staff development and training web site. Findings – The approach taken by the Library Staff Development Advisory Group created a sustainable process, whereby staff development could periodically be reviewed. A relevant staff development programme could be created to meet the most important current training needs of staff. Reintroducing an orientation programme was successful – it was well attended and favourably received by staff. Research limitations/implications – An in-depth needs analysis for specialist tasks to identify specific training needs for those areas could be conducted. Measuring the impact of training on services or behaviour has not yet been attempted. Originality/value – This paper may be useful to any group deciding to review staff development in any workplace and is not restricted to libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the changes adopted in a major Asian academic library aimed at making the library more responsive to evolving and growing client needs, and to positioning the library as a key player on campus in terms of teaching and learning support. Design/methodology/approach – Following a period of organizational restructuring, the library embarked on a series of client focused services specifically aimed at enhancing its role in teaching and learning support. Findings – The article draws on a number of previously existing and new services introduced by the library, and demonstrates growth in their usage. Further evidence of success is highlighted through three consecutive biannual user survey results which demonstrate an increasing responsiveness to user expectations. Research limitations/implications – While many of the new services have been well received, the findings require further examination to ensure that the services continue to create value for the organization and that the library sustains its role. Practical implications – This paper reinforces the perspective that, in order to succeed and remain relevant, academic libraries must continue to evolve and to position themselves within their organizations so that they are recognized as important players in teaching and learning processes. Originality/value – This article provides one possible model for other libraries to follow in attempting to reposition themselves within their organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to consider the term "legacy collections" and aspects of their present and future states. This is a personal viewpoint. Design/methodology/approach – Examples of the use of the term are given in the paper and the implied meanings are discussed. Issues surrounding future retention and disposal of such collections are highlighted including the ambiguity resulting from heritage versus inheritance perspectives. Findings – The paper calls for more in-depth consideration of these issues and perceptions among library professionals both academic and practitioner. Research limitations/implications – The paper seeks to highlight issue for discussion rather than offer solutions. Practical implications – It is timely to raise these questions as the shift from print dominant to digitally dominant libraries escalates. Originality/value – The Boole Library at University College Cork has been used as a study model and many of the questions which have led to this paper have been composed in the context of the particular bibliographic heritage which it holds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Libraries and information services face many challenges from changes in the information environment, most of which have occurred as a result of developments in electronic information resources and the evolution of the "digital age". This paper outlines the characteristics of the information society, describes various aspects of the challenges facing libraries, both externally and internally, and makes suggestions as to how library managers can make changes within their organisations in order to ensure that they retain their place in the information world. Examples of changes taking place in the authors' own workplace, the University of Hong Kong Libraries, are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

University libraries are creating new opportunities by establishing a variety of partnerships, extending the library's services and programs through alliances, relationships, and ventures. Libraries must work closely, creatively, and consistently with campus constituencies to achieve their goals and objectives successfully, and to remain a key campus resource. Partnerships with campus bookstores, architects, fund-raisers, and others results in such endeavours as cultural performances in the library, campus author celebrations, cyber cafés, and collaborations with parents groups, athletics, musicians, artists, and writers. Partnerships improve the learning environment, enrich the cultural life of the campus, stimulate intellectual discourse, and help the library to stay visible as an indispensable component of the campus community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]