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Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to provide a library with useful information about selection criteria for an electronic resource assessment system and practical assistance on how to implement efficiently such a system. Design/methodology/approach - The paper is based on literature review, desk research, and implementation experience. Findings - The paper identifies a number of homegrown, open-source, and commercial electronic resource assessment systems and discusses their selection criteria. Based on the implementation of 360 Counter, the paper details the efficient way to implement the system. Originality/value - Collecting usage statistics is very important to make informed and well-rounded collection decisions. Libraries are seeking suitable measuring tools to meet their needs. This paper reviews several electronic resource assessment systems, discusses the selection criteria and implementation process of 360 Counter, and detailed learned lessons as well. Future directions for usage statistics are also explored. It is believed that the deployment experience should be instructive when carrying out similar projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — This paper aims to provide an overview of the published literature and current use of social software by libraries primarily in the UK and USA. Design/methodology/approach — The paper's approach is a literature review and desk research. Findings — Libraries are experimenting considerably in this area and many Web 2.0 applications have been developed by libraries and librarians over the past few years. These tools offer the potential to enhance library services. Research limitations/implications — The area is one of rapid change, so the findings will date quickly. Practical implications — An overview of which technologies are being used most widely and might offer the most potential for library staff considering experimenting in this area. Originality/value of paper — Web 2.0 is an area with which many library staff need to become familiar quickly. This paper provides a useful overview of the topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - To share experiences of the University of Botswana Library (UBL) in migrating from the TINLIB to Innopac library automation systems. Design/methodology/approach - Discusses various steps involved in system migration at UBL. Provides a historical background of UBL, the reasons for migration, selection of the system and implementation. Details training on the new system, with emphasis on cataloguing and acquisitions. Findings - Emphasises the need to prepare ahead and plan well before the implementation of the system. Indicates data conversion steps used for both TINLIB and CDS/ISIS data and various problems encountered in translating non-MARC data into USMARC. Research limitations/implications - The emphasis is on Technical Services leaving out circulation and periodicals modules. Practical implications - Provides a case study for libraries to consider during the library automated system migration and training. Originality/value - The paper is a case study of the UBL system migration, intended to help other libraries in planning the change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]