Search

This presentation reports the results of a project to extend the services and resources of Brigham Young University's Harold B. Lee Library to distance education students located in many areas of the world. Focusing on students enrolled in university-level English courses, the project team created a one-stop, integrated Web portal of library services and resources in Independent Study courses. This Library portal includes links to subscription databases, interlibrary loan, and personal reference services such as Ask a Librarian Live. The project team promoted faculty members' use of library research in the assignments for their Independent Study English courses. Finally, to ascertain the success of the project and make recommendations for further implementation and improvement, the project team tracked the students' use of library resources for their English courses and evaluated their experience with the portal. The ALA SIRSI's Leader in Library Technology Grant provided funding for the project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author ponders on issues related to the potential demise of libraries and books due to technological innovations. He describes how technology trends have influenced changes in library systems such as the use of online catalogs and provisions of public access terminals for Internet use. Aside from books, he stresses that libraries also offer study spaces and computing areas to its users. He also comments on the increasing popularity of electronic books (e-books) over printed ones.

Discusses the problems, benefits, and future of cooperative library reference services in five separate papers: (1) keynote address; (2) interlibrary reference communication; (3) quality control; (4) computerized cooperative reference; and (5) national reference service. (JD)

Presents a use study of library materials to emphasize the need for an "access" philosophy of providing library service. Other topics considered in this "forecast" include resource-sharing library networks, network topologies, and library and network functions. (Author/JD)

Defines and describes formal cooperative library reference services and discusses the major variables that produce differences in cooperative reference networks: size, composition, funding, services, delivery mechanisms, control methods, and resources. (Author/LLS)

Summarizes problems posed by bibliographic control of large microform collections, and outlines five means of control--catalog items from scratch; obtain records from bibliographic utilities; use cataloging provided by micropublishers; provide in-house guides to collections; participate in cooperative cataloging project. Controversy over Anglo-American Cataloging Rules, Chapter 11, is discussed. (EJS)

This paper examines the cardinal benefits of library consortium which is the resource sharing. Resource sharing aims at maximizing collection and services of libraries and information centres at minimum cost. Various sources of information (primary and secondary literature) were perused to view the essentiality of resource sharing in carrying out effective and efficient library and information services to users. The paper also highlighted the requirements needed for successful resource sharing practices among libraries. The significance/benefits of resource sharing as it relates to economic, developmental, academic/research as well as social life of librarians and library personnel were clearly stated. An ideal library networking model for resource sharing as well as examples such as DELNET, INFLIBNET, GILLDDNET and NULIB were presented. Various challenges militating against effective resource sharing were highlighted. The study concluded that resource sharing is inevitable and absolutely a necessary tool for enhancing an all time effective and efficient library and information services. The study proffered recommendations as remedies to factors militating against effective resource sharing in libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Straitened budgets can provoke very dissimilar responses among institutions sharing the same broad goals. Cooperative efforts to pool resources, identify efficiencies, and exploit economies of scale comprise one strategy. An opposed but also common reaction, however, shrinks each player's focus to local programs and core constituencies. Academic libraries show the same range of response as any other institution when the times get tough: some seek cooperative means to sustain or even expand their coverage; others hunker down to focus only on the most urgent local demands. This paper probes the historical and contextual considerations that have made collections cooperation so difficult to achieve, in good times as well as bad, before looking yet again at our current opportunities for successful joint endeavors. The AAU/ARL "Global Resources Network" is one emerging initiative that, on its own terms and also in conjunction with other efforts, may prove more enduring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

his paper is based upon a lightning talk given at the NISO Plus conference on February 14, 2023 and it describes interlibrary Loan syste4m, Fulfillment, developed by the Equinox Open Library Initiative. A thriving resource-sharing consortium allows libraries to offer broader and deeper opportunities for individual learning and greater community equity. It unlocks access to additional copies beyond what an owning library has available, along with a broad range of content owned within the network, which provides a diverse collection for library users. Providing access to such a rich network of resources is the goal of Fulfillment, an open-source resource sharing system which breaks down barriers to sharing collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This conceptual research examines epistemic injustices in library and information science (LIS) due to the power imbalance between Western and non-Western LIS curricula, theory, and practice. It is equally critical to consider the presence of epistemic injustices in adjacent LIS domains (e.g., classification, preservation, digital scholarship); for if we work to prioritize access or digitize materials without considering historical oppression, we are at risk of perpetuating these same injustices. In this work, we utilize the concept of epistemic harm to understand the international dimension of epistemic injustice. This paper introduces the concept of critical international librarianship, which we define as recognizing, examining, critiquing, and subverting the power structures and hegemonies in library and information systems that exist among two or more nations in practice, pedagogy, and research. Critical international librarianship serves as an intervention for epistemic injustices. It provides a direction for the practitioners and researchers who pursue critical international librarianship to move toward a long-overdue epistemic justice in international LIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to suggest that holiday libraries have as much design as they have chance. Design/methodology/approach – Generalizability from experiential anecdote. Findings – Though ephemeral, such libraries may have items of value and interest, and can have focus and purpose too. Research limitations/implications – This paper recommends more research based on survey evidence. Practical implications – Chance collections may nevertheless have items of value, can degrade but also be refreshed and may have a pragmatic role for users. Social implications – Most users take such collections for granted: a librarian or bibliographer will find them of interest. Originality/value – This paper is a commentary on an invisible resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper addresses the issue of library value through two aspects: first, how libraries add value to societies and communities in a very general way; second, how libraries help to create equal and inclusive communities and societies. Five functions of library system and libraries are identified in the library literature, all of which help to create a more equal and just society in one way or another. The more concrete ways, in which libraries address the issues of social inequalities, are illustrated by examples of Lithuanian library activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents in detail a parametric shape grammar for the generation of ancient Greek and Roman library plans. Ancient Libraries showcase a significant variability of scale, monumentality, and design with the use of different architectural components, and researchers cannot identify them as easily as other building types. The grammar is in 2D and captures all the variability of libraries from the simpler forms of the Hellenistic period to the more monumental of the Roman period, creating a vast range of designs. The paper presents the grammar-generated plans of the known libraries based on the evidence in the archaeological record. A frequency analysis of the occurrence of the rules in the derivations ranks the different characteristics of libraries and the architectural forms with which they occur in the corpus, to determine the probability of specific rules and to interpret them as mandatory or optional. The contribution of this work is that the shape grammar summarizes the design principles of ancient libraries visually and helps establish the building type of the ancient library. The frequency analysis assists tremendously in the reconstruction of fragmentarily preserved ancient libraries by providing a system in the reconstruction of the missing parts, when ambiguity is involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to highlight how libraries in Malawi are accessing e-resources. Design/methodology/approach - The paper adopted a case study approach. Quantitative data were collected and analysed. Data was collected through MALICO and INASP documentary. Usage statistics provided by counter compliant publishers and collated by INASP from 2008 to 2012 was the other source of information. Annual member contributions and e-resource subscription sheets from MALICO were used for data collection. Qualitative data have been presented and analysed in the form of tables and graphs. Findings - Libraries in Malawi have access to peer reviewed and impact factored journals courtesy of EIFL, INASP, HINARI, OARE, AGORA and other international organisations. Libraries in Malawi contribute towards the e-resources to the consortia, MALICO, at heavily discounted rates done through negotiations by eIFL and INASP with the publishers. Currently, the libraries are failing to contribute their portion towards e-resources due to inadequate budgets. Libraries in Malawi have resorted to digitising local content and establishing locally available institutional repositories. Practical implications - Libraries in Malawi are making enormous strides in building digital libraries and institutional repositories based on local content. Originality/value - There is little researched information on the funding levels and use of e-resources in libraries in Malawi. This paper seeks to bridge the gap by providing some information on the state of e-resources for libraries in Malawi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to report on conference programs, panel discussions, initiatives, and developments of interest to the resource sharing community. Design/methodology/approach – The report summarizes conference events. Findings – The author reports on relevant sessions held at the specified conference, supplemented by presentations, handouts, meeting minutes, and videos posted online after the conference. Originality/value – The report summarizes conference events addressing all forms and aspects of resource sharing and related subjects such as copyright, licensing, electronic resources, library consortia, and assessment. Issues covered are of interest to resource sharing managers and front line staff around the globe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to outline the transition of two libraries from one automated interlending system (OCLC VDX) to another (Relais ILL). Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides historical background and context for the change, the transition planning, processes undertaken to ensure success, and the challenges and lessons learned along the way. Findings – The authors report that, although the transition process went fairly smoothly, libraries planning for a similar transition should build some flexibility into their overall planning process and be prepared to pay close attention to their communication processes. Originality/value – Libraries planning a transition from one interlending system to another will find this paper quite useful. Any library using either the VDX or Relais interlibrary systems will find the appendix of comparable ISO ILL terminology helpful as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examined the need for resource sharing among academic libraries in Nigeria. Most academic libraries are being required to operate more efficiently. Due to increasing amount of knowledge and greater diversity in demands; static or decreasing library budget in terms of real worth, increasing cost of processing documents and their information contents, explosion in published output, increasing bibliographic access of literature through internet and off- line database on CDs. It is becoming increasingly difficult for any academic library in Nigeria to meet the demands of its own users. There is need to motivate librarians for resource sharing to ensure maximum utilization of available financial, manpower, documents, equipment, accommodation, electronically, other library facilities and services. The resource sharing in libraries is a powerful tool for both increasing productivity and enhancing services to meet the changing needs of library users. Barriers associated with resource sharing and ways of dealing with them were identified. The benefits of resource sharing for effective access and utilization of information resources and services were highlighted. The paper concludes that since resource sharing in academic libraries is a boost to both library resources and services, academic libraries in Nigeria should co-ordinate their efforts and plan for the development of sustainable resource sharing so that maximum use can be made of limited resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A previous research conducted by White and Choemprayong in 2019 indicates that libraries in Thailand have encountered multidimensional challenges in contributing to global bibliographic and resource sharing networks. As libraries outside Thailand may have a strong influence on representation in the global bibliographic universe, this paper investigates how libraries outside of Thailand manage Thai collections, particularly acquisitions and cataloging. Adopting Merton's Insiders/Outsiders doctrine as a contextual framework, this study applies an exploratory mixed-method approach using observation and interview methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – In September 2011 the authors presented a paper at the IFLA Interlending & Document Supply Conference in Chicago, Illinois, USA, which focused on resource sharing in the digital age. Following that, the authors felt a need to further challenge and/or validate some of the conclusions drawn: the aim of this paper is to do that. Design/methodology/approach – The best way, in the authors' opinion, was to talk with thought leaders in resource sharing, interviewing each one to see what trends and concerns would emerge. The goal of the interviews was to ascertain: changes over the last five years; current trends and impacts; and future trends and possible effects. Findings – While the result of these interviews is anecdotal, it did allow the authors to draw some conclusions worthy of librarians' consideration as to the current and future state of resource sharing. Originality/value – This paper gives a good overview of key issues libraries are facing with resource sharing and document delivery services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to describe the challenges presented by the global economic crisis. Design/methodology/approach - The paper focuses on effects as they pertain to the author's institution as well as the larger library community. Findings - The paper suggests libraries and library associations must develop new ways of performing business. Originality/value - The paper describes an initiative of the International Coalition of Library Consortia to work with publishers to contain costs, placing in context the challenges noted above. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present new concepts and features introduced in NILDE 4.0, an online ILL and document supply request system designed for and used by more than 700 Italian libraries and research institutions. Design/methodology/approach – The authors use a case study approach based on their professional experience at the NILDE Administrator library, the CNR Research Area Library of Bologna. Findings – New concepts and features include, among others, a multilingual user interface, a Z39.50 link to national catalogues and union catalogues, a ranking algorithm to assist libraries in balancing their ILL borrowing and lending volumes with partner libraries, a single sign-on user authentication and authorisation system, and a bibliographic citation management system. Future development plans include the ability to create library groups; although this functionality is already built into the new system architecture, it has not yet been implemented by the community. Originality/value – The authors have published previously on earlier versions of the NILDE software; this paper presents an overview of the recently released version 4.0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to review consortia efforts in developing countries. Design/methodology/approach - This paper reviews the literature on library consortia in developing countries in general and India in particular. The paper also outlines the advantages and disadvantages of consortia. Findings - "Library consortia" refers to co-operation, co-ordination and collaboration between, and among, libraries for the purpose of sharing information resources. Libraries in developing countries have been working on consortia at national, regional and international level. However, some barriers such as poor technological and communication infrastructure, inadequate finances, culture and context, attitudes toward consortia and multiple efforts are reported to be limitations of consortia activities in developing countries. Originality and value - The paper provides a useful overview of consortia in developing countries, particularly in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtual Library of Serbia is a project linking Serbian libraries into a single information system based on the COBISS platform, allowing shared cataloguing, access to foreign databases and automation of all library services. The network was launched in 2003 with establishment of a shared union catalogue integrating the bibliographic catalogues of the four largest libraries in the country (which was re-launch, actually, as the first attempt to develop such network took place from 1988 to 1992 in former Yugoslavia). In 2006, the web application E-CRIS.SR was developed in compliance with the CERIF recommendations. It is established as a register of researchers and organisations included in the national library information system and COBISS.Net regional network. After fifteen years, the system has grown to include more than two hundred libraries (2 national, 94 public, 83 university/academic and 23 special libraries). In this paper we present an overview of the growth and development of the network and demonstrate all advantages of library networking for collection of data and processing of all kinds of library related statistical information in Serbia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's economy, higher education institutions are struggling to maintain quality while functioning with fewer resources. For libraries, the economic situation is compounded by the impact of an information marketplace that is characterized by prices for resources that increase at 7 to 10% per year, and by near and actual monopolies controlling content. Added to the complexities of the marketplace are the demands of a faculty and student body that prefer individual actions to group efforts. These economic and social issues can become real barriers to innovation, quality improvement, and successful services for today's libraries. One way to combat the economic and social environment is by creating new and improved partnerships to leverage resources and share expertise in order to provide better services and access to wider collections. But forming partnerships is not easy. This paper will review the characteristics of successful partnership as developed by the Gallup Corporation and will show how these values can be used in the academic library environment to create opportunities for success. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Our prevailing models for library collections and collections cooperation emerged in the analog era. The electronic environment has changed the terms of both analysis and activity. This paper explores four aspects of the shift. The relationship between de facto systems and explicit cooperative frameworks, and the conceptual framework for library collections, reflect the mental models with which we structure our activities. Both require a new look. The Janus Conference, held at Cornell University in the fall of 2005, sought to recast the agenda for research library collections and cooperation in the digital age. The meeting's prospects and implications, as of the spring of 2006, are thus surveyed as well. Actual responses to these challenges, finally, are likely to play out differently across specific segments of our library community. This dynamic provides a final focus for comment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Libraries are constantly grappling with ever-escalating cost of scholarly resources. Price escalation in e-resource subscriptions coupled with budgetary constraints has serious impact on libraries across the globe. This paper critically examines the prevalent situations that have been leading to resource sharing; primarily emanated from library cooperatives, interlibrary loan, buying clubs; subsequently changed to utility services, site licensing, and ultimately the Consortium - an emerging toolkit for libraries to survive. The strategic alliances amongst libraries and growth of library consortia have been discussed. The implications of different consortia models to the Indian libraries are explained; which suggests for a sustainable consortia organization among potential partners. The paper also attempts to provide an insight into how consortia strategies can overcome an unending fiscal constraint, and to sustain the buying power in collection development for better access to greater resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the current situation and history of cooperation and resource sharing in Russian libraries. The resources and services provided cooperatively are described. Design/methodology/approach – A narrative combining description, surveys, analysis and evaluation. Findings – Fundamental changes have occurred in Russian libraries as a result of the development of consortia services development, particularly in resource sharing. Research limitations/implications – Digital libraries and databases subscriptions were not within the scope of this study. Social implications – The paper demonstrates the efforts of many libraries cooperatively producing services at a national level. Originality/value – One of the few articles to describe the current state of resource sharing and consortia development in Russia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to analyse institutional and functional development of a library with the help of communication theories. The library as a social institution should have a quite strong position in today's information society, but new ways of information search have made its position unstable. Thus, a library needs theoretical and cultural-political comprehension and reassessment. The paper tries to answer the questions as to how a library can satisfy the needs of modern society and which strategy of library communication will be in demand tomorrow. Design/methodology/approach - The theoretical background is represented by communication theories of Marshal McLuhan, Denis McQuail and Mihhail Lotman, as well as Michel Foucault's concepts of disciplinary power and governmentality. Findings - The analysis revealed that library-user communication is based primarily on power relations, where "access" is the main keyword. The article brought out differences in library communicative processes in the "Gutenberg Galaxy" and today's global network society, "Zuckerberg Era". The analysis showed that library-user relationship is shifting from disciplinary power and monologue to the governmentality and new communicative forms, dialogue and participation. Research limitations/implications - The study demonstrates the possibility of implication of communication theories for library functional analysis. The new studies investigating which methods and forms of communication do libraries use today, how are the elements of power relations transforming would be very useful for the understanding of the topic. Practical implications - The study proposes to libraries some ideas that may be useful for developing the library communication strategy. Originality/value - This study, based on the communicative approach, corresponds well to library phenomenon and nature, as well as allows for reflection on the role of libraries in the society of today and future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Libraries in Indonesia certainly have directions and policies to keep pace with the progress and development of knowledge needs in this 4.0 industrial era. This study aims to analyze the opportunities and challenges of libraries in Indonesia in determining new directions and policies facing the industrial era 4.0. This study uses a type of qualitative method with a descriptive approach. Data analysis was carried out using the interactive model of (1), which included data condensation, data presentation, and conclusion. The results of this study found that there are several directions and policies implemented and prepared by libraries in Indonesia facing the industrial era 4.0, namely directions and policies that focus on the management of collection by 10% by increasing the number of digital collections and developing library services towards digital libraries; directions and policies that focus on the management of knowledge by 20%, by optimizing library automation systems; and directions and policies that focus on the transfer of knowledge by 70%, by increasing the availability of working space, class library programs, as well as various training programs and user assistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to review the relationship between Shanghai Library and consortia in China and around the world, and examine the effect those relationships have had upon the library's resource sharing services. Design/methodology/approach -- This paper uses a case study approach. Findings -- Library consortia can improve and enhance interlibrary loan and document delivery services by introducing those services to new users, broadening the pool of materials available for resource sharing, and increasing the requisite skill sets of ILL practitioners. Originality/value -- Library consortia are a relatively recent phenomenon in China. This paper examines the experiences of the first Chinese library to loan its collections internationally through OCLC WorldCat or enter into the first Sino-German document delivery agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a papers discussing the enhancing resource sharing with a state of the art transportation system in the University of South Africa's Open Distance Learning (ODL) institution. It mentions that an investigation into automated transportation systems in the university's libraries was carried out. It also mentions that the library also has mobile libraries to support students in rural areas in South Africa.

In this era of Cyberage, the information requirements of the users have grown so immensely that no individual library can fulfill their information demands on its own. This has urged the need for cooperation between libraries and information centers for sharing of their resources and information through networking. Thus consortia are considered as a vital move towards library cooperation. A library consortium combines the purchasing power of its members and thus helps to fulfill the requirements of users of all member libraries to greater extent. In a short span of time, numerous consortia have been formed all over the globe. With enormous increase in number of consortia, communication among the various consortia has become critical. Thus, a consortium of consortia was formed in the USA, known as the International Coalition of Library Consortia (ICOLC) (Huarng & yu, 2011). The paper explores the consortia of different countries participating in ICOLC. Various features (viz., number of consortia, types and number of libraries participating, legal status and services provided) of participating consortia are keenly studied to have the in-depth study. It is observed that about 55 countries are participating in ICOLC and US is the major contributor (48.53%) as per the number of consortia. All types of libraries viz, academic, public, school and special are taking part in the consortia. These consortia vary in their legal status few are national while some are run by non-profit organizations while few others are administered by co-operative bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to describe the library consortium experienced at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria. Activities involved improving researchers' timely access to resources for research for development. Design/methodology/approach – The approach taken was a librarian interview and observation of library records. Findings – The consortium involves agricultural libraries in both developing and developed countries. Using the library software Inmagic database enhances the web-based centralized online public access catalogue of all the participating institutions, the CGV Library. This enabled access to their comprehensive collections, promoting better library services to agricultural researchers. Hence, it bridges the digital gap between developing and developed countries. They are involved in joint acquisition of electronic journals and timely response to sharing their independent collections through electronic document delivery services. Practical implications – The paper recommends that Nigerian libraries, especially agricultural research institutes, could emulate the IITA library consortium. Originality/value – The paper provides recommendations to libraries wishing to form consortia in Nigeria and notes the positive impacts that this would have on national development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the current status of open access initiatives in Turkey. Design/methodology/approach – The author has conducted extensive research on the subject, which is supplemented by his own professional experience with resource sharing activities in Turkey. Findings – Turkish libraries first ventured into the open access arena in late 2005 and have since made great strides by implementing dozens of institutional repositories and a national thesis center as well. Open access has a bright future in Turkey because of its promise for eliminating barriers to scientific information and reducing the costs of scholarly publication. Originality/value – The author is one of a small cadre of experts on resource sharing and open access efforts in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consortia based access of e-resources has been provided in most of the Indian libraries of higher education and research institutes during last decade. In consortium mode, users are able to access adequate desired scholarly e-journals in Indian libraries. This paper provides brief overview of popular library consortiums of India. The present paper also describes the techniques to increase utilization of the e-resources. Various emerging technologies i.e. RSS feeds, Google Reader, Delicious etc have been demonstrated practically for effective utilization of eresources with minimum efforts. Findings of this paper highlighted emerging technologies and role of consortia for effective use of e-resources in Indian Libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to outline ethical implications of the practical challenges facing resource sharing practitioners in the digital age. Design/methodology/approach – The author presents an overview of major ethical challenges related to digital resource sharing using a framework of four key ethical theories: justice as fairness; utilitarianism; rights theory; and common good theory. Findings – When administrators, publishers, lawmakers, or the public dictate policies and rules that are inconsistent with librarian values and norms, librarians should turn to ethical reasoning in defense of their work. Social implications – Resource sharing practitioners everywhere will find the ethical theories useful when presented with questions related to user access to information. Originality/value – Library managers charged with development and assessment of resource sharing policies and practices will benefit from this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper is the result of a small cost study of resource sharing services in 23 North American libraries. Its aim is to discuss trends that have affected resource sharing costs since the last comprehensive study. Design/methodology/approach – Selected libraries were approached for this phase of study. A pilot phase helped to clarify the cost and service definitions and revise the database which served as the data collection instrument. Findings – Immediate access to electronic items at point of use has resulted in user demand for faster turnaround for physical materials. This in turn has led to increased costs for ILL technology and shipping. Costs have decreased but continue to show a noticeable disparity between ILL borrowing and lending. The data also clearly support the perception that patron initiated Circ-to-Circ module requests have a lower per transaction cost than traditional ILL. Originality/value – Libraries have been relying on cost data that is now almost ten years old. While this study is small, the data provide an updated benchmark to assist libraries in making effective decisions regarding resource sharing. The study illustrates a range of costs which reinforce the need for libraries to investigate their own average costs to optimize decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The paper aims to provide an overview of the RapidILL requesting system and describes its operation and the benefits derived by its users, including significant cost savings through elimination of various fees, expedited processing, maximum use of a library's own print and electronic journal holdings, and dramatic reductions in the amount of staff time required for processing interlibrary loan requests. Design/methodology/approach – This paper takes the form of a general review and is written by developers with first-hand knowledge of how the system works. Findings – Libraries participating in RapidILL experience significant savings in both cost and staff time as a result of functionality built into the system. Practical implications – Over 200 libraries currently use the RapidILL system, both in the USA and beyond its borders. Originality/value – This paper provides extensive information on the functionality of the RapidILL system but also will be of interest to libraries that use other interlibrary loan systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide preliminary results of the 2011 survey on international interlending conducted by the ALA RUSA STARS International Interlibrary Loan Committee. Design/methodology/approach – An international survey was deployed using SurveyMonkey, an online survey tool, and distributed through various electronic resource sharing discussion lists and personal contacts with international libraries. Findings – The 2011 survey aimed toward international libraries revealed similar results to those of the Committee's 2007 survey of US libraries. Most international interlending participants both borrow and lend materials internationally. Further analysis will be done focusing on barriers to as well as identification of common practices in international interlending. Originality/value – This research provides the most recent survey of international interlending practices and will yield potential methods and activities for improving resource sharing globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a review of the interlending environment in New Zealand. It aims to consider a number of changes that have occurred since research was published in 2004 and the significance of these for interlending operations. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology adopted in this paper is one of description and interpretation. Findings – Included is a statistical analysis based on 20 years' worth of data and comparative analysis of key service indicators. The scene is best described as one of continual change and in a state of flux. Practical implications – As the operational model of interlending changes consideration is given to various operational issues and the impact of these for ongoing support and service provision. Also included is an initial analysis of how natural events can also impact on patterns of use and delivery. Originality/value – Just as there have been personnel changes, so has occurred a loss of corporate knowledge. This leads into a discussion of a model for "better practice" and how this could be delivered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore the rationale and the development of the Global Interlending & Verification Enquiry Service (GIVES), which is evolving at a major academic research library in the USA. Design/methodology/approach - Access problems and bibliographic challenges are described, as is the devising of various solutions in the development of the service. Based on an extremely rich collection of foreign language materials, and modeled after the highly successful Slavic Reference Service, this project works to provide materials in many languages to users through detailed and comprehensive searches conducted on an individual basis, drawing on a wide variety of bibliographic resources and catalogs in various formats. Findings - The challenges facing GIVES staff in assisting users with their ILL/DD requests are of three kinds: bibliographic, linguistic, and organizational. Thanks to conventions of bibliography and cataloging that cross all linguistic boundaries, and to the judicious use of GIVES' many bilingual dictionaries, and to GIVES' online Guide, but most of all to the rigorous bibliographic training received by GIVES staff, it is quite possible for a staff member to successfully handle a request with only the scantiest knowledge of the relevant language. The essential elements to the success of this project include expertise, cooperation and, of course) funding. Originality/value - Materials in less-commonly taught languages present challenges to many libraries in the USA. These challenges are increased when users attempt to access these materials through interlibrary loan and document delivery. The paper describes GIVES, an invaluable resource available at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to help libraries meet these challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to share the experience of using the LibQUALþe library assessment suite in a statewide library consortium. Design/methodology/approach - The paper provides anecdotal information about one consortium's experience implementing the LibQUALþe survey. It provides a description of the survey and a narrative of the Keystone Library Network's experience, and includes other information from published literature regarding the survey's implementation in other libraries and library consortia when relevant. Findings - Implementing a library service quality survey as a consortium has benefits, but also provides challenges. Consortium-wide planning, training, coordination, survey promotion, and intra-consortium communication are important. Practical implications - Consortia considering performing a library assessment will want to consider the challenges and considerations mentioned. Originality/value - This paper provides information about, and suggestions for, implementing the survey in a consortium, differing from the existing body of literature that tends to focus on the instrument itself or on interpreting outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper highlights the general methodology for carrying out a feasibility study for establishing the Library Network. There is a general consensus and a favourable environment for establishing a network of Libraries at local, regional and national levels. The Library Network could provide a solution for the problems of accessing library materials. Once the feasibility study is carried out, the establishment of the Library Network will not be difficult. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper highlights the Pacific Coast (of the United States) Slavic Consortium of libraries. It looks at the consortial agreement, purpose, and arrangement, and analyzes how they inform electronic delivery of resources. Conclusions on the efficacy of consortial arrangements for electronic information delivery are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Over the last two decades, there has been a sea change in knowledge production and dissemination world over; thereby libraries are growing in a rapid changing environment. Numerous ongoing phenomena, such as - information as a commodity, growth in quantity, increased user demand, diminishing budget, raising cost of publications, complex technological requirements, and changing concept of ownership to access are the serious concern; which cannot be reversed. However, price escalations in journal subscription and confusing array of pricing models have prompted the significant growth in number of library-consortia. This paper discusses on consortium as an organization, and is one of the emerging toolkits for libraries to survive; demonstrates the characteristics of successful consortia; recognizes the constrains specific to northeast region; and suggests the formation of a consortium solely for the North Eastern Regional Libraries (NERL) in India. The study draws an attention to the environmental circumstances (viz. topographical, climatic, economic, political, cultural, etc.] that are unique to north-eastern part of India; which makes the NERL potentially different from the mainland, thus hampers the consistent growth of consortia in the region. The paper examines various supportive measures to initiate the Consortium, and uses a model approach to be known as PLACON (stands for PLANNER Consortia); expected to trigger the balanced development of the NERL, in order to take up the challenges of twenty-first century. It highlights basic principles, major projects, and model structure of the Consortium; which would be a centralized, efficient, highly cost-effective system and emphasizes the constant source of external funds that will provide further subsidies in acquisition of online resources. The proposal puts forth major recommendations where 'information infrastructure' is prerequisite to ensure a sustainable growth of the NERL is also discussed. It also presents the strategies for making decisions and proper executions as well as follow-up-actions to be required for implementation of the Consortium in order to achieve the resultant benefits in a real situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our study, we investigated the results of a demographic survey conducted by Finnish Regional State Administrative Agency in 2021. We inspected how democracy works from the perspective of Finnish population. The key topic of the study was how the library has contributed to social inclusion, cohesion and community, and equal access to information. We put the focus on seven attributes and the weights of the attributes were evaluated in cooperation with library directors and developers from five countries. By combining the population survey results and attribute weightings provided by library experts, we calculated a composite index to assess how the library succeeded in contributing to the promotion of democracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aimed at ascertaining the status of the ICT-enabled library and information services in University of Nigeria, Nsukka Library System. The study employed a case study design. Questionnaire was the main instrument for data collection and it was used to gather data from fifteen (15) library officers and Fifty (50) librarians who constituted the population of the study. Five specific objectives derived from the purpose guided this study. Data collected were analyzed using mean (...), Standard Deviation (SD) and t - test statistic used to determine the significance of the responses of the library officers and librarians at 0.05 probability level. The study found that some conventional library and information services such as library catalogue, table of contents, document delivery, interacting with users and user education were ICT-enabled or driven. New services found to be rendered efficiently with ICT include providing access to e-journals, e-books and to internet and internet services. The critical constraints to ICT-enabled LIS include poor funding, inadequate ICT infrastructure and inadequate ICT staff. To address these problems, it was suggested that there should be budget provision for digital library projects and series and that private sector investment should be promoted in university libraries. Based on these findings, some recommendations were made. The library, especially a university library, as platform for innovation and creativity requires proper understanding of the status of services, project implementation and ICT applications including services that are ICT-driven. This understanding will not only improve library and information services but also provide opportunities for innovative services. This paper provides a framework for understanding the status of library and information services due to developments in ICT in university libraries. The framework depends on the conventional LIS at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka Library System. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper starts an initial discussion into relating use of open source software and technology for social justice via libraries. A thorough literature review of social justice, role of libraries in social justice and open source and its relation to social justice by libraries is presented. Experience based evidence of use of open source software in libraries for the purpose of achieving social justice is provided. Recommendations for libraries and future collaborations are also outlines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to report on the IDS Project, a volunteer-driven library cooperative known for its technological innovations, to describe how the project has evolved, and to review some of the technological innovations it has spawned and the benefits those innovations have brought to both members and non-members. Design/methodology/approach – The authors use a case study approach to highlight some of the major accomplishments of the IDS Project. Findings – Although the IDS Project is typically known for its technological innovations, those innovations are really an outward manifestation of the community of trust and mutual support that members have carefully nurtured from the project's beginning. Originality/value – Readers will gain an understanding of the IDS Project, how its community of trust and support contribute to its ongoing successes, and how that trust and support might be scaled up to benefit the entire resource sharing community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Information World / Bilgi Dünyası is the property of University & Research Librarians Associations (UNAK) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)