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Purpose - The purpose of this paper it to outline current resource-sharing initiatives in Irish academic libraries that support increased research activity in line with national policy. This paper aims to point to the challenges and opportunities such initiatives present. Design/methodology/approach - The approach takes the form of a review paper based on practice. Findings - It has been suggested that the greatest obstacle to finding library research is that librarians do not publish their research. As financial constraints impact on all publicly funded organisations it is not unreasonable to suggest that decision making will become more dependent on research evidence than previously. Economies of scale cannot justify the development of a research body such as the Research Information Network (RIN) in the UK and, while its output is relevant to higher education in Ireland, it is important to remember that its findings must be adapted and scaled to the Irish environment, and that partnerships and collaboration may result in different dynamics from those in a larger polity. It is therefore important that Irish research is documented and published, so that it helps map the information landscape which supports the research agenda and the national interest. Originality/value - The paper presents a synthesis of current practice, outlining current shortcomings and challenges. It will be of interest to all librarians concerned to learn more about resource sharing in the British Isles and in particular in the Republic of Ireland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — Aims to provide an overview of methods for digitizing maps, the creation and preservation of a digital collection, interoperable database construction, and an examination of the real costs associated with maintaining a digital collection. Design/methodology/approach — This paper is an examination of the tools, metadata choices, work with Open Archives Initiative (OAD research projects, and sustainability costs, associated with a digital project of 946 dynamic historic cartographic images. Findings — The Early Washington Maps project demonstrates how multiple tools may be integrated and interoperability between databases achieved. Realistic costs associated with digital collections and practical reference techniques are described. Practical implications — This is an extremely common-sense discussion of digital library issues for library professionals planning or enhancing digital collections. Originality/value — The paper describes ideas for enhancing access to digital collections during and after a grant award. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — The purpose of this article is to provide tips for electronic collection development for libraries with a meager budget. Design/methodology/approach — The information provided in this article is based on research on electronic collection development practices and the author's experience with electronic resources at small and large university libraries. Findings — There are many useful electronic resources available for free because of the open access movement. Old ideas such as consortia and negotiating still help to keep costs at a manageable level for libraries. Practical implications — Libraries will be able to maintain or reduce the costs they are spending on electronic resources, but still retain sources that fulfill their collection needs. Originality/value — This paper combines new and old ideas and resources for electronic collection development into a short and easy-to-follow source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — This article seeks to suggest that pedagogical forums published in two major professional associations' publications can contribute to the literature on collection for academic historians. Design/methodology/approach — The author surveys the literature on historians' information needs and surveys articles published in the pedagogical forums for what they reveal about historians' use of electronic resources. Findings — The forums provide useful bibliographic information regarding e-resources for faculty and collection officers alike; additionally, they provide a useful starting point for discussions of desired learning outcomes, leading to better support for teaching/curricular needs. Research limitations/implications — Findings are limited to academic historians and are also skewed toward US historians, since more articles on e-resources appeared in the forum dedicated to US-historical pedagogy than in the forum encompassing historians of all areas. Practical implications — Similar research could be done on pedagogical forums in other academic fields. Originality/value — This paper examines a field's pedagogical methodology to draw conclusions about collections management for that field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]