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Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to synthesize different research projects and approaches to managing the "hidden collections" problem. Design/methodology/approach - The paper describes current research and practices. Findings - Hidden collections are a problem for both libraries and archives. "Hidden collections" are materials that cannot be found in the online catalog or may be found there only under a collective title or un- or under-processed primary sources. These materials transcend all formats of library and archival materials (print, microform, video, etc.) and can be found throughout the library in a variety of collections from government documents to area studies to music to the reference department. It is in the area of archival and special collections, however, that this problem has received the most attention and where the greatest challenges and opportunities for exposing these collections exist. Practical implications - Many archives have backlogs and "hidden collections". This article discusses some recent efforts to identify and expose these collections to enable better archival control and researcher access that may be applied in other settings. Originality/value - This article identifies and highlights different approaches and potential solutions to the problem of hidden collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Chinese gazetteers are one of the most important primary sources for the study of history of Chinese economy, politics, culture, military, and science and technology. Since the very beginning, the Yale East Asia Library has been keen on collecting Chinese gazetteers. However, unlike its peer research libraries in the USA, the Yale East Asia Library had never compiled a catalog or written an article about its gazetteer collection. The purpose of this paper is to systematically review, for the first time, original editions of Chinese gazetteers held in the Yale East Asia Library to reveal the holdings and research value. Design/methodology/approach – The author conducted a survey of original editions of Chinese gazetteers in the Yale East Asia Library by searching the Yale online library catalog and comparing with existing catalogs of Chinese local gazetteers compiled by other research libraries in the USA. The paper focuses on the edition, coverage, rarity and variety of Yale's holdings. Findings – According to the author's findings and preliminary research, Yale holds approximately 337 original Chinese gazetteers. The majority of them is rarely found in other North American research libraries and thus has high research value. They cover almost all provinces and municipalities in China and have a great variety of types. Research limitations/implications – Although the author tried to use various search strategies to look up in the Yale online library catalog to ensure high retrieval, the results here may not be accurate. Also it is likely that a number of Chinese gazetteers are not recorded in the Yale online library catalog because of backlogs. A physical survey of Chinese gazetteer holdings at Yale and more research need to be done in the future. Originality/value – This paper is the first of its kind to provide a systematic review of original editions of Chinese gazetteers held in the Yale East Asia Library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to describe the transition of a collection in Texas A&M University's institutional repository from single item submission to batch importation as a primary method of ingest. This transition was made possible with assistance and technical work on behalf of the library. Design/methodology/approach - The digital initiatives staff examined the workflow of the collection's manager and submitters. A process was created to produce the necessary data structures for batch import from resources that were already being generated by the collection workflow. Findings - It was found that batch importing assistance provided by the library improved the collection's growth rate and efficiency without interrupting the workflow of the collection management team. Practical implications - This paper demonstrates the benefit of libraries and other institutional repository hosts offering batch-loading assistance to managers of large repository collections. Originality/value - This paper should resonate with institutional repository managers and digital services librarians, as many have neglected to offer batch importing or other assistance to users citing a lack of resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 - 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 - This paper seeks to replicate a study done in 1992 on the bibliographic availability of 55 popular culture periodicals sold by a Kroger supermarket in Royal Oak, Michigan. The earlier study asked the question whether time might be a relevant variable for the number of holding libraries. Design/methodology/approach - The authors searched WorldCat for the number of reported library holdings for the same 55 popular culture periodicals and analyzed the results. Findings - During both periods, 34 periodicals with holdings had a median increase of 58.4 percent; but, when the 83.5 percent increase in OCLC governing members during the same period was taken into account, holdings had a median decrease of 13.7 percent. For the 19 cases with no library holdings in 1992, eight (42.1 percent) now had library holdings, including several high circulation periodicals such as Marand Soap Opera Weekly. Practical implications - Popular culture materials read by many Americans are still not widely available in libraries or are not entered into WorldCat, the prime source for bibliographic holdings. Originality/value - This paper provides additional statistical evidence on the availability of popular culture materials in libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Engineers fundamentally solve problems. Engineering students are obtaining the education necessary to develop problem-solving skills and tools. Olin College of Engineering was founded on the philosophy that a hands-on, entrepreneurial, design-centered engineering education would create engineers ready to solve current and emerging problems. This paper aims to discuss the philosophy and development of Olin College and the Olin College Library, and then to address its evolving materials collection. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents the development of Olin College, its philosophy and discusses its evolving materials samples collection. Findings – Olin's library has embraced the college's philosophy through the development of a realia, or learning objects collection that supports multiple intelligences. Moving beyond these learning objects, library staff wanted to build a collection of materials samples that enhance the engineering curriculum, and specifically design, sustainability and materials science courses. Students use the objects to make project decisions and for inspiration. The hands-on nature of the collection aligns with the pedagogical philosophy of the college. These objects are physically available and also are beginning to have digital representation. A growing partnership between the library and specific courses is helping build the collection, while subscriptions from vendors assure a steady growth of new objects. Practical implications – The collection requires three phases of thought and development beyond acquisitions: display of objects, storage of objects, and the digital representation of objects. The digital representation has several layers of development, from database building to metadata decisions to object photos to the workflow and policy decisions. Originality/value – The paper discusses the philosophy and development of the Olin College materials samples collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to conduct a gap analysis for Kate Boyd, Digital Collections Librarian of the University of South Carolina's Digital Collections Department, located at Thomas Cooper Library. Design/methodology/approach – The approaches the researcher utilized are a personal interview, literature review and personal experience. The article attempts to identify, define, and then provide recommendations concerning the gaps needing to be bridged at the University of South Carolina's Digital Collections Department. Findings – After only five years, the University of South Carolina's Digital Collections Department has made significant strides in implementing their program. In conducting a comparative analysis of the University of South Carolina's Digital Collections Department to those surveyed in 2000 by the Digital Library Federation, the findings indicate the department is not immune to the same challenges experienced by previous institutions in developing their digital library program. Originality/value – The paper gives an insight into a gap analysis conducted on the digital collections department of an academic library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to introduce librarians who are not necessarily music specialists to four books on a subset of American popular song literature ("the American songbook" or "standards"), all of which assume some degree of musical literacy on the reader's part. This assumption sets these books apart from most writing on the subject, and the paper suggest reasons why this is the case. Design/methodology/approach - The books are grouped into pairs. The first two books are by a single author whose previous scholarship may make his interest in the American songbook seem surprising. In the other pair the second book is both a continuation of the first and a response to it. In both pairs the earlier book breaks new ground. Findings - All four books should be regarded as essential parts of a library's music literature collection. The first book discussed is more technical than the others, but its pioneering status makes it a landmark. Originality/value - The author's research indicates that the oldest of the books considered was not discussed in scholarly journals until many years after its publication, while the most recent appears to have received only glancing consideration in peer-reviewed literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explain the procedures taken by public library staff in response to extensive damage to a research collection due to a large natural disaster. Design/methodology/approach - Based on the methodology used by one research collection in response to a large-scale disaster, recommendations are presented in the paper for future disaster planning and creating an individualized disaster response. Findings - The study finds that each institution develops different procedures in the wake of disasters, and creating a unique disaster plan and response is key to the successful recovery of collections. Research limitations/implications - The methods used in response to Hurricane Katrina may not necessarily correspond to other types of disasters or all institutions; however, planning for all types of disasters is encouraged. A selected bibliography is included that provides current resources on the subject. Practical implications Methods utilized in the Biloxi Public Library's response to Hurricane Katrina and lessons learned may be applicable to other institutions and the future of disaster response and collection recovery. Originality/value - While recounting the impact of Hurricane Katrina on one collection, there are recommendations for the future of disaster planning at the institutional level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper aims to summarize a three-year federal grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to create a statewide digital collection. Design/methodology/approach - This paper describes the Cornerstone Project: its background, the processes, used to determine appropriate standards, guidelines, and best practices for digital collections, the technology selected for the digital production centers and the web portal, and its plans for the future. The project is a collaborative statewide initiative to make unique historical treasures from Alabama's archives, libraries, museums, and other repositories electronically accessible to Alabama residents as well as students and scholars around the world. Findings - The project has demonstrated a successful model for statewide collaboration among all types of repositories NAAL member institutions are helping other repositories create digital collections of unique Alabama historical resources. Practical implications - The Cornerstone Project offers practical procedures that can be replicated by any consortia considering distributed digital collection building. Originality/value - The project offers training to help librarians, archivists, and other staff successfully plan, implement; and complete digitization projects. Three shared digital production facilities at the Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH), Auburn University, and The University of Alabama serve as training centers and assist with local digitization efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate if collection developers in American academic libraries have added predominantly "yellowface" movies to their collections, or have actively sought out movies created and acted by Asian and Asian Americans, to balance out their libraries' collections. Design/methodology/approach – In total, ten acknowledged "yellowface" movies and ten critically acclaimed Asian and Asian American movies were chosen. The collections of 157 academic libraries throughout the entire USA were then surveyed, including geographical areas that have had very few Asians or Asian Americans in their populations throughout their histories. Findings – The results show that neither "yellowface" movies nor Asian and Asian American movies are overtly dominant in the collections of American academic librarians, and one can conclude that the collection developers actively sought to find a balance between movies in both categories, no matter the geographical locations of their libraries. Social implications – No matter how unsavory is our racist past, representations of past bigotry and discrimination should be available for scholars of history, cultural studies, and sociology. However, interpretations of Asians defined with this jaundiced eye must be balanced with movies of Asians and Asian Americans defining themselves. Originality/value – The area of Asian and Asian American movies is rather small and arcane, yet the results of this survey show that there are no academic areas too small or narrow that do not demand the attention of a knowledgeable collection developer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This study aims at identifying Andrews University's students' perceptions, behavior, use, and attitudes towards e-textbook and e-books in general. Design/methodology/approach – In the Fall semester of 2001-2012, Andrews University's bookstore offered 74 e-textbooks for purchase. The teachers who had the opportunity of using these e-textbooks for their classes were asked to distribute two questionnaires to their students: one to those who chose to buy and use the e-textbook and a slightly different one to those who chose the traditional print textbook. The results were tabulated and compared to the results of similar studies since 2001. Findings – A 65 percent return rate was obtained. Several findings closely replicate results of many studies on this area. For more than a decade, studies show that students prefer the hardcover book over the e-book for their studies. Lack of awareness, not knowing how to get it, eyestrain, and difficulty of reading are the main culprits for students not using e-books more often. However, those who use e-books report they are generally satisfied. Students would like to enjoy fewer restrictions on printing and copying, PDA accessibility, more titles in their area of studies and better e-book readers. They do not usually read e-books cover to cover. The library is not their main point of entry or search for e-books. Students value portability, instant access, light weight and ability to store large amounts of materials. Research limitations/implications – The sample population was limited to the classes which had access to an e-textbook. A broader and more complete understanding could have been obtained if the study included all of the student population. It is not possible to generalize the findings due to the fact that the study was done in a specific academic setting. Practical implications – Universities and libraries are highly engaged in this topic at the present moment. Results of studies like this one will provide data useful for collection development policies and the pedagogy adopted by faculty in the classroom. Social implications – This is a topic that is of increasing importance in all parts of the world, and is affecting how people and, more specifically, students read and learn. It has the potential of changing reading habits and how students absorb information and knowledge, as well as how they use libraries. Originality/value – E-books will have a definitive impact in new models of acquiring, accessing, and distributing information materials for and to the academic community. The paper will help the library better understand students' preferences and study habits which will have an impact on decisions regarding types of services it should provide and collection building decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to provide an updated definition of academic liaison work and examine methods for developing effective liaison relationships. Design/methodology/approach - The authors reviewed and incorporated recently published (1989-2009) material relating to academic liaison work. In addition to published material the authors conducted a survey of faculty in their liaison areas during the fall 2008 semester in order to access their knowledge and satisfaction with liaison services. Findings - The paper finds that liaison work is multifaceted and success is based both on administrative support and the individual liaisons efforts. Originality/value - The originality of this work includes the definition of liaison work and requirements of academic liaisons in today's libraries. The paper is of value to current academic liaisons and librarians just entering the field of academia. The paper incorporates recent research, an author conducted survey and the authors' nearly two decades of combined liaison experience and may serve as an overview of the expectations and potential benefits of academic liaison work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — This paper seeks to demonstrate the value of adding links to freely available web content to the library catalog (OPAC). This aims to answer the research question: "Is there value to cataloging freely available Internet resources in the OPAC?" Design/methodology/approach — Using a URL redirection system for tracking user access to freely available web publications, three years of click- through use statistics were gathered by placing redirect URLs in the 856 field, tabulating the use data by project category, and redirecting the user to the desired resource. Findings — Usage statistics over three years show that cataloging free resources is well worth the effort. Originality/value — This is the first study to track use of free resources by click-throughs to the OPAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to take a critical view at leadership of the American Library Association (ALA) and discuss the extent to which its policies promote, or fail to promote, a barrier-free online library environment. Design/methodology/approach - Analyses selected ALA policies, and examines the degree to which accessibility advocating groups within ALA participate in the process of policy making. Findings - Several ALA policies and guidelines dealing with digital resources neglect to Address the needs of users with disabilities. The organizations within ALA that are advocates for people with disabilities, particularly the Libraries Serving Special Populations Section (LSSPS) and the Accessibility Assembly, fail to pay attention to policy development in other ALA branches. Practical implications - Suitable ALA organizations should establish a clearinghouse providing easy access to vendor-supplied information as well as pointers to data collected by independent researchers. Advocates for people with disabilities within ALA need to band together and put in place an organizational structure (a kind of watchdog group) that enables them to systematically monitor, and, if deemed necessary, to respond to the policies and guidelines drafted by other ALA groups. Originality/value - This is the only article that takes a critical view at ALA's leadership and discusses the extent to which ALA's policies promote, or fail to promote, a barrier-free online library environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The American Juvenile Collection, beginning in 1976 and continually growing, is an important Children's Literature Research Collection. It contains juvenile fiction, poetry, fairy tales and folktales published in the USA between 1910 and 1960, a unique period in publishing due largely to sociological factors. This 6,000-volume special collection, largely first editions, is distinctive and invaluable to both researchers and juvenile literature enthusiasts. This paper describes the inception, development, and current function of this collection, housed at the C.W. Post Campus Library, Long Island University. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to introduce the value of attending the Guadalajara Book Fair and a Sister Library program. Design/methodology/approach - The paper takes the form of an overview by a public library director attending an international book fair and Sister Library program. Findings - Attending the Guadalajara Book Fair is an invaluable experience not only for the attendee but for the library that the attendee represents. Participation in a Sister Library program is a cooperative venture that is beneficial to both parties. Originality/value - The paper highlights the value of international collection development and networking, especially the Sister Library program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Patron driven acquisitions (PDA) programs have emerged as an important component in library collection practices. The authors aim to report on four PDA programs (two completed, two currently underway) undertaken by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign either by itself or in partnership with a statewide academic library consortium known as CARLI. Design/methodology/approach – The authors use a case study approach based on their professional experience and direct involvement with these programs. Findings – The programs were built on successful partnerships with both vendors and consortial partners; each program was informed by and built on the success of the previous one. The processes can be scaled up and applied to larger systems in order to maximize their impact and user satisfaction. Originality/value – Acquisitions librarians and selectors will find the local PDA programs of interest, while the consortial approach will be of interest to anyone involved with building and sharing collections in a multi-institutional environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which focuses on the use of I-Share domestic monographs as a collection assessment at College and Research Libraries in Illinois (CARLI). The study employed Voyager system for shared online catalog equipped with patron-initiated borrowing. Results revealed that the numbers of copies purchased by I-Share fell into the categories including low overlap with low use, high overlap with high use, and a middle area with a high number of copies with low to middle use.

Purpose — To define the elements of a gift books policy. Design/methodology/approach — Research based on a review of library gift policies. Findings — Provides libraries with general guidelines as to what should be included in a gift book policy. Originality/value — Provides assistance to libraries to find a way to explain to prospective donors how the library handles donations and gifts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – To identify the issues faced by shared library storage facilities involving collection ownership, services, and governance. Design/methodology/approach – Literature-based review describing the operations of shared library storage facilities in the USA. Findings – There are 50 or more library storage facilities in the USA (including separate compact shelving buildings or wings), with others in various stages of planning and construction. Most of the existing facilities are operated by individual academic libraries for their own collections, but increasing numbers of shared facilities are being planned and built. As more and more US academic libraries operate or share storage facilities, they face issues involving collection ownership, services, and governance within their own constituencies. These shared facilities can form the infrastructure for the evolving international network of print repositories. Originality/value – Provides models for operating shared library storage facilities and outlines next steps to develop an international repository network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a historical overview of the creation of the New York Public Library's Picture Collection and its evolution from a physical collection to a virtual collection – Picture Collection Online. The Library built a unique Picture Collection 90 years ago to answer the users' needs for searching pictures from the subject point of view, a venture that resulted in a rich New York cultural resource. Today, the Library has once again risen to the challenge of a new information age to break the boundary of physical walls in order to expand its service via the World Wide Web to a global audience. From Picture Collection to Picture Collection Online, this article provides an account on what and how decisions were made to provide users with online access to a digitized version of the Picture Collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The libraries of the four CONSORT Colleges (Denison University, Kenyon College, Ohio Wesleyan University, and The College of Wooster) are working together to build a broader collection of library materials with less duplication. One mechanism has been the creation of a shared approval plan, developed in partnership with their approval plan vendor, YBP Library Services. Both the libraries and the vendor faced opportunities and challenges in developing a plan that would be easy to implement, accommodate the various internal selection and acquisitions procedures, maximize the use of vendor services, and support the project goal. The lessons learned and the methodologies developed by this experimental project provide a promising model for monographic cooperative collection projects in a consortial setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]