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We study the phenomenon of the big deal, a subscription model for scientific journals that emerged at the turn of the millennium aimed especially at library consortia, which were offered the opportunity to exponentially increase their access to scientific information, thus breaking the previous trend of continuous cuts to the collections of the periodicals available in libraries. Its strengths such as the expansion of the availability of content, and its impact on the diversification of use and the productivity of researchers are presented herein. Likewise, its weaknesses are highlighted, such as the constant increase in prices and the finding of the concentration of use in a limited set of content. These disadvantages have led to questioning and resulted in the evaluation of big deals, a search for alternatives, and cancellations in times of crisis. In recent years, the latter have been linked to the perception that the cost--benefit balance of big deals has been altered by the proliferation of open-access content. Finally, we address the revision of the traditional big deal through transformative agreements where subscription costs are offset by publication costs, which are intended to be a mechanism to accelerate the transition to open access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the development of the concept of a library cooperation in the world and in Bulgaria, from its inception until today. Special attention is paid to the creation of the first library consortium for cooperative database subscription – Bulgarian Information Consortium. Its 20-year history and main aspects of activity, applied governance modes and achieved results are tracked. The conclusion about the possible, albeit difficult to achieve, success of private initiatives for a library cooperative is substantiated. [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]

Existing research offers fearful conclusions on the use of online archival collections, finding that historians ignore and overlook the limitations of digital sources. However, an attitudinal case study at Newcastle University contradicts this consensus. This article discusses this study's detailed findings, determining that historians and library professionals demonstrate abundant and nuanced awareness of issues relating to 'digital selectivity'. Nevertheless, the interviewees suggested that this does not radically undermine their practice. The study also revealed compelling aspects of digital selectivity not currently observed in existing research, including the effects of career stage and the importance of cooperation with library professionals. While the existing literature provides appropriate and prudent concerns, it lacks tangible evidence pointing to a widespread phenomenon of poor digital historical practice. The article closes by recommending further research into historians' digital information-seeking behaviour, but argues that standardized metadata practices must come first. Limitations, including the absence of rigorous quantitative data, must be resolved before a fuller appreciation for digital historical practice is developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past ten years the Center for Research Libraries (CRL) has developed new ways to support cooperative development of critical research collections. CRL has expanded its role as a centralized aggregator of tangible collections to facilitate collection development, digitization, and licensing of collections by individual libraries and interest groups. This has required CRL to adopt new funding models, from partnerships and coalitions with key organizations, and use technology to support community engagement. Funding essential to this transition was provided by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, National Science Foundation, and the IMLS. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

IoT is a unique technology that gained its momentum in recent years. Though the technologyacquires its potential libraries like organizations are in a stage of infancy to adopt the IoT technology. IoT is established in any organization with the help of interconnected identifiable embedded computing devices within the existing infrastructure. So that the use of technology allows us a greater chance for achieving a prosperous library management system with maximum efficiency at least effort. Automation of Library services is suitable approach where various devices can be managed at a single place by implementing Internet of Things. The idea behind the IoT and its future scope in libraries is to provide an user friendly approach towards libraries and at the same time ensuring a systematic library services so as to properly utilize the time and energy of employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between 2010 and 2015, interlibrary loan request rates at Albertsons Library at Boise State University were observed to be in decline. This study details the efforts to explore this trend and to determine a cause using existing data available through the OCLC Atlas ILLiad Web Reports interface. A simple but effective method to analyze these substantial reports is presented and practical examples of analysis conducted at Albertsons Library are discussed. By looking at factors such as usage patterns, new user registrations, and cancelation language, the decrease in borrowing and lending requests was confirmed and attributed primarily to decreases in graduate student ILLiad registrations and a lending ebook deflection implemented in 2015. Additional, focused qualitative assessment and updates to user interfaces were recommended as a result of the study. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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.

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 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]

This article suggests that substantial and often disturbing change is the only way that libraries can achieve a bright future in an increasingly digital world. Libraries must quickly adopt mobile technology, cloud computing, eScience, and the systematic organization and dissemination of quality information—and do so within the context of collaboration with other libraries in the region, nation, and world. Fiscal shortages can not be used as an excuse to postpone imperative changes; money has to be found. [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]

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The published and research literature on joint use libraries relates mostly to school community libraries, which are normally combinations of high school and public libraries. That literature often still emphasizes the susceptibility of joint use libraries to dysfunctionality or even failures, although the record of successful combinations is improving because of informed planning and consideration of the requirements for success. Evaluation of joint use library performance and progress is one requirement that is still given little attention in planning and formal agreements. The uniqueness of most joint use libraries also militates against general evaluation criteria and benchmarking. Difficulties in a joint use library, therefore, tend to be unrecognized by its institutional partners until there is a crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article looks at issues surrounding cooperative partnerships between different types of libraries, and between libraries and other organizations. The Ontario School Curriculum Resource (OSCR) and developments in Ontario and Canada are the focus of the article; however, it also provides perspectives on the cooperative experiences that are fundamental to many partnerships. The important benefits as well as the challenges of partnerships are considered, as is the future of cooperative resource sharing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers a look at the resource sharing and networking activities among universities in Pakistan in 2005. The Pakistan Education and Research Network connects all the public and private universities in the nation through a high-speed network. It allows real time transfer of audio and video, multimedia-enabled lectures and remote research partnership. However, there are also barriers in resource sharing. Among these barriers are the Pakistani government's lack of interest in resource sharing, lack of public agency, and lack of effective professional leadership.

Describes the development of the major cooperative electronic networks or consortia among academic libraries in Southern Africa: Gauteng and Environs Library Consortium (GAELIC); Free State Libraries and Information Consortium (FRELICO); Cape Libraries Cooperatives (CALICO); Eastern Sea-board Association Libraries (ESAL); and South Eastern Academic Libraries' System (SEALS), all concentrated in South Africa. Also discusses cooperative activities in the region of the International Network for the Availability of Scientific Publications (INASP) and the eIFL (Electronic Information for Libraries) Direct Project. Describes the strategic importance of the (South African Bibliographic Information NETwork (SABINET) for cooperating libraries, and the formation of the Coalition of South African Library Consortia (COSALC). Advises academic and other libraries to embrace the concept of cooperative electronic networks in order not to lose their relevance, but notes that the sustainability of such projects can be a problem due to resource constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Librarians have a responsibility to assess as precisely as possible the risks we take in cooperative collection development activity, and to put in place measures that will minimize that risk. As cooperative development programs are planned and designed, they should be supported with instruments that clearly define the nature and duration of the obligations and benefits of participation in those activities. Second, because of the stake that the larger community holds in the success of individual cooperative collection development efforts, the precise terms of those agreements should he published or made as widely known as possible, along with all referenced documents and specifications. Risk management is likely to become increasingly important in librarians' everyday work as managers of information and knowledge resources, and in their preservation role as well. Good practice in this realm of activity and the resultant transparency can reduce risk to the investments of the entire community by providing a basis for making informed decisions about development and preservation of every library's collections and resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many libraries have entered into cooperative or consortial agreements to reap the cost benefits of electronic purchases, to share a library system vendor, or to divide collection-building responsibilities. However, among such cooperating libraries the formal coordination of approval plan profiles has seldom been attempted. Many questions need to be answered before a group of libraries could enter into a cooperative approval plan. Would the political and administrative costs of designing and maintaining a cooperative profile be sufficiently offset by a broadened overall collection among cooperating libraries? To what degree do libraries acting independently achieve the same approval plan results that a formal coordination of profiles would generate? The Triangle Research Libraries Network (Duke University, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina State University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) is comprised of four geographically- close institutions that have been building cooperative collections for more than 50 years. Some of their agreements have been quite formal and others have been quite informal. This study looks at the degree of approval plan overlap among TRLN libraries; at circulation data for these overlapping titles; and at lists of titles not acquired within the consortium. The results may inform the question of whether separate, uncoordinated approval plans already meet the need of the TRLN consortium, or if consortial approval plan cooperation might benefit the group. An examination of monographs in four selected Library of Congress classes supplied to the TRLN libraries by Yankee Book Peddler over a six month period in 1997 provided data to examine issues surrounding a consortial approval plan. The degree of overlap among the four institutions was defined, and circulation statistics showed whether books acquired by multiple libraries had a high level of use. A list of YBP titles not acquired by any of the libraries during the same time period wasalso analyzed, to examine whether formal cooperation might have usefully broadened the overall collection. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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]