Search

As libraries, archives, and museums make unique digital collections openly available via digital library platforms, they expose these resources to users who may wish to cite them. Often several URLs are available for a single digital object, depending on which route a user took to find it, but the chosen citation URL should be the one most likely to persist over time. Catalyzed by recent digital collections migration initiatives at Indiana University Libraries, this study investigates the prevalence of persistent URLs for digital objects at peer institutions and examines the ways their platforms instruct users to cite them. This study reviewed institutional websites from the Digital Library Federation's (DLF) published list of 195 members and identified representative digital objects from unique digital collections navigable from each institution's main web page in order to determine persistent URL formats and citation options. Findings indicate an equal split between offering and not offering discernible persistent URLs with four major methods used: Handle, DOI, ARK, and PURL. Significant variation in labeling persistent URLs and inclusion in item-specific citations uncovered areas where the user experience could be improved for more reliable citation of these unique resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a comparative study in which researchers analyzed the relationship between the level of study conducted by student library users and the extent of use of library resources by these students in Nigerian universities in 2004-2005. Researchers were interested in gathering this information in order to help university libraries manage their facilities and resources. Other topics discussed include the value and scope of the research, the implications of the study on Nigerian university library collections, and the recommendation that libraries promote their available resources to capitalize on their collections.

Few women major in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields at the undergraduate level. Given the drive to attract and retain students in general, and women in STEM in particular, educational institutions need to know what resources and services might help support these students in their work. This study seeks to provide a better understanding of how undergraduate women in STEM use the academic library. The study involved focus groups and interviews with women at a research-intensive university in the United States. Grounded theory principles provided a basis for analysis of the collected conversations. The findings from this study indicate that undergraduate women in STEM depend on the academic library as a quiet place to study where there are few distractions and technology is easily available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper intends to examine academic library services and facilities for university students at the tertiary level in Punjab. It has been observed that all educational institutions specifically higher education has an academic library to facilitate the students in terms of their academic activities and research-oriented tasks. This study has been conducted to measure the response of library patrons of two Public Sector Universities in Punjab, Pakistan. The unit of analysis has been based on the enrolled students of the University of Gujrat, Gujrat, and Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan. A sample of 16 students (8 students from each university and half male and female student ratio) has been selected using a purposive sampling technique. An interview guide has been developed and a case study method has been used to conduct in-depth interviews of the library Patrons. It is worth stating that researchers conducted interviews in the academic library of the relevant universities' main campus. Data analysis has been done with reference thematic analysis technique. The study finding asserted that library patrons reported that research support services and internet facilities had been provided by the library administration. Similarly, the study findings revealed that a silent zone of study, printing, and photocopy facility had been provided to support academic activities at the university. Likewise, the study results indicated that an online public access catalog, reference and periodical section, and open reading area had also been provided by the library staff to the library patron for the smooth running of research activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the results of a survey that gathered data on perceptions and use of e-books from undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and staff at two Maryland research universities in 2019. It follows two previous surveys in 2012 and 2014 by the same team of investigators, with slight changes in personnel, and compares results across time, by user affiliation with the university, and by STEM versus non-STEM disciplines. The study concludes with a discussion of the major findings and their implications for academic libraries and publishers, as well as areas for further inquiry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Libraries have traditionally relied on various methods to evaluate their collections and services, such as circulation statistics, reference queries, and user surveys. However, with the increasing dominance of the web, new tools and techniques have emerged for measuring library performance and impact. Webometrics is a field that deals with the quantitative analysis of web-based data, including website rankings, social media mentions, and online citations. This article explores the intersection of library science and webometrics, highlighting the potential benefits and challenges of using web-based metrics in modern libraries. The article provides an overview of webometric methods, discusses their relevance to libraries, and offers examples of how libraries are incorporating webbased metrics into their evaluation and assessment practices. The article also considers the limitations and ethical considerations of using webometrics in libraries and offers suggestions for future research and practice. Overall, this article aims to contribute to a better understanding of the role of web-based metrics in modern libraries and their potential to enhance library services and user experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to know the level of satisfaction of users with resources and services of government law college libraries of North East India. To collect the required information from users Questionnaire method was used among the six government law college libraries within the geographical boundary of the states of North East India. 420 questionnaires were distributed among the students and faculties, out of which 312 questionnaires were accepted for analysis. For the study users were selected randomly. The major findings of the study reveal that all libraries provide a good range of library services such as circulation service, display of new arrival, reservation of books service (100 percent), reference service (83.33 percent), reprographic service (66.66 percent), etc. The respondents are found to be satisfied with the availability of library resources i.e. (Highly Satisfied (HS) and Satisfied (S)= 52.42 percent) and the services (HS and S= 59.66 percent) provided by the surveyed libraries. The satisfaction level regarding different ICT-based library facilities, the libraries need to further strengthen their facilities (HS and S= 25.85 percent). The study is a unique one as no such study was conducted on user satisfaction with libraries in the government law college of North East India. The study will support researchers to explore the studies on users of government law college libraries in the region. Based on the finding it can be said that the libraries of the government law college of North East India have the potential to strengthen their facilities and services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

College libraries are integral part of higher education institutions and they play an important role in raising the standard of education. The study was conducted at Sri JCBM College, Sringeri to assess users’ awareness and utilization of library resources and services. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire and personal visits to the said college library. Convenience sampling technique was used to collect the data. Seventy structured questionnaires were distributed and 52 duly filled questionnaires were returned back, the response rate is 76.04%. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (16.0) and Excel. The study revealed that the majority (86%) of the users are visiting library daily. The study revealed that majority of the users have awareness on almost all the services provided by the library. The majority of the users always use internet browsing service (50%), Reference service (44.23%) and Book bank facility (40.38%) while they visit the library. The users were satisfied with various resources and services provided by the library. The study suggested to provide a separate digital library with the adequate number of computers with high speed internet connectivity, Wi-Fi, access to more number of e-resources including CDs/DVDs and online journals to the users in the library. The library needs to explore innovative methods by making use of technology in reaching out to users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eniac Computer the first substantial computer was the giant ENIAC machine developed by John W. Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert at the University of Pennsylvania. Development of computers gone through the five generations, and came to the present position. Computer is such a machine which can calculate, process, store and retrieve information very first which human mind cannot do. The real revolution took place when IT came into existence. It is a combination use of computer, communication technology, multimedia technology, optical storage, networking, and barcode technology. Development of IT made easy to get information of any form sitting at home in just one click. Development of IT proves to be the boon for the library. Benefits of ICT use in the library are seen in library management and services. UGC has made provision of special grants for university and colleges to develop ICT infrastructure in the libraries. Present study is conducted on ICT infrastructure in the college libraries of Dooars region under North Bengal University to discover how ICT has affected the overall performance; the results of the study have not found encouraging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summer 2020 witnessed a large-scale temporary release of content from the publishing community to support UK universities as they moved to online-only delivery, followed by a scramble by those institutions to maintain access to resources. This paper reflects on the experiences of De Montfort University and Imperial College libraries during this period as they supported the move to remote teaching. It focuses on the complexities experienced during this transitional period, and considers how the speed of these changes increased staff workloads, stretched budgets, and compelled acquisitions teams to act without always fully gathering evidence or strategically planning how new practices might work in the longer term. The authors, who sit on various national contract management and acquisitions strategy groups, examine the repercussions of navigating from an unplanned, accelerated digital shift to a more managed, sustainable paradigm, and contemplate how the advent of multimode teaching may impact on the way libraries are resourced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the results of an online survey of access services departments at academic libraries on the responses implemented during the initial stage of COVID-19 in March–May 2020. The 33-question survey was completed by 121 respondents. The article identifies policies and procedures adopted by access services departments during the pandemic, including staffing, return of library materials, fines, due dates, quarantine periods, interlibrary loan, reserves, and retrieval of materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

First-generation college students have a profound impact both inside and outside the classroom on the strategic goals of universities, yet in-depth, firsthand information about their experiences are difficult for researchers and university administrators to find. Oral histories are a data-rich method of collecting narratives that legitimize the perspectives of underrepresented communities whose stories are often absent from the written record. This article provides a brief overview of first-generation populations, a review of literature relating to the increasing involvement of libraries and archives in capturing and preserving the stories of underdocumented communities in the twenty-first century, and shares three case studies of first-generation initiatives at public universities in California, Colorado, and Nebraska. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grey literature is of inestimable value, with the potential for significant contributions to further inquiry and practice especially in academia and national development. Researchers, students, lecturers and scientists, depend on these resources which are often the main sources of indigenous and firsthand information. The challenge is retrieval, since they lack meaningful bibliographic control. They are usually not peer-reviewed and sometimes are of poor quality because they often originate from technocrats, scholars and scientists in various fields. A 2019 survey done in Jamaica with librarians from the Scientific and Technical Information Network (STIN) reveals the low status accorded to grey literature. Participants indicated that there is no active thrust towards advocacy and promotion. However, they recognize their importance and would willingly assist in organizing them. Digitization and archiving in repositories allow for greater accessibility to grey literature in academia. This paper examined the value of grey literature and presented digital accessibility as an infrastructure in overcoming associated challenges. Digitization's value is seen in the regeneration of archiving, the increase in the use of non-circulating resources in special collections such as theses and dissertations, and in the preservation of collections. Digitization offers an online presence which raises awareness of existing collections and builds the image of academic institutions. This paper presents some best practices used in digitization, and key steps in the digitization process. The paper is qualitative and utilizes archival study to showcase the efforts of The University of the West Indies (The UWI) Mona Library in using digital technology to manage grey literature and promote their special collections. The authors concluded that through digitization this Library can act as a driver to galvanize other information units to effect greater bibliographic control. Once these valuable collections become accessible, they can be positioned to contribute to national and international development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ebooks pose many challenges in library collection development, mostly due to the lack of standards and the many different platforms available. These challenges are faced by both public and academic libraries, but the challenges inherent in collecting popular reading ebooks can be different from the challenges that come with collecting scholarly ebooks. This article describes the purpose and processes behind an academic library, University of Wyoming Libraries, providing popular reading ebooks to its faculty and students, and focuses on the experience of being a 3M Cloud Library early adopter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Special Collections and Archives Department (SpecColl) was established in the Glucksman Library at the University of Limerick (UL) in 1998. It is passionate about embedding its broad range of holdings in the university curriculum. Over the past twenty years, SpecColl has implemented an educational programme, building a network of longstanding academic contacts within the university, offering research assistance, and delivering a series of workshops catered to a variety of different student types across a broad range of disciplines. This article explores the growing educational focus of SpecColl in recent years, both in response to, and in anticipation of, the needs of faculty and students. The main body examines how SpecColl has developed its educational outreach initiatives to enhance teaching and learning at UL in line with key findings from its user statistics and student feedback. It explores the challenges faced by a specialized department in striving towards ubiquity on campus, and shares some of the lessons it has learned in its mission to make access to 'special' collections and archives a more 'ordinary' experience. The article concludes by imagining the future landscape of SpecColl, making a set of recommendations for the further development of educational activities at the department. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Libraries remain one of the last places on campus where the purging of usage data is encouraged and "tracking" is a dirty word. While some libraries have demonstrated the usefulness of analytics, opponents bring up issues of privacy and debate the feasibility of student-generated library data for planning and assessment. Using a study conducted at the University Library, California State University, Long Beach, the authors of this article identified practical knowledge of data research that academic librarians will benefit from understanding. Readers will learn about the role campus culture plays in data gathering, be exposed to the complexities of learning analytics and Institutional Review Board (IRB) clearance, and read how the authors weighed the ethical use of big data analysis for assessing students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

abstract Zines have begun to gain a place in higher education as pedagogical tools studied or made by students, and many academic libraries maintain zine collections. The library literature reveals little about how nonlibrarian faculty use zines in their classrooms. This paper describes the results of a survey of faculty from a range of academic disciplines and professions who teach with zines and other booklet forms. Survey results reveal the extent to which faculty zine pedagogies include collaboration with librarians and use of library collections. Faculty describe instructional activities and attitudes that many library professionals, including reference and instruction librarians, directors or deans, catalogers, acquisition and special collections librarians, and archivists, may find useful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sets to find out the role of academic libraries in the accreditation of undergraduate programme. The study is anchored by five objectives and is limited to Federal University of Technology, Minna with academic librarians as target respondent. The study adopted census design method as means of gathering data with a target population of 97 staff of the library and a total enumeration was used for the research. The questionnaire was used as instrument of data collection. One hypothesis was tested at 0.05 level of significant and data was presented in frequency, Tables and percentages. The hypotheses were analyzed using T-test method. The finding reveals that libraries are actively involved in all accreditation process since it makes available and accessible information resources that are necessary and critical for accreditation. It was concluded that a number of constraints such as inadequate funding and erratic power supply affect library role in accreditation. The study recommended sufficient financial support should be given to academic libraries to enable them function effective, alternative power supply should be worked on for library to have a stable power supply, enough skilled personnel with background knowledge in librarianship should be put in charge of the library and academic libraries should also invest in acquisition of electronic resources, as the world is going digital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main library of the General Sir John Kotelawela Defence University conducted a survey of the first and third-year undergraduates of the Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Management, Social Sciences and Humanities, to investigate the use and user satisfaction on library services and resources. The study employed the 455 structured questionnaires to the whole population of undergraduates as the main tool for collecting data. Further, various registers were used to count the number of users. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS Version 20. The major findings of the study revealed that the respondents were satisfied with the library resources and services of the library as a whole. Also, the study found that many of the respondents visit the library for more than one reason, whereas the majority of the respondents visit the library for accessing past papers. Other findings show that the largest proportion of the respondents visit the library once a week. As for resources, the textbooks were ranked first, followed by the newspapers/magazine, and reference sources. The less frequently used resources are CD/DVD/VCD, online journals, databases, and library web links. To meet undergraduate information requirements and make them aware of the available resources and services, it is recommended to conduct information literacy programs as well as awareness programs at regular intervals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article is to highlight the status and application of an automated cataloging system in central university libraries in north India. Data has been collected using questionnaires. Interview and observation techniques have also been used to bring objectivity in the present study. Results show that varying levels of progress have been made with respect to implementation of a cataloging system. Results also show that with the help of automation, libraries have satisfied user communities by way of easy retrieval. It has removed discrepancies and set a trend for standardization. Furthermore, staff morale has been boosted up in an automated environment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose This research was originally conducted as the author’s dissertation work at the Ohio University. The author explored LibQUAL+ results from two separate institutions with different Carnegie Classifications, and therefore different academic missions, to look for relationships between patron types, Carnegie Classifications, and scores across the minimum, perceived, and desired questions of the information control (IC) component of the LibQUAL+ instrument. By comparing results from a library affiliated with a research institution to one from a campus more focused on teaching and learning, a school going through the shift from one focus to another would be better able to anticipate changes related to patron needs. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approach A three-way between-within subjects ANOVA was conducted. The first between-subjects variable was patron type, which included undergraduate, graduate, and faculty. The second between-subjects variable was Carnegie Classification, which included the two classifications of RU_H and Master’s_M. The within-subjects variable had three levels, which in this case functioned as three dependent variables made up of the mean or composite score of the combined eight questions included in the IC portion of LibQUAL+, broken in the three categories of minimum, perceived, and desired. An additional breakdown shows that 499 were undergraduate students, 137 were graduate students, and 197 were faculty.Findings The results of the study indicated that Carnegie Classification has no significant effect on how undergraduate, graduate, and faculty respond to the three levels of the IC component of the LibQUAL+ survey. As other studies have shown however, there were significant differences with regard to patron-level responses. For a more comprehensive look at all seven research questions and their answers, please see the complete dissertation here: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1354726349Research limitations/implications This study is limited in size and scope because of the limitations of the method of analysis. A broader study using the same analysis would be difficult because of the impracticality of adding, for example, additional Carnegie Classifications into the equation. A significant limitation is that LibQUAL+ results are not typically compared across institutions as the respondents are commenting on separate collections and services. This was minimized by choosing institutions that belong to the same very strong consortial system and have an interlibrary loan system in place which essentially creates one enormous collection for all to share.Practical implications Perhaps more significant than the findings themselves is the method of analysis used, as it is one that while complicated statistically, is relatively easy to explain by using the split-plot studies conducted by R.A. Fisher on which the analysis is based as a starting point. The author have found that conceptually it is easier for those without a statistical background to relate to images of potato fields with varying types of potatoes and fertilizer than Carnegie Classifications, patron types, and the multi-level components of LibQUAL+ results.Originality/value It would be difficult to speak to the originality of the proposal, but the author would say that a possible outcome would be a discussion of the value of translatable results that speak to broader audiences, particularly those outside library settings. Methods of analysis that can be explained in ways that do not involve the word ANOVA have value and will add to a stronger understanding of research questions and results by decision makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While broad assessment projects are often used to steer library strategic planning initiatives, this article will present the benefits of qualitative interviews with distance learning constituents as a framework for developing a focused vision and targeted services. This article will describe the planning and execution of an assessment project used to build a foundation for future library resources and services to target off-campus users. The benefits of this analysis will be detailed. Based on the data, implementation strategies were devised to strengthen and further develop the distance learning unit at Florida State University Libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As e-resources become more ubiquitous, and the technologies available to access them more sophisticated, libraries have greater opportunities to reach out to global users. However, this same distance means that some users never even set foot in a physical library. This case study will describe how one large academic library started a business, economics, and marketing library online instruction pilot for global users in an effort to replicate library instruction offered at the home institution. Librarians assessed global library use and research needs; prepared unique lesson plans for each global site; and created digital learning objects using synchronous and asynchronous methods to establish an instruction strategy for Business and Economics courses. The goal was to test instruction practices and develop an online instruction template that would be replicable and sustainable for library instruction in other subject areas in New York University Libraries and other institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing the economic value of academic libraries has emerged as a new approach to the evaluation of library services. Using contingent valuation methods, we collected willingness to pay amounts for five different library services from users at four universities in Korea. Based on past research and the results from a preliminary survey at two institutions, we formulated five hypotheses that tested the efficacy of the factors predicting variations in willingness to pay values. The results indicate that university characteristics such as the type of institutions (public vs. private) and core mission (research vs. instruction) did not seem to affect differences in the service value assessments. The presence of payment cards in the data collection also did not seem to give variability in willingness to pay values. The only factor that seemed to affect these values turned out to be users’ status: faculty members consistently assigned higher amounts than students. For economic valuation methods to be fully appreciated, we need reliable data collection methodologies and more systematic approaches to the factors affecting value assessments. This study is still in its infancy due to the small scope of participating institutions and users; however, this is just a first step towards the proper economic evaluation of library services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing trend toward a consolidation of services for electronic resources management, A–Z journal listings, full text link resolving, and discovery services under a single service provider. In many cases, the adoption of a discovery service from a provider that is not the same as the libraries’ existing link resolver service means managing multiple knowledgebases. In this session, three librarians gave an overview of their experiences and strategies for maintaining separate link resolving and discovery services in lieu of adopting a full suite of services from a single service provider. Each speaker presented a case study on the advantages and challenges of managing their chosen discovery service: EBSCO Discovery Service, Ex Libris’ Primo and ProQuest’s Summon, in conjunction with the CUFTS/GODOT open source knowledgebase and link resolver service. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Space is at a premium on many college and university campuses. Libraries are often asked to vacate space for the expansion or construction of offices, labs, or learning commons. When this results in the loss of shelving space, libraries face the dilemma of what to do with those displaced materials. This paper examines the loss of approximately 7,000 linear feet of shelving space in an academic law library and the successful in-library relocation project necessitated by that loss. Planning is key to any project, especially one involving approximately 80,000 volumes. The author discusses the planning that went into the project and the outcome. Planning included measuring the size of the collections, mapping the relocation of materials, and identifying challenges. Readers will learn about a simple yet fairly accurate method for measuring library collections. The reasoning behind mapping the relocation of materials to specific areas is discussed. Challenges, such as allocating growth space, safety concerns, and lack of elevator access, are also covered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the results of a survey that gathered data on perceptions and use of e-books from undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and staff. The investigators analyzed the results based on user affiliate status and subject discipline and compared the results with the findings of a similar, smaller-scale study conducted in 2012. The study concludes with a discussion of the major findings and their implications for academic libraries and publishers, as well as areas for further inquiry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While e-journals have successfully been integrated into academic library collections, the same cannot be said about e-books. In this paper, the obstacles to e-book adoption in academic libraries in general is discussed using a review of the English-language literature published over the period 2007 to 2013. Issues identified are the changing roles of libraries in the digital age; collection development strategies; complex e-book purchase models offered to libraries; questions of copyright, licensing and digital rights management; format considerations; and availability of hardware and software on which to read e-books. Libraries continue to face these challenges today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe how the authors gained a better understanding of the variety of library users' data needs, and how gradually some new data services were established based on current capabilities. Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses a case study of the new data services at the John Cotton Dana Library, at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark campus, to demonstrate the possible ways to extend data reference services and provide data computing services. A content analysis of services records shows how each user group falls into the multiple data services levels and subcategories. Findings – Library users can be classified into many different categories, and each of these may have different needs. Research centers might have big projects involving data gathering and applications where a librarian can mainly provide consultation; while an individual faculty member or student might need the librarians as research partners, with help for their specific problems. Computing data services can involve group training and statistical analysis assistance, where researchers need emergent help. Data librarians can take various opportunities for data management education, thereby gradually raising awareness and cultivating better research habits among researchers. Originality/value – Library data computing services can make unique contributions to faculty and students' research and study. Institution, library and users' interaction determines the levels and extent of data services and is generalized from the description and analysis of typical data service examples. Classic concept of data services levels is applied to a concrete case of data services program, and sub-categories of each data services level and user types are developed based on the authors' services record. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to ask: What is the value and outcome of scholarly reading for academic staff? How do academic library collections support research and teaching activities of academic staff? How do reading patterns of articles, books, and other materials differ? What is the role of the academic library collections in teaching and learning? Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides insight into the values and outcomes of scholarly reading, identifies overall reading patterns, and illuminates issues academics address. Approximately 2,000 academic staff members from six UK universities completed a web-based survey. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected through the survey. The survey used the critical incident of last reading by academics to gather information on the purpose, outcomes, and values of scholarly readings and access to library collections. The survey concluded with open-ended comments, which is the focus of this article. Findings – The open-ended comments focused on the importance of article readings to all work activities, in particular research. They also placed emphasis on the value of the library's e-journal collections, but they had some issues with electronic access. The role of book reading was also discussed. Research limitations/implications – Open-ended comments are only one way of measuring the value of scholarly reading and library collections. Ongoing studies and examinations of the findings from the other sections of this study will add to the overall findings of the value of the academic library. Originality/value – This paper further illustrates the essential role of scholarly reading and the library's collections on the academic enterprise. This type of qualitative "story" helps libraries demonstrate their value and assess areas of concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information on the collection of materials on Eugene B. Sledge available at the Auburn University Library in Auburn, Alabama. The materials offer details on the life and career of Sledge, who was born in 1923 in Mobile, Alabama. In 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. And saw combat in Peleliu Island in Palau and Okinawa, Japan. After the World War II, he obtained degrees in biology and botany at Auburn and the University of Florida and taught for many years at the University of Montevallo in Alabama.

The article reviews several Web sites on special academic library collections about Scotland including the University of the Highlands & Islands available at www.htc.uhi.ac.uk/lib.html, the Lews Castle College available at www.lews.uhi.ac.uk/library/ and Perth College available at www.perth.ac.uk/Library/index.htm.

The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has affected the libraries to the great extent. Libraries use ICT to maintain housekeeping operations, services, uniformity and extension of library facilities. University libraries of Rajasthan (India) are using computer and associated technology for library activities. This study attempts to reveal the basic infrastructure, use, and privation during the implementation of ICT in University libraries of Rajasthan. The data have been collected using the survey method. The paper encompasses the information about the staff, collection, financial sources, hardware, software, networking infrastructure, housekeeping operations, user's services, training and problems areas encountered during implementation of ICT in university libraries. It is revealed that ICT activities are under developing stage in the university libraries of Rajasthan. The lack of basic management and proper planning and frequently change in ICT are the basic hurdles for successful implementation and development of ICT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2008, the University of Southern Indiana began to offer a new Doctor of Nursing Practice program via distance education. For the first three years, two librarians at the David L. Rice Library evaluated how well the library supported the study and research of students enrolled in the program. The research project incorporated multiple methods of assessment, including an examination of usage statistics generated by the electronic resources supporting the program, a student satisfaction survey, a review of the students' use of the library's interlibrary loan and article delivery services, and a citation analysis of the references appended to formal papers submitted as part of the required coursework. A significant amount of data was generated from the four methods used in the research, and the findings based on these data have impacted and will continue to impact the library's support of the program, including instruction, collection development, and expansion of services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this digital environment, it is the libraries responsibility to provide latest and timely information to the end users. Advanced technologies in Software field have developed so many major changes in every walk of life. Automation of Library not only saves the time of the Reader but also the time of the Library professionals and enhances the image of the library. In order to provide effective and efficient services to the user community, it is very much necessary to automate the library. In this connection, the CPA College library has been automated and the experiences faced during the automation process are discussed in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Information Science is the property of Brazilian Journal of Information Science 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.)

Individual ownership of handheld e-readers is increasing exponentially. Limited budgets, accessibility issues, and the failure of many e-readers to meet academic needs prevent academic libraries from adopting them at faster rates. Librarians spend a considerable amount of time gathering information about e-readers prior to making an investment. This article provides a history of e-reader availability and selection in the United States, information on the challenges that academic librarians face in e-reader selection, and research results of various studies on e-book/e-reader use by students. The article reflects on the e-reader evaluation and decision-making process and makes recommendations for investment and training. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The evolution of Romanian university libraries' collections between 1989 and 2009 is studied through corelating and analyzing the variation of statistical indicators regarding the number of university libraries, the number of volumes detained by them, the circulation of documents and the number of registered users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the role of information technology (IT) services in academic libraries as technological innovations like the Internet become more prevalent in research. It examines student and staff perceptions of the impact of IT services as well as user expectations and the use of IT in the Institute for International Management and Technology (IIMT) in India. Other topics include a profile of the IIMT Library's technological services, an analysis of the data collected from student users of the library, and recommendations on how IIMT staff can improve their IT services.

Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan is a fastest growing University of Southern Punjab, (Pakistan). It has vast disciplines of Arts, Social Sciences, Languages, Commerce, Law, Pure Sciences, Sports Sciences, Engineering, Agricultural, and Veterinary Disciplines. Total number of students studying in this university is 17000, Role of libraries in promotion of education and research is familiar to everyone. This case study reveals entire structure, i.e. Service Structure of Librarians, services, facilities and opportunities providing to readers. In this paper, staff, services rendered, automation situation, annual budget, etc., have been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information from various aspects of the field of international serials and electronic resource management. Abstracts for several research articles are included on topics such as scholarly electronic books (e-books) and open source data in academic publishing. Additionally, awards and grants presented by the American Library Association (ALA) in 2011 are highlighted along with notes on the reorganization of the United Kingdom Serials Group (UKSG). Brief information regarding the 2012 conference for the UKSG and a list of online resources related to serials librarians are also included.

The purpose of this paper is to report the results of a quantitative analysis exploring the interaction and relationship between the online database and electronic journal collections at the J. N. Desmarais Library of Laurentian University. A very strong relationship exists between the number of searches and the size of the online database collection where the larger a database collection, the greater its usage. Another very strong relationship was observed between the number of searches and the number of articles downloaded. The more searches that were performed on the database collection, the more the e-journal collection was utilized. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The University of Maryland Libraries have acquired tens of thousands of Judaica volumes during the past decades and continuing to the present. The growth has far exceeded cataloging capacity, resulting in a significant backlog that is invisible to selectors and patrons alike. In order to make these materials available, catalogers at UM Libraries developed procedures that make use of in-process records. These processes have since been applied to other backlogs. This paper describes the procedures and discusses their advantages and disadvantages. Overall, the frontlog approach has resulted in visible benefits to both patrons and librarians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this column is to examine the issues between library space and the pursuit of serendipitous browsing. Design/methodology/approach – The approach is via a literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by colleague institutions. Findings – While library space is at a premium on every college and university campus, even in light of access to digital material, a considerable portion of the collection still must be available in print, thus necessitating traditional shelf space, so that searching the physical collection and browsing can occur. Balancing the two issues is a challenge to each and every institution in its forward planning cycle. Originality/value – The value in addressing this issue is to examine the issues of insufficient shelf space versus browsing the collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this study is to identify and examine the factors that affected the scale of ILL photocopy requests between Japanese university libraries from 1994 to 2008. Design/methodology/approach -- Based on the newly developed conceptual framework to interpret the rise and fall in ILL, more than 10 million requests, sent through a nation-wide system called NACSIS-ILL from 1994 to 2008 were quantitatively analyzed. Findings -- The number of photocopy requests for articles in foreign journals started to decrease in 2000, due to the dramatic increase of e-journal titles made accessible through "Big Deal" contracts that came into effect in 2002 as well as other similar trials prior to it. On the other hand, requests for articles in domestic journals, mostly written in Japanese, continued to increase until 2006. The main factor for this increase was the expansion of journal title coverage in bibliographic databases, which enabled users to retrieve more references. However , requests decreased in 2007, because of advances in digitization in the Japanese academic environment. Research limitations/implications -- This research proposes a conceptual model to understand document demand and service patterns observed in nation-wide ILL services. It also successfully draws a comprehensive picture of ILL in Japanese higher education institutions, based on more than 10 million request records over 15 years, and it shows how the number of ILL requests correlates with the availability of requested journals in electronic form. Originality/value -- This research proposes a conceptual model to understand document demand and service patterns observed in nation-wide ILL services. It also successfully draws a comprehensive picture of ILL in Japanese higher education institutions, based on more than 10 million request records over 15 years, and it shows how the number of ILL requests correlates with the availability of requested journals in electronic form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the academic libraries in two textile engineering colleges in Haryana, India. Brief information is given about related studies on collection development and the library environment. The discussion focuses on the results of a status survey of library collections at the Technological Institute of Textile and Sciences and the Panipat Institute of Textile and Engineering. Statistics concerning library orientation programs, the qualifications or academic credentials of library personnel, and book circulation are noted. Library automation infrastructure and computer operating systems used are also noted.

Purpose - This paper aims to highlight some of the ways in which UK academic libraries are responding to the increasing space pressures in both their library buildings and their external stores. Design/methodology/approach - A survey of academic libraries looks at current practice, with examples taken from the University of Leeds and a number of other UK universities. Findings - The paper finds that relegation of stock has become a fact of life, and withdrawal is becoming more common. It is clear that the shortage of physical space cannot be solved by institutions in isolation, and that a collective strategy is essential in order to guarantee long-term sustainable storage of low-usage material. Originality/value - It is hoped that the examples discussed can help inform stock management decisions in other institutions that are starting to face storage problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to understand how electronic grey literature is being incorporated into Women's Studies collections at academic libraries. Design/methodology/approach - The electronic grey literature holdings of four American academic libraries at universities with graduate Women's Studies programs were collected and analyzed. This included: databases; digital special collections; web sites; and online course guides that the library had created for Women's Studies courses. Findings - Women's Studies International and GeriderWatch were the two most popular databases, being available at three of the four libraries studied. The most popular web sites were University of Wisconsin - Women's Studies Librarian (www.library.wisc.edu/libraries/WomensStudies/) and WSSLinks: Women and Gender Studies web sites (http://libr.org/wss/wsslinks/index.html). Recommended web sites were overwhelmingly multidisciplinary in nature and covered a variety of topics related to Women's Studies such as business, art, health, music, and philosophy. The digital collections with women's grey literature all dealt with historical topics and were either about a specific group of people or a specific person or place that had a tie to the university where it was housed. Originality/value - Grey literature is becoming an increasing popular topic in collection development and document preservation. However, there is little research on grey literature created by women. Specific databases and web sites that were found in the collections studied are mentioned so that other libraries may use the information to enhance their own collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study on the challenges of acquiring information resources in major university libraries in Pakistan. It explores the factors that caused the difficulty of accessing books and other information resources to university libraries in the nation. Moreover, it recommends steps for the government to implement practical and realistic measures to ensure smooth flow and procedure in acquiring books in university libraries.