Search

Collections care describes actions taken to prevent or limit the deterioration of moveable cultural heritage and ‘collections care documentation’ (CCD) refers to the recording and retention of information relating to those activities. This paper describes the findings of a survey and targeted interviews with staff from a number of U.K. museums, archives and libraries. The results suggest that, while there is much good practice, some organisations face difficulties instituting a framework for CCD which covers all their activities effectively. Large and small organisations have varying challenges to face; the former with specialist staff working in separate departments and the latter with staff who carry out activities relating to preventive conservation but who may not have specialist knowledge. An efficient documentation structure, which is resilient and relevant to the organisation, can support and improve communication as well as raise awareness of the reasons for and methods of preventive conservation. This paper looks at the reasons why even basic practices can sometimes be difficult to achieve and presents ideas for identifying and overcoming barriers. As preventive conservators argue that specified actions influence the long-term sustainability of collections the evidence that allows verification those claims needs to be retained. In order to do this, a greater focus on what data to collect and why will enable the sector to align CCD with specific research questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of the importance of indigenous knowledge in development process, this paper investigated the efforts of selected federal university libraries in South West, Nigeria in indigenous knowledge collection development and preservation. The study adopted a descriptive survey design that involved the use structured questionnaire, unstructured interviews and observation as instruments for data collection. Seventy six (76) professional librarians constituted the target population of the study; therefore seventy six (76) copies of questionnaire were administered to the professional librarians in the selected university libraries. The data collected using the questionnaire complemented by interview and observation were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings from the study revealed the tremendous efforts of selected university libraries in IK collection development and preservation in the libraries as the study revealed the existence of IK materials. It also established that dearth of fund and linguistic problem were the challenges facing the collection development and preservation of IK in the selected university libraries. It therefore recommended that the university libraries should liaised with the international bodies for financial support for the sustainability of IK resources collection development and preservation in the libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to argue regarding the evolution of the collection management as a gradual process where internal and external factors interact to transform the collection and its management activities. In this progress, cooperation is used as a necessary strategy for assuming its roles and to fit the new goals, mission and context of the library. Libraries are living organisms in continuous change to adapt to the context where they exist and which is the cause of their progress. It is formed by “vital elements” such as the collection – which is its basic element and the nucleus of its activity. Design/methodology/approach – This argumentative paper establishes a logical reasoning of the evolution process of the “collection management”, with the application of Kuhn’s structure of scientific revolutions. Findings – The library collection has had great changes, such as its origin, composition, ownership, volume and diversity, different life cycle from paper to digital formats and evaluation process. These changes have affected the principles and practices of collection management in three key areas: expansion and change of traditional activities in collection management; enlargement and modification of agents involved; and fundamental mission of giving access to all information resources needed by actual or potential remote users. The “cooperation” becomes an essential element and the main engine of great part of the collection management. Originality/value – In this paper, Kuhn’s structure of scientific revolutions theory is used to establish the evolution of the collection management, to become a revolution, with a new paradigm “cooperative collection management”. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on an original methodology using citations, downloads, and survey data, this paper analyzes journal usage patterns across 28 Canadian universities. Results show that usage levels vary across disciplines and that different academic platforms varied in their importance to different institutions, with for-profit platforms generally exhibiting lower usage. These results suggest economic inefficiencies exist in "big deal" academic journal subscriptions for universities, as most journals in such bundles are seldom or never used. We recommend that universities coordinate resource sharing and negotiate strategies with academic journal expenditures based on shared interests and usage trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper I share my experiences, opinions and perspectives of running a school library during the COVID-19 pandemic. I discuss the difficulties and problems I have encountered, but also the opportunities for creativity that have presented themselves. From experiencing government cutbacks to layoffs and school closures, I discuss my feelings and frustrations about COVID-19 and how it prevented me from doing my job. I demonstrate how the pandemic heightened the feeling of isolation and loneliness in a job that can already make one feel disconnected; I highlight the importance and need for human connection. I also examine the new creative opportunities that working during a pandemic has given me, like asynchronous programming, collection development, professional development and a chance to experiment or renovate. This paper is meant to highlight the importance of school libraries and start a discussion of our role before and after the pandemic. Advocacy helps ensure that school libraries remain open. My goal is to give a glimpse of day-to-day library practice in a school library during the pandemic and share ideas and information with the library and information community. My views and opinions are my own, and the context will be different in every school. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The National Transportation Library (NTL) at the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) provides national and international access to the crucial transportation information that falls within the scope of grey literature, including the results of U.S. government funded research. Founded as an all-digital library in 1998, NTL's collections include full-text-born digital and digitized publications, data products, and other resources. All items are in the public domain and available for reuse without restriction. Since 2016, NTL has led the implementation of the USDOT's Official Public Access Plan issued in response to the February 22, 2013 Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies entitled Increasing Access to the Results of Federally Funded Scientific Research. This paper discusses the effect this plan has had on a grey literature library and the efforts to create and maintain a public access repository, as well as exploring relationships between repository platform, contents, and people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Classification systems play a fundamental role in the organization, display, retrieval and access to the knowledge materials in libraries. These systems have served the purpose adequately in most of knowledge areas; nevertheless, some grey areas lack proper place and enumeration in these systems. Islamic knowledge is among the areas that have not been properly addressed. The purpose of this paper is to examine this problem and indicate a potential solution. Design/methodology/approach – This paper expands on the author's earlier research which focused on Pakistan library collections. Empirical data have been collected from 16 LIS scholars who have interest in or expertise on this issue through interviews. Scholars are from Pakistan, India, Malaysia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UK, the USA and Canada. A review of the literature is also presented. Findings – A number of approaches have been taken to work around the deficiencies of the standard classification systems when it comes to Islamic knowledge and publications, including indigenous systems and expansions. Details of some of these are presented. A range of possible improvements to existing classification systems was suggested by scholars, and an outline of what is required in a new, independent system is discussed, along with ideas about the best way for this system to be developed. Originality/value – The paper discusses an area of professional concern that has been discussed widely in Islamic countries, but only in a limited fashion outside of Islamic countries. Thus, the paper should be of interest to researchers and practitioners interested in cataloguing and classification theory. [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]

This paper reports the results of a citation analysis of the scholarly literature of LGBT Studies. EBSCO's LGBT Life database was used to gather a sample of 4,321 citations from core scholarly journals in the field of LGBT Studies, covering the time period 1974 to 2010. The analysis reveals that, although LGBT Studies as an area of scholarship emerged from the gay rights activist movement of the 1960s and 1970s, the field's literature appears to be firmly rooted in the mainstream academic literature rather than in popular publications or community and activist periodicals. However, the field has a very high rate of cross-disciplinary citation and cites particularly heavily from medical journals and books. In addition to illuminating the citation characteristics of LGBT Studies, this paper presents lists of highly cited books and journals that should prove useful for subject librarians supporting LGBT Studies programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to explore the bibliometric features of scientific publications in the area of domestic violence (an important global social problem) for the period 2011–2020; thus, enabling the scientific community to understand the research progress on the topic. Design/methodology/approach: The data of the scientific publications were retrieved from the Scopus database. The keyword "Domestic Violence" was applied as a topic term to search articles published during the study period. The statistical analysis was conducted by using the RStudio and VOSviewer tools along with MS Excel. Findings: A total of 11,899 scientific works were published during the study period. The annual percentage growth of publication in the area of domestic violence in the study period is 74.97%. The majority of the papers (74.72%) were published as journal articles. USA and UK have the highest numbers of scientific publications and citations. Together they account for more than half of the publications (58.38%) and citations (67 per pub). However, the highest average citation per publication has been recorded by Switzerland (34 per pub). Feder G. (UK) is the most cited author, and the Journal of Interpersonal Violence (Sage publications) has the highest number of publications, citations and source title impact ratio in the domain of domestic violence. Practical implications: One can find numerous bibliometric studies in the domain of natural science, but not many studies have been conducted in the field of social sciences. In this light, the scientific community can gain from the bibliometric information regarding the scientific publications in the area of domestic violence, which is one of the dominant areas of study in social sciences. Originality/value: The study will provide significant information on the trends of academic publications in the study area. It is one of the most comprehensive studies on domestic violence, which will aid the potential researchers in identifying the most prominent contributions, county-wise research distribution, author and journal productivity and other related indicators. The findings of the study will be also helpful to library authorities in reviewing and updating collection development policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This bibliometric study explores the growth of literature on the holy scripture of 'The Bhagavad Gita'. One of the ancient and life-strengthening texts of the world is originated in India. To conduct this study, two approaches were adopted to reach the neck of the study. For the literature review, all the normal and well-established databases such as google scholar, web of science, and particular websites of journals were visited and explored one by one. Some steps of the PRISMA algorithm were utilized for the selection of the literature. Secondly, for the data collection, only Web of Science data with the Keyword 'The Bhagavad Gita' with the limit of only 'Title' applied. From 2011 to 2022, a total of 64 publications has been published which is 61.54% of the total 104 publications published in the past 36 years. The majority of publications i.e. 21(19.23%) were published in the category of anthropology. Ashton, Geoffrey, Philosophy Department (University of San Fransisco) & Christian, Graham (Andover Harvard Theol Lib, (Cambridge) each contributed 03 publications on the topic. A maximum of 53(50.96%) publications were contributed by only USA and 165 citations for 53 publications. Many publishers approx. i.e. 50 different countries are listed on the Web of Science which published a total of 104 single or more single publications on the topic of 'The Bhagavad Gita'. This study will be more fruitful for the scientists, librarians, researchers, and authors to find out more authentic literature, evaluate the publications, and collection development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzes the citations of Masters Theses in Library and Information Science of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria submitted from 2011 to 2018 with a view to determining the format and age of materials used and most frequently cited journals. The document checklists were used for data collections and the citations were extracted from the title pages and reference lists of each of the theses. Data obtained from 48 Masters Theses were examined. The study found that 47.22% of cited items were monographs followed by journals - 31.21%, 8.5% were reports, 4.05% were web resources and 3.65% were conference proceedings. This is contrary with other citation analysis, which found that journals are the most frequently used format. The study also revealed that 21 journal titles were the most frequently cited journals by Library and information Science postgraduate students. The study discovered that the average age of materials used were 10-20 years and that Library Philosophy Practice (e-journal) was the most cited journal title. The findings did show that citation analysis of theses is veritable tool for collections development. The implication of this study is that it could serve as a collection development tool that can be used as a model for the library to identify the primary sources for acquisitions and also as a guide for collection maintenance. It is based on this that it was recommended that university libraries should as a matter of professional responsibility ensure yearly analysis of theses as part of their documentation policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper seeks to review Cushing Academy's recent decision to withdraw the majority of its print book collection in favor of electronic books. Design/methodology/approach - The paper is designed to conjure thoughts regarding the role of books and their digital future, particularly in light of the Kindle and Google Books project. Findings - The paper suggests that eliminating print books from a secondary school library may not serve well students who go on to attend universities where print books predominate. Originality/value - The paper calls attention to the challenges libraries and institutions face in transitioning to electronic books. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to look at the sustainability of collections within libraries and suggest a means for maintaining this. Design/methodology/approach - The paper proposes a system of bartering with libraries offering those elements of their collection which are rarely used if at all to those who might be able to use them. It suggests that this might be done through a system of trading dollars. Findings - The paper suggests that bartering might be a way of adding lasting value to print collections. Originality/value - The paper suggests a system of bartering which could add lasting value to the print collections of libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the notion of "post-literacy," a presumption that posits reading will be transformed by electronic devices into an experience rather different than printed text readers encounter, and that, perhaps, a level of post-literacy has already been reached given the plethora of e-reading devices currently available. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses a literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by writers and researchers. Findings – Librarians would agree that there is increasing evidence of a digital shift in the reading habits of their patrons, thus supporting the premise of a post-literate environment. In order to meet the challenge within this change environment, libraries will need to plan their collections and services expeditiously and measure their expenditures differently each year to serve a public keen on an interest in digital reading materials. Originality/value – The value in addressing this issue is to consider some of the evidence suggesting that the transformation of reading from a traditional print engagement with text to a model that will be largely digital is currently underway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Ulrich's Serials Analysis System (USAS) is based on Ulrich's Periodical Directory which has been an essential resource about periodical publications for 80 years, first in print, then later in CD-ROM and online versions. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the content and software features of USAS, based on tests made between July 2011 and January 2012. Design/methodology/approach – In addition to depicting the overall profile of USAS, special emphasis was given to marketing-focused and marketing-related journals, and their coverage in academic multidisciplinary and business databases. Findings – In light of the apparently everlasting library budget crises, the incessant increases in the subscription costs of journals and database licensing, and – on the positive side – the impressive growth of full text digital availability of journals through various sources, it was found that USAS can be a great asset in discovering alternatives, negotiating prices, and making educated decisions in collection development, as well as in reference services. Originality/value – The paper presents an analysis of the Ulrich's Serials Analysis System from the perspective of journal coverage by academic databases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide information on handling gifts-in-kind in Croatian public and academic libraries. It also recommends what should be done to improve practice with gifts for collections. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on the author's research conducted using an anonymous online questionnaire that was sent to Croatian public libraries (n=139) and academic libraries (n=73) in May 2011. After a two-week period, a total of 84 responses was received (40 public libraries and 44 academic libraries). In statistical analysis, some variables are tested by χ2-test to show whether differences between public and academic libraries are statistically significant. Findings – The majority of Croatian libraries do not have gift policy statements. Gifts do have a significant part in collection building, especially in Croatian academic libraries, but are not always handled in the right way (i.e. according to IFLA's guidelines). This paper shows the quantity of gifts in the libraries, librarians' reasons for not accepting some gifts, librarians' methods in dealing with gifts, and their way of communicating with donors or potential donors. Originality/value – This paper gives results of the first complete study of gift policies in Croatian public and academic libraries. In conclusion, a need for a written gift policy in Croatian libraries is emphasized and some recommendations are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to examine Malaysian contributions in the field of biomedical and health sciences. Methods: In this study, 3697 publications affiliated to Malaysian addresses from the sci database between 1990 and 2005 were sampled. This study also explored publication productivity trends, authorship and collaboration pattern, core journals used, and citations obtained. Results: Main contributions were journal articles (73.3%). Most authors (63.7%) contributed only one article and 16.1% produced over 30-68 publications. Multi-authored works were the norm. The productive authors were named either first or second in publications. There were active collaborations with authors from Asia-Pacific countries (35%) and Europe (30%). The majority of publications were contributed by institutions of higher learning (87%). Core journals used follow quite close to Bradford's zonal ratios of 44:152:581. The active research areas were identified. About 71.3% of publications received citations especially those published from 1995 to 1999. Conclusion: This study helped librarians identify active researchers, active research areas and journals relevant to biomedical and health sciences researchers and useful when producing reports to university management and planning medical collection policies and deciding on journal subscriptions and cancellations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to test a multi-dimensional model of indicators for collection evaluation (proposed in a previous paper by the authors) and to illustrate how to apply these indicators in practice. Design/methodology/approach – An analytical study will be used to test the use of the multi-dimensional collection evaluation model to assess an academic library collection. The study will: define the scope of the collection; focus on two of the dimensional categories (capacity and usage) and identify indicators for the two categories. Findings – This paper demonstrates that combining usage indicators with capacity measurement (in terms of dollar expenditures) provides a powerful method of assessment with the potential to provide valuable data. Research limitations/implications – This study provides an accurate assessment of a library's collection in the current information environment. It does not currently include institutional repositories or locally created digital resources that will need to be addressed in the future as they mature and become more robust. Practical implications – Academic libraries will have a reliable and sustainable model for the assessment of their collections. This paper illustrates how to assess the collection using the selected indicators. Originality/value – The value of this study is in its development of the multi-dimensional model for collection assessment and in the reliability and accuracy of the collection data it provides. It provides an evidence-based method for assessing an academic library collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper sets out to explore the potential benefits of using digital photography in the evaluation of prospective donations of book collections. Design/methodology/approach – The paper describes a methodology for creating a collection of images to preserve bibliographic information from large book donations where time and distance restrictions limit the ability to carry out a thorough investigation on-site. This image collection will assist in the initial assessment of the collection's suitability for acceptance, documentation and creation of a gift list. Findings – Using digital photography allows for relatively quick and comprehensive documentation to aid in the evaluation of large potential gift-in-kind donations. Additional benefits realized from acquiring digital images may include automation of gift list creation, publicity for the newly acquired collection, and enhancing exhibitions. This methodology utilizes readily available and affordable equipment that will likely be well within the resources of most libraries. Originality/value – This paper offers practical advice on employing current and emerging digital technologies to assess and enhance gift-in-kind donations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current and emerging trends raise questions about the extent to which academic research libraries should continue to seek perpetual access provisions for journal acquisitions. To describe the questions being raised, this paper begins by framing perpetual access commitments within the contexts of the past, present, and future. The paper then assesses current views and practices by describing and analyzing the results of a survey of librarians. The results show that, while the respondents' libraries generally espouse strong commitments to perpetual access, a combination of factors is leading many libraries to take actions that weaken perpetual access provisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Institutional repositories have been established by most university libraries but their level of success has varied. Determining what belongs in such repositories has been the subject of some discussion but research would suggest that a broader rather than narrower compass is a positive approach to adopt. By seeking out a variety of content types, the library is able to initiate, renew, or redefine its relationship with faculty, departments, and administration, generating critical support for scholarly communication and repository initiatives. This paper provides examples of successful IRs and their scope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of exchange rates of foreign currencies on the material budget in the libraries in India. Design/methodology/approach - A sample of journals costing in foreign currency was selected for the purpose of study. A comparison of inflation rate pertaining to serial price is done with the general rate of inflation in India. Findings - The paper finds that exchange rates of foreign currencies have extensive impact on the acquisitions budget of the libraries in India. Practical implications - Academic institutions may protect the buying powers of the libraries while allocating funds, keeping in mind the strengthening or weakening of Indian Rupee in comparison to foreign currencies. Originality/value - This is one of the comprehensive studies on the impact of foreign exchange on subscription in Indian libraries system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to describe major developments at Copac, including changes that facilitate use for interlibrary loan activity, introduce the Copac Collections Management project and look toward future developments in the context of the UK’s National Monograph Strategy. The Copac service gives access to the merged catalogues of 95 UK and Irish national, academic and specialist libraries, and is still growing. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is a descriptive account. Findings – This paper identifies and describes some of the implications of the reengineering of Copac; addresses the role and benefits of the Copac Collections Management project; and looks ahead to forthcoming development areas. Originality/value – This paper is a valuable update on the service provided by Copac, as well an overview of the forthcoming Copac Collections Management tools service, and an introduction to future developments within the National Monograph Strategy context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a descriptive study of the profile and success of the collaborative ebook development project of the Consortium of Engineering Libraries-Philippines (CELPh). CELPh was established in 2014 to provide its member libraries better access to online resources through shared subscriptions/acquisitions. In the last three years, it has jointly acquired a total of 1417 e-book titles, bought in 3 tranches. The decision whether to continue or end the project depends largely on its success. To measure success, this study looks into the utilization rate, the cost-efficiency of the acquired e-books, and the members' insights with regard the project's strengths and weaknesses through the collected usage data from publisher and interviews among selected head librarians of member libraries. This study determines the cost-per-use to ascertain cost efficiency, while Applegate's Formula is used to ascertain utilization rate that include the percentage of items used/accessed, the circulation ratio of all titles, and the circulation ratio of downloaded titles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the journey of one library to ensure its service continues to present online information in an innovative mode that provides a competitive option for successful searching. Based on information about user search behavior and the concept of information clustering, a new online product was developed. Designed and presented as a "smorgasbord" of focused topic clusters or subject guides, the product enables users to draw on the high-quality, curated content of the library's large research database without doing the work of searching and selecting. Topics were selected based on the sectoral expertise of the library team and the user interface built within the current content management system. A review of usage three years after release resulted in a refresh of the topic structure and significant reduction in maintenance effort. The overall journey has resulted in a new collection and a new approach, evolving both the skillset and the mindset of the professionals involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recommender systems, a subclass of information filtering designed to predict the rating or preference of a user, are among the most successful examples of machine learning in action. Drawing inspiration from the benefits of using recommender systems for business, and their success in heightening the perceived utility of recommendations, this project was developed using Python to optimize collection recommendations and to help librarians make collection decisions using a recommender system. This paper illustrates several examples of building recommender systems using a variety of recommendation techniques to aid in the selection of monographs. It also points out possible future uses of recommender systems in libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ensuring the accessibility of digital content is a priority for libraries. Digital collections continue to grow, and libraries seek feedback from users and use tools to diagnose and solve accessibility issues. As libraries grapple with this new landscape, they want to know where they stand amongst their peers, what mandates apply to their situations, and how library staff are being trained to address accessibility requirements, among other issues. In 2019, the LYRASIS consortium surveyed its large network of more than 1,000 member galleries, libraries, archives, and museums to discover how these member institutions are approaching accessibility. This paper represents highlights from that survey as well as examples of accessibility efforts from North Carolina State University Libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes how the Southern Illinois University Medical Library employed ArchivesSpace to create a searchable, online presence for part of its existing physical archive collection. ArchivesSpace is an open-source web based archival management system. The Medical Library, with cooperation from the IT department, used our institutional servers to store data, but users may also pay for third-party hosting. As this paper demonstrates, ArchivesSpace is inexpensive and relatively simple to set up and use and may be a good option for hospital libraries or other smaller libraries that are interested in online archival management tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research studies the fields contained in "Suggest a Purchase" forms from 100 university libraries, focusing on the data they can provide to subject specialists to make decisions about collection development. The research will consider whether the content of "Suggest a Purchase" forms may be used to aid subject specialists and collection development librarians to make decisions concerning the purchasing of books and other materials. Statistical evidence gathered through the "Suggest a Purchase" forms is analyzed to justify the relevancy of specific fields. The research examines whether patron-initiated purchases may offer data concerning collection gaps and trends in users' needs. The paper concludes with recommendations for best practices in the design and content of patron suggestion forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case study examines the workflow of "Suggest a Purchase" requests at the University of Colorado Boulder. The author collected data examining requests from July 2017 to December 2018. This study considers whether subject specialists use information in the requests to gather collection development information. The paper examines the information contained in the requests to make collection decisions, based on the criteria: Department of the requester, Affiliation of the requester, and Language of title requested. The author examines whether these fields offer data concerning collection gaps and subject trends, which may facilitate subject specialists' collection development decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The main purpose of this paper is to generate discussion on the necessity for document delivery services to re-position themselves, thus "adding value" within the information chain. Design/methodology/approach - The paper is empirical, based on working practice in a major academic library. Findings - Document supply is a vital link in the knowledge chain. It is the information professional's responsibility to rise to the challenges outlined above, and to regenerate and rejuvenate services in order to strengthen the infrastructure to support research and scholarship across all disciplines, in the manner most appropriate to them. In so doing, document supply services will become a linchpin in academic and research support rather than the weakest link. Originality/value - The paper is a synthesis of current practice, outlining current shortcomings, and challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the issues raised in the report, Hate on the State, published in 2007. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is a reflective viewpoint that debates the points made in the report and their wider implications for the profession. Findings – The report raised key issues around censorship, and the role of the librarian in selecting a balanced collection for their public. These concerns need to be debated at length, since they represent fundamental professional concerns. Practical implications – The paper debates key professional concerns and how changes in stock procurement may lead to future occurrences of such controversies. Originality/value – This is the only editorial to date related to this report in library literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper aims to argue that when managing strategically it is important to consider how to get one's priorities onto the institution's agenda. Design/methodology/approach - The paper discusses and gives examples to illustrate why and how one would get an issue onto an institution's agenda. Findings - The paper suggests that, in advancing the library's issues, it is helpful to determine methods of getting on the governing body's agenda. Practical implications - This paper provides concepts to be considered when a manager attempts to move a library's priorities forward. Original/value - Hopefully, this paper will motivate librarians to think strategically when working to advance their library's interests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newspapers/periodicals librarian James Danky does collection building wherever he goes and with whomever he communicates, it seems. Thanks to his efforts, the Madison-based Wisconsin Historical Society collects materials from categories other librarians usually overlook, including zines (homemade periodicals, produced for reasons other than to make money, usually photocopied and published irregularly), something he compares to "other print forms that served the same purposes"--radical handbills of the 1880s, poetry pamphlets of the 1950s, and underground newspapers of the 1960s. Danky also collects Wisconsin-based periodicals, no matter how small their circulation, nor how esoteric their content, from Cheese Reporter to Clothed with the Sun; prison publications; and military, embassy, and consulate publications. WHS is the only institution in the United States collecting military base publications, a genre full of racy-sounding titles like Shoot 'Em Down and Danger Forward. These magazines and papers provide unique, close-up views of soldiers' lives, or at least a glimpse at the culture in which they work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to explore how the Semantic Web technologies effect the digital library collections and what are the challenges faced by digital collections in Semantic Web environment. The present study is based on substantial literature review on the impact of Semantic Web technologies on digital collections of libraries. The search engines such as Google, Yahoo, and Google Scholar were used to find the relevant literature for the study. Online databases such as Pro Quest, Science Direct, Emerald, and JSTORE were also used to find the relevant literature of the study. Databases of Library Sciences Library and Information Science and Technology Abstracts (LISTA) and Library Information Science Abstracts (LISA) were also used to find the relevant literature of the study. Library, linked data technologies, Semantic Web, digital library and digital collections were the main keywords which were used to find the relevant literature for the study. The evolution of linked data technologies and Semantic Web has changed the traditional role of the libraries. Traditional libraries are converting into digital libraries and digital libraries are in a struggle to publish their resources and on the Web using XML based metadata standards. With the publication of digital collections of libraries on Semantic Web, users could be capable to get their required quality information of libraries round-the-clock. It has improved the Web visibility of the digital collections of the libraries. Digital collections of libraries are being exploited by search engines to make their web appearance more credible and authentic. It has decreased the storage cost of the libraries and has reduced the chances of duplication of resources on the Web. Different digital libraries such as Europeana, Digital Public Library of Americana, Library of Congress, National Library of France, National Library of Spain, and The British Library have been connecting and publishing their digital collections on the Web for wider community usage. There are also some challenges to implement Semantic Web technologies in digital libraries such as copy-rights and legal issues, privacy concerns of libraries, MARC based records of the libraries, reluctance of libraries to adopt it, requirement of technical infrastructure, technical disparity between libraries metadata standards and Web-based standards, complex technologies of linked data such as RDF, RDF/XML, OWL, SPARQL etc. This is the first study of its kind to find the impact of Semantic Web technologies on digital collections of libraries. It will guide policy and decision makers to facilitate the libraries to make their metadata and digital collections available on Semantic Web for wider community usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper was presented at the cpd25 Conference, London, on 23 April 2007. It gives an overview of the development of the Open University virtual learning environment (OU VLE), using the Moodle open source solution. In particular, this paper provides information and illustration of the Moodle enhancement projects that are being led by the Library, and the new e-portfolio system-MyStuff-into which the Library is having significant input. The paper concludes by indicating how involvement in the development of the new Library website, called Open Library 2.0, and in the OU VLE, has benefited this work and the overall reputation of the Library. [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 - The purpose of this paper is to explore some major challenges in the area of collection management faced by university libraries in Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach - The methodology includes a literature review and a survey of university libraries in Pakistan in 2004. Findings - The challenges regarding collection management in university libraries in Pakistan are: handling the hybrid character of collections, service to users, training of collection management staff, collection evaluation, resource sharing and preservation. Originality/value This paper provides an example of the challenges of university libraries in a developing country which must plan and develop a customized paradigm of library service which combines the traditional and modern services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strategic business partnerships inform business faculty-librarian (BFL) collaboration. This paper seeks to address how the motivations for business partnerships and faculty-librarian collaborations are similar. A conceptual model suggests that the depth of the BFL relationship significantly enhances electronic collection development outcomes. Literature concerning strategic business alliances, faculty-librarian collaborations, and collection development was examined to determine whether principles that ate applied to strategic business alliances can also be applied to BFL collaborations. A case-in-point is included for illustration. Specific principles of strategic business partnerships can be applied to BFL collaborations aimed at improving electronic collection development. In addition, driving forces such as assessment, communication, and technology influence the nature of alliances across the business and academic arenas. The findings are significant because they demonstrate how BFL collaborations can be made more effective through the application of business principles. BFL collaborations can positively influence electronic collection development in a variety of ways. The paper offers a new and unique conceptual model that improves understanding of the nature and depth of BFL collaborations in the context of electronic collection development. This paper will be of interest to business faculty in particular and faculty in general, and librarians working in diverse library settings, especially librarians aligned with management and business departments. Librarians in management positions will likely find this information useful as a means to increase faculty-librarian collaboration across all disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses articles in the issue on topics including the intersection of public and technical services; collection development and management philosophies; and migration of the University of New Mexico's University Libraries' two database A–Z lists.

Purpose - This paper discusses the topic of Collection Development in a digital environment. Developing digital collections is a logical consequence of inserting information technologies in organizations. The usual route towards other models of libraries has allowed the development of the digital collections as a source of Digital Libraries. Design/methodology/approach - This paper is based on the development of a user-oriented concept of digital collections. Findings - The current information society requires Collection Development to guarantee suitable resources in information organizations. Originality/value - The authors provide a new way of looking at the development of digital collections. In this paper the authors propose a cycle to create a digital collection starting from the established precepts for traditional Collection Development. The creation process is supplemented with an analysis of the term Collection Development starting from the user's focus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to review the nature of, and rationale for, user expectations in the digital library setting, and ways in which they may best be met and/or managed. Design/methodology/approach - An analysis of the literature, focusing on empirical studies, and bringing out main themes and issues. Findings - User expectations of digital libraries are often unrealistic, usually unrealistically high, mainly due to the ubiquity of the web search engine as an information environment. Expectations differ between user groups. Both meeting and managing expectations have been promoted as a solution; it is likely that a mix of the two will be most effective. More empirical and conceptual studies are needed. Ways of making the nature of digital library collections and their organisation ‘visible’, embedded in a natural way within their interfaces, are desirable. Originality/value - This is the first paper to review the literature of this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Purpose--The paper aims to examine the change of University of Hong Kong Libraries from a mostly print collection to a mostly electronic collection. Design/methodology/approach--The paper provides a description of the University of Hong Kong Libraries collection. Findings--The paper finds that the change to a mostly electronic collection has been successful. It has brought new problems involved with keeping up with the technological issues. Both students and faculty are pleased with the new collection. Practical implications--This change can make a large number of resources available to users at a reasonable price. There are, however, new jobs to do and new skills to learn. Originality/value--This paper presents an excellent example of how a library can move to an electronic collection while continuing to provide quality services to its users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — The literature on collection development largely discusses all kinds of managerial and practical issues. However, there appear to be gaps in LIS literature regarding tracing the semantic developments of the subject. The paper attempts to explore the relationship between the use of varying collection-related terminologies and ever-emerging forms of scholarly publishing in libraries. Design/methodology/approach — An extensive review of the available literature was made to illustrate the impact of the developments in both production and formats of information sources on libraries' collection related patterns and expressions since the last quarter of the twentieth century. Findings — It was found that the related emerging terminology has been expanding rapidly because of the direct impact of the never-ending developments, though with different pace in different countries. The varying use pattern reflects the expansion in the aims and ways of functioning of a modern library. Originality/value — The paper falls in the category of "literature review" and provides an overview of the connection between developments in theory and practice of collection managing aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper sets out to discuss the importance of collecting alternative press materials, particularly zines, in libraries and presents case studies of zine collections; Barnard College Library and the New York Public Library. Design/methodology/approach – This paper builds on work presented by the authors and others at the 12th National ACRL conference in Minneapolis, where zine collections in different types of academic and research libraries were discussed. Findings – Zines document contemporary culture in the same way newspapers, magazines, TV, radio and movies as, but from a much different point-of-view. It is important for libraries to collect zines, and all alternative press materials, to ensure balanced and diverse collections, as well as securing primary source material for scholars today and in the future. Originality/value – This paper provides concrete examples of how two libraries are handling collections of zines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based in the context of challenges faced by archives when managing digital projects, this article explores options of looking outside the existing expertise of archives staff to find collaborative partners. In teaming up with other departments and organizations, the potential scope of traditional archival digitization projects is expanded beyond the limits of a single institution. A case study of this principle is the collaboration between the Mark Twain Papers, the California Digital Library, and the University of California Press to develop TEI-encoded versions of elaborately annotated manuscript and published materials. Though not an example of a conventional archival digitization project, the Mark Twain Digital Project serves as a model of how to solicit and incorporate external experts into the design and execution of digitizing archival materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is based on a literature review and aims at providing guidelines for a school library development policy for Uganda. It presents the need for school libraries, describes the background to the policy formulation process, and analyses the existing legal and institutional framework for school libraries in Uganda. The paper highlights the current initiatives in support of school library development in Uganda and gives justification for a school library development policy for Uganda. Guidelines and implementation strategies are given to guide the formulation of this school library development policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since its establishment at the University of Iowa Libraries in 1992, the Louise Noun-Mary Louise Smith Iowa Women's Archives has sought to document the broad spectrum of Iowa women and to acquire collections that represent diverse populations. To that end, the Archives initiated special projects to collect the papers of Iowa's African American women and rural women. This article explores the benefits of such projects, the methods used to acquire diverse collections, and the challenges of proactive collection development when resources are scarce. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]