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Purpose: The study aims to find out the current scenario of library resources and services viz. collection including infrastructure, staff position, library services available in the private university libraries in the state of Assam, India. Methodology: Physical survey of all the five libraries has been conducted for which a questionnaire was designed. Findings: With the increasing number of library users, there should be adequate number of library staff to maintain all the different collections and services of the library. Private university libraries e-books and e-journals facility is not sufficient to cater the increasing demands of the users. Research Limitations: The study is applied to private university libraries within the geographical barrier within the state of Assam. It is applied only on the basic level library resources and services expected from a library. Practical Implications: It will provide an opportunity to the library authority to fill up the gap in providing their basic library services. The method and technique of the study may be applied to any other libraries where the libraries are managed by library science professional with proper library procedures. Originality/value: The study is itself a unique one as no such study was conducted in the area of private university libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of journals with embargo periods in aggregated databases designed for academic libraries has increased for the simple reason that the number of available full text journals in these collections has also increased. Misconceptions surrounding embargo periods deduce that embargoes diminish access to information by withholding the current full text from journals, when in fact, embargoes increase access to information for journals that otherwise would not be available in aggregated databases. Embargoes exist for the purpose of preserving a publisher's traditional print and electronic journal subscriptions. Full text databases and e-journals are distinctly different resources. The use of embargoes may be valid in one electronic resource, but not the other. Linking capabilities provide seamless access from embargoed journals with current indexing in databases to the corresponding current full text found in a library's e-journal collection. Embargoed information from a given journal is far superior to no full text information at all from that source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examines the extent of academic librarians' teaching, research, communication, and interpersonal skills; key competencies required for the successful implementation of embedded librarianship in Tanzania. A mixed research approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches, was deployed to guide the collection of data from 166 librarians and 6 directors. Whereas cross-section survey questionnaires were used to collect data from librarians from six university libraries. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were used to collect data from directors. Regarding statistical analysis, descriptive statistics were performed to derive frequencies and percentages from quantitative data collected. The qualitative data were analyzed thematically and presented in narrative form. The findings suggest that librarians' teaching skills and their knowledge of the research cycle are inadequate, while their communication and interpersonal skills are sufficient to allow them to effectively embed their services in their users' (researchers, students, and teaching staff) activities. To effectively adopt embedded librarianship, the authors recommend the allocation of adequate funds to support diverse external and in-house training, the development of harmonized library and information science (LIS) curriculum, and the use of social media to interact with users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the general consensus that field experience during library school is important for applying theory to practical situations, there is a lack of understanding about what students want from, and the barriers they face to acquire, graduate employment. A survey was sent to ALA accredited Master of Library Science programs in the United States, asking students about their library employment status and to rank factors that influenced their decision to accept their positions. Patterns emerged when results were grouped by various life factors. The results of this study show what students are looking for from employment, which could help employers recruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article considers the distinct challenges that works of art pose for those managing non-art specialist research libraries across the United Kingdom. Using analysis of survey and case-study interview data, the article demonstrates that current approaches to the management of art in non-art specialist research libraries are uneven in such key areas as collection management; cataloguing; storage and access; and librarianship and training. This article seeks to build consensus on best practices with respect to the management of art in libraries and proposes practical recommendations for libraries seeking to improve the care and use of the art in their collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While scholarship in library science continues to expand understanding of collaboration and its potential to transform the collective collection, librarian acquisitions trips have been largely absent from the conversation. In early 2020, three US-based South Asian studies librarians traveled together to India, jettisoning solo travel in favor of a model of collaborative fieldwork. Using this trip as a case study, the authors draw on interdisciplinary literature to explore how intersecting identities and the embodied nature of fieldwork shape outcomes for the collective collection. They reflect on how foregrounding care in the field can converge with efforts to build more ethical collections. Finally, the authors consider the possibilities of a shift toward collaboration beyond mere coordination, and offer suggestions for how a relational perspective might be advocated for in their work. At the intersection of theory and practice, this article helps readers understand the holistic work behind area studies librarianship, and offers a vision of improved practice in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Library and information science practice and research have transitioned from positioning the user in the life of the library to placing the library in the life of the user. A review of OCLC Research themes during the past twenty years identifies a shift in focus from the optimization and quantitative analysis of library collections, systems, and services to the study of the needs and expectations of users of library collections, systems, and services. Just as libraries operate within local and global networks and ecosystems, users, with diverse needs and expectations, are embedded in communities in various ways. This new environment changes the focus from individual decision making to collaborative decision making, centering and emphasizing the importance of relationships and experiences. OCLC's research has addressed these trends, providing a path for library leaders and staff to create their New Model Library that focuses on agility, collaboration, virtualization, and space within their work, collections, and engagement experiences. This framework offers a way to navigate the transition to the library in the life of the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subject librarianship (SL) has long been practiced in academic libraries. But, with the transformation brought about by socio-cultural and technological factors, the roles have evolved. This article discussed the traditional role of Kazakh subject librarians, their current practices, and personal strategies in delivering services including information literacy in academic libraries. In Kazakhstan, subject librarians provide information literacy sessions and workshops dedicated for specific classes. A quantitative research method was adopted for this study using an online questionnaire for data gathering. It utilized purposive sampling to identify the competencies and performing tasks of subject librarians. It also analyzed how subject specialists promote their programs and relationship building strategies and investigates the differences and similarities with the available Western interpretations of subject librarianship. A total of 57 Kazakh university libraries and 80 librarians responded to the survey questions. Results of the research provides guidance for the implementation of subject librarianship practices of academic libraries in the region. To better serve their communities, subject librarians shall develop an excellent relationship, shared commitment, offer quality assistance, open communication, and always instils professionalism. Ultimately, the study reflects on the uniqueness of subject librarianship in Kazakhstan as well as its similarity in the practice of subject librarianship globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Librarians at a large, federally funded, multidisciplinary research organization sought to assess the value provided by the library's collections. One method for capturing this value includes determining how well their library's collections meet researcher needs, as expressed by the materials those researchers choose to cite in the production of new scholarly communications. A cited reference analysis was performed on the publications originating from the institution to provide the necessary data for the assessment, as well as to aid in the creation of a core list of journals which will inform future collection development efforts. This paper fills a gap in the library and information science literature by addressing the citation behaviors of researchers at a large multidisciplinary government research facility, a setting that has not been examined previously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resource sharing is an important and widely well-known concept in the field of library science. The concept is recognized by the term library networking which deals with the interconnection of libraries so that the participating libraries can share information and resources effectively. It aids to overcome the limitations like enormous cost of purchase, bibliography handling, storage of material etc. as a result of the exponential growth in the information produced. Resource sharing is a solution to optimize library resources. Thus, resource sharing in libraries has become essential in current scenario, and it commands world-wide acceptance. Based on the literature review it can be said that academic libraries, especially in developing countries should continue subscribing to information resources through the Consortium Building (CB) and explore their usage by ensuring total addressing of patrons information needs. Also government should earmark appropriate funds for the purchase of information technologies facilities needed by academic libraries for resource sharing. The paper recommended that the least forms of resources sharing like Inter library loan should be given priority especially for rare information resources that have high demand but their supply is low and exist in print format to start with. The work further recommends that academic libraries should formulate effective policies that will ensure library resource information sharing is properly conducted in academic libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study seeks to evaluate the accessibility and use of library resources in the North Campus Library of the University of Education, Winneba. The study was a survey and made use of a questionnaire as research instrument. The target population consisted of all Level 300 Basic Education students and Social Studies students numbering 500 as at 2019/2020 academic year. A sample size of 300 representing 20% of the population was selected through random sampling. focusing on accessibility of how and to suggest ways through its findings and recommend solution to those challenges. The questionnaire was analyzed using frequency tables and percentages. Findings of the study were that students were not using libraries to support their learning and other academic activities as they lacked searching and library use skills. Where the library is sited at the last floor of the faculty block makes it sometime difficult for these are some of the setbacks that hinders students accessing the North Campus Library for research and for their information needs. It was recommended among other things that, student should be introduce to information literacy skills to help them analyse information problems and structure their searches so as to find their own answers. Also, circulation procedures could also hamper use. Therefore, circulation procedures should be made simple but follow up strictly. The study recommended that current and adequate information resources should be acquired to increase the level of user satisfaction which has been found to be poor, also, the librarians should use their knowledge of organisation of knowledge one and two, reference and bibliography, and media librarianship to provide access to effective information retrieval tools and audio-visual materials to help facilitate interactive learning [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An attempt is made to describe the various techniques available for evaluating a document collection in an academic library. A study is made with two engineering college libraries to establish the need for such evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of the study is to review the literature related to the use of emerging technologies by university libraries. The primary objective of the study was to examine the core literature related to emerging technologies used in the university libraries and to find out the changing role of the university librarians in these technologically equipped modern libraries. The study also focuses on the attitude of library professionals towards this modern environment. The findings of the study are based upon four themes, they are: "status of emerging technologies in the university libraries", "attitude of librarians towards the emerging technologies", "technological compatibility among the professionals of the libraries" and "barriers in the implementation of emerging technologies". Nevertheless, if there have been many researches performed at university libraries on emerging technologies, this study is primarily aimed at improving understanding of these expanding technologies by the library and information sciences profession. [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]

The article shares the author's perspectives on the collection management in academic libraries in the U.S. For him, the important element of academic libraries, which is collection, is slowly decreasing and mismanagement is prevalent in academic libraries. Furthermore, the availability of journal collections has been decreasing in libraries, however, such collections are rapidly becoming available in digital forms. In fact, studies and reports from librarians and vendors, show that digital journals are increasingly used each year. He concluded that in an increasingly digital and consortial world, the library as a place must give way to something such as the library as a mission.

This article provides answers to queries related to access services. A reader asked if other college libraries have their DVD collections available for browsing. Another wanted to know how many requests are filled by other one-person interlibrary loan (ILL) departments. One person wanted to know how far away college students were required to live to avail of shipment services for interlibrary loan books. A plan to build a library help desk in a site where a college teaches outside its campus is mentioned.

Traditionally libraries have been dealing with the recorded knowledge. The changes in the formats of writing and access have historically influenced the libraries use of technologies. However, the wonderful invention of computer and information access technologies has drastically influenced recording, organization and access to knowledge. Since then the libraries are in a continued change mood. The shifts from physical to virtual, direct access to authors and instant access to globally available knowledge from remote locations are changing the whole scenario of the library profession. Academic libraries being in the forefront of the creation and use of scholarship and knowledge are confronting the innovations influenced by the disruptive technologies. These technologies have impacted library practices significantly. This study is an effort to trace what has happened in the developed world in terms of information and communication technology applications in their libraries & their user expectations, and where we stand in this global phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study conducted to reveal the most neglected area of in librarianship, while browsing literature found there is a gap and need to explore NGO libraries. In the international scenario considerable literature available, but at national level few researchers have explored this area. In this study an attempt has been made to know the status of NGO libraries, available resources, management, automation, usage, library services, marketing, qualification of library heads, and available opportunities for continuous education. A structured questionnaire used to collect data. Population of this study was the library incharges of NGOs based in Islamabad. The snowball sampling technique was used to reach the population. The conclusions were drowning from the analysis of data, libraries have different types of materials, books, journals, gray material but need to manage using a standardized classification scheme, and library automation. Various library services and facilities are offering CAS, FAQs, ILL, internet, but subscription status to research databases is not significant, and need to market library which may attract users. Recommended as NGO administrative must appoint professional librarians and take necessary measures for professional development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the number of reference questions continues to decline across academic libraries, innovative models have been developed to highlight collections and reach underserved communities. This article describes four outreach models at the University of New Mexico University Libraries, including satellite outreach services, pop-up book trucks and events, and relationship building at various locations on and off campus. The authors describe innovative approaches including curated browsing experiences and relationship marketing to underserved communities. Lessons learned, future approaches, and the benefits of each model will also be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hungarian librarianship and related research are sadly underrepresented in international literature. With this article we intend to fill this gap and inform the experts of library and information science of some of the most recent Hungarian innovations. After showcasing the international professional connections of Hungarian librarianship, we present the structure of the Hungarian public library network and its mode of operation. We also analyse current and future main digital development plans, projects and the most important related professional activities of Hungarian libraries. Emphasis is placed on information systems promoting cooperation between libraries and the issues of the National Library System Project, which is a large-scale modernisation programme carried out between 2016 and 2018, designed to develop the IT system of the National Széchényi Library. After introducing the information systems of academic and specialised libraries and the access models of scientific databases provided by multinational and Hungarian content services, we also discuss the endeavours of public libraries aiming for multifunctionality and community organisation. The paper ends by providing insights into how the outcomes of the recent initiatives have been fed back into Hungarian LIS training courses offered in higher education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patrons and scholars are increasingly likely to first encounter a collection in a digital space rather than a physical one. This article considers how to utilize data visualization in an academic library to promote a unique collection to remote visitors. In order to create awareness of the Valente Italian Library at Seton Hall University, one of the largest Italian collections in the United States, subject librarians considered ways to convey and describe the collection beyond the search box or the discovery filters of the catalog. After considering meaningful data points available in the records data, the authors harvested, cleaned, and mined the data for interesting collection facets. Visualizations were created from the data and the authors explore whether they offer a greater understanding of the collection and aid in telling its story, as well as recreate a sense of browsing for the online visitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines marketing library and information services in academic libraries. Specific objectives includes; the need for marketing library and information services in university libraries in South West Nigeria; techniques being employed by university libraries in marketing of library and information services; competencies required of librarians in marketing of library and information services; challenges being faced by the librarians in marketing of library and information services and strategies for enhancing marketing of library and information services in South West Nigeria. Relevant literatures were reviewed. Survey research design was adopted. The target population for the study comprises of all librarians in university libraries in South West Nigeria. Six (6) university libraries were selected based on proximity to researchers. There are a total of eighty-seven (87) librarians in the Six (6) selected university libraries; Out of eighty-seven (87) questionnaires distributed, only sixty-four (64) copies were returned. Data collected through the distributed questionnaire were analysed using descriptive statistics. In other words tables, frequency counts, simple percentage and mean were used to analyze the data. The finding shows that; techniques being employed in marketing library and information services are; provision of electronic access to information, staff friendliness to users, exhibitions and display of new arrivals, creating a library web page, organizing user education, and one on one discussion with users. Competencies required of librarians in marketing library and information services as perceived by the respondents are; good communication skills, information technology skills, ability to answer users' query, ability to sell idea/library services, ability to question and evaluate library services as well as interpersonal skills. Major challenges militating against effective marketing of library and information services are; inadequate fund, management lack of marketing policy, lack of facilities to market library services, lack of media access to market academic library services, poor access to information technology, lack of training in marketing, and lack of effective communication between librarians and users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study was conducted to identify the various economic challenges and prospects that are associated with utilization of information and communication Technology (ICT) for Library services in University libraries in Cross River State Nigeria. Design/Methodology/Approach: Survey research design was utilized to carry out the study. A well-structured and validated questionnaire was used to collect information (data) from librarians in Universities in the state. Three research questions were formulated to guide the study. Frequency, tables, and percentages were used to analyze the data collected from the subjects of the study. Findings: The study among others revealed that paucity of funds is a major challenge towards the utilization of ICT for library services. Other challenges identified include poor judicious use of resources and the high cost of maintenance. Practical implication: Among the prospects that are associated with the utilization of ICT for library Services identified by the study include: cost saving and cost effectiveness; easy accessibility of current resources, and resource sharing. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that additional and alternative sources of funding should be explored and adopted, while software that will enhance the services and attract more patronage should be utilized by the libraries. Originality/value: The study had made available information on the economic challenges and prospects associated with the utilization of information and communication technology (ICT) for library services in universities in Cross River State, Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nigerian literature has focused more on the general concept of eresources without dedicated attention to e-books. This work takes a critical look at the challenges related to e-books collection and management in Nigerian universities. The study was conducted among six federal universities in Nigeria; one from each geopolitical zone of the federation. A survey research design was utilized to carry out the study with structured interview conducted for system librarians of the six university libraries. While there is proliferation of e-books in the libraries, absence of local titles, budgeting, consortium and awareness of DRM issues remain obvious challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The notion of an academic library outreach program denotes the efforts uphold by an institution's academic library to serve their academic community, namely; students, academician, researchers and non-academic administrators. However, the theory and the practices of an outreach program in a Malaysian academic library and Malaysian public library tends to be overlapping. The aim of this article is to discover and deliberate on the factors that affect an outreach program in an academic library. In doing so, study result from two Institutes of Teacher Education (IPG) in the State of Kedah is selected. This study adopts a qualitative case study approach with in-depth individual interviews of the leading librarian for each institution, and later the thematic content analysis and cross-case analysis is used throughout this study in order to analyze the data. From the result of the interviews in the two Institutes of Teacher Education (IPG) in the State of Kedah, two most important factors emerge and it is said to be the key factor the affect an academic library outreach programs. This paper is approached from the leading of librarian's perspective for each institution, namely; CS1 and CS2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

In this essay, we embrace a vision of the future of academic libraries where librarians confront and creatively address the lack of racial and ethnic diversity within our profession and actively pursue a social justice agenda within our libraries and in the communities we serve. This future requires that we acknowledge that many of our current practices reinforce existing structures of inequity and privilege, and that we leverage our services and resources to support, document, and encourage diversity and social justice efforts within librarianship and society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accumulation of large collections by members of the American Association of Research Libraries is seen by them as fundamental to their research support role. This article outlines collection development and management practice and policy of the association members between 1945 and 1979. The study is a critical history where narrative is accompanied by analysis and context. Collecting policy and practice is reviewed with a focus on the strategies adopted to cope with the consequences of growth which led to pressure on capacity. A critique of collections policy reviews three significant causal factors: institutional competition, the conception of the role of librarian as a "bookman" as opposed to manager, and the belief that collections would be of longer-term value to the university in that they transcended immediate needs. The advent of usage studies is examined, and the implications of the study for current policy concerning printed collections are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biggest challenge facing the library profession in the twenty-first century is staying relevant to its users. It is often stated that the Internet and Google have changed librarianship. This challenge, while significant, does not mean that libraries will go away. It is causing us to re-evaluate what we do, how we do it, and what role libraries have in the academy and in our culture at large. This column addresses some of the ways in which academic libraries can stay relevant throughout the twenty-first century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses library and information science in Nigeria as of April 2012, with a focus on how university libraries contribute to local information content availability. Topics include community-generated knowledge and experience, knowledge and its role in developing sustainable economic and social organization, and establishing virtual networks and institutional digital repositories. Additional information is presented on UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).

Entering its second decade, evidence based library and information practice (EBLIP), the now-preferred term for evidence based librarianship, can count some notable successes. In particular, the initiation and growth of an international open access journal, the ongoing development of an International Conference series, and a proliferation of articles on the stages of the evidence based process attest to its ongoing progress. Of particular note is the increasing engagement within the academic library community now manifest in a variety of case studies. Reviewing the most recent five years of EBLIP development, since a landmark review that chronicled the first five years, the author draws on his close association with the EBLIP movement to assess the progress made. The wider backdrop of evidence based practice has contributed a wider recognition of the types of evidence that support evidence based decision-making. Much technical progress has been made in identification and retrieval of the evidence and its subsequent quality assessment. A significant number of studies document implementation in a local context. Notwithstanding such progress, however, the distance to be travelled is still significant. Challenges remaining within an academic library context include the perennials of lack of time, shortage of skills and the need for a supportive culture and infrastructure. Nevertheless recent developments open up the prospect of drawing on the emerging evidence based practice toolkit to target such problems with tailored and appropriate responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Academic library collections have largely reflected the dominance of text for teaching and scholarship, though our culture is increasingly visual. The authors developed a survey to answer questions about the demand for images in academic libraries and how librarians are adapting services and collections to a more visual culture. The survey was distributed to nine electronic mailing lists related to academic librarianship, resulting in 225 unique responses from diverse institutions. Survey responses indicate librarians embrace images and are finding creative ways to access both individual images and collections, though aspects of visual resources pose challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to discover university librarians' perceptions regarding importance of various elements of CM, and self- assessment about the status of CM in university libraries of Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach -- To achieve the objectives of the study, the survey method was used with self-completion questionnaires to collect data from throughout Pakistan. The questionnaire was sent to central libraries of 40 major accredited universities of Pakistan and 30 responses were obtained. Findings -- It was found that the university librarians are still not fully conversant with the changing scenario of CM in both theoretical and practical terms. It also appeared that the university librarians were not satisfied with the overall status of managing a collection in the majority of cases. Originality/value -- The paper is the first study on the overall status of collection management in Pakistan. It will invoke among professionals the need to learn and apply modern practices of collection management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- Currently there is a need for an updated assessment model that addresses and reflects the ongoing diversity of issues related to collection evaluation in academic libraries. The purpose of this paper is to provide conceptual guidelines and a model to support collection evaluation and assessment in this time of unstable and constantly changing patterns of information. Design/methodology/approach -- The paper provides a literature review of the collection evaluation and assessment. Based on an analytical study of environmental factors and their relationship to, and impact on, the library collection, the authors propose a new model of collection evaluation to address the needs of the current environment. Findings -- The paper identifies environmental factors in collection evaluation, establishes a set of ratios that need to be addressed and finally, provides a set of indicators for collection evaluation and assessment that can be selected from, and adapted to each library's needs. Research limitations/implications -- This paper bridges two different collection evaluation models, collection-based and user-based. It identifies that there is not a single appropriate collection evaluation method. It provides a different perspective to a body of literature that is mostly best practice-based. Practical implications -- With this research a new model is suggested that provides flexibility and adaptability. It offers a multidimensional approach that libraries can use and adapt to their specific situation. Originality/value -- The new model suggested here addresses a current need generated by a changing information environment. It adds a new approach to the body of literature in the area of collection evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — This article sets out to describe the challenges and opportunities created by the presentation of a number of special collections to the library service of Waterford Institute of Technology. It aims to focus on the work done with the collections to date and plans for the future. Design/methodology/approach — This case study reports on the collections presented to WIT Library Service and the approach taken to their conservation and display. It also discusses the ongoing issues involved in special collections management in a modern academic library setting. Findings — The paper concludes that there is a delicate balancing act involved in accepting and managing special collections in contemporary academic libraries. Key factors to consider are expense, staff time and skills, and potential benefits to the library and its users. Research limitations/implications — The project is still in development. The study provides a view on one medium-sized academic library's experience of handling special collections. Practical implications — This account is likely to be useful for organisations in a similar position, faced with similar challenges of comparable scale. Originality/value — The paper offers practical insights for libraries in similar positions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Video recordings present many quirks not experienced when purchasing and processing books. We summarize the evaluative processes involved for choosing videos, choosing vendors, and cataloging videos. As these processes involve several units within the library, cross-unit collaboration exploits the expertise of all participants. Our selection policy is largely driven by the curriculum. While we order some feature films, our primary focus is on educational recordings. This presents special problems, as educational video recordings are not advertised or reviewed as widely as books or feature films, and it is therefore more difficult to know what is available. In addition, audiovisual materials present special cataloging and access problems. [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]

Presents an overview on the impact of academic librarians on library science. Transformational issues affecting college libraries; Theories on digital libraries and information management; Impact of the Internet on librarianship.