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In the summer of 2021, the University of California (UC) migrated to a new integrated library system, called the Systemwide Integrated Library System project (SILS), which for the first time brought all ten UC campuses, two regional storage facilities, and the California Digital Library (CDL) together into one shared library system. With new potential for increased collaboration and cooperation, SILS leadership groups identified consortial open access (OA) resource management as a key opportunity in the new system, in alignment with UC's priorities around discovery and access to library collections, as well as UC's commitment to open access and transforming the scholarly communication landscape. This article discusses the formation of the UC Open Access Resource Management Task Force (OARMTF), a group charged to investigate what it would mean to consortially manage OA resources. Specifically, this article focuses on the OARMTF's work setting out principles for OA resource management, which the authors hope may serve as a useful case study for other institutions or consortia interested in developing principles around OA resource management, as well as encourage more discussion and research into best practices for consortial management of OA resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights the revamped Coastal Plain Regional Library System Headquarters, emphasizing its role in serving over 112,000 residents across six counties in south Central Georgia. Topics include the headquarters' transformation, enhanced patron experience with engaging activities, and the system's commitment to literacy and community impact.

This study examines the application of Good Governance in the Sidoarjo Regency Regional Library. This research will be conducted at the Sidoarjo Regional Library by referring and based on that the Sidoarjo Regional Library has made various changes, innovations and strategies in improving service quality, organizational governance, on the other hand the Sidoarjo regional library continues to strive to maintain accreditation status A. The principles used in measuring the implementation of good governance are rule of law, accountability, transparency and openness, professional (professionalism) and participation (participant). So in the end it can be concluded, how the implementation of good governance in the Sidoarjo district's daearah library has been implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From 2016 to 2020, ten smaller schools in one regional library consortium participated in a user needs assessment project. This article documents the process for implementing a collaborative user needs assessment by utilizing the shared interest and enthusiasm of a team of librarians to create a consortial toolkit. The toolkit supplied direction and leverage to conduct ethnographic research at consortial schools while providing clarity and consistency for testing across multiple sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncovered in the course of a 2011 study looking at partnerships between academic and public libraries in Canada was a unique series of partnerships among a college library, public library, regional library system, and school district library system in Medicine Hat, Alberta. With little or no additional funding, these libraries have partnered to deliver library services beneficial to both their primary clients and the broader community. Through a case study of the libraries, it is possible to determine the value and the challenges of partnerships and the elements of organizational culture necessary for successful partnerships. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article describes Carmen Library Link, a tool created at the Ohio State University, which enables librarians to create customized library resource pages that are delivered to students within their courses in the Learning Management System. This article will discuss the need for the tool, how collaboration made the tool possible, and how a librarian at a regional campus has used Carmen Library Link to reach students more effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silver describes the implementation of a monitoring system using an open-source software package to improve the availability of services and reduce the response time when troubles occur. He provides a brief overview of the literature available on monitoring library systems, and then describes the implementation of Nagios, an open-source network monitoring system, to monitor a regional library system's servers and wide area network. Particular attention is paid to using the plug-in architecture to monitor library services effectively. The author includes example displays and configuration files. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the study of decolonizing the library systems in Northern Ghana. Topics discussed include the data collected regarding about the baansi of Dagbon, Northern Ghana as living librarians, the traditional state of Northern Region of Ghana and the various forms of court musicians of the state.

In tight fiscal times, travel expenses add up fast and can make it seem impossible to attend conferences and continue one's professional development after obtaining the MLS. There are many practical benefits to be gained from focusing on involvement in local and regional conferences and organizations. Not only do these organizations offer greater opportunities for leadership and mentoring but also for networking with professionals who face similar issues and concerns with local funding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the framework of the project on the restructuring of national information services funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) two proposals were submitted that regard the field of 'Library data infrastructure and local library systems'. First, the CIB (Cloud-based Infrastructure for Library Data) proposal opts for a speedy solution, i.e. outsourcing all central and local library infrastructures to the platforms of internationally operating library system suppliers. Second, the scenario of the libOS consortium focuses on the structural consolidation of the German library network system. After the decision for the scenario of the CIB consortium had been taken, a meeting of the 'Library Network Group' of the KMK (Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder in the Federal Republic of Germany) and DFG was held in Bonn on 11th October 2013. Its aim was to discuss the actual state and further development. The representatives of the respective project consortia had the opportunity to present their positions as to the CIB scenario. Possibilities for cooperation were also discussed. This article explains the position adopted by the libOS, consortium consisting of BSZ, GBV and hbz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses Sequoyah Regional Library System (SRLS) strives to be the "Dynamic Destination for Discovery" for its community. It mentions that SRLS began providing virtual storytimes via Facebook; and SRLS youth services specialists began offering STEAM virtual programming, including the DIY Toddler- Safe Sensory Slime virtual program created by Youth Services Specialist Cathryn McCrimmon.

Many professionals who work in the library field agree that nowadays the Italian library system is experiencing a state of discomfort. There's a lack of resources essential to manage the everyday activities - and perhaps if there were plentiful resources libraries wouldn't really know how to use them, in order to improve their services. Assuming that cooperation is the right solution for enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of library services, a path was conceived to overcome this situation. The project was structured in three steps: first there was a consultation with the researchers who - in 2001 - published the study Le professionalità operanti nel settore dei Servizi culturali: le Biblioteche lombarde (“Professionals operating in cultural services: the libraries of Lombardia"), then international benchmarking was carried out, and finally some library specialists were interviewed. The project pointed out the opportunity of creating a new system that may serve as well library networks as single libraries. This paper presents the first part of the research, i.e. a summary of the activities carried out by libraries and library networks, and the project to achieve their further integration in a “network of networks", exploring also unconventional resources as time banking. The five library areas that were identified as the more suitable for this integration are: digital services, funding, planning of cultural events/activities, monitoring, evaluation and development, editorial support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After decades of successful, if not always smooth, working relationships with regional library networks in the United States, Online Computer Library Center (OCLC), Inc., with approval of amended articles of incorporation in 2008, it implemented significant changes in how it would price its products and services and how it would govern itself. These changes proved to have profound impact on the networks, precipitating the merger of many and the dissolution of some. This chapter describes the results of many interviews with past and present leaders of OCLC and the regional networks, both existing and defunct, and other knowledgeable individuals. The contrasting opinions on how the changes came about and their consequences offer a perspective on the evolution and then decline of some of the powerful consortial relationships of the last four decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The libraries affiliated to the Ministry for cultural heritage and activities are an uncommonly heterogeneous set. However, within their territory and cities they serve a number of functions similar to those performed by civic and municipal libraries (i.e. the public libraries as defined in the ISO 2789 standard). The article identifies a series of statistical data and service indicators useful for determining which libraries, within this group, are actually performing those tasks. The variability of these data and indicators depends on historical and geographical factors, as well as institutional ones. A few libraries that best match the profile of the public library are identified, and for each one is provided a brief ID gathered from existing literature as well as from evidence provided by directors in charge, describing their history and services. Thus, it is highlighted the relevance of the libraries located in medium and small-sized urban centres, bringing out the common features that enable the Mibac's libraries to serve specific functions closely related to their territory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides an overview of public and academic libraries, library consortia, and web-based library networks in Switzerland. The historical, legal, and philosophical bases of the system are described, as are the economics of libraries as providers of public goods and cost factors in public administration. Some reflections on future strategic developments are also offered.

Purpose: Regional public libraries were initiated in 2003 to connect professional activities of libraries within regional networks and to ensure coordinated library development in a region in cooperation with the Library System Development Centre at the National and University Library performing a coordinating role. The article analyses the performance of public libraries and their integration in regional library networks in order to find out the level of development of conditions of performance of public libraries. Methodology/approach: Statistical data for the year 2009 were the basis for the overview of library activities of ten library regions with regard to applicable legislation and library standards. The level of regional library activities is compared to the socio-economic situation of statistical regions thus representing a new approach to the presentation of Slovenian's public libraries' development. Results: Absolute values indicate better development of nine libraries in the central Slovenia region while relative values offer a totally different picture. Four libraries in the region of Nova Gorica prove the highest level of development. Research limitation: Research is limited to the year 2009 and basic statistical analysis. Originality/practical implications: Findings of the analysis are useful for public libraries to plan their development strategy within a region and for financial bodies to provide for adequate financing for library activities in a specific region. The basic condition for successful public library performance is the even and harmonized development of conditions of performance as recommended by library standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information related to library systems in Florida. They include the Orange County Library System (OCLS), the Lee County Library System, the Marion County Public Library System, and the Jacksonville Public Library. Several benefits and contributions of libraries, are discussed towards communities, neighborhoods, and customers. Information on related online portals like gethelpflorida.org, and the online service, floridamemory.com, is presented.

This paper presents important aspects and issues related to the merging of six regional library delivery services in a single statewide system that serves more than 550 libraries, that together circulate more than 15 million items annually throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The purpose of marrying the six distinct systems was to reduce redundancies and incorporate innovative features to improve library processing efficiency. Most libraries are members of one of nine separate shared integrated library sys-tems. The paper covers the background, objectives, benefits, issues, lessons learned, and a successful re-quest for proposal procurement process for this complex project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An interview with Linda Youmans, youth collections/system librarian at the Okanagan Regional Library System in Kelowna, British Columbia, is presented. Youmans discusses how long she has been working in libraries and describes her first library job. She also offers advice to people who are interested in a career in libraries and expresses her admiration to Eleanor Acorn, her first library boss in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.

The article examines the historical importance of the public library system in Buffalo, New York to community development in the city. Themes discussed in the article include library collection development, library finance, and the reorganization of library leadership. The consolidation of various public libraries within Buffalo and the larger area of Erie County, New York is explained. The importance of Buffalo's public library system to the rise of various other cultural organizations, such as historical and scientific societies, is also detailed.

Purpose - This paper seeks to present the results of an analysis of 20 free and open source ILS platforms offered to the library community. These software platforms were subjected to a three-step analysis, whereby the results aim to assist librarians and decision makers in selecting an open source ILS, based on objective criteria. Design/methodology/approach - The methodology applied involves three broad steps. The first step consists of evaluating all the available ILSs and keeping only those that qualify as truly open source or freely-licensed software. During this step, the correlation between the practices within the community and the terms associated with the free or open software license was measured. The second step involves evaluating the community behind each open source or free ILS project, according to a set of 40 criteria in order to determine the attractiveness and sustainability of each project. The third step entails subjecting the remaining ILSs to an analysis of almost 800 functions and features to determine which ILSs are most suited to the needs of libraries. The final score is used to identify strengths, weaknesses and differentiating or similar features of each ILS. Findings - More than 20 open source ILSs were submitted to this methodology, but only three passed all the steps: Evergreen, Koha, and PMB. The main goal is not to identify the best open source ILS, but rather to highlight from which, of the batch of dozens of open source ILSs, librarians and decision makers can choose without worrying about how perennial or sustainable each open or free project is, as well as understanding which ILS provides them with the functionalities to meet the needs of their institutions. Practical implications - This paper offers a basic model so that librarians and decision makers can make their own analysis and adapt it to the needs of their libraries. Originality/value - This methodology meets the best practices in technology selection, with a multiple criteria decision analysis. It can also be easily adapted to the needs of all libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper aims to explain the circumstances, methods and outcomes of the New York University Health Sciences Libraries' (NYUHSL) migration from their previous Integrated Library System (ILS), Innovative Interfaces, Inc.'s Millennium, to the open-source ILS Koha. Design/methodology/approach - Over the course of three months, the NYUHSL installed, tested, and configured Koha to match with its existing policies and procedures. Migration was performed at the close of the fiscal year, to reduce the amount of acquisitions data to migrate, as well as for contractual reasons. Training was purchased from a Koha support vendor, ByWater Solutions. After migrating, the staff of the NYUHSL identified areas of improvement for Koha, and began discussing how to implement enhancements. Findings - The paper identifies several areas of development for Koha, including electronic resource management, course reserves, and cataloging client enhancements. It proves that a migration from Millennium to Koha can be done very quickly, if the library is properly motivated. Originality/value - This paper provides libraries considering the move to open-source with a real-world success story, as well as many factors to consider. In particular, libraries considering the move from Millennium to Koha stand to benefit from the NYUHSL's experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - Koha is an open-source Integrated Library System (ILS) developed in New Zealand and deployed for the first time in January 2000 for the Horowhenua Library Trust. Koha is a fully-fledged software with basic and advanced features. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate a case study of integration of a big Italian consortium specializing in ITC support for libraries and public administration, in the development community of an integrated library system, and to describe the characteristics of CILEA support for this programme. Design/methodology/approach - The paper describes the main Koha features and functions and what CILEA did in the development community in Italy. Findings - Koha is a very simple but complete ILS, to be used by libraries of every dimension and kind of specialization. CILEA worked to adapt Koha to Italian libraries and now it is a part of the library community. Originality/value - This paper shows how Koha has a strong and wide community of librarians and developers. In particular, it is shown to be suitable for all institutions wanting to automate their libraries using a system that allows complete control over data and over the software itself. The authors of this paper are interested in maximizing the diffusion of Koha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a study on the assessment of the public library system and services in the six states of North Eastern Nigeria. Topics include the role that public libraries play in societal development, the history of public libraries in Northern Nigeria from the establishment of the Native Authority (N.A.) reading rooms in the 1940s to the decentralization of the Regional Library System under political turmoil, and a discussion of the existence of Library Boards and the distribution and infrastructure among the split public library systems of the Northern states.

Texas A&M University Libraries has been hard at work putting the power of course reserves in the hands of its users. Reserves services have traditionally been restrictive, granting only faculty the authority to place items on reserve or allowing students access to items only after they have been checked out. From faculty adding streaming content to their e-reserves to students having hands-on access to their course reserves, this article tells the story of how an academic library system is allowing its patrons to 'do-it-themselves.' [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CLSM, a new organisation unit established as department no. V. of the National Széchényi Library on January 1, 1959 was created by a ministerial decree. The tasks of CLSM included the preparation of library-political studies and of decision-making materials, research into and documentation of library science, development of the library system, methodological work sand professional further education. Initially the activities were carried out by three sections, later, however, as a result of new tasks, there were times with even seven sections. The author-provides an overview of former institutions with nationwide tasks, introduces the library centres organised in the 1950's with similar tasks abroad, and outlines the new institution's concept of operation. The life cycles, organisational and functional frameworks of the institution have developed continuously and reflected the changes in the social, political and cultural life. The staff members of CLSM worked as an excellent team, they followed similar ideals, had a solid erudition in the humanities, social sciences and technology respectively, and acted in cohesion. Many of them were well-known also in other fields (such as literature, music, architecture, philosophy). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study that is aimed at documenting the history, mission, funding, services and organizations of the Lamar County Library System (LCLS) in Purvis, Mississippi. A review of related literature on the topic is offered, that includes the book "County and Regional Library Development," by Gretchen Schenk. It also presents a brief background and history of the LCLS. The main Web site of the system is said to include operating hours for each branch library within the LCLS as well as information on how to obtain a library card.

In Hungary the system of regional libraries was elaborated by Géza Sebestyén (deputy director-general of the national library in the 1970s). In the 1930s several examples of regional libraries could be found in Western European countries as well. The system implemented in Hungary followed essentially a Western European pattern, although it was named as the Soviet model in communication. Sebestyén's concept was ready as early as 1942, he proposed to implement it as part of the national cultural programme in 1946, but the official introduction took place in 1949 only. Cultural policy in the era after World War II considered it as its main task to re-organise people's libraries destructed during the war in the form of regional libraries. Sebestyén attached special importance to the network principle and the unity of librarianship, and devised a complex library concept covering village and town libraries. He intended to set up library supply for the village population at a similar standard as in towns: he declared that village libraries should also have their own books (a standing collection), while regional libraries should see to changing and refreshing the book stock, as well as to securing a well-educated staff that transports books (to be deposited) and which can offer professional assistance. The essay presents the history, preliminaries and background of this solution of services having been used for three years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colonial powers introduced libraries to Africa and they were developed according to the Western model of libraries and librarianship where knowledge and culture are primarily transmitted through print media, and now increasingly through electronic means. Against the backdrop of oral tradition which predominates in African culture, this approach leaves out the vast majority of the rural population who are generally unable to read and write and unaccustomed to print and have limited or no access to electronic media. Fifty years after the end of colonialism in Africa, the transmission of knowledge and culture in rural communities continues to be predominantly oral (word of mouth, proverbs, etc.) however, African librarians have failed to address this in their collections and services. This paper reflects on some of the problems facing African libraries in the provision of information and services to rural communities regarding: inappropriate collections and services, lack of surveys/ analyses of information needs of rural communities, high-levels of illiteracy, disregard for oral tradition in the provision of services, lack of funding and cooperation between related agencies, and inappropriate training of African librarians, to name a few. Therefore, this paper suggests a library system that is sustainable and compatible with the oral tradition, and thus explore the following questions: (1) is the provision of information in print relevant to rural populations where information and knowledge are communicated orally; (2) are library collections and services patterned after Western culture and information needs relevant to rural communities in Africa, and (3) how can African librarians be better trained to meet the information needs of rural communities? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing interest in the INNOPAC library automation system, which has been implemented by several libraries in the Southern African region over the past 10 years. The majority of these libraries have installed this library system through consortia membership, and others have done it individually. This article evaluates the performance of the INNOPAC library system in five libraries in the Southern African region using the performance criteria of Functionality, Usability, Support and Training, and Vendor. The article identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the system, and makes recommendations for implementation in other similar libraries in the region. It also outlines a proposal for an INNOPAC-based consortium for the Southern African region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The struggle to establish regional library systems in Canada was won slowly, province by province, beginning in the 1930s. This article traces the story of one of the colourful leaders of the library profession, who established a regional library system in Prince Edward Island and set the stage for regional libraries in Nova Scotia. Grounded in adult education and a passion for social justice, Nora Bateson championed a vision of libraries as agents of personal and community development. Her zeal, commitment and clashes with those in power speak of the qualities needed by activists today, and of the challenges faced by those who see libraries as centres of change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurement of library systems and services is a multidimensional management task. New paradigms of library service and the context in which libraries operate have made it necessary for librarians to find new measures while at the same time keeping the old. Factors that can be measured, such as needs. inputs, quality processes, outputs, quality of service. outcomes, and impacts. are described. This bibliographic essay covers the current trends while leading readers to resources where they can learn more. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of ABI Technik is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article presents a chronology of significant events in the history of Georgia's public library service from 1809 to 2008. In 1809, a subscription library was opened by the Savannah Library Society. In 1900, Mayors S. B. Price and Bridges Smith of Macon established the Price Free Library for the poor. From 1933 to 1934, jobs in public and school libraries in Georgia were created by the Civil Works Administration. In 2000, libraries in Georgia started to purchase and install equipment and software through funding from the Gates Foundation. As of 2008, there are 61 library systems, 33 regional library systems and 26 single-county library systems in Georgia.

With the proclamation of the Turkish Republic in 1923 not only was the Ottoman Empire but also many of its institutions abolished. Many of the classical Ottoman institutions had ceased to operate effectively and had become increasingly irrelevant to the needs of society. In the early Republican period many of these institutions including law, education, the alphabet - both the written and the spoken language, music etc., were replaced wholesale by European models, but in some cases we see that Ottoman attitudes and practices infiltrated into the new order. Particularly in education was it more difficult to change attitudes, so that while a European-styled system of education was established, there was a failure to provide it with a comprehensive library system to support it. Today in Turkey the concept of a general library operating for the general public and for research is yet to be adopted. This article attempts to examine the attitudes and practices that have held fast in the library system today as part of our heritage from the last century of the Ottoman Empire. It concludes that the professional work of the modem Turkish librarian and the development of Turkish schools for training librarians are contributing to a change in perception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Ohio, the space needs of campus libraries are changing just as book depositories are filling up. In response to this situation, the university libraries are re-examining the depositories to see if the space can be used even more efficiently, the funding distributed more predictably, and the services standardized and expanded. The Northeastern Ohio Cooperative Regional Library Depository has a plan to rethink the space in the depository, redefine the collection housed there in terms of ownership and access, and to repurpose the depository from a warehouse model to a service-centered model. The Northeastern Ohio Regional Library Depository plan and its anticipated role in changing the way that contributing libraries statewide assess depository collections and provide for access to those collections is the focus of this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a 2005 research project conducted by the Minister for Science, Research and Culture of the State of Brandenburg, Germany, Johanna Wanka. Main facets of the project focused on maintaining German cultural archives and library inventory and has been implemented in German libraries since 2006. Aspects of implementation include increasing educational training and opportunities for library cooperation throughout Brandenburg and Berlin, Germany.

Over the past several decades, the rapid growth of Istanbul has resulted in a tremendous gap between the need and provision of social facilities. Growing societal and community needs in the information age and the desire to become a member of the European Union (EU) have stimulated public officials to upgrade the existing libraries and to increase their numbers so as to reach European standards. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to evaluate the spatial distribution of existing libraries and to propose new ones where they are needed. Volume is the most important and the population of the districts is the second important factor to affect library use. Thus, it is crucial to support library construction, especially in the periphery of the city for future development, and to improve the level of service of the existing libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In July 2003, the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NN/LM), Southeastern/Atlantic (SE/A) Regional Medical Library (RML) offered select member hospital libraries the opportunity to participate in a pilot electronic document delivery project. Awards of up to $2,000 were available for NN/LM SE/A DOCLINE-active hospital libraries. Funding supported the purchase of software and scanner imaging equipment. The smallest of libraries, and those without collections, needed receiving software only. After several rounds of Electronic Document Delivery (EDD) finding, statistics collected indicated a pattern of increased electronic borrowing and lending and shortened turn-around times for requested material. A by-product of the project was the development of an electronic-only, free sharing group in the Region, named ESEA (Electronic Southeastern/Atlantic Region), and adoption of clearly delineated electronic document delivery etiquette. Electronic document delivery rejuvenation in small medical libraries contributed to marked improvement in users' perceptions of hospital libraries as places of rapid, electronic information service, and of the librarians who provide these services, and of the librarians as places of rapid, electronic information service, and of the librarians who provide these services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of IFLA Journal is the property of Sage Publications, Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article focuses on the Nagykanizsa model of library service system for rural areas in Hungary. This model is based on two sub-systems, a non-stop virtual reference center which delivers documents and services effectively and the network of collaborating libraries, which include the István Halis Municipal Library and the surrounding village libraries. The services offered by this system, including a digital library of documents of local interest and an interlibrary loan system, are discussed.