The CIC Electronic Journals Collection Project

Summary

The Committee on Inter-institutional Cooperation (CIC) is an academic consortium of thirteen large research institutions in the midwest with its own regional network, CICNet. The CIC libraries and CICNet are building a managed electronic journal collection out of the content and collection experience of the CICNet E_Serials Archive-a collection of over 800 freely distributed electronic serials. The libraries have developed and endorsed a broad collecting policy for the new collection, the CIC Libraries Electronic Journal Collection (CIC EJC). CIC Librarians are selecting a complete, authoritative and permanent collection of electronic journals to be shared by the CIC libraries. The collection will be actively managed, cataloged and maintained by CIC libraries and CICNet staff. Some titles from the E-Serials Archive are being selected for the EJC, and many new journals are being included as well. Cataiogers from six CIC institutions are creating bibliographic records for each selected title. The records will be entered into OCLC and made available to each CIC library's online catalog. This paper focuses on the specific problems encountered in creating the managed collection: locating all issues of each title, cataloging the collection, providing access and managing the collection as a long-term cooperative resource for all the CIC-libraries, and making it accessible to the scholarly research community at large.     

India

Abstract

The University of Florida (UF), Smathers Libraries has a centralized electronic reserve service, supported by Docutek's ERes software, to serve the needs of onsite and distance education courses. At the same time, the Health Science Center is experiencing explosive growth in distance education courses, particularly in pharmacy, nursing, occupational therapy, audiology, and forensic toxicology. Because the UF Health Science Center Libraries (HSCL) did not have an electronic reserve system and the library automation system did not offer a satisfactory option, the HSCL implemented ERes for their patrons in the six colleges they serve: Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, and Health Professions (Rehabilitation Counseling, Physical Therapy, Clinical Psychology, Communicative Disorders, Health Services Administration, and Occupational Therapy). This joint venture has given both the HSCL staff and Smathers staff the opportunity to collaborate, yielding many benefits for the Libraries, faculty, and students. The ultimate goal is for the Libraries to share the same policies and procedures and to have a seamless transaction for the faculty and students who utilize them. This article will not only address the issues that led to the implementation of ERes and “how we did it,” but will also discuss the positive changes of such a project.     

Metadata Schema to Facilitate Linked Data for 3D Digital Models of Cultural Heritage Collections: A University of South Florida Libraries Case Study

ABSTRACT

The University of South Florida Libraries house and provide access to a collection of cultural heritage and 3D digital models. In an effort to provide greater access to these collections, a linked data project has been implemented. A metadata schema for the 3D cultural heritage objects which uses linked data is an excellent way to share these collections with other repositories, thus gaining global exposure and access to these valuable resources. This article will share the process of building the 3D cultural heritage metadata model as well as an assessment of the model and recommendations for future linked data projects.     

Using Metadata to Design a Database-Driven Website

ABSTRACT

After a review of the Kent State Libraries and Media Services Web site, a committee of librarians and staff gathered user feedback and developed a library-specific content management system (CMS) to make the move from a static HTML environment to database-driven design. This article focuses on the significant role of metadata in the CMS from the perspective of one of the site's architects and one of its content developers. This article includes figures and a biography for further reading. The work of the redesign was earlier described in a poster presentation for the 12th Annual ACRL conference.     

From the Library Plaza to the Golden Dome

Abstract

Creative, effective use of a committee can accomplish much toward increasing library outreach to the various constituents served. This article will address the outreach activities of the Georgia State University (GSU) Pullen Library's Communications and Public Relations Committee (C&PR), a library standing committee that has developed into a major contributor for Pullen Library public relations. The communities served by the library's C&PR are defined as GSU students, faculty and staff, and the wider metropolitan community of Atlanta, especially Georgia legislators and university and library donors. C&PR has responsibility for a variety of projects and events that serve these communities, such as Leadership Appreciation Night (the event for Georgia Legislators), Faculty Authors Exhibits, and displays for students and staff, such as Freshmen Week and Staff Information Day. This paper will also address the changing role of the committee as needs for public relations activities change in the university and     

Outsourcing Copy Cataloging at Adelphi University Libraries

ABSTRACT

Adelphi University Libraries contracted to outsource copy cataloging and physical processing with Blackwell's Book Services in 1995. Since May 1996, 17,000 shelf-ready titles and over 16,000 catalog records have been received and loaded to our Innovative Interfaces OPAC. Costs, implementation, workflow, and benefits are discussed in this article. The outsourcing program, although hampered by staff shortages in the Libraries, has been highly successful in achieving enhanced cataloging and improved processing at reasonable costs.     

Web 2.0 Tools Ease Renovation Service Disruptions at The Ohio State University Libraries

ABSTARCT

The Thompson Library, the main library of The Ohio State University (OSU), began a major renovation in fall 2006 that required the library to close for three years. During this time, the bulk of the circulating collection and many of the personnel relocated to an interim facility. The distance imposed by the renovation created special challenges for service to patrons and communication among library faculty and staff. The OSU Libraries used blogs, podcasts, a wiki, instant messaging, and the campus course management system to reach as many of the constituents of the campus community as possible.     

The Center for Research Libraries and Cooperative Collection Development

Abstract

The environment for cooperative collection efforts has significantly altered in the last five years due to online public access catalogs, technology changes, and economic realities. One of the most effective mechanisms for establishing a cooperative collection agenda including providing access to a much richer bank of resources, making the most economical use of funds, and setting a shared political agenda is the establishment of library consortia. The changes that have made this a viable model are considered in light of the role of the Center for Research Libraries (CRL) as a partner in the cooperative collection development agenda.     

Keeping the Beast at Bay: Fighting Mold at the University of Missouri-Columbia Journalism Library

SUMMARY

This article illustrates the course of action taken by the staff of the University of Missouri Journalism library during a mold outbreak in the Fall Semester 2006. While the parent library system, the University of Missouri-Columbia Libraries had a disaster plan in place, multiple issues occurred that subsequently changed the course of action over the 3 weeks of the cleanup. Those involved took swift action to save a unique journalism collection, and the ultimate results were positive. Consequences of these decisions are discussed. Suggestions for other libraries facing similar circumstances are provided.     

Providing Access and Preservation Services to Collections in Remote Storage Facilities

ABSTRACT

As libraries continue to acquire, catalog, and preserve paper-based collections, and the early promise of digital technologies to put everything online has not yet been fully realized, the need to physically retain little used analog collections has intensified. Thus a growing trend in the field of academic and public libraries is an increased awareness of the importance of remote storage facilities (RSF). A recent American Library Association meeting featured speakers who were involved with such a facility. The speakers offered tips and hints on surviving and even thriving in one successfully. The authors of this article hope that by documenting the highlights of these presentations, other librarians and staff in the planning, construction, or implementation phase of a RSF will be better prepared for the challenges and difficulties they will face when trying to provide access to and physically maintain a collection geographically distant from their main library.     

The Role of the Center for Research Libraries in the History and Future of Cooperative Collection Development

Abstract

Almost fifty years ago, when the organization that now is the Center for Research Libraries (CRL) was founded, university and research libraries were facing issues similar to those challenging them today: lack of space in libraries to shelve growing collections; new library materials formats to absorb into acquisitions budgets; more or more expensive research materials to which patrons needed access.

In 1949, higher education looked for solutions in cooperative programs. CRL evolved as a unique endeavor-a program for cooperative collection development and a library that acquires and makes available essential research materials. CRL has endured because of its members' commitment, the gradual building of a unique, centralized library collection, and the organization's capacity to serve as a coordinator for cooperative decisions and implementation of programs. These strengths will support CRL into the future.     

Refocusing,Rebalancing, and Refining (R3):

At Michigan State University, long-range planning has existed for many years. Its current planning effort, Refocusing, Rebalancing, and Refining (R³) has been implemented effectively within the University Libraries with significant benefits. First, the staff became better informed about library funding which resulted in better and more realistic program proposals. Second, the staff are moving more effectively into the strategic planning process being implemented by the new director. Third, R³ has provided the Libraries with an effective platform from which to emphasize with University administrators the important role played by the Libraries in all academic enterprises. And finally, staff participation in the process provided them with a real sense of empowerment.     

Collection and Digitization of Artifacts in the University of North Texas LGBTQ Archive

Abstract

The University of North Texas Libraries has collected a large archive to document the history of the LGBTQ community in north Texas, including many significant artifacts. Artifacts in LGBTQ Archives can carry special significance as objects of memorialization, identity and protest. As digitization of archival collections continues, Special Collections staff has developed workflows for creating digital surrogates of these artifacts.     

Changes in Library Technology and Reference Desk Statistics

Abstract

The incorporation of technology into library processes has tremendously impacted staff and users alike. The University of North Texas (UNT) Libraries is no exception. Sixteen years of reference statistics are analyzed to examine the relationships between the implementation of CD-ROMs and web-based resources and the number of reference questions. Gate counts and circulation statistics for recent years are also evaluated. Overall, reference statistics have been declining over the years under review. The introduction of CD-ROMs caused a rise in reference statistics for several years before the statistics decreased again. Moving the resources to a web-based format minimally affected the number of reference question numbers, although the rate of decline slowed. Gate counts are increasing in one of the libraries examined and circulation statistics are rising. Changes in gate and circulation numbers are due to factors such as increased student enrollment and increased library instruction rather than technology changes within the Libraries.     

The Cataloging Advisory Group

Abstract

Communication of public catalog issues throughout the University of Alabama Libraries has been and still is a major concern of the cataloging department. Many cataloging department heads hold the firm belief that improved user access to the libraries' collections can be provided through an improvement in the communication patterns between several key departments of the libraries and the catalog department. Through the input of a group of public service and collection development librarians, the department should be able to assess the time priorities for materials processing, resulting in a greater degree of probability that useful backlogs would be made accessible with a minimum of delay. As a cataloging department head, it is also my belief that a discussion of the cataloging process and the concerns of the catalogers could lead to more consistent and more efficient processing of materials. In November 1993 the Cataloging Advisory Group was formed as a one-year experiment in communication. Since that time the group has gone through numerous changes in both membership and charge but has continued to be one of the stronger discussion groups in the UA Libraries. The paper explores the group and its successes and failures during its six-year history.     

OAI-PMH Harvested Collections and User Engagement

ABSTRACT

Discovery tools are used in libraries to bring together books, articles, and other resources. Research has focused on user and librarian evaluation of these tools, but there are few evaluations of non-book and non-article sources. Discovery tools can also include metadata for local collections harvested through the Open Archives Initiative Protocol for Metadata Harvesting (OAI-PMH). Creating these harvests can be time consuming for staff, so it is important for libraries to understand if and how patrons use these records. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries (UNL Libraries) harvests metadata from local collections into the Encore discovery tool. A study was conducted to analyze patron use of OAI-harvested records. This study analyzed usage data for harvested collections obtained from different discovery sources and referrals through Encore. Google Analytics was used to evaluate searcher behavior differences between content referred through Encore and other referrals. Although discovery through Encore did not result in high numbers of traffic, there is evidence that patrons who discover records through Encore take more time looking through records than patrons using other discovery methods. This increase in time is a measure of engagement and may be reason enough for libraries to consider adding OAI-harvested collections to their discovery tool.     

Planning a Congressional Archives at Loyola University Chicago

ABSTRACT

The Daniel Rostenkowski papers became the first Congressional papers collection at Loyola University Chicago in 1995. The papers of a high profile alumnus, the University Libraries decided to create a stand-alone archive for the collection. This article describes the history of the collection, several attempts to create a stand-alone archive, and the collecting policy that was eventually created to guide the development of the archive.     

Stocking the Virtual Ready Reference Collection

Summary

Libraries have begun to add chat reference as a method to deliver reference service to remote user populations. To deliver quality service in a timely fashion, libraries need to construct a Virtual Ready Reference Collection (VRRC) of elite ready reference Web sites most often used during the chat reference interaction. This article explores the collection development steps needed to create a VRRC that is most beneficial on the local level. The value in creating this collection lies not just in the end product, but also in the process, which serves as a valuable training exercise. Selecting and maintaining the virtual ready reference collection will enhance the chat reference librarians' ability to deliver service in the chat reference environment.     

Getting the Word Out

Abstract

Although the primary constituencies of academic libraries are their faculty, students, and staff, the programs and displays that they and their Friends organizations sponsor may be of interest to the surrounding community. Effectively reaching these groups requires a concerted effort. Information must be written for an external audience, and contact information for all prospective news providers must be ready to use. Libraries may also avail themselves of low-cost or no-cost methods for disseminating information. By reaching out to community members, college and university libraries will encourage local residents to take advantage of the programming and services offered by the library and may influence them to become more closely tied to their institution.