A Look at Circulation Statistics

ABSTRACT

Nearly all academic libraries keep circulation statistics which are often shared with their parent university, library consortia, and national organizations. This study attempted to discover what goes into circulation statistics by surveying Southeastern research libraries. Libraries were asked what they count in their circulation statistics and what their circulation policies are to identify differences across libraries. The results of the survey indicate that there is no set formula for counting circulation statistics.     

Managing CD-ROM and Electronic Documents Sources for Holland Reference Services

Summary

The author details the evolution of the management of CD-ROM and electronic documents for reference services in the Holland/New Library (Holland), the main library at Washington State University, for the humanities and social sciences. From the arrival of the first major United States document CD-ROM disk, the National Trade Data Bank, the management of these CD-ROMs is presented in four phases: placing CD-ROMs on reserve in Holland circulation for use in a single drive government documents workstation; utilizing a Pioneer multi-disk changer that holds a cartridge with spaces for six CD-ROM disks, each running off a separate drive in a new-and-improved workstation; abandoning the cartridges but adding a cabinet for government CD-ROMs and a user-friendly, Auto Menu software system in yet another new-and-improved workstation; and, keeping the last configuration but sending CD-ROMs in need of special software to the Libraries' media collection and networking some government CD-ROMs over the Libraries' LAN. The Holland reference experience demonstrates that government CD-ROMs have exploded in number and grown complex in content, dictating new approaches in handling these items. Librarians must continue to be willing to develop the necessary skills to explore future technologies to access information in these new formats.     

Virtual Reference Services

Summary

Traditional reference services are changing in response to the rapid growth of electronic resources available outside of the library. There are an increasing number of libraries that are providing digital reference services to meet the demands and expectations of remote users. This article provides an overview of virtual reference services at Louisiana State University (LSU) Libraries. It also examines the planning, implementation, marketing and user feedback of real time reference service after its first year.     

X marks the spot: Creating and managing a single service point to improve customer service and maximize resources

ABSTRACT

This article will describe how merging service points in an academic library is an opportunity to improve customer service and utilize staffing resources more efficiently. Combining service points provides libraries with the ability to create a more positive library experience for patrons by minimizing the ping-pong effect for assistance. The Access Services Department at the University of North Texas Libraries was charged with management of the circulation and reference services offered at the service desk. Streamlined planning and modernized management of the desk and its impact on customer service in a changing library environment will be discussed.     

Chat Reference at Carnegie Mellon University

Abstract

Carnegie Mellon University Libraries began its chat reference service in October of 2000. The article explains why library administrators decided to institute chat reference and the steps taken to implement this decision. The Libraries utilize commercial off-the-shelf software called LivePerson. Service evaluation features of LivePerson provide interesting data for analysis. Summary statistics of the service and the cumulative results of post chat surveys (filled out by chat patrons on a voluntary basis) are presented. Plans for future enhancements of the chat reference service are discussed.     

One Work in Two Places

Abstract

Over the years, the publishing industry has packaged single works of printed resources with accompanying media such as 3.5″ disks, CD-ROMs, videocassettes, audiocassettes, or web sites. Recognizing the importance of the information provided in the accompanying media and the library clients' access to them, the Library of Rush University (LRU) at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center developed and implemented “mixed media” policies and procedures. This paper discusses issues and Rush Library responses to the issues surrounding the management of “mixed media” titles in selection, cataloging, labeling, housing, circulation, loading data files, and the publicity that puts them in the client's hands.     

Acquisitions Problems in Ukrainian Libraries and New Electronic Solutions

SUMMARY

The author discusses a wide range of new developments in Ukrainian libraries that affects library acquisitions. New strategies are now required for obtaining library materials due to the inadequacy of obligatory deposit and changes in bibliographic control of new publications. Libraries are actively developing computer and Internet technologies, including websites, online catalogs, access to databases, sites linking to online resources, and collections of digitized full-text material. A number of libraries have recently begun implementing virtual reference services. A new professional journal, whose title translates as Library Forum of Ukraine, has arisen to address all aspects of librarian-ship.     

Bibliography in the special libraries of the United States: A non-statistical survey

Abstract

By means of a questionnaire, information was sought from readers in Owerri and Umuahia Public Libraries on their utilization habits of library resources. Results show that the majority of users are students preparing for examinations. Consequently, most of them visit to read their personal books and do not borrow from the library. Only a few bother to consult reference and audio-visual materials, citing ignorance of their existence as the most common reason.     

Demonstrating Value in Federal Medical Center Libraries

Abstract

Librarians in the federal sector, like librarians in other medical center libraries, increasingly find it necessary to prove their worth to administrators of their facilities in order to keep their libraries open. The Federal Libraries Section of the Medical Library Association developed a survey for use by federal librarians to help them quantify the value of library reference services provided. Using this survey, these librarians gathered statistics to show the library’s effect on patient care, education, and administrative questions.     

Impact of Basic Books v. Kinko's Graphics on Reserve Services at the University of Colorado,Boulder

ABSTRACT

This paper analyzes recent reserve activity at the University of Colorado, Boulder to assess the impact of recent copyright clarification on circulation departments. Reserve circulation statistics, material counts, and number of instructors submitting items are compared prior and subsequent to the March, 1991 copyright decision. The study finds that circulation of reserve items increased by 113%. The number of all items placed on reserve increased 192%. While the number of books on reserve changed relatively little, the number of photocopied articles increased 197%. The number of instructors using reserve, however, increased only 24%. That such a small increase in instructors' usage could generate such a dramatic increase in activity is discussed and concludes that a review of copyright compliance may be appropriate.     

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.     

Aligning the Assessment Process in Academic Libraries for Improved Demonstration and Reporting of Organizational Performance

ABSTRACT

Academic libraries are facing increased demands for improved accountability while the academic library service environment is in a constant flux of transition. Aligned assessment processes focus on integrating and aligning the assessment process components of assessment, capacity, stakeholders, participation, technology and organizational leadership to improve their effectiveness and their results. Libraries that can effectively align their assessment processes to the service environment in which they operate will be more successful in demonstrating and reporting assessment of their organizational performance to stakeholders, thus increasing access to strategic opportunities and resources. doi:10.1300/J106v14n03_08     

Cataloging for Consortial Collections: A Survey

ABSTRACT

Libraries face many challenges in making electronic resources accessible and discoverable. In particular, the exponentially incre-asing number of licensed and open access electronic resources and the dynamic nature of consortial collections (platform changes, title transference between packages, and package overlap) present challenges for cataloging and discovery. From March 21 to April 10, 2017, the authors performed a selected review of library literature and conducted a survey of library consortia worldwide to ascertain the cataloging models, strategies, and advanced technological tools used to ensure discovery of consortial collections. The findings from the literature review and survey are summarized in this article.     

学术信息资源整合工具——SFX及其启示

从最初的索引从印刷机印出开始，图书馆和图书馆用户就期望简单地从书目索引直接获取一次文献。光盘数据库和基于Web的网络数据库在提供有效的参考服务方面取得了较大的进展，但还不能满足用户的要求。本文主要介绍学术信息资源导航和发现工具SFX技术及其相关的理论，如OpenURL框架。同时阐述SFX技术给我国的信息供应商和信息服务提供者带来的启示。     

Impacts of an Information Commons on an Academic Library's Service Points

Abstract

The impacts of technology upon traditional library resources are sometimes unexpected. The library at California's University of the Pacific discovered that usage of print materials was dwindling, even though the addition of a 50-station “Information Commons” had bolstered overall library use. At first it was anticipated that the circulation desk might, within several years, be downsized into a mere information kiosk. Nevertheless, a study of the two service points-the Information Commons and the Circulation Desk-concluded that patrons still seek library services with a personal touch and continue to demand print materials. A “user satisfaction” survey revealed no mandate from users for the abandonment of print materials. As in the past, the services of the circulation desk have adapted to fit its users.     

Wired But Not Connected

Summary

The main library Web pages representing Yahoo!'s list of the “100 Most Wired Colleges” were analyzed for accessibility to people with disabilities. Forty of the pages were judged accessible using Bobby, the online automated service developed by the Center for Applied Special Technology. Frequencies of accessibility errors, recommendations, questions, tips, and browser compatibility errors are provided. The study found no relationship between accessibility of the library home pages and indicators of institutional resources, as represented by Yahoo! ranking (computer resources), Association of Research Libraries composite ranking (extent of library resources), and Carnegie Classification (range and extent of academic and research resources). Guidelines for accessible Web pages and an Adaptive PC Computer Workstation are included.     

Reaccreditation at Nova Southeastern University

Abstract

Reaccreditation offers academic libraries concerned about improving library services to distance students with an important opportunity to obtain support from their academic institutions. Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Libraries provides a case study of how one library has used the reaccreditation process to increase both the administration's cooperation and funding for document delivery, online resources, bibliographic instruction, and local library resources to distance students.     

Where Does the Money Go? Rutgers University Library Tracks Reserve Collection Purchases

ABSTRACT

Rutgers University Libraries are using a Microsoft Access database to track the purchase of books requested by teaching faculty for use in the Reserve Collection. Reports are generated which show what is purchased, how money was spent. Combined with circulation figures and LC Subject areas, the database provides documentation of library support of on-campus programs and research areas.     

The Difficult Patron Situation

Summary

Problem/difficult patron incidents that occur in libraries are on the rise. Library administrators and library employees have attempted to decrease the number of incidents by providing staff training and formulating policies and rules to control the situation. The purpose of this article is to share the proactive steps that the Education and Behavioral Sciences Library, Penn State University Libraries, took to prevent or decrease the incidences of difficult patrons as the library prepares to relocate. The focus was on assisting the frontline staff members, who work on the reference desk, to acquire the competencies they need to provide consistent quality reference services to patrons, and to reduce incidences of unsatisfied, difficult, and problem patrons.     

Reaching Additional Users with Proactive Chat

ABSTRACT

Despite a general decline in recent years in academic libraries’ reference desk statistics, research indicates that library users continue to have complex research questions but are largely unaware that librarians are waiting and ready to assist them. The challenge for librarians is to connect with users at their point of need. At Bowling Green State University, we are making a move in this direction with proactive (pop-up) chat widgets embedded within our library Web pages, catalog, and databases. Since implementation, the number of chat reference questions received has more than doubled, helping us reach additional users from on-and off-campus.