Interactive Reference at a Distance: A Corporate Model for Academic Libraries

Summary

Distance education's steady evolution from correspondence courses to virtual classrooms poses a significant challenge to the delivery of library services. Success in achieving widespread electronic access to library catalogs and online databases serves only as the foundation for meeting this challenge. Full evolution to virtual library services demands the addition of dynamic and interactive electronic reference services. The Telebase Help Desk service is one model of an Internet-based interactive reference service.     

The Evolution of the Georgia Tech Library Circulation Department

ABSTRACT

The author reviews the evolution of the Circulation Department at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) Library and Information Center from 2001 to the present. It is shown how a traditional circulation department with poor customer relations transformed itself by adopting innovative policies and services leading to improved customer relations.     

The Evolution of Map Societies

Abstract

Based on a review of more than fifty organizations, the author identifies key elements that differentiate map societies from other forms of map-related organizations. The history and evolution of map societies is delineated based upon this analysis and conjecture is made regarding the future of map societies.     

Planning for the Integration of the Digital Library,Clinical Decision Support,and Evidence at the Point of Care

ABSTRACT

Integrating knowledge-based resources at the point of care is an important opportunity for hospital library involvement. In the progression of an IAIMS planning grant, the digital library is recognized as pivotal to the success of information domain integration throughout the institution. The planning process, data collection, and evolution of the planning project are discussed.     

Ageless oxygen absorber: chemical and physical properties

Abstract

The chemical and physical properties of Ageless^R oxygen absorber, a commercial oxygen scavenger, are described. The active ingredient in Ageless is finely divided iron, but the key to its use as a practical method of removing oxygen is the method of preparation, additives and packaging. Criteria for museum use are put forward and certain problems, such as heat generation and hydrogen evolution, are discussed.     

Wikipedia Knows the Value of What the Library Catalog Forgets

Abstract

Shifting library catalogs from physical to digital has come at a cost. Catalog records no longer leave traces of their own evolution, which is a loss for librarianship. The subjective nature of information classification warrants self-examination, within which we may see the evolution of practice, debates over attribution and relevance, and how culture is reflected in the systems used to describe it. Wikipedia models what is possible: revision histories and discussion pages function as knowledge generators. A list of unanswerable questions for the modern catalog urges us to construct a new, forward-thinking bibliography that allows us to look backward.     

Being RAD

Abstract

Upon completing a Fall 1999 sabbatical studying how reference services were being provided to library patrons at a distance, the MCCCD libraries have been piloting a collaborative live reference service since Spring 2001. This paper describes the organic evolution and current state of Maricopa's Librarians Online.     

The Teaching of First-Year Legal Research Revisited

ABSTRACT

The evolution of reference and legal research instruction at BYU Hunter Law Library clearly illustrates the continuum along which many law school libraries have moved in refining and expanding reference services. The end result -better prepared law student researchers -has been pursued and obtained through a hybrid of the bibliographic approach and the newer emphasis on practical advocacy. An extensive review of the literature supports BYU's approach.     

CONSER: The Very Model of a Modern Cooperative Program

Abstract

The CONSER Program is the oldest component of the Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC) and many elements that made CONSER a success were adopted by the PCC over the past twenty-five years. This article describes how CONSER’s evolution over the years in the areas of membership, leadership, standards, training and documentation influenced the development of the PCC.     

Print and Electronic Books

Abstract

Historical research and scholarship form a matrix of specialties depending on the object studied and the period under examination. The history of science is examined for its particular characteristics as evidenced in the cumulative bibliographies published in Isis, a premier journal devoted to the history of science for 1986–2003. A bibliometric examination of publication trends and specializations are explored through the historical periodizations inherent in historical studies. The history of science conforms to a unique evolution and professional orientation among the various fields in professional and academic history.     

Are Reference Desks Dying Out? Librarians Struggle to Redefine–and in Some Cases Eliminate–the Venerable Institution

ABSTRACT

This article describes ways in which reference service is changing, including an evolution away from desk-based service, appointment-based reference, the use of social-networking tools, and physical presence outside of library buildings at alternate service sites; summarizes divergent views toward the future of reference service as expressed at the 2007 ACRL National Conference.     

The Impact of More,Better, Faster,Cheaper: How the PCC Influenced Everything That Followed

Abstract

The beginnings and the early years of the Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC) had a profound impact on the approach taken to cataloging in North America and around the world. The commitment to standards, cooperation, and expanded access also had an impact that went far beyond cataloging operations. One library dean traces the evolution of her vision and contemplates how the PCC’s principles have shaped her entire career and have affected the libraries in which she has worked.     

Citators: Past,Present, and Future

ABSTRACT

Citators are one of the oldest and most important tools in the legal researcher's arsenal. They serve both as precautionary measures against bad law, and as a means of doing primary legal research. The evolution of citators plays an important roll in the development of both the legal publishing industry and legal research itself. This article examines many aspects of the legal citator—its history, development, uses, and possible future.     

Successful Web Journals

Summary

Two publishers of well-known print newspapers have launched successful Web versions. The editors described the evolution of their sites and discussed the advantages of Web editions: timeliness, depth of content, user-customized access to information, and community-building interactive forums. They detailed lessons learned, outlined future plans, and clarified similarities and differences between the two sites. Discussion centered on three main areas: library access and site licenses, the nature of archives and article retrieval, and advertising.     

OCLC in Europe,the Middle East and Africa, 1998–2008

ABSTRACT

This article is a continuation of the article of the same name by Christine Deschamps who described the evolution of OCLC in Europe 1981–1997. This article continues the story for the period 1998–2008 and covers the expansion of OCLC services to the Middle East and Africa. It also includes the organizational, governance and product portfolio developments for this period under the global leadership of Jay Jordan.     

Electronic vs. Print Reference Sources in Public Library Collections

Summary

The evolution of electronic sources has had a significant impact on reference collections in libraries, and public library reference collections are no exception.

Evaluating, selecting, and organizing sources to meet the needs of public library users has always been a fundamental role of public librarians. However, now they have the added responsibility of evaluating electronic resources and deciding whether the electronic sources will supplement or replace traditional paper reference sources. Issues of authority, accessibility, cost, comfort, and user education must be carefully weighed during this evaluative process.     

21st Century Readers' Aids: Past History and Future Directions

ABSTRACT

This article provides a brief history of the development of library subject guides (often referred to as pathfinders) from the late 1800s to the present. During this period, subject guides have changed both their focus and format. The needs of academic institutions at the turn of the 20th century were very different than they are today, and technology that was non-existent then has become ubiquitous. Much can be learned from studying the evolution of these important library tools and looking to the future as they mature even further.     

Library Services to External Students from Australian Universities: The Influence of Flexible Delivery upon Traditional Service Provision

Summary

Distance education services provided by a number of Australian university libraries are considered. Attention is paid to agreements between libraries, library staff involvement in program and information skills development, evaluation of services, and the evolution of online delivery. This paper establishes that little provision is made for the specific support of the adult learner in distance education and argues that flexible delivery initiatives are diminishing the distinction between on- and off-campus services, irrespective of client-base.