Exploring the experiences of academic libraries with research data management: A meta-ethnographic analysis of qualitative studies1

Taking on responsibilities in research data management (RDM) has proven to be a significant challenge as libraries have adopted new roles within higher education institutions. A qualitative review using the meta-ethnographic approach was conducted that examined the experiences of academic libraries and provided clarity on contextual influences associated with achievements, as well as illuminating the reasons for deficiencies. Libraries experienced uncertainty around roles and relationships related to RDM yet were recognized positively as a neutral, centralized space within academic institutions. This perception, combined with the current approach of fostering partnerships and collaborations, may prove to be useful for libraries as they strategically consider how best to provide continued support and services in RDM. Understanding the perspectives of academic libraries on how they respond and support the demands related to RDM offers a fuller, more robust insight that is essential for planning and decision-making.     

Closing the loop: Students,academic libraries,and textbook affordability

This paper will summarize over 400 responses to a student questionnaire used to assess a textbook affordability program at Rutgers University. Students' responses showed that they were concerned about textbook costs, liked their open and affordable course content, and unanimously supported continuing the program. Because the Open and Affordable Textbooks program is administered through the Libraries, the survey also offers a glimpse at how textbook affordability interfaces with key library services, including collection development, teaching and learning, reserves and the visibility, use and discoverability of library resources. This article is intended to bring the conversation full circle and take steps toward defining an ecosystem of library services and activities that support textbook affordability and OER. The goal is to bring more visibility to OER programs and make sure they are integrated in foundational library operations, so that students recognize the libraries' investment in their academic success.     

Chinese academic journals: quality,issues and solutions

Twelve Chinese academic journals, indexed by SCI and financed by the National Natural Science Foundation (NNSF), were analysed using the 2000–2003 Total Citations and Impact Factor data from JCR. It is concluded that the quality of Chinese journals is generally low and has remained so despite recent government measures aimed at improvement. Several factors are influential – particularly the Chinese government's policy of encouraging submission to foreign journals. Finance, management, and the academic degree policy are also obstacles. It is suggested that the Chinese government should reconsider its current policies so as to encourage higher quality in domestic periodicals and thus a greater recognition of Chinese journals by the international academic community.     

Decisions,decisions, decisions: decision fatigue in academic librarianship

Decision fatigue is the phenomenon in which a large number of decisions or choices made over a period of time hinders the ability to competently make further decisions. While addressed in the literature of other professions, the concept has not been included in the inventory of phenomena that potentially affects librarians. This paper presents the results of a survey which draws attention to decision fatigue and allows academic librarians to recognize the symptoms while suggesting ways to overcome its effects.     

Deep classification: pornography,bibliographic access,and academic libraries

This study examines the mainstreaming of pornography in the context of current economic, popular culture, and academic trends. As pornography becomes part of popular culture, it simultaneously becomes an area of focus for academics and therefore presents particular challenges for college and university libraries. Both physically and conceptually, academic libraries must find a place for pornography on the shelves and in the array of knowledge structured by bibliographic access systems. This study looks at how the variety of issues, concepts, and genres of pornography considered in academic discourse could be accommodated within access systems by examining the way in which the adult industry itself classifies pornographic films. Specifically, the terms used by the adult industry to classify these films could be grouped within newly developed categories. The identification of the categories would not be predicated on characteristics of porn films alone. Instead, the categories would encompass specific topics, concepts, and subject areas that connect pornography to mainstream culture. Using classifications from four different adult industry sources, four sample categories are presented that could serve as a model for how pornographic concepts could be accommodated within existing bibliographic access systems.     

学术期刊的纠错栏目:勘误·更正·撤稿

勘误、更正和撤稿是学术期刊的重要栏日.因它们的法律意义不同,产生的原因不同,所以,在刊登主体、内容、栏目安排和编排处理上既有相同之处,又有不同之处,对纠正学术期刊的错误起到重要的作用.这应引起学术期刊编辑的注意.