EXPO-nential Success Redux,or, If You Plan It They Will Come

An important aspect of the lifecycle of electronic resources is disseminating the arrival of new resources on campus and reminding the campus of currently subscribed materials. A database page accessible by subject, topic or format, training sessions by vendors, either live or via the Web, information literacy presentations for one-shot classes or workshops for the entire campus are standard marketing strategies; however, even with clear and comprehensive presentations demonstrating awareness of the strengths and limitations of subscribed resources, if only a handful of the 15,000+ users show up, the program may appear to be an exercise in futility. Another route to disseminate this important information is the library expo or vendor fair. Vendors set up booths for three to five hours to meet with users. They provide booth giveaways and help with door prizes to attract students, faculty, and administrators to the fair. Users can spare a short time to browse the booths between classes and meetings to learn about new resources and ask questions about their old favorites. This article will provide insights in the planning, marketing, and assessment of the library expo held at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.     

They Will Use It,If You Buy It!: Results of an Expanded Survey on the Use of Classification Web

This article presents the results of a survey examining the extent to which working catalogers use Classification Web, the Library of Congress’ online resource for subject heading and classification documentation. An earlier survey analyzed Class Web's usefulness on an institutional level. This broader survey expands on that analysis and provides information on such questions as: What types of institutions subscribe to Class Web? What are the reasons for using Class Web when performing original or copy cataloging? and What other resources do catalogers use for classification/subject heading analysis?     

Long-Term Usage of a Consortial PDA Collection: If They Choose It,Will We Use It?*

Abstract

This paper examines the materials acquired during a consortial PDA pilot; which of the books are still being used, by which institutions, whether the size of a participating institution or the subject of a book have impact on the continued use of the books, and if there is a relationship between the schools that triggered a PDA purchase and the schools that have gone on to use a given title. Findings suggest that models involving some library mediation may be more effective in meeting the various needs of participating institutions.     

Part 2. If We Frame It,They Will Respond: Student Responses to the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education

The second part of this exploratory study compares student pretest and posttest responses conducted at the beginning and end of a semester-long research methods course to measure the evolution of undergraduate students’ comprehension of information literacy concepts as presented in the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education’s Frames.     

Part 1. If We Frame It,They Will Respond: Undergraduate Student Responses to the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education

There remains significant confusion surrounding the purpose, audience, and proposed application of the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education. This exploratory study addresses the question of whether undergraduate students can understand the language and concepts in this document. By presenting student responses to pretest questions recorded at the beginning of a semester-long research methods course, this article shows that students can, even on first impression, begin to make sense of the complexity and richness found in the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education.     

Assessing Academic Library Services to Distance Learners: A Literature Review of Perspectives from Librarians,Students, and Faculty

Many academic libraries are expanding services to online and distance students to keep pace with enrollment trends in higher education, prompting additional research to evaluate the use and effectiveness of library reference and instruction services to distance users. This literature review explores this research from the perspectives of academic librarians, distance students, and faculty teaching online and distance courses, and finds both commonalities and contradictions among these viewpoints.     

Librarian Like a Rock Star: Using Your Personal Brand to Promote Your Services and Reach Distant Users

ABSTRACT

The business world has been using corporate branding and relationship marketing to build customer loyalty and satisfaction. In recent decades, individuals have applied the tenets of branding to themselves to create the idea of personal branding—marketing yourself as your own brand. By thinking in terms of personal branding and relationship marketing, distance education librarians can more effectively reach out to remote students and build long term relationships that are beneficial to both students and librarians.

This article originally published in Journal of Library Administration, Vol. 50, Issues 5–6, pages 628–637, 2010. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01930826.2010.488928.     

Ain't No (Sky)River Wide Enough to Keep Me from Getting to You: SkyRiver,Innovative, OCLC,and the Fight for Control over the Bibliographic Data,Cataloging Services,ILL, and ILS Markets

This article describes the litigation involving SkyRiver Technology Solutions and Online Computer Library Center, Inc. (OCLC). At its heart is who owns library catalog records. It begins with an overview of the organizations and examines their histories, products, and positions in the library services market in an attempt to understand and explain the background for the current situation. It continues with an overview of the lawsuit, including the plaintiffs’ claims for relief and the major arguments in OCLC's motion to dismiss. Finally, it turns to what the lawsuit means for the library services marketplaces, what potential changes may occur, and what OCLC's future might look like.