Demand for E-books in an Academic Library

ABSTRACT

Rather than create a collection solely to support distance learners, libraries should consider the needs of all customers when developing a digital library. The acceptance of digital libraries is dependant upon the conversion of resources to an electronic format that is easy to use and is fully searchable. While electronic journals are widely accepted by most academic library customers, the delivery of online books has had a very different acceptance rate. Rather than support the sequential reading of books, electronic books are commonly used to find information and can be particularly well-suited for reference purposes. This article will provide insight into the history of e-book models and evaluate the usage statistics of a large electronic book collection in an academic library.     

网络工具书探析

分析了网络工具书的概念及类型，探析了网络工具书在信息技术、服务功能、开放式编撰模式等方面的发展意义，并提出了我国网络工具书有待完善与改进的地方。     

Expanding Demand Driven Acquisition: Complete Just-In-Time Approval Plan

Abstract

A DDA (Demand Driven Acquisitions) preferred Approval Plan allows libraries to acquire DDA eligible books triggered by users. Non-DDA books are acquired automatically, because there is no mechanism that allows these books to be requested by users. This study explores the procedure called Purchase by Request (PBR) that allows non-DDA books to be discoverable and requested by users. After incorporating both DDA and PBR into an Approval Plan, all books in the Approval Plan are exposed to users for just-in-time purchases, and in the process saving the library a substantial amount of money.     

Video Collecting for the Sometimes Media Librarian

Abstract

Video recordings present many quirks not experienced when purchasing and processing books. We summarize the evaluative processes involved for choosing videos, choosing vendors, and cataloging videos. As these processes involve several units within the library, cross-unit collaboration exploits the expertise of all participants. Our selection policy is largely driven by the curriculum. While we order some feature films, our primary focus is on educational recordings. This presents special problems, as educational video recordings are not advertised or reviewed as widely as books or feature films, and it is therefore more difficult to know what is available. In addition, audiovisual materials present special cataloging and access problems.     

Trials and Triumphs in the Polish Book Trade Since 1989

ABSTRACT

After a brief look at the Polish book trade under communism, the article examines developments since communism's collapse in late 1989, concentrating on monographs. The initial mushrooming of publishers was followed in 1992 by the failure of Sk?adnica Ksi?garska as the monopoly book distributor. Since then, a number of private wholesalers have emerged; publishers are also distributing their out-put themselves. The system is now working well for the majority of publications. However, it is often not particularly effective for scholary books. Reasons, consequences, and tactics for coping are discussed.     

Selling Withdrawn and Gift Books on eBay

Abstract

An eBay auction of donated or withdrawn books is another way to raise money for libraries. Because the process is labor-intensive, it is best suited to volunteers rather than salaried staff. The article describes the process used by one Friends of the Library group.     

From Clutter to Cash

Abstract

In 2003 the University of Maryland's Engineering and Physical Sciences Library conducted a pilot project selling gift books on the Internet resulting in gross sales totaling $9,326, a net profit of $6,917, for only 96 calculated staff hours. This article describes this project from inception through conclusion summarizing the detailed processes needed to get started and make it profitable, while also giving step-by-step advice on running an online book sale. After 3 years of operation (over $18,000 in sales), the project came to an end when the Library Administration Earned Income Committee recommended retail sales such as this not be part of the libraries' mission.     

Mid-wave Infrared Reflectography and Thermography for the Study of Ancient Books: A Review

ABSTRACT

In this paper an overview of recent applications of mid-wave infrared imaging techniques to the study of books is presented. Studies performed by thermography and mid-wave infrared reflectography are reviewed to demonstrate how they can be used to investigate the main features of books. The capability of these techniques is exploited in the analysis of structural elements of the bookbindings and writing supports as well as in the characterization of the writings and illuminations. Thermographic and reflectographic results are compared with results obtained using other imaging techniques operating in different spectral regions, thus pointing out how mid-wave infrared imaging techniques can help in examining many aspects of books. Finally, it is shown that the obtained information can also be used to evaluate the condition of the book and, when required, to properly plan conservation treatments.     

Do Off-Campus Students Use E-Books?

ABSTRACT

The number of electronic books (e-books) that are available is increasing rapidly. Libraries are acquiring them individually, in large groups, and as part of collections. Off-campus librarians perceive them to be the best solution to the problems and expenses related to loaning and shipping print books to off-campus students. This study looks at the usage of e-books by off-campus students at Central Michigan University (CMU) to see if usage patterns can assist librarians with e-book collection development to support off-campus programs.     

Summer Reading and the Potential Contribution of the Public Library in Improving Reading for Children of Poverty

ABSTRACT

Research indicates that there is surprisingly little difference in reading gains between children from high-and low-income families during the school year. Rather, the difference is what happens in the summer. Children from high-income families make better progress in reading over the summer, and over time the summer advantage can account for social-class differences in reading achievement. There is a simple explanation for this difference: Children from high-income families read more over the summer, and they read more because they have more access to books, not only at home but outside the home as well. Studies show that public libraries offer inferior collections and services to children of poverty. An obvious way to increase access to books over the summer is to improve public library services.     

Use and Perception of Ebooks in the University of Ulster: A Case Study

A case study was conducted within two Faculties in the University of Ulster during academic year 2010–11. Its aims were: to assess levels of undergraduate ebook use; how, why, and for what purpose undergraduate students chose to use or not use e-books; assess barriers to use; and consider promotional strategies.

Data were collected by means of a desk-based usage comparison and self-completion online questionnaire. Findings were considered using Diffusion of Innovation theory and Roesnita and Zainab's Ebook Use Model.

Ebooks are used thirty times more than print counterparts. Users expressed a definite preference for print books; format choice is dependent upon study need. Usage has not yet reached self-sustaining take-off. Ebooks cannot be considered interchangeable with books; promotion should take account of how ebooks are considered “different” from print.     

Truth vs. Authenticity: Dealing with More “Good” Books Going “Bad” and Seeking Opportunities for Catalog Record Enhancement

ABSTRACT

Discusses the challenges and opportunities inherent in enhancing the catalog record for books that have developed documented reputations at odds with earlier certifications of authenticity, credibility, and quality. Librarians, as historically arbiters only of order and access, are reluctant to engage books beyond their organization and their facts. The author features a number of books and authors whose reputations have been recently and rightly sullied and argues that libraries should approach these works with the goal and giving them new contexts for the patron.     

Out-of-print, out of mind? A case study of the decision to outsource out-of-print acquisitions

This study addresses the question: Can the specialized process of acquiring out-of-print books be outsourced successfully to private vendors? The study reports the results of a case study of the decision to outsource out-of-print acquisitions at LaGuardia Community College in the City University of New York. Data were collected and analyzed regarding acquisitions costs, fulfillment rate, condition of books received, and overall success of the venture. The study concludes that the benefits of outsourcing outweigh the additional expense of vendor handling charges and suggests that libraries can successfully outsource routine tasks while maintaining control over important acquisitions decisions.     

“Books.Google.RU”—Google's Mass Digitization of Russian‐Language Books

ABSTRACT. Google is pursuing “mass digitization” of Russian books as part of its efforts that now involve more than a dozen partners, although so far there is no separate Russian‐language search interface. How easy is it to find materials in books.google.com that are in Russian? What do users need to know to maximize their results?     

Surfing the Stacks in an Electronic Age

Summary

Current trends in library training and practice reflect the inexorable movement toward the electronic environment. In this setting, librarians are beginning to pay considerably less attention to the books in their reference collections than to the online sources. This is cause for concern, since materials in the print format are often preferable to the electronic. They can be more accessible, quicker, and easier to use. Their contents are likely to be more comprehensive and are often unique. Librarians are urged to continue to become familiar with and use the books in the reference collections.     

CALIS古籍联机合作编目与高校图书馆古籍管理

古籍联机编目是中国高等教育文献保障系统（简称CALIS）下最重要的子项目之一,这一项目不仅开展高校古籍联机合作编目、编目数据批量提供、编目咨询与系统培训等业务,客观上也方便了成员馆的编目工作,提高了书目数据库建设效率,对各成员馆的古籍管理产生了积极影响。     

The Long,Strange Trip of Barbara Gordon

Summary

Historically, the medium of comic books and the profession of librarianship have both suffered image problems. The former is deemed unrespectable; the latter lacks the same level of prestige afforded many other professions. Does having this in common result in comic books offering images of librarians and librarianship more informed (and, therefore, more positive) than are generally to be found in other media? Or do they employ the same cliches about librarians that are the bane of so many in the profession? To examine these questions, some of the more prominent depictions of librarians in mainstream American comic books and graphic novels were reviewed. with mixed results. Recent depictions of librarians do seem to be more informed and more sympathetic than in the past, but even today, comic book writers still employ some of the more negative stereotypes about librarians as a way to provide their relationship with some quick and easy laughs.     

Academic Libraries as Digital Gateways: Linking Students to the Burgeoning Wealth of Open Online Collections

ABSTRACT

Digital collections of full-text e-books are proliferating on the Web and provide a wealth of open content for students. To examine whether academic libraries are providing a digital gateway to these resources, ten e-book titles from open digital collections were searched in the online catalogs and Web pages of ten academic libraries serving distance learners. Only three of the digital collection e-books were available from any of the library catalogs, and none were found on library Web pages. Availability of the ten e-book titles through Google and other digital discovery tools also had mixed results. Continued projects for improved delivery of open online content are necessary. In order to fulfill their role as digital gateways for their academic communities, libraries must pursue metadata standards to support cross-searching, collaborative projects, and development of e-resource search software, which integrates with the library catalog.     

The Acquisition of Russian Publications Through Independent Book Agents

Abstract

Librarians frequently have the opportunity to purchase Russian publications from nontraditional retail outlets, such as authors, book agents, or other independent sources, rather than book vendors. These transactions take place for a number of reasons, but generally they are done to acquire specialized materials that are not readily available through established outlets. In addition, the domestic price of Russian books is substantially lower than the prices charged by foreign vendors and as a result independent Russian purchasing agents can offer books at very competitive prices. Unfortunately, because these transactions do not follow established library procedures, they are often very labor-intensive and difficult to complete.