Across Canada

No abstract available for this article.     

Return to the Valley of the Dolls

Abstract

This article discusses buying books online, includes popular sites where you can buy books online, and identifies important considerations for online shoppers.     

Evaluating Usage of Monographs

Abstract

Usage is an increasingly important factor in decisions about the funding of library resources. Data for electronic resources and print serials is more likely to be gathered and analyzed than monographic use data. This situation poses a threat to the appropriate funding for monographic acquisitions. A pilot project was designed at the Medical College of Wisconsin Libraries to develop and test a method of producing use reports for monographs purchased in recent years. Despite some unusual challenges, the pilot project proved that retrieval and analysis of data could be performed with readily available software. While the results from the analysis cannot be the sole or main foundation for changes in the collection development of monographs, the use reports provided new insights into the utilization of recent acquisitions and pinpointed weaknesses or strengths of acquisition patterns.     

Tales From Timberline: The 2011 Acquisitions Institute at Timberline Lodge

The 2011 Acquisitions Institute at Timberline Lodge delivered a packed schedule of timely and interesting presentations on compelling topics for acquisitions and collection development librarians, publishers, and library vendors. The cozy lodge provided a perfect environment for relaxed conversation on topics such as patron-driven acquisitions, e-books, and library collaborations, while late snow flurries and a cloud cap hid Mount Hood from attendees’ eyes.     

A Study of Correlation of Use,Citation and Publishing of Journal Papers by Indian Space Technologists

Patterns of the publishing of papers in journals by Indian space technologists and their use and citation were studied Pearson correlation coefficient has been calculated to find out the correlation and to test the null hypothesis that there is no correlation among publishing in journals, citing from journals and use of journals by a defined set of researchers. A slight positive correlation between citing from journals and publishing in journals is indicated by the study. It is concluded that a more tightly controlled study with a larger and homogeneous sample might result in a better correlation.     

Accurate Information and Reliable Statistics: Utilizing Microsoft SharePoint to Resolve Data Collection in an Academic Library

ABSTRACT

The Borough of Manhattan Community College Library is using Microsoft SharePoint as an all-encompassing intranet to streamline library operations, maintain quality, and enhance decision-making by organizing, sharing, and managing information. Digitization of collection data was deemed necessary to increase data speed and accuracy, and improve harmony between library departments. The new collection management plan is a good fit because it uses SharePoint's workflow capacity to insure an easy transition from paper-based methods and prevents fear of disruption and non-compliance.     

A Purchase-on-Demand Pilot Project at the University of Arkansas,for the Proceedings of the Materials Research Society Symposiums

In fiscal year 2004–2005, papers published in the Material Research Society's Proceedings series were the fifth most requested interlibrary loan item submitted by faculty and students at the University of Arkansas. This prompted the authors to determine if a purchase-on-demand scheme for items in this series, made without any subject specialist input, would allow the library to increase the strength of its collection at a price that was no greater than or lower than the real cost of traditional interlibrary loan. The study analyzes and describes the parameters of the data. Results suggest that this type of plan might be useful for libraries lacking a designated selector.     

The Assessment of Patron-Initiated Collection Development via Interlibrary Loan at a Comprehensive University

Patron-initiated collecting via interlibrary has been examined regularly in the literature over the past decade, with articles examining the topic at public libraries, liberal arts colleges, and large doctoral institutions. This paper examines a patron-initiated collection development program at Grand Valley State University, a comprehensive university with an enrollment of 24,000 students. It compares Grand Valley State University's experiences with those at other types of institutions. The paper also discusses the different models used to assess the success of these programs within the literature and how Grand Valley State University used WorldCat Collection Analysis, circulation statistics, and peer comparisons to assess its program.     

Purchase Instead of Borrow

Abstract

In seeking to provide a more cost-effective means to substitute for gaps in the collection the University of Hong Kong Libraries began to consider the feasibility of combining purchase with interlibrary loan borrowing in the fall of 2001. From 2002 the University of Hong Kong Libraries implemented a new initiative, called the “Overseas Book Loan Initiative,” to purchase interlibrary loan requests for locally unavailable monographs instead of borrowing them from overseas.

This paper presents the University of Hong Kong model of “purchase on demand,” and attempts to study whether purchase instead of borrow is a better alternative for the University of Hong Kong Libraries' situation, given the local factors and circumstances. The four underlying factors: speed, subsequent use, content appropriateness, and cost of transaction are examined by analyzing actual data collected.

Evidence from the study suggests that purchasing instead of borrowing is a better option if the library can continue to support the higher out-of-pocket costs to achieve the benefits of improving patron support, addingindemand materials to the collection, and optimizing the use of resources.