Reference Serials

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present study is to determine the collaborative activities of Asian library and information science (LIS) researchers through bibliometric, social network analysis at the author, institution, and country levels of the LIS publications produced by Asian researchers. For the study, research articles were derived from the 1994–2013 Web of Science (WoS) archives. Coauthor analysis software was used to analyze author contributions on the New Modified Author Activity Index (NMAAI_{1, 2, 3})—a measurement tool to evaluate author research activities. Results reveal (a) that LIS “institutions collaboration pattern” outcomes did not yield strong collaboration with Asian countries or regions, (b) intracontinent and intercontinent collaboration was less harmonious on institutional and author levels, and (c) interpretation through NMAAI_1,2,3 revealed that Asian countries did not produce sufficient collaborative LIS publications. Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, India, Iran, Israel, and Turkey have been producing ample LIS papers, but the United States and United Kingdom emerged as leaders. This work provides a holistic view of Asian LIS development and emphasizes individual levels of collaboration, finding that most influential authors serve on coauthor networks, which differentiates this study from previous studies in the LIS field. There is immense need to develop liaisons, sign memoranda of understanding (MOUs), and participate in combined research plans and short-term research exchange programs.     

Serials Digest

Abstract

A collection manager and an acquisition librarian discuss difficult decisions to be made regarding electronic resources and associated value-added services. Balancing budget constraints with patron demands for easy access to information requires librarians to reevaluate assumptions about the electronic products and associated services that have quickly become staples of library life, even as these staples become increasingly untenable. The authors scrutinize the cost/benefit of continuing value-added services, such as providing access to abstracting and indexing tools and full MARC cataloging records of journal titles, as well as considering the adoption of new services such as federated search engines and link resolvers.