Bridges to China: Developing Partnerships Between Serials Librarians in the United States and China

University librarians in China face many of the same challenges related to serials management that confront librarians in the United States. The authors discuss the importance for librarians in the United States, especially those working with serials, to establish and build ties with librarians in other countries, such as China. Benefits of an exchange could include sharing information about best practices, exchange of serial materials, and working together on mutually advantageous projects. Acknowledging the growing interest in international library exchange programs, the authors relate their own institution's efforts to build international ties with Fudan University in Shanghai, China, and Shaanxi Normal University in Xi'an, China. In establishing these ties, the authors have traveled to China and interviewed librarians about serials acquisition, processing, and management.     

Is Check-In Checking Out?

Abstract

Technological innovations have made changes in library procedures commonplace. Nonetheless, many librarians have been startled by the University of Nevada at Reno's decision to quit checking in print serials. Four serialists address the future of serials acquisitions in light of the technological advances that continue to transform library procedures. Serials Review 2003; 29:224–229.     

The Balance Point: Keeping Serial Bibliographic Records Viable in a Digital Age

Abstract

Michael Norman, head of serials cataloging at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) library, describes his library's development of an integrated management system for serials, the Online Research Resources (ORR). The ORR was designed to draw together and deliver to the public a wide range of information related to the library's serial holdings that previously could only be obtained by consulting a number of sources. With a single search, UIUC patrons can now consult the ORR for serials information such as variant titles, online availability, subject categories, print summary statements, ISI impact factor, where the title is indexed, and whether it is peer reviewed—an innovation sorely needed and highly welcomed by librarians and patrons alike.     

Nursing Research Journals

Abstract

Recent discussions concerning the mission and direction of graduate programs in library and information science (LIS) have become heated. In a response to a call for greater communication between practitioners and LIS educators, eight librarians who are relatively recent graduates of LIS graduate programs offer their views on what they wish their programs had taught them about serials. All are either working in serials or have serials experience. Serials Review 2003; 29:26–35.     

Project Feedback Loops: Visualizing Collection Evaluation Decisions

ABSTRACT

In 2016, a collection assessment project evaluated print serials and book collections at Johns Hopkins University in preparation for an upcoming renovation of the Eisenhower Library. Project metrics provided librarians with both goals and measures of success that varied by humanities, social sciences, and science and engineering—such as estimated number of volumes, decision type, and the percentage of serials staying or moving out of the building. A feedback loop with data visualizations helped reduce anxiety and improve communication across library departments by illustrating volume estimates, linear feet, and shelf height by decision type. Key takeaways include lessons learned about necessary data proficiency for academic librarians and the need for better data from our library software and applications to facilitate future collection evaluation projects for weeding off-site serials.     

Ongoing Serials Cataloging Training

Abstract

Cataloging requires constant continuing education. The recent changes to Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules (AACR2) Chapter 12 have necessitated widespread efforts to train and retrain serials catalogers. Serials cataloger librarians from the University of Pittsburgh, the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities, and the San Francisco Public Library describe their methods and the challenges of ongoing serials cataloging training. Serials Review 2003; 29:117–120.     

Management of Electronic Serials in Academic Libraries: The Results of an Online Survey

Abstract

This article presents the results of an online survey of academic librarians conducted in 2011 on the topic of electronic serials management. Since online journals had by 2011 become a major part of academic library serials collections, a central objective of this survey was to explore whether this had led to any degree of standardization in online serials management procedures across academic libraries. The focus of the survey was generally on issues affecting technical services, specifically exploring the impact of electronic serials on collection development, library staffing, and serials management tools. The responses to the survey did not reflect any significant level of uniformity among these libraries in any of these areas, suggesting that libraries primarily take into account the needs of their own institutions when formulating procedures for managing online serials.     

An Interview with Steve Shadle

Abstract

Bonnie Parks interviewed Steve Shadle, serials cataloger for University of Washington Libraries, in August 2002. In this interview Shadle provides a cataloger's perspective on the challenges he and other serials catalogers face in the organization and management of electronic and print serial titles. Serials Review 2002; 28:321–326.     

Finding the Delicate Balance: Serials Assessment at the University of Nevada,Las Vegas

Abstract

In the spring of 2003 the University Libraries at University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), conducted a Serials Assessment Project which combined technology with effective communication between library users and subject librarians to successfully identify journals that could be cancelled, should cancellations be necessary due to budgetary constraints. Although the library had conducted similar assessments in 1998 and 2000, a fresh look at past assessments resulted in an innovative approach. The project and experience proved to be tremendously positive for both the library and its users. This article describes the planning and process by which the UNLV libraries designed and conducted the 2003 review of UNLV's serials collection, comparing it to methods used in the two previous assessments.     

Me and My Shadow: Observation,Documentation, and Analysis of Serials and Electronic Resources Workflow

Abstract

Librarians in the Metadata & Cataloging Department at the North Carolina State University (NCSU) Libraries embarked on a comprehensive project to document and review the Libraries' serials and electronic resources workflow with the goals of introducing greater efficiency, clarity, and simplicity into processes across the serials unit and of increasing training opportunities for department-wide understanding of the serials lifecycle. This paper examines the method used to observe and collect information about serials and electronic resources work, the process of synthesizing that information into a graphical representation of the serials lifecycle, and the workflow analysis undertaken to introduce improved serials processes. The value of the project is demonstrated through a discussion of efforts for workflow education, analysis, and improvement at the NCSU Libraries directly instigated by review of the process documentation by technical services staff members.     

Confession Magazines

Abstract

The results of this survey underscore the controversy surrounding the elimination of OCLC's Serials Control Subsystem. The survey evoked responses more numerous and fervent than I anticipated when the project began. As might be expected, those libraries that used the system more extensively and checked in the higher number of formats on SCS were most likely to describe the impact of SCS's elimination as serious. Most of the respondents expected that their immediate choice for a new serials control system would be permanent. As one respondent commented, “…librarians cannot afford to be switching serials control systems every few years.” Among libraries using the Serials Control Subsystem, approximately one-third chose to switch to OCLC's SC350, but no alternative serials system emerged as the second choice.     

The Effects of E-journal Management Tools and Services on Serials Cataloging

Abstract

E-journal management tools and services such as MARC record services, A-to-Z lists, and link resolvers are changing e-journal cataloging. This column explores these changes in the academic environment through interviews with ten librarians representing eight universities. Three areas of change in serials cataloging are explored: (1) changes to the MARC record, including how libraries are adding/creating MARC records for their catalogs, the number and type of MARC records being created and linking within MARC bibliographic and holdings records; (2) the manner in which serials catalogers are being informed of changes; and (3) the evolving role of the serials cataloger. Future trends and advice for evolving workflow practices conclude the discussion.     

The Center for Intellectual Property Handbook,edited by Kimberly Bonner and the staff of the Center for Intellectual Property. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers,Inc., 2006. 257 p. $85.00. ISBN: 1-55570-561-8 (paperback)

Abstract

For the acquisition of periodicals and indexes, the selector role of subject specialists and reference librarians has been transformed by electronic access. In the past these librarians made independent recommendations for new periodicals, indexes, and abstracts by using traditional selection criteria (e.g., relevance, quality, and cost). With electronic resources, considerations such as licensing negotiations, consortial agreements, and technical issues have complicated the decision-making process and have sometimes removed it from individual librarians or even individual libraries. The author discusses the opportunities for individual librarians, particularly in public service roles, to participate in serials collection management decisions and provides a case study of business periodicals collection management in an academic library. Serials Review 2002; 28:283–286.     

The Public Service Functions of Serials

Abstract

Nine serials librarians describe their experiences and offer advice on achieving tenure, promotion, or reappointment. The librarians represent a variety of academic institutions and stages of career, from untenured new librarians to administrators at the rank of full professor. Despite unique insights based on their different experience levels, professional positions, and institutional promotion and tenure requirements, the librarians share common opinions on how best to achieve success in an academic position.     

Little Magazines

Abstract

Technological demands significantly complicate the careers of librarians. Dynamic growth and changes in information technology plus the introduction of electronic journals into library collections create serious challenges in organizing and managing information and collections. The author examines the most frequently required and preferred qualifications and knowledge demands for a serials librarian. Based on job announcements in academic institutions from the years 1999–2001, the analysis reveals what new skills a person needs to manage electronic information and also suggests some professional development opportunities that improve competencies for serials librarians. Serials Review 2002; 28:33–37.     

Building Bridges: Advocacy as a Tool for the Technical Services Professional

ABSTRACT

“The Sharpest Tool in the Shed” column seeks to introduce new systems and tools relating to scholarly publishing, serials, electronic resources, and more. This issue's column will focus on an important but often overlooked tool for anyone engaged in the work traditionally housed in technical services (TS)—advocacy for the work of technical services. This would include both advocacy regarding how technical services work supports the library's mission and the work in other divisions. How to make that work accessible for the novice to facilitate collaboration with other library departments is also discussed. As a serials catalog librarian at Michigan State University Libraries, I have worked to make advocacy a part of what I do and how I think about my work and the work of my colleagues. Locally, this has meant the development of a series of talks around TS expertise and projects to reach out to our colleagues about our work.