E-journal Management Systems

Abstract

Electronic journals are being added to library collections at exponential rates. Recent developments in e-journal management systems offer libraries a variety of solutions for enhancing the visibility and flexibility of their electronic journals. This article examines and compares Serials Solutions, JournalWebCite, TDNet, and Serials Cybrarian, four current e-journal management programs that create and integrate multiple lists of journal titles, regardless of format, into a single list. These systems can reduce or even eliminate common serials control problems for librarians. Readers will gain insights that will enable them to better understand and consider the value of an e-journal management system. Serials Review 2002; 28:176–194.     

Little Magazines and Translations

Abstract

Serials and the serials information chain have changed rapidly since the development of the electronic journal. Many recent developments are briefly described, including electronic resource management systems (ERMS) and functional requirements for bibliographic records (FRBR). The constantly changing nature of serials is compared to a psychological midlife crisis.     

Looking at Journals from Both Sides

Abstract

The author, a professor in the field of communication, describes his contrasting experiences with publishing an open access society journal and advising a regional association in regards to turning over publication of its journal to a major commercial publishing firm. Using his experience of producing an open access journal as a foundation, he argues for the intrinsic importance of establishing credibility and exercising personal care in the production and maintenance of a journal. The author argues that current efforts by some societies to increase access to their journals through outsourcing to commercial publishers may be counterproductive to the fundamental goal of disseminating knowledge.     

Women's & Gender Studies Journal Database

Abstract

The Women's & Gender Studies Journal Database (WGSJD) at Rutgers University is a user-oriented, discipline-based database that provides quick access to journal titles available online. It is also a union list of journal titles, print and online, in the area of women's and gender studies at Rutgers University Libraries. The author describes this database and its value-added service in the context of Rutgers University Libraries' information system. Discussion also includes its advantages and disadvantages, the changing roles and areas of responsibilities for subject selectors, and how the database fits into future developments of the library's information system. Serials Review 2002; 28:261–266.     

Strategies for Starting a Job After It’s Been Vacant for a Year

Abstract

This article, based on a lightning talk held at the 2019 North Carolina Serials Conference, outlines strategies for starting a job after it’s been vacant for a period of time. The author details experiences from her first year and how she coped with the challenges this situation presented.     

How Much Do Print Backfiles Matter?

Abstract

As physical collections are increasingly pressed for space, libraries continue to look at practices such as weeding and off-site storage, coupled with services like on-demand article-level document delivery, as potential space solutions. As libraries discard long runs of print journals, though, what role do journal backfiles play going forward? When many see backfiles as space hogs, is there data that provides a compelling argument for keeping backfiles of journals, and, if so, how should those backfiles be handled and by whom? Incorporating information from an interview with Glenn Jaeger, owner of Absolute Backorder Service, interlibrary loan data from the University of Prince Edward Island, and examples from the literature, this Balance Point column looks at the role that print journal backfiles play in the library landscape.     

Where Do Our Problems Lie?: Comparing Rates of E-Access Problems Across Three Research Institutions

Abstract

In order to build upon the research of Brett, the author categorized over three hundred e-resources troubleshooting tickets at The University of Alabama Libraries into a coding scheme originally created by Goldfinger and Hemhauser with the goal of cross-comparing the results with that of two other research libraries. The results of the analysis shed light upon the most commonly reported types of problems among the three institutions, and patterns emerged that could be indicative of industry-wide concerns. The author also developed a more specific, local classification schema in order to identify areas in which local solutions could be implemented to improve user experience.     

Wisconsin Little Magazines

Abstract

This evaluation method for journals meets the library's objective for a responsible, responsive collection management practice. It provides structure, but not without regard for the unique potential addition to the collection that each journal represents. Although subject to occasional fine-tuning, this method has worked satisfactorily for two hundred journal evaluations completed over the course of several years. It is a well-tested procedure and is adaptable to most library settings, in whole or in part, regardless of size or type of collection.     

Comic-Book Fan Magazines: Watching Pop Turn into Art

Abstract

Numerous studies published in the academic literature address the issue of journal quality assessment. However, little has been done to compare the factors that influence the perceptions of journal quality in different disciplines. From Chinese authors' viewpoint, this study explored the factors influencing author quality perceptions of journals in computer science and technology as well as in library and information science. Our empirical findings indicate that author-perceived journal quality in these two fields is significantly positively correlated with impact factors and not statistically significantly correlated with technical delay and immediacy index. Slightly different results are also found between the two fields in terms of the effects of editor service, editorial delay and acceptance rates.     

Presto: a software package for the simulation of diffusion processes

Conclusion Presto is a software which automatically generates FORTRAN code corresponding to approximation procedures of the solutions of stochastic differential systems.At the present time, it answers only to a few needs, but a diversification of its users and its simple internal structure could easily permit it to be developed towards a more ambitious system.Finally, let us mention that Presto is an INRIA product, which is free for academic institutions, universities, etc, which already have MAPLE and X-Windows licences. Presto can be run on any UNIX station under X-Windows environment.     

Full-Text Aggregator Database Vendors and Journal Publishers: A Study of a Complex Relationship

Abstract

To acquire journal content rights for full-text aggregator databases, database vendors must enter into negotiations and sign contractual agreements with journal publishers. Through a survey, librarians at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs examined vendors and publishers relationships and the impact of those relationships on full-text journal content in aggregator services.     

Evaluating,Selecting, and Acquiring Electronic Resources

Abstract

The entire back archive of over 140 titles published by Oxford Journals has recently been digitized from print and made available online. The author discusses the motivation behind this undertaking, the resulting end product, and reviews the advantages of an online archive over a traditional print collection both to librarians and to academic researchers. The author also provides an overview of the business models and logistical challenges of such a project which will be of interest to librarians and of relevance to all journal publishers considering a similar digitization program.     

An Interview with Terry Reese

Abstract

In July 2005, Bonnie Parks spoke with Terry Reese, digital production unit head at Oregon State University’s Valley Library (Corvallis). In this interview, Reese shares his views on topics ranging from electronic journal management to the impact Google Scholar might have on the way libraries provide access to information.     

Serials Clutter in Online Catalogs

Abstract

Finding and deciphering serials records in online catalogs is a challenge to many library users. To understand and analyze these challenges, the author conducted searches for scientific journal titles in the online catalogs of Committee on Institutional Cooperation (CIC) libraries. The first part of the study measures the difficulty of retrieving serial records from online catalogs comparing one-word versus multiple-word titles. The second part analyzes displays for complexity by measuring the length of the complete record and the length of the holdings statements. These data show the complexity of displays and indicate the potential confusion that these displays may induce in library users.