The eIFL.net Initiative: Access and Management of Electronic Resources by Library Consortia in Developing and Transition Countries

eIFL.net is an umbrella organization of library consortia in fifty transition and developing countries. Its main purpose is to negotiate, encourage, and advocate for the wide availability of scholarly electronic information by library users from the education and research sectors, professional communities, governmental organizations, and civil society.The paper presents the beginnings, goals, and development of eIFL.net in its five years of existence. The authors outline what it has achieved so far and provide an overview of the main challenges that developing countries face in accessing quality e-resources. Some success stories will demonstrate concrete accomplishments of the organization and its participating countries.     

An Interview with Sam Brooks

Abstract

Jeff Slagell interviewed Sam Brooks, the senior vice president of sales and marketing for EBSCO Information Services, in December 2001. In this interview, Brooks discusses the debate on embargoes and exclusivity agreements in full-text databases that took place last year on discussion lists and in numerous articles. He explains EBSCO's role in working with publishers and librarians in providing full-text database services. Brooks also describes his work with the eIFL Direct Project. Serials Review 2002; 28:142–150.     

The Evolution of SPARC

Abstract

Standards are critical to the library industry. They allow libraries to share data and search each other's catalogs. They also allow integrated library systems (ILS) vendors to develop one interface between disparate systems rather than many. This paper outlines existing standards, how these standards are being used in the process of software development, and the role of ILS vendors in developing and maintaining standards.     

Peace Corps' Information Collection and Exchange

Abstract

President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961, and a library has served staffers and volunteers since its beginning. In this issue, Serials Review visits the Information Collection and Exchange (ICE) at Peace Corps Headquarters in Washington, DC, and learns about some of the unique things this library does to support its users all over the world.     

Getting to Where You Want to Go: Designing Information Systems and Using Your Data Through the Application of Analytics and Informatics

ABSTRACT

This article, based on the closing session from the 2017 NC Serials Conference, describes a systems perspective where data serve as both real-time and summative information and knowledge about how an organization is performing, what services and resources its users are using and interacting with, and areas for which the organization is doing well or needs improvement. The author posits that data are most useful when the context is informed by clear goals that provide a direction to where the organization is and wants to be. Applied examples are discussed for several environments, including an academic department, school of education, regional libraries, and public libraries.     

Transforming Access to Research Literature for Developing Countries

Abstract

The economic development of a country depends heavily on its scientific strength and ability to resolve problems in such areas as public health, infectious disease, environmental management, or industrial progress. Access to research information traditionally depends on ability to pay, which has a negative impact on developing countries. A number of new initiatives address this imbalance, ranging from consortial licensing and new publishing models to the Open Access Initiative, and have the ability to meet the needs of research in financially constrained countries. The advent of the Open Access strategies, particularly interoperable institutional archives, has the potential to revolutionize access to essential research.     

Journal Access Initiatives: Where Are They? Why the World Health Organization? and What Is HINARI?

Abstract

The move from print to online journal publishing has allowed the proliferation of journal access programs aimed at poor countries. These programs offer access to online journals on very favorable terms to developing country institutions and readers and are based on the premise that developing world scientists can contribute significantly to ameliorating the conditions of life in their countries. The authors give a brief overview of the environment in which these programs emerged, discuss different orientations of the major programs, examine the case of the Health InterNetwork Access to Research Initiative (HINARI), consider why the World Health Organization (WHO) runs a journal access program for developing countries, and conclude with the accomplishments of HINARI.     

An Interview with Stanford M. Forrester,Editor and Publisher of bottle rockets

Abstract

Opened in 1946, the Linda Hall Library in Kansas City, Missouri, is world renowned for its collections in science, engineering, and technology. Just as well known is the strong user orientation of its dedicated staff. While the library certainly collects all types of materials, including books, patent specifications, engineering standards, maps, and more, a particularly strong emphasis is placed on the collection of current journals. The library, a privately funded public library, is situated on fourteen acres surrounded by the University of Missouri-Kansas City, although there is no affiliation with that institution. Serials Review made a visit on a lovely spring day in June, as the day lilies and other flowers were in full riot.     

The African Newspaper Index

ABSTRACT

In November 2015, Margaret Dull interviewed Rebecca Guenther, metadata consultant, educator, and former senior networking and standards specialist at the Library of Congress. Guenther shares her views on developing metadata standards in a rapidly changing environment, focusing particularly on the development and emergence of BIBFRAME. She also shares her thoughts on her work as a metadata consultant and teaching emerging library and information professionals.     

CORE (Cost of Resource Exchange) Standard

Abstract

This article describes the CORE (Cost of Resource Exchange) standard. CORE defines an XML schema to allow the exchange of financial information relating to library resources among library systems.     

Distributing Journals to the World

Abstract

In 2001, a number of initiatives began for distributing research journals to parts of the world where they are otherwise not accessible. This “Balance Point” reports on two publishers whose journals are now more broadly available in developing nations. HighWire Press offers both a free back issue archive and a developing countries initiative. Blackwell Publishing is working with a Russian consortium to make journals available to Russian universities and with nongovernmental organizations to provide free or nearly free access to biomedical journals in a number of developing nations. Serials Review 2002; 28:113–115.     

The Standards Mantra

Abstract

The Essential Electronic Agricultural Library (TEEAL) and Access to Global Online Research in Agriculture (AGORA) are programs that will provide low-income countries with access to agricultural journal literature that advances their agricultural research and education objectives. Developed by Cornell University’s Mann Library and launched in 1999, TEEAL is a self-contained agricultural research library with full-text articles and graphics of 140 major journals related to agriculture from 1993 through 2003, stored and indexed on over 400 CD-ROMs. In mid-2005, most of the collection also became available for use over local area networks. Launched in October 2003, AGORA is an Internet-based journal delivery system led by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), with Mann Library as a principal partner. AGORA offers almost 800 journals from twenty-seven international publishers to 113 low-income countries and territories for free or a nominal fee.     

Developing Nations,the Digital Divide and Research Databases

Abstract

The digital divide affects many nations of the developing world. The term encompasses inadequate funding, a lack of necessary computer and Internet skills, and a lack of English-language proficiency that hinder expansion and use of digital information resources. Visionary individuals and organizations can assist these countries with their information needs. Aggregated full-text databases serve as a prominent tool in closing the digital divide because they provide important research resources. Participating organizations must demonstrate the value of these resources to users and supply essential training to ensure success with electronic resource initiatives.     

Life in the Trenches of Print and Web Publishing: An Interview with Jessamyn West

Abstract

From Picas to Pixels has a peek into the life of librarian.net's founder and publisher, Jessamyn West. We talk about everything from library school to Colin Powell, from shell commands to the Internet community's recent infatuation with tagging (or what we catalogers like to call subject analysis). I tried to lead Jessamyn to admit that we need more catalogers in the mix on projects that are using tagging extensively, like Flickr.com and the Missouri Botanical Garden's new “tagswarming” project, but she did not take the bait.     

Exploring Linked Data Through the Lens of Technical Services

ABSTRACT

Linked data has swept across the library community, making its way into special collections and catalog data. What would linked data look like in a technical services environment? This article will look at the intersection of linked data and technical services. The article will begin with an introduction to linked data concepts. This will be followed by a look at linked data technologies and publishing strategies. The article will close with a discussion of potential and real applications of linked data in technical services, benefits and challenges of linked data, and thoughts on how the library community can contribute to the linked data effort.     

Digital Age Discoverability: A Collaborative Organizational Approach

Abstract

The tumultuous changes in the scholarly communications ecosystem have disrupted traditional library assumptions and established new workflows and user expectations. In response, the Auraria Library at the University of Colorado Denver initiated a collaborative design (co-design) initiative to re-invent structures, processes, services, and roles throughout the entire organization. Fostered by appreciative inquiry, enabled by social learning, and furthered by shared leadership, redesign initiated sustainable information exchange, reflective dialog, and knowledge creation practices.

The case study highlights accomplishments of technical services staff members who successfully engaged co-workers in selection, implementation, and enhancement of a Web-scale discovery service. Continuing support of the full discovery layer lifecycle illustrates evolving information practices and workplace outcomes at the Auraria Library. Concluding reflections offer transferable insights to other organizations aspiring to co-design workplace environments that enliven creativity, discovery, and exploration.     

SR visits: bringing electronic access to the census bureau library

Abstract

The United States Census Bureau Library, acting on a study commissioned in 2002, has undertaken to improve electronic access for their patrons. The library provides e-journal and database access. The staff relies on usage statistics from these resources to sharpen the focus of the collection. Through an aggressive outreach program Census Bureau employees learn about these new products and services. Future plans include adding more e-journals, an open OPAC, and a new library building.