An Interview with Steve Shadle

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.     

Serials Staffing for the Twenty-First Century and Beyond

Abstract

This article provides an overview of the technical services issues relating to the future of serials staffing, particularly for serials catalogers. Trends in cataloging procedures, technical services reorganizations, and the changing roles of professional and paraprofessional employees affect present and future responsibilities of serials work. The author also examines major technological innovations that have affected staffing needs, including journals in electronic format, vendor-supplied holdings data, automatic generation of bibliographic records, and the potential implications of proposed serials cataloging rule changes on the way in which serials will be managed in libraries. Serials Review 2002; 28:195–200.     

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.     

The Very Model of a Minor/Major Change: A Current Look at Serials Cataloging Title Change Rules

Abstract

This article provides serials professionals with explanations and examples of rules for minor and major changes in the 2002 revision of Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules, 2nd ed. (AACR2), as applied to serials. The authors outline minor/major rules and Library of Congress Rule Interpretations (LCRIs) and give examples for each rule. They also discuss initiatives and meetings leading up to these changes and provide key definitions as well as explore various problems with AACR2 and the intended goals for the revision. Additional discussion focuses on the impact of the minor/major changes on areas such as workflow in technical services, shelving, binding, and training.     

Building a Collection of Canadian Newspapers

Abstract

This article discusses the functionality of the Dynix Serials Module. Core functions such as searching, check-in, claiming, and binding are described. Most serials work can be accomplished within this single module by selecting various options from several menu sets. The procedures described are based on Release 181 of the system. Serials Review 2002; 28:45–48.     

Serials for Distance Education Research Projects

Abstract

Public service librarians, eager to comply with Association of College and Research Libraries guidelines, face challenges in the rush to support distance education programs in higher education. Distance education students doing serials research encounter significant problems. In this column the author identifies and discusses issues related to the instruction, reference, and access needs of such students. Serials Review 2002; 28:206–212.     

For Your Information

Abstract

The criteria for selecting a serials management system are often the same as those for selecting an integrated library system in toto. In the post-selection/production environment, the library–vendor relationship matures as a new operational framework is established. Serials management systems must become more efficient and make better use of electronic commerce, especially as a greater emphasis is placed on access to electronic journals (e-journals). Serials Review 2002; 28:93–101.     

Serial Review Index

Abstract

The Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC) is working to make tools available to catalogers of electronic serials and integrating resources. These resources are being developed to help catalogers understand and implement the 2002 revision of Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules, 2d ed. (AACR2), related Library of Congress Rule Interpretations, and new MARC 21 coding. This column focuses on the revision plans for documentation of the program components of the PCC and new workshops from the Serials Cataloging Cooperative Training Program. Serials Review 2003; 29:40–42.     

E-serial Titles That Disappear

Abstract

CONSER (Cooperative Online Serials Program) members are currently dealing with the problem of how to catalog electronic journals that over time do not retain their titles on earlier issues. The dilemma for catalogers is whether to use the successive entry rules of AACR2 (Anglo-American Cataloging Rules) for serials or to apply the latest entry approach used for integrating resources. CONSER members are currently working on a discussion paper that will weigh the pros and cons of successive and latest entry to be presented at the CONSER Operations Committee meeting in May 2002. Discussion of the issues will provide the background for a Library of Congress Rule Interpretation. Serials Review 2002; 28:222–224.     

Managing Serials in an Institutional Repository: An Interview With Kay Teel

ABSTRACT

In this interview from March 2017, Kay Teel, metadata librarian for serials and arts resources at the Stanford University Libraries, discusses the issues involved in providing access to serials through an institutional repository.     

Formal Serials Education: A Problem We Can't Solve or a Solution We Can Live With?

Abstract

Serialists have long believed their field is underrepresented in the library and information science (LIS) curriculum. A recent review of Web sites of ALA-accredited LIS programs shows no significant change in the percentage of formal serials courses in those programs. The problem of adequate formal serials education is examined in the broader context of LIS education as a whole. Increasing traditional, formal serials education is an impractical goal. Instead, we should develop continuing education opportunities, and work to dispel some of the mystique of serials.     

Serial Joy and Serial Sorrow: The Experience of the Paraprofessional Serials Manager

Abstract

Paraprofessionals play a major role in the management of serials operations in libraries. Nine paraprofessional serials managers responded to an inquiry on the SERIALST online discussion list in which they shared their impressions on several issues relating to their role, status, motivation, and general perceptions about their work. For many years, there has been an ongoing debate relating to the role of paraprofessionals in libraries. Many library paraprofessionals have advanced their careers in the field of serials and have become managers of high-level operations. This Balance Point column explores the experiences of some of these paraprofessional serials managers.     

Directory of Literary Magazines

Abstract

Libraries face a crossroads when contemplating serials preservation issues. This paper will discuss the ideas presented during “Serials Preservation: at a Crossroads,” a one-day meeting held in March 2005, and sponsored by the North American Serials Interest Group. Binding, off-site storage, preserving e-journals, and vendor efforts, as well as looking at new developments, such as Google Book Search, offer strategies and challenges for preserving serials and expanding avenues of access for users. Many options exist for serials preservation, but libraries must ultimately consider their individual needs and environment to determine the best serials preservation strategy.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.