Broken-Link Reports from SFX Users: How Publishers,Vendors and Libraries Can Do Better

This study analyzes more than 400 SFX broken-link reports sent by users of an academic library. It raises technical issues regarding OpenURL linking in the handling of special journal volume and issue numbers, journal supplemental issues, embargo release dates, book reviews, DOIs, and other areas. It reports on full-text resources with the most broken links, causes of broken links, and the library's responses to users. It also explores how journal publishers, database vendors, and OpenURL vendors can improve the quality of their products and how librarians can better serve users.     

Finding Known Journal Articles: Comparing a Citation Linker to an A-to-Z List

OpenURL links provide access to full-text articles from citation databases; however, end users who have found citations outside of library databases must find the full text of their journal articles another way. Many OpenURL link resolvers offer a citation finder service which allows the end user to search for specific known items at the article level. This paper studies the usability of the “citation linker” search from Ex Libris' SFX®. Twenty-one volunteers tested finding known journal articles using both a standard A-to-Z list and SFX' citation linker search. The researchers compare results from the two search interfaces, document the problems found, recommend which interface makes the best default search interface, and suggest improvements to the citation linker interface.     

Web-Exclusive Articles in Traditionally Print Periodicals

Abstract

This article examines the phenomenon of Web-exclusive articles offered by traditionally print periodicals and provides examples of various types of periodicals with inconsistent contents between their Web and print editions. The author discusses citation issues that confuse users and librarians with inconsistencies and lack of standards in coverage of Web-exclusive articles in full-text databases and by publishers. These inconsistencies cause difficulties in retrieving, archiving, and OpenURL linking to Web-exclusive articles.     

Determining Usage When Vendors Do Not Provide Data

ABSTRACT

When library resource vendors do not provide usage data in consistent, manipulable formats, librarians must find other means to enable themselves to make data-driven collection development decisions. At Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Libraries, two different approaches have been implemented: OpenURL link resolver analysis and EZproxy log analysis using grep, a GNU open source command-line utility. This column provides an overview of each solution.     

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.     

Improving OpenURL Menus: User Testing of Revisions to SFX® Menus

Abstract

Twenty-one volunteers tested the usability of revisions to the Texas A&M University Libraries' SFX® OpenURL link resolver menus, including the addition of Ex Libris' new bXâ?¢ recommendation service and a plug-in which pulls additional information about the journal into the menu. The volunteers also evaluated the quality and desirability of the bX recommendations and discussed their preferences for help options and full-text format. Results of the usability testing are reported along with the resultant menu changes. This study will be of interest to librarians implementing or redesigning OpenURL menus as well as those interested in the user experience.     

Academic Library Centrality: User Success through Service,Access, and Tradition,

Abstract

This article describes the OpenURL standard, an emerging standard for creating URLs that can be used for reference linking and potentially many other applications. The article describes some of the uses and advantages of the OpenURL standard and some of the applications it enables, the actual syntax of the standard, as well as some work occurring at the National Information Standards Organization to develop a US national standard for the OpenURL syntax. Serials Review 2002; 28:74–76.     

SUSHI to Go

Abstract

The Internet, Google, e-journals, packages, e-books and patron driven acquisitions have all been perceived as “a threat to libraries as we know them.” Yet, in spite of these developments and under the weight of chronic budget pressures, the typical academic library now offers more users better access to more content and services than ever before. In this session we will look at how librarians and the vendors that serve them have responded to these “threats” to their future to create new and improved services.     

A Whirlwind of Change Data: How Libraries and Vendors Translate Data Into Discovery and Access

Abstract

Libraries and vendors share change data to ensure successful discovery and access for users. Change data have increased dramatically and affected data communication, causing barriers to access. Serials data used to be simple: There were new, ceased, and title changes. Data were efficiently exchanged. Now data are complex and difficult to communicate in the digital age. This presentation will discuss the challenges of change data and the ways libraries and vendors are teaming up to calm the whirlwind of change.     

The United States Book Exchange

Abstract

Serials Review visits the United States Book Exchange in Cleveland, Ohio. The staff of this nonprofit organization supplies back issues to over 2,000 member libraries in addition to nonmember libraries in the United States and the world. The tour will examine how this exchange is organized and how electronic access to journal literature has changed its emphasis. Serials Review 29:318–320.     

An Interview with Jason Clark: Content Delivery Platforms

Abstract

For this installment of “From Picas to Pixels,” incoming editor Chad Hutchens interviews fellow librarian Jason Clark about building in-house content delivery platforms and applications using open source technologies. Specifically discussed is the Montana State University Libraries' Electronic Theses and Dissertations platform and its unique features. Can libraries compete with commercial vendors and publishers in offering Web applications and content delivery platforms? What new ways can we push content to our users?     

The NISO Metasearch Workshop

Abstract

This article describes a workshop held by the National Information Standards Organization (NISO) to look at issues involving metasearch systems. The goal of the workshop was to bring together integrated library system vendors, metasearch system vendors, and information providers, such as publishers and aggregators, to determine if there were some areas that were ripe for either standardization or defining guidelines and best practices. Serials Review 2003; 29:256–257.     

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.     

Get It Now: Five Years Later

Abstract

Five years ago, Tennessee Technological University Library implemented the use of Get It Now from the Copyright Clearance Center to provide their users with instant access to journal articles. Funding for this initiative came from the cancellation of expensive ejournal packages. Examining implementation, usage, costs, and pros and cons is helpful for other libraries considering this method of document delivery.     

Context-Sensitive Linking

Abstract

Linking services that provide seamless access to a library's e-journal collections are becoming increasingly prominent. This article outlines some of the hurdles to seamless linking and discusses the technologies that make linking services possible. These include the Digital Object Identifier, the CrossRef initiative, the development of emerging standards like the OpenURL, resolution servers, and an examination of how these are incorporated into a linking service. The authors interviewed representatives from four companies providing linking services—Ex Libris, Sirsi, Endeavor, and Openly Informatics—and describes features of their systems. Serials Review 2002; 28:267–282.