Reviews

Abstract

Michelle DeMars reviews The Indispensable Academic Librarian: Teaching and Collaborating for Change; Norma Durian reviews The Library Outreach Casebook; Trina Boykin Nolen reviews Licensing Digital Content: A Practical Guide for Librarians, Third Edition.     

The Read Feed - Reviews

Abstract

Elizabeth Parang reviews Guide to Streaming Video Acquisitions; Jill M. Church reviews Electronic Resources Librarianship: A Practical Guide for Librarians; Robert T. Wilson reviews Using Digital Analytics for Smart Assessment.     

Reviews

Abstract

Beth Ashmore reviews The Purpose-Based Library: Finding Your Path to Survival, Success and Growth; Scott Johnson reviews Metaliteracy in Practice; Catherine Johnson reviews Teaching Information Literacy Reframed: 50+ Framework-Based Exercises for Creating Information-Literate Learners; Adolfo G. Prieto reviews Dynamic Research Support for Academic Libraries.     

Reviews

Abstract

Jill M. Church reviews Exploring Discovery: The Front Door to Your Library's Licensed and Digitized Content; Scott Johnson reviews Now You're a Manager: Quick and Practical Strategies for New Mid-level Managers in Academic Libraries.     

The Read Feed: Reviews

ABSTRACT

Heylicken Moreno reviews Linked Data for Libraries, Archives and Museums: How to Clean, Link and Publish Your Metadata; Trina Boykin Nolen reviews Metaliteracy: Reinventing Information Literacy to Empower Learners; Stephanie Rosenblatt reviews Records and Information Management.     

Developing a Freely Accessible/Open Access Resource Management Policy at Duke University Libraries: A Case Study

Abstract

Freely accessible and open access resources present unique challenges for librarians working with electronic resources. Due to the fact that many of these resources lack high-quality metadata or the technical support provided by traditional publishers, making them discoverable and maintaining access over time can be tricky. Creating a policy allows for a systematic approach to the management of freely accessible/open access (OA) resources, alleviating problems surrounding lack of staff time or expertise. Many of these resources are already important parts of collections and will only continue to grow in importance. Freely accessible/OA resources allow for a more diverse representation of content, both by subject and format type, and allow a wider array of authors to have their work appear in library collections. This case study will provide a review of freely accessible/OA policies in other libraries, describe why these resources are important to add to our collections, discuss challenges libraries face with managing these resources, and explain how Duke University Libraries is addressing some of these challenges through the development of a policy.     

The Read Feed—Reviews

ABSTRACT

Beth Ashmore reviews More Library Mashups: Exploring New Ways to Deliver Library Data; Michelle DeMars reviews Library Consortia: Models for Collaboration and Sustainability; Sarah Tusa reviews Library Management in Disruptive Times: Skills and Knowledge for an Uncertain Future.     

Go,Team! Using Teams to Manage Electronic Resources

The increasing prevalence of ejournals in library collections has impacted many aspects of library operations. Libraries have had to rethink workflows, processes, staffing needs, and other factors to account for the differences between print and online journals. The management of ejournals can often cross departmental boundaries and bring into question current workflow. To address the changing landscape of journal management, the University at Albany Libraries developed two teams: one to implement batchloading ejournal records and a second to address ongoing management and related policies. As a result of using a team approach for these responsibilities, the University Libraries was able to streamline processes, reduce duplication of effort across departments, coordinate policies and procedures, improve communication, and develop best practices.     

The Read Feed – Reviews

Trina Boykin Nolen reviews The Craft of Librarian Instruction: Using Acting Techniques to Create Your Teaching Presence; Elizabeth Parang reviews Encoding Space: Shaping Learning Environments That Unlock Human Potential.     

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.     

Rethinking Print Periodicals Holdings Retention Policy in Small Academic Libraries

Abstract

Collection development policies in small academic libraries may lack a formal policy statement about print periodical holdings retention. However, there is a need for a distinct policy about print periodicals holdings and their retention. Periodicals collections at academic libraries have been greatly affected by publishers’ decisions to discontinue print journal formats and move to online-only electronic versions. The move from one format to another produces challenges to the retention of an effective print periodicals collection. Given these continuous changes in publication format, it is necessary for academic libraries to rethink their print periodicals holdings retention. This article will present a literature review on and case study of periodicals collection management and explore strategies for developing holdings policies and guidelines for retention. It will argue that collection development policies ought to include a separate policy for the print periodicals collection and that unlike their reputation for being time-consuming and inflexible, periodical retention policies can improve flexibility and guide in decision making, helping to preserve core titles and acquire new titles that support academic programs and the work of the college community.     

No Failure,Just Feedback: A Reflection on Experiential Space Assessment in an Academic Library

ABSTRACT

Graduate students at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, funded by an Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) grant (Experience Assessment: UX-A), were tasked with conducting two space assessment studies in the University of Tennessee Libraries. This article reflects on their experiences in conducting the study by understanding the history of academic library and library space assessment. The researchers provide an overview of their learning experience and best practices in space assessment. They also reflect on their experiences as UX-A students who had the opportunity to benefit from experiential learning and mentoring from experienced practitioners.     

The Impact of Web-Scale Discovery on the Use of Electronic Resources

Abstract

In 2015, the University of California, Berkeley, launched EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS), a web-scale discovery tool, with a goal of improving visibility and usage of collections. This study applies linear regression analysis to usage data for ebooks, ejournals, and abstracts and indexing (A&I) databases before and after implementation of EDS in order to identify correlations between the discovery layer and usage of library electronic resources across platforms. Our findings diverge from conclusions drawn in the previous literature that indicates that resource use generally increases after a discovery tool is implemented. We examine data from a longer period of time than the previous literature had, looking for statistically significant changes in resource use. The discovery layer at UC Berkeley did not lead to equal increases across platforms, but rather to a complex array of increases and decreases in use according to a variety of factors.     

Reviews

Abstract

Heather Baker reviews The no-nonsense guide to leadership, management, and teamwork; Elizabeth Parang reviews Systematic searching: Practical ideas for improving results; Anne Washington reviews Digital preservation in libraries: Preparing for a sustainable future.     

Editorial Peer Review: Its Strengths and Weaknesses

Abstract

Michelle DeMars reviews Emerging Strategies for Supporting Student Learning: A Practical Guide for Librarians and Educators; Elizabeth Parang reviews Shared Collections: Collaborative Stewardship.     

Just Popping In: Collections and Outreach Collaborations to Increase Student Engagement with Electronic Resources

Abstract

Promoting electronic resources in a physical space takes ingenuity and cross-library partnership. This article discusses a collaborative approach to promote electronic resources by an outreach librarian and an electronic collections librarian. As members of the teaching and research assistance team, the librarians observed how students relied on “big name,” multidisciplinary databases and were often intimidated by the expansive list of digital materials and electronic resources available to them. A literature review on the topic of similar promotional activities introduces the pop-up methodology used for the event. The purpose of the collaboration was to not only promote ebook collections but to also create awareness of the library outside of the traditional space, and librarians as resources. This collaboration resulted in student-librarian engagement, and a spike in ebook use was reported for the collection promoted.     

Microfilm Serial Backfiles

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to highlight the status and application of automated serials control in three central university libraries in India—namely, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). All three libraries have started to automate their serials processes, choosing either the Libsys or Virtua integrated library systems. AMU and JMI selected Libsys, while JNU installed Virtua—a product of VTLS Inc. Findings suggest that reasonable progress has been made with the use of different features of serials control systems in all these libraries. This information is helpful for other universities where libraries want to start the automation process.     

Single-Stop Ebook Reader “SimplyE”: Is It APPlicable for Academic Libraries?

Accessing ebooks from different vendors often requires switching between multiple platforms, which can be unwieldy for library users. To offer readers a coherent and seamless reading experience, the New York Public Library (NYPL) initiated a project called SimplyE (or LibrarySimplified). The end user deliverable of this project is an application (Android, iOS) that enables users to read ebooks from multiple vendors through a single interface, thereby delivering a Netflix-style experience for searching, browsing, and checking out ebooks. The back end consists of applications that manage ebook collections, circulation, and metadata for libraries. This column explores the viability of implementing SimplyE in an academic library setting.     

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.