CORAL User Group Meeting at NC Serials 2019

Abstract

This article reports on the CORAL User Group meeting at the NC Serials 2019 conference. This was the first CORAL user group meeting to take place at the NC Serials conference. The speakers provided updates from CORAL committees and highlighted new features in the most recent CORAL release. They also shared how CORAL has been used in NC State University Libraries and East Carolina University to support their e-resource workflow management.     

Seeing the Forest for Trees: Tools for Analyzing Faculty Research Output

Abstract

For academic libraries, because budgetary pressures are nearly universal, it is imperative to evaluate journal packages regularly. This article presents an overview of the data and methods that the NC State University Libraries traditionally uses to evaluate journal packages and presents additional methods to expand our evaluation of publishing and editorial activity. We describe methods for downloading and analyzing Web of Science citation data to identify the most common publishers for NC State affiliated authors as well as the journals in which NC State authors publish most frequently. This article also demonstrates a custom Python web scraping application to harvest NC State affiliated editor data from publishers’ websites. Finally, this article discusses how these data elements are combined to provide a more comprehensive evaluative strategy for our journal investments.     

Streamlining Acquisition Workflows Through Collaboration and Innovation

Abstract

As a selector, have you ever wondered if the resource you requested was ordered? As an acquisitions staff member, are you struggling with keeping track of your order requests from various channels? As a manager, are you finding it challenging to monitor staff work? CORAL, an open source electronic resource management system, proved to be one solution to these concerns for North Carolina State University (NCSU) Libraries. This article discusses how to manage workflows in CORAL and outlines a NCSU initiative to evolve this tool through collaboration across departments and across the CORAL community.     

A New Direction for Library Technical Services: Using Metadata Skills to Improve User Accessibility

Abstract

An increased awareness about the importance of resource accessibility for all library users has set the stage for transforming traditional cataloger roles into a new realm of possibility. The Acquisitions & Discovery (A&D) and the User Experience (UX) departments of North Carolina State University Libraries have formed a partnership to explore the benefits of working together amidst this climate of innovation and change. A pilot project was created to develop a workflow through which technical services staff can use their metadata skills to help resolve accessibility issues found on the Libraries’ main website. By performing this work, staff can grow in technical expertise, enhance the quality of metadata in web content, and build mutually beneficial partnerships within the library community.     

Questions from Newbies—Facilitating Communication and Professional Development: A Case Study

Abstract

For new collection managers, it may be intimidating to ask questions about processes that seem to be common knowledge for their more experienced colleagues. To help with this issue, the Collections & Research Strategy department at North Carolina State University Libraries uses a shared document where new collection managers can log questions as they arise. The questions are shared at regular Collections Interest Group meetings and often generate interesting discussions that librarians both new and experienced can benefit from. This case study will provide an overview of the structure of the document, how it is used, and the types of questions that get asked.     

No Satisfaction? But We Try,and We Try,and We Try!

ABSTRACT

When Old Dominion University Libraries conducted the LibQUAL+ survey in 2015, results indicated a lack of satisfaction in effectively discovering and using our electronic resources. This article is based on a presentation from the 2017 North Carolina Serials Conference describing how Old Dominion University Libraries used data from the LibQUAL+ survey results to help our users connect more effectively with information resources, resulting in an improved user experience and an increased level of satisfaction.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Bomb

Abstract

The University of Tennessee Libraries Career Employee Program (CEP) was inaugurated in 1999 to provide career staff with opportunities for educational and service enrichment and to financially reward support staff who meet the program requirements. This article describes the experiences of the participants, a review board member, and a supervisor, all of whom work in serials areas of the University of Tennessee Libraries. The libraries' human resources officer explains the origin of the CEP and the process of making it an ongoing program.     

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.     

Administrative Metadata to Support the Acquisition of Continuing E-Resources

Abstract

What is administrative metadata? Why is it important? How are libraries handling administrative metadata for continuing electronic resources? What ILS vendors have products available? This article describes solutions developed by four academic libraries to manage administrative metadata and access to electronic resources. Pennsylvania State University Libraries and Massachusetts Institute of Technology Libraries developed systems that track the acquisitions process and provide access to e-resources. Stanford University Libraries focused on providing access to electronic resources. The Tri-College Consortium (Bryn Mawr, Haverford, and Swarthmore Colleges in Pennsylvania) created a database to track the licensing aspect of the acquisitions process. The article also describes efforts currently underway to develop standards and best practices for managing electronic resources. Serials Review 2003; 29:276–281.     

An Interview with Steve Shadle

Abstract

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.     

Enhancing Access to Rare Journals: Cover Images and Contents in the Online Catalog

Abstract

At the University of Colorado at Boulder University Libraries, the Special Collections and Cataloging and Metadata Services Departments have been testing Innovative Interfaces' Millennium Media. In a recent project, librarians and staff digitized cover images and tables of contents for issues of selected journals from the Tippit Collection and linked the digitized enhancements to the catalog records for the associated titles. This article reviews the steps involved with the project, shows the results, and describes where this now ongoing effort will fit in the workflow of the departments involved.     

Green,Yellow, Red: Implementing a New Workflow for Collection Management at College of Charleston Libraries

Abstract

This article summarizes the North Carolina Serials Conference presentation “Green, Yellow, Red: Implementing a New Workflow for Collection Management at College of Charleston Libraries,” a case study evaluating a new workflow created by the Collection and Content Services Department at the College of Charleston Libraries to streamline the renewals process after significant departmental and staff changes. The librarians involved in creating the workflow found that they could not only use it to organize their renewals processes, but also to open communication with faculty regarding underutilized resources.     

Marriage and Family Periodical Indexes

Abstract

Auburn University Libraries wanted to reduce the amount of work devoted to current print issues in a manner acceptable to public service librarians and patrons. The Current Periodicals collection in the Ralph Brown Draughon (RBD) Library, the main library, has been reduced to only those periodical issues for which reliable online access is not available. Current issues that have online access are kept in the Acquisitions Department in a “closed stacks” arrangement. “Closed stacks” issues are available to patrons upon request. The experience at Auburn University demonstrates that reconfiguring processes for Current Periodicals involves collaboration between technical and public services with minimal difficulties and introduces new efficiencies. The librarians hope to save time and resources and reduce missing issues and claims. They are monitoring patron reaction to the change.     

The Triumvirate: Effective Communication Across Publisher,Library, and Discovery Channels

Abstract

In examining data transfer challenges from both librarian and publisher perspectives, this article based on a NC Serials Conference presentation calls for proactive industry communication across publisher, library, and discovery service channels. The authors discuss the importance of collaborative communication across the industry.     

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.