This paper describes and comments on the evolution of systems librarianship in Australia through two strands – the author’s personal work experience in libraries since 1977 and…
Abstract
This paper describes and comments on the evolution of systems librarianship in Australia through two strands – the author’s personal work experience in libraries since 1977 and her professional involvement with the Victorian Association for Library Automation (VALA). The Proceedings of the 11 VALA Conferences and the Australian journal LASIE, which has been published since 1970, are used as reference material. The results of an informal survey of VALA members and other interested Australian librarians are also incorporated.
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This paper aims to describe the design and implementation of a pilot project for the benchmarking of library statistics for Asian academic libraries.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to describe the design and implementation of a pilot project for the benchmarking of library statistics for Asian academic libraries.
Design/methodology/approach
The project was facilitated through the development, set‐up and management of an online statistics service for a group of 22 academic libraries in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. CAVAL, an Australian library consortium, managed the project with sponsorship provided by the iGroup, Asia. The objectives were to develop and provide an online statistics web site, to improve the collection processes for the individual libraries and to develop a sustainable service for statistical benchmarking.
Findings
The pilot project provided an opportunity for libraries in the region to participate in the creation and usage of a shared statistical database. At this point in time the utility and value of cumulative statistical collections are not generally recognized in Asian libraries. Hence, participation in the project was an opportunity for library staff to gain some experience with the practicalities, and to raise their awareness of the need for a critical mass of centralized data in order to benchmark.
Practical implications
CAVAL will maintain the Asian Online Statistics web site into the future. Some of the participating libraries are keen to continue to contribute data and to grow the database. However, for this to happen further funding will be required. Discussions are ongoing as to how this can be achieved.
Originality/value
This project was the first opportunity for libraries in this region to gain experience with contributing to and benchmarking with a shared statistical collection.
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The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of the planning and construction of a print repository for CAVAL, an Australian consortium of academic libraries. A key…
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Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of the planning and construction of a print repository for CAVAL, an Australian consortium of academic libraries. A key service is the management of the CARM (CAVAL Archival and Research Materials Centre), a purpose‐built, high‐density, environmentally controlled storage facility designed for the long‐term storage and preservation of print materials. The initial module, CARM1, began operations in 1996 and filled to capacity over a ten year period. To meet predicted demand for ongoing storage of low‐use paper‐based research materials, CAVAL has now built a second storage facility, CARM2.
Design/methodology/approach
The planning for CARM2 commenced with a review that assessed options available to CAVAL member universities for the long term storage of low‐use print material. This review analysed alternative storage solutions from the perspective of university users to assess the financial and non‐financial impacts associated with each option. The results provided an indicative evaluation of the comparison of alternative storage options taking into consideration the quantitative, qualitative and risk implications of each from the perspective of a potential user. Nine options are described and analysed, and the reasons for the selection of the CARM2 option as the preferred model.
Findings
The development and implementation of the business model, the impact on the design and funding model, the lessons learned from the management of the original CARM facility and the construction and commissioning of CARM2 are described. This is followed by a discussion of ongoing issues associated with the ownership and governance of the shared facility and the trends away from the shared collection model.
Originality/value
This paper will be of interest and value to other organisations or consortia with an interest in the feasibility, possible business models, development and construction, and/or operations of a print repository.
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Cathie Jilovsky and Paul Genoni
This paper aims to provide a case study of the CARM (CAVAL Archival and Research Materials Centre) Centre, a print repository owned and managed by CAVAL, an Australian consortium…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to provide a case study of the CARM (CAVAL Archival and Research Materials Centre) Centre, a print repository owned and managed by CAVAL, an Australian consortium of academic libraries, based in Melbourne, Australia. The history, business models and operations of the initial module, CARM1, which commenced operations in 1996 and the recently completed module, CARM2 are described. This is preceded by a review of literature addressing the issue of retained or ceded ownership of stored items, and is followed by a discussion of the trend from a shared collection to shared storage within a shared facility.
Design/methodology/approach
The approach is descriptive and explanatory. CARM1 was designed for both operations and space utilisation to be managed as economically as possible. This was achieved by storing items in a high density configuration and the collection, now known as the CARM Shared Collection, being owned by the CAVAL consortium. In exploring options for an expanded facility in 2007, a shared storage facility was determined to best meet the qualitative needs of member libraries. This option minimised the set-up and operational costs and required the lowest initial capital. CAVAL constructed a second storage facility, CARM2 which began operations in late 2010.
Findings
The CARM Centre demonstrates that variant models for storage configurations and collection ownership can co-exist and meet the differing needs of member libraries within one facility. The need for off-site storage and the terms and conditions under which member libraries are willing to accept it differ widely. CAVAL's approach has been, and continues to be, that each member library makes its own decision and that CAVAL's role to facilitate those decisions while retaining an approach that supports broad-based solutions, be this in the form of a fully integrated shared collection, or a co-ordinated and carefully managed shared storage facility.
Originality/value
This paper will be of interest and value to other organisations or consortia with an interest in the development, business models, implementation and management of shared print repositories that respond to the needs and circumstances of their member libraries.
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Cathie Jilovsky and Sharon Howells
This paper aims to outline the transition of two libraries from one automated interlending system (OCLC VDX) to another (Relais ILL).
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to outline the transition of two libraries from one automated interlending system (OCLC VDX) to another (Relais ILL).
Design/methodology/approach
The paper provides historical background and context for the change, the transition planning, processes undertaken to ensure success, and the challenges and lessons learned along the way.
Findings
The authors report that, although the transition process went fairly smoothly, libraries planning for a similar transition should build some flexibility into their overall planning process and be prepared to pay close attention to their communication processes.
Originality/value
Libraries planning a transition from one interlending system to another will find this paper quite useful. Any library using either the VDX or Relais interlibrary systems will find the appendix of comparable ISO ILL terminology helpful as well.