This paper discusses cross‐sectoral collaboration in procuring and implementing a new library management system. After a historical review of collaboration in this area in the UK…
Abstract
This paper discusses cross‐sectoral collaboration in procuring and implementing a new library management system. After a historical review of collaboration in this area in the UK and other countries, it focuses on the joint purchase of the Voyager system (supplied by Endeavor Information Systems Inc.) by Edinburgh University and the National Library of Scotland. The differing missions and automation histories of the two institutions are discussed, followed by a practical summary of the procurement and implementation processes. The theoretical and practical advantages and disadvantages of this form of collaborative approach between academic and government organisations are described.
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The National Library of Scotland (NLS), like national libraries throughout the world, at present, faces quite major challenges in fulfilling its key functions of acquisition…
Abstract
The National Library of Scotland (NLS), like national libraries throughout the world, at present, faces quite major challenges in fulfilling its key functions of acquisition, retention, preservation and access as traditional forms of publication are paralleled by publication in electronic form. In addition, the Scotland Act of 1998, whilst not altering the role that NLS plays, has focussed attention on that role within the changed political context of the United Kingdom. This paper will consider the response to the challenges looking not only at the development of technical solutions but also at the organisational changes identified and currently underway. This paper is a revised and updated version of a paper presented at Internet Librarian International 2002, London, UK, 18‐20 March 2002.
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The purpose of this paper is to disclose new pathways for research and for understanding the relationship between management, philosophy and history.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to disclose new pathways for research and for understanding the relationship between management, philosophy and history.
Design/methodology/approach
Textual exegesis of the key protagonists in terms of a critical explanation or interpretation of text.
Findings
In contrast to textbook forms of philosophy developed under conditions of abstraction from practice, it is in the context of practice that managers develop their way of thinking. More particularly, the authors have demonstrated through the exemplars of Semler and Welch, how as managers are disrupted in their workday practices of “living forward”, they are able to become reflexively attuned to the taken-for-granted common sense and ideas that have been implicit guides to them. As they are able to recognise their taken-for-granted background common sense, they are able to critique this, subject it to change and, thus, open-up new possibilities for living forward.
Originality/value
The focus of this paper has tended to be rather piecemeal and limited to the impact of particular philosophers on particular management thinkers. To date, there has been no philosophical contemplation of the practice of management per se nor, concomitantly, the pivotal but basically disregarded role of managers qua philosophers.
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Fred Guy and Joy Elizabeth Palmer
The paper aims to describe the context and the progress with the UK Discovery to Delivery project.
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to describe the context and the progress with the UK Discovery to Delivery project.
Design/methodology/approach
Having set the scene for Discovery to Delivery, the paper describes how the project work was divided into four separate but interlinked strands. The methodologies for each strand are described and the outcomes are critically assessed.
Findings
The project was successful in demonstrating that services created separately by different organisations could be enhanced to provide a seamless approach from discovery to delivery for users. It had been planned to develop a link to local document supply services, but investigation revealed that further investigation would be required before such a service could usefully be supplied.
Originality/value
The project is an example of inter‐working between the national data centres with services that have already been established.
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Through reference to contemporary feminist literature, this article explores the potential of men's involvement in feminism. Although primarily a women's movement, it is argued…
Abstract
Through reference to contemporary feminist literature, this article explores the potential of men's involvement in feminism. Although primarily a women's movement, it is argued that there is scope for men to make a significant contribution to both feminist theory and practice. It stresses that men must live feminism in their everyday lives. In the second half of the paper it is suggested that men should engage in the project of re‐thinking existing notions of masculinity. In this connection it briefly outlines a reconceptualisation which is shown to be of benefit to feminist scholarship. As conclusion, an agenda for future research of masculinity is proposed.
The National Library of Scotland has selected VTLS (the Virginia Tech Library System) for the automation of its library and for network services it provides through SCOLCAP, the…
Abstract
The National Library of Scotland has selected VTLS (the Virginia Tech Library System) for the automation of its library and for network services it provides through SCOLCAP, the Scottish Library Network. Based on a Hewlett‐Packard 3000 Series 70 computer (later to be upgraded to a Series 950) with ten 571‐megabyte disc drives, the National Library of Scotland's VTLS system will be one of the largest single computer HP installations in the world. Initially it will support 80 on‐line terminals.