Robert P. Holley and John H. Heinrichs
This paper seeks to replicate a study done in 1992 on the bibliographic availability of 55 popular culture periodicals sold by a Kroger supermarket in Royal Oak, Michigan. The…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to replicate a study done in 1992 on the bibliographic availability of 55 popular culture periodicals sold by a Kroger supermarket in Royal Oak, Michigan. The earlier study asked the question whether time might be a relevant variable for the number of holding libraries.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors searched WorldCat for the number of reported library holdings for the same 55 popular culture periodicals and analyzed the results.
Findings
During both periods, 34 periodicals with holdings had a median increase of 58.4 percent; but, when the 83.5 percent increase in OCLC governing members during the same period was taken into account, holdings had a median decrease of 13.7 percent. For the 19 cases with no library holdings in 1992, eight (42.1 percent) now had library holdings, including several high circulation periodicals such as Star and Soap Opera Weekly.
Practical implications
Popular culture materials read by many Americans are still not widely available in libraries or are not entered into WorldCat, the prime source for bibliographic holdings.
Originality/value
This paper provides additional statistical evidence on the availability of popular culture materials in libraries.
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This paper aims to show the importance of the Master’s degree in the library and information sciences in learning the essential values of library and information science culture.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to show the importance of the Master’s degree in the library and information sciences in learning the essential values of library and information science culture.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is a discussion based upon the author’s decades of experience as a librarian and library science professor.
Findings
Cultural values help unify the diverse profession of librarianship. Librarians working in different types and sizes are able to cooperate because of these shared values.
Research limitations/implications
The paper does not build upon any research studies.
Practical implications
The paper provides ways in which library and information science schools can help students learn the important elements of library culture.
Social implications
Library culture helps librarians bond together and work toward common goals to benefit the profession.
Originality/value
The value of library culture as a unifying factor has not often been systematically investigated. This paper also integrates current trends in librarianship including the increased focus on information technology.
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Janelle R. Thomas and Robert P. Holley
In this paper the authors aim to examine ways to motivate staff whose job assignments include repetitive library tasks such as shelving, copy cataloguing, circulation, and other…
Abstract
Purpose
In this paper the authors aim to examine ways to motivate staff whose job assignments include repetitive library tasks such as shelving, copy cataloguing, circulation, and other similar functions.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors review the appropriate management literature and build upon the extensive management experience of the second author.
Findings
Ways to increase employee motivation including enriching the work experience, effective communication, appropriate incentives, and treating each employee as an individual. Sharing tasks among staff and maintaining an ergonomic workspace are also important. Library automation and eliminating unneeded tasks can reduce repetitive tasks but can also lead to a reduction in staff.
Practical implications
The paper provides practical steps for managers to take to keep staff motivated when faced with repetitive tasks.
Originality/value
This paper summarizes the management literature on this topic to provide practical guidance for library managers.
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Afeworki Paulos and Robert P. Holley
To explore the relationship between the importance of African studies programs and the acquisition of African imprint titles in four selected American academic libraries.
Abstract
Purpose
To explore the relationship between the importance of African studies programs and the acquisition of African imprint titles in four selected American academic libraries.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper examines the characteristics of the African studies programs in four universities in comparison with library holdings including the percentage of holdings from four major English‐language African publishers.
Finding
The four research libraries acquire substantial numbers of African monographs in keeping with the importance of their African studies programs.
Originality/value
The paper provides information on four major African studies programs and the library holdings that support them.
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Susan Potter and Robert P. Holley
This paper aims to summarize the importance of rare materials for academic libraries, including developments since the arrival of the internet and the effects of declining library…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to summarize the importance of rare materials for academic libraries, including developments since the arrival of the internet and the effects of declining library budgets.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors reviewed the literature on the subject coupled with their experiences with collection development.
Findings
Collecting rare materials remains important for scholarly research, though harder to justify during a period of budget stringency. Academic libraries should discover creative ways to discover and add rare materials to their collections. Rare materials require special expertise in their acquisition, processing, storage, and use. Digitization is making rare materials more accessible but cannot substitute for the use of the originals in all cases.
Practical implications
The authors provide a summary of recent thought on the status of rare materials in academic libraries – for libraries that include such collections or for those interested in increasing their holdings of rare materials.
Originality/value
The paper provides a summary of recent trends in collecting rare materials in academic libraries.
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Andrea Dickson and Robert P. Holley
The goal of this paper is to examine the use of the major social networking tools in academic libraries in the USA. As college students are heavy users of social networking, such…
Abstract
Purpose
The goal of this paper is to examine the use of the major social networking tools in academic libraries in the USA. As college students are heavy users of social networking, such efforts provide academic libraries with outreach possibilities to students who do not use the physical library. The paper also seeks to examine the concerns about their use both from students and within the academic library.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper summarizes findings from articles published since 2006 found in the Library Literature and Information Full Text database. The first author also examined librarian blogs and library accounts in various social networking sites.
Findings
Social networking can be an effective method of student outreach in academic libraries if libraries take care to respect student privacy and to provide equal coverage for all subject areas.
Research limitations/implications
Most information about social networking is anecdotal with very little statistical analysis of its effectiveness. The popularity of the various social networking sites can change quickly.
Practical implications
Academic libraries should consider using social networking as an outreach effort but take care to avoid the potential negative consequences.
Originality/value
This paper provides a snapshot on the use of social networking in academic libraries through a thorough review of the available literature and an examination of the libraries' presence on the most popular social networking sites. It also provides help for academic libraries wishing to implement social networking.
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Clayton Hayes and Robert P. Holley
The purpose of this paper is to examine recent trends that have affected university presses (UPs). The increased reliance on digital resources and fiscal constraints within higher…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine recent trends that have affected university presses (UPs). The increased reliance on digital resources and fiscal constraints within higher education has forced UPs to re-evaluate their position with the scholarly communication system. Responses include an increased focus on partnerships, new forms of publication, changing business models and better meeting customers’ needs.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors have reviewed publications on UPs from the past five years and added their viewpoints on current and future trends.
Findings
UPs must adapt to resource scarcity and current trends in scholarly communication to remain viable.
Practical implications
Both UPs and academic libraries may gain insights on how to meet the needs of researchers and scholars within a changing environment.
Originality/value
This paper summarizes and evaluates a broad spectrum of research on UPs.