The purpose of this paper is to present a comparison of three models for journal literature access.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a comparison of three models for journal literature access.
Design/methodology/approach
This empirical paper is based on working practice in an academic library.
Findings
Post‐implementation analysis shows that both pay‐per‐view and big deals offered valuable and highly used additional content, and that both are cost‐effective alternatives to the traditional subscription model. But overall, the big deal proves to be the best model for most journal titles due to its combination of superior cost savings and ease of end‐user access.
Originality/value
By analyzing the results of switching a large number of titles across three access modes in a short period of time, this paper offers insight into the effect of the three access models on end users and library budgets.
Details
Keywords
“Human service is a fundamental concept in librarianship, and the essential role of reference librarians is to connect people with the information they want,” wrote Jennifer…
Abstract
“Human service is a fundamental concept in librarianship, and the essential role of reference librarians is to connect people with the information they want,” wrote Jennifer Mendelsohn in 1994. To further this connection, librarians have suggested looking for, and have often actively sought out, patrons before they approach the reference or information desk, yet our image of the roving reference encounter remains sketchy. This picture ranges from that of a harried, overworked professional dispensing inadequate service to a multitude of users, to a librarian effectively extending a hand to the three‐fifths to two‐thirds of all users who would not otherwise request assistance. The picture one sees depends on one's individual work preference. Such conflicting mental pictures lead to round after round of endless debate.
Barbara A. Gushrowski, Cynthia E. Saylor and Susan F. Whitt
Conference report from a state serials conference which explored changing roles of serials as products and technical service librarians reviewing several key sessions.
Abstract
Purpose
Conference report from a state serials conference which explored changing roles of serials as products and technical service librarians reviewing several key sessions.
Design/methodology/approach
Coverage and description of papers and presentations at this meeting with highlights.
Findings
Varied with the session but conclusions indicate that electronic serials are posing increasing challenges to the selection, processing and archiving of resources.
Research limitations/implications
Living with changes and working through challenges in the treatment of serials suggests that local practices gain significance and not all institutions must comply with the same model.
Practical implications
Conference attendance at this kind of regional meeting is valuable.
Value
Will be of interest to selectors, reference librarians and staff in technical services, and the online vendor and information provider communities. Particular emphasis given to new open access publications.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of the paper is to provide a review of the most recent literature concerning document supply and related matters.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the paper is to provide a review of the most recent literature concerning document supply and related matters.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper's approach is the reading of over 150 journals as well as monographs, reports and websites.
Findings
Electronic books remain a minority market but the literature at least remains optimistic and readers are improving in quality and acceptability. Open access continues to grow but with continuing and widely differing views on its impact – especially the author‐pays model. Recent mandating decisions will mean a step change in the both the creation and the growth of institutional and subject repositories. Increasing concerns are being expressed about the monopolistic implications of Google and there are some stout counter arguments. A number of interesting articles on document supply show it to be in robust health. The economic crisis will have a mixed impact on document supply as libraries consider cuts in acquisition budgets.
Originality/value
The paper represents a useful source of information for librarians and others interested in document supply and related matters.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this article is to provide tips for electronic collection development for libraries with a meager budget.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to provide tips for electronic collection development for libraries with a meager budget.
Design/methodology/approach
The information provided in this article is based on research on electronic collection development practices and the author's experience with electronic resources at small and large university libraries.
Findings
There are many useful electronic resources available for free because of the open access movement. Old ideas such as consortia and negotiating still help to keep costs at a manageable level for libraries.
Practical implications
Libraries will be able to maintain or reduce the costs they are spending on electronic resources, but still retain sources that fulfill their collection needs.
Originality/value
This paper combines new and old ideas and resources for electronic collection development into a short and easy‐to‐follow source.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the use of intermediary companies (i.e. jobbers) in library operations
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the use of intermediary companies (i.e. jobbers) in library operations
Design/methodology/approach
The paper investigates how service charges are determined, if any industry standards for these charges exist, and if so, how they are monitored by companies and clients.
Practical implications
Not much is known about the nature of jobber's business. This discussion has reinforced Daniel that the library makes good use of the jobbers employed, but has also underscored the importance of being able to explain, to people outside the library field, why they are important to library operation.
Findings
For the authors' small academic library, employing intermediaries is currently worth the service charges.
Originality/value
It is hoped librarians and library staff who use or are considering using intermediary businesses will find these experiences useful.
Details
Keywords
Mohammad I. Mirza and Moid A. Siddiqui
The article analyses 23 78 CD‐ROM bibliographic database searches (by databases used, user status, departments, and user needs) conducted at the King Fahd University of Petroleum…
Abstract
The article analyses 23 78 CD‐ROM bibliographic database searches (by databases used, user status, departments, and user needs) conducted at the King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) Library in Saudi Arabia during the period July 1991 (when service started) to 31 December 1992. Various purposes for compiling CD‐ROM statistics have also been discussed.
Paulina V. Harper, Kyrille Goldbeck, Margaret Hogarth, David Greenebaum, David Magolis and Millie Jackson
To report on the 1st Electronic Resources & Libraries Conference held in March 2006 in Atlanta, Georgia.Design/methodology/approach – Provides a review of some of the events of…
Abstract
Purpose
To report on the 1st Electronic Resources & Libraries Conference held in March 2006 in Atlanta, Georgia.Design/methodology/approach – Provides a review of some of the events of the conference.
Findings
The ER&L conference is the first step to building an shared understanding about the unique medium of electronic resources and management and developing a supportive community for dissemination of basic practices and latest developments in the field.
Originality/value
A conference report of interest to information management professionals, especially those involved with electronic resources.