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With all the talk of the Information Age, technologists who know everything about the technology of databases and content delivery but nothing about how best to manage information are the glamour boys. One forgets however that the specialists in information management and delivery have been around for years and their profession has developed mature and wise theory and practice on delivering the content that people need quickly and efficiently. While this week's review is most useful for those in the traditional library profession who are responding fast to the new high tech and electronic base of information, there is also in the articles this week a gold mine of ideas and information for any one responsible for organizing the chaos of content available out there. With barriers coming down fast and the Internet unleashing a massive potential for locating information quickly, the middle-men are facing dinosaur status straight in the face. From travel agents to sales agencies, publishers, and librarians, a massive change in the perception of their roles is required. Distribution barriers are being demolished, making the livelihood of those who specialised in not creating content and services but delivering it, under threat. Exclusive national distributorships are breaking down with the onslaught of Amazon dot Com,s and Yahoo's. The articles this week document how many in the long established field of librarianship are doing to make their role more useful, and even essential in the Information Age.
A principled approach to selecting an automated library system Nothing can guarantee that an automated system selection process will be successful, but adherence to a set of common-sense principles can help in securing a successful outcome. The focus of the process has to be on the long term and must take account of the institutional context into which the system will fit. With the shift towards user empowerment, the involvement of users in the selection process is increasingly critical. The components of the selection process can be envisioned and combined in many different ways. The process used by the Purdue University Libraries serves to illustrate one way the process can play itself out.
Keywords: Libraries, Automation
Empowering users with a new online catalog In June 1998 Oakland University's library migrated to a new online catalog. In order to determine user acceptance of the new OPAC, students receiving library instruction were asked to complete an open-ended questionnaire eliciting comments on their likes, dislikes and online catalog preference. From the data collected, a second questionnaire was designed and distributed that focused on specific features of the new catalog identified in the first survey. Results indicated that users overwhelmingly preferred the new OPAC and found it easy to use; however, they experienced some difficulty using special features like truncation. The most popular feature of the new catalog was its remote access capability. Second-generation OPACs possess features - such as electronic reserves capabilities and hypertext links - that are beginning to simplify the search process; but they have not yet developed into the intuitive, comprehensive systems that can empower users to seek information in new ways.
Keywords: Libraries, Methods, Information retrieval, Attitude surveys, Questionnaires
Dynamic delivery of information via the World Wide Web Among the most ballyhooed interactive uses of the Web, database access has, until recently, been a cross-platform, multi-language, multi-interface endeavor not suited to the faint-of-heart. Fortunately, Microsoft's ever-increasing domination of the software industry has led to the consolidation of many tools in one application. Beginning with Internet Information Server 2 (IIS 2), Microsoft brought together in one service all the tools necessary to deliver an existing database over the Web. This paper will present a case study of converting a Web resource (News and Newspapers Online, a comprehensive directory of online newspapers from around the world that offer free access to current, full-text content) from static HTML files to a database (using MS Access 97), mounting the database on a Web server (using IIS 4), building the user interface (using HTML), and dynamically delivering the requested information (using Active Server Pages and Active Data Objects).
Keywords: Databases, Internet, Information retrieval, Information services
The question of electronic journals Electronic journals are an important alternative form of document delivery. Document delivery is performed by library networks and consortia, CD-ROM suppliers, document delivery services, library suppliers and subscription agents, and electronic journal suppliers. This article reviews the general issues associated with electronic journals, and illustrates these with reference to the products and projects that are available in the UK. Subsequent to the early projects such as BLEND and Project Quartet, projects on electronic journals have been led by either publishers or consortia whose members include both major libraries and publishers. Among these projects are Ariel, EDDIS, EDIL, ADONIS, APPEAL and the UK Pilot Site Initiative. In order that electronic journals become an established option for document and information delivery, there are a number of questions that need to be answered from the perspectives both of libraries, and of the information industry. This article summarises some of these questions, and identifies some of the broader issues that will determine progress towards wide acceptance of electronic journals.
Keywords: Electronic publishing, Document supply
Beyond cooperation in Australia The library profession in Australia is not large but is dispersed across an ancient continent as large as mainland USA. In this situation management styles have developed which enable the libraries to provide the most effective service to their clientele. This article describes the styles applicable to the academic arena and particularly in the era for the digital access and delivery of information.
Keywords: Australia, Academic libraries, Collaborative alliances
Creating fee-based online services: a new role for academic librarians Although much has been written about the impact of the Internet and the Web on libraries and librarianship, relatively little attention has been devoted to the subject of librarians as creators and even marketers of new online services. The present article describes two fee-based online services at the University of Illinois Library at Urbana-Champaign: the online version of the American Bibliography of Slavic and East European Studies (ABSEES); and the IRIS suite of funding-information services. The author discusses the pros and cons of in-house content-creation and concludes that academic libraries have the raw materials and the know-how to create valuable new online services, especially reference services.
Keywords: Academic libraries, Indexing, Information, Revenue
E-reference: incorporating electronic publications into reference The traditional work of reference librarians has been greatly impacted by access to electronic publications on the World Wide Web. Reference librarians are also using the Web to create electronic publications for in-library users and Web surfers. By creating HTML documents that provide access to Web and other electronic resources, reference service is extended beyond the physical library and designated reference desk hours, opening the building for 24-hour access.
Keywords: Academic libraries, Electronic publishing, Library services, Reference services
Factors to be considered in the selection and cataloging of Internet resources Internet resources have become a standard part of the resources offered by many libraries. Despite this fact, issues surrounding the selection of these resources, as well as providing access to them through cataloging, continue to present problems for libraries. Since Internet resources are not published or made available to libraries in the same manner as traditional print materials, there are many more factors to be considered in the selection process. The decision to catalog Internet resources presents a number of challenges to libraries as well. Decisions must be made as to what types of Internet resources will receive cataloging, and what information should be included in the bibliographic record. Cataloging decisions are further complicated by the fact that long-standing cataloging conventions do not readily apply to Internet resources.
Keywords: Internet, Libraries, Resources, Cataloguing
Virtual universities and the publishing revolution: a publisher's
viewpoint This article sets out to highlight how new technologies have changed the way publishers and other information providers are able to deliver services. Publishers are rethinking their role and taking a fresh look at how they can meet the needs of customers. Universities, libraries and publishers are all undergoing change brought about by technology and the Internet. As those seeking information expect rapid service, day and night, publishers must be innovative and adapt to the challenges ahead. Electronic publishing can offer new services over and above the traditional. By forging links with users and establishing networks, online conferences and much more, publishers are now faced with a host of opportunities.
Keywords: Electronic publishing, Internet, Libraries, Publishing
International complications Every page on the Web represents an international publication. A client machine in Germany can easily access a server in Michigan, but the copyright laws in the USA differ in a number of significant ways. This column looks at two specific examples, one where there is a difference in the length of protection, and another where German moral rights legislation gives privileges not found in the US law. Although the examples are German and American, similar differences exist between other legal systems.
Keywords: Copyright, Germany, Legal matters, Legislation, Moral responsibility, USA
The changing role of the traditional players in the new information age: the future of document delivery services One of the most significant recent developments for libraries has been the increasing availability of electronic versions of journals produced by the major publishers. Virtually instant online access to the full text of articles is engineering a fundamental rethink of how libraries provide information and services to their users: are libraries as physical entities still needed; can end-users go it alone in searching for and retrieving documents they require; how can new and traditional services be effectively integrated, and so on. However, while technically many things are possible, the business models, the information delivery infrastructure, and the shifting relationships between the traditional players, are still in a state of flux and do not as yet provide a solid basis on which libraries can make confident decisions about the future. Explores the role of document supply services in the new paradigm and argues that, if they can seize the opportunity, they will have a vital though substantially different role to play.
Keywords: Document supply, Automation, Interlending, United Kingdom
Why is interlending and document supply still the ugly sister? We have moved on from the days when interlending was rare and inefficient, and considered as a privilege bestowed by libraries on users. Document supply, as it has increasingly become, is now very common, and in some developed countries excellent and speedy. Elsewhere there are national or institutional barriers, but even allowing for these many libraries make far less effort to supply material wanted by remote users than to their own, thus compounding delays suffered by the users. Electronic access is changing the situation for shorter items, but book lending is still poor. Libraries need to learn that users are users wherever they are, and users need to insist on a decent service.
Keywords: Interlending, Electronic data interchange, History, Customer service
Document delivery services in China's agricultural sector: a survey It is believed that provision of document delivery services should be an integral part of the supply of bibliographic databases. After the implementation of a national agricultural information project funded by the Asian Development Bank, which provided Chinese agricultural research and training institutions with CD-ROM workstations and databases, CAB International and its Chinese counterpart began to look into the feasibility of establishing a document delivery service in China. The paper presents the results of a survey conducted as a part of the feasibility study and gives a critical overview of China's document delivery services provided in the agricultural sector.
Keywords: Agriculture, Bibliographics, China, Databases, Document supply, Survey
Document delivery Websites Document delivery is a fast-changing practice, being highly subject to economic and technological developments. The FIDDO project, supported by the UK Electronic Libraries Programme, has as a major objective to supply relevant and up-to-date information to library managers in this dynamic field. This review of Websites concerned with document delivery aims to contribute to that objective. The review identifies a selection of the more important Websites that might be used by a library manager, and supplies a review of each from both practitioner and academic perspectives.The Websites reviewed include indexes of document suppliers, reports of research projects, system developments and national initiatives, and professional sites. The scope of the review is worldwide, although a specific effort has been made to include sites based outside the USA.
Keywords: Document supply, Internet, Libraries, Suppliers
End-user document supply or who needs an interlibrary loans service? A special library's perspective Increasingly, services that were the preserve of the "traditional" library are being made more available to the end-user. Many information suppliers are specifically targeting end-users and offering them direct document access, retrieval and delivery. Where does this leave the information service? This paper outlines some recent developments in end-user document supply and discusses advantages and disadvantages from both the user's and the information professional's point of view, relating in particular to the situation in the author's own library. A number of services offering end-user document supply are described. The changing role of the information professional in response to new developments is discussed and a compromise solution proposed whereby new technologies can be harnessed for end-user benefit while at the same time still employing the added-value that an information service can offer.
Keywords: Document supply, Electronic publishing, End-user computing, Information services,
Journal publishing, Special libraries
Meeting the document supply needs of distance learners The need for university libraries to adapt their services to the different demands imposed by distance learning is explored in the context of the increasing importance of this method of course delivery to the higher education sector, particularly in the UK. A number of questions are raised, including: What is meant by the term "remote user"? Who should pay for document delivery? Is there a convenient way to uphold the principle of library privilege? What effect may distance learners' previous educational experience have on demand for their information services?
Keywords: Academic libraries, Library services, Distance learning, Document supply, Electronic data
interchange, Copyright
Publishers and copyright licensing Copyright licensing has developed throughout the world as the main solution to problems caused by photocopying and electronic copying. This article traces the history of negotiations between rights owners and users of materials and the establishment of working relationships between authors and users within licensing agencies. It highlights the special importance of copyright management and protection systems to academic and professional publishers. The systems used in the UK, other countries of Europe and the USA are compared and contrasted. The article underlines the enduring value of print publications, while looking forward to the introduction of licences for electronic copying.
Keywords: Copying, Copyright, Licensing, Publishing
The changing nature of international resource sharing: risks and
benefits of collaboration Discusses the context for international interlending in historical terms, and the Research Libraries Group's SHARES programme. Characterizes the current state of international interlending and provides some thoughts on the prospects, barriers, risks and benefits of international interlending. Reports on a survey conducted by RLG and closes with suggestions on the best way to become collaborative opportunists.
Keywords: Libraries, Interlending, Co-operation, Alliances, Risk, Benefits
The digital object identifier system: digital technology meets content management The management of intellectual content in a digital environment (Internet) requires the existence of persistent, reliable unique identifiers for each distinguishable piece of content, and associated services activated by these identifiers to manage access and other rights. The digital object identifier (DOI) is a major initiative from the content industries which is now being implemented widely. The DOI is a unique identifier of any piece of intellectual content (in any form), together with a system for using that identifier to locate digital services (on the Internet) associated with that content. This paper describes as separate strands the approach of the technology and the content communities, and how these have been brought together in the DOI initial implementation (as a reliable location tool) and future implementations of other services. The DOI has strong support from many quarters, and is funded by a not-for-profit independent foundation.
Keywords: Copyright, Electronic publishing, Identification, Information management, Internet
The impact of new technology on journal publishing and document delivery - a publisher's perspective A medical journal publishing perspective on the impact of new technology. Covers the future of the scientific journal; its pricing; the effect of the move by libraries to access instead of ownership; fair use; the success of the various rights organisations which have been set up to control exploitation of published information through new technology; licensing and the economics of licensing; archiving; and the future of the journal article.
Keywords: Electronic publishing, Serials, New technology |
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