scholarly journals Assessing the value of ILL to our users: a comparative study of three US libraries

2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Micquel Little ◽  
Lars Leon
Keyword(s):  
Resource Sharing ◽  
Liberal Arts ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Interlibrary Loan ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Open Question ◽  
Basic Content ◽  
Large Research

Purpose – This study aims to combine the patron perception of the interlibrary loan services offered in three libraries: an ARL campus, a small private liberal arts campus, and a large state public library. The goal was to have a vehicle for gathering both satisfaction and value information for each of the services provided by a resource-sharing operation to cross-analyze patron perceptions, satisfaction and value placed on resource sharing at each institution. Design/methodology/approach – A survey was created to gather the information desired, and it was designed to be completed in less than 15 minutes. The survey wording was adjusted depending on the individual participating organization to provide appropriate text for the local patrons. However, the basic content was similar for each library. The survey included an optional field where the patron could enter their name to allow follow-up as desired. It also included an open question to capture anything else the previous questions did not. Findings – This case studies finding include recognition of recurring features found valuable to library patrons utilizing all three institutions: access, speed and people. Each library was able to identify areas of strength and areas to improve upon within their services. Each library also gained insight into their patrons’ perceptions of the resource-sharing services offered. This insight is being used for further assessment studies, as well as to implement changes on each local campus. Originality/value – This study provides insight and data into resource-sharing assessment as related to patron value. As the literature review shows, no studies of this kind have been done recently or across the institutions included: small private academic, large research academic or large public library.

Document supply and resource sharing in Portuguese libraries: the role of the National Library

2010 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa Maria Gaudêncio Soares
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Resource Sharing ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Supply System ◽  
National Library ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Long Period ◽  
Recent Developments

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to describe the development of the Portuguese document supply system with particular emphasis on the role of the National Library but also in its academic and public library sectors.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is descriptive in nature.FindingsPortugal emerged from a long period of monarchy and dictatorship, profited from being a EU member, and libraries are now exploiting the advantages of information technology particularly for the benefit of remote users.Originality/valueThis is probably the first overview of historical and recent developments in document supply in Portugal.

Investigating the use of metadata record graphs to analyze subject headings in the digital public library of America

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Edward Phillips ◽  
Hannah Tarver
Keyword(s):  
Network Analysis ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Quality Analysis ◽  
Common Denominator ◽  
Digital Collections ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Metadata Record ◽  
Metadata Quality ◽  
Subject Headings ◽  
The Individual

Purpose This study furthers metadata quality research by providing complementary network-based metrics and insights to analyze metadata records and identify areas for improvement. Design/methodology/approach Metadata record graphs apply network analysis to metadata field values; this study evaluates the interconnectedness of subjects within each Hub aggregated into the Digital Public Library of America. It also reviews the effects of NACO normalization – simulating revision of values for consistency – and breaking up pre-coordinated subject headings – to simulate applying the Faceted Application of Subject Terminology to Library of Congress Subject Headings. Findings Network statistics complement count- or value-based metrics by providing context related to the number of records a user might actually find starting from one item and moving to others via shared subject values. Additionally, connectivity increases through the normalization of values to correct or adjust for formatting differences or by breaking pre-coordinated subject strings into separate topics. Research limitations/implications This analysis focuses on exact-string matches, which is the lowest-common denominator for searching, although many search engines and digital library indexes may use less stringent matching methods. In terms of practical implications for evaluating or improving subjects in metadata, the normalization components demonstrate where resources may be most effectively allocated for these activities (depending on a collection). Originality/value Although the individual components of this research are not particularly novel, network analysis has not generally been applied to metadata analysis. This research furthers previous studies related to metadata quality analysis of aggregations and digital collections in general.

Share resources through the largest interlibrary loan network

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 137-140
Author(s):  
Gemma Burke ◽  
Erin Duncan ◽  
JL Smither
Keyword(s):  
Resource Sharing ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Interlibrary Loan ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The World ◽  
The Future ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities

Purpose The paper aims to show how using a resource-sharing service can help you provide more resources to your users. Design/methodology/approach This paper discusses interlibrary loan challenges and opportunities, specifically with reference to WorldShare Interlibrary Loan. Findings This paper describes the service that connects libraries to the largest cooperative resource-sharing network with more than 10,000 borrowing and lending libraries worldwide, the possibilities for the future, facts and figures and how libraries around the world have used the solution successfully. Originality/value This paper looks at how WorldShare Interlibrary Loan can help libraries overcome the challenges that they face regarding resource sharing.

scholarly journals Understanding coaching efficacy in education through activity systems: privileging the nuances of provision

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel M. Lofthouse ◽  
Anthea Rose ◽  
Ruth Whiteside
Keyword(s):  
Activity Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Coaching Efficacy ◽  
Range Of Functions ◽  
Cultural Historical Activity ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Specific Challenge

PurposeThe research demonstrates the role of activity systems based in Cultural Historical Activity Theory as a means of analysing characteristics and efficacy of specific provisions of coaching in education.Design/methodology/approachThree examples of coaching in education were selected, involving 51 schools in England. The three examples were re-analysed using activity systems. This drew on existing evaluation evidence, gathered through interviews, questionnaires, focus groups and recordings of coaching.FindingsIn each example, the object of the coaching was to address a specific challenge to secure the desired quality of education. Using activity systems it is possible to demonstrate that coaching has a range of functions (both intended and consequential). The individual examples illustrate the potential of coaching to support change in complex and diverse education settings.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of existing data from evaluations means that direct comparisons between examples are not made. While data were collected throughout the duration of each coaching programme no follow-up data was available.Practical implicationsThe analysis of the examples of coaching using activity systems provides evidence of the efficacy of specific coaching provision in achieving individually defined objectives related to sustaining and improving specific educational practices.Originality/valueThe research offers insights into how coaching in education might be better tuned to the specific needs of contexts and the challenges experienced by the individuals working in them. In addition, it demonstrates the value of activity systems as an analytical tool to make sense of coaching efficacy.

Reinforcing each other: strategies to advance international interlibrary loan

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-44
Author(s):  
Hilary H. Thompson ◽  
Kurt Munson ◽  
James B. Harper
Keyword(s):  
Resource Sharing ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Recent Literature ◽  
International Federation ◽  
Interlibrary Loan ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Multiple Translations ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Stars Survey

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to share the results of the 2019 international interlending survey conducted by the American Library Association, Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), Sharing and Transforming Access to Resources Section (STARS) International Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Committee, the fourth such survey conducted by this group since 2007. Design/methodology/approach Committee members developed the survey instrument and collected data in Qualtrics. Questions from the 2015 and 2011 instruments were reused to support longitudinal data analysis, and new questions related to improving the sharing of resources across borders were added. The survey was distributed to libraries worldwide via multiple methods, and translations in six of the seven official International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions languages were provided. Findings Results reveal challenges to engaging in global resource sharing in the areas of discovery and request methods, policies and service models, copyright and licensing, delivery and payment. Strategies to overcome these challenges, as informed by both the survey results and recent literature, are shared. Reinforcing each other, these independently and organically developed solutions illustrate ways to further advance ILL. Practical implications The findings can aid ILL practitioners and the organizations to which they belong in improving the sharing of resources across borders. By optimizing this service, libraries can better support researchers in a globalized environment. Originality/value The 2019 RUSA STARS survey is the first survey on the topic of international ILL to offer multiple translations complimenting global distribution. It contributes to the literature by offering a broad and updated perspective on current international ILL practices, challenges impeding the sharing of library materials abroad and possible solutions.

A survey of capital budgeting practices used by firms in Barbados

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 564-584
Author(s):  
Philmore Alleyne ◽  
Shantelle Armstrong ◽  
Marissa Chandler
Keyword(s):  
Net Present Value ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Contingency Theory ◽  
Capital Budgeting ◽  
The Body ◽  
Capital Projects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the capital budgeting practices used by firms in Barbados using contingency theory.Design/methodology/approachThe study involves the use of a self-administered questionnaire sent to the individual responsible for capital budgeting decisions (either the accountant, financial controller or senior manager) in each of the firms selected. In total, 41 completed questionnaires are received; 12 follow-up interviews are conducted with respondents to indicate the reasons for use and non-use of capital budgeting practices.FindingsCapital budgeting practices are not widely used by firms in Barbados. The payback method (PBM) is determined to be the preferred method of choice because of its simplicity, agility and cultural practices. Based on contingency theory, organisations in Barbados believe that the PBM is a better fit for them. Top management drives the capital budgeting process with crude and non-traditional methods for the acceptance of capital projects. While there are no statistically significant differences in the capital budgeting practices used in different sectors, professional accountants are more likely to use net present value and sensitivity analysis than non-professional accountants.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample is small, and consequently, findings may not be generalisable to the population.Originality/valueThis study makes a significant contribution to the body of literature in emerging countries such as Barbados on the usage of capital budgeting practices and factors that may influence their usage. It further contributes to policymakers, practitioners, organisations and stakeholders of organisations.

The Russian State Library: Russia's national centre for interlibrary loan and document delivery

2010 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadezhda Erokina
Keyword(s):  
Soviet Union ◽  
Resource Sharing ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Interlibrary Loan ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Document Delivery ◽  
National Centre ◽  
The Soviet Union ◽  
Russian State ◽  
State Library

PurposeThis paper aims to describe the document supply services of the Russian State Library.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is descriptive in nature.FindingsAfter the hiatus of the 1990s the document supply service has recovered and is developing new electronic services. Resource sharing is also growing.Originality/valueThe paper provides a historical and contemporary overview of the development of document supply in Russia and the Soviet Union.

Assessing the Borrow Direct engineering e-book pilot

2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 174-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas McGee
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Interlibrary Loan ◽  
Similar Nature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
One Year ◽  
Joint Purchase

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an assessment of a one-year pilot exploring the joint purchase of e-books via demand-driven acquisition (DDA) conducted by engineering librarians from seven members of the Borrow Direct interlibrary loan partnership. Also provided are observations that may inform future initiatives of a similar nature. Design/methodology/approach – The author presents a case study approach and examination of the results. Findings – The pilot was discontinued as a result of dissatisfaction with its configuration, but it did offer significant financials savings as well as provide accessible copies of mutually acquired titles to each member. The pilot also offered several lessons that can inform future joint e-book endeavors. Originality/value – Multi-institutional joint e-book DDA acquisition has been attempted elsewhere; however, what is unique about this pilot is that it was managed by seven independent institutions without a central legal entity to oversee it. This paper is a follow-up to the author’s presentation at the 80th IFLA World Library and Information Congress, August 16-22, 2014, in Lyon, France.

The future of interoperability for ILL and resource sharing

2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (2/3) ◽  
pp. 105-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clare MacKeigan
Keyword(s):  
Resource Sharing ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
First Century ◽  
Interlibrary Loan ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Request Message ◽  
Draft Standard ◽  
The World ◽  
Basic Purpose ◽  
System Interoperability

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide background and context on the need for a new interlibrary loan (ILL) system interoperability standard, describe the basic purpose and structure of ISO 18626, information and documentation – interlibrary Loan Transactions – and outline steps for the new standard’s development and implementation. Design/methodology/approach – The author’s paper is based on her expertise as a member of the working group TC46/SC4/WG14 Interlibrary Loan Transactions, charged with development, implementation and promotion of the ISO 18626 standard. Findings – The ISO 18626 standard is needed to replace the outdated standard ISO 10160/10161. It consists of simple messages, namely, a request message; a supplying library message; and a requesting library message. Messages are encoded using XML. Balloting on the draft standard was unanimously approved in December 2013, and a fully developed ISO 18626 standard is expected to be in production in one to two years. Originality/value – This paper reports on a developing standard that will impact ILL systems used by libraries around the globe.As the world shrinks and user’s demands grow, sending interlibrary loan (ILL) requests to other libraries, especially if multiple computer systems or catalogs are involved, has not simplified correspondingly. Even as individual ILL processes have become more streamlined, the need to interact with libraries – and the ILL systems they use – around the globe has dramatically increased. While an international standard, ISO 10160/10161, has been available for 20 years, the minimal acceptance and use of the standard has not provided the interoperability that we had hoped for and need. Work is currently underway to remedy this situation – a standard for the twenty-first century. This paper will provide the context in which this new standard emerged and was written, as well as outline what the new standard will look like and the next steps once the standard has been approved.

Benchmarking and pondering ASERL interlibrary loan operations, 2010 and 2013

2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
David P. Atkins ◽  
Judy T. Greenwood ◽  
Pambanisha Whaley
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Resource Sharing ◽  
Interlibrary Loan ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Libraries ◽  
Document Delivery ◽  
Staffing Levels ◽  
Comparative Case Studies ◽  
Support Resource ◽  
Operational Metrics

Purpose – In 2010 and 2013, the libraries in the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries (ASERL) were surveyed to identify benchmarks and programs to support resource sharing. Benchmarks and challenges identified generate discussions regarding programming, networking, and other support to improve resource sharing operations. This paper seeks to address these issues. Design/methodology/approach – This study compares and contrasts the two surveys using mixed methods data analysis. This study assesses ILL performance and explores the challenges and trends interlibrary loan practitioners see today. Findings – The article identifies changes and trends in consortia-wide transaction volumes; staffing levels; campus document delivery; professional issues and challenges; and library organizational schemes. Research limitations/implications – The study did not include data from constituencies outside of interlibrary loan. It also did not include interview follow-ups with survey participants to discuss challenges and reorganizations in greater detail. Future interlibrary loan research could focus less on operational metrics and more on broader issues such as e-resources and change management. Mixed methods are effect tools for benchmarking and comparative case studies. Practical implications – Individual libraries can compare themselves to the operational benchmarks and use insights drawn from comment analysis to stimulate conversations regarding current and future roles for interlibrary loan. Consortia can duplicate the study to understand their operational benchmarks and their particular contexts. Originality/value – The study provides comparative benchmarks for research libraries and consortia spanning three years. It demonstrates substantial shifts in issues faced by libraries and librarians.

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