On eBooks in academic libraries: an article based on a presentation at the Library 2.014 Conference

2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 12-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna Ellen Frederick
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Electronic Format ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Research Libraries ◽  
New Learning ◽  
To Come

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate and discuss some of the commonly held misconceptions about using and managing eBooks in academic research libraries and to outline what skills, abilities and knowledge are required of librarians and other library staff who work with eBooks. eBooks are an important presence in the vast majority of academic libraries. It is reasonable to expect that this presence will increase in the years to come. The value of eBooks to many students, faculty and researchers is undeniable and their availability has created new learning and teaching opportunities which were not possible with print-only library collection. Design/methodology/approach – eBooks bring multiple benefits to the academic environment. Findings – eBooks provide portable information resources for students and researchers doing fieldwork. eBooks have the potential for relieving pressure on space in some libraries. Some eBook platforms offer students new and enhanced ways for interacting with library materials, including accessibility features. Originality/value – The addition of eBooks to academic library collections addresses a growing preference among some patrons for information in electronic format.

ARLG in Brighton, UK 2014. Academic libraries: the final frontier

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (9) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Suzanne Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Research Library ◽  
Narrative Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Libraries ◽  
Research Library Group ◽  
The Future ◽  
The University

Purpose – This paper aims to give an overview of the Academic Research Library Group Study Conference hosted by the University of Sussex, in Brighton from the 23rd-25th of June 2014. Design/methodology/approach – A narrative approach was used to describe events. Findings – This was an exciting and action-packed conference that discussed topics surrounding the future of academic libraries. There were several networking opportunities, workshops and an exhibition of sponsors. Originality/value – This report outlines the events of the conference and looks at the themes and issues surrounding the future of research libraries.

Assessment committees: good practices from ARL libraries

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 224-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle H. Brannen ◽  
Sojourna J. Cunningham ◽  
Regina Mays
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Good Practices ◽  
Research Libraries ◽  
Association Of Research Libraries ◽  
Library Assessment ◽  
Current State ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Assessment Activities

Purpose Assessment activities in academic libraries continue to grow as libraries explore assessment endeavors. Ranging from basic stats gathering and reporting to surveys, focus groups, and usability studies and beyond. Many practitioners are finding it necessary to create new processes and programs, with little guidance. The purpose of this paper is to paint a broad picture of assessment activities in Association of Research Libraries (ARL) university libraries with the goal of creating a resource for libraries developing or improving their assessment programs. Design/methodology/approach A survey was developed that asked questions about assessment personnel, activities, mission, and website. A total of 113 surveys were sent to academic library members of ARL. Survey results were analyzed to compile a list of recommended good practices for assessment and working with assessment committees in academic libraries. Findings The investigators had a response rate of 43 percent. The open-ended nature of the survey questions allowed for the respondents to specifically narrow down the problems and opportunities inherent in library assessment committees. Originality/value This study takes the temperature of the current state of assessment programs in ARL libraries, demonstrating the growth of assessment programs. It begins to document the practices of these libraries, particularly in regards to the sometimes informal and hard to track use of committees and other in-house collaborations, as a first step toward developing best practices for the field. The results illuminate productive areas for further study, including investigating how to measure a culture of assessment and maximizing impact of assessment information presented on assessment websites.

Considerations for collecting Japanese anime for academic libraries

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 53-56
Author(s):  
Glenn Masuchika
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Intrinsic Value ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Collection Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Development Policies ◽  
Areas Of Concern ◽  
Japanese Animation

Purpose Too often, academic library selectors of DVDs purchase Japanese animation (anime) for their popularity without any further concern of their important contributions to the combined wealth of researches of an academic library. The purpose of this paper is to offer considerations for an academic selector to ponder before adding this particular type of animation. These considerations do not necessary pertain to the collection development considerations for selectors at public libraries. Design/methodology/approach This paper will discuss the major problems of actively adding anime to an academic library, the present areas of concern, and will offer warnings and suggestions based on a conceptual framework of anime having true academic value. Findings Anime cannot be chosen independently as if it has any apparently intrinsic value sui generis. Anime must be added concomitantly according to the collection development policies with other resources, especially DVDs, to create a full, rich and useful collection to scholars. Originality/value Academic studies concerning anime and collection development for academic libraries are usually comprised of only long lists of suggested anime, with no further discussions about its implications to the general worth of an academic library. This paper offers no such lists. Instead, it offers considerations selectors must take into account before investing time and money adding anime to an academic library collection.

Beyond metrics

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 306-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amber N. Welch ◽  
Krystal Wyatt-Baxter
Keyword(s):  
Human Ecology ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Mission Statement ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Mission Statements ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Assessment Plans ◽  
History Of

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe an approach to developing a makerspace assessment plan. This approach focuses on connecting organizational and service point mission statements with outcome-based assessment plan goals, strategies, methods, and success measures. Design/methodology/approach This paper will outline the steps taken by an academic research library to design an outcomes-based assessment plan that monitors the human ecology of a makerspace. The paper includes a history of the space, the role of the library within the campus makerspace environment, the connection between mission statements and assessment plans, and how that connection can facilitate and drive space and service design. Findings Designing assessment plans that are centered on a makerspace mission statement can ensure that progress toward fulfilling the mission, values, and goals of the space is constantly monitored. Originality/value Academic library makerspace assessment literature is still in its infancy. This paper seeks to contribute to the literature on academic library makerspace management and stewardship.

scholarly journals Maintaining digital collections with declining resources, fewer staff

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-100
Author(s):  
Wendy Walker ◽  
Teressa Keenan
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Digital Collections ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
The Face ◽  
Continue Work ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
New Time

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe methods for restructuring workflows and efficiently using staff members and volunteers to continue work on multiple, simultaneous digital collections as budgets and resources decline. Design/methodology/approach This paper describes one library’s varied approaches to several digital collections supported by literature or volunteers in libraries. Findings In the face of continually declining resources and new, time-sensitive priorities and compliance responsibilities, librarians can continue to maintain digital collections by modifying workflows, using the services of volunteers and communicating strategically. Practical implications This paper is relevant to librarians, archivists and others who are looking for ways to justify and capitalize on the use of unconventional personnel in digital collections programs. Originality/value This paper presents a case of the successful use of volunteers to accomplish digital collections-related tasks in an academic library and provides a communication-based strategy for addressing some of the challenges related to volunteers in academic libraries.

An environmental scan of virtual and augmented reality services in academic libraries

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
David Greene ◽  
Michael Groenendyk
Keyword(s):  
Augmented Reality ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Research Project ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Libraries ◽  
Association Of Research Libraries ◽  
Library Use ◽  
Virtual And Augmented Reality

Purpose The growing popularity of virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) technologies, and increased research into their educational uses, has seen them appearing in a significant number of academic libraries. Little is known, however, about how many libraries have actually adopted these technologies or how they have structured library services around them. The purpose of this paper is to answer these questions. Design/methodology/approach The authors surveyed the websites of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member libraries to gather information about the availability of VR and AR equipment as well as information about how access is provided. Recorded details about these services included information about staffing, dedicated space, software, what type of technology was offered and whether or not the technology was lent out or only made available for in-library use. Findings Results of the research project showed that a significant number of ARL-member libraries do offer access to VR technology. AR technology was much less widespread. The most common technologies offered were the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. The technology was most typically offered for in-library use only. There were few details about staff or what software was offered to be used with the technology. Originality/value While there is growing research around how VR and AR is being used in education, little research has been undertaken into how libraries are adopting these technologies. This paper summarizes the research that has been done so far and also takes the next step of providing a larger picture of how widespread the adoption of VR and AR technologies has been within academic libraries, as well as how access to these technologies is being provided.

Remote reading: a shelf list analysis of an academic library’s juvenile collection

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah B. Cohn
Keyword(s):  
Social Justice ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Children's Books ◽  
Children’S Books ◽  
Academic Institutions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Aged State

Purpose This study aims to detail an analysis project of a juvenile collection within an academic library. The analysis became a starting point for the development of a coherent collection policy, and for charting a path toward a better maintained, more used, more diverse, inclusive and representative collection. Design/methodology/approach The analysis was done by using a catalog-generated shelf list, which revealed specific details about the aged state of the collection and brought to light the lack of attention the collection has been getting in recent years. Findings The analysis of a collection of children’s books in an academic library revealed a collection long out of date and unable to serve the needs of our user population. Research limitations/implications This analysis is specific to academic institutions that have collections of children’s material. Originality/value The literature on juvenile collections in academic libraries is relatively sparse. This research details a social justice approach to building and maintaining juvenile collections in academic libraries.

Not a token! A discussion on racial capitalism and its impact on academic librarians and libraries

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Vong
Keyword(s):  
Critical Race Theory ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Cultural Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Racial Trauma ◽  
Racial Capitalism ◽  
And Training

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to introduce the concept of racial capitalism in the context of academic libraries.Design/methodology/approachThis paper draws on Leong's (2013) extended theory of racial capitalism and identifies how neoliberalism and racial capitalism are tied as well as how it is manifested in academic libraries through tokenism, racialized tasks, consuming racial trauma, cultural performance demands, workload demands and pay inequity.FindingsThe article ends with some suggestions in how to address these problematic practices though dismantling meritocratic systems, critical race theory in LIS education and training, and funding EDI work.Originality/valueThe article explores a concept in the academic library context and points to practices and structures that may commodify racialized identities.

Initiatives towards formation of academic library consortium in Malaysia

2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 102-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hafsah Mohd ◽  
Rosnah Yusof ◽  
Rohaya Umar
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Ministry Of Education ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Online Databases ◽  
Year 2000 ◽  
Ministry Of Higher Education ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to report on several initiatives towards formation of national consortium among academic libraries in Malaysia. The consortium focused on subscription of online databases. Design/methodology/approach – In July 2004, CDC on behalf of PERPUN members made several initiatives towards formation of national consortium of Malaysian academic libraries. Proposal paper on the formation of the consortium has been submitted to the Ministry of Higher Education. Through “loose consortia” formed, CDC and later known as Malaysian Online E-Resources Consortium (MOLEC) succeeded in negotiating for subscription of online databases and was able to get financial aid from the Ministry of Education to subscribe several databases since 2002. Findings – A commercial databases committee (CDC) was formed in year 2000 as a platform for academic libraries to evaluate, select, negotiate and manage the online databases. Complications involved in online databases subscriptions such as cost increase, license agreement, various formats of usage statistics, merger and takeover of publishers have made PERPUN (Malaysian Standing Conference of National and University Libraries) realize that there is a need for a formal consortium to be formed. Research limitations/implications – An improved service was established for the benefit of the academic libraries in Malaysia. Practical implications – A more coordinated approach to consortial dealings is being established in Malaysia. Originality/value – This is a report on the process and outcomes.

Training academic library staff using an online learning management system (LMS)

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 237-240
Author(s):  
Brigitte Bell
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Learning Management Systems ◽  
Online Training ◽  
Training And Development ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Learning Management ◽  
Online Library

Purpose This column aims to propose the idea of using learning management systems (LMSs) as a platform for online training and development within academic libraries. Design/methodology/approach A background and literature review are used as a basis for these recommendations. Findings The column argues that LMSs possess untapped potential as an effective online library training platform. Originality/value The column proposes further widespread use of LMSs for online training and development in academic libraries, despite a historical lack of use for this purpose.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document