Academic library consortia in the Philippines: hanging in the balance

2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 15-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Maria Balenbin Fresnido ◽  
Joseph Marmol Yap

Purpose – The concept of academic library consortium emerged in the Philippines in the 1970s evidenced by the successive establishment of three consortia namely, the Academic Libraries Book Acquisition Services Association (ALBASA) in 1973, the Inter-Institutional Consortium (IIC) (now South Manila Inter-Institutional Consortium) in 1974, and the Mendiola Consortium (MC) in 1975. This paper aims to find out the experiences and status of selected academic library consortia in the Philippines, namely, the Academic Libraries Book Acquisitions Systems Association, Inc. (ALBASA), the American Corners (also known as American Studies Resource Center (ASRC) in some areas), the Aurora Boulevard Consortium Libraries, Inc. (ABC), the Davao Colleges and University Network (DACUN), the Inter University Consortium (IUC), the Intramuros Library Consortium (ILC), the Mendiola Consortium (MC), the Ortigas Center Library Consortium (OCLC), and the South Manila Inter institutional Consortium (SMI-IC) specifically in terms of the objectives of the different consortia, the activities they undertake and how such relate to the set objectives, the benefits they have enjoyed or continue to enjoy, the issues they have encountered as well as success/failure factors experienced by libraries in joining the different consortia. Design/methodology/approach – The sample was derived from the review of literature, which also served as basis to come up with the list of existing academic library consortia. The respondents were selected based on the Philippine Association of Academic and Research Librarians (PAARL) directory. Communication was sent via email, telephone, scheduled personal interview and social networking sites (e.g. Facebook). A total of 13 out of 23 (56.52 percent) respondents accomplished the survey questionnaires which were distributed online and manually. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the results. Findings – Results of the study revealed that the role academic library consortia play in the development of academic libraries is crucial particularly in the promotion of professional development and resource sharing. As technology greatly influences the way libraries do things, the varying level of technological development among consortium member libraries confirmed to be a major challenge being faced by them today. While majority of the surveyed consortia assessed themselves to be successful, it is evident that there is lack of congruence between the consortia's objectives and undertakings. Originality/value – The paper is a modest contribution to the dearth of literature in Philippine academic library consortia. It also is the first study conducted measuring the success of selected academic consortia and identifying the factors contributing to their success/failure.

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 633-649 ◽  
Author(s):  
Collence Takaingenhamo Chisita ◽  
Archie Dick

PurposeThe paper explores library cooperation in Zimbabwe and gathers views from librarians on the need for a library consortium model to underpin national development. This study aims to investigate the development of library consortia in Zimbabwe and then propose a model that will both accelerate their development and support the country’s national development agenda.Design/methodology/approachThe paper opted for an investigative study using a multi-method research design. Data on existing library consortia, namely, Zimbabwe University Library Consortium (ZULC) and College and Research Library Consortium (CARLC), were collected through questionnaires and interviews. The data were complemented by documentary analysis including primary sources of information, for example, annual reports and brochures. Data were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively.FindingsThe paper provides empirical insights on how ZULC and CARLC are transforming the provision of library services in several ways, for example, providing for the dynamic needs of users and strategizing on overcoming rising costs of scholarly content through resource sharing. The proposed model effectively elevates the fundamental library consortium principles of cooperation and sharing onto the national development stage, and it is novel and pioneering. The gestures and general remarks made recently by Zimbabwe Library Association and some ZULC members about national development and ZIMASSET are given rigorous and scholarly expression in this model.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalisability beyond Zimbabwe. It is therefore imperative for researchers to test the proposed propositions further.Practical implicationsThe paper includes implications for the development of a library consortia model to underpin national development in Zimbabwe. The existing academic sector library consortium still excludes other types of libraries from participating in resource sharing and promoting access to information on a national development scale. The proposed library consortium model providing for nation-wide access to information is critical in realising national development goals in Zimbabwe. Currently, academic library consortia are contributing immensely through supporting learning, teaching and research in their respective institutions. Such benefits can also be extended to all institutions through a national library consortium to support development in Zimbabwe.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils an identified need to study how the development of a nation-wide library consortium model can be realised. There is relatively little researched information on library cooperation and library consortia and national development in Southern Africa with specific reference to Zimbabwe. The paper seeks to close the gap by providing information on library cooperation and library consortia and national development in Zimbabwe.


2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 172-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gwen Evans ◽  
Theda Schwing

Purpose This paper aims to provide an update to Tom Sanville’s 2007 overview of OhioLINK, a renowned US academic library consortium, and describe the current state of activity and services. Design/methodology/approach The approach used is descriptive. Findings OhioLINK’s main collaborative services include document delivery, resource sharing and the establishment of digital libraries, including electronic journals, electronic books and open-access materials such as electronic theses and dissertations. This update to Tom Sanville’s 2007 overview of OhioLINK issues and developments describes the current state of collaborative library services and resource sharing a decade later, including the challenges of hosted institutional repositories and the implications of shifting from shared print to e-book collections at the network level. Originality/value OhioLINK trends provide a snapshot of changing activity and sustainability in library resource sharing at network scale across many different types of academic libraries.


2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 1043-1061
Author(s):  
Lan Ye ◽  
Wei Yang ◽  
Weiming Lin

PurposeThis paper aims to share some experiences and practical activities related to the use and management of usage data in the Digital Resource Acquisition Alliance of Chinese Academic Libraries (DRAA) as a reference for library consortia engaged in providing usage statistics services of e-resources to member libraries.Design/methodology/approachA literature review and online survey are used to analyze the research and practice of e-resources usage statistics conducted internationally. The case of DRAA is introduced to present how DRAA develops usage statistics services and promotes the implementation of the Standardized Usage Statistics Harvesting Initiative (SUSHI) to deliver usage statistics to member libraries. Future developments and enhancements are also described.FindingsThe main actions taken by DRAA to develop usage statistics services are as follows: development of the DRAA Usage Statistics Portal to provide a single point of access to usage statistics from participating publishers on behalf of member libraries; development of a SUSHI client, taking the lead in promoting SUSHI implementation to automatically obtain usage statistics in Chinese academic libraries; establishment of a working group on usage statistics and the China Academic Library and Information System/DRAA Standards and Recommended Practices Research Task Group to form a long-term mechanism for monitoring and gathering usage statistics; and strengthening of the understanding and application of standards and best practices for libraries and vendors in China. Scheduled enhancements in the future include a deep analysis and utilization of usage statistics, the promotion of Counting Online Usage of NeTworked Electronic Resources and SUSHI to Chinese academic resource publishers and raising awareness about normalizing usage statistics.Originality/valueThis paper has pertinence and wider implications for library consortia engaged in providing e-resources usage statistics services to member libraries.


2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 115-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saroja Kumar Panda ◽  
Jagdish Arora ◽  
Ashok Kumar Rai

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the J-Gate Plus Discovery and Resource Sharing Model, and to examine the interlending and document delivery service within the Indian university system and the UGC-Infonet Digital Library Consortium. Design/methodology/approach This paper describes the functionalities of J-Gate Plus services and discusses how it become a successful product in the Indian academic sector. Finally, the paper analyses the search trends and document delivery request reports. Findings Information and Library Network, Inter-library loan Centres (universities) and J-Gate@UGC-Infonet are cooperating to facilitate resource sharing in India and to gradually expand their roles to other academic library systems. Originality/value The paper is an up-to-date study of resource sharing in the Indian university system through the J-Gate@UGC-Infonet service.


2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 179-186
Author(s):  
Collence Takaingenmhamo Chisita ◽  
Madeleine C. Fombad

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges and opportunities for Zimbabwe’s academic libraries in their endeavour to provide quality services. It will examine how library consortia, namely, the Zimbabwe University Library Consortium (ZULC) and the College and Research Libraries Consortium (CARLC), have been able to provide for the information needs of their users at a time when budgets are inadequate and subscription costs to journals remain unaffordable. It will examine how academic libraries, through resource sharing platforms, have been able to exploit ubiquitous technologies and build on from the traditional interlibrary loan (ILL). The paper will recommend a strategy based on a model to strengthen access to scholarship through resource sharing. Design/methodology/approach The researcher opted for a qualitative research design. A purposive sample of 32 participants drawn from ten academic librarians located in Zimbabwe was used to collect the information. The participants were chosen because of their involvement in resource-sharing activities. The participants were drawn from the two library consortia, namely, CARLC and ZULC. Data for the study was collected using structured interviews. Findings The findings revealed that resource sharing was critical for the survival of academic libraries in Zimbabwe. The study found out that resource sharing was the only option to overcome the challenges of the paywall. It highlighted the need for a concerted effort of all academic institutions in adapting a model that provides for the diverse needs of members with regard to widening access to scholarship. However, in spite of the success of library consortia in enhancing resource sharing in Zimbabwe, there are challenges that require the concerted effort of all academic institutions in coming up with a model that best provides for the diverse needs of members with regard to resource sharing. Practical implications The results of the study will be useful in providing a long-term strategy for enhancing resource sharing among academic libraries in Zimbabwe in their endeavor to support teaching, learning and research. Originality/value There is a scarcity of scholarly studies on resource sharing initiatives among academic libraries in Zimbabwe. This study is unique because it tackles the experiences of the academic libraries in overcoming the challenges of the paywall.


2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saleh A. Al-Baridi

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop and present a working model for consortia of academic libraries in Saudi Arabia. It is based on the American model of consortia operating at all levels, including local, state and region. The American consortia are highly developed, functional and have a large membership of small-, medium- and large-size libraries and are good models to be followed by other countries. Design/methodology/approach An email survey questionnaire (with seven closed-ended and four open-ended questions) was distributed to ten selected US academic library consortia to obtain relevant information on various operational facets and policies they have adopted. Findings The survey results will provide useful information to help develop a workable consortia model for Saudi Arabia. If implemented successfully, the Saudi model is expected to motivate other library groups at provincial and national levels in Saudi Arabia and regional level in the Arabian Gulf Region. Research limitations/implications The survey is aimed at gathering relevant information about the experiences of ten selected US academic libraries as members of various consortia. Originality/value While the project will start with academic libraries only, it may open membership for other libraries not only in Saudi Arabia but also for libraries of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. The other scenario could be that instead of joining Saudi consortia, the libraries may decide to develop their own consortia.


2015 ◽  
Vol 116 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 358-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather Michele Moorefield-Lang

Abstract – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the user agreements of makerspaces in public and academic libraries. User agreements, also known as maker agreements, user forms and liability forms, can be very important documents between library patrons, staff and faculty. User agreements are similar to the earlier creation of acceptable use policies for technology use in libraries. The author of this study will delve into the user agreements created for public and academic libraries across the USA. Design/methodology/approach – The researcher used content analysis to investigate 24 different user agreements written for public and academic library makerspaces. NVivo qualitative data analysis software was integrated into this research to aid in the breakdown of commonalities across terms, themes and purpose within the user agreements. Findings – Although makerspaces are a very exciting topic in the field of library science at this time, the implementation of a maker learning space is still new to many libraries. Creating a user agreement for a makerspace is newer still. Most user agreements in this study were six months to a year old. Some consistencies found across makerspace user agreements include liability waivers, permissions for minors, safety, copyright and technology replacement costs. Originality/value – At this time, most publications on makerspaces are held in the realm of popular publications (blogs, magazines, zines, etc.). The body of peer-reviewed and scholarly research on makerspaces is growing. Makerspace user agreements are new to this growing field of interest, and a content analysis of these documents will pave the way for the writing of future forms.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 313-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Martin Cox ◽  
Stephen Pinfield ◽  
Sophie Rutter

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to conceptualise the issues of alignment for changing academic libraries by using and extending McKinsey’s 7S model. Design/methodology/approach Theoretical work was conducted to consider and extend the 7S model for the situation of academic libraries. Empirical data were then used to confirm the value of these extensions and suggest further changes. The data to support the analysis were drawn from 33 interviews with librarians, library and non-library academics and experts, and a survey of UK library staff. Findings In the academic library context, the 7S model can be usefully extended to include three library functions (stuff, space and services) and users. It can also include institutional influences and stakeholders, and aspects of the external environment or situation, including suppliers and allies. The revised model then provides a useful framework within which data about library change can be analysed. Perceived barriers to successful performance fit the model and enable the identification of seven challenges of alignment. Research limitations/implications The resulting model has potential applications such as in the structuring analysis of academic library performance, mapping future directions of development and for exploring variations across the sector and internationally. Practical implications The revised model can be used by practitioners to think through their own strategic position and to act to shape their future, in the light of seven major areas of alignment. Originality/value The paper extends a well-known model used in strategy, to produce a more comprehensive, sector-specific analytic tool.


2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 224-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle H. Brannen ◽  
Sojourna J. Cunningham ◽  
Regina Mays

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.


2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (2/3) ◽  
pp. 120-124
Author(s):  
Lijun Zeng ◽  
Xiaoxia Yao ◽  
Juanjuan Liu ◽  
Qiang Zhu

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a detailed overview of the China Academic Library and Information system (CALIS) document supply service platform (CDSSP) – its historical development, network structure and future development plans – and discuss how its members make use of and benefit from its various components. Design/methodology/approach – The authors provide a first-person account based on their professional positions at the CALIS Administrative Center. Findings – CDSSP comprises five application systems including a unified authentication system, Saas-based interlibrary loan (ILL) and document delivery (DD) service system, ILL central scheduling and settlement system, File Transfer Protocol (FTP) service system and a service integration interface system. These systems work together to meet the needs of member libraries, other information service institutions, and their end users. CDSSP is widely used by more than 1,100 libraries based on a cloud service strategy. Each year more than 100,000 ILL and DD transactions are processed by this platform. Originality/value – The development of CDSSP makes it becomes true for CALIS to provide one stop information retrieval and supply service. At the same time, it promotes the resource sharing among member libraries to a great degree.


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