Linda Frederiksen

An accessibility assessment of selected Web‐based health information resources

The Internet has created new opportunities to make quality health information more widely available to both researchers and the general public. However, not all that information has been presented in a format accessible to people with disabilities. This accessibility assessment of eight selected Web‐based health information resources (PubMed, OVID MEDLINE, MEDLINEplus, CANCERLIT, the Hazardous Substance Data Bank, TOXLINE, and two databases of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)) evaluates the ease with which these resources can be navigated using adaptive technologies, and provides suggestions for improvement where necessary.

Ebooks and Interlibrary Loan: Licensed to Fill?

Increasingly, libraries of all types and sizes are adding electronic book (ebook) titles to their collections. A survey was used to explore the implications of ebook licensing and interlibrary loan use. Among academic libraries in the United States, a widespread preference for handling print books was found along with a need for more information about ebook interlibrary loan rights at ones own institution and a means to identify format type available from potential lending libraries.

E-Reserves in Transition: Exploring New Possibilities in E-Reserves Service Delivery

Nearly all academic libraries offer course reserves, and most have long considered it a core library service. However, expanding use of course management systems in academia have opened new opportunities for libraries interested in exploring changes to electronic reserves services. Budget constraints and staffing shortages have also led several institutions to consider eliminating or modifying their e-reserves operations. Potentially difficult challenges, however, also accompany making significant changes to often well-established practices. This environmental scan of selected academic libraries across the United States discusses institutions that have maintained the status quo in e-reserves services, as well as those who have changed or discontinued these services. The article also provides insight on why some of the latter decided to make these changes.

Access services librarians : A content analysis of job advertisements, 1977-2004

ABSTRACT As early as 1977, academic libraries began posting position announcements for access services librarians. During the twenty-seven year period from 1977 to 2004, a total of 217 advertisements that included the phrase “access services” appeared in College & Research Libraries News. Using content analysis, these advertisements are examined to identify both general and unique characteristics in access services positions, while also looking for changes over time as well as possible future trends.

The Face of Regional Campus Libraries and Librarianship

Abstract Based on differing missions and models, with unique populations and policies, regional campus libraries vary greatly in form and in function not only from those on a main campus but also among themselves. Demanding flexibility in personnel, administrative models, service philosophies, and collection development efforts while still meeting resource and service expectations to regional campuses presents increasing challenges to academic libraries. This paper discusses the findings of a survey distributed to regional campus librarians in the fall of 2005.

CARL Libraries – a Canadian resource-sharing experience

Purpose – This study aims to map the current resource-sharing environment in Canada through the lens of its research libraries in general and the University of Alberta in particular. The findings present an interesting view of changing resource sharing patterns and trends. Design/methodology/approach – Interlibrary loan (ILL) transaction data were compiled from annual data reported to the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) and a case study of the University of Alberta is presented. Findings – The current trend shows declines in both borrowing and lending transactions. Research limitations/implications – Validity of the CARL ILL transactional data is subject to consistency in institutional reporting and accuracy of the data. The trends portrayed in the data are deemed realistic of the Canadian experience. Originality/value – This is an original study of CARL ILL transactional data, providing an aggregated view of 13 years of annual data, and an analysis of this data. It updates previous rese...

Global Resource Sharing

An introduction to global resource sharing A brief history of international interlibrary lending and document supply PEST and SWOT analysis of international interlibrary loan An overview of current practices Case studies in global resource sharing Selected case studies The future of global resource sharing.

Single service points in libraries: A review

ABSTRACT As libraries of all types and sizes continue to re-envision themselves to remain relevant in a rapidly changing information landscape, the single service point is visible evidence of this effort. In a complex environment, combining formerly disparate functional or service units is for many libraries both an innovative and effective way to manage resources and services. It is the intent of this overview to look beyond these issues to find similarities in theme and application that may be useful for those considering implementation of a one-stop model.

Global resource sharing from a Pacific Northwest perspective

Purpose – This paper aims to describe the international interlibrary loan (ILL) experience of three academic libraries in the Pacific Northwest and analyze factors impacting the success of international ILL. The authors seek to speculate on three possible scenarios going forward and conclude with a call to action.Design/methodology/approach – The authors apply PEST and SWOT techniques, using their own institutions as case studies.Findings – Some of the most critical factors affecting international ILL at their home institutions include the terms of electronic license agreements, open access, and physical delivery costs.Originality/value – The internal and external factors affecting international ILL at these institutions are broadly applicable to all types of libraries throughout the world.

A brief history of international interlibrary lending and document supply

In this chapter a brief and general background for interlibrary loan in libraries is given. An overview of the historical development of international borrowing and lending practices and document supply is also provided.