Sever Bordeianu

Delivering electronic resources with Web OPACs and other Web‐based tools: needs of reference librarians

As technology changes, so do methods for delivering electronic information resources to library users. Describes Web‐based online public access catalogs (Web OPACS) and other Web‐based tools as gateway methods for providing access to library collections. Solutions for overcoming barriers to information, such as through the implementation of proxy servers and other authentication tools for remote users, are also addressed.

Merging the acquisitions and serials department at the University of New Mexico: a case study

Acquisitions and serials departments have often been the first to react to changes imposed by the marketplace. These two departments have had strong ties to each other because of the similar nature of the work and problems that are encountered. As technical services departments downsize there has been a trend toward merging these departments. These mergers enable libraries to centralize activities and streamline workflows, which often result in increased efficiency and productivity. Librarians debate whether the functions of technical services departments should be organized by form or function. This article explores the reasons why these historically separate departments are being merged in many libraries, and it addresses the issues that need to be considered in such a merger. Specifically, drawing on the experience of the University of New Mexico, it will address the factors leading to the decision to merge, the planning phase, the implementation process, and the benefits realized.

Vision vs. reality: planning for the implementation of a Web-based online catalog in an academic library

Many academic libraries are migrating to Web‐based online catalogs from traditional text‐based versions. These Web OPACs function as gateways to resources held not only locally, but beyond the library’s physical boundaries, using a Web browser as a common user interface. As library planners prepare to shift to a Web‐based online catalog, they face a range of complicated challenges. The coordinated efforts of staff throughout the library organization are required to implement the new paradigm. This article presents the issues that will be confronted in implementing a Web OPAC by systems, reference and cataloguing staffs.

Outsourcing in academic libraries: a selective bibliography

The current library outsourcing debate began in 1993 when Wright State University completely outsourced its cataloging operation. It reached a new high in 1995 when the Hawaii State Public Library System decided to outsource its selection, cataloging, and processing functions to Baker & Taylor, its online journals to Information Access Company, and its automation to Ameritech. A steady stream of articles and a handful of books, covering theoretical and ethical issues, as well as the practical aspects of outsourcing, have appeared in the last decade. This bibliography addresses the broad issues of outsourcing, especially in academic libraries. Outsourcing of public, special, and federal libraries is covered only tangentially. The list is divided into four sections: books on outsourcing in libraries; general articles on the history, theory, and impact of outsourcing on libraries and librarianship; opinion pieces; and articles that relate to individual libraries’ experiences with outsourcing.

The Voyage Home: New Mexico Libraries Migrate to WMS, OCLC's Cloud-Based ILS

Cloud-computing is causing a major shift in the way organizations manage their data. For libraries this shift entails the switch from stand-alone ILSs to cloud-based systems. The new generation of ILSs embraces this model. The University of New Mexico Libraries undertook the migration to OCLCs cloud-based ILS, WorldShare Management Services (WMS). The process required choosing the vendor, preparing the data for migration, and implementing workflows. Through this article the authors will look at each of these stages of the migration and describe the process along the way. They will conclude with a look at the major paradigm shift caused by moving to a cloud-based environment.

Finding Shelf Space in an Academic Library: A Multifaceted Approach

ABSTRACT Finding shelf space in an Association of Research Libraries library is an endeavor fraught with tensions. It presents an irreconcilable problem. On one hand, space is finite. On the other hand, we will continue to buy print books. Our tools for addressing this problem are limited and there are many competing interests. This article will analyze various options and present projects undertaken at the University of New Mexico Libraries that aim to address the space crisis in the stacks. They include a large scale inventory, weeding, reformatting, and the transfer of materials out of the library.

Learning commons reference collections in ARL libraries

Purpose This paper aims to explore the changing role of the reference collection in learning commons at Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member libraries. Design/methodology/approach A 15-question survey was sent to managers at academic research libraries with membership in the ARL. Respondents were asked about their learning commons and reference collections. To increase the sample size, the researchers conducted phone interviews with a random sample of individuals from the same target population, utilizing the same questions and generated additional results. Findings Most respondents had or were planning learning commons for their libraries. The role of reference collections varied. Of those who had retained a print reference collection, the majority believed them to be little-used. The researchers believe this may signal an end to a formerly cherished idea: the primacy of the reference collection within a library learning space. Research limitations/implications This study involved a random sample of public service managers at North American ARL academic libraries. While the sample is believed to be representative of the broader population, findings may not be generalizable to all ARL libraries or to other academic libraries. Originality/value Many papers have been written about information or learning commons spaces and their distinctive elements. Others have discussed the changing role of reference collections. This paper is unique in examining the changing role of the reference collection within learning commons spaces.

E-Resource Round Up

Welcome to another edition of E-Resource RoundUp! This issue’s column covers a wide variety of topics related to libraries and electronic resources, including the following: • Populating database bibliographic records in an academic library’s online catalog • Reports on programs offered at the 2016 ALA Annual Conference • Improving e-resources management • E-book big deals • Home growing an Open Educational Resources project • Creating subject guides for top library resources • Simplifying the holdings display in a discovery layer after transferring to a new knowledge base

OCLC's WorldShare Management Services: A Brave New World for Catalogers

Like other recent library management systems, OCLCs WorldShare Management Services (WMS) is cloud-based. But unlike the others, WMS opens WorldCat for applications beyond its traditional role as a source of bibliographic records. It enables catalogers to work directly from the Master Record, which no longer needs to be exported to a local system. This article describes the impact of WMS on the roles and functions of cataloging departments, and asks if it is changing the meaning of cataloging. It concludes that while the workflows are changed dramatically, the profession of cataloging remains relevant.

Youth, Science, and the Future

The Roosevelt Administrations New Deal social programs, designed to provide employment for out-of-work Americans during the Great Depression, included a number of projects which created jobs for artists. New Mexico, a state with significant and recognized art colonies, greatly contributed to the New Deal programs by enhancing public buildings with murals, paintings, sculpture, weaving, furniture, and pottery. A further goal of the art programs was to create a national style representing the American cultural landscape in all its diversity. At the University of New Mexico, three sets of New Deal-era murals, created by artists Willard Nash, Raymond Jonson, and Kenneth Adams, document 1930s student life and local culture.