Steven D. Zink

Implementing the unthinkable: the demise of periodical check-in at the University of Nevada

Librarians generally assume that serial check-in is an essential function. The authors challenge this assumption, maintaining that the practice does not stand up to thoughtful scrutiny. The check-in process does make possible such practices as routine claiming, binding, and the tracking of title and frequency changes, but many of these ancillary functions do little to help library patrons gain access to journal content; the functions can be accomplished by other, less time-intensive means. The authors believe that in the vast majority of cases, staff time currently devoted to check-in could be much more effectively utilized and patrons better served if check-in were eliminated in favor of a much more abbreviated and pragmatic process. Librarians at the University of Nevada, Reno, have conducted a year-long experiment in eliminating serial check-in, and found that doing so enabled them to reallocate staff time in ways that significantly enhance patron access to serial content without any appreciable negative impact on patron access to print issues.

The @One service environment: information services for and by the millennial generation

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss an academic librarys need to engage all available resources to provide the services required by the changing uses, formats, and production of information.Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses the @One service environment as a case study. The service and staffing model employed a sample of 20 students and professionals who work at the @One desk. Attitudes toward the @One space were assessed through one‐on‐one interviews using two different interview protocols. Participants were asked open‐ended questions that allowed them to talk at length in response.Findings – It is found that the University of Nevada, Renos Mathewson‐IGT Knowledge Center has implemented a highly interactive service environment in support of production‐intensive information technologies. Professionals from numerous information disciplines participate in staffing the department, but student staff constitute the core of service delivery.Originality/value – This paper provides infor...

Information technology adoption in jordanian public sector organizations

Abstract Based on the relatively scarce data and literature on information technology (IT) utilization as well as a sample survey of 44 Jordanian public agencies, this study examines the adoption and uses of IT in the Jordanian public sector. The findings show that the majority of Jordanian public organizations have access to computers, and most of the agencies have in-house systems. Microcomputers were found to be the most common computer platform, and agency use of IT was consistently intense in the area of financial management. Most public organizations with in-house computers employ on-staff programmers, whose numbers range from one to four or fewer. Software being used in the agencies was primarily commercially produced, but there was evidence of considerable internal development of software as well. The study concludes that current, specific agency use of computing is associated positively with plans to acquire additional microcomputer technology. In addition, an overview of emerging Internet activity in Jordan and the government’s role in this still emerging phenomenon is presented.

The dissemination and accessibility of Canadian government information

Abstract Recently promulgated policies indicate that the federal government views government information as a corporate resource. While the policies acknowledge that revenues need to be generated to offset the considerable cost of gathering and disseminating government information, there is an explicit recognition of an obligation on the part of the government to keep the citizenry informed. This paper surveys the present status of major government information players and selected information issues in the context of possible policy impacts on Canadian libraries.

How I learned to stop worrying and give up journal check-in

SUMMARY This workshop addressed the experiences at the University of Nevada, Reno, as they discontinued check-in for print journals. The presenters reviewed the circumstances that led to this decision, such as the reduced number of print subscriptions and the increasing number of electronic journals in the collection. The Libraries also stopped binding the majority of their journals, and claiming is based more on shelf reviews than check-in records. Nearly a year after implementing this decision, the presenters deem it a success.

JGI INTERVIEW: The Solutions Are Apparent, An Interview with Eric C. Peterson, Staff Director, U.S. Congress, Joint Committee on Printing, SH-818, Hart Building, Washington, DC 20510, USA

Abstract In 1997, the U.S. Joint Committee on Printing (JCP) drafted legislation to modify Title 44 of the United States Code. The two goals of the proposed legislation were: (1) to protect public access to government information and (2) to resolve the constitutional question concerning the relationship between the Government Printing Office and the executive branch. This effort, is being spearheaded by Eric C. Peterson, JCP Staff Director. This interview with Mr. Peterson describes the legislation, its purpose, and the Committee’s efforts to gain passage of such legislation during the 105th Congress. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd