Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

If It Ain't Broke ... : Changing Search Philosophies, John M. Weiner

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

Abstract

This study employs simulation analyses to determine the consequences of two search philosophies. The first is called the a posteriori approach and involves terms selected arbitrarily by the user without knowledge of the specific content of the documents. The second is the a priori approach and involves terms selected because the user knows that the author employed those exact terms in describing his/her findings. Further, the authors' combinations of these terms would be known. The results of simulation studies show that the a posteriori approach was comparable to a random walk. If the need to correctly identify documents was …

Language-Related Open Archives: Impact On Scholarly Communities And Academic Librarianship, Jung-Ran Park

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

The evolution of new forms of scholarly communication since the advent of Web technology has brought unprecedented opportunities for potential global connection among the rapidly growing number of electronic repositories among scholarly communities. Under the open archive infrastructures, scholarly resources that had been invisible to Web search engines and thus afforded limited dissemination and access are now becoming increasingly visible with speedy and wide distribution. This paper addresses the emergent issues and challenges faced by academic librarians: participation in archiving, organization, and preservation of open repositories; integration of Web-based repositories into traditional collections; and mediation and direction of academic users …

Nigerian University Libraries And The Challenges Of Globalization: The Way Forward, L. A. Ogunsola

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

Abstract

The main aim of this paper is to examine the importance, implications, and opportunities opened to Nigerian libraries in the current Information Age as related to the concept of globalization. This paper shall attempt to address possible areas of importance and advantages that can propel Nigerian universities and their libraries into being a respective player in the global IT revolution and enhance their status in what is now widely called as Global Village. This paper stresses the necessity for Nigerian universities to be part of the new and emerging technologies which are challenging the traditional process of teaching and …

An Analysis Of Entry-Level Librarian Ads Published In American Libraries, 1982-2002, Claudene Sproles, David Ratledge

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

Much discussion has taken place in the literature over the difficulty finding qualified candidates to fill vacancies within libraries. Emphasis has been placed on recruitment, internships, scholarships, and other partnerships by library science schools and libraries to attract new people to the profession. Even so, applicant pools are dwindling [Simmons-Welburn and McNeil, 2004] and many institutions have been forced to rewrite job ads after initial postings to locate a qualified candidate. Factors hindering vacancy searches include:

• Graying of the profession, “Thousands of librarians will be retiring in the next ten years” [Simmons-Welburn and McNeil, 2004]
• Budget constraints/less positions [Bureau of …

University Library Partnerships: Promoting Economic Development, J. Cory Tucker

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

Abstract

The article discusses an innovative partnership at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). The collaborative project involves the UNLV Libraries and the Nevada Small Business Development Center, which is affiliated with the College of Business. The partnership was created to assist the University's goal of promoting economic development in the Las Vegas and Southern Nevada region.

Independence Of Nations And The Role Of Libraries: The American Library System As The Stakeholder For Freedom Of Information, Lana Zink

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

Abstract

The nations of the world community are independent of each other. There is no higher authority to bring together like and unlike nations for the betterment of world order. Each nation stands alone. It is realized, even in America, that international affairs dictate there is no one moral code common to all people and to all governments of the world. Political order in the world community depends upon an independence of nations, but an independence that recognizes a moral, reasoned mind. The so-called American library system plays a role in the assurances toward tempered, human behavior at the international …

A First In Africa: Implementation Of Metalib And Sfx At The Cape Technikon Library, Deborah Becker

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

Abstract

The Cape Technikon was the first member of the CALICO consortium of five academic libraries in the Western Cape, South Africa to implement Metalib and SFX technology.

Metalib is a library portal that enables users to search multiple database sources simultaneously, while SFX provides “context-sensitive” linking. This article examines local technical and staffing issues, managing the implementation process using the traditional African principles of ubuntu and batho pele (putting “people first”), and the marketing campaign leading to the final launch of the product.

The use of questionnaires at various stages of the implementation process to evaluate users’ opinions and …

The Next Step In Scholarly Communication: Is The Traditional Journal Dead?, Jeanne Galvin

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

Electronic journals have been applauded as a solution to the serials pricing crisis, a step toward environmentally responsible behavior and a means for scholars to expedite and expand their modes of communication. On the other hand, until fairly recently some scholars regarded electronic journals as ephemeral and inaccessible to all but the technologically proficient. As rising prices force libraries to cancel subscriptions each year and publication delays slow scholarly communication and academic careers, electronic journals seem to offer some promise. The article will review the recent advances made by electronic journals and the current challenges remaining for scholarly communication.

Digital Reference Evaluation: Assessing The Past To Plan For The Future, J. B. Hill, Cherie Madarash-Hill, Ngoc Pham Thi Bich

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

Historically, libraries have routinely evaluated their reference services both quantitatively and qualitatively. With the increasing volume of digital reference transactions, there is a need to modify and apply to digital reference, the same evaluation techniques that have been used successfully in the evaluation of traditional reference service. At Southeastern Louisiana University, a recent evaluation of the library's Ask a Librarian digital reference service included an unobtrusive observation of current practice through a detailed examination of archived reference transactions, as well as an assessment of future needs through a survey of users. Through this evaluation, it was possible to assess the …

Document Delivery: An Analysis, Jeff Luzius

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

This paper will take a look at in-house document delivery activities in college research libraries. The process of document delivery will be explained and the amount of work at one institution will be displayed. An examination of Association of Research Libraries (ARL) members will also take place to see who is providing document delivery and if the patron is charged. Lastly, a commentary on the value and service provided and things to consider will be touched on.

Usability Of E-Journals And Preference For The Virtual Periodicals Room: A Survey Of Mathematics Faculty And Graduate Students, Lutishoor Salisbury, Emilio Noguera

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

Introduction

Using several variables, the University of Arkansas Libraries conducted a survey in 2002 to measure the nature and extent of journal use in the Mathematics Reading Room, the Virtual Periodicals Room and Mullins Library.

The aims of this survey were two-fold: firstly, to collect information on the current level of support for electronic-only journals to aid in collection development, and secondly, to ascertain whether a Virtual Periodicals Room is a viable alternative to the physical Reading Room for the Mathematics faculty.

Conclusion

It is obvious from the results of the survey that greater use is being made of the …

Bibliographic Instruction: Two Models Converging In A Common Goal, Stephen J. Shaw

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

Introduction

This essay will explore research in the undergraduate curriculum by examining the divergent ways research is understood. The debate centers around the ways that the typical student perceives the role of the library in her education at the university. To limit the discussion to the relation between the student and the librarian misses the larger issue at stake. What needs does the average undergraduate have after completion of the B.A., if they have no plans to continue education further? Are research skills necessary only for the graduate student, or is there some truth to the humanistic notion of 'knowledge …

An Often-Tumultuous Saga Of Books And Book-Places In The World: A Review, Dayne Sherman

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

Book review of Battles, Matthew. Library: An Unquiet History. W.W. Norton, New York, NY, 2003. $24.95.

Excerpt:

Library: An Unquiet History dignifies the work of librarians as a profession, something needed more now than ever before, as we encounter this chaotic Communication Age. It tells us why we are here toiling in the library by telling us how we arrived as keepers of books and guardians of democracy.

Digitization In An Archival Environment, Sally Mckay

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

Introduction

Cultural institutions such as museums, libraries, archives, and historical societies house remarkable collections of cultural artifacts. It is the responsibility of the staff working for those institutions to preserve, protect and provide responsible stewardship for the materials, and to the best of their ability, provide continued long-term access (Russell, 2000).

Advances in technology allow institutions to provide expanded access and education; however, there are important priorities that must be addressed prior to embarking on a digital conversion project.

Digitization in an archival environment includes taking a physical object or analog item, such as an art object, a tape recording, …

Challenges, Strategies, And Tools For Research Scientists: Using Web-Based Information Resources, Danielle Bodrero Hoggan

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

Scientists face many challenges in harnessing web-based resources. Information overload, misinformation, fees, poorly designed navigation, and loss of browsability all hamper the scientist searcher. In addition, many scientists rely on only one or two databases and often miss unique information that is available through other sources. Librarians can team up with scientists to develop strategies to overcome the challenges of web-based information. For example, a librarian can teach effective information seeking techniques, including how to use controlled vocabularies, how to evaluate information on the web, and how to complement web-based resources with print resources. Librarians can also help scientists to …

The Coverage And Duplication Of Journals In Cambridge Scientific Abstracts (Csa): Bioengineering Database And Other Science And Engineering Databases, Lutishoor Salisbury, Emilio Noguera

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

As collection development librarians we aim to provide comprehensive information access to our users in order to support their research and curricular needs. For academic libraries, like the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, that support the information needs within a range of subject areas in science and technology, it makes economic sense to attempt to provide this access in discipline-oriented databases. Discipline-oriented databases cover a range of subjects but also provide depth in coverage.

Bearing this in mind, the journals that are indexed in Cambridge Scientific Abstracts (CSA) Bioengineering database were analyzed to ascertain the degree of overlap with other …

The Development Of The China Digital Library, Yang Guihua, Zhang Tong

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

This article describes the China Digital Library (CDL) and explains how to use the computer network in China. It also explores the advantages of the China library in establishing the CDL. Finally, it examines the future construction and development plans for the CDL.

China is a large country that contains 5% of the world’s population. Along with the rapid development of the Internet worldwide, China has advanced her steps. The digital library has become a focal point in the high-tech world. At the same time, it is also a very important symbol with which to evaluate the basic facilities of …

Technology, Libraries And The Internet: A Comparison Of The Impact Of The Printing Press And World Wide Web, Gentry Lankewicz Holbert

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

In thinking about technology and libraries, what struck me most is that we are living and experiencing a great turning point in history. "May you live in interesting times" is an ancient Chinese curse. Interesting times indeed, with all their glory, advantages, and pitfalls. We are still in the process of discovering what to do with new technology in the dissemination of information.

With the dawn of the Internet, computer automation, and intricate databases, I feel that, as a librarian, I am at the helm of the true information age. And how interesting to be here at the Vernadsky Library, …

Prospero Power: Web-Based Document Delivery Allowing Libraries To Exchange Documents Through Interlibrary Loan, Gentry Lankiewicz Holbert, Ellen N. Sayed, Sally D. Murray

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

Prospero, a free, Web-based document delivery program created by the Prior Health Sciences Library at Ohio State University in Columbus, can help librarians meet the needs of users for convenient electronic document delivery with control over copyright issues.

Undergraduate Full Text Databases: Bell And Howell Medical Complete And Infotrac Health Reference Center-Academic, Lutishoor Salisbury, Bryan Davidson, Alberta Bailey

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

This study compares and contrasts InfoTrac and ProQuest primarily as full-text resources to supplement retrieval of references contained in the CINAHL database. These databases are analyzed by examining their scope in terms of the number and types of serials covered within specific areas using Ulrich's subject headings. Another important aspect of this study relates to the effectiveness of the two search engines for end-user retrieval and collection development.

Nordinfo: Research And Academic Library Cooperation Across National Borders, Sigrún Klara Hannesdóttir

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

NORDINFO, the Nordic Council for Scientific Information was founded as a bridge between research libraries and the growing information and documentation sector. NORDINFO’s secretariat was set up in Helsinki, Finland, and some permanent staff 6 was appointed to coordinate the activities. The full name behind the acronym was “The Nordic Cooperative Council for Research Libraries and Scientific Information and Documentation.”

When looking at the history of Nordic research library cooperation, it is clear that the members of the committee that suggested the establishment of an institution that would combine librarianship, documentation and information were people that understood what developments were …

Drug, Pharmaceutical, And Pharmacy-Related Sites: A Webliography Of Core Sites, Paul G. Haschak

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

The World Wide Web (WWW) increasingly is becoming an important learning, teaching, and research tool for teachers and students, alike, who are seeking useful drug, pharmaceutical, and pharmacy-related sites on the Web, for their research. However, the seemingly inexhaustible number of WWW links can be daunting even to the most experienced Web user.

The following webliography is presented specifically for educators and students seeking a concise, annotated core list of WWW links on pharmaceutical, drug, and pharmacy-related topics.