The ever-shifting landscape of electronic resources challenges even the most tech-savvy information professionals. Now, however, you can surmount those challenges, with the solid backing offered in this practical book. Despite their being visible, valuable, and expensive components of public and academic library collections, electronic resources remain somewhat mysterious to many librarians. How do you deal with vendors, how do you decide which e-resources to buy, how do you optimize access for remote users, and perhaps most importantly, how do you motivate your public to use them? Created by three front-line practitioners, this guide answers all of those questions and more, offering practical advice to information professionals involved in any aspect of electronic resource management—from selecting, acquiring, and activating to managing, promoting, and deselecting. It features clear instructions along with definitions, checklists, FAQs, and sidebars comprising sensible tips and anecdotal asides for the involved librarian. Written in a lively style and brimming with helpful information, this is the guide you'll wish you had in library school, and a resource you will refer to again and again.

An up-to-date examination of the evolving field of digital curation and its important place in libraries, covering the major technical, social, and organizational issues surrounding curation for libraries, archives, and other information-based organizations. This book addresses the evolving field of digital curation and its important place in libraries, covering the myriad issues surrounding curation for libraries, archives, and other information-based organizations. Balancing research, theory, and practice in curation, this book is a valuable resource for students, librarians, and archivists that will help them understand the technology infrastructure that supports curation, develop effective curation plans, and make the best choices when digitizing collections that aid in the long term preservation and curation of their materials. The book can serve as a textbook for graduate courses in digital curation, digital libraries, and informatics as well as be useful to librarians and archivists for individual continuing professional education. Supplies a practical and much-needed guide on an emerging and dynamic field for librarians Gives librarians the skills they need to help patrons and fellow librarians deal with the data deluge Addresses a current and highly relevant topic in library and information science and fills a gap in the existing literature on preservation

The budget-constrained, rapidly evolving climate of higher education and academic libraries makes it a necessity for academic librarians and administrators to communicate the value of their library to the university. This book explains how to execute this critical task. Authored by a library director and director of library liason and instructional services who formerly served as a faculty member, a librarian, and a professional development instructor, The Pivotal Role of Academic Librarians in Digital Learning establishes the library's role in supporting student learning in an increasingly digital environment by exploring theoretical foundations and sharing concrete examples. The chapters focus on strategies and methods for demonstrating the academic library's value through strategic campus partnerships, creation of learning objects such as video tutorials, research instruction designed to facilitate student collaboration, and participation in assessment of learning on campus. All of the topics addressed within a broad range of subject matter fall within the scope of learning in the "digital age," with particular emphasis on utilizing online learning environments-including social media-to teach students critical thinking and research skills as well as to position the academic library as an integral part of the modern learning environment. This book is a must-read for academic librarians in instructional roles, teaching faculty, academic library administrators and managers who need to communicate the value of the library in relation to student learning, and academic administrators who are obligated to demonstrate the important role of libraries in academic excellence. Advocates and explains the instructional role of academic librarians-a role that is key and continuing to grow in importance Furnishes practical examples of digital products and proven processes to aid in student learning Provides concrete methodologies to use technology to increase the visibility and perceived value of academic libraries Illustrates the use of templates, lesson plans, and other tools that serve teaching librarians

Subject liaisons act as a bridge connecting academic departments to the library and its services, helping facilitate instruction sessions, research support, and collection development. To be at their best in these roles, subject liaisons need a working understanding of technical services functions. This book represents the first guide to speak directly to the needs and responsibilities of subject liaisons, clearing away unnecessary information and jargon to bring them up to speed on how technical services staff get things done. Clear and concise, this guide covers policy, budgets and funding, submitting orders, acquisitions ordering, processing, cataloging, deselection and weeding, and other major technical services duties; includes appropriate background information on each topic to enhance readers' understanding; provides "Questions You Should Be Asking" connected to each chapter which encourage subject liaisons to be proactive in their learning; and offers a glossary of common technical services terms . Armed with this guide's targeted information, subject liaisons will be able to better position themselves to serve both instructors and the library effectively.

Many organizations are moving away from managing records and information in paper form to setting up electronic records management (ERM) systems. There is a range of reasons for this: economic considerations may be the driver for change, or government policy initiatives may be coming into play. Whatever the situation in your organization, this book provides straightforward, practical guidance on how to prepare for and enable ERM. It sets out and explains the issues organizations need to consider in selecting a system, and the procedures required for effective implementation. Help is also given with the complexities of managing hybrid records during an interim period between paper and electronic record management. The book is divided into three main parts covering the preparation for ERM, and its design and implementation. The key areas covered are: the underlying principles the context making a business case for ERM the main issues for design the information survey the file plan appraisal methodology preservation access the main issues for implementation project management procurement change management training the future of information management. Readership : This essential guide should be on the desk of any library and information professional, records manager, archivist or knowledge manager involved in planning and introducing an ERM system, whether in a public or private sector organization.

Academic librarians have long sought new ways to reach out to their users and support those users' research needs. Now, learning management system (LMS) embedded librarianship is partnering with faculty to deliver research assistance for students right in their LMS course sites. This issue of Library Technology Reports describes the LMS environment alongside the larger online resource environment of academic libraries. Topics include: options for adding digital collections and finding tools; methods for creating course-specific content; online tools for communication, collaboration, and citing sources; LMS embedded librarians trends; and the underlying principles of universal design, instructional design, accessibility, and copyright.

Planning and managing a self-contained digitization project is one thing, but how do you transition to a digital library program? Or better yet, how do you start a program from scratch? In this book Purcell, a well-respected expert in both archives and digital libraries, combines theory and best practices with practical application, showing how to approach digital projects as an ongoing effort. He not only guides librarians and archivists in transitioning from project-level initiatives to a sustainable program but also provides clear step-by-step instructions for building a digital library program from the bottom up, even for organizations with limited staff. Approachable and easy to follow, this book traces the historical growth of digital libraries and the importance of those digital foundations; summarizes current technological challenges that affect the planning of digital libraries, and how librarians and archivists are adapting to the changing information landscape;uses examples to lay out the core priorities of leading successful digital programs; covers the essentials of getting started, from vision and mission building to identifying resources and partnerships; emphasizes the importance of digitizing original unique materials found in library and archives collections, and suggests approaches to the selection process; addresses metadata and key technical standards; discusses management and daily operations, including assessment, enhancement, sustainability, and long-term preservation planning; provides guidance for marketing, promotion, and outreach, plus how to take into account such considerations as access points, intended audiences, and educational and instructional components; andincludes exercises designed to help readers define their own digital projects and create a real-world digital program plan . Equally valuable for LIS students just learning about the digital landscape, information professionals taking their first steps to create digital content, and organizations who already have well-established digital credentials, Purcell's book outlines methods applicable and scalable to many different types and sizes of libraries and archives.

Specifically focusing on the resources on federal government available online, this book supports the education of young citizens and supplies directions for conducting programs for youth on the government. Government documents offer a wealth of useful information that is often ignored or misinterpreted—even by librarians. And while improved search engines have improved access to online documents in recent years, patrons—especially young people—typically need help navigating and understanding the sites. Free Government e-Resources for Youth helps librarians promote online government information to youth and to assist youth in using it to become informed and educated about our federal government and how it works. Author Dorothy Ormes—a Federal Depository Library Program librarian at the university level—has created a guide to government resources that public and school librarians can use to support the education of young citizens. The book covers various areas of K–12 curriculum, highlighting activities and lesson plans based on national and state standards, and gives helpful directions for creating displays and conducting programs for youth on the government. The book also provides a brief explanation of the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) and describes how a public library can work with FDLP librarians or take advantage of an unprecedented opportunity to join the FDLP as active participants and benefit the community.

Digitizing your collection is not only a great way to increase access to your materials, it also engages patrons on a whole new level and helps communicate your library's value. But with staff time and resources already spread thin, it can be a challenge to plan and undertake a digitization initiative. The good news is that public libraries across the country have done just that. Here, the authors share lessons and tips for success, showing the way to getting your collection online. With succinct and practical guidance that can be adapted to any size institution, this book explains why public libraries should take digitization seriously, listing key points that can be used to get stakeholders on board; points out what you should consider before undertaking a digitization project; discusses copyright and other access-related issues; shows how public libraries are handling funding and finding collaborative partners; shares ways that libraries have used digitization projects for community outreach and to promote collections; and offers advice on marketing and media. Many libraries across the country have found ways to create wonderful digital collections, and this book shows you how you can too.

This book offers a practical template for training patrons to use eBook, streaming video, online music, and journal collections that is practical, adaptable, and most importantly, sustainable. In order to make your library's expanding digital collection worth having, customers need to know how to access these online resources-and it's up to your staff to show them how. This unique guide explains how to use a device-centered approach to training library patrons (rather than a system-centric approach) that will enable staff to more easily assist patrons, regardless of whether your patrons use Kindles, tablets, mobile phones, or laptops. Using this approach, staff stay current and can prepare for the next technology or interface platform to access digital collections. The book describes different patron instruction scenarios, such as drop-in, one-on-one interactions, tech petting zoos, and classroom settings, and explains how to structure and conduct specific sessions/classes. Readers will learn methods of promoting the digital collection that can be used in their entirety or a la carte, depending on your budget and locality. The final chapters address using social media, print media, and interactive displays; best practices for target marketing aimed at both in-house patrons and external customers; and how you can save money when purchasing equipment. Introduces librarians to a sustainable approach to teaching or coaching patrons on how to access and use eBooks, streaming video, digital music, and digital journal collections Offers a flexible approach that can be customized to libraries of different sizes and budgets Builds on librarians' reference skills to stay current with new technologies Focuses on sustainability for smaller and mid-sized libraries

Academic and public libraries are continuing to transform as the information landscape changes, expanding their missions into new service roles that call for improved organizational performance and accountability. Since Assessing Service Quality premiered in 1998, receiving the prestigious Highsmith Library Literature Award, scores of library managers and administrators have trusted its guidance for applying a customer-centered approach to service quality and performance evaluation. This extensively revised and updated edition explores even further the ways technology influences both the experiences of library customers and the ways libraries themselves can assess those experiences. With a clear focus on real-world application, the authors: Challenge conventional thinking about the utility of input, output, and performance metrics by suggesting new ways to think about the evaluation and assessment of library services; Explain service quality and customer satisfaction, and demonstrate how they are separate but intertwined; Identify procedures for qualitatively and quantitatively measuring both service quality and satisfaction; Encourage libraries to take action by presenting concrete steps they can take to become more customer-centric; Offer a range of customer-related metrics that provide insights useful for library planning and decision making, such as surveys and focus groups. This book shows how to nurture an environment of continuous improvement through effective service quality assessment.

This primer offers a thorough introduction to electronic resource management for librarians with little or no knowledge of these specialized materials. Libraries today face rising costs, contract issues, changing formats, and technical complexities when it comes to electronic resources. This instructional guidebook will prepare you for managing every aspect of your virtual "stacks." From evaluating resources, to negotiating and licensing, to staff training and mastering authentication software, you'll learn everything you'll need to know to fund, procure, and organize your digital collection. The work offers step-by-step guidance for overseeing collection development of electronic resources with a special focus on activities revolving around the life cycle of the materials, such as identifying and evaluating appropriate resources; managing the knowledge base, link resolver, discovery layer, and administrative accounts for each resource; and gathering and analyzing usage statistics and other assessment data. Content includes a chapter on communicating with authors, funding sources, publishers, and libraries regarding digital rights and access to texts. The book concludes with a look at the future directions of electronic resource management. Presents practical information through an easy-to-follow progression of concepts Introduces readers to the standards, systems, and structures in place for the effective management of electronic resources Features information on standards development, new product assessment, and idea exchange for both novice and experienced librarians Includes a section on preserving and archiving digital materials

Coyle's expert ability to draw from the deep historical background of cataloging theory to illuminate the potentials of library data on the Web helped win her the 2011 ALCTS Outstanding Publication Award. Here she persuasively argues that to more effectively connect library users with books, movies, music, computer games, and other resources, library data needs to move beyond FRBR towards a more integrative approach to bibliographic models. But doing so requires fundamental changes in the approach to library data. Combing a sweeping perspective with a critical eye, she assesses how we define a work in the bibliographic world. Showing how bibliographic models reflect technology and our assumed goals of libraries, she points the way ahead for catalogers and metadata specialists, providing clear explanations and analysis on such topics as library data models and their connection to technology, from early printing to relational databases and the Semantic Web; ideas and influence of leading thinkers such Lubetsky, Wilson, and Tillet, along with lesser known theorists like Tanaguchi; IFLA meetings that led to the FRBR study group, including its original charge and final report; FRBR as a conceptual model, and how that differs from data models; the FRBR document's flawed entity-relationship model and how it overlooks user needs; efforts to define a work as a meaningful, creative unit separate from the physical package; detailed analysis of the FRBR entities; and implementations of FRBR both inside and outside the library community. Coyle's articulate treatment of the issues at hand helps bridge the divide between traditional cataloging practice and the algorithmic metadata approach, making this book an important resource for both LIS students and practitioners.

Some have viewed sthe ascendance of the digital library as some kind of existential apocalypse, nothing less than the beginning of the end for the traditional library. But Weiss, recognizing the concept of the library as a "big idea" that has been implemented in many ways over thousands of years, is no so gloomy. In this thought-provoking and unabashedly optimistic book, he explores how massive digital libraries are already adapting to society's needs, and looks ahead to the massive digital libraries of tomorrow, covering * The ahthor's criteria for defining massive digital libraries * A history of Google books and the Very Large Digital Library, with a refresher on the initial protests of the scholarly communication community * Practices of massive digital libraries, and how traditional libraries are evolving to integrate their presence * A comparison of the collection development approaches of Google Books and Hathi Trust * Library applications, such as MDL for research in digital humanities, catalog integration through the Google Book API, Culturenomics, and the Google Ngram viewer * Case studies of library projects with Google Books, with analysis of aspects such as legibility of scans, metadata accuracy, culture, and diversity

Protect patron privacy and safeguard Internet usage using this how-to manual for creating a secure environment in your library. You'll learn how simple changes to your policies, procedures, and computer settings can ensure a private and safe research space for users. In a world where almost anyone with computer savvy can hack, track, and record the online activities of others, your library can serve as a protected haven for your visitors who rely on the Internet to conduct research-if you take the necessary steps to safeguard their privacy. This book shows you how to protect patrons' privacy while using the technology that your library provides, including public computers, Internet access, wireless networks, and other devices. Logically organized into two major sections, the first part of the book discusses why the privacy of your users is of paramount importance, explains the applicable laws and regulations related to patron privacy, and delves into the mechanics of security breaches on public computers. The second half outlines the practical steps you can take to preserve the rights of library visitors by working with computer and mobile device configurations, network security settings, and special applications. Offers clear, practical instructions on how to better ensure privacy in the library Traces the history of libraries providing privacy to their patrons Includes simple examples of programs, browser changes, and procedural changes that libraries can use Introduces the way that the Internet and browsing works Covers federal and state laws governing privacy issues

How can your library-and your patrons-benefit from mobile apps? This guidebook offers a solid foundation in "app-literacy," supplying librarians with the knowledge to review and recommend apps, offer workshops, and become the app expert for their communities. Smartphones and other mobile devices that support downloadable applications-universally referred to as "apps"-can be used to foster productivity, conduct research, or read and study. Additionally, savvy librarians can better serve their communities by gaining expertise in mobile technologies and being qualified to make app recommendations to patrons. This book introduces you to the apps that can help you save time and increase your own productivity as well as serve as a curator and reviewer of apps and resident expert to benefit your patrons. Apps for Librarians: Using the Best Mobile Technology to Educate, Create, and Engage will save you from wading through and learning about the millions of apps available today and direct you to the very best apps in areas important to education, the workplace, and professional development. Organized by function-reading, writing, reference, multi-media, and productivity-apps are profiled with the following information: title, developer, price, platforms, general description, examples of use, and key features that make it worthwhile for learning and creative work. Describes the most important, high-quality mobile apps in specific topic areas of interest to librarians Provides examples of how these apps are useful for education, creativity, and productivity for all types of users, including those with special needs Supplies a detailed checklist of what information to include when reviewing apps Includes an extensive resource guide to books, blogs, websites, courses, and other sources for keeping up with mobile apps Provides notes on app functionality, features, price, and developer as well as any pertinent limitations

Written by librarians working and teaching on the front lines, this guide uses a functional, hands-on approach to lay out the basics of technical services, from acquiring new materials to making them available to library users. Perfect for those just moving into the profession, as well as library staff in need of a brush up, Fundamentals of Technical Services concisely examines What precisely Technical Services are, with a brief history of the field Collection development and acquisitions, including budgeting, ordering, and receiving Metadata and cataloging, from MARC to RDA Dealing with different kinds of materials, including books/monographs, serials, video, audio, and electronic/e-resources The basics of physical processingSystems such as ILS, ERM, and EDI Collection maintenance issues such as book repair/preservation and weeding Authority control and database maintenance Vendors, contracts, workflow, and other administrative functions Forward-looking analysis of important trends and developments such as pricing, consortia/co-ops, languages of materials, and outsourcing . Complete with a handy glossary, this primer provides essential coverage of the broad array of technical services and how the library's back-office operations work together.

Gaming offers a great way to reach teens. This book gives library staff the tools to deliver game programming that goes beyond the basic video and board game format. Games aren't just for fun; they can also play a critical role in learning. Libraries have an opportunity to integrate a variety of games into the services and collections they provide to the community. This book shows library staff how to do exactly that through a diverse variety of popular games, some that have been around for many years and others that are new. The authors present a comprehensive overview of the topic, supplying good practice examples from successful libraries, providing necessary details on format and implementation within a library program for teens, and covering different game formats ranging from live action role-playing (LARP) and Dungeons & Dragons to Minecraft and traditional board games. Whether you're adding games and gaming to your collection and services for the first time, or looking for ways to expand your existing gaming program, this book offers solid guidance. Covers a wide range of popular games, including live action role-playing (LARP), table-top games, PC games, and big games Supplies ideas for implementing novel summer reading programs through games Includes lists of games that are specifically applicable and other tools, such as game websites, resources for further reading, videos to watch, and specialist game communities that can provide help

Library Technology Reports February/March 2013 vol.49 / no.2 Two decades after the advent of electronic journals and databases, librarians are still grappling with ways to best manage these resources in conjunction with their print resources. In addition, economic pressures at many institutions of higher education are resulting in librarians having to justify their spending on collections and resource management. Furthermore, e-books are becoming yet another stream of purchasing and management, with the added complexity of patron-driven acquisitions. All of these issues result in the need to codify the management of electronic resources more than ever. Techniques in Electronic Resource Management (TERMS) is a project to encourage open peer commentary and crowdsourcing of areas of best practice for each of the six stages of the e-resources life cycle: 1. investigation of new content for purchase or addition 2. acquisition of new content 3. implementation 4. ongoing evaluation and access 5. annual review 6. cancellation and replacement review This issue of Library Technology Reports aims to become a reference point for those who are new to e-resource management and for those who may want to implement its recommendations of best practice.

Imagine replacing your current online Learning Management System (LMS) with social media and Web 2.0 tools! This book provides a comprehensive and easy-to-understand guide for making the most of the online learning environment. The integration of Web 2.0 tools into an online learning environment requires more than just connecting technology: it involves a paradigm shift from "online learning" to "open network learning." Strategies for Building a Web 2.0 Learning Environment provides a comprehensive and effective guide for teachers and trainers interested in integrating the concept of Personal Learning Environment (PLE) and Open (or Social) Network Learning Environment (ONLE) into any learning environment that utilizes online instruction. Rather than focusing on esoteric theory, the book offers a design model, practical guidelines, and sample activities that are based on current, well-grounded frameworks as well as the author's extensive online teaching experiences and personal research. Classroom teachers, school administrators, online learning researchers, corporate trainers, and corporate administrators will find that the innovative ideas set forth in this book are accompanied by practical guidelines for implementation. Supplies practical guidelines, learning activities, interactive links and templates, and reader-shared resources useful for educators, trainers, and instructional designers Provides information specific to educators regarding the applications of social media in a learning environment Identifies online community resources helpful for implementing Web 2.0 instructional strategies

Libraries are committed to equal access for all patrons, but providing cost-effective technology services for people with disabilities, elders, beginning readers, or non-native English speakers can be complicated. This comprehensive guide shows you how to select and implement appropriate computer accommodations, communicate effectively with potential users, and develop strategies for future planning. Included are helpful checklists to ensure that your library is integrating assistive technology into its existing operations, best practices by librarians that have been proven to deliver real results, and basic models for your library to follow. Find no-nonsense answers to tough questions about technical compatibility with operating systems and popular applications, and training staff to provide superior customer service. A companion wiki provides updated information to additional helpful resources. ADA compliance is a serious matter, and this how-to will enable you to fulfill your commitment to equal access for all.

For academic libraries, this highly readable book provides the practical information needed to get started managing electronic resources throughout their life cycle. This book covers the five points of the e-resources lifecycle in a readable and accessible manner, providing valuable information that is applicable to real-world situations. Each of the working chapters covers one of the five lifecycle points (Acquisitions, Access, Administration, Support, and Evaluation), and supplies suggested readings and thought-provoking questions. Additionally, there are two chapters that guide readers from learning about the work to actually doing it. Electronic Resources Management in the Academic Library: A Professional Guide is full of practical assignments that teachers of e-resources management will appreciate. This guide will also be immensely beneficial to library and information science school students and independent learners who need immediate, practical knowledge from the field to get them started in a position which requires them to manage electronic resources.