Online tables of contents for books: effect on usage.
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OBJECTIVES: To explore whether the presence of online tables of contents (TOC) in an online catalog affects circulation (checkouts and inhouse usage). Two major questions were posed: (1) did the presence of online tables of contents for books increase use, and, (2) if it did, what factors might cause the increase? METHOD: A randomized and stratified design was used in tracking usage of 3,957 book titles that were previously divided into two groups: one with TOC and one without TOC. Stratification was done for year of imprint, location, subject, previous use, circulating or non-circulating status, and presence of TOC. The use was tracked by the online catalog statistics in the InnoPac online catalog for fourteen months. RESULTS: The study found that tables of contents do increase usage. It also showed a correlation in the size of the effect based on the currency of the titles. In general, even after adjusting for all of the variables (publication date, location, circulation status, subject, and previous use), the odds of a title being used increased by 45% if the titles had online tables of contents, a statistically significant impact at the 0.05 level. CONCLUSIONS: This case-control study presents new information about the impact on circulation and inhouse use when tables of contents for books are added to the online catalog record. The study helps to establish the positive role of tables of contents in online catalogs. The research establishes TOC as a major parameter that can be successfully studied using quantitative methods. The study also provides information professionals with some guidance on when enhancement of TOC is likely to be most effective in increasing the use of existing collections. (+info)
Automation--planning to implementation; the problems en route.
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Once the major decision to automate library processes is made, there are a variety of problems which may be encountered before the planned system becomes operational. These include problems of personnel, budget, procurement of adjunct services, institutional priorities, and manufacturing uncertainties. Actual and potential difficulties are discussed. (+info)
Medical serials control systems by computer--a state of the art review.
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A review of the problems encountered in serials control systems is followed by a description of some of the present-day attempts to solve these problems. Specific networks are described, notably PHILSOM (developed at Washington University School of Medicine Library), the UCLA Biomedical Library's system, and OCLC in Columbus, Ohio. Finally, the role of minicomputers in present and future developments is discussed, and some cautious guesses are made on future directions in the field. (+info)
Evolution of a processing system in a large biomedical library.
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The processing system used in the UCLA Biomedical Library is modest in size and still under development. Its origins date back to a batch mode serials control system begun in the mid-1960s. This was converted to an on-line system which currently has modules for check-in, updating and retrieval, claims, bindery preparation, and invoice information. Titles can be retrieved at the terminal by search of any word in the title, by subject heading, language, country of publication, and type of publication. The system is adaptable to network use and at present is shared with one other library. To the serials system has been added a computer-assisted cataloging and card production system. The latter utilizes serials nucleus software as well as design for data input and data storage. In-house listings and coding procedures overlap in a general way. Work is under way on further integration of the two processing subsystems and a feasibility study has been completed for addition of a subsystem for acquisitions which will combine and adapt features of the other two; for example, information retrieval characteristics from both, catalog coding and programs for acceptance of data, serials programs for claims, and other output programs. Cost benefits of the subsystems are described and discussed. (+info)
Conversion of the periodical collection in a teaching hospital library to microfilm format.
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The Martland Hospital Library converted many of its periodical backfiles to 16 mm microfilm cartridges. Some details of program implementation, user reactions, costs, and problems are discussed. In a teaching hospital library microfilm in cartridge format has been well accepted by patrons, in part because the need to read from a projection screen has been minimized by granting liberal printing privileges. (+info)
The art of planning for library personnel.
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A review of the planning process for personnel at the University of Cincinnati's new Health Sciences Library is discussed. The staff of two libraries were involved in the plan. The final organizational pattern encompassed present staff plus justification for additional staff who would be necessary in the expanded facility. (+info)
The PHILSOM system--one user's experience.
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The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio joined the PHILSOM system, a comprehensive serials control network, in 1971. The experiences of the library in using the system are described. The major benefit of the system has been multiple copies of the holdings list which have made the serial records publicly accessible and significantly increased their value. Tallies of these lists' use indicate that more than half of serials-related questions are now answered directly by the users. The effects of PHILSOM on the procedures of the serials department--processing, claiming, bindery, and personnel are described. Costs to the network and the UTHSCSA Library are briefly summarized. (+info)
Realizing what's essential: a case study on integrating electronic journal management into a print-centric technical services department.
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OBJECTIVE: To support migration from print to electronic resources, the Cushing/Whitney Medical Library at Yale University reorganized its Technical Services Department to focus on managing electronic resources. METHODS: The library hired consultants to help plan the changes and to present recommendations for integrating electronic resource management into every position. The library task force decided to focus initial efforts on the periodical collection. To free staff time to devote to electronic journals, most of the print subscriptions were switched to online only and new workflows were developed for e-journals. RESULTS: Staff learned new responsibilities such as activating e-journals, maintaining accurate holdings information in the online public access catalog and e-journals database ("electronic shelf reading"), updating the link resolver knowledgebase, and troubleshooting. All of the serials team members now spend significant amounts of time managing e-journals. CONCLUSIONS: The serials staff now spends its time managing the materials most important to the library's clientele (e-journals and databases). The team's proactive approach to maintenance work and rapid response to reported problems should improve patrons' experiences using e-journals. The library is taking advantage of new technologies such as an electronic resource management system, and library workflows and procedures will continue to evolve as technology changes. (+info)