OCLC Systems & Services

Aluka: digitization from Maputo to Timbuktu : Table of Contents

Deirdre Ryan — Mon Feb 22 02:05:17 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – This paper aims to describe experiences of collaborative effort to digitize a wide range of scholarly materials from and about Africa Design/methodology/approach – A brief description of Aluka is followed by two examples of capacity building in Africa, first in Maputo and second in Timbuktu. Findings – Success in international digitization projects can only be achieved through close collaboration. Originality/value – The paper highlights a unique project to digitize materials at holding institutions in Africa.

A cross-Pacific partnership: The University of Maryland Libraries and the National Diet Library of Japan jointly reformat children's books : Table of Contents

Eiko Sakaguchi, Kenichiro Shimada, Amy Wasserstrom — Mon Feb 22 02:05:17 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – This paper aims to describe the Prange Children's Book Reformatting Project as an example of bi-national cooperation to provide the broadest possible access to a collection of historical significance to both nations, when most of the materials are still under copyright. Design/methodology/approach – The paper examines the joint project between the University of Maryland Libraries' (UM Libraries) and the National Diet Library of Japan (NDL) to preserve and provide access to the children's books in the Gordon W. Prange Collection. It highlights the unique aspects of the project, including its international component, and describes the project's access tools and service products. Findings – The access tools developed as part of this reformatting project – an online digital collection for the UM Libraries and color microfilm for NDL – each have their limitations. Used in combination, however, these tools can support in-depth research. Originality/value – The comprehensiveness of the project (all 8,000 titles are being scanned), the use of digital-to-color microfilm technology, and the use of the color microfilm as an access point make this project unique.

Library to go : Table of Contents

Robert Fox — Mon Feb 22 02:05:17 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – This paper aims to explore the area of mobile technology and its usefulness for library instruction and information dissemination Design/methodology/approach – This column is exploratory, examining the advantages and disadvantages of mobile technology for librarianship. Findings – There is an inevitable onslaught of mobile technology within the patron populations. It is essential that libraries and the profession as a whole inject the digital services, both traditional and non-traditional, into mobile technology in order to reach patrons. Originality/value – The paper examines several studies and offers theoretical options for tackling the important issue of mobile technology in the library. The paradigm of the library as a place needs to change into a paradigm where the library is not only a place, but also a collection of valuable services that can be accessed from anywhere.

Applied digital library project management: Using decision tree analysis to clarify multipath problems : Table of Contents

H. Frank Cervone — Mon Feb 22 02:05:17 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – This paper seeks to define and describe decision tree analysis as a method for decision making when there are multiple, linearly or hierarchically related decision points that must be considered when determining the optimum choices within a project. Design/methodology/approach – Using theory and example, the paper relates the use of decision tree analysis to the successful selection of decision points in complex, multistage digital library projects. Findings – Decision tree analysis is useful as a method for both determining the various courses of action within a project and visualizing these choices in an easily understood format. Decision tree analysis can help a team understand the relationships between issues in a project as well as the consequences of various courses of action. Originality/value – The paper fills a gap in the digital library project management literature by providing an overview of a tool used in operational research that helps identify an optimal course of action within a complex system of interrelated decisions.

The road to digital: building unique Afghanistan collections : Table of Contents

Yan Han — Mon Feb 22 02:05:17 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – This paper seeks to discuss a grant-funded digitization project for unique Afghanistan gray literature. It aims to address the digitization tasks, workflow, challenges, and solutions. Persistent identifiers, file-naming conventions, page-naming rules, and a digitization management system are discussed in detail since they were critical to the success of the project. Design/methodology/approach – The paper describes the unique requirements of the project, and analyzes difficult issues related to the separation of pre-digitization and post-digitization in two remote locations. The approach includes persistent identifiers, file-naming rules, page-naming conventions and a digitization management system. After one and a half years of operation, the approach has been effective and efficient. Findings – The paper analyzes the unique challenges for a long-distance collaboration on digitization. Pre-digitization and digital imaging were carried out in Kabul, Afghanistan, with all the physical materials located there, while post-digitization and quality control were performed in Tucson, Arizona. The paper found that several components such as persistent identifiers, file-naming conventions, page-naming rules, and digitization management system were critical to the success of the project. Practical implications – The project demonstrates an approach to address a unique digitization project due to the separation of pre-digitization and post-digitization. In addition, the approach has served other digitization projects well. Originality/value – The paper was written for both project managers and technical staff. Project managers can find out the usefulness of a digitization management system and understand digitization issues; while technical staff can find interests in a persistent identifier scheme, file-naming conventions and page-naming rules.

Books, books everywhere, but nary a one in print: Cushing Academy eliminates print books from its library : Table of Contents

Norm Medeiros — Mon Feb 22 02:05:17 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – This paper seeks to review Cushing Academy's recent decision to withdraw the majority of its print book collection in favor of electronic books. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is designed to conjure thoughts regarding the role of books and their digital future, particularly in light of the Kindle and Google Books project. Findings – The paper suggests that eliminating print books from a secondary school library may not serve well students who go on to attend universities where print books predominate. Originality/value – The paper calls attention to the challenges libraries and institutions face in transitioning to electronic books.

Participation of the National Library of the Czech Republic in the project TELplus : Table of Contents

Tomas Foltyn — Mon Feb 22 02:05:17 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – This short study aims to describe the participation of the National Library of the Czech Republic in the project TELplus. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reports the results of project TELplus and describes the challenges of the project. Findings – Documents OCR production in the National Library of the Czech Republic. Originality/value – The study provides general information about the project TELplus and its subsequent participation in the framework of the National Library of the Czech Republic.