Emerald | OCLC Systems & Services | Table of Contents

Race to the top: Project Muse, JSTOR, and the quest for ebook supremacy

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Norm Medeiros) — Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – This article aims to describe the Project Muse and JSTOR e-book services. Design/methodology/approach – The article highlights some of the differences between the two competitors. Findings – The article exposes the drawbacks related to JSTOR's single-user model, including the prohibition of printing and the limits on downloads. Originality/value – The article provides assistance in understanding at a high level the approach of each company to the provision of e-books.

The research enterprise

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Robert Fox) — Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – This column seeks to examine the relationship between the modern digital library and academic research entities; and to explore briefly the services that can be provided by information professionals on behalf of investigative teams. Design/methodology/approach: – A literature review was conducted in order to find out what the recent views were relating to this subject. The remainder of the content is based upon the author's experience. Findings – This is an exploratory column proposing that modern academic libraries need to have embedded services that are a part of the research workflow of the university. This column focuses on the digital aspects of research, what the apparent needs are in that context, and suggests the central role that libraries can play in that context. Originality/value – As the field of information science evolves and libraries recast their vision so that they can support the core mission of modern universities, research support services are central to that effort. The column shows that there are many ways in which the digitally oriented library can fill in the gaps for investigative teams.

Organizational change models and digital library projects

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (H. Frank Cervone) — Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – Project managers must deal with organizational change in order to bring their projects to completion effectively. This article aims to outline the three major change models in organizations and discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each. Design/methodology/approach – By using a high-level review of change models, the author explores the issues a project manager may encounter using each model. Findings – While all three change models are necessary in organizations, the most effective change model for long-term, consistent success is the embracing change model. Originality/value – This article adds to the body of knowledge related to change and project management.

Anonymity and authenticity in the cloud: issues and applications

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Eric P. Delozier) — Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe personal privacy and data authenticity problems in the cloud and provide solutions to reduce or eliminate them. Design/methodology/approach – This paper reveals issues and applications of anonymity and authenticity in the cloud. It outlines common privacy settings of five web browsers, anonymous browsing on the Tor network and standard methods for verifying the integrity of files obtained in the cloud. Findings – Cloud computing is an emerging technology for libraries which must balance the convenience of ubiquitous access against the potential risks for loss of anonymity and authenticity. Originality/value – This article contributes to the body of literature on user privacy and data preservation in the cloud and their impact on the library community.

Have link resolvers helped or hurt? The relationship between ILL and OpenURL at a non-SFX library

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Doris M. Munson, Justin L. Otto) — Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – This paper's purpose is to describe an investigation of whether the addition of an interlibrary loan link as an option in the OpenURL link resolver menu has an effect on interlibrary loan requests for articles. Design/methodology/approach – Four years of link resolver clickthrough data were analyzed in conjunction with ten years of interlibrary loan article request data. Findings – The data showed that requests to ILL increased at first, then fell, and then rose again. There is a correlation between link resolver clickthroughs and ILL requests. Research limitations/implications – This paper employed data gathered over a longer time period than previous research on this topic and thus provides a broader exploration of the effect of providing links to ILL through a link resolver. While most OpenURL clickthrough data employed in research are gathered from the SFX OpenURL resolver, here the authors used WebBridge. Originality/value – This paper offers an example of how non-SFX institutions can employ clickthrough data to explore issues such as user behavior with regard to ILL.

IaaS cloud computing services for libraries: cloud storage and virtual machines

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Yan Han) — Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of current uses of cloud computing (CC) services in libraries, address a gap identified in integrating cloud storage in IaaS level, and show how to use EC2 tools for easy backup and resource monitoring. Design/methodology/approach – The article begins a literature review of CC uses in libraries, organized at the SaaS, PaaS and IaaS levels. The author presents his experience of integrating cloud storage services S3 and GCS. In addition, he also shows how to use virtual machine EC2 tools for backup and monitoring resources. Findings – The article describes a case study of integrating cloud storage using S3 and GCS. S3 can be integrated with any program whether the program runs on cloud or locally, while GCS is only good for applications running on GAE. The limitation of the current GCS approach makes it hard to use for a stand-alone cloud storage. The author also discusses virtual machines using EC2 and its related tools for backup, increase storage, and monitoring service. These services make system administration easier as compared to the traditional approach. Research limitations/implications – The article presents current CC uses in libraries at the SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS levels. CC services are changing quickly. For example, Google has stated that its APIs are experimental. Readers should be aware of this. Practical implications – The author shows his experience of integrating cloud storage services. Readers can understand the similarities and differences between S3 and GCS. In addition, readers can learn the advantages and concerns associated with implementing cloud computing. Readers are encouraged to consider questions such as content, skills, costs, and security. Originality/value – There are many uses of CC services in libraries. However, gaps are identified: in IaaS cloud storage, a few libraries used Amazon S3 and Microsoft Azure, but none explored using Google Cloud Storage (GCS); none provided implementation details, difficulties, and comparisons of S3 and GCS; and a few articles have briefly discussed implementations on Amazon EC2, but have not provided specific details about upgrade and backup. This article addresses those gaps.

E-library services: challenges and training needs of librarians in Nigeria

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – The aim of the paper is to investigate the achievements of librarians from the workshop on e-library services organized by the Librarians' Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) in collaboration with The United States Mission, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach – In total, 35 librarians purposively selected from universities, colleges of education, and polytechnic libraries participated in the study, which adopted semi-structured interviews. Findings – It emerged that librarians who participated in the workshop have been exposed to skills in areas such as database searching, using different search engines, using social media, knowledge of relevant websites, and knowledge of planning for e-libraries. The participants are of the opinion that a workshop of this kind should be organized at least twice a year to upgrade librarians' skills on e-library services in Nigeria. Practical implications – Library associations in other developing countries can also partner with professionals from developed countries to organize workshops and seminars like this to equip librarians with the necessary skills to render e-library services effectively and also to train users to use e-resources effectively. Originality/value – The paper reports skills the librarians have been exposed to through the workshop on e-library services. Acquiring such skills will enable them effectively to use e-resources and also train users on different search strategies.