Library Hi Tech

Michaelyn Haslam

2005 Library Hi Tech

doi: 10.1108/07378830510621720

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to determine whether an automated storage facility met the need to manage space, given a growing collection and the study area needs of users. Design/methodology/approach – This paper describes the automated storage and retrieval installation, storage projects since the first load, and daily use. Findings – Using an automated storage and retrieval system has allowed efficient space handling in Lied Library, while offering quick access to stored materials. Originality/value – In recent years automated storage and retrieval systems have become viable options for the onsite storage of library materials. Those planning new library facilities or remodelling existing facilities will be informed of the practical experience in using such a system for five years.

Jennifer L. Fabbi; Sidney D. Watson; Kenneth E. Marks; Zep Sylvis

2005 Library Hi Tech

doi: 10.1108/07378830510621739

Purpose – To reflect on activities and developments related to the 3M™ Digital Materials Flow Management since its implementation at the UNLV Libraries, including system hardware and software developments and the UNLV Libraries' evolving relationship with 3M™. Design/methodology/approach – Following an introduction which highlights the major 3M™ Digital Materials Flow Management components in place at the UNLV Libraries, product improvements that have expanded the functionality of the system are detailed, patrons and staff benefits of the technology are described, and RFID privacy issues at the UNLV Libraries are examined. Findings – Expanded capability and use of the 3M™ Digital Materials Flow Management system has allowed the UNLV Libraries to establish more efficient processes for undertaking collection management activities, such as inventory and weeding. The system has also had a positive impact on customer service. Benefits of the system currently outweigh the potential risks in terms of patron privacy. Practical implications – Libraries must continually assess their positions on radio frequency identification (RFID) and patron privacy as technology progresses. Additional possibilities and developments stemming from further collaboration between libraries and vendors in areas such as product standardization are anticipated. Originality/value – Provides information on innovative uses of the 3M™ Digital Materials Flow Management system and gives concrete examples of system benefits. Useful to libraries considering the implementation of an RFID system, those currently working with the 3M™ Digital Materials Flow Management system, and those considering collaborative work on product development with a vendor.

Susie Skarl; Michael Yunkin; Timothy Skeers

2005 Library Hi Tech

doi: 10.1108/07378830510621748

Purpose – To provide a case study focusing on efforts Lied Library has undertaken in collection development and management, space utilization, electronic access, web site revisions, and staff training in government publications. Design/methodology/approach – The construction of and move into Lied Library have coincided with major developments in the production and dissemination of federal, state and local government publications and other information products. Among them is a trend away from print publications and toward “born‐digital”, electronic‐only publications. At the same time, space utilization issues have become even more critical in the new building. This article will explore the ways in which these developments and the new technologies available both within Lied Library and elsewhere are shaping the management and use of the print collections, collection development practices and bibliographic control of government information and public access. Findings – This article highlights activities that have been undertaken over the past two years in Lied Library to make the government information collection more user‐friendly. Research limitations/implications – The article only highlights activities that have been undertaken at UNLV Libraries regarding government information resources, not on developments and challenges in other parts of the UNLV Libraries. Practical implications – This article provides a useful case study focusing on one academic library's attempt to make government information resources more accessible to both library staff and users. Originality/value – This article highlights and identifies Lied Library's experiences in making government information more accessible to both staff and patrons and discusses issues such as storage, evaluating the collection, cataloging, training staff and users, and revising the government information web site. Libraries may be able to use similar techniques in making their government resources more accessible to clientele.

Jennifer Cox; Diane VanderPol

2005 Library Hi Tech

doi: 10.1108/07378830510621757

Purpose – To provide an update on the impact of new instructional spaces and technologies on the class offerings and professional development efforts of the Lied Libraries' Instruction Department. Design/methodology/approach – Reviews the data on increased numbers of instructional sessions and students reached. Discusses new technologies available in the classrooms and the impact on students and instructors. Provides examples of new professional development opportunities for librarians, program developments, and class offerings. Findings – Provides information on how the Instruction Department was able to take advantage of the campus community's interest in seeing the new library and its resources to market information literacy programs and build lasting relationships with faculty. The Department has used increased contacts to sustain growth and development in programming and services. Research limitations/implications – This is not a research study, but might point to a need for further research on topics such as sustainable development in instruction programs. Practical implications – This study has information on revitalizing staff development and instruction programming through marketing contacts and professional development activities. Originality/value – This study is of special interest to librarians building new facilities or upgrading facilities and technologies.

Ken Bierman; Brad Eden

2005 Library Hi Tech

doi: 10.1108/07378830510621766

Purpose – Aims to provide a summary and analysis of the organizational changes of the UNLV Libraries Knowledge Access Management Division since it was previously described in Library Hi Tech . Design/methodology/approach – Describes and analyzes the significant and unanticipated changes in organization structure that occurred as the UNLV Libraries attempts to respond to the web and digital scholarly information world. Findings – Several alternative organizational structures to respond to web and digital initiatives are described. The process used to select an organization structure that was not anticipated three years earlier is documented. Originality/value – This article provides useful reading for academic library administrators contemplating organizational change to respond to the web and digital information world.

Reeta Sinha; Cory Tucker

2005 Library Hi Tech

doi: 10.1108/07378830510621775

Purpose – Seeks to describe how Lied Library has responded to a rapid increase in the number of new academic programs and degrees at UNLV resulting from new strategic initiatives and tremendous growth of the university's student population during the past four years. Design/methodology/approach – The authors focus on the role of the Collection Development (CD) department in the university's approval process for new academic programs and the role of subject librarians in assessing how well the Libraries' collection meets the demands of new programs proposed by faculty. Findings – Detailed descriptions are provided of the process used by subject librarians and CD to develop the tools and guidelines necessary to assess library collections in support of new academic programs. Practical implications – Provides information and a model for other libraries and subject bibliographers to use when developing library collection assessment processes and guidelines. Originality/value – Provides practical information and tools for subject bibliographers and CD departments responsible for performing collection assessment reports for library administrators and/or university officials as new academic programs are proposed.

Eva Stowers; Gillian Galbraith; Susan L. Kendall

2005 Library Hi Tech

doi: 10.1108/07378830510621784

Purpose – Aims to present an overview of the implementation of library services to a distinct user population. Design/methodology/approach – Presents a review of the decision‐making process behind the development of services to support a new remote campus at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Findings – Provides the rationale behind the decisions that were made regarding the branch library web page. Recognizes the need for continuous assessment and revision of procedures and the web page. Originality/value – This paper provides a practical look at creating a virtual library in a paperless environment.

Peter Michel

2005 Library Hi Tech

doi: 10.1108/07378830510621793

Purpose – Aims to present issues related to digitization in the context of the historical role and purpose of academic special collections. Design/methodology/approach – Presents a comparison of current issues related to digitization to historical issues related to the management of traditional print special collections. Findings – The current issues are not new. Technology has not dramatically altered the role of special collections in academic libraries. Research limitations/implications – Based on personal observation and experience and an awareness of issues, but essentially a personal viewpoint. Practical implications – May provide non‐special collections librarians with a better understanding of, or different perspective on, the popular notion of “digitizing special collections” and of special collections historically and generally. Originality/value – This is the viewpoint of an experienced head of special collections, a trained academic historian, and someone who has been involved in a number of digital projects.

Jeanne Brown

2005 Library Hi Tech

doi: 10.1108/07378830510621801

Purpose – Sets out to describe the development of an assessment program at UNLV Libraries and current assessment activities. Design/methodology/approach – Assessment activities are first placed in organizational context, distinguishing between assessment initiated by departments, and assessment done library‐wide. Common expressions of resistance to assessment are noted, followed by the library and campus context relating to assessment. The impact of technology and of the LibQual+ survey is discussed. Findings – Assessment activities at UNLV Libraries have strengthened and diversified over the last several years, thanks to several factors including the guidance of its dean, the development of technology and human infrastructure, the impact of implementing the LibQual+ survey, and other factors. Signs of its place in the Libraries can be seen in the Libraries' Strategic Plan and a recent review of the Strategic Plan's effectiveness and continued relevance. Practical implications – Provides insight into the factors affecting the implementation of an assessment program. Originality/value – This article is useful to those interested in the formation of a “culture of assessment.”

Trywell Kalusopa

2005 Library Hi Tech

doi: 10.1108/07378830510621810

Purpose – This paper attempts to discuss some of the key challenges that Zambia faces in the application of information communication technologies (ICTs) for the small‐scale farmers. Design/methodology/approach – A survey of information needs of small‐scale farmers in two selected provinces was carried out in order to establish and prioritize their information needs. Evaluation of the existing information infrastructure provided insights into the type of ICTs that can support the provision of information to small‐scale farmers in Zambia. Findings – The paper highlights some of the salient findings of the research carried out under the African Technology Policy Studies (ATPS), Zambian Chapter and financed by the International Development Research Foundation (IDRC) from 2001 to 2003. These, among others, include: weak human capital and technical infrastructure, lack of clear national information policy and lack of a coordinated agricultural information support system for small‐scale farmers anchored on ICTs. Research limitations/implications – This study illustrates that it is becoming increasingly evident that the success of any agricultural development programme in Zambia requires a well‐organized and functionally integrated information delivery system propelled by the application of appropriate ICTs. The paper presents recommendations for this to be realized. Originality/value – The changes in the socio‐economic and political arena in Zambia have had a drastic effect on the management of the agriculture sector. Further, even though it is widely acknowledged that information plays an important role in agricultural and rural development in Zambia, this conception has received less pragmatic attention and seems to have been less consolidated over time. The central role of information in this sector has thus been largely superficial. The need for a clear national policy framework on the use of ICTs for the small‐scale farmers to enhance national development is thus articulated in this paper.