Consortial Approach Research Articles

Cultivable microalgae diversity from a freshwater aquaculture filtering system and its potential for polishing aquaculture-derived water streams.

Microalgae are ubiquitous in aquatic environments, including aquaculture farms, but few studies have delved into their phytoplankton diversity and bioremediation potential. In this study, the cultivable phytoplankton of a rainbow trout freshwater aquaculture farm was isolated, phylogenetically analysed and used to assemble a consortium to polish an aquaculture-derived effluent, with low concentrations of ammonium, nitrite and nitrate. Through standard plating in different selective media, a total of 15microalgae strains were isolated from sludge from a rotary drum filtering system which removes suspended solids from the water exiting the facility. Based on 18S rRNA gene sequences, isolates were assigned to nine different genera of the Chlorophyta phylum: Asterarcys, Chlorella, Chloroccocum, Chlorosarcinopsis, Coelastrella, Desmodesmus, Micractinium, Parachlorella and Scenedesmus. Species from most of these genera are known to inhabit freshwater systems in Galicia and continental Spain, but the Coelastrella, Asterarcys or Parachlorella genera are not usually present in freshwater streams. In an onsite integrative approach, the capacity of a consortium of native microalgae isolates to grow on aquaculture-derived effluents and its nutrient removal capacity were assessed using a raceway pond. After 7days, removal efficiencies of approximately 99%, 92% and 49% for ammonium, nitrite and nitrate, respectively, were achieved concomitantly with a microalgae biomass increase of ca. 17%. Sludge from the aquaculture filtering system presents a high diversity of microalgae species from the Chlorophyta phylum, whose application in a consortial approach revealed to be efficient to polish aquaculture-derived effluents with low nutrient content. The use of native microalgae consortia from aquaculture systems can contribute to the development of efficient treatment systems for low-nutrient wastewater, avoiding nutrients release to the environment and promoting water recirculation. This may further strengthen the use of phycoremediation at the industrial scale, as an environment-friendly strategy.

New Consortial Model for E-Books Acquisitions

E-books constitute major challenges for library collections generally and present fundamental problems for consortial collection development specifically. The Triangle Research Libraries Network (TRLN) and Oxford University Press (OUP) have created a mutually equitable and financially sustainable model for the consortial acquisition of e-books coupled with print titles needed to support instruction and research across the disciplinary spectrum within a transitional framework that is acceptable to users while moving both libraries and publishers to a decidedly electronic environment for monographs. Working with YBP Library Services, TRLN and OUP developed a flexible vending model for systematically increasing e-books acquisitions in tandem with reducing print intake over time and keeping net costs constant that other consortia and publishers would find useful. This article focuses on creating an acceptable and sustainable model that allows libraries to shift to e-books and the implications for traditional cooperative collection development. The research reports on the principles undergirding the pilot, how it developed, challenges encountered and lessons learned, librarian and user reactions to this format shift, and resulting philosophical and practical evolutions in consortial approaches to monographic acquisitions and understandings of what constitutes cooperative collections success in a digital environment.

Phycoremediation of wastewaters: a synergistic approach using microalgae for bioremediation and biomass generation

Discharge of untreated domestic and industrial wastewater into aquatic bodies is posing a serious eutrophication threat, leading to a slow degradation of the water resources. A number of physical, chemical and biological methods have been developed for the treatment of wastewaters; among these, the use of microalgae is considered as a more eco-friendly and economical approaches. Microalgae are versatile organisms which perform multiple roles in the environment—bioremediation of wastewater, gleaning of excess nutrients and in turn, generate valuable biomass which finds applications in the food, biofuel and pharmaceutical industries. They are currently being utilized to reduce the high nutrient load (especially N and P) from wastewaters, which fulfill the growth requirements of microalgae, making it a suitable cultivation medium for biomass production. The present review represents a comprehensive compilation of reports on microalgal diversity of wastewaters, followed by a critical overview of their utilization, suitability and potential in bioremediation vis-a-vis biomass production. This review also emphasizes the superiority of polyalgal and consortial approaches in wastewater treatment, as compared to the use of unialgal inocula, besides providing useful pointers for future research needs in this area.

The Digital Transformation of Information, Education, and Scholarship

Digital technology has profoundly altered nearly every aspect of our lives. The little iPhone we carry in our pocket or purse connects us with those we know and love, while also connecting us to news channels, daily newspapers, music, television, movies, this afternoon's weather, and much more. We should expect that same digital technology that is now nearly ubiquitous to have similarly dramatic effects on information, education,and scholarship. This paper explores the changes in expectations that faculty and students have for gaining access to digital information, and how librarians are responding to those expectations. The online learning landscape is changing rapidly, and and institutions of higher education are responding to a system that was designed to be delivered directly to students. Although online learning systems are regularly discussed in the media, there continues to be a dearth of hard evidence about the efficacy of these sytems. Finally, the paper takes a look at the scholarly enterprise, ietsef. After a century or more of the ‘sage on stage’ teaching model and the lone scholar alone in his office or laboratory doing research, these methods have been dramatically influenced by digital technology. These changes wrought by digital technology compel libraries, faculty, and universities to consider collaborative and consortial approaches to providing services and improving the scholarly enterprise.

Leadership development to transform a library

Purpose – This case study aims to explain why one Canadian academic library chose to design and deliver in-house leadership development training for its employees, rather than taking a consortial approach, and seeks to highlight the impact of this decision on the library's organizational culture. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is presented in three parts: the benefits and challenges of in-house, external and consortial training; the impact of an in-house leadership development program at the University Library at the University of Saskatchewan; and considerations when deciding whether to collaborate on the provision of employee training. The author draws upon her own personal experiences as the Director of Human Resources for the library, and presents evidence acquired through surveys, observations, and conversations. Findings – The paper explains how a deliberate decision to provide in-house leadership training had a transformative effect on individual employees and the organization. Practical implications – When considering collaborating to provide leadership development training, library administrators should ensure the pros and cons of doing so are thoroughly explored; the pressure to collaborate can sometimes lead to participation in activities simply to be seen as a “good library citizen,” and often such activities are not necessarily contributing to the strategic goals of the library. In economically challenging times, library leaders and decision makers will need to be very aware of these implications. Originality/value – This paper discusses why a library chose an in-house approach to leadership development training rather than a consortial approach. This article has value to library administrators as they consider implementing leadership development training in their libraries.

Abstract FO03-01: Cancer epidemiology consortia and international cohorts: Challenges and opportunities

Abstract Throughout the last two decades, studies based on cancer epidemiology cohorts have helped to better understand the complex etiology of cancer. By providing fundamental insights into key environmental, lifestyle, and genetic determinants of this disease, cohort-based research has contributed evidence to design cancer control measures for groups and populations at risk. In addition, specific follow-up of affected individuals are beginning to generate insights on outcomes and response to therapy in cancer survivors. More recently, the advent of new genotyping, next-generation sequencing and other high-throughput molecular technologies has enhanced the requirement for extremely large numbers to address large-scale gene discovery, to examine interactions between genes, pathways and the environment, or to focus on defined cancer subtypes and special populations. Consequently, the research approach has shifted away from single investigators research to a consortial approach, where multiple cohorts at the international level combine their population infrastructures and interdisciplinary expertise to address investigations not easily approachable by a single cohort or group (http://epi.grants.cancer.gov/Consortia/cohort.html). The establishment of these networks has challenged established paradigms at both academic institutions and funding agencies. NCI recognizes that CECs are valuable resources that benefit the entire cancer research community. However, the continued support of a comprehensive cohort infrastructure requires careful review to maintain balanced representation and state-of-the art methodology. To this extent, the Epidemiology and Genomic Research Program (EGRP) has sponsored several initiatives to support the establishment and maintenance of cohorts and consortia infrastructures and research (http://epi.grants.cancer.gov/gameon/; http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-11-167.html). The purpose of this forum presentation is to give an overview of current cancer epidemiology cohorts supported by the EGRP and discuss the the opportunities and challenges posed by the evolution of the current model of population-based cohort(s) toward a fully collaborative Cohort Consortium (or “synthetic cohort”) encompassing the complete characterization of participants across the age and ethnicity spectrum at the clinical, molecular and epidemiological level. Topics include the utilization of contemporary approaches (internet/wireless technologies) and real-time feedback for exposure assessment; the assembly of associated high quality biobanks; the incorporation of state-of-the art molecular technologies; the optimization of data harmonization, management and distribution; the enhancement of communication strategies for diffusion and dissemination of results; and the evaluation of the impact of research results on health, lifestyle and clinical practices Access and informed consent models to make data available to a wider community of interested investigators for integrative analyses of increasing complexity as well as publication policies will also be discussed. Citation Format: Daniela Seminara. Cancer epidemiology consortia and international cohorts: Challenges and opportunities. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2012 Oct 16-19; Anaheim, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Prev Res 2012;5(11 Suppl):Abstract nr FO03-01.

Building on success: evolving local and consortium purchase-on-demand programs

Purpose – Patron driven acquisitions (PDA) programs have emerged as an important component in library collection practices. The authors aim to report on four PDA programs (two completed, two currently underway) undertaken by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign either by itself or in partnership with a statewide academic library consortium known as CARLI. Design/methodology/approach – The authors use a case study approach based on their professional experience and direct involvement with these programs. Findings – The programs were built on successful partnerships with both vendors and consortial partners; each program was informed by and built on the success of the previous one. The processes can be scaled up and applied to larger systems in order to maximize their impact and user satisfaction. Originality/value – Acquisitions librarians and selectors will find the local PDA programs of interest, while the consortial approach will be of interest to anyone involved with building and sharing collections in a multi-institutional environment.

Unraveling Genes, Hormones, and Breast Cancer

Unraveling Genes, Hormones, and Breast Cancer

About ICOLC and the ICOLC Statement on the Global Economic Crisis and Its Impact on Consortial Licenses

The International Coalition of Library Consortia (ICOLC) and its role in library consortial approaches to content acquisition is briefly explained. A copy of its most recent statement on the global economic crisis and the resulting implications for libraries’ budgets is also provided.

A global network for investigating the genomic epidemiology of malaria

Large-scale studies of genomic variation could assist efforts to eliminate malaria. But there are scientific, ethical and practical challenges to carrying out such studies in developing countries, where the burden of disease is greatest. The Malaria Genomic Epidemiology Network (MalariaGEN) is now working to overcome these obstacles, using a consortial approach that brings together researchers from 21 countries.

Ontario Government documents repository D‐Space pilot project

PurposeThis paper aims to describe a project to increase access and longevity of electronic government documents.Design/methodology/approachThe Ontario Legislative Library has partnered with the Ontario Council of University Libraries to extend the longevity and accessibility of electronic government documents using DSpace.FindingsDigital repository software, such as DSpace, can be used to extend access to, and longevity of, special collections.Research limitations/implicationsThe case study may be specific to local practices and the institutions involved.Practical implicationsThe consortial approach builds on existing practices to build a cost effective and sustainable service.Originality/valueMany projects in electronic government document preservation and access require large investments. This project leverages existing practices and resources.

SHERPA‐LEAP

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to introduce SHERPA‐LEAP, a model for the consortial development, population and support of e‐prints repositories.Design/methodology/approachThe organisational and technical structures of the consortium are described, including a brief summary of central and local resource responsibilities. Some positive and negative aspects of a consortial approach to institutional repository development, and of the SHERPA‐LEAP model in particular, are identified. Outstanding issues and future plans for the consortium are outlined.FindingsSHERPA‐LEAP is shown to be succeeding in its aims of developing and supporting e‐prints repositories within the federal University of London. Some lessons learned from the SHERPA‐LEAP approach are identified, but the SHERPA‐LEAP consortial model is found to have been mostly beneficial to the participating institutions. In particular, the networking and experience‐sharing opportunities which any consortial solution will facilitate are highly‐valued by the SHERPA‐LEAP partners.Originality/valueThe paper is intended to help to inform the decision making of institutions and consortia, which are considering consortial solutions to the establishment, and maintenance of institutional repositories.

Enhancing access and building a campus culture of civic engagement and service‐learning: A dual consortial approach

AbstractThis chapter describes how the New Hampshire College & University Council and Campus Compact for New Hampshire have developed a unique multiconsortial alliance to build campus cultures of civic engagement and service‐learning.

Preserving perpetual access to electronic journals: A Korean consortial approach

This study describes the key findings of the Korean Electronic Site License Initiative (KESLI), established by the National Digital Science Library to develop a digital archive of electronic journals in Korea. Research and relevant activities included developing a system architecture, suggesting journal selection criteria and publisher selection criteria, choosing a set of metadata elements, and addressing stakeholders' concerns. Recommendations for further tasks have been made in order to have the system fully operating by December 2007.

Preserving perpetual access to electronic journals: A Korean consortial approach

Preserving perpetual access to electronic journals: A Korean consortial approach

IRIS: a resource‐sharing initiative in Ireland

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to document the history, development and current status of the IRIS Consortium in Ireland.Design/methodology/approachThis article provides a summary of the early history of IRIS.FindingsThe environment within which IRIS operates has changed significantly since its beginnings in the early 1990s. The worldwide web and open access repositories have introduced new modes of information delivery and access. The development of a knowledge‐based economy as a natural strategic imperative for Ireland has placed a much greater emphasis on research in the third‐level sector. This is a context that encourages cooperative library solutions, consortial approaches to information resource development, and joint development of new services, in all of which IRIS has a central role to play.Originality/valueThis article provides an insight into planning, developing, managing a consortium and resource sharing to other consortia.

The Case for Collaboration

This article provides an overview of the OhioLINK Digital Media Center (DMC), a statewide effort to provide access to a wide range of media resources, including a significant number of art and architecture resources. The article reviews the development and design of the Digital Media Center and provides a case study of the University of Cincinnati's efforts to contribute to the DMC. The article also outlines concerns and benefits of this consortial approach as well as addresses issues of collection development and e changing role of the librarian.

A Consortial Approach to Cooperative Cataloging and Authority Control

Abstract This article chronicles a VIVA initiative that built on the experience of one academic library to make electronic resources available through distributed online catalogs of libraries in the consortium. Using analytic vended-MARC records, standardized by member libraries, the consortium expanded intellectual access to licensed databases. One of the original participants now works at Michigan, and expanded the project beyond VIVA. The article covers usability of vendor records and implications for internal workflow of participating libraries, and describes how librarians state-wide cooperatively deployed technology, cataloging, and programming expertise to manipulate MARC records and accommodate unique record loading requirements of participating institutions.

The Online Archive of California

SUMMARY The provision of universal union access to archival and manuscript resources is one reason to utilize Encoded Archival Description (EAD) for finding aids. A consortial approach to the encoding oI archival finding aids offers efficiencies of scale, expertise, infrastructure, and funding. In addition, the consortial approach facilitates the formation of a union database of finding aids. The Online Archive of California (OAC) is a consortium of special collections repositories whose finding aids are integrated into a single, searchable database which describes the contents of primary source collections throughout California. Formed in September 1995, the OAC's initial goals are: (1) to create machine-readable versions of all existing finding aids; (2) to encode all existing finding aids according to EAD; and (3) to create the OAC union database of finding aids: http://www.oac.cdlib.org/cgi-bin/aac.

Consortial Approaches to the Implementation of Encoded Archival Description (EAD)

SUMMARY The libraries ai the University of California, Berkeley and Duke University have favored the “consonial approach” to implementing Encoded Archival Description (EAD) by concentrating on “retrospective conversion” of “legacy” finding aids and their integration into union databases. This paper will add to the work that appeared in The American Archivist (v. 60: 3-4) by describing the experiences of two of the earliest EAD implementers with a special focus on the importance of the development of “an acceptable range of uniform practices” both in consortial union databases and in the continuing community effort to establish EAD “best practice.” ft will also suggest that a mixed EAD implementation strategy offers the best chance of long-term success (i.e., the development of separate guidelines for the retrospective conversion of legacy finding aids and for the creation of new finding aids).