Electronic Resource Workflows Research Articles

Using lean concepts to enhance electronic resource workflows and operations at an academic library in South Africa

This study assessed how an academic library implemented lean principles to enhance its electronic resource workflows and processes. Twelve librarians who managed access to electronic resources at the library participated in the study. Data were collected through interviews and observation. Reflexive thematic data analysis revealed that knowledge and skills were necessary for librarians to function effectively. The systems for facilitating access to electronic resources were ineffective, and there was a need for procedures to be documented and streamlined to reduce waste through adopting lean concepts. This case study contributes to the literature on improving access to e-resources and professional practice.

Implementation of Electronic Resource Management System: A case study of Central Library, IIT Delhi

The share of electronic resources in library subscriptions has been increasing over a period of time. Academic institutions worldwide spend significant amounts on electronic resources, including e-journals, databases, and eBooks. Global research indicates that the management of electronic resources is very complex, and the workflows associated with them differ from the workflow of print resources. Although electronic resources have been around for almost two decades, librarians are still trying to figure out the most effective way to handle them. The study suggests that many non-compatible stand-alone systems are used to manage electronic resources. Library management systems (LMS) and library services platforms (LSPs) cannot manage electronic resource workflow. Electronic Resource Management Systems (ERMS) can be used to manage electronic resource workflow. However, cost is an important factor in not using commercial ERMS. This study examines the implementation of open-source ERMS CORAL in the Central Library, IIT Delhi. It discusses the steps involved in the implementation stages and the problems faced while implementing the system. It also discusses the features of CORAL. This study also finds improvements in electronic resource management after the implementation of ERMS CORAL. This study will be beneficial for those institutes that are looking for the implementation of CORAL.

An examination of electronic resource management in academic libraries in Ghana through the Techniques of Electronic Resource Management (TERMS) framework

The management of electronic resources (ERs) has become a core function of academic libraries and researchers have revealed how academic libraries in developed countries are struggling to successfully manage these resources. The scholarly literature on the management of ERs in libraries has predominantly focused on developed country context. Little research has been conducted on how academic libraries in developing countries are managing their online databases. This paper presents the findings of a study that examines ER workflows and the extent to which ER workflows or the practices of managing online databases in academic libraries in Ghana compare with the Techniques of Electronic Resource Management (TERMS) framework. Data were collected from library staff in two public and two private universities, and consortium executives using semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed that although efforts had been made to follow standard procedures, some components of the TERMS framework were absent in the ER workflow in both public and private case libraries while other aspects of the workflow were responsibilities of parties external to the libraries. Opportunities exist for improving ERM practices in academic libraries in Ghana. In particular, by involving users in the selection and assessment of ERs, increasing promotional activities, and improving the documentation of ER workflow. The findings also revealed interconnections between various stages of TERMS. The findings provide a basis from which academic libraries can improve their practices and extends the application and revision of the TERMS framework to an African context.

Managing the Electronic Resources Lifecycle with Kanban

Abstract This paper discusses the implementation of Kanban as the framework for managing electronic resources workflows by presenting case studies from the University of Saskatchewan Library and at the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Library in Saskatchewan, Canada. Librarians at both institutions independently chose to adopt Kanban to manage electronic resources work, applying the essential Kanban framework of lists titled to do, in progress, and done. Examining the similarities and differences in each librarian’s experience and discussing two different software programs used, we have included descriptions of our implementation, in-depth information about the origins of Kanban, and its more recent applications to technical work. We found numerous benefits-including reduced email communication and improved due date tracking-to our implementation of Kanban and no significant drawbacks. Interest in applications of Kanban in libraries is on the rise, and we found there were significant benefits of using Kanban for electronic resources teams when used in conjunction with other tools (e.g., spreadsheets, email, ERMS).

Title Lists, Tracking, and Tasks: Simplifying Electronic Resource Workflows with Microsoft OneNote

Managing electronic resources is a messy venture involving the coordination of many moving parts to ensure their consistent and reliable access for library users. Regardless of a library's size, do...

ATG Special Report-Acquisition to Cataloging: Examining the Handoff in Electronic Resources Workflow

ATG Special Report-Acquisition to Cataloging: Examining the Handoff in Electronic Resources Workflow

Keeping Up with the Flow: Electronic Resource Workflow and Analysis

This article describes a project documenting and analyzing the electronic resource workflows for the library at Baruch College, CUNY (City University of New York). The presenter discusses her approach, how background research informed the documentation process, and explains the methodology and framework used to analyze the lifecycle of the electronic resources. Multiple interviews conducted with staff, faculty, and stakeholders involved in these workflows offered clarification of the steps involved and afforded the opportunity to delve into lengthier discussions about the process. This presentation highlights some outcomes of the project, focusing on “gaps” in the lifecycle, indications of where the workflow could be streamlined, and examples of beneficial conversations within library departments.

Managing Electronic Resource Workflows Using Ticketing System Software

ABSTRACTFor the second installment of the new column Problem Solved!, Kelly Smith explores how libraries have tackled the problem of electronic resource (e-resource) workflow management by implementing ticketing systems in addition to their existing integrated library system (ILS) and electronic resource management (ERM) tools. Most libraries employing ticket tracking to manage e-resources have chosen one of a variety of commercial and open source software designed for customer relations management (CRM). Alternatively, some libraries are developing homegrown systems, or kludging together freely available collaboration software to track issues.

Electronic Resources Workflow: Design, Analysis and Technologies for an Overdue Solution

During the summer of 2013, a joint team involving Duke University Libraries and IBM spent three months configuring IBM Business Process Manager to improve electronic resources workflows in the Libraries’ Technical Services department. The resulting workflow showcases the application's ability to transform the management of online databases. This article will provide an overview of the “before” and “after” database workflow, with a demo of the new system and its integration points with other tools.

Beyond Library Software: New Tools for Electronic Resources Management

The boom in easy-to-use Web-based software has inspired some libraries to adapt tools that were not designed for the library market to meet their needs in new and creative ways. This column will explore three examples of academic libraries that have used mainstream technologies to create new approaches to managing electronic resources acquisitions, workflows, and metadata. Each case study highlights a particular software platform, describes the decision to adopt the software, details the implementation process, and explores strengths and weaknesses of each tool.

Beyond Library Software: New Tools for Electronic Resources Management

The boom in easy-to-use Web-based software has inspired some libraries to adapt tools that were not designed for the library market to meet their needs in new and creative ways. This column will explore three examples of academic libraries that have used mainstream technologies to create new approaches to managing electronic resources acquisitions, workflows, and metadata. Each case study highlights a particular software platform, describes the decision to adopt the software, details the implementation process, and explores strengths and weaknesses of each tool.

Checklist Manifesto for Electronic Resources: Getting Ready for the Fiscal Year and Beyond

Organization of electronic resources workflow is critical in the increasingly complicated and complex world of library management. A simple organizational tool that can be readily applied to electronic resources management (ERM) is the use of checklists. Based on the principles discussed in The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right, the electronic resources staff at University of Maryland University College Library developed checklists for transitioning electronic resources each fiscal year and maintained them in a Springshare LibGuide. The benefits of checklists and principles of good checklist design, based on the literature from several fields, are also discussed. Following the application of checklists, issues reported by library staff and patrons decreased significantly.

Me and My Shadow: Observation, Documentation, and Analysis of Serials and Electronic Resources Workflow

Librarians in the Metadata & Cataloging Department at the North Carolina State University (NCSU) Libraries embarked on a comprehensive project to document and review the Libraries' serials and electronic resources workflow with the goals of introducing greater efficiency, clarity, and simplicity into processes across the serials unit and of increasing training opportunities for department-wide understanding of the serials lifecycle. This paper examines the method used to observe and collect information about serials and electronic resources work, the process of synthesizing that information into a graphical representation of the serials lifecycle, and the workflow analysis undertaken to introduce improved serials processes. The value of the project is demonstrated through a discussion of efforts for workflow education, analysis, and improvement at the NCSU Libraries directly instigated by review of the process documentation by technical services staff members.

Me and My Shadow: Observation, Documentation, and Analysis of Serials and Electronic Resources Workflow

Librarians in the Metadata & Cataloging Department at the North Carolina State University (NCSU) Libraries embarked on a comprehensive project to document and review the Libraries' serials and electronic resources workflow with the goals of introducing greater efficiency, clarity, and simplicity into processes across the serials unit and of increasing training opportunities for department-wide understanding of the serials lifecycle. This paper examines the method used to observe and collect information about serials and electronic resources work, the process of synthesizing that information into a graphical representation of the serials lifecycle, and the workflow analysis undertaken to introduce improved serials processes. The value of the project is demonstrated through a discussion of efforts for workflow education, analysis, and improvement at the NCSU Libraries directly instigated by review of the process documentation by technical services staff members.

Workflow Challenges: Does Technology Dictate Workflow?

As libraries build their collections of electronic resources, workflow issues must be addressed. The unique nature of electronic resource processes, from setting up trials and ordering to providing and maintaining access, will often lead libraries to rethink some of their traditional workflows and job responsibilities. Presented here are two possible approaches to assigning electronic resource-related duties to library personnel in order to effectively manage electronic resource workflows. One example comes from a smaller academic library with limited staffing and the other from a slightly larger academic library with more specialization among employees.

Electronic Resource Management Systems and Workflow: Two Views from the Trenches ERMS, Workflow, and Standards: A Product Development View

Electronic Resource Management Systems and Workflow: Two Views from the Trenches ERMS, Workflow, and Standards: A Product Development View

Use of Technology in Managing Electronic Resource Workflow

Use of Technology in Managing Electronic Resource Workflow

Examining Workflows and Redefining Roles

SUMMARY Paula Sullenger, Serials Acquisitions Librarian at Auburn University and Jia Mi, Electronic Resources/Serials Librarian at the College of New Jersey discussed electronic resource workflow models at their respective institutions. Services are available from vendors that aid in streamlining workflow for handling print resources and electronic journals. In addition, in-house statistics are used to determine serials tasks to eliminate and job functions to realign.

Integrating and Streamlining Electronic Resources Workflows via Innovative's Electronic Resource Management

SUMMARY Libraries have been grappling with the management of the growing number of electronic resources, such as e-journals and electronic article indexes, for the last decade especially after the availability of many of these resources on the World Wide Web. The integrated library system wasn't originally designed to accommodate many of these functions. In 2002, Innovative Interfaces, Inc. partnered with several of their customer libraries to develop a module to manage electronic resources based on the work of the Digital Library Federation's Electronic Resources Management Initiative. The result of this partnership is a module that addresses functions such as tracking trial access, license negotiations, maintenance, troubleshooting as well as integration into the online catalog.