Materials In Academic Libraries Research Articles

The Availability of Spanish Language LGBTQ Nonfiction Books in the United States–Mexico Borderland

This study examines the availability of LGBTQ Spanish language nonfiction books among selected university libraries along the United States–Mexico border to measure access to materials for readers and researchers and identify what resources selectors might use to inform purchases. This study utilizes 37 titles and seven libraries for a comparison of holdings. It seeks to expand the body of knowledge available regarding LGBTQ literature while establishing a baseline regarding the availability of LGBTQ Spanish-language materials in academic libraries.

Collection Development Variables and Use of Library Materials in Academic Libraries in South-South Geo-political Zone of Nigeria

This study investigated the “relationship between collection development variables and use of library materials in academic libraries, in South-South, Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of this study, three research questions were raised, and three hypotheses were formulated to guide the study”. Literatures related to the variables under study were reviewed; accordingly, the design for this study was ex-post facto design with a total population of 16620 students with a total of 800 as the sample for the study. This was done with the help of stratified and purposive random sampling techniques. The questionnaire titled: Collection Development Variables and Use of Library Materials in Academic Libraries Questionnaire (CDVULMALQ) was the instrument used for data collection. The instrument was validated by two experts in measurement and evaluation. The reliability of the instrument was established through the spilt-half method. A trial test gave reliability estimates of 069 to 086, and the hypotheses were tested at a .05 level of significance using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Analysis. The results of the analysis revealed a significant relationship between acquisition, weeding, and preservation of library collection and the use of library materials. Based on the findings, it was recommended, among others, that: Government should pay more attention to funding and acquisition of library materials for academic libraries.

CCTV as an efficient surveillance system? An assessment from 24 academic libraries of India

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the potential and adoption of closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance-based security system (hereafter “CCTV”) for enhancing the security of library materials in academic libraries of universities (central, state, deemed and private) and prestigious institutions such as Indian Institutes of Technology and Indian Institutes of Management in a developing country, i.e. India. The study also overviewed the CCTV policies of the studied libraries of universities/institutions as they relate to the ethical aspects of the surveillance system.Design/methodology/approachStructured questionnaire was designed and distributed among librarians of 24 academic libraries covering each zone of India in October 2019 in both physical and online manner. All 24 filled-in questionnaires were collected personally and online by the investigator were found valid eliciting a response rate of 100%. All the 24 filled-in questionnaires were included in the analysis of the interpretation of data. The response to 18 questions was analyzed in the form of tables and figures using descriptive statistical methods.FindingsThe study reveals that librarians’ found CCTV useful for security by controlling theft, unethical losses and missing items. It also helped to curb mutilation and vandalism, procurement of the rare material via the latest camera devices and night vision capturing, besides improving the service efficiency of the patron, as well as staff. The quantitative study surveyed security professionals to assess how each university/institution developed, deployed and integrated CCTV policies related to securing video data, safeguarding privacy and prevention of the potential for the unethical use of surveillance cameras. The analysis of the survey responses determined that more than 50% of the universities/institutions participating had a written CCTV policy. Further, library professionals find that the future of libraries lies in a CCTV system, so the cost should be brought down to improve return on investment by the mass adoption of this technology in a developing country such as India.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of the study showed that the potential uses of CCTV in Indian libraries are slow compared to that of the libraries of developed countries and some of the developing countries. Many of the CCTV policies that universities/institutions did have failed to include mandated training of personnel or provisions ensuring that their policies remained up-to-date. It is suggested that universities and institutions understudy should realize the benefits of CCTV systems and incorporate-related updated tools in the security and multi-purpose uses in the libraries to enhance the services for the users and security for the materials or collections.Practical implicationsThe paper includes implications for libraries and their professionals to approach CCTV systems with ethical considerations for procurement of library collections, which help to detect mutilation/theft, observe the misbehavior of users, as well as staff and deployment, should not be decided merely while balancing security demands.Social implicationsThe study is significant because it represents one of the earliest works to shed light on the current level of the use of CCTV system by librarians of studied libraries of universities/institutes in developing country such as India and how they are providing CCTV-based security and services, which are currently in its primitive nature. The study also suggested that select libraries are required to weigh up and balance many competing desires, demands and objectives.Originality/valueThis paper provides a concise overview of the various applications/area and uses of CCTV system including its procedures during implementation, merits and demerits while using the system described above in libraries and recommends this technology to other libraries for faster and better services for their users and security to their library materials in today’s technological advancement. It provides a set of issues that should be considered before system adoption or deployment.

American Sermons, Series 1 & 2, 1652‐1819

American Sermons is one of the latest offerings from Readex, which describes itself as a publisher of “many of the most widely used collections of primary source research materials in academic libraries” (<<ext-link ext-link-type="uri" xlink:href="https://www.readex.com/who-we-are-what-we-do">https://www.readex.com/who-we-are-what-we-do</ext-link>>). This database contains over 8,000 sermons and tools to analyze quickly across multiple original source documents.There are a handful of other sermon indexes and full-text databases, both Open Access and subscription-based; this product offers several robust and unique features that help to set it apart from others of its kind.

Enhancing access to reading materials in academic libraries with low budgets using a book bank system: Makerere university library experience

ABSTRACTMost universities are enrolling large numbers of students amidst dwindling budgets. This leads to reduced book- to student ratios. Makerere University started a Book Bank system to ensure availability of basic text books to students. The aim of this paper was to assess whether the Book Bank system was a viable strategy for enhancing access to reading materials in academic libraries with low budgets. Findings revealed that the Book Bank system was appreciated and 92% of the students used Book Banks. Concludes that the Book Bank is a possible strategy for enhancing access to reading materials in academic libraries with low budgets.

Digitizaton of Library Materials In Academic Libraries: Issues for Consideration

Academic libraries are increasingly becoming digital conscious. Hundreds of libraries and allied institutions all over the world have been launching projects designed to digitize their collections in response to the global information exchange and for wide outreach. Digital libraries are increasingly being recognized as efficient channels for the collection, storage organization of information in digital formats and for their ease of searching, retrieval and processing of information via improved communication networks. Digitization is a process in which materials are converted from the hard copies to electronic copies. This paper discusses the reasons for digitization and explains the processes and methodology of digitization. Issues and challenges involved in the process of digitization are also highlighted. The paper recommends, among others, that academic libraries should draw policies on digital libraries and digitized resources. It reiterates that the introduction of new policies must come with the challenge of not being ratified early enough for the specific activity of digitization to take off, but strong leadership is required to ensure the ratification of policies as quickly as possible in order that digitization projects are not stalled in our academic libraries.

Public procurement legislation and the acquisition of library materials in academic libraries in Malawi

Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to examine the challenges and opportunities the new public procurement legislation has created for academic librarians as regards the acquisition of library materials in academic libraries (university/college libraries) in Malawi. Design/methodology/approach – The study used a multi-method approach. Quantitative data were collected through questionnaires. The questionnaires were sent online to the university/college libraries of seven major accredited public universities in Malawi. After an initial analysis of that data, qualitative data on patterns were obtained through a mailing listserve with all the possible 19 librarians. Responses were analysed and categorised using a thematic approach. Findings – Academic libraries (university/college libraries) are involved in the internal procurement committees. Librarians are represented in internal procurement committees, though their representation differs from one institution to another. All the academic libraries (university/college libraries) either use the centralised or independent procurement methods. As a result, the public university libraries deal with agents as independents. Working as independents has negatively affected the libraries, as materials are procured at different prices and sometimes at higher prices, thereby ignoring the value for money. Research limitations/implications – In academic libraries, the library consortia have pulled resources towards a basket fund for wide access and cheaper licensing. However, for print library materials, a collaborative procurement process in which the academic libraries identify an agent capable of achieving a supplier list and then purchase directly from the preferred suppliers seems not to have been tried in the most developing countries. Practical implications – The study suggests that academic libraries (university/college libraries) should emulate the library consortia approach when dealing with agents. The academic libraries should consider collaborative procurement models as a means of procuring library materials. Originality/value – Since the enactment of the public procurement legislation in Malawi, no research has been documented on the challenges and opportunities the public procurement act and the acquisition of library materials. This research seeks to bridge the literature gap.

Conflict between Contract Law and Copyright Law in Canada: Do Licence Agreements Trump Userss Rights?

I argue in this paper that it is not a settled issue in Canadian law that copyright exceptions provided in the Canadian Copyright Act can be trumped by contractual agreement, and that a strong argument can be made that they cannot. I first frame the issue by discussing the increasing use of digital rather than print materials in academic libraries, and the potential conflict between subscription agreements and the Copyright Act. I then address three approaches (jurisdictional, purposive, and statutory right) that can be taken to determine whether contractual terms are preempted by statutory provisions, and conclude that, in Canada, copyright exceptions are statutory rights that cannot be removed by contract. Finally, I briefly discuss technological protection measures and argue that their recent inclusion in the Copyright Act does not necessarily indicate legislative support for private ordering.

Digitization of Library Materials in Academic Libraries: Issues and Challenges

Digitization as a method of preservation is now a global phenomenon as well as the new trend in managing a library collection especially precious ones among academic libraries. This paper discusses the reasons for digitization and also explains the processes and methodology of digitization. Issues and challenges involved in the process of digitization are also highlighted. Such major deterrents in the project include legal aspect and finances. Other factors are also discussed and the ways forward to the hindrances highlighted. This paper establishes that there are challenges militating against the digitization of academic libraries and concludes with the remarks that although digitization is a challenge still information professionals/librarians must meet with the practical skills and the vision to implement it in a controlled and manageable fashion. 

Serving the whole person: popular materials in academic libraries

PurposeThis paper seeks to provide support and direction for academic libraries collecting popular materials.Design/methodology/approachThis paper offers a case study format supplemented by statistical and descriptive analyses.FindingsThe paper presents literature and case history‐based information on the debate surrounding popular materials collection in academic libraries. The case study provides concrete, cost‐effective steps for academic libraries to use in building popular materials collections.Practical implicationsThe authors make the case for support of popular materials collections through detailed evaluation of circulation records.Originality/valueThis paper offers a level of statistical analysis of circulation records unique to the library literature on popular materials collection. It also provides a distinctive case history of the evolution of a successful collection and includes easily adaptable steps.

Rare material in academic libraries

PurposeThis paper aims to summarize the importance of rare materials for academic libraries, including developments since the arrival of the internet and the effects of declining library budgets.Design/methodology/approachThe authors reviewed the literature on the subject coupled with their experiences with collection development.FindingsCollecting rare materials remains important for scholarly research, though harder to justify during a period of budget stringency. Academic libraries should discover creative ways to discover and add rare materials to their collections. Rare materials require special expertise in their acquisition, processing, storage, and use. Digitization is making rare materials more accessible but cannot substitute for the use of the originals in all cases.Practical implicationsThe authors provide a summary of recent thought on the status of rare materials in academic libraries – for libraries that include such collections or for those interested in increasing their holdings of rare materials.Originality/valueThe paper provides a summary of recent trends in collecting rare materials in academic libraries.

Adoption of electronic reference materials in academic libraries of Iran

Libraries have experienced a great deal of change in communication networks and information technology. The Iranian academic libraries, like other libraries, attempted to adopt the new information technology. It should be realized that although new information technologies and electronic resources are collected on a large scale by academic libraries they are not always used in the same scale. There are some factors, which affect the rate of adoption of each new technology. Rogers in his theory introduced these factors in five categories as relative advantage, observability, trial- ability, complexity and compatibility. This paper investigates the effects of different features of electronic reference materials on the rate of their adoption. Results show that the most effective factors in adoption of electronic reference materials are the ability of electronic reference materials to facilitate information retrieval, shortening the time of searching and fair cost of resources. In addition, it seems that the most problematic factors, which slow down the adoption of electronic reference materials, stem from unfamiliarity of academic librarians and users with computers and searching of databases.

Percentage based allocation of an academic library materials budget

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to describe the process of determining a fund allocation process that would further collection development goals by reflecting the university curriculum and support towards different programs.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on a library's experience in using a Percentage Based Allocation formula.Findings – The author describes the process and steps that led to the decision to use a Percentage Based Allocation formula, and the results of its implementation.Practical implications – An allocation process that is tied into other collection development activities (a collection development policy; vendor slip plan profiles) strengthens the collecting goals of a library as a whole.Originality/value – This article provides a model that other libraries can use as a template for developing their own budget allocation processes.

The cost effectiveness of science journals

The R&D community, 90 percent of which is off campus, depends on academic library materials but is disregarded by the managers of science library collections. Recommendations are made for reforms in library management, evaluation of science journals by libraries, and management by publishers.

Librarians′ Attitudes towards Theft and Mutilation of Library Materials in Academic Libraries in Nigeria

Considers theft and mutilation of items of library stock in the light of their common occurrence, particularly among students. Discusses the attitudes of library staff in Nigeria to these problems from the results of a literature and questionnaire survey.

THE MONOGRAPHIC CATALOGER AND THE ARTIST'S BOOK: THE IDEAL READER

THE MONOGRAPHIC CATALOGER AND THE ARTIST'S BOOK: THE IDEAL READER

Beyond Print: Object Collections in Academic Libraries

The academic library clings to its etymological roots; even a term such as “alternative materials” connotes print. Still, because of the recognition of recreational or instructional values, some audiovisual (AV) formats—traditionally, the sight‐sound media of film, recordings, and graphics— have become accepted (if not wholly embraced) in academic collections. Whether these nonprint materials are bibliographically and physically accessible is problematical: AV is often purchased from different budgets, housed separately, and indexed by a system different from that for the print collection. Nonprint also includes three‐dimensional objects (3D), materials equally useful as supplements to the printed page: a model, a simulation, the “real thing” itself. The literature indicates these materials are increasingly important in school and public library collections. We ask then, should objects be part of academic library collections, and what is the present status of these materials in academic libraries?

An acquisitions decision model for academic libraries

AbstractA decision model for book acquisitions has been developed to simulate the intellectual processes used in acquiring these materials in academic libraries. It consists of a flow chart, weighted inputs and an equation, which when solved indicates whether a library should add the title to its collection, refer it to a cooperative group, defer the decision or drop it altogether. Inputs to the model need further study and development, but the model is a step in defining and quantifying the decision process.

Organizing and Collecting Non-Print Materials In Academic Libraries

Organizing and Collecting Non-Print Materials In Academic Libraries