This paper presents a novel approach to designing an online, open-source course in systems librarianship, an area of librarianship that may be perceived as complex and intimidating because of the technologies involved. The course design focuses on making systems librarianship more approachable for library and information science students who may…

By digitizing its collections and adopting a wide range of interactive tools, the Smithsonian can engage billions of people worldwide and power collaboration across nations and disciplines. The Smithsonian Institution can share its expertise and resources with K-12 schools and speed scientific discovery by giving scholars ready access to the…

After providing access to over 100 video interviews conducted by a professor with notable entertainers and personalities from film through an institutional repository, an experiment was conducted to discover whether a larger audience could be gained by adding a subset of 32 of these videos to YouTube. The results, over 400,000 views, indicate that…

The technology of the 21st century has had no shortage of challenges for libraries, but it has also brought opportunities. Operating systems, databases, and application environments that can use cheap off-the-shelf hardware to scale and handle hundreds of millions of transactions were not developed for libraries. However, libraries have taken…

Montana State University (MSU) Libraries (where the authors serve as web services librarian and digital initiatives librarian, respectively) is perhaps unique because it has no current periodicals room due to lack of space. As a result, finding current journals for research is difficult for its patrons, who do not always know how or where to…

At their core, XML feeds are content-delivery vehicles. This fact has not always been highlighted in library conversations surrounding RSS and ATOM. The authors have looked to extend the conversation by offering a proof of concept application using RSS as a means to deliver all types of library data: PDFs, docs, images, video--to people where and…

Moving materials from receipt of the shipment to distribution to branches within 48 hours is such a hassle among members of the technical services department of Columbus Metropolitan Library. However, these issues challenged them to find alternative solutions to achieve their goals. After reviewing the in and outs of their department and making a…

Sooner Xpress service arose out of a need to improve and expand services for library users at the University of Oklahoma. After several years of service for our distance education students, a decision was made to expand those services to include all campus and local users in an effort to streamline retrieval services in the library. Both…

This article outlines a pilot project to offer a personalized online library service to Open University MBA alumni. A review of the literature and results of a desktop analysis of other UK Higher Education alumni library services are included. Content procurement and systems issues are considered along with the underlying organizational, resource…

A description of the growth and development of the New York State Interlibrary Loan Network (NYSILL) from its inception in 1976 to its status in 1977, is followed by discussions of the various aspects of the network, reexamining its ability to meet its objectives and proposing recommendations for improvement. These discussions include (1) the…

Reviews publications for 1981 pertaining to cataloging and bibliographic control of serials, standardization and automation developments in the bibliographic control of serials, serial union list development, serials delivery systems (including electronic publishing), and library serials departments. A 52-item bibliography is included. (JL)

Describes the components and procedures involved in implementing St. John's University's (New York) document delivery system, which uses University Microfilm International's PowerPackages product in conjunction with the Multi-Project for Automated Library System used by Westchester Academic Libraries Director's Organization. Evaluates the impact…

Describes the development of library services at AT&T Bell Labs, which led to the creation of a large variety of services and computerized systems. The discussion covers the effects of divestiture on the present network and plans for future growth. A comprehensive list of the current information product line is provided. (16 references)…

Discusses why innovation is important for technical services and lists requirements: the ability to envision the future, the use of intuitive thinking and creativity, and well-managed implementation. Examines systems for verification and delivery of bibliographic records (OCLCs Passport for Windows and PromptCat), and outsourcing and…

This handbook provides information about the origin, organization, and projects of the Ontario (Canada) Universities' Library Cooperative System (OULCS). A history of the system's development covers definition of responsibilities, guidelines for operation, and establishment of staff and committees. An organization chart delineates the interaction…