"No Deal: German Researchers’ Publishing and Citing Behaviours after Big Deal Negotiations with Elsevier"


In 2014, a union of German research organisations established Projekt DEAL, a national-level project to negotiate licensing agreements with large scientific publishers. Negotiations between DEAL and Elsevier began in 2016, and broke down without a successful agreement in 2018; in this time, around 200 German research institutions cancelled their license agreements with Elsevier, leading Elsevier to restrict journal access at those institutions. We investigated the effect on researchers’ publishing and citing behaviours from a bibliometric perspective, using a dataset of ~400,000 articles published by researchers at DEAL institutions between 2012–2020. We further investigated these effects with respect to the timing of contract cancellations, research disciplines, collaboration patterns, and article open-access status. We find evidence for a decrease in Elsevier’s market share of articles from DEAL institutions, with the largest year-on-year market share decreases occuring from 2018 to 2020 following the implementation of access restrictions. We also observe year-on-year decreases in the proportion of citations, although the decrease is smaller. We conclude that negotiations with Elsevier and access restrictions have led to some reduced willingness to publish in Elsevier journals, but that researchers are not strongly affected in their ability to cite Elsevier articles, implying that researchers use other methods to access scientific literature.

https://doi.org/10.1162/qss_a_00255

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Digital Humanities Librarian at University of South Dakota


The University Libraries seek a teacher, scholar and public historian who will serve as the Digital Humanities Librarian and advance the teaching, research and service mission of the University of South Dakota. This newly-created position will lead a university-wide digital humanities initiative that will engage students, support faculty, advance open access to the humanities collections of the University Libraries, develop partnerships across the state of South Dakota, and secure substantial external funding to sustain a programmatic effort.

https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu/postings/34227

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"Which Factors are Associated with Open Access Publishing? A Springer Nature Case Study"


Open Access (OA) facilitates access to articles. But, authors or funders often must pay the publishing costs preventing authors who do not receive financial support from participating in OA publishing and citation advantage for OA articles. OA may exacerbate existing inequalities in the publication system rather than overcome them. To investigate this, we studied 522,411 articles published by Springer Nature. Employing correlation and regression analyses, we describe the relationship between authors affiliated with countries from different income levels, their choice of publishing model, and the citation impact of their papers. A machine learning classification method helped us to explore the importance of different features in predicting the publishing model. The results show that authors eligible for APC waivers publish more in gold-OA journals than other authors. In contrast, authors eligible for an APC discount have the lowest ratio of OA publications, leading to the assumption that this discount insufficiently motivates authors to publish in gold-OA journals. We found a strong correlation between the journal rank and the publishing model in gold-OA journals, whereas the OA option is mostly avoided in hybrid journals. Also, results show the countries’ income level, seniority, and experience with OA publications as the most predictive factors for OA publishing in hybrid journals.

https://doi.org/10.1162/qss_a_00253

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| Digital Scholarship |

Makerspace Librarian at NC State University


The Makerspace Librarian supports the day-to-day operation of the Makerspace program based in the Hill Library, including assisting patrons with their technical needs; maintaining and recommending specialized equipment (such as 3D printers and scanners and laser cutters) and associated component and supplies inventories; monitoring hardware and software configurations; and updating web content related to these services. The incumbent supports student and faculty learning through consultations, workshops and course-based instruction, and web-based tutorials and other learning content. They oversee and conduct room scheduling, laptop maintenance, and space management procedures. They recruit, hire, supervise, and develop student and temporary staff.

https://bit.ly/3LbtbxZ

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"Generative AI and Copyright Policy From the Creator-User’s Perspective"


As scholars Mark Lemley and Bryan Casey persuasively argue in their paper Fair Learning, we should generally permit generative AI tools that in effect learn from past works in ways that facilitate creation of new, distinct ones. While some claim that generative AI systems are simply engines for ‘collage’ or ‘plagiarism,’ copying previous expressions into new works, this isn’t an accurate description of how most tools work. Instead, generative AI extracts information that then is used to inform generation of new material; for instance, by looking at many pictures of dogs, it can extract information about what dogs look like, and can then help a user draw dogs, or by looking at many pieces of art labeled as Surrealist, it can help a user create new works in the style of Surrealism. In effect, these are tools that aid new creators in their learning and building on past works.

https://bit.ly/3GVNhK5

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Data Services Librarian for the Sciences at Harvard University (Extended Deadline)


Harvard Library is seeking a creative and self-motivated individual to help develop and coordinate research data services focused on the sciences and engineering in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS). As a functional liaison, the Data Services Librarian for the Sciences (DSLS) will work with relevant stakeholders in developing guidelines and workflows of data management services to ensure good research practice, protection of intellectual property, proper storage and security of research data, compliance with relevant regulations, and appropriate access to research data. New outreach and programming developed by the DSLS will demonstrate an understanding of relevant subject data repositories, the research landscape, the role of campus partnerships, and the capabilities and limits of library support.

https://www.click2apply.net/GKPdglF42gx7Lt7mxtk6jM

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"Rights and Retention Strategy: a Primer from UKRN"


One of the largest publishers, Springer Nature, noted in April 2021 that in some cases they will effectively ignore rights retention language in manuscripts and require a transfer of copyright. This could create a conflict for the publisher once the manuscript has been editorially accepted. However, having already asserted and documented a CC-BY licence, you have the rights you need to reuse the manuscript. If concerned, you could seek confirmation from the editor that you can retain your rights before submitting your manuscript.

https://doi.org/10.31219/osf.io/2ajsg

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Team Lead for Core Technology and Applications at University of Colorado Boulder


The Team Lead plans and implements technology strategy for the Libraries including development and operations of library applications and collaborates with leadership to determine ongoing needs and strategic direction of technology. They oversee infrastructure for library assessment, digital collections, scholarly publishing, and other crucial services. They also coordinate with outside vendors and the Office of IT on campus to deliver services including desktop support, server/storage management and administration, classroom/conference room A/V, the library services platform, and other shared initiatives.

https://bit.ly/41kFHRx

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Class E Felony: "Tennessee Bill Would Punish Publishers for Selling ‘Obscene’ Material"


It is currently awaiting Governor Bill Lee’s approval to become law. Under this bill, violations would be considered a Class E felony, and publishers or distributers could be fined between $10,000 and $100,000.

https://bit.ly/40m7lfl

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Repository Network Co-ordinator at UK Data Archive


The primary purpose of this post is to manage our role in the FAIR IMPACT project (https://fair-impact.eu/) which is developing practices for ensuring that data are findable, accessible, interoperable and re-usable (FAIR) towards the development of a European Open Science Cloud (EOSC). This pivotal role will manage standards and best practice development, mentor support in achieving trustworthy digital repository status through the CoreTrustSeal and leading on the development of a network of trusted repositories.

https://bit.ly/3A9fpWh

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"EDUCAUSE QuickPoll Results: Adopting and Adapting to Generative AI in Higher Ed Tech"


Asked about their agreement with specific statements about generative AI, a strong majority of respondents (83%) agreed that these technologies will profoundly change higher education in the next three to five years (see table 1). These changes could be positive or negative. More respondents agreed than disagreed that generative AI would make their job easier and would have more benefits than drawbacks. However, more respondents agreed than disagreed that the use of generative AI in higher education makes them nervous, perhaps an acknowledgment of the potential risks of these technologies, however beneficial

https://bit.ly/3GTzdkf

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Research & Scholarly Communications Librarian at University of Sunderland


This new post provides the opportunity to contribute to an exciting new remit for University Library Services — the leadership and support of the University’s research output and research data management. We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with proven knowledge and experience of scholarly research output support and excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills, who will actively engage the University research community.

https://bit.ly/3opSaEP

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"Are Searches in OCR-generated Archives Trustworthy?"


The accuracy of searches was tested by performing sample searches of leading newspaper databases. The test revealed several weaknesses in the search process, including an average 18 percent error rate for single words in body text, and a far higher error rates for advertisements. Such high error rates encourage a critical look at the 20-year-old sector.

https://doi.org/10.1515/jbwg-2023-0003

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Head of Digital Programs at Smithsonian Institution


The Information Technology Specialist (INET) serves as the Head of Digital Programs. The incumbent manages, develops, implements and maintains a comprehensive set of digital programs to ensure every classroom and household has access to the Smithsonian’s digital content.

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/718470300

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"Is the Library Responsible for Open Access Compliance?"


In this scenario, the research office would be responsible for complying with the new open access mandates — just as it is for all other research funder obligations. Perhaps the research office would arrange Green deposits. Perhaps it would ensure that grant submissions to federal agencies include funds to cover APCs. Perhaps it would negotiate publishing services agreements with preferred vendors. Perhaps it would take a lax approach, assuming that there are few likely consequences to uneven compliance with this mandate.

https://bit.ly/3KMZ92e

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Paywall: "We Need a Plan D"


Researchers, institutions and funders should collaborate to develop an overarching strategy for data preservation — a plan D. There will doubtless be calls for a ‘PubMed Central for data’. But what we really need is a federated system of repositories with functionality tailored to the information that they archive. This will require domain experts to agree standards for different types of data from different fields: what should be archived and when, which format, where, and for how long.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41592-023-01817-y

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Web Applications Developer at North Carolina State University


Responsibilities include architecting, developing, and supporting new and active applications, selecting and deploying web frameworks, and implementing automated testing and configuration management as appropriate. Discovery Systems supports a wide range of applications spanning multiple programming languages including PHP, Python, Ruby, and Java; the incumbent will be matched with a portfolio based on their existing skills and development goals. The position reports to the Discovery Systems Manager.

https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/182342

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The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities: "Europe’s Academic Publishing System Must Become Sustainable and Equitable"


The Guild expresses its concerns over the current financial unsustainability of the academic publishing system in Europe. The rise of open-access models requiring article-processing charges (APCs) has worsened the issue, contributing to inequalities and dissuading researchers from publishing their work in the most appropriate outlets.

In response, The Guild strongly supports the draft of the Council conclusions on scholarly publishing in its calls to support non-APC-based open-access models, have APC commensurate to publication services provided, and to ensure academic publishing remains aimed at research excellence and integrity. We fully endorse the Council’s recognition of the increasing costs of paywalls for access to scientific publications as well as scholarly publishing. Therefore, The Guild calls for the development of alternative models that do not charge fees to authors or readers.

https://bit.ly/40gV3os

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Digital Records Archivist at University of Minnesota


The Digital Records Archivist serves a core operational role and provides measurable impact for the University of Minnesota in developing and sustaining the preservation of digital records and publications through a variety of approaches, including the University of Minnesota’s institutional repository, the University Digital Conservancy (UDC); the University of Minnesota web archiving program; and the digital records program of the University Archives. The Digital Records Archivist is part of a team within the University Archives and works closely with the Libraries’ Digital Preservation and Repository Technologies unit and Electronic Records Management Group.

https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Find-Job

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Paywall: "Google Devising Radical Search Changes to Beat Back A.I. Rivals"


Google’s employees were shocked when they learned in March that the South Korean consumer electronics giant Samsung was considering replacing Google with Microsoft’s Bing as the default search engine on its devices. . . .Google’s reaction to the Samsung threat was "panic," according to internal messages reviewed by The New York Times. An estimated $3 billion in annual revenue was at stake with the Samsung contract. An additional $20 billion is tied to a similar Apple contract that will be up for renewal this year.

https://bit.ly/3MQjYfD

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Metadata Librarian at University of California, Riverside


The Metadata Librarian will foster and promote innovative development and implementation of creative and sustainable metadata for digital collections, and will be responsible for original and complex metadata creation, modification, and enhancement for library resources in all formats (print and non-print) and in multiple languages. The incumbent will also assume a leadership role in the design and implementation of Library projects where metadata is an essential component, providing staff training, resource description, and metadata analysis. Under general direction from the Head of Metadata & Technical Services, the Metadata Librarian will ingest, update, and maintain metadata in the content management system. Collaborates with a team of colleagues working on digitization and discovery of content.

https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/JPF01712

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Paywall: "Which Nationals Use Sci-Hub Mostly?"


Considering the result, the author argues that academic users in South American countries may use Sci-Hub more frequently than their counterparts in the rest of the world. Moreover, users in the Global North also rely on Sci-Hub to complete their research as well. The new evidence on Google Scholar proves the universal use of Sci-Hub across the world.

https://doi.org/10.1080/0361526X.2023.2193613

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Japan Digital Projects Coordinator at Harvard University


Working under the supervision of Japan Digital Scholarship Librarian (JDSL) of the Japan Digital Research Center library (JDRC), the Japan Digital Projects Coordinator assists to implement the initiatives and activities of the JDRC and is responsible in coordinating its day-to-day operations. The Japan Digital Projects Coordinator will play a critical role in the facilitating the development of digital materials and preservation of analog-to-digital and born-digital assets in coordination with other libraries across campus.

https://bit.ly/3GKoHf2

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Paywall: "When the Big Deal Gets Smaller: Use of ScienceDirect after Cancellations "


This study investigates how article downloads from ScienceDirect changed after Temple University Libraries downsized its all-inclusive Elsevier big deal bundle to a selective custom package. After the libraries lost current-year access to nearly half of Elsevier’s active journals, the total downloads from Elsevier journals declined by 16.2 percent over three years. Combined use of still-subscribed and open access journals fell 10.6 percent in the same three years. . . . Reliance on open access appears to have increased.

https://muse.jhu.edu/article/887660

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