Month: July 2010

University of Southampton’s School of Electronics and Computer Science Releases All Public Data in Open Linked Data Format

The University of Southampton's School of Electronics and Computer Science has released all of its public data in an open linked data format.

Here's an excerpt from the press release:

In what is believed also to be a world-first, ECS has become the UK’s first University department to release all its public data in open linked data format.

The School of Electronics and Computer Science (ECS) at the University of Southampton is at the forefront of the open linked data initiative through the work of its Professors Sir Tim Berners-Lee and Nigel Shadbolt.

Now, in accordance with the spirit of the initiative, ECS has released all its own data for public reuse. This includes data about research papers in the EPrints archive (announced this in the official global rankings as one of the top ten in the world), people in the School, research groups, teaching modules, seminars and events, buildings and rooms.

All public (RDF) data from rdf.ecs.soton.ac.uk and eprints.ecs.soton.ac.uk is now available and can be reused for any legal purpose, including derivative works and commercial use. The School has opted for a creative commons public domain (CC0) license to allow the data to be reused.

Christopher Gutteridge, ECS Web Projects Manager, comments: "We believe that in the future this will become common practice for certain types of open data, and it is our responsibility to lead the way in setting the standards of best practice."

"We have decided not to make attribution of our data a legal requirement, as this makes it difficult to create large scale mashups."

"So, rather than "MUST attribute", our policy is 'please attribute'. Obviously an attribution would be nice, but we don't want to restrict innovation by requiring it under all circumstances."

Professor Nigel Shadbolt comments: "The University of Southampton has pioneered some of the most important developments in the Semantic Web and Open Access in recent years. This announcement will ensure more data is released in the right format to enable new innovative uses of the information."

"This kind of open data policy will become the standard by which all public institutions are judged. Working with the UK government over the past year Tim Berners-Lee and I have been looking to change everyone's attitude to data. Publicly-held non-personal data is now being released all over the country and as this continues we'll see innovation to exploit it and applications that use it." . . .

More information on the available data from ECS: http://id.ecs.soton.ac.uk/docs/.

Digital Collections Archivist at American University in Cairo

The American University in Cairo is recruiting a Digital Collections Archivist.

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

Reporting to the University Archivist, the DCA manages AUC’s Digital Archive and Research Repository (DSpace-based) including supervising all digital holdings (photographs, video, audio files), setting standards for digital preservation and metadata, providing training for staff, collaborating on development, policies, and storage space matters for the repository with other university units, managing the ingest of electronic theses, dissertations (ETDs) and faculty publications and coordinating policies and procedures with academic administration, computing, student affairs and other university units.

The position also oversees the encoding of archival finding aids (XML, EAD), creates MARC records using Innovative Interfaces Millenium Metadata Builder, manages ArchiveIt subscription service, the RBSCL’s website, news blog, online subject guides, and social media sites. There will also be opportunities to collaborate on fundraising efforts, mounting exhibitions, and other RBSCL-wide tasks.

"The Semantic Web, Linked and Open Data: A Briefing Paper"

JISC CETIS has released "The Semantic Web, Linked and Open Data: A Briefing Paper."

Here's an excerpt:

This briefing paper will provide a high level overview of key concepts relating to the Semantic Web, semantic technologies, linked and open data; along with references to relevant examples and standards. The briefing is intended to provide a starting point for those within the teaching and learning community who may have come across the concept of semantic technologies and the Semantic Web but who do not regard themselves as experts and wish to learn more. The examples and links are intended as starting points for further exploration.

Information Technology Specialist at Texas Library Association

The Texas Library Association is recruiting an Information Technology Specialist. Salary: $55,000-$60,000.

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

  • Oversees contract for technology support for the Association. Coordinates strategic technology planning. Troubleshoots and resolves technology problems.
  • Oversees the design and implementation of system security measures (e.g., backups, access control, and disaster recovery). Designs and implements plan for archiving TLA electronic internal and external materials and provides searchable archive of materials available to the public.
  • Monitors trends and recommends new technologies for internal operations and for member communications and education. Researches, recommends, and implements hardware and software upgrades.
  • Collaborates with members and staff to implement and constantly update short and long-term technology goals for the Association. Provides oversight for implementation of any adopted long-range technology plan.
  • Analyzes and evaluates existing and potential social media and their application to the library environment. Manages and oversees the successful implementation of social networking services for members and staff.

A Guide to Web Preservation

The JISC-funded PoWR project has releasd A Guide to Web Preservation.

Here's an excerpt:

The [JISC PoWR] project handbook was published in November 2008. Since then we have seen a growing awareness of the importance of digital preservation in general and in the preservation of web resources (including web pages, web-based applications and websites) in particular. The current economic crisis and the expected cuts across public sector organisations mean that a decade of growth and optimism is now over – instead we can expect to see reduced levels of funding available within the sector which will have an impact on the networked services which are used to support teaching and learning and research activities.

The need to manage the implications of these cutbacks is likely to result in a renewed interest in digital preservation. We are therefore pleased to be able to publish this new guide, based on the original PoWR: The Preservation of Web Resources Handbook, which provides practical advice to practitioners and policy makers responsible for the provision of web services.

Digital Repository Librarian at University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin Libraries are recruiting a Digital Repository Librarian. Salary: $54,996.

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

To serve as the Project Manager for the University of Texas Digital Repository (UTDR) whose purpose is to collect, record, provide access to, and archive the scholarly and research works of the University of Texas at Austin, as well as works that reflect the intellectual and service environment of the campus. . . .

Coordinate the operations of the UT Digital Repository (UTDR), including planning workflow and administrative tasks involving programmatic and collaborative work for the UTDR team. Provide regular written and verbal communications with content providers, repository support team members, library staff, and collection curators. Plan and implement outreach efforts, including creating marketing and training materials that promote the use of and the deposit of content into the UT Digital Repository. Collaborate with faculty and teaching assistants to incorporate library resources into Blackboard or other course management systems. Contribute to the work of digital initiatives within the University of Texas Libraries. Maintain awareness of and engagement with national and international trends and developments for institutional repositories. Participate in library committees, task forces, and special projects, particularly those related to digital initiatives and institutional repositories. Engage in ongoing professional development and service to the library, university and the library profession.

"The Accessibility of Open Access Materials in Libraries"

Sigi Jöttkandt has self-archived "The Accessibility of Open Access Materials in Libraries" in E-LIS.

Here's an excerpt:

Librarians often champion open access (OA) as a sustainable alternative to the current scholarly communications system, which is widely accepted as being in a state of crisis. However, there has been little insight into how far libraries are making this support tangible by providing access to OA publications in their OPACs and other library pathways. This study conducted a large-scale survey of US library holdings to determine the extent that records of journals from the Directory of Open Access Journals are held by WorldCat-affiliated Academic libraries. It then followed up with a questionnaire inquiring into the attitudes and practices of librarians from 100 libraries that were ranked highest out of the total population in terms of their holdings of DOAJ journals. The main objective of the study was to develop a better understanding of the factors influencing the incorporation of OA materials into a university library’s holdings, where and by what means they typically appear on library websites, and how librarians feel about having these materials in their collections. Our findings suggest that the majority (54%) of WorldCat-affiliated US academic libraries have at least one record for a DOAJ journal in their holdings. It additionally suggests that librarians from institutions holding high numbers of DOAJ records generally have very positive attitudes towards OA, even though most of the respondents from these institutions were largely unaware that their holdings were more heavily weighted towards DOAJ records than at comparable institutions. Regarding library selection of OA titles, a journal’s subject matter was highlighted as a more important consideration than its access model. Additional findings suggest that large publishers of OA journals tend to have a higher representation in library holdings than smaller independent publishers.

Millennials Will Make Online Sharing in Networks a Lifelong Habit

The Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project has released Millennials Will Make Online Sharing in Networks a Lifelong Habit.

Here's an excerpt:

In a survey about the future impact of the internet, a solid majority of technology experts and stakeholders said the Millennial generation will lead society into a new world of personal disclosure and information-sharing using new media. These experts said the communications patterns "digital natives" have already embraced through their use of social networking technology and other social technology tools will carry forward even as Millennials age, form families, and move up the economic ladder.

Scholarly Communications & IR Librarian at Utah State University

Utah State University's Merrill-Cazier Library is recruiting a Scholarly Communications & IR Librarian.

Here's an excerpt from the ad (requisition number: 052174):

Utah State University's Merrill-Cazier Library seeks an energetic, articulate, and well-organized person to develop and manage the University's Digital Commons institutional Repository and Scholarly Communication activities. Reporting to the Head of Digital Initiatives, the position is a 12-month, tenure track, faculty appointment with rank as Assistant Librarian. This position works both independently and in coordination with subject liaison librarians to promote use of the IR as an online journal management system (EdiKit), a repository for faculty publications, and an integrated tool in the scholarly communication process on campus.

EDUCAUSE Quarterly Special Issue on Cloud Computing

EDUCAUSE Quarterly has published a special issue on cloud computing.

Here are some representative articles:

Digital Repository Librarian at North Carolina State University

The North Carolina State University Libraries are recruiting a Digital Repository Librarian.

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

The Digital Repository Librarian explores, adapts, and implements emerging digital repository technologies and provides leadership for projects that advance continuing access to digital content of enduring value produced or maintained at North Carolina State University. Drawing upon a thorough understanding of current trends and new technologies for digital repositories, the incumbent leads the development of new digital repository services and associated technical infrastructure. Working with key stakeholder groups within the library and across the university, she or he contributes to the planning and development of the library's digital repository strategy. She or he will work closely with staff in the Digital Scholarship & Publishing Center, the Special Collections Research Center, Collection Management, and Metadata & Cataloging to assess needs and to develop and implement appropriate tools and workflows. The Digital Repository Librarian will play a leading role in developing the university's digital repository strategy and ensuring that digital repository services provided by the library align with the needs of the NCSU community. She or he participates in library planning, represents the Libraries on university and committees, task forces, and teams, as well as regional and national meetings, consortia, and associations. NCSU Librarians are expected to be active professionally and to contribute to developments in the field. The Digital Repository Librarian supervises a team of two technical staff and reports to the Head, Digital Library Initiatives.

Defending the First Sale Doctrine, Library Copyright Alliance, EFF, and Others File Amicus Curiae Briefs in Costco v. Omega

The Library Copyright Alliance, EFF, and others have filed amicus curiae briefs in Costco v. Omega, an important first sale doctrine case before the Supreme Court. The first sale doctrine is used to support libraries legal right to lend books and other materials.

Here's an excerpt from the Library Copyright Alliance brief:

By restricting the application of Section 109(a) to copies manufactured in the United States, the Ninth Circuit’s decision threatens the ability of libraries to continue to lend materials in their collections. Over 200 million books in U.S. libraries have foreign publishers. Moreover, many books published by U.S. publishers were actually manufactured by printers in other countries. Although some books indicate on their copyright page where they were printed, many do not. Libraries, therefore, have no way of knowing whether these books comply with the Ninth Circuit’s rule. Without the certainty of the protection of the first sale doctrine, librarians will have to confront the difficult policy decision of whether to continue to circulate these materials in their collections in the face of potential copyright infringement liability. For future acquisitions, libraries would be able to adjust to the Ninth Circuit’s narrowing of Section 109(a) only by bearing the significant cost of obtaining a "lending license" whenever they acquired a copy that was not clearly manufactured in the United States.

Read more about it at "Supreme Court Should Uphold the First Sale Doctrine."

Last Week’s DigitalKoans Tweets 2010-07-11

Content Systems Manager at James Madison University

The James Madison University Libraries are recruiting a Content Systems Manager.

Here's an excerpt from the ad (request/posting number: 0403574):

This position will design, develop, administer, and enhance content management systems and related applications for the Libraries. The position will work with the Libraries Digital Services to promote resource discovery and improve access to the Libraries' online collections and lead the Libraries' staff in resolution of issues, improvement of work-flows, and optimal use of systems. . . .

  • Develop, administer, and enhance the Libraries' content management systems, including the LEO/Millennium, Electronic Resource Management, Check for Full Text reference linking, LOCKSS, and federated search software.
  • Promote resource discovery and improve access to the Libraries' collections.
  • Collaborate with others to analyze collection access and management needs and investigate new technologies, recommending system modifications or additional products where appropriate.

Assessment of the Orphan Works Issue and Costs for Rights Clearance

The European Commission has released Assessment of the Orphan Works Issue and Costs for Rights Clearance.

Here's an excerpt:

Orphan works form a significant part of any digitisation project and the survey shows high percentages of orphan works for almost all categories of works, especially among photographs, and audiovisual materials.

  • A conservative estimate of the number of orphan books as a percentage of in copyright books across Europe puts the number at 3 million orphan books (13 % of the total number of in-copyright books). The older the books the higher the percentage of orphan works.
  • When handling requests for using older film material, film archives from across Europe categorized after a search for right holders 129,000 film works as orphan which could therefore not be used. Works that can be presumed to be orphan without actually searching for the right holders augments the figure to approximately 225 000 film works.
  • A digitisation project in the UK found that 95 % of newspapers from before 1912 are orphan. Also, a survey amongst museums in the UK found that the rights holders of 17 million photographs (that is 90% of the total collections of photographs of the museums) could not be traced.

Lead Software Engineer/Software Development Manager at University of California, Santa Barbara

The University of California, Santa Barbara Library is recruiting a Lead Software Engineer/Software Development Manager.

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

The Lead Software Engineer/Software Development Manager provides directions and strategic leadership for the Programming Unit at the Davidson Library. Manages programming personnel of 5 full time programmers working in a variety of programming languages, including hiring, project management, and performance evaluations. Leads the programming unit by positive example in the practice of software engineering. Provide mentoring and leadership to programming personnel. Establishes reasonable goals for programming personnel and assures these goals are met. Acts as technical project manager, actively managing deadlines, deliverables, and programmer time. Under direction from the Acting Director of Library Technologies, determines priorities and sets goals for all software development activity in support of the Library's diverse constituency. Advises Acting Director of Library Technologies and other library personnel on feasibility and appropriateness of all software projects under consideration for the library. Responsible for identifying technical needs for the Library and implementing corresponding solutions. Performs full system design for unique solutions that must smoothly integrate with an existing, complex IT environment. Writes software in a variety of modern languages, working with an existing codebase of unique solutions. Responsible for continuing development and support of Digital Library/Repository/Archive initiatives, ensuring quick response times to issues and bug reports. Coordinates work with affiliates at other institutions across the nation. Performs System and Database administration tasks in a complex environment.

State Funding for Higher Education in FY 2009 and FY 2010

The National Conference of State Legislatures has released State Funding for Higher Education in FY 2009 and FY 2010.

Here's an excerpt:

The following information summarizes the findings for FY 2010, including the impact of ARRA [American Recovery and Reinvestment Act] funds:

  • Thirty-nine of the 46 reporting states used fiscal stabilization funds to support higher education, resulting in a 2.3 percent increase in year-over-year higher education funding. Without ARRA, funding would have decreased 2.5 percent.
  • Ten states reported increases of more than 5 percent in FY 2010 higher education appropriations.
  • Even with the ARRA money, 23 states reported funding decreases from FY 2009 levels, with eight states reporting drops of more than 5 percent. Hawaii and Idaho reported declines of more than 10 percent.

If You Build It, Will They Come? How Researchers Perceive and Use Web 2.0

The Research Information Network has released If You Build It, Will They Come? How Researchers Perceive and Use Web 2.0.

Here's an excerpt:

Over the past 15 years, the web has transformed the way we seek and use information. In the last 5 years in particular a set of innovative techniques—collectively termed 'web 2.0'—have enabled people to become producers as well as consumers of information.

It has been suggested that these relatively easy-to-use tools, and the behaviours which underpin their use, have enormous potential for scholarly researchers, enabling them to communicate their research and its findings more rapidly, broadly and effectively than ever before.

This report is based on a study commissioned by the Research Information Network to investigate whether such aspirations are being realised. It seeks to improve our currently limited understanding of whether, and if so how, researchers are making use of various web 2.0 tools in the course of their work, the factors that encourage or inhibit adoption, and researchers’ attitudes towards web 2.0 and other forms of communication.

Information Technology Specialist (SYSANALYSIS) at Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is recruiting an Information Technology Specialist (SYSANALYSIS). Salary: $89,033-$115,742.

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

This position is located in the Office of Strategic Initiatives at the Library of Congress, and reports to the Project Manager for Digital Initiatives. We are seeking a qualified individual to join us in our efforts to build library and repository systems of the future. The incumbent works with a specialized group of programmers on complex, multi-faceted prototype and production systems, and assists with software analysis, design, development, documentation and implementation of these systems. The successful candidate will work as a member of a team to design, develop, document, and support new or existing software systems within a repository development program. These systems will support acquisition, preservation, and access for a large number of digital collections spanning a wide variety of content types and formats.

Evaluating E-Resources, SPEC Kit 316

ARL has released Evaluating E-Resources, SPEC Kit 316 .

Here's an excerpt from the announcement:

The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) has published Evaluating E-resources, SPEC Kit 316, which re-examines the ways in which ARL member libraries have (re)structured themselves to identify the availability of new e-resources in the market; evaluate them as candidates for acquisition; decide to acquire/purchase the e-resources; evaluate them prior to their renewal to determine their continued utility; and publicize or market the new e-resources. Nearly identical questions were posed regarding purchases/licensing by consortia and by individual libraries, enabling comparisons in process to be made.

By the March deadline, responses had been submitted by 73 of the 124 ARL member libraries for a response rate of 59%. The survey results indicated that both consortia and libraries deploy large amounts of staff resources to build e-resource collections and that identification and assessment activities are conducted as communal activities among consortia staff and librarians from across the organization.

There is a strong and somewhat surprising correlation between the ways in which research libraries use consortia to acquire and evaluate e-resources and the ways in which they directly acquire and evaluate e-resources. There is also a strong correlation in the ways in which these libraries are acquiring and evaluating highly specialized and multidisciplinary e-resources. Yet, despite considerable and widespread involvement of staff, the survey uncovered weaknesses in the procurement processes, policies, and procedures. These shortcomings not only open the potential for wasted staff time and poor decision making, they also carry potential legal ramifications, due to the nature of contractual licensing. The findings of the survey should be considered a call for concerted communication, organization, and action among those responsible for the acquisition and assessment of e-resources in ARL libraries.

This SPEC Kit includes documentation from respondents in the form of e-resource selection policies, e-resource request and evaluation procedures, descriptions of library and consortia e-resource selectors, job descriptions, and promotional methods.

The table of contents and executive summary from this SPEC Kit are available online at http://www.arl.org/bm~doc/spec-316-web.pdf.

Technology Development Librarian at SUNY College at Oneonta

The James M. Milne Library at SUNY College at Oneonta is recruiting a Technology Development Librarian.

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

Assist in creating and supporting a feature-rich, intuitive technology environment for a diverse population of patrons and staff. Participate in maintenance and development of the library's website consistent with campus web strategies. Provide support for new e-content, web programming, and assess technology trends to determine their application to and suitability for the Library. Serve as liaison to academic departments and participate in reference services. The successful candidate will report to the Head of Library Technologies.

Digital Videos of ALA Panel Discussion on Life after the Google Book Search Settlement

The ALA Washington Office has released digital videos of the Panel Discussion on Life after the Google Book Search Settlement at ALA Annual.

Here's an excerpt from the panel announcement:

The ALA Washington Office is hosting the ALA ad hoc Google Task Forces' breakout session titled "Panel Discussion on Life after the Google Book Search Settlement (GBS)" which will explore the possible court rulings – approval, denial or permutation there in – and how libraries would be impacted.. . .

Jonathan Band, intellectual property attorney and counsel for the ALA, will lead the discussion and pose questions to an expert group of panelists. Invited panelists include a representative from Google (Johanna Shelton-confirmed), a professor from the New York University Law School (James Grimmelmann-confirmed), a representative from the U.S. Copyright Office and a librarian from a GBS participating library.

Report on Open Repository Development in Developing and Transition Countries

The eIFL-OA Program has released Report on Open Repository Development in Developing and Transition Countries.

Here's an excerpt:

This study was conducted with the cooperation of eIFL.net, the University of Kansas Libraries, the DRIVER project and Key Perspectives Ltd. The aim was to create an inventory of current digital repository activities in developing and transition countries at both the infrastructure and services level. This is the first attempt to collect such data about digital repository activity in developing and transition countries and we hope this will serve as a useful resource for promoting open access and repository development in these regions.

University Dissertation and Thesis Coordinator at George Mason University

The George Mason University Libraries are recruiting a University Dissertation and Thesis Coordinator.

Here's an excerpt from the ad (position number: FA600z):

The George Mason University Libraries seek a service-oriented and dynamic professional, skilled in communication and instruction, for the position of University Dissertation and Thesis Services (UDTS) Coordinator.

UDTS is the unit in University Libraries, within the Special Collections and Archives (SC&A) department, responsible for dissemination of official university information regarding requirements for completion of theses and dissertations, overseeing their timely submission, and ensuring their archiving and preservation. This position reports to the Head of SC&A.

The successful applicant initiates and maintains communication between UDTS and George Mason University graduate students, programs (36 doctoral and 78 master's programs), and other administrative offices related to the dissertation/thesis submission process. Primary responsibilities relate to student instruction in the proper formatting, completion, and submission of their dissertations/theses through meetings and class presentations/workshops, as well as by creating and using instructional aids. The coordinator oversees the following: final submission of dissertations/theses and all related documentation; processing of archival, stacks and electronic copies of dissertations/theses; university dissertations submission to UMI/ProQuest; and copyright releases and related paperwork for electronic thesis and dissertation (ETD) submission. Manages the ETD program and participates in other digital library initiatives, includes working regularly with the Digital Repository Services Librarian, the Head of the Copyright Resources Office and others on scholarly communications, particularly as they relate to ETDs. Prepares reports for internal use (e.g., the Graduate Council) and external use (e.g., Survey of Earned Doctorates administered by the National Opinion Research Center) as required.