Month: February 2011

Systems Librarian at the Columbia University Law Library

The Arthur W. Diamond Law Library of Columbia University is recruiting a Systems Librarian.

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

This position has primary responsibility for leading the selection, migration and implementation of a new, preferably open source, library system while managing the existing library's systems.

Reporting to the Head of Technical Services, the Systems Librarian will:

  • Lead the selection, migration and implementation of a new library system.
  • Ensure the effective administration, coordination and provision of support for all aspects of existing library automation and operating technology, including the integrated library system. Provide configuration advice and technical support for the library's departmental systems.
  • Coordinate the continued development and maintenance of a library website that responds to the needs of library patrons for the dynamic delivery of library content and services. Develop and integrate web-based services both as the front-end for the ILS and for use of other technologies as appropriate.
  • Supervise one non-librarian officer in e-resource management.
  • Act as the service/support contact for other information-technology systems within the library, as a liaison to law-school IT and where IT support is unavailable (ILL systems, desktop applications, etc.). Coordinate with IT the support of the library's web server.

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview |

How to License Research Data

The Digital Curation Centre has released How to License Research Data.

Here's an excerpt:

This guide will help you decide how to apply a licence to your research data, and which licence would be most suitable. It should provide you with an awareness of why licensing data is important, the impact licences have on future research, and the potential pitfalls to avoid. It concentrates on the UK context, though some aspects apply internationally; it does not, however, provide legal advice. The guide should interest both the principal investigators and researchers responsible for the data, and those who provide access to them through a data centre, repository or archive.

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview |

Creative Commons and Public Sector Information: Flexible Tools to Support PSI Creators and Re-Users

The European Public Sector Information (PSI) Platform has released Creative Commons and Public Sector Information: Flexible Tools to Support PSI Creators and Re-Users.

Here's an excerpt:

Public sector information (PSI) is meant for wide re-use, but this information will only achieve maximum possible impact if users understand how they may use it. Creative Commons tools, which signify availability for re-use to users and require attribution to the releasing authority, are ideal tools for the sharing of public sector information. There is also increasing interest in open licenses and other tools to share publicly funded information, data, and content, including various kinds of cultural resources, educational materials, and research findings; Creative Commons tools are applicable here and recommended for these purposes too.

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview |

Director of Integrated Technology Services at University of Kansas

The University of Kansas Libraries are recruiting a Director of Integrated Technology Services .

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

The Libraries' Integrated Technology Services (LITS) department is responsible for a results-driven approach to developing and delivering quality user experiences to those who connect to KU Libraries online. LITS members work closely with campus IT which maintains servers, network infrastructure, and staff and public workstations. LITS collaborates with library experts in all departments to plan and deliver library technology-based services and resources. LITS members develop and sustain effective partnerships to ensure that appropriate technical policies, infrastructure, and meet the needs of our user community. LITS is responsible for administering and developing several large-scale library applications which include DSpace, Voyager, Open Journal Systems, ILLiad, LUNA Insight, GFA's Library Annex System, the eXtensible Text Framework (XTF), EZProxy, and the library web presence.

The Director of Integrated Technology Services is a faculty librarian accountable for working closely with technology initiatives in all library departments. S/he provides leadership, vision, strategic direction, and planning for the work of the department. The Director oversees the daily operations of LITS, serves as a member of the Libraries' senior management team, and is a primary liaison with campus IT. S/he must be an agile leader, an adept manager, and an able partner in meaningful collaboration. This position offers an excellent opportunity for a librarian with a strong combination of leadership, technical, and people skills who can deliver results and work collegially inside and outside of the library organization to innovate and deliver new services in a research library environment.

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview |

Current News: Twitter Updates for 2/13/11

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview |

Digital Humanities Librarian at Brown University

The Brown University Library is recruiting a Digital Humanities Librarian.

Here's an excerpt from the ad (job number: B01284 ):

As the Library's primary liaison to academic departments in the humanities, the Digital Humanities Librarian plays a central role in the integration of digital resources and methodologies with traditional resources and approaches into the research, teaching, and learning missions at Brown University. Together with other Scholarly Resources Librarians, the Center for Digital Scholarship and relevant library and campus partners, s/he will work to increase the understanding and application of digital scholarship among the institution's faculty and students. S/he is expected to introduce and keep abreast of digital methodologies and to use such tools and skills in the solution of humanities research problems. The successful candidate will contribute to the work of the Brown Digital Repository by helping to articulate the relationship between new technologies and humanities scholarship to the community of humanists; by advising teaching faculty on the creation of digital objects and providing technical support for use of analytical tools; and in serving as an agent between content providers and the Library's repository. S/he will maintain a strong level of competence in scholarly communications issues such as new forms of publication, copyright, open access, repositories, data curation, and licensing of online resources. S/he will also use his/her knowledge of available print and electronic resources to build appropriate collections in general collections and related Special Collections and to advocate for the fields to which he/she is assigned.

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview |

Social Media: A Guide for Researchers

The Research Information Network has released Social Media: A Guide for Researchers (see also "Web Materials 1: Links And Resources" and "Web Materials 2: Researcher Case Studies").

Here's an excerpt:

This guide will show how social media can change the ways in which you undertake research, and open up new forms of communication and dissemination. The researchers we interviewed in the development of this guide are using social media to bridge disciplinary boundaries, to engage in knowledge exchange with industry and policy makers, and to provide a channel for the public communication of their research.

The guide is rooted in the practical experience of its authors and of the ten social media users we interviewed as part of the project. We are not trying to present social media as the answer to every problem a researcher might experience; rather, we want to give a "warts and all" picture. Social media have downsides as well as upsides, but on balance we hope that you will agree with us that there is real value for researchers.

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview |

Systems and Technology Development Librarian at Trinity College

The Trinity College Library is recruiting a Systems and Technology Development Librarian.

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

The Systems and Technology Development Librarian provides the guidance to shape and sustain the Library’s use of technology to advance library services and operations. Responsibilities include overseeing the implementation, maintenance and development of all department-specific software, systems, and equipment. Acts as the Library’s primary liaison on information technology with other College departments, including the Computing Center. Provides ongoing training and support to library staff.

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview |

Diane Parr Walker Named Edward H. Arnold University Librarian at the University of Notre Dame

Diane Parr Walker has been named as the Edward H. Arnold University Librarian at the University of Notre Dame. Walker is currently the Deputy University Librarian at the University of Virginia.

Here's an excerpt from the press release:

Since 2006, Walker has guided planning and coordination of all library services for the wide variety of disciplines represented at a large research institution. She has been responsible for Virginia's library administrative services, including finances and budget, human resources, facilities planning and maintenance, and management information services. She leads the library's strategic planning processes and directs the daily operations of a system with 12 locations, 230 faculty and staff and an operating budget of $23 million.

Among the initiatives Walker has led or in which she has played a key role were the planning and construction of a new special collections library, a major renovation of the Charles L. Brown Science & Engineering Library, opening a café in the lobby of the main library (Virginia's was among the first University libraries to do so), and long-range re-imagining of the physical facilities of the main library in preparation for a major renovation of a building that is more than 70 years old.

Walker also collaborated with colleagues in the university's information technology division on an incentive and training program for humanities faculty to help them incorporate technology in their classrooms, and more recently to coordinate a strategic institutional shift from providing computer labs to making it easier for students to use their own laptops throughout the libraries and across campus. She also developed and helped to redirect collection development and management strategies as the balance has shifted increasingly from all print and physical formats to digital.

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview |

Current News: Twitter Updates for 2/10/11

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview |

Digital Technologies Development Librarian at Georgia Tech

The Georgia Tech Library and Information Center is recruiting a Digital Technologies Development Librarian.

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

Working both independently and in team settings, the Digital Technologies Development Librarian provides technical leadership and programming expertise to advance digital library infrastructures, collections, and services through application development and applied research. The person in this position identifies and develops new and existing technologies for these purposes. The position will play a key, strategic role in advancing the library's digital information infrastructure beyond its current status and significantly impact Georgia Tech's scholarly communication methods, digital library services, and the management and preservation of the Institute's digital intellectual output. The librarian will lead and contribute to developing new digital library services through processes that emphasize usability and infrastructure sustainability and will work with partners on campus and in library consortia to share solutions to mutual challenges. The person in the position will collaborate closely with personnel from several library departments to achieve the goals of the position and the library. The librarian also will select and/or develop tools that support the ongoing assessment of digital library initiatives and services. He or she will participate in library planning and serves on library-wide committees, task forces, and teams and will be expected to be active professionally and to contribute to developments in the field. The Digital Technologies Development Librarian will report to the Library's Systems Department with a "dotted-line" reporting relationship to the Associate Dean to assist in shaping overall technology development strategy and direction.

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview |

Managing Digital Collections: A Collaborative Initiative on the South African Framework

The National Research Foundation has released Managing Digital Collections: A Collaborative Initiative on the South African Framework.

Here's an excerpt:

The objective of this Framework is to provide high-level principles for planning and managing the full digital collection life cycle. It aims to

  • provide an overview of some of the major components and activities involved in creating good digital collections
  • provide a sense of the landscape of digital collections management
  • identify existing resources that support the development of sound local practices
  • encourage community participation in the ongoing development of best practices for digital collection building
  • contribute to the benefits of sound data management practices, as well as the goals of data sharing and long term access
  • introduce data management and curation issues
  • assist cultural heritage organisations to create and manage complex digital collections
  • assist funding organisations who wish to encourage and support the development of good digital collections
  • advocate the use of internationally-created appropriate open community standards to ensure quality and to increase global interoperability for better exchange and re-use of data and digital content.

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview |

Digital Technology Innovation in Scholarly Communication and University Engagement

The Canadian Centre for Studies in Publishing has released Digital Technology Innovation in Scholarly Communication and University Engagement.

Here's an excerpt:

Beginning in the 1990s, a substantial number of innovation projects in scholarly communication began to emerge worldwide. Researchers began to adopt digital technologies for purposes of communication with colleagues and a variety of scholarly journals began making content available online. Digital humanists and scholars across the social science disciplines also began to expand their involvement with emerging technologies in their research and teaching activities. Building on these developments, researchers interested in knowledge mobilization and university engagement also began to augment their efforts with digital technologies. Finally, a certain level of experimentation with the electronic publication of monographs began to appear. The key players in these developments were private sector foundations (for example, the Wellcome Trust and the Andrew Mellon Foundation); innovation-oriented scholars; systems and head librarians; journal editors and publishers; university presses; and SSHRC with its support for scholarly communication and later, knowledge mobilization. Canada has earned worldwide attention for its general level of digital innovation in scholarly and research communication and particularly for innovation in journal publishing, where Open Journal Systems, Érudit and Synergies stand out as significant projects, combined with consortium buying of online content through the Canadian Research Knowledge Network. These and other leading achievements call for purpose-built policy and programs, which have lagged behind innovation. Such policy and programs need to be designed to provide stable funding for innovation-oriented constructivist social scientific and humanist inquiry and university engagement initiatives that have national and international long-term promise. Tied into the post-secondary education system, such investments would enormously increase the visibility and public value of Canadian social science and humanities research, multiplying the social benefit of this work through the development of digital technologies.

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview |

Digital User Services Librarian at Rutgers University Libraries

The Rutgers University Libraries are recruiting a Digital User Services Librarian.

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

The Digital User Services Librarian is a new position within RUL and will be responsible for coordinating the implementation of new electronic products and services to enhance our digital users' experience. The person in this position will take a leadership role in the continued development of digital library resources, ensuring coordination between technical and public services in the implementation and delivery of services. Responsibilities will include but not be limited to evaluating emerging technology products for potential application, overseeing aspects of citation management software integration and support, developing plans for implementation of mobile services, and enhancing the library experience of distance learners. The Digital User Services Librarian will also participate in appropriate public service activities in order to understand the RUL user perspective and needs. This is a tenure-track position within the New Brunswick Libraries Faculty, and will require the development of a research agenda, publication, and professional participation. The position reports to the Associate University Librarian for Research and Instructional Services and interfaces with existing groups, e.g., the User Services Council and the Web Board.

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview |

Current News: Twitter Updates for 2/9/11

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview |

Copyright and Licensing Librarian at Rutgers University

The Rutgers University Libraries are recruiting a Copyright and Licensing Librarian.

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

The Copyright and Licensing Librarian, a member of the Rutgers University Libraries Faculty, provides leadership and expertise in matters of copyright, licensing, and other intellectual property issues for the Libraries and the university community. The Copyright and Licensing Librarian is responsible for library intellectual property policies and procedures and for advising library personnel on intellectual property issues relating to library collections, services, gifts, and digital projects. The Librarian works with library faculty and staff in public services, collection development, and digital initiatives to develop policy frameworks that facilitate digital initiatives and resource acquisition. The Librarian monitors legislative developments affecting copyright and other intellectual property matters; participates in appropriate library, university, regional, and national committees and programs; and performs other duties as requested and that fall within the scope of the duties of a member of the library faculty. Working closely with the Office of Vice President and General Counsel, the Copyright and Licensing Librarian serves as the university's primary resource on fair use and other copyright issues. The Librarian advises members of the university community about issues related to the works they write or otherwise create and appropriate use of works created by others. The librarian educates faculty, staff, and students about copyright, licensing, and other intellectual property issues through workshops, websites, consultations, etc. This is a tenure-track faculty position, requiring research and publications, and active participation in professional associations. This position reports to the Associate University Librarian for Planning and Organizational Research.

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview |

The Horizon Report: 2011 Edition

The EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative and the New Media Consortium have released the The Horizon Report: 2011 Edition. The report is under a Creative Commons Attribution license.

Here's an excerpt from the press release:

The report identifies six technologies that are expected "to enter mainstream use in learning-focused organizations." Each of the six is assigned to one of three adoption horizons: one year or less, two to three years, and four to five years. For 2011, electronic books and mobiles are identified in the one-year horizon; augmented reality and game-based learning in the two- to three-year horizon; and gesture-based computing and learning analytics in the four- to five-year horizon.

The advisory board for the project identified these technologies through comprehensive review, analysis, and discussion of research, articles, papers, and interviews. It then drafted a roster of over 100 candidate technologies, which it gradually refined to the six key technologies appearing in the 2011 report. This year, the advisory board consisted of 43 experts from numerous fields and was more internationally diverse than it has ever been. It included representatives from 10 countries: Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Nigeria, Spain, United Kingdom, and the United States.

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview |

Major Changes Could Be Ahead for JISC: HEFCE Review of JISC

The Higher Education Funding Council for England has released the HEFCE Review of JISC.

Here's an excerpt from the recommendations:

• JISC activity should be focused on achieving a large impact:

  • Activities need to be clearly linked to the sectors’ priorities
  • JISC should offer sector leadership through "routes to best practice," wherever such practice resides
  • Research and development activity should focus on horizon-scanning and thought leadership
  • Services and projects should be rationalised, with a view to significantly reducing their number

• JISC should be funded through a combination of grants and subscriptions/user charges

• It should become a separate legal entity and the implications of this for the four companies should be reviewed

• Governance arrangements should be clarified, to ensure that the Board takes clear overall strategic control

• The internal structure should be clarified and simplified, to improve efficiency and control

• A plan for the proposed internal structure and operations should estimate the savings to be achieved

• There should be discussions between JISC, the funders, sector representatives and other bodies, to determine an overall funding strategy for ICT in the HE and FE sectors.

Read more about it at "Questions and Answers—HEFCE's Review of JISC."

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview |

Director, Scholarly Content Systems at James Madison University

The James Madison University Libraries & Educational Technologies are recruiting a Director, Scholarly Content Systems.

Here's an excerpt from the ad (request/posting number: 0403874):

Provide vision and energy for designing user discovery-delivery pathways. Support the scholarly community through ongoing enhancement of resource discovery and delivery. Provide leadership and project management in the development and implementation of digital initiatives and scholarly content software/system solutions.

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview |

Current News: Twitter Updates for 2/8/11

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview |

2010 U.S. Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator Annual Report on Intellectual Property Enforcement

Victoria A. Espinel, U.S. Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator, has released the 2010 U.S. Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator Annual Report on Intellectual Property Enforcement.

Read more about it at "IP Czar Report Hits on All the Lobbyist Talking Points; Warns of More Draconian Copyright Laws to Come" and "White House Will Propose New Digital Copyright Laws."

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview |

Associate Dean for Digital Scholarship and Technology Services at Florida State University

The Florida State University Libraries are recruiting an Associate Dean for Digital Scholarship and Technology Services.

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

The FSU Libraries seek an innovative, experienced information professional to work with a variety of constituencies at a major research university to (1) provide high-quality digital information services, (2) develop a robust institutional repository and other tools that support digital scholarship, (3) encourage innovation in digital scholarship, (4) provide leadership on scholarly communication issues through broad-based solutions that work in a diverse, fast-paced academic environment.

Reporting to the Dean of University Libraries and serving on the Senior Management Team, the Associate Dean (AD) for Digital Scholarship and Technology Services, along with colleagues in the Libraries and throughout the university, will refine the Libraries' vision for information technology, with a focus on enhancing services.

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview |

Action Alert: H.R. 408 Would Eliminate National Endowment for the Humanities

Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) has introduced H.R. 408, the Spending Reduction Act of 2011, which would eliminate the National Endowment for the Humanities. Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) has introduced similar legislation (S. 178) in the Senate.

The National Humanities Alliance has posted two items about this issue: "Republican Study Committee Leaders Unveil Spending Reduction Act of 2011" and, on the DuraSpace Blog, "Proposal to Eliminate the National Endowment for the Humanities in U.S. Congress."

You can use the NHA's Legislative Action Center Contact Form to send messages to your Congressional representatives. The form includes suggested bullet points that you can include in your message.

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview |

Current News: Twitter Updates for 2/7/11

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview |

Digital Initiatives Librarian at Georgia Tech

The Georgia Tech Library & Information Center is recruiting a Digital Initiatives Librarian.

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

The Georgia Tech Library & Information Center is seeking applications for Digital Initiatives Librarian position reporting to the Head of Scholarly Communication and Digital Services. We seek a technical, service-oriented person interested in digital library services and technologies that support the management of locally created scholarly content. Responsibilities include:

  • Providing leadership in the management, enhancement, and ongoing assessment of existing and future digital publishing services, which currently include online journals and conference proceedings support;
  • Providing project management and oversight of technical operations;
  • Coordinating and/or performing quality control, workflow design and analysis, software training, copyright assistance, metadata maintenance, and production and post-production services;
  • Formulating policies and business models and drafting clear and appropriate documentation for staff or the general public about functions, procedures, services and/or systems;
  • Serving as the primary liaison to publishing customers and campus partners;
  • Creating opportunities to engage with stakeholders in the development of services;
  • Actively seeking out new content, users, and partnerships;
  • Exploring and implementing emerging technologies and innovative services;
  • Participating as an active team member in the development of scholarly communication tools and services;
  • Providing outreach to campus on scholarly communication issues and the library’s digital services.

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview |