Month: May 2011

"Owning the Right to Open Up Access to Scientific Publications"

Lucie Guibault has self-archived "Owning the Right to Open Up Access to Scientific Publications" in SSRN.

Here's an excerpt:

Whether the researchers themselves, rather than the institution they work for, are at all in a position to implement OA principles actually depends on the initial allocation of rights on their works. Whereas most European Union Member States have legislation that provides that the copyright owner is the natural person who created the work, the copyright laws of a number European countries, including those of the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, establish a presumption, according to which the copyright of works made in the course of employment belongs initially to the employer, which in this case would be the university. In France, a similar presumption applies to works created by employees of the State. Even if researchers are in a position to exercise the rights on their works, they may, nevertheless, be required to transfer these to a publisher in order to get their article or book published. This paper, therefore, analyses the legal position of researchers, research institutions and publishers respectively, and considers what the consequences are for the promotion of OA publishing in light of the principles laid down in the Berlin Declaration and the use of Creative Commons licenses.

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview | Transforming Scholarly Publishing through Open Access: A Bibliography |

Systems & Technology Librarian at Dover Public Library

The Dover Public Library (Dover, NH) is recruiting a Systems & Technology Librarian. Degree: MLS.

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

  1. Manage, plan and administer all aspects of the library’s ILS, providing technical expertise, support, and training for the successful operation and development of all automated modules.
  2. Plan and execute all system hardware and software upgrades, purchases, and replacements, and participate in the selection and installation of any new ILS system.
  3. Lead the library in exploring, evaluating, and adopting emergent technology products and solutions which can improve customers’ experience, and/or optimize use of library resources.
  4. Redesign, expand, and maintain the library’s website and content management systems.
  5. Manage and support the library’s population of desktop, handheld computing devices, and related technologies, including all staff and public computers and servers.
  6. Supervise the library’s Technical Services Office workflow (Acquisitions & Cataloging).

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview | Reviews of Digital Scholarship Publications |

Current News: Twitter Updates for 5/31/11

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Systems Programmer III at University of Louisville Libraries

The University of Louisville Libraries are recruiting a Systems Programmer III. Degree: “Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and three years of experience as a Systems Programmer or Computer Specialist. Additional experience may be used on a one-to-one basis to offset the educational requirements.”

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

The University Libraries seeks an energetic, creative individual to work as a System Programmer III in the Office of Libraries' Technology. The key responsibilities include: Manage departmental network and servers including server configurations, administration, maintenance, and disaster recovery preparedness. Manage the unit Active Directory accounts. Partner with Information Technology (IT) regarding implementation, testing and user acceptance, and security for enterprise applications. Assist with computer hardware and software installations, upgrades and resolution of computing-related problems. Candidate must have work experience with configuring and managing Microsoft Windows servers on Active Directory. The desired candidate must have strong background experience in Microsoft Web server and SQL server administration as well as operating system servers.

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview | Reviews of Digital Scholarship Publications |

"The Application of File Identification, Validation, and Characterization Tools in Digital Curation"

Kevin M. Ford has self-archived his M.S. theses, "The Application of File Identification, Validation, and Characterization Tools in Digital Curation," in IDEALS.

Here's an excerpt:

File format identification, characterization, and validation are considered essential processes for digital preservation and, by extension, long-term data curation. These actions are performed on data objects by humans or computers, in an attempt to identify the type of a given file, derive characterizing information that is specific to the file, and validate that the given file conforms to its type specification. The present research reviews the literature surrounding these digital preservation activities, including their theoretical basis and the publications that accompanied the formal release of tools and services designed in response to their theoretical foundation. It also reports the results from extensive tests designed to evaluate the coverage of some of the software tools developed to perform file format identification, characterization, and validation actions. Tests of these tools demonstrate that more work is needed – particularly in terms of scalable solutions – to address the expanse of digital data to be preserved and curated. The breadth of file types these tools are anticipated to handle is so great as to call into question whether a scalable solution is feasible, and, more broadly, whether such efforts will offer a meaningful return on investment. Also, these tools, which serve to provide a type of baseline reading of a file in a repository, can be easily tricked. It is possible to generate files with nothing more than a proper file extension and correct magic number and have the tools "positively" identify the file. This is not the same as a file that conforms to its specification, and one that could be considered valid. The ability to manipulate the results returned by these tools raises issues of identity, trust, security and risk.

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview | Digital Curation and Preservation Bibliography 2010 |

Web Services Librarian at Des Plaines Public Library

The Des Plaines Public Library (Des Plaines, IL) is recruiting a Web Services Librarian. Degree: MLS.

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Director, this person is responsible for the technologies that will enhance the library Web site and that will provide easy 24/7 access to the library's electronic resources and services. This person will identify and evaluate emerging social software that encourage patron participation and interaction with the collection and services and that connect people and technology. This person will assist the Management Team in strategic planning to integrate new technologies with the library's goals and objectives. This person will develop and implement services that will increase points of access to information and to the collection. This person deals responsibly with patron problems and emergencies to maintain a safe and pleasant environment.

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview | Reviews of Digital Scholarship Publications |

S.978 Would Make Unauthorized Streaming a Felony with 5 Year Maximum Sentence

Senator Amy Klobuchar and two cosponsors have introduced S.978, which would make unauthorized streaming of copyrighted works a felony.

Here's an excerpt:

‘(2) shall be imprisoned not more than 5 years, fined in the amount set forth in this title, or both, if–

‘(A) the offense consists of 10 or more public performances by electronic means, during any 180-day period, of 1 or more copyrighted works; and

‘(B)(i) the total retail value of the performances, or the total economic value of such public performances to the infringer or to the copyright owner, would exceed $2,500; or

‘(ii) the total fair market value of licenses to offer performances of those works would exceed $5,000;’

Read more about it at "New Bill Upgrades Unauthorized Internet Streaming to a Felony" and “U.S. Bill To Criminalize Illicit Movie/Music Streaming.”

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview | Scholarly Electronic Publishing Bibliography 2010 |

Current News: Twitter Updates for 5/30/11

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Digital Projects/Web Services Librarian at Carroll College

Carroll College is recruiting a Digital Projects/Web Services Librarian (10 month/year position). Degree: MLS.

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

Responsibilities include developing and implementing projects related to digitization and web services; promoting awareness and use of electronic resources, providing reference service and instruction to student and faculty; developing the library collection.

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview | Reviews of Digital Scholarship Publications |

U.S. Department of Education Issues FAQ on E-Book Accessibility Requirements

The U.S. Department of Education has issued "Frequently Asked Questions about the June 29, 2010, Dear Colleague Letter." The FAQ is "a 'significant guidance document' under the Office of Management and Budget's Final Bulletin for Agency Good Guidance Practices."

Here's an excerpt:

Specifically, some postsecondary institutions were using electronic book readers that are inaccessible to students who are blind or have low vision. As explained by the DCL, application of our long-standing nondiscrimination requirements means that schools must provide an electronic book reader (i.e., the technology that the school uses to provide educational benefits, services, or opportunities) that is fully accessible to students who are blind or have low vision; otherwise schools must provide accommodations or modifications to ensure that the benefits of their educational program are provided to these students in an equally effective and equally integrated manner.

Read more about it at "Joint 'Dear Colleague' Letter: Electronic Book Readers."

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview | Reviews of Digital Scholarship Publications |

Scholarly Electronic Publishing Weblog (May 29, 2011)

The latest update of the Scholarly Electronic Publishing Weblog (SEPW) is now available. It provides information about new works related to scholarly electronic publishing, such as books, e-prints, journal articles, magazine articles, technical reports, and white papers.

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview |

ARL Academic Health Sciences Library Statistics 2008-2009

The Association of Research Libraries has released ARL Academic Health Sciences Library Statistics 2008–2009.

Here's an excerpt from the announcement:

The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) has published the ARL Academic Health Sciences Library Statistics 2008–2009, which presents data that describe collections, expenditures, personnel, and services in 62 medical libraries at ARL member institutions in the US and Canada.

In 2008–2009, the reporting health sciences libraries held a median of 230,011 volumes, spent a total of $235,821,026, and employed 2,131 FTE staff. Expenditures for materials and staff accounted for the bulk of total expenditures, at approximately 50% and 41% respectively. Respondents reported spending a total of $83,986,222 for electronic materials, or an average of approximately 76% of their total materials budgets; this includes a total of $78,539,253 for electronic serials.

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview | Digital Curation and Preservation Bibliography 2010 |

Systems and Catalog Services Librarian at Moraine Valley Community College

Moraine Valley Community College (Palos Hills, IL) is recruiting a Systems and Catalog Services Librarian. Degree: MLS. Minimum salary: Mid $40's.

Here's an excerpt from the ad (position number: 00005025 ):

Under the administrative direction of the Dean, Academic Development and Learning Resources, the Systems and Catalog Services Librarian provides leadership for planning, implementing, and managing the integrated library system and related technologies as well as providing library instruction and reference services to students. The person will be expected to work some evenings and weekend hours. The Systems and Catalog Librarian is dedicated to the learning college concepts by developing programs and facilitating activities that promote student success and lifelong learning.

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview | Reviews of Digital Scholarship Publications |

ARL Academic Law Library Statistics 2008-2009

The Association of Research Libraries has released ARL Academic Law Library Statistics 2008–2009.

Here's an excerpt from the announcement:

The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) has published the ARL Academic Law Library Statistics 2008–2009, which presents data that describe collections, expenditures, personnel, and services in 72 law libraries at ARL member institutions in the US and Canada.

In 2008–2009, the reporting law libraries held a median of 355,922 volumes, spent a total of $213,618,759, and employed 2,057 FTE staff. Expenditures for materials and staff accounted for the bulk of total expenditures, at approximately 47% and 46% respectively. Respondents reported spending a total of $21,860,327 for electronic materials, or an average of approximately 27% of their total materials budgets; this includes a total of $18,940,834 for electronic serials.

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview | Transforming Scholarly Publishing through Open Access: A Bibliography |

Library Technology Services Manager at Portland Community College

Portland Community College (OR) is recruiting a Library Technology Services Manager. Degree: MLS. Salary: $59,293-$85,974.

Here's an excerpt from the ad (requisition number: 07472):

Responsibilities/Duties:

  1. Plans, organizes, maintains and manages the processes and operations of the Technical Services division including Acquisitions, Cataloging, Serials, Digital Services, Website and Integrated Library System (ILS). Manages the activities of the assigned division (e.g. planning, implementing, administering, and evaluating projects and services impacting Library operations district wide). Functions as the managerial liaison to the Cascade campus leadership team.
  2. Develops, recommends and administers policies, procedures, and processes in support of the Library Technical Services division operations in collaboration with managers of multiple divisions; implements and monitors compliance with approved policies, procedures and processes.

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview | Reviews of Digital Scholarship Publications |

ARL Statistics 2008-2009

The Association of Research Libraries has released ARL Statistics 2008–2009.

Here's an excerpt from the announcement:

The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) has published the ARL Statistics 2008–2009, the latest in a series of annual publications that describe the collections, staffing, expenditures, and service activities of ARL's member libraries. Of the 124 members in 2008–2009, 114 were university libraries (17 in Canada and 107 in the US); the remaining 10 were public, governmental, and nonprofit research libraries (two in Canada, eight in the US).

ARL libraries are a relatively small subset of libraries in North America, but they account for a large portion of academic library resources in terms of assets, budgets, and the number of users they serve. The total library expenditures of all 124 member libraries in 2008–2009 was slightly more than $4 billion; of that total, roughly $3.1 billion was spent by the 114 university libraries and slightly more than $940 million the 10 nonuniversity libraries.

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview | Scholarly Electronic Publishing Bibliography 2010 |

Current News: Twitter Updates for 5/17/11

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Digital Production Manager at Lafayette College

Lafayette College is recruiting a Digital Production Manager. Degree: "Master’s degree in the visual arts or library and information science preferred. Bachelor’s degree plus five years relevant experience, preferably in an academic setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience."

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

Responsible for advanced image and metadata production in direct support of teaching and research at Lafayette College, the Digital Production Manager takes a lead role in the selection and implementation of digital imaging, color correction, and metadata management standards for campus-wide projects supported by Library Digital Services. Manages the Digital Imaging Center in Lafayette’s William's Center for the Arts, making sure that the Digital Image Instruction Specialist is well-trained, and meets all image production deadlines. Provides expert advice to individuals and departments planning or working on digital projects. Works closely with faculty members and librarians to design digital projects that complement, support, and strengthen the College’s teaching and research mission.

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview | Reviews of Digital Scholarship Publications |

Access to Research and Technical Information in Denmark

The Danish Agency for Science, Technology and Innovation has released Access to Research and Technical Information in Denmark by John Houghton, Alma Swan, and Sheridan Brown.

Here's an excerpt:

The aim of this study is to examine levels of access to and use of research and technical information by knowledge-based SMEs [small and medium sized enterprises] in Denmark. We explore current levels of access and use, whether there are any barriers to access, access difficulties or gaps, and the costs and benefits involved in accessing research findings.

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview | Transforming Scholarly Publishing through Open Access: A Bibliography |

Director of Innovative Technologies and Library Resource Management at Linda Hall Library

The Linda Hall Library of Science, Engineering and Technology is recruiting a Director of Innovative Technologies and Library Resource Management.

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

The position of Director of Innovative Technologies and Library Resource Management oversees the newly-­-created Department of Library Technology and Resource Management, comprised of the Departments of Information Technology, Digital Asset Management, and Technical Services. The ideal candidate will oversee the application and support functions of the Library's automated systems, and the staffs of the Library';s technology and information asset management departments while collaborating with other units to move the Library's mission forward with the strategic use of existing and emerging enterprise technologies.

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview | Reviews of Digital Scholarship Publications |

Library Copyright Alliance Statement on Copyright Reform

The Library Copyright Alliance has issued a statement on copyright reform.

Here's an excerpt:

Because of the favorable treatment such activities likely would receive in the courts under sections 107 and 504(c)(2), libraries would support an effort to amend the Copyright Act to benefit libraries only if it offered significant benefits over the status quo. To do so, a proposal must contain at least the following features:

  • The non-commercial use (i.e., reproduction, distribution, public performance, public display, or preparation of a derivative work) by a nonprofit library or archives of a work when it possesses a copy of that work in its collection:
    • would not be subject to statutory damages;
    • would not be subject to actual damages if the use ceases when the library or archives receives an objection from the copyright owner of the work; and
    • would be subject to injunctive relief only to the extent that the use continues after the library or archives receives an objection from the copyright owner of the work.
  • This limitation on remedies would apply to the employees of the library or archives, as well as to a consortium that includes the library or archives.
  • Copyright owner objections would have no effect on a library’s rights under fair use.

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview | Scholarly Electronic Publishing Bibliography 2010 |

Librarian at Northern Virginia Community College

The Northern Virginia Community College Library is recruiting a Librarian. Degree: MLS. Salary: $60,161-$65,350.

Here's an excerpt from the ad (job ID: 1987):

Forecasts, plans for, implements, maintains and evaluates innovative and responsive technology solutions for onsite and distance library services. Acts as a liaison to technical staff, overseeing library hardware and software. Advocates for emerging technologies and works with staff on technology integration in library and division services. Coordinates patron and staff technology training. Oversees web and social media development and Media Center services. Fosters information literacy by designing, delivering and assessing both traditional and online instruction sessions and providing quality reference services . Participates in collection development activities and serves as a liaison to faculty in assigned divisions. Serves on Library Management Team. Supervises two library specialists and serves on division, campus and College committees.

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview | Reviews of Digital Scholarship Publications |

New Spanish Law on Science, Technology and Innovation Includes Open Access Policy

The Spanish Congreso de los Diputados has passed the Law on Science, Technology and Innovation, which includes an open access policy.

Here's an excerpt from the bill:

Artículo 37. Difusión en acceso abierto.

  1. Los agentes públicos del Sistema Español de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación impulsarán el desarrollo de repositorios, propios o compartidos, de acceso abierto a las publicaciones de su personal de investigación, y establecerán sistemas que permitan conectarlos con iniciativas similares de ámbito nacional e internacional.
  2. El personal de investigación cuya actividad investigadora esté financiada mayoritariamente con fondos de los Presupuestos Generales del Estado hará pública una versión digital de la versión final de los contenidos que le hayan sido aceptados para publicación en publicaciones de investigación seriadas o periódicas, tan pronto como resulte posible, pero no más tarde de doce meses después de la fecha oficial de publicación.
  3. La versión electrónica se hará pública en repositorios de acceso abierto reconocidos en el campo de conocimiento en el que se ha desarrollado la investigación, o en repositorios institucionales de acceso abierto.
  4. La versión electrónica pública podrá ser empleada por las Administraciones Públicas en sus procesos de evaluación.
  5. El Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación facilitará el acceso centralizado a los repositorios, y su conexión con iniciativas similares nacionales e internacionales.
  6. Lo anterior se entiende sin perjuicio de los acuerdos en virtud de los cuales se hayan podido atribuir o transferir a terceros los derechos sobre las publicaciones, y no será de aplicación cuando los derechos sobre los resultados de la actividad de investigación, desarrollo e innovación sean susceptibles de protección.

Here's the Google Translate version:

Article 37. Open access dissemination.

  1. The public agents of the Spanish Science, Technology and Innovation will drive the development repositories, own or shared access open to the publications of its research staff, and establish systems to connect with similar initiatives at national and international.
  2. The research staff whose activity research is financed mainly with funds from the State Budget will released a digital version of the final version of contents which have been accepted for publication serial research publications or periodicals, as soon as practicable, but no more later than twelve months after the official date publication.
  3. The electronic version will be published in repositories open access recognized in the field knowledge which has developed research or open access institutional repositories.
  4. The public electronic version can be used by the government in its processes evaluation.
  5. The Ministry of Science and Innovation will facilitate centralized access to repositories, and their connection with similar national and international initiatives.
  6. This is without prejudice to agreements under which they have attributed or transferred to third parties rights publications and do not apply when the rights to results of research activities, development and eligible for protection innovation.

Read more about it at "The Congress of Deputies Gives Green Light to Science Act" (in Spanish), "Spain Passes New Science Law," and "Spanish Congress Passes the Law on Science, Technology and Innovation with Open Access Mandate."

| Digital Scholarship | Digital Scholarship Publications Overview | Transforming Scholarly Publishing through Open Access: A Bibliography |

Current News: Twitter Updates for 5/16/11

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