"Extracting, Transforming and Archiving Scientific Data"

Daniel Lemire and Andre Vellin have self-archived "Extracting, Transforming and Archiving Scientific Data" in arXiv.org.

Here's an excerpt:

It is becoming common to archive research datasets that are not only large but also numerous. In addition, their corresponding metadata and the software required to analyse or display them need to be archived. Yet the manual curation of research data can be difficult and expensive, particularly in very large digital repositories, hence the importance of models and tools for automating digital curation tasks. The automation of these tasks faces three major challenges: (1) research data and data sources are highly heterogeneous, (2) future research needs are difficult to anticipate, (3) data is hard to index. To address these problems, we propose the Extract, Transform and Archive (ETA) model for managing and mechanizing the curation of research data. Specifically, we propose a scalable strategy for addressing the research-data problem, ranging from the extraction of legacy data to its long-term storage. We review some existing solutions and propose novel avenues of research.

| Digital Scholarship |

Current News: Twitter Updates for 8/23/11

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Digital Scholarship Librarian at Haverford College Library

The Haverford College Library is recruiting a Digital Scholarship Librarian. Degree: "One of the following: M.S., M.L.S., or M.A."

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

Participates in the development of digital projects and collections by providing a full range of reference, instruction, and collection development/management, and metadata services for all areas of digital scholarship. Provides for the development, long term stewardship and access to the Library's local digital collections by working collaboratively with faculty, subject specialists, students, and college staff to identify, evaluate and accession materials of significant cultural, academic or historical value. Supports and serves as a resource to colleagues in developing digital projects. Contributes to and supports the digital and online presence of the Library through the investigation, implementation and enhancement of tools that assist with research, instruction and scholarship. Participates in Web-development team. Actively participates in and contributes to the Tri-College Technology Advisory Group. Reports to Coordinator for Digital Scholarship and Services.

| Digital Scholarship |

Single Search: The Quest for the Holy Grail

OCLC Research has released Single Search: The Quest for the Holy Grail .

Here's an excerpt from the announcement:

This report highlights successful strategies in providing a single point of access to library, archive and museum collections. . . .

To address this desire, OCLC Research facilitated a working group of nine single search implementers through discussions about the opportunities for, and obstacles to, integrating single search access across an institution. Members of this group told their stories, identified issues, and acknowledged similarities and differences in their approaches. This brief report summarizes those discussions and highlights the emerging practices in providing single search access to an institution's collections. The goal of the report is to foster successful single search implementations by sharing the experience of the working group with those who are just beginning to plan single search implementations

| Digital Scholarship |

Senior Systems Administrator at Wake Forest University’s Z. Smith Reynolds Library

Wake Forest University's Z. Smith Reynolds Library is recruiting a Senior Systems Administrator. Degree: "Bachelor's degree with specialized training in the field of information technology."

Here's an excerpt from the ad (tracking code: 638-141):

The Senior Systems Administrator manages key information systems for the Library that support the academic needs of students, faculty and staff. Performs system administration including: system design, development, testing, implementation and regular system maintenance in a cloud-based environment. Consults and collaborates with staff and faculty on library Information Technology initiatives. Reports to the Assistant Director, Technology Services.

| New: Google Books Bibliography, Version 7 | Digital Scholarship |

ARL Executive Director Charles B. Lowry Announces His Retirement

Association of Research Libraries Executive Director Charles B. Lowry has announced his retirement.

Here's an excerpt from the press release:

Charles B. Lowry has announced that he will retire from his position as Executive Director of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) at the end of December 2012. By announcing his retirement plans now, Lowry provides the ARL Board of Directors with time for a search and a seamless transition of leadership.

Lowry was appointed Executive Director in 2008 for a three-year term, which was extended for an additional two years at the request of the ARL Board. He has led ARL through significant expansion in membership and renewal of its strategic plan. During his tenure, ARL's capacities and offerings have been strengthened and expanded. Guided by Lowry's leadership, the Association:

  • gained three new members—University of Calgary, University of Ottawa, and the US National Archives and Records Administration;
  • renewed its strategic plan twice;
  • led the reshaping of the Library Copyright Alliance;
  • navigated the difficult economic downturn that began in 2008;
  • expanded ARL's Public Policies capacity, a vital strategic direction; and
  • conducted successful searches to replace three highly accomplished senior staff essential to the Association's mission.

| New: Google Books Bibliography, Version 7 | Digital Scholarship |

Current News: Twitter Updates for 8/22/11

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Web Services and Emerging Technologies Librarian at Coastal Carolina University’s Kimbel Library

Coastal Carolina University's Kimbel Library is recruiting a Web Services and Emerging Technologies Librarian. Degree: "MLIS degree or equivalent from an ALA-accredited school."

Here's an excerpt from the ad (department: LIBR – Library Services)

Reporting to the Head of Library Technology and Systems, this twelve month, tenure-track position at either the assistant or associate level, will serve as the primary developer and administrator for the Library website, web applications, social media, and mobile interfaces, and will coordinate and oversee ongoing development of the Library's website and web services.

| New: Google Books Bibliography, Version 7 | Digital Scholarship |

Library of Congress Releases Recollection Software for Creating Dynamic Interfaces to Cultural Heritage Collections

The Library of Congress has released the open source Recollection software for creating dynamic interfaces to cultural heritage collections.

Here's an excerpt from the announcement:

We are happy to announce the full open source release of the Recollection software platform. Briefly, Recollection is a web application that enables librarians, archivists, curators, and historians to create dynamic interfaces to cultural heritage collections. If you are unfamiliar with the project, I blogged about how you can use the tool to explore cultural heritage collections last month. If you think Recollection might be useful to your organization, we encourage you to take a minute to request an account for the beta instance of the tool. . . .

You can find the source code on the loc-recollect project page on sourceforge. If you are curious about what it would take for you to set up the software you can take a look at the readme file which has some basic documentation for getting started.

| New: Google Books Bibliography, Version 7 | Digital Scholarship |

Systems Librarian at Franklin University Library

The Franklin University Library is recruiting a Systems Librarian. Degree: "Master's degree in Library Science from an ALA -accredited program."

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio is seeking a Systems Librarian who can manage and administer all III/Millennium operations. This includes all record loads, backups, software upgrades, password authorizations and database management. This person will design, develop, implement and maintain the library web presence in collaboration with university personnel and library colleagues. This individual serves as a business analyst to determine technologies needed for current system optimization and future planning and projects. In addition, this person will lead special projects, such as; the development of new record load tables, authentication integration and/or redesign and OPAC enhancements.

| New: Google Books Bibliography, Version 7 | Digital Scholarship |

Is the Google Book Settlement Still Possible?

In "Google Books Settlement, 2008-2011," James Grimmelmann analyzes the impact of recent rulings and case resolutions on the Google Book Settlement. The rulings and resolutions are the In re: Literary Works in Electronic Databases Copyright Litigation ruling, the National Music Publishers' Association's resolution of The Football Association Premier League Limited, et al. v. You Tube, Inc. lawsuit (consolidated into Viacom v. YouTube), and the Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. v. Dukes et al. ruling.

Here's an excerpt:

The road to class-wide settlement—even to a much more modest settlement that covers only scanning and searching—now appears to be barred. What is more, in light of the freelancers' case and the Supreme Court's recent Wal-Mart case, the road to class-wide litigation also looks to be extraordinarily difficult. Google will raise many of the same adequacy of representation arguments in its opposition to class certification. It might still be more feasible for a few copyright owners holding large number of copyrights to litigate on an individual basis—but the major publishers, who best fit that bill, have all more or less made their peace with Google through its Partner Program. The odds of the authors being able to see this one through to the end have just dropped precipitously. Google is holding all the cards now, and they're all full houses.

| New: Google Books Bibliography, Version 7 | Digital Scholarship |

Current News: Twitter Updates for 8/21/11

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Director Technology Initiatives at New York Public Library

The New York Public Library is recruiting a Director Technology Initiatives. Degree: "Bachelor's degree, Master's a plus."

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

Serve as the key interface between project sponsors and any project with a technology component. Define and maintain the standards of project management. Execute a program to manage, monitor and report on initiatives. Implement a consistent project management methodology to insure quality and delivery standards. Maintain excellent communication with senior management within IT and across the organization (NYPL). Manage a small group of project managers.

| New: Google Books Bibliography, Version 7 | Digital Scholarship |

ILL Impact: Second Circuit Ruling Limits First Sale Doctrine to Works Made in the US

The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has ruled in John Wiley & Sons, Inc. v. Supap Kirtsaeng that the first sale doctrine is limited to works manufactured in the US.

Here's an excerpt from the ruling:

Appeal from a judgment of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (Donald C. Pogue, Judge of the United States Court of International Trade, sitting by designation), following a jury trial, awarding statutory damages to plaintiff publisher for copyright infringement. Defendant claims on appeal that the District Court denied him a defense under the "first sale doctrine," 17 U.S.C. § 109(a), and erred in evidentiary rulings which, he alleges, led to the award of unduly high damages. In a case of first impression in our Court, we hold (1) that the first sale doctrine, which allows a person who buys a legally produced copyrighted work to sell or otherwise dispose of the work as he sees fit, does not apply to works manufactured outside of the United States, and (2) that the District Court did not err in its evidentiary rulings.

Commenting on this ruling in ARL Policy Notes, Jonathan Band said:

Accordingly, a library in the Second Circuit that wants to lend foreign manufactured copies must rely on fair use or the ambiguous exception in 17 USC 602(a)(2)(C) that allows a library to import 5 copies (except audiovisual works) for lending purposes, but doesn't specifically allow the library to actually lend those copies.

| New: Google Books Bibliography, Version 7 | Digital Scholarship |

Web Services Librarian at Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University's Alvin Sherman Library is recruiting a Web Services Librarian. Degree: "Masters of Library Science Degree from an ALA accredited school or foreign equivalent."

Here's an excerpt from the ad (position number: 996175):

Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Web Services Librarian will have responsibility for the integrity, organization, and currency of the Alvin Sherman Library Web presence. The Librarian will also provide training and guidance to Website content editors across the Sherman Library in the various departments and create user-oriented documentation and reference guides to enable them to easily perform web-related functions. The Librarian will: conduct training seminars and user group information sessions addressing Website maintenance and policies, use of new technologies, etc.; provide support for departments in organizing and presenting information; provide assistance when more complex updates or special design is needed; develop and enhance templates for departmental pages within the University's content management system to facilitate a common look and feel across the library's website. The Librarian will work with the Director of Community Relations and Marketing to maintain the site home page and to make sure the appropriate NSU brand/image is maintained across the site.

| New: Google Books Bibliography, Version 7 | Digital Scholarship |

"Free E-Books and Print Sales"

John Hilton III and David Wiley have published "Free E-Books and Print Sales" in the latest issue of The Journal of Electronic Publishing.

Here's an excerpt:

Digital technologies now enable books and other digital resources to be openly available to those with access to the Internet. This study examined the financial viability of a religious publisher that put free digital versions of eight of its print books on the Internet. The cost to put these eight books online was $940. Over a 10-week period, these books were downloaded 102,256 times and sales of these books increased 26%. Online sales increased at a much higher rate. Comparisons with historical book sales and sales of comparable titles indicate that this increase may have been connected to the free books being available. There was a modest correlation between book downloads and print sales.

| New: Google Books Bibliography, Version 7 | Digital Scholarship |

Head of Digital Library at University of Edinburgh Library

The University of Edinburgh Library is recruiting a Head of Digital Library. Salary:£46,696-£52,556.

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

The postholder will operate in a fast-moving environment where developments global, national, and local, impact immediately. You will be alert to innovations and new approaches to research and learning in order to understand the rapidly changing environments in which students, researchers and academic staff work and study. Particular growth areas of activity are in research data and in making research more open, and you will have significant opportunities to contribute to these strategic developments at University-wide levels. There is also the opportunity to work with world-class researchers in the University of Edinburgh with an interest in digital library developments in EDINA, Digital Curation Centre and Informatics.

| New: Google Books Bibliography, Version 7 | Digital Scholarship |

University at Buffalo Names H. Austin Booth as Vice Provost for University Libraries

The University at Buffalo has named H. Austin Booth as Vice Provost for University Libraries.

Here's an excerpt from the press release:

H. Austin Booth has been named vice provost for university libraries at the University at Buffalo, Harvey G. Stenger, UB interim provost, announced today. Her appointment is effective immediately.

Booth has served as interim associate vice president for university libraries since June 1, 2010. . . .

As vice provost for university libraries, Booth is responsible for nine libraries that serve UB's 12 schools and colleges, manages an annual budget of $20 million and oversees a staff of 150.

UB's library system is the largest and most comprehensive in the State University of New York and includes more than 4 million print volumes, access to more than 50,000 electronic journals and the largest collection of James Joyce manuscripts, notebooks and letters in the world. . . .

Prior to her appointment as interim associate vice president, Booth served as director of collections and co-director of the Arts and Sciences Libraries.

Booth, who holds the rank of full librarian, joined UB in 1997 and received the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Librarianship in 2005.

Her research focuses on digital culture, and on higher education and information technology. She earned a master's degree in library and information science from the University of California-Berkeley and holds a master's degree in English language and literature and a graduate certificate in women's studies from the University of Michigan, where she was named University Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor and held a Mellon Fellowship. She received bachelor's degrees in English and economics from Cornell University.

| New: Google Books Bibliography, Version 7 | Digital Scholarship |

User Experience Web Developer at University of Michigan Library

The University of Michigan Library is recruiting a User Experience Web Developer. One-year term with the possibility of renewal. Degree: "Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field."

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

The University of Michigan Library is seeking a talented front-end developer to join our User Experience (UX) Department. The UX department focuses on interface design, mobile design and development, usability testing, user research, web use statistics, and accessibility. We are looking for someone with an investment in improving library users' web experience. The primary focus of this position will be development of a variety of mobile websites.

| Digital Scholarship |

Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research Launches €1 Million Fund for Open Access Journals

The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research has launched a €1 million fund to support open access journals.

Here's an excerpt from the press release:

The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) has made one million euros available for setting up open access journals or for the conversion of existing journals to an open access model.

Providing financial incentives to open access journals is a new initiative within NWO's open access policy. Academic researchers from every discipline can now apply for one-off funding for setting up a new open access journal (maximum 45,000 euros per proposal) or for converting an existing journal into an open access model (maximum 22,500 euros per proposal). The deadline for submitting proposals is 4 October 2011. Further information about this funding instrument and the specific conditions that apply to it can be found at www.nwo.nl/openaccess.

| Digital Scholarship |

Systems Librarian, Web Development and Support at University of Washington Libraries

The University of Washington Libraries are recruiting a Systems Librarian, Web Development and Support. Degree: "Graduate degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association or an equivalent graduate library science/information studies degree." Salary: $52,000 minimum.

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

Under the general direction of the Head of Web Services, this position provides support for the Libraries' web publishing infrastructure; facilitates communication between content providers, management, and technical staff; provides training and serves as a technical resource for content providers; and serves ex-officio on the Public Web Operations Group.

| Digital Scholarship |

Digital Public Library of America Names Beta Sprint Review Panel Members

The Digital Public Library of America Steering Committee has named the members of the Beta Sprint Review Panel.

Here's an excerpt from the press release:

After a careful selection process, the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) Steering Committee is thrilled to announce the eight members of the Beta Sprint Review Panel. The panel will convene in early September to review the Beta Sprint submissions. The creators of the most promising betas will be invited to present at the October 21, 2011 public plenary meeting in Washington, DC.

The panel is composed of public and research librarians and experts in the fields of library science and information management from around the country:

  • Patsy Baudoin, MIT Libraries
  • Maeve Clark, Iowa City Public Library
  • Laura DeBonis, former Director for Library Partnerships for Google Book Search
  • Eli Neiburger, Ann Arbor District Library
  • David Rumsey, David Rumsey Map Collection
  • Michael Santangelo, Brooklyn Public Library
  • John Weise, HathiTrust
  • Jessamyn West, library technologist

Read more about it at "Digital Public Library of America Steering Committee Announces 'Beta Sprint.'"

| Digital Scholarship |

Digital Resources Library Librarian at Texas Tech University Libraries

The Texas Tech University Libraries are recruiting a Digital Resources Library Librarian. Degree: "Masters degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited program or international equivalent."

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

Manages and leads in the continued development of Texas Tech's Digital Library, overseeing the digitization lab, metadata staff. This tenure-track Library Faculty position focuses on highly innovative virtual library assessment, research, outreach, marketing and collaborative/development activities and initiatives relative to digital resources.

| Digital Scholarship |

Data Privacy Legislation: An Analysis of the Current Legislative Landscape and the Implications for Higher Education

EDUCAUSE has released Data Privacy Legislation: An Analysis of the Current Legislative Landscape and the Implications for Higher Education .

Here's an excerpt:

With the ubiquity of mobile devices and the increases in data breaches, Congress has responded with bipartisan support for comprehensive privacy legislation. As of August 2011, 18 bills have been introduced in the 112th Congress concerning data privacy. . . .

These privacy bills generally fall into three distinct areas: comprehensive online privacy protection, geolocation and mobile devices, and data security and breach notification. If enacted, many of the bills have implications for data collection, storage, and use that could affect higher education and campus IT operations and academic research.

| Digital Scholarship |

Digital Repository Specialist at Purdue University Libraries

The Purdue University Libraries are recruiting a Digital Repository Specialist. Degree: "MLS or MIS from an ALA accredited institution, or equivalent combination of education and experience."

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

The Digital Repository Specialist position exists to support the creation of unique digital collections in Purdue University Libraries. 75% of his/her effort is dedicated to the development of HABRI Central, a grant-funded online resource focused on the health benefits of the human/animal bond (H/AB), while 25% is responsible for assisting with the maintenance and development of other collections.

HABRI Central represents a unique collaboration between a library, a publisher, and a disciplinary center. It is comprised of a bibliography of published and unpublished literature relevant to H/AB studies, a repository of full text and data resources, an online publishing venue, and digital community workspace built on the HUBzero software "platform for scientific collaboration" developed at Purdue University.

| Digital Scholarship |