DigitalKoans – Page 21 – What Is the Sound of One E-Print Downloading?

"The Global Lens: Highlighting National Nuances in Researchers’ Attitudes to Open Data"

This report investigates the variations seen in researcher’s attitudes towards open data across Ethiopia, Japan and the United States, using responses from the State of Open Data surveys. Highlighting: what open data is and its importance towards global scientific advancement, outlining methods that were used, outward context and overall suggestions towards policy makers.

Ethiopia and Japan were found to display contrasting responses, with the United States often representing the middle ground. Researchers in Ethiopia show the highest familiarity with FAIR principles (36.50%), support for a national open data mandate (76.96%), and agreement with penalising non-compliance (56.74%). In contrast, Japan has the lowest familiarity with FAIR principles (10.20%), support for a national mandate (41.86%), and agreement with penalties (35.78%). The United States falls in between, with 37.60% familiarity with FAIR principles, 61.22% supporting a national mandate, and 54.09% supporting penalties.

The factors shaping these attitudes, including funding policies, research culture, and individualistic behaviours have also been examined. Recommendations suggest Ethiopia could leverage its strong support by establishing clear national policies, the United States could build on existing federal policies, and Japan may need a more gradual approach, engaging researchers in policy development.

https://tinyurl.com/45xsvc8h

Head of Library Systems and eResources at Columbus State University

The Head of Library Systems and eResources primarily oversees electronic resource management. This includes coordinating vendor negotiations, licensing agreements, renewal notices, and cancellations. This also includes tracking of the Libraries’ eResource budget and compilation and analysis of usage statistics. This position is also responsible for overseeing and assisting with the management of Library Systems such as GALILEO, the Library catalog, and other platforms such as LibGuides. It is also responsible for management of the University’s institutional repository: the CSU ePress.

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Paywall: "Top IT Challenges in ARL Libraries"

This study presents the results of an online survey of Association of Research Libraries (ARL) academic library members to identify the biggest challenges they perceive in the area of information technology organization and management. This article compares their responses with challenges reported in earlier studies to identify new and changing trends as well as ongoing challenges that remain.

https://doi.org/10.1080/01930826.2024.2351245

Director of Digital Initiatives at University of Rochester

The Director of Digital Initiatives is responsible for the overall direction, development, and management of the River Campus Libraries’ (RCL) core and emerging digital infrastructure in support RCL’s strategic aims and the teaching, learning, and research mission of the University. Reporting to the Assistant/Associate Dean for Scholarly Resources and Curation, this position works closely with library administration, colleagues, and stakeholders to collaboratively envision and implement innovative services and technologies that underpin a wide range of programs and services. This role directs a team of nine to ensure the sustainable and effective operation of the Libraries’ core enterprise-systems, connections to/integrations with key University and vendor systems, and the development and implementation of new applications and services.

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"More Readers in More Places: The Benefits of Open Access for Scholarly Books"

Open access to scholarly contents has grown substantially in recent years. This includes the number of books published open access online. However, there is limited study on how usage patterns (via downloads, citations and web visibility) of these books may differ from their closed counterparts. Such information is not only important for book publishers, but also for researchers in disciplines where books are the norm. This article reports on findings from comparing samples of books published by Springer Nature to shed light on differences in usage patterns across open access and closed books. The study includes a selection of 281 open access books and a sample of 3,653 closed books (drawn from 21,059 closed books using stratified random sampling). The books are stratified by combinations of book type, discipline and year of publication to enable likewise comparisons within each stratum and to maximize statistical power of the sample. The results show higher geographic diversity of usage, higher numbers of downloads and more citations for open access books across all strata. Importantly, open access books have increased access and usage for traditionally underserved populations.

https://doi.org/10.1629/uksg.558

Web Content Specialist at University at Buffalo

This position will involve collaborating with various departments to develop and maintain website content that supports the needs of our academic community, as well as managing the University Libraries’ social media presence. As part of the Communications Team within the University Libraries, you will report to the Web Manager and Lead Designer.

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"Editors at Philosophy & Public Affairs Resign; Will Launch New OA Journal"

We take this step because we believe that scholarly journals—including our own—serve important purposes, and that these purposes are not well-served by commercial publishing. For three decades now, academic journals have suffered from their ownership by for-profit publishers, who have exploited their monopoly position to sharply raise prices, unduly burdening subscribing libraries and shutting out other institutions and individuals from access to research. The recent rise of the author-funded "open access" model has only reinforced academic inequality, since scholars with access to fewer resources are unable to pay the fees that make their work freely accessible; it has also incentivized commercial publishers to try to publish as many articles as possible and so to pressure rigorous journals to weaken or abandon their quality controls. . . .

The new diamond journal will be published by the Open Library of Humanities.

https://tinyurl.com/42z2t83c

Metadata Librarian at University of Hawaii at Manoa

Creates and enhances descriptive metadata for digital resources based on standards, best practices, and the needs of the digital collections

In collaboration with IT personnel, catalog librarians, and archivists, provides expertise and leadership in the development, implementation, and assessment of metadata policies and procedures

Implements, assesses, and refines metadata workflows to ensure efficiency and consistency

Participates in metadata enhancement, crosswalks, mapping, and transformation across library platforms to promote interoperability and discovery of collections

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"Lawmakers Debate Ending Section 230 in Order to Save It"

E&C [House Energy and Commerce Committee] Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-NJ) want to give Congress 18 months to come up with a new framework to replace Section 230 or risk losing it entirely. The idea is to force their colleagues to do something to change the law that’s been the subject of bipartisan ire for years. . . .

Republicans and Democrats often have very different ideas of how exactly the law should change. Republicans who support Section 230 reform often want platforms to have fewer protections for their content moderation decisions to combat what they see as censorship of conservative views, while Democrats who support reform tend to want platforms to moderate or remove more content, such as disinformation.

https://tinyurl.com/ykcf57ha

Associate Director, Research Engagement at Yale University

The Associate Director will nurture the development of innovative researcher and practitioner support programs, including novel approaches to research consultations, scholarly profiles and research impact, research data support, building community through common research methods and tools, specialized instruction and outreach, and other research support activities.

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"Challenges and Roadblocks to Robust Metadata in the Scholarly Communications Industry"

For the scholarly communications community to extract the most value from scientific research, as well as to successfully move from subscription to open access publishing models, it is essential to have ‘clean’ metadata and a robust infrastructure to build the required workflows, processes and systems to support effective use of that metadata. The obstacles to achieving a supporting infrastructure and implementing effective workflows are many, negatively impacting every stakeholder group and every aspect of the research and publishing process.

https://doi.org/10.1629/uksg.642

Web Content Specialist at University of Colorado Boulder

University Libraries encourage applications for a Web Content Specialist! The Specialist plays a crucial role in ensuring CU Boulder Libraries web content is up-to-date and accurate for its users. They participate actively in library website development, as part of the User Experience group. The Specialist works with a variety of library employees to implement changes to library web content and supervises the site for consistency in content and presentation. They also create user documentation and develop and conduct internal training for associated applications and systems (Springshare, WebExpress content management system, etc.).

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"Amplifying Academic Research through YouTube: Engagement Metrics as Predictors of Citation Impact"

The preliminary findings from the linear regression analysis (Table 1) suggest a meaningful relationship between the online engagement metrics of videos on YouTube and the academic impact of the publications referenced within these videos. Specifically, the analysis found positive correlations with the citation impact for three key metrics: the number of videos referencing publications, the ratio of likes to dislikes on videos, and the number of comments containing references to other publications. The positive correlation indicates a sort of selective amplification process. Publications mentioned in videos that garner attention in the form of likes and active discussion in comments are likely being selectively chosen for their relevance or quality. This selection process by content creators and the subsequent engagement by viewers may serve as an “informal peer review”, signaling the value and impact of the research. The findings suggest that social media, particularly YouTube in this context, acts as a filter that potentially can highlight the visibility of impactful research.

https://arxiv.org/abs/2405.12734

Social Science Librarian, Research Engagement at Yale University

Using a shared, user-focused workflow emphasizing efficiency, responsiveness, and adaptability, the group delivers programs that support the full research lifecycle and accelerate research and practice. Each team is responsible for understanding needs and trends in their areas of focus and each team member will lend their expertise to programs and services offered by the department. Key areas of support include research consultations, scholarly profiles and research impact, research data support, and building community through common research methods and tools. Each librarian will serve as a knowledgeable resource, connecting students, staff, researchers, and community members with relevant collections, services and experts.

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UC and Authors Alliance: "Outcomes, Questions, and Answers: ‘The Right to Deposit (r2d) Uniform Guidance to Ensure Author Compliance and Public Access’"

The United States Office of Management and Budget uniform guidance for grants and agreements contains the following language in 2 CFR §200.315(b):

To the extent permitted by law, the recipient or subrecipient may copyright any work that is subject to copyright and was developed, or for which ownership was acquired, The Right to Deposit (R2D)under a Federal award. The Federal agency reserves a royalty-free, nonexclusive, and irrevocable right to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use the work for Federal purposes and to authorize others to do so. This includes the right to require recipients and subrecipients to make such works available through agency-designated public access repositories.¹

This provision, the Federal purpose license, has existed in some form since at least 1976. Some federal agencies, including the Department of Energy (DOE), have already been relying on it in the implementation of their public access plans. The Federal purpose license applies upon creation of an article, overriding all subsequent terms and licenses. It provides a highly effective, non-disruptive, elegant and familiar solution for accomplishing the ends of the Nelson memo without having to rely on individual authors and institutions to protect this right or navigate differing institutional approaches. Leveraging the Federal purpose license could also provide consistency for articles and authors subject to policies from multiple granting agencies. . . .

If the Federal purpose license has already existed for a long time, and has new language clarifying that it can be used this way, does that solve the problem for authors?

It depends on the author’s funder. Agencies have rights in federally funded research publications, but they are not uniformly using them. Only some agencies are telling their grantees in agency guidance that the Federal purpose license covers sharing publications in agency-designated repositories. Other agencies aren’t relying on their own rights from the license, and instead advising grantees to work with their publisher and secure the rights to post their publications independently. The Federal purpose license does not help authors if they don’t know about it.

https://tinyurl.com/bdfks8pu

Social Science Research and Spatial Data Librarian at Cornell University

The position provides targeted public services support to the social science community, as well as services related to spatial data and social science data discovery, analysis, and management. Reporting to the Director of the Music and Fine Arts Libraries, you will collaborate closely with the Fine Arts Library team as well as with colleagues throughout Cornell University Library to provide exceptional research services and programs. As a member of the Digital Scholarship Services data discovery cohort, the Social Science Research and Spatial Data Librarian provides spatial data support to constituents across campus, develops services to enhance access to spatial data, and participates in planning, developing, and teaching course-integrated instruction and workshops relating to spatial data use

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ARL Poll: "AI and Libraries: Strengths in a Digital Tomorrow"

The poll results from the ARL/CNI 2035 Scenarios exploration reveal diverse strengths that research libraries can harness as they navigate AI-influenced futures. These strengths underscore libraries’ vital role in maintaining information integrity and ensuring equitable access amidst the challenges posed by AI advancements. For libraries, these insights emphasize the importance of continuing to build on these core competencies while staying adaptive and responsive to emerging technological trends. Leveraging the ARL/CNI 2035 Scenarios and continued attention to the broader strategic landscape will enable libraries to be proactive and remain relevant and effective as custodians of knowledge in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world.

https://tinyurl.com/38mmuxnb

Library Systems Specialist at Fashion Institute of Technology

The Library Systems Specialist ensures the efficacy of library systems by implementing and maintaining the diverse array of technology applications integral to library operations. This position is both a leadership and hands-on operational role that manages the interoperability of applications and systems platforms used in the library by monitoring, maintaining, troubleshooting and implementing new and existing systems for continuity and seamless service delivery.

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"Generative AI in Higher Education: A Global Perspective of Institutional Adoption Policies and Guidelines"

Integrating generative AI (GAI) into higher education is crucial for preparing a future generation of GAI-literate students. Yet a thorough understanding of the global institutional adoption policy remains absent, with most of the prior studies focused on the Global North and the promises and challenges of GAI, lacking a theoretical lens. This study utilizes the Diffusion of Innovations Theory to examine GAI adoption strategies in higher education across 40 universities from six global regions. It explores the characteristics of GAI innovation, including compatibility, trialability, and observability, and analyses the communication channels and roles and responsibilities outlined in university policies and guidelines. The findings reveal a proactive approach by universities towards GAI integration, emphasizing academic integrity, teaching and learning enhancement, and equity. Despite a cautious yet optimistic stance, a comprehensive policy framework is needed to evaluate the impacts of GAI integration and establish effective communication strategies that foster broader stakeholder engagement. The study highlights the importance of clear roles and responsibilities among faculty, students, and administrators for successful GAI integration, supporting a collaborative model for navigating the complexities of GAI in education. This study contributes insights for policymakers in crafting detailed strategies for its integration.

https://arxiv.org/abs/2405.11800

Scholarly Communication Librarian at SUNY Oneonta

The Scholarly Communications Librarian is responsible for academic programming, instruction, services, and resources related to OER (Open Educational Resources), open access (OA), and the scholarly information lifecycle. This position works both independently and collaboratively with partners throughout the institution to provide excellent library services related to OER and open access. The Scholarly Communications Librarian co-leads the University Open Education Resources (OER) Initiative and manages the institution’s scholarly open access repository.

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"Article Processing Charges Suppress the Scholarship of Doctoral Students"

The open access movement has drastically reconfigured the financial burdens of scholarly publishing. Yet, the influence of a marketized scholarly publishing system on doctoral education remains unexplored. I reflect on my own PhD candidature to illustrate how article processing charges disempower doctoral candidates. I argue that the current open access publishing model unfairly advantages candidates with personal, familial and/or institutional wealth. The inequalities imposed on doctoral students by our sectors’ current publishing habits ultimately bias who will be paid to produce and safeguard knowledge in the future. Doctoral students can no longer be ignored in debates over open access publishing.

https://doi.org/10.3897/ese.2024.e124173

Electronic Resources Metadata Librarian at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Responsibilities include creating and editing metadata for e-serials, e-books, databases, and datasets in both MARC and non-MARC formats; maintaining collections; managing batch record imports; supervising two staff members; coordinating metadata production; fostering communication and building collaborative relationships within the library; staying updated on metadata trends and standards; developing training materials; advising on metadata policies; contributing to system-wide initiatives; and supporting the library’s vision of accessible knowledge through innovative metadata management.

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Paywall: "Job Advertisements for Data Visualization in Academic Libraries: A Content Analysis of Job Postings"

The objectives of this study are: i) to identify the responsibilities that professionals working in the DV field are expected to undertake, and ii) to analyze the current stated qualifications and competencies required for DV-related positions.. . . The findings indicated that library professionals in the field of DV are increasingly tasked with a broader spectrum of responsibilities and duties, with a pronounced preference for those demonstrating expertise in cross-disciplinary domains and possessing exceptional general competencies, in addition to the requisite professional qualifications and skills, such as interdisciplinary liaison and commitment to equity and diversity..

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2024.102896

Librarian (Digital Services) at Naval Postgraduate School

You will define processes for collection of digital content and objects, creation of metadata, managing access to digital repository resources and ensure storage platforms meet range needs.

You will recommend policies and procedures necessary for the creation and management of digital rights and copyright control as well as providing on-going expertise in this area for the library and other organizations on campus.

You will develop architecture, standards, policies and procedures necessary to implement an institutional digital repository.

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E-Resources Specialist at George Mason University

Reporting to the Head, Resource Acquisition, the E-Resources Specialist is responsible for providing acquisition management and coordination of the library’s resources, especially in electronic format. Manages the entire complex order and access cycles for these materials – from the request of a new e-resource through ensuring accurate, up-to-date access for faculty and students. Maintains and updates a variety of databases, library systems, and other applications used in e-resource management.

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