University of North Texas Adopts an Open Access Policy

The University of North Texas has adopted an open access policy.

Here's the policy:

UNT Community Members agree to the following: In support of greater access to scholarly works, UNT Community Members agree to the following process for peer-reviewed, accepted-for-publication journal article:

—Deposit: Each UNT Community Member deposits a digital copy of his/her accepted manuscript or version of record of the journal article (as allowed by the publisher’s policy) no later than the date of its publication. Deposit is made into the UNT Libraries scholarly works repository. The Provost or Provost’s designate (e.g., the Scholarly Communication Officer) will waive deposit of articles by Community Members as requested.

—Open Access/Optional Delayed Open Access: The author is encouraged to make the deposit available to the public by setting access to the deposit as Open Access Immediately Upon Deposit (the default). Upon express direction by a UNT Community Member for an individual article, the Provost or Provost’s designate (e.g., the Scholarly Communication Officer) will adjust the Open Access Immediately Upon Deposit requirement to align with the UNT Community Member’s request and/or to align with publisher’s policies regarding open access of self-archived works. This policy supports broad dissemination of UNT scholarly works, but for various reasons, not all individual works will be accessible in whole or in part.

The following three levels of access will be implemented:

  • Open access to the public (default)
  • Limited access in either time (e.g., an embargo period) or to specific groups (e.g., UNT Community Members)
  • Closed, No Access

—Licensing: Each UNT Community Member grants to UNT permission to make scholarly peer-reviewed journal articles to which he or she made intellectual contributions publicly available in the UNT Libraries scholarly works repository for the purpose of open dissemination and preservation, subject to publishers’ restrictions. In legal terms, each UNT community member grants to UNT for each of his or her scholarly articles a nonexclusive, irrevocable, worldwide license to exercise those rights under copyright that the author retains in any agreements with the article’s publishers. The Provost or Provost’s designate (e.g., the Scholarly Communication Officer) will waive application of the license for articles by Community Members as requested.

—Who Deposits: In the case of multiple authors from multiple institutions, where a UNT Community Member has made intellectual contributions to the article, the UNT Community Member deposits a copy of the article. In the case of multiple UNT authors, and where the lead author is from UNT, the lead author (or designate) deposits a copy of the article. The UNT Community Member should inform all co-authors of deposit in the UNT Libraries scholarly works repository.

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"Citation Advantage of Open Access Legal Scholarship"

James M. Donovan and Carol A. Watson have self-archived "Citation Advantage of Open Access Legal Scholarship" in UKnowledge.

Here's an excerpt:

To date, there have been no studies focusing exclusively on the impact of open access on legal scholarship. We examine open access articles from three journals at the University of Georgia School of Law and confirm that legal scholarship freely available via open access improves an article's research impact. Open access legal scholarship – which today appears to account for almost half of the output of law faculties – can expect to receive 50% more citations than non-open access writings of similar age from the same venue.

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Digital Projects Librarian at University of North Texas Health Science Center’s Gibson D. Lewis Health Science Library

The University of North Texas Health Science Center's Gibson D. Lewis Health Science Library is recruiting a Digital Projects Librarian.

Here's an excerpt from the ad (requisition number: 2358):

Works with appropriate individuals to plan and execute projects to digitize and make widely available the unique special collections of Lewis Library. Serves as the project manager for the library's digitization program. Solicits materials for deposit into the Institutional Repository. Serves as the campus liaison to inform faculty of trends and policies concerning scholarly publishing and communication. Serves as the Institutional Repository Program coordinator. Develops an image and photographic digitization program. Seeks funding for image scanning technologies. Maintains awareness of metadata formats and information architecture schemes. Completes other projects as directed. Represents the library as a liaison to selected academic or clinical departments. Periodically meets with individual faculty in assigned departments to discuss information needs and resources. Attends appropriate departmental or school meetings to disseminate library news and information and gather input on library issues. Provides reference assistance on a regularly scheduled basis and as needed. Participates in the ongoing service activities of Lewis Library. Interprets library policies and procedures to facilitate patron service. Participates in library strategic planning and goal setting. Assists with identifying and developing assessment tools for measuring the quality of library services. Represents the library at local, regional, and national meetings. Maintains awareness of changes within the field of health science librarianship and general trends in academic health science libraries. Serves on library campus and professional committees as appointed.

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Current News: Twitter Updates for 3/9/11

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Digital Projects Archivist at University of Montana’s Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library

The University of Montana's Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library is recruiting a Digital Projects Archivist.

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

As the Digital Projects Archivist in the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, you will help to create and manage information resources that support research, teaching and learning at The University of Montana (UM). If you are enthusiastic, team-oriented, user-focused, and have a strong interest in preserving unique collections and building a sustainable model for future access—apply today! Under the general supervision of the Head of Archives & Special Collections, and working closely with the Metadata Librarian and Digital Initiatives Librarian, the Digital Projects Archivist supports the teaching and research missions of the Mansfield Library and The University of Montana by processing archival collections and taking a lead role in digital projects conducted by Archives & Special Collections. The Digital Projects Archivist will also provide research and reference assistance to users of Archives & Special Collections material. This is a tenure track faculty position with a twelve month appointment.

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Publishing Support for Small Print-Based Publishers: Options for ARL Libraries

The Association of Research Libraries has released Publishing Support for Small Print-Based Publishers: Options for ARL Libraries.

Here's an excerpt from the press release:

This report is the summary of a project funded by ARL to investigate how research libraries might provide support to print-only publishers in order to ensure long-term digital access to their content. The final report was prepared for ARL by project consultants, October Ivins and Judy Luther.

The project was conducted from 2009 to 2010, and the report to ARL includes identification of the extent and character of journal titles for which support would be necessary, reviews of the capabilities and interest of research library publishing services to support the publishers, and recommendations for actions ARL and member libraries might undertake to address the needs of the editors and publishers of these small print-only titles. Appendices provide talking points for campus outreach, an annotated bibliography, and an overview of the landscape for publishing options.

For more information on the project, please visit http://www.arl.org/sc/models/lib-publishing/pub-support/index.shtml.

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Digital Research Data: What Researchers Want

The SURFfoundation has released What Researchers Want.

Here's an excerpt from the announcement:

This publication reviews recent literature describing what researchers want with regard to data storage and access. It was commissioned by SURFfoundation. Fifteen recent sources were studied, covering the Netherlands, the UK, the USA, Australia, and Europe. . . .

The following factors play a role in making storage successful:

  • Tools and services must be in tune with researchers’ workflows, which are often discipline-specific (and sometimes even project-specific)
  • Researchers resist top-down and/or mandatory schemes.
  • Researchers favour a “cafeteria” model in which they can pick and choose from a set of services.
  • Tools and services must be easy to use.
  • Researchers must be in control of what happens to their data, who has access to it, and under what conditions. Consequently, they want to be sure that whoever is dealing with their data (data centre, library, etc.) will respect their interests.
  • Researchers expect tools and services to support their day-to-day work within the research project; long-term/public requirements must be subordinate to that interest.
  • The benefits of the support must clearly visible – not in three years’ time, but now.
  • Support must be local, hands-on, and available when needed.

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Manuscripts Digitization Project Librarian at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University Library

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University Library is recruiting a Manuscripts Digitization Project Librarian.

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University Library seeks a knowledgeable, resourceful, and collaborative individual for the position of Manuscripts Digitization Project Librarian. The Project Librarian will coordinate activities for the proposed, multi-year grant project, Content, Context, and Capacity: A Collaborative Large-Scale Digitization Project on the Long Civil Rights Movement in North Carolina. In this project, member libraries of the Triangle Research Libraries Network (TRLN) will digitize approximately forty modern manuscript collections and archival record groups in their entirety and present the digitized collections on the open web. TRLN is a collaborative organization of Duke University, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina State University, and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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Current News: Twitter Updates for 3/8/11

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Special Collections Digital Initiatives Librarian at University of Mississippi

The University of Mississippi Libraries are recruiting a Special Collections Digital Initiatives Librarian.

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

The Department of Archives and Special Collections at the University of Mississippi seeks applicants for the position of Special Collections Digital Initiatives Librarian. The position is a twelve-month, tenure track, assistant professorship. Reports to the Head of Special Collections and coordinates selected digital initiatives projects regarding the overall management (production, capture, access, description and preservation) of the UM Special Collection's digital intellectual output. To view current projects, see http://clio.lib.olemiss.edu/archives/.

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Report on the Step Forward iPad Pilot Project

The University of Melbourne's Trinity College has released Report on the Step Forward iPad Pilot Project.

Here's an excerpt:

KEY FINDINGS:

  • Pilot project staff and August Entry students overwhelmingly recommend iPads for use by other TCFS staff and students: 76.2% of staff and 80% of students
  • iPads are effective, durable, reliable and achieve their educational aims of going further, faster and with more fun
  • iPads have advantages for TCFS over other technologies such as netbooks and laptops
  • iPads are not a replacement for desktop/laptop computers or other educational technologies but are an enhancement
  • High quality audio-visual equipment in the classroom (such as flat screen TV monitors and document cameras), along with timely IT support, are required to enable full integration and best use of the iPads. Such equipment and support are crucial if the educational aims of iPad use are to be realised rather than thwarted
  • iPad use reduces printing and paper use

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Technology Specialist at OHIONET (Search Extended)

OHIONET is recruiting a Technology Specialist.

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

As part of OHIONET's member support team, this individual will:

  • Assist in the administration of our shared library systems, including the Innovative Interfaces systems for the OPAL (Ohio Private Academic Libraries) consortium and for the OHNT2 libraries, EZProxy servers and other shared library systems.
  • Assume responsibility for the hardware and operating system administration and management for all of the OHIONET-managed library systems.
  • Provide technical support to member libraries on a daily basis and as part of our after-hours and weekend support rotation.
  • Conduct training sessions both online and in-person to support the effective use of these systems.
  • Prepare complete and accurate documentation to support these projects.

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Current News: Twitter Updates for 3/7/11

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Head, Information Technology and Applications Department at Georgia Tech Library

The Georgia Tech Library is recruiting a Head, Information Technology and Applications Department. Minimum salary is $75,000.

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

Reporting to the Associate Dean for Research and Learning Services, the department head will supervise ten FTE librarians and professional staff and support a variety of services for the Georgia Tech Community. The department is comprised of several service units:

  • Desktop and Collaboration Services is responsible for desktop computing resources and collaboration solutions used by Library staff and the public. This includes installation, maintenance, training, inventory control, and specification and purchase of hardware/software and management of the Library's collaboration and messaging environment.
  • Database Administration and Programming supports access to the commercial databases and electronic resources that are available through GALILEO and locally resources provided by the Library. Other supported services include SFX, E-Reserves, Document Delivery, ETD, and the Dublin Core database.
  • The Integrated Library System unit supports the Voyager library management system that includes the library catalog, the circulation system, and the acquisitions and serials system.
  • Network Services is involved in installation and maintenance of servers and system integration. This includes user account access/administration, email, backup, and server architecture. This group also provides information security, developing strategies and monitoring for intrusions.
  • Web Services is responsible for the direction, design, development, and coordination of the Library's web presence.
  • There is a growing emphasis on digital library development and infrastructure to support services such as digital repositories and collections, publishing services, and digital capture and conversion activities. The Department Head collaborates with others in the Library to set priorities for programming and application development services.

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Sustaining Scholarly Publishing: New Business Models for University Presses

The Association of American University Presses has released Sustaining Scholarly Publishing: New Business Models for University Presses.

Here's an excerpt from the press release:

Within the scholarly communications ecosystem, scholarly publishers are a keystone species. University presses—as well as academic societies, research institutions, and other scholarly publishers—strive to fulfill the mission of making public the fruits of scholarly research as effectively as possible within that ecosystem. While that mission has remained constant, in recent years the landscape in which it is carried out has altered dramatically.

"Sustaining Scholarly Publishing" explores many current scholarly publishing experiments and initiatives, defines characteristics of effective business models and the challenges of transitioning from a traditional sales-based model, and presents several recommendations for sustaining high-quality scholarly publishing throughout this time of change. The AAUP report was prepared by the Task Force on Economic Models for Scholarly Publishing, chaired by Lynne Withey, now-retired director of the University of California Press. . . .

Among the report's recommendations:

  • Active and open sharing of lessons learned by participants in existing digital publishing projects should be an ongoing process.
  • The support of foundations, libraries, and university administrations in providing funds to work toward the digital future has been, and will remain, crucial.
  • Open access is a principle to be embraced, if publishing costs can be supported by the larger scholarly enterprise. University presses, and nonprofit publishers generally, should be fully engaged in these discussions.
  • Proposals and plans for new business models should explicitly address the potential impact of the new model on other parts of a press's programs, as well as explicitly address the requirements, both operational and financial, for making the transition to a new model.

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Digital Curation and Preservation Bibliography 2010

Digital Scolarship has released the Digital Curation and Preservation Bibliography 2010. This 80-page book presents over 500 English-language articles, books, and technical reports that are useful in understanding digital curation and preservation. This selective bibliography covers digital curation and preservation copyright issues, digital formats (e.g., data, media, and e-journals), metadata, models and policies, national and international efforts, projects and institutional implementations, research studies, services, strategies, and digital repository concerns. Most sources have been published from 2000 through 2010; however, a limited number of key sources published prior to 2000 are also included. Many references have links to freely available copies of included works.

The Digital Curation and Preservation Bibliography 2010 is available as an open access PDF file and as a $9.95 paperback. All versions of the bibliography are available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 United States License.

For further information about Digital Scholarship publications, see the "Digital Scholarship Publications Overview" and "Reviews of Digital Scholarship Publications."

Digital Curation and Preservation Bibliography 2010 cover

Director of Digital Programs and Systems at Emory University Libraries

The Emory University Libraries are recruiting a Director of Digital Programs and Systems.

Here's an excerpt from the ad (job requisition ID: 21073BR):

Manages existing systems and leads the implementation of new technologies and enterprise systems for all of the university libraries. Works closely with senior library managers to insure the division operates as a customer focused and driven organization that is processed managed. Works closely with Vice Provost and other library senior leadership to define and implement a long-term vision, strategy, and execution plans for all university libraries. Leads teams of systems, software, and support engineers with a balanced focus on products, processes and people leadership. Develops existing talent on the teams. Assesses the effectiveness of existing systems in meeting operational library management needs across all libraries, enabling the Library's mission to support of the university's research, teaching and learning goals. Leads the planning, development, implementation, and management of a new library management system. Investigates, recommends, and implements new technologies to enhance and transform library delivery of information resources. Acts in a responsive manner to stakeholders in all areas, communicating and collaborating at all times. Contributes to and is highly active in local, consortial, regional, and national meetings to stay abreast of technology developments and trends and also represent Emory Libraries. Plans and executes complex development projects such as digital repositories, image archives, and tools to support digital humanities. Performs related responsibilities as required.

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Current News: Twitter Updates for 3/6/11

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Chair, Digital Services and Shared Collections at University of Florida Libraries

The University of Florida Libraries are recruiting a Chair, Digital Services and Shared Collections. Minimum salary is $75,00 or $85,000 depending on rank.

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

Chair, Digital Services and Shared Collections, is responsible for internal and outsourced digitization, and plays a key role in the coordination of preservation and access to digital and shared print academic library collections in Florida. The Chair will be responsible for adopting a business model approach, designing efficient and productive workflows, and for effectively communicating vision and goals to donors, partners, and a variety of other internal and external constituents and partners. A major component of the role is to promote organized collaboration between internal and outsourced digital services, preservation/conservation of all Smathers Libraries collections as well as the shared print collection, and processing for the storage and retrieval of shared print collections.

Upon appointment, the Chair will lead the Digital Library Center (DLC) and related digital services including the Institutional Repository (IR), as well as having reporting responsibilities for Preservation and Shared Collections Processing. The Chair will also participate in the planning for the new complex and the Shared Collections. Initial partners for the Shared Collections include all of the State University Libraries (SUL) and at least one private university in Florida. After the completion of the new complex (anticipated in 2013-2014), the Digital Services and Preservation units will relocate from Smathers Library to the renovated facility and the chair will assume responsibility for managing the complex.

As a prominent partner in national and state cooperative ventures, the Chair will negotiate agreements, manage business operations and identify ways to actively market and promote the collections and services. This will require collaboration with subject specialists, curators and other library staff, as well as patrons, external constituents and not-for-profit, commercial, and academic partners.

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Scholarly Electronic Publishing Bibliography 2010

Digital Scolarship has released the Scholarly Electronic Publishing Bibliography 2010. This 466-page book presents over 3,800 selected English-language articles, books, and other textual sources that are useful in understanding scholarly electronic publishing efforts on the Internet. It covers digital copyright, digital libraries, digital preservation, digital rights management, digital repositories, economic issues, electronic books and texts, electronic serials, license agreements, metadata, publisher issues, open access, and other related topics. Most sources have been published from 1990 through 2010. Many references have links to freely available copies of included works.

The Scholarly Electronic Publishing Bibliography 2010 is available as an open access PDF file and as an $18.95 paperback. All versions of the bibliography are available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 United States License.

For further information about Digital Scholarship publications, see the "Digital Scholarship Publications Overview" and "Reviews of Digital Scholarship Publications."

Scholarly Electronic Publishing Bibliography 2010 cover

Open Access: "Recent Watershed Events"

Peter Suber has published "Recent Watershed Events" in the latest SPARC Open Access Newsletter.

Here's an excerpt:

OA has the momentum of thousands of forward steps every year, in every academic field and every part of the world. But some developments are larger than others, and some are large enough to count as watershed events. I've noticed an upswing in watershed events recently and want to point out half a dozen of them. Pointing them out doesn't amount to a prediction, any more than tremors predict earthquakes. But if you were too preoccupied with local noise to notice these tremors, take a moment to notice them.

(1) The Publishers Association (PA) and Association of Learned and Professional Society Publishers (ALPSP) announced a meeting to take place in London at the end of this month: "PA-ALPSP Journal Publishers' Forum: Open access: the next ten years" (London, March 31, 2011)
http://www.alpsp.org/ngen_public/article.asp?aid=341706 . . . .

(2) The world's largest peer-reviewed journal is now an OA journal, PLoS ONE. . . . .

3) PLoS ONE's success in attracting submissions, revenue, and reputation inspired a raft of imitators from high-quality, high-prestige publishers.
http://blogs.plos.org/plos/files/2011/01/Welcome-Nature2.pdf
http://poeticeconomics.blogspot.com/2011/01/plos-one-now-worlds-largest-journal.html. . . .

(4) In the same month that the Nature Publishing Group (NPG) launched Scientific Reports, its PLoS ONE rival, it issued an important new statement on OA in general.
http://www.nature.com/press_releases/statement.html . . . .

(5) In October 2010, Ten major institutions founded the UK Open Access Implementation Group to "coordinate evidence, policies, systems, advice and guidance, to make open access an easy choice for authors and one that benefits all universities…."

(6) The three largest commercial publishers now publish full OA journals, not just hybrid OA journals.

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Discovery Systems Librarian at University of Alberta Library

The University of Alberta Library is recruiting a Discovery Systems Librarian. Salary range: $77,740-$129,436.

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

The University of Alberta Libraries, with a long tradition of service excellence to the University and its communities, seek a dynamic individual for the new position of Discovery Systems Librarian. Working in a team environment in Bibliographic & Information Technology Services, the Discovery Systems Librarian will be responsible for a suite of discovery and retrieval systems designed to help expose the Libraries' rich collections and for supporting student, faculty, and library staff through leadership in technology and services planning, project coordination, and operations support. Discovery systems and services include the University of Alberta Libraries / NEOS online public access catalogue, “next-generation” faceted discovery tools, federated / meta- search tools for exposing content across separate silos (eg., licensed electronic resources, local repositories of digitized content, etc.), OpenURL link resolvers and related products (eg., recommender services), proxy servers / services, and ancillary products such as citation management services. The Discovery Systems Librarian has responsibility for system-wide implementation, configuration, integration, and oversight of such systems and services, including supervision of specific assignments of programmers and other staff.

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Current News: Twitter Updates for 3/3/11

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Digital Initiatives Applications Librarian at University of Alberta Library

The University of Alberta Library is recruiting a Digital Initiatives Applications Librarian. Salary range: $55,770-111,458.

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

The University of Alberta Libraries seek a Digital Initiatives Applications Librarian to work as a member of the Digital Initiatives working group. The Libraries' digital initiatives are expanding and diversifying quickly, presenting a need for constant innovation and adaptation while maintaining existing systems. Each new project brings new problems to solve, and development needs to be guided by knowledge of current operations and foresight of future needs.

Responsibilities will include managing day-to-day applications of the Libraries’ digitization projects, institutional repository, digital preservation platform, and open-access publishing platform; shadowing and acting as backup for the Digital Initiatives Technology Librarian; participating in special Digital Initiatives projects, including coordinating project staff; developing and documenting best practices for management operations; ensuring compliance of operations with Trusted Digital Repository practices; enhancing and providing feedback to developers on management tools; and consulting and working with external partners to share content and metadata.

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