Charles Beagrie Limited has released the "Keeping Research Data Safe Factsheet."
Here's an excerpt:
This factsheet illustrates for institutions, researchers, and funders some of the key findings and recommendations from the JISC-funded Keeping Research Data Safe (KRDS1) and Keeping Research Data Safe 2 (KRDS2) projects.
The Wesleyan University Library is recruiting a Systems/Emerging Technologies Librarian.
Here's an excerpt from the ad (job posting number: 8000177):
Reporting to the University Librarian, this position provides dynamic leadership in the design, implementation and maintenance of user-centered library technology services at Wesleyan University Library and in the CTW Consortium, with partners Connecticut College and Trinity College. The person in this position will work collaboratively with a variety of library, campus, consortial and other partners to maintain and upgrade existing library systems and to develop new applications.
The British Library has released 2020 Vision.
Here's an excerpt from the announcement:
2020 Vision is our 10-year vision, following 12 months of extensive and wide-ranging research and consultation. In today’s climate of significant technological change, it highlights what are likely to be the key trends and opportunities over the next decade, and indicates how we will develop as an organisation to increase access to the world’s knowledge base for our users.
The Mary Couts Burnett Library at Texas Christian University is recruiting a Digital Services Librarian. Salary: $51,000 to $53,000.
Here's an excerpt from the ad:
The Mary Couts Burnett Library at Texas Christian University has an opening for a Digital Services Librarian. This is a new position with responsibility for implementation and maintenance of software and other technology used in support of the library’s local digital collections. These will eventually include repositories of digital images related to various university archives, a repository of student theses and dissertations, and a repository of faculty publications and research. Duties include providing documentation and support to staff, faculty and students who input files into the repository; maintaining interfaces between our local repository and national / international archival gateways and search engines; and planning for long-term preservation and access to digital content in the repository. In addition to maintaining third-party software, the DSL will create web interfaces, SQL-based databases, and scripts as necessary to support repository functions.
Additional responsibilities include troubleshooting, maintaining and managing upgrades for the library online reserves and interlibrary loan systems; configuring and providing staff support for the wiki software used to store and organize internal policies and procedures documents, and proposing and implementing new services as needed. Occasional night or weekend work may be required when upgrading systems.
The Alliance for Taxpayer Access has issued a call to action for the Federal Research Public Access Act (FRPAA).
Here's an excerpt from the announcement:
All supporters of public access – universities and colleges, researchers, libraries, campus administrators, patient advocates, publishers, consumers, individuals, and others – are asked to ACT NOW to support The Federal Research Public Access Act (FRPAA). See below for actions you can take.
Now before both the House of Representatives and the Senate, FRPAA would require those agencies with annual extramural research budgets of $100 million or more to provide the public with online access to research manuscripts stemming from such funding no later than six months after publication in a peer-reviewed journal. The bill gives individual agencies flexibility in choosing the location of the digital repository to house this content, as long as the repositories meet conditions for interoperability and public accessibility, and have provisions for long-term archiving.
The bill specifically covers unclassified research funded by agencies including: Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, Department of Education, Department of Energy, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Transportation, Environmental Protection Agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the National Science Foundation.
FRPAA reflects the growing trend among funding agencies – and college and university campuses – to leverage their investment in the conduct of research by maximizing the dissemination of results. It follows the successful path forged by the NIH’s Public Access Policy, as well as by private funders like the Wellcome Trust and campuses such as Harvard, MIT, and the University of Kansas. The bill also reflects the Administration’s recent expression of interest in the potential implementation of public access policies across U.S. science and technology agencies – as indicated by the call for public comment issued by the Office of Science and Technology Policy, which closed in January.
Detailed information about the Federal Research Public Access Act is available at http://www.taxpayeraccess.org/frpaa.
Here’s how you can help support this legislation:
- Send thanks to the Bill’s sponsors, also through the ATA Action Center.
- Ask your representatives in Congress to co-sponsor H.R.5037 or S.1373. Act now through the ATA Legislative Action Center.
- Express your organization’s support to Congress for public access to taxpayer-funded research and for this bill. Send a copy of your letter to sparc [at] arl [dot] org.
- Issue a public statement of support from your organization and share it widely with members, colleagues, and the media. Send a copy to sparc [at] arl [dot] org to be featured on the FRPAA Web site.
- Share news about this bill with friends and colleagues.
- Post the "I support taxpayer access" banner on your Web site.
- See the ATA Web site at http://www.taxpayeraccess.org/frpaa for more ways you can support public access to publicly funded research and this bill.
You can use the Legislative Action Center (item 1 above) to oppose H.R.801 (Fair Copyright in Research Works Act), a bill to repeal the NIH public access policy.
The Arthur W. Diamond Law Library of Columbia University is recruiting a Systems and Digital Resources Librarian.
Here's an excerpt from the ad:
The Arthur W. Diamond Law Library of Columbia University invites applications and nominations for the position of Systems and Digital Resources Librarian. This position has primary responsibility for leading the selection, migration and implementation of a new, preferably open source, library system while managing the effective use of the library's current electronic resources, services and systems.
Reporting to the Head of Technical Services, the Systems and Digital Resources Librarian will:
- Lead the selection, migration and implementation of a new library system.
- Ensure the effective administration, coordination and provision of support for all aspects of existing library automation and operating technology.
- Continue development and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure accurate acquisitions and monitoring of electronic resources.
- Coordinate the continued development and maintenance of a library website that responds to the needs of library patrons for the dynamic delivery of library content and services.
- Educate and assist the Law Library staff in implementing appropriate technology to enhance fulfillment of its mission
The Research Information Network and the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts have released Open to All? Case Studies of Openness in Research.
Here's an excerpt:
Academic bodies, including funders and groups of researchers, have set out statements in support of various levels of openness in research. Such statements often focus upon two key dimensions: what is made open, and how; and to whom is it made open, and under what conditions? This study set out to consider the practice of six research groups from a range of disciplines in order to better understand how principles of openness are translated into practice.
The study consists of interviews with 18 researchers working across 6 UK research institutions. The aim was to identify a range of practices, not to draw conclusions that could be generalised to an entire population. Research teams were therefore selected to represent not only convinced advocates of openness, but also individuals or groups which are more selective about what they share and perhaps more sceptical of the open agenda. Each team included a senior researcher at PI level along with some of their more junior colleagues. Interviews were structured to uncover researchers’ levels of openness at various stages of the research lifecycle.
The Harvard University Library is recruiting a Systems Librarian (one-year term appointment).
Here's an excerpt from the ad:
Reporting to the Team Leader, Library Systems Support and working closely with the OIS Systems Operations and Library Support Group, the Systems Librarian implements and configures library software, triages online support questions from library staff and provides first level support for staff on all centrally managed library systems. The Systems Librarian facilitates staff training and will play a key role in implementing an online system for library staff instruction. Initially, the Systems librarian will be primarily responsible for testing and evaluating e-learning tools, implementing a framework for delivering online tutorials and webinars, and working within a committee structure to develop course content for all library systems. The Systems Librarian will provide ongoing support for the new training program, with the majority of time spent on system support, configuration and maintenance. The typical duties and responsibilities include: system support and analysis (configuration, upgrades, testing, troubleshooting, working group participation) for ILS; library staff support (functional support, discussion group participation); library staff training (coordinate training program for library staff; oversee maintenance and updates for online tutorials, consult with content experts on e-learning tools); and, documentation (develop and maintain website user documentation including reference manuals, guides, online help).
Digital videos from the Repository Fringe 2010 meeting are now available.
The Auburn University Libraries are recruiting an Information Technology Specialist IV/V. Salary: $44,300-$84,800.
Here's an excerpt from the ad (Req. no.: 23474):
Under the supervision of the Assistant Dean for Technology and Technical Services, develops library-oriented software applications as needed, a duty that may include modifying and adapting open-source software applications or utilities; writes custom scripts for routine library functions; works with Auburn University Libraries faculty and staff on digital library projects requiring in-house coding; works with faculty and IT staff from other university departments on related projects, including an institutional repository (IR) and undergraduate research journal; serves as a backup System Administrator. In this capacity, helps Systems staff manage the Library's Solaris, Linux, and Windows server computers, including software upgrades and patches, security, and backup. Installs, configures, maintains, and (if necessary) extends third-party software applications (e.g. Integrated Library Systems, digital content-management software, document-delivery software, etc.); helps maintain an in-house Wiki on various aspects of library IT; shares a rotating weekly schedule of evening and weekend on-call duty; serves on university committees as needed and represents the Auburn University Libraries at the state, regional, and national levels.
The Research Information Network has released Trends in the Finances of UK Higher Education Libraries: 1999-2009.
Here's an excerpt:
The last decade has been a period of unprecedented change for university libraries. The rapid growth in numbers of students and staff across the higher education sector has been accompanied by the move to a substantially-digital environment, with some fundamental changes in how libraries and their users operate. Further change is on the way, with unpredictable implications for students, academic staff, and for libraries. As they have responded to new developments over the past decade, and changed their operations, most university libraries have seen continued growth in their budgets in real terms. The next few years are going to be much more difficult in financial terms. Libraries therefore face a period in which they will have to cope with continued rapid, perhaps transformational, change, accompanied by reductions in their budgets.
In that context, this briefing paper looks at how the financial position of libraries in the higher education sector has changed over the period between 1999 and 2009 (the latest year for which statistics are available). It is based on an analysis of data collected by SCONUL, and also draws some comparisons with the US. For some twenty years SCONUL has collected annual figures for a wide range of activities and costs amongst its members in UK higher education. SCONUL data are available in annual volumes from academic year 1993-94 onwards.
Broome Community College is recruiting a Systems Librarian. Salary: $43,282-$54,964.
Here's an excerpt from the ad:
In consultation with library faculty and staff, this position is responsible for the planning, implementation, and management of programs and services supporting the use of computer and related technologies including the library's integrated library system, Ex Libris Aleph, Illiad, computer-equipped classroom, staff desktop computers and peripherals, the library's webpage and electronic reserves. Participates in library planning including development of new services and initiatives, and committee work. The position reports to the Director of the Learning Resources Center.
The Association of College and Research Libraries has released the Value of Academic Libraries: A Comprehensive Research Review and Report.
Here's an excerpt from the press release:
Developed for ACRL by Megan Oakleaf of the iSchool at Syracuse University, this valuable resource reviews the quantitative and qualitative literature, methodologies and best practices currently in place for demonstrating the value of academic libraries. The full report, along with supplemental materials, is available online at http://www.acrl.ala.org/value/. . . .
The primary objective of this comprehensive review is to provide academic librarians and institutional leaders with a clearer understanding of what research about the performance of academic libraries already exists and where gaps in this research occur. The report additionally identifies the most promising best practices and measures correlated to performance and represents a starting point to assist college, university and community college librarians in gathering evidence to tell the story of their libraries and promote dialogue on the value of the academic library in higher education. . . .
The full report is now available on the ACRL website, along with a separate executive summary for distribution to campus decision makers, a bibliography of sources consulted in the development of the report, a podcast interview with Hinchliffe and Oakleaf and links to additional resources.
New York University's Division of the Libraries is recruiting a Digital Library Programmer/Analyst.
Here's an excerpt from the ad:
New York University's Division of the Libraries seeks a Programmer/Analyst to work on the "Papyrological Navigator" (http://papyri.info) and associated systems. Papyri.info is a web-based research portal that provides scholars worldwide with the ability to search, browse and collaboratively edit texts, transcriptions, images and metadata relating to ancient texts on papyri, pottery fragments and other material. The incumbent will work closely with the Project Coordinator and with scholars involved in the project at NYU's Institute for the Study of the Ancient World, Duke University, the University of Kentucky and the University of Heidelberg, as well as with NYU Digital Library Technology staff.
The incumbent's initial responsibilities will include: close collaboration with project team members to enhance and extend a robust production environment at NYU for the ongoing ingest and processing of new and updated text transcriptions, metadata and digital images; performing both analysis and programming of any required changes or enhancements to current PN applications.
This position is subject to the successful award of grant funding and would last for 16 months.
The Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project has released The Rise of Apps Culture.
Here's an excerpt:
The most recent Pew Internet Project survey asked a national sample of 1,917 cell phone-using adults if they use apps and how they use them. Broadly, the results indicate that while apps are popular among a segment of the adult cell phone using population, a notable number of cell owners are not yet part of the emerging apps culture.. . .
Of the 82% of adults today who are cell phone users, 43% have software applications or "apps" on their phones. When taken as a portion of the entire U.S. adult population, that equates to 35% who have cell phones with apps. . . .
Yet having apps and using apps are not synonymous. Of those who have apps on their phones, only about two-thirds of this group (68%) actually use that software. Overall, that means that 24% of U.S. adults are active apps users. Older adult cell phone users in particular do not use the apps that are on their phones, and one in ten adults with a cell phone (11%) are not even sure if their phone is equipped with apps.
The Edwin Ginn Library at Tufts University is recruiting an Assistant Director for Information Technology.
Here's an excerpt from the ad (job requisition number: 51893):
The Assistant Director for Information Technology (ADIT) reports to the Director of Library/IT and oversees all aspects of information technology at The Fletcher School. As the primary technical liaison/coordinator for The Fletcher School, the ADIT:
- Communicates information about IT to a diverse community of faculty, staff and students;
- Supervises, directs and sets priorities for desktop support; and monitors maintenance, upgrades, replacements, training and support for all classrooms, public and lab computers, and faculty and staff workstations;
- Strategically plans and implements constant improvements in technology and related services in collaboration with the Library/IT Director, faculty, staff and students;
- Maintains day-to-day relations with Tufts IT departments including support services through various divisions at Tufts to ensure a high level of service;
- Leads IT literacy efforts and training sessions for the Fletcher community and cooperates with other Tufts divisions to develop, promote and provide technology instruction;
- Acts as a consultant to The Fletcher School community, advising and recommending hardware and software purchases in support of all aspects of teaching and research;
- Oversees IT capital budgets, manages purchases, upgrades and information technology deployments throughout the school;
A ruling from the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in the Vernor v. Autodesk case has put into question the right to resell software.
Here's an excerpt from Sherwin Siy's "Software Companies Own Your Hard Drive: Ninth Circuit Rules for Formality Over Function":
In Vernor v. Autodesk, the appeals court held that Autodesk could stop Vernor from selling copies of their software on eBay by claiming that those resales were an infringement of its copyrights. Ordinarily, a copyright holder can't prevent someone from selling or otherwise distributing a lawfully made copy of the work, so long as that person owns the copy. Here, Autodesk argued that Vernor never owned the copies (which he bought used from a design firm) because Autodesk included in its sale to that firm a standardized agreement that said that the firm was only "licensing" the disks. . . .
So what does this decision mean? Unchecked, it won't soon lead to a world where I can't donate my old T-shirts to Goodwill, or where PK can start raking in that sweet, sweet statutory damages cash. Those might be theoretical possibilities, but the first effects will likely be something we've already been seeing creeping at the margins. Say goodbye to used software and used games, for instance. That PC version of Bioshock 4 you might buy a few years from now? Don't expect to be able to sell it once you're done with it. Don't even expect to be able to give it away. Game rental services could get litigated out of existence. And while licensing clothing might be beyond the pale, it's not too hard to see the software model being applied to increasingly sold-by-the-bit media like movies and music. All because of fine print, which might be clear and convenient for a court, even if it's exactly the opposite for a consumer.
The University of Rhode Island Library is recruiting a Digital Initiatives Librarian.
Here's an excerpt from the ad (posting number: 6000248):
- Provide leadership in the management of the University of Rhode Island's digital repository (currently DigitalCommons@URI) and technical expertise to continue development and enhancements.
- Coordinate with library subject liaisons, Technical Services Dept staff, Information Technology Svs (ITS) staff, and other members of the University community to enhance access to the University's scholarly communications and publications within the digital repository.
- Formulate policies and procedures for the production, management, and preservation of digital content and metadata, technical workflow, quality control, and intellectual property issues.
- Provide training and outreach to the campus community about digital initiatives and DigitalCommons@URI.
- Actively seek out new user communities and content for the digital repository.
- Provide leadership and vision in planning and implementing future digital library development.
- Provide ongoing qualitative and quantitative assessment of library digital services through data gathering and analysis.
- Plan and coordinate the preservation of and ongoing access to digitized and born-digital materials curated by the library.
- Work with IT staff and users of campus-wide applications to integrate library digital collections into these services, e.g., Sakai.
- Anticipate future trends in an evolving digital environment and maintain current awareness of national and international developments affecting knowledge management, metadata, and information retrieval; articulate to campus community.
- Identify grant opportunities and work collaboratively to create proposals in support of digital collections.
- Work as a member of the Technical Services Department and reports to the Dean.
The EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative has released "7 Things You Should Know about Privacy in Web 2.0 Learning Environments"
Here's an excerpt from the announcement:
New media, social networking, collaboration sites, image and video-sharing sites, wikis, and blogs offer tremendous teaching and learning opportunities to educators and students, but their use raises concerns about privacy, especially as it relates to work that students are asked to complete as part of a course. New learning environments often leverage Web 2.0 or cloud-based tools that offer limited or no privacy protection. When they do, those privacy settings are frequently outside the control of either the institution or the faculty member. Nevertheless, FERPA places the burden of ensuring the privacy of the education record on the institution. Institutions are beginning to explore the connection between FERPA and student work along with their responsibilities in this area. Information and policy provided at the institutional level can help faculty members make choices about which tools to use and how to use them, and students should be educated about the risks of providing identifying personal information on third-party sites that may be public.
