Blended Research and Learning Object Repository: JISC Final Report—CIRCLE

The Oxford Brookes University's Common Institutional Repositories for Collaborative Learning Environments (CIRCLE) project has released JISC Final Report—CIRCLE.

Here's an excerpt:

The university has established a pilot repository system, linked to the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) that can be used for storing both teaching and research objects. The project has allowed us to look in depth at the needs of a wide range of stakeholders, including schools, researchers, Library staff, central IT staff and students. . . .

The software chosen for the project (Intralibrary) was developed as a learning object repository, and so a large part of our work involved configuring the software to deal with research outputs. Although Intralibrary can be adapted to deal with research, the project found that further work was needed for the software to meet all the requirements of the pilot groups. The university has an urgent need to establish a research archive and has therefore decided to pilot an alternative repository solution called Equella from The Learning Edge International. This follow-up project is called RADAR (Research Archive and Digital Asset Repository).

We feel that the knowledge and experience gained during the CIRCLE project have been extremely valuable and have paved the way for the development and rollout of the university’s repository. We have also explored the wider relationship between the repository and content management systems already in use in schools, ranging from Intranet to bespoke systems. The project has made a start on a co-ordinated approach to managing digital assets that will have clear benefits for schools and the university as a whole.

ILS as SaaS (Software as a Service): OCLC Announces Web-Scale Management Services

OCLC has announced web-scale management services.

Here's an excerpt from the press release:

Libraries that subscribe to FirstSearch WorldCat will get the WorldCat Local "quick start" service as part of their subscription at no additional charge. WorldCat Local "quick start" offers libraries a locally branded catalog interface and simple search box that presents localized search results for print and electronic content along with the ability to search the entire WorldCat database and other resources via the Web.

OCLC plans to release Web-scale delivery and circulation, print and electronic acquisitions, and license management components to WorldCat Local, continuing the integration of library management services to create the Web-scale, cooperative library service. OCLC will begin piloting the Web-scale management service components this year.

This new library service design will support library management for print, electronic and licensed materials built on a new, Web-scale architecture that provides streamlined workflows and cooperative solutions. This Web-scale solution will not only include the functionality of disparate systems, it will interoperate with third-party business process systems, such as finance and human resources, and will reduce the total cost of ownership for libraries. The cooperative nature of the platform will create network effects for libraries with enhanced discovery, resource sharing, and metadata management, and through sharing collection management information, identity management, and collective intelligence fueled by data shared through the cooperative and with partners. . . .

OCLC will work with the more than 1,000 libraries and partners that are currently using OCLC library management systems in Europe and Asia Pacific to help build this service. OCLC will continue to develop and support its existing systems in Europe and Asia Pacific. OCLC will accelerate efforts to create robust data-exchange capabilities between OCLC library management systems and the WorldCat platform. Libraries and partners using current OCLC library management systems will be able to participate in this new development by add

In July 2009, libraries will be able to start using WorldCat.org as their user interface for the OCLC FirstSearch service, providing integrated access through a single search box to NetLibrary eBooks and eAudiobooks, Electronic Collections Online eJournals, OCLC FirstSearch databases, ArchiveGrid archival collection descriptions and CAMIO (the Catalog of Art Museum Images Online). At the same time, OCLC will add an enhanced, comprehensive search capability to WorldCat Local, which will return all print, electronic and licensed content available to the library from any location. OCLC will pilot WorldCat Local circulation and acquisitions services later this year.

Copyright, Content and Class Action Lawsuits: A Debate on the Google Book Search Settlement

In "ALA Participates in ITIF Google Book Settlement Panel at Library of Congress," District Dispatch describes an ITIF meeting on "Copyright, Content and Class Action Lawsuits: A Debate on the Google Book Search Settlement" at the Library of Congress.

Here's an excerpt:

Yesterday, Dr. Alan Inouye, Director of the American Library Association’s Office for Information Technology Policy, participated in a panel called Copyright, Content and Class Action Lawsuits: A Debate on the Google Book Search Settlement. The talk was sponsored by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), and held at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. Dr. Inouye offered remarks on the proposed Google Book Settlement from the library and public interest perspective. Also contributing to the panel were Dr. Daniel Clancy, Engineering Director for Google Book Search, Allan Adler, VP of Government Affairs for the Association of American Publishers, and Peter Brantley, Director of Access for the Internet Archive. Daniel Castro, Senior Analyst at ITIF, moderated the panel discussion.

A digital video of the debate is available at the meeting web site.

OCLC Releases Online Catalogs: What Users and Librarians Want

OCLC has released Online Catalogs: What Users and Librarians Want.

Here's an excerpt from the Executive Summary:

  • The end user's experience of the delivery of wanted items is as important, if not more important, than his or her discovery experience.
  • End users rely on and expect enhanced content including summaries/abstracts and tables of contents.
  • An advanced search option (supporting fielded searching) and facets help end users refine searches, navigate, browse and manage large result sets.
  • Important differences exist between the catalog data quality priorities of end users and those who work in libraries.
  • Librarians and library staff, like end users, approach catalogs and catalog data purposefully. End users generally want to find and obtain needed information; librarians and library staff generally have work responsibilities to carry out. The work roles of librarians and staff influence their data quality preferences.
  • Librarians' choice of data quality enhancements reflects their understanding of the importance of accurate, structured data in the catalog.

Peter Hirtle on the Impact of the Google Book Settlement on Foreign Copyright Holders

In "Google Book Settlement, Orphan Works, and Foreign Works," Peter Hirtle discusses the impact of the Google Book Settlement on foreign copyright holders.

Here's an excerpt:

The scope of the foreign land grab could be considerable. Some initial estimates suggest that 7 million books could be included in the settlement. Of these it is estimated that 1 million are in the public domain. That would leave 6 million in-copyright but out-of-print books. Early efforts to try to understand the nature of the library collections that were being used to build the Google books database suggested that 50% of the works in the libraries were not in English, so it would be safe to say that at least 3 million of the books in the settlement will be foreign works. (Since Google added many European partners after this study was done, the number is likely to be much higher.) Some of these are going to be orphan works—but many more are going to have easily locatable rights holders that have chosen not to be active participants in the settlement. Their royalties are destined for the pockets of the Registry. I am willing to bet that a goodly percentage of the operating expenses of the Registry will come not from orphan works, but rather from foreign authors who do not understand the need to participate in the settlement.

UC Press and the California Digital Library Announce University of California Publishing Services

The University of California Press and the California Digital Library have announced their new University of California Publishing Services unit.

Here's an excerpt from the post:

This integrated system combines print distribution, sales, and marketing services offered by UC Press with the open access digital publishing services provided by the California Digital Library through eScholarship. UCPubS is part of the University of California's broader effort to ensure a sustainable scholarly publishing system in the service of research and teaching.

University of Florida Libraries Propose to Cut Budget by over $2.6 Million

The University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries have posted a "2009-2010 Budget Reduction Proposal for the George A. Smathers Libraries, Including the Health Science Center Libraries" that details over $2.6 million in proposed budget cuts.

Read more about it at "2009-2010 Materials Budget Cuts by Circle," "2009-2010 Budget Reduction Proposal for the George A. Smathers Libraries, Including the Health Science Center Libraries," and "Budget Message to President Machen and Provost Glover."

Library IT Jobs: Systems/Reference Librarian at California Institute of Integral Studies

The California Institute of Integral Studies Library is recruiting a Systems/Reference Librarian.

Here's an excerpt from ad:

  • Serving as primary technical support for Library staff and patrons on research databases, online electronic journals, and library automation (including Library’s catalog and circulation system, z39.50 server and proxy server).
  • Maintaining, updating, developing and evaluating the Library's extensive Web site.
  • Serving as liaison with library software and online/electronic resource providers, gathering pertinent information, identifying opportunities and problems, and proposing solutions.
  • Providing individual and group research assistance to Library patrons, from bachelor’s completion through faculty level, at the reference desk, over the telephone and through email. As a member of the reference team, participate in designing instructional and informational programs.
  • Playing a key role in the process of acquiring and implementing a new library ILS.
  • On a day-to-day basis, serving as liaison to the Institute’s Information Technology Services unit; and serving as Library’s channel of communication on repairs and upkeep of computer equipment.
  • Staying current with advances in applicable library technology and online and electronic resources; advising colleagues and director on developments in these areas, and making recommendations for Library action when appropriate.

Historians’ Work Disrupted When Paper of Record Digital Archive Vanishes after Google Purchase

After Google purchased the Paper of Record digital archive, it brought the site down, upsetting historians that relied on the collection of older newspapers. Although the site will be temporarily restored with Google's permission, the incident raises issues about the permanence and reliability of scholarly digital archives.

Read more about it at "Digital Archives That Disappear" and "'Paper of Record' Disappears, Leaving Historians in the Lurch."

DSpace Sites: What Do You Want in Version 1.6?

The DSpace Committers Group is conducting a short survey about desired features in DSpace version 1.6.

Here's an excerpt from the "DSpace 1.6: You Decide!":

As you'll have seen from recent emails, the DSpace community has now released version 1.5.2 of the DSpace software. It has many new features, some enhancements to current features, and some bug fixes. Many of you will also know that a small team of developers have been working on DSpace version 2.0 which will bring with it many essential architectural enhancements to ensure that DSpace continues to fulfil the needs of the user community over the coming years. DSpace 2.0 is likely to be released early in 2010.

n the mean time, the DSpace committers have decided to start working on DSpace version 1.6. By moving to 1.6 (rather than 1.5.3) we can add new features that require changes to underlying DSpace database. We can’t tell you just yet what new features will be in version 1.6 because we haven’t decided! And that is where you come in . . .

Randy J. Olsen Wins Inaugural Howard Goldstein Award to Advance Scholarly Communication

Randy J. Olsen, University Librarian for the Harold B. Lee Library at Brigham Young University, has won the first BioOne/SPARC Howard Goldstein Award to Advance Scholarly Communication.

Here's an excerpt from the press release:

Randy J. Olsen has held leadership positions in the Utah Library Association, the American Library Association, Research Libraries Group, Greater Western Libraries Association, Mountain Plains Library Association, and Utah Academic Library Council. He currently chairs the Library and Scholarly Communications Advisory Council at Brigham Young University and currently serves as a member of the Steering committee for SPARC. . . .

A pragmatist, Olsen initiated a series of concrete steps that have since provided sustainable models for a growing number of important campus publications. These solutions have likewise served as a direction for others to follow. It was Olsen's idea, for example, to hire Jeff Billiston as the Scholarly Communications Librarian to identify and provide publication services and programs. In 2006, Olsen encouraged Billiston to develop an institutional repository that now hosts the legacy issues for 12 publications, with several more to come. In 2007, Olsen became aware of several campus journals in danger of extinction as print-only publications. Careful review of each journal's situation resulted in a variety of solutions that range from a library-sponsored investment in the development of Open Journal Systems software for peer-review and content management, to customized varieties of Open Access publication.

It was Olsen's suggestion that four faculty members attend the Association of Research Library's Institute on Scholarly Communication in 2007. Knowledge about publishing options gained at this event enabled one of BioOne's newest journals, the Western North American Naturalist, to identify a solution to its critical need to modernize. Now in its second year in the BioOne.2 collection, WNAN has increased its distribution and begun to earn important revenue to help sustain its program.

Challenged once again by Olsen, WNAN's publisher the Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum at BYU concluded that because their companion, Monographs of the Western North American Naturalist, is not their main revenue-producing publication, the best way to enhance its distribution was to add it to BioOne's Open Access collection. The two publications are now seamlessly available to users and their editorial staff is better able to manage both products. According to WNAM's grateful editor Mark Belk, Olsen has thus helped his publications meet their mission to communicate science broadly. Olsen's efforts to engage University leaders in this conversation have helped Belk strengthen his argument for the support necessary to ensure production for the good of the entire research community.

Library IT Jobs: Head, Library Systems Support Department at University of Delaware

The University of Delaware Library is recruiting a Head, Library Systems Support Department.

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

Reporting to the Assistant Director for Library Computing Systems, the successful candidate will be involved in challenging information technology activities in a rapidly evolving environment. As one of 9.5 FTE in the Library Computing Systems Division, will oversee the maintenance and support of the ALEPH 500 integrated library system and the maintenance and support of end-user computing systems. Will work closely with the Coordinator, Library Data and Server Support, in the provision and support of electronic library resources. Responsibilities include supervision of 3 professional and 2 support staff. The Department has responsibility for maintenance and support of over 400 PC's installed in Library, support of DELCAT and WorldCat Local, and maintenance and development of Library website (http://www.udel.edu/library). Collection development responsibilities with faculty liaison in a subject area may be assigned.

Letters Fly over Anticipated Appointment of PRO-IP Act’s “Copyright Czar”

Copyright reform groups, such as Public Knowledge, and information industry groups, such as the Copyright Alliance, are staking out their positions with letters to the White House regarding the anticipated appointment of the Coordinator for International Intellectual Property Enforcement, a position which was mandated by the Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property (PRO-IP) Act. Copyright reformers have been unhappy about the recent appointment of former RIAA lawyers to key Justice Department posts.

Read more about it at "Copyright Debate Heats Up over Obama Appointments."

Digital Library Jobs: Digitization Librarian at Conjuring Arts Research Center (Entry Level)

The Conjuring Arts Research Center is recruiting an entry-level Digitization Librarian (MLS students can apply).

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

Responsibilities will include scanning materials of all ages, using the Atiz BookDrive Pro (http://pro.atiz.com ) and BookDrive Capture, to be entered into Ask Alexander (http://askalexander.org ), an all-encompassing magic database that is fully text searchable. The Digitization Librarian will also serve as the direct supervisor of the library's Digitization Interns and work with ABBYY Fine Reader and Adobe Acrobat Professional.

Digital Library Jobs: Metadata Specialist, Visual Materials Cataloguer at Wellesley College

The Davis Museum and Cultural Center at Wellesley College is recruiting a Metadata Specialist, Visual Materials Cataloguer.

Here's an excerpt from the ad:

The Davis Museum and Cultural Center at Wellesley College is seeking a Metadata Specialist to verify and create metadata for 2,500 newly digitized objects in the Davis Museum's encyclopedic art collection. Objects include paintings, sculpture, prints, drawings and photographs. The digital collections will be available on the museum's website to the local museum and campus community and to the broader public via the Internet. The Metadata Specialist will be responsible for the verification and updating of existing cataloguing as well as for the creation of subject and concept authority information. S/he should be familiar with visual materials cataloging and metadata standards, and the use of a wide range of authority files including but not limited to the Getty's Union List of Artist Names and Art & Architecture Thesaurus.

Google Labs Releases Google News Timeline and Similar Images

Google Labs has released Google News Timeline and Similar Images.

Here's an excerpt from the press release:

Image Search is a tool you can use to find just about any kind of image, but it can sometimes be difficult to find the right image if you can't describe it in words. The new Similar Images feature was developed with just this in mind. Using it you can now find images that look like an existing result simply by clicking on a link. Using visual similarity, you don't have to refine the text of your search, instead, you can just click on the link of an image you like. For example, if you search for [jaguar], you can use the "Similar images" link to quickly narrow your search.