Measuring the effectiveness of library instruction poses many challenges, yet is essential to validating the time and energy dedicated to it. Over two years, how subject specific library instruction addressed the needs of the students, the instructor and the librarians was studied. Students were surveyed; librarians analyzed their research paper...
One goal of the Oregon Library Association's Vision 2010 is to promote a strong and diverse workforce throughout all of the state's libraries. The forecasted shortage of librarians in the next decade prompted the OLA Board to request a demographic study of Oregon's libraries. A simple survey was adminstered at...
At Oregon State University, we are exploring the differences between collections formed by digitizing existing materials on our shelves and those created by identifying and acquiring digital objects beyond our library. One example is the proposed Tsunami Digital Library (TDL) that would support a growing research program with users needing...
With more and more cartographic data being created and released only as GIS datasets, map catalogers will eventually find themselves moving away from Machine Readable Cataloging (MARC) as their primary bibliographic description schema and moving towards the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC). This move will be necessitated in large part...
'Library groupware' - a set of networked tools supporting information management for individuals and for distributed groups - is a new class of service we may choose to provide in our libraries. In its simplest form, library groupware would help people manage information as they move through the diversity of...
Technology resource fees provide a possible source of funding for library technology. Integrating these student funds into libraries’ budgets requires strategic planning, good communication, and student involvement. Through a review of peer institutions and a broad student survey, this study explores how libraries may tap into these funds.
At Oregon State University (OSU), the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) and the OSU Libraries are working together on a project to improve the effectiveness and accessibility of digital information created and collected by academic libraries. This project focuses on making digital resources more accessible through an...
OCLC recently announced a plan to implement MARC 21 Format for Holdings Data (MFHD) and invited holdings experts Frieda Rosenberg and Diane Hillmann to serve as advisors and to aid in the implementation process. In December 2004, Jian Wang interviewed Rosenberg and Hillmann. They discuss their longtime involvement with the...
Bonnie Parks interviewed Steve Shadle, serials cataloger for University of Washington Libraries, in August 2002. In this interview Shadle provides a cataloger's perspective on the challenges he and other serials catalogers face in the organization and management of electronic and print serial titles. Serials Review 2002; 28:321–326.
GIS is a buzzword these days at marine labs, field stations, university campuses and government agencies. The design and implementation of a GIS involves the use and organziation of data in ways that are familiar to library and information center staffs. Librarians should know what they are and how they...
This study examined the juvenile marine science collections of ten public libraries on the Oregon coast to assess if they adequately provided children with good science books about their backyards. While most of the libraries demonstrate a strong commitment to children's services, none has evaluated their juvenile collections beyond monitoring...
We initiated an evaluation of the scholarly communication and publishing process in marine and aquatic sciences. This involves three components: describing the core journals for the discipline; examining the mechanics of publishing; and learning the mindset of authors and editors. We identified a core list of 19 journal titles and...
Assessing the fisheries and wildlife collection at Oregon State University proved to be a useful venture. Using the WLN Conspectus framework, the librarian generated data on the collection that was used to describe its strengths and weaknesses. This glimpse at the process and some of the issues may be useful...
In its quest to promote the wise utilization and conservation of the United States' ocean and coastal resources, the National Sea Grant Program sponsors a vast array of research and educational ventures. Much of this is published, either in print or electronically. Locating this information can be an adventure even...
All educational institutions granting higher degrees have the responsibility to archive copies of their dissertations and theses. While some people prefer the peer-reviewed articles that should emerge from the work, others find value in the originals. This debate aside, dissertations and theses present an intriguing opportunity for electronic archiving and...
In July 2005, Bonnie Parks spoke with Terry Reese, digital production unit head at Oregon State University’s Valley Library. In this interview, Reese shares his views on topics ranging from electronic journal management, the role of the catalog, to the impact Google scholar might have on the way libraries provide...
The Oregon State University Libraries began working on implementation of an institutional repository through a five month planning process. The Task Force responsible for the planning identified campus needs for such a service, examined persistent issues and challenges, and made recommendations for a pilot project. These steps are summarized and...
Parks and Wang discussed the issues and challenges of cataloging integrating resources. They emphasized cataloging electronic resources such as Websites and databases. Using specific examples and citing cataloging rules and standards, the presenters looked at some of the problematic aspects of integrating resources, and suggested ways in which catalogers can...
ACA solicits submissions of short articles based on presentations accepted for annual conferences. The relevant presentation will be given in Montreal, 2006.
