Abstract

Results are presented of an online survey answered by 3,453 libraries in 63 countries between 14 November 2015 and 21 January 2016, based on their experiences with a total of 138 integrated library systems (ILS). The best products classified in the various categories analysed were Polaris, Apollo (Biblionix), Alma (Ex Libris), Symphony (SirsiDynix), WorldShare Management Services (OCLC), Koha (independent or self-managed), Library.Solution (The Library Corporation), Opals and Spydus. The original English report was published January 31, 2016 on the author’s website: http://librarytechnology.org/perceptions/2015

Abstract

Results are presented of an online survey answered by 4,042 libraries in 92 countries between November 3rd 2015 and January 18th 2017, based on their experiences with a total of 138 integrated library systems (ILS), both commercial and open source. The best products classified in the various categories analysed were Alma (Ex Libris), WorldShare Management Services (OCLC), Polaris, Apollo (Biblionix), Symphony (SirsiDynix), Opals, Library.Solution (The Library Corporation), and ByWater Solutions. The original English report was published on January 25, 2017 on the author’s website: http://librarytechnology.org/perceptions/2016

Abstract

Bibliometric services are being consolidated in the Spanish academic field due to growing interest in academic performance by university managers and leaders. Academic librarians are a key part of the bibliometric services because of their expertise in providing support and training to researchers and advice in research assessment. Bibliometric services functions and the current landscape of bibliometric services in Spain are described.

Abstract

Results are presented of an online survey answered by 3,992 libraries in 87 countries between November 2017 and February 2018, based on their experiences with a total of 127 integrated library systems (ILS), both commercial and open source. The best products classified in their respective category analysed were Apollo (Biblionix), ByWater Solutions, Alma (Ex Libris), Polaris, Symphony (SirsiDynix), and Opals. The original English report was published on March 17th, 2018 on the author’s website: http://librarytechnology.org/perceptions/2017

Abstract

Libraries and various agencies are beginning to value research data as an academic product. This situation is bringing out new skills among information professionals, especially in university libraries that are beginning to launch the first proposals, testing methodologies and exploring solutions to begin protecting our users’ research data. We explain one of these initiatives undertaken by the university libraries in the UK, the Data Asset Framework (DAF) initiative. The objective of this project is to identify the characteristics and conditions of the data generated by professors and researchers and use the results to create a framework allowing the implementation of policies for the conservation and preservation of research data.

Abstract

Results are presented of an online survey answered by 3,141 libraries in 80 countries between 12 December 2014 and 29 January 2015, based on their experiences with a total of 154 integrated library systems (ILS). The best products classified in the various categories analysed were Polaris, Apollo (Biblionix), Alma and Aleph (Ex Libris), Sierra (Innovative Interfaces), WorldShare Management Services (OCLC), Koha (independend or self managed), Library.Solution (The Library Corporation) and Opals. The original English report was published February 10, 2015 on the author’s website: http://librarytechnology.org/perceptions/2014

Abstract

Reference services in academic libraries are far from dead and technologies of the social web are facilitating and encouraging an ever increasing demand for virtual reference with applications available to everyone. The open source software LibraryH3lp has enabled the Library of the University of Seville to establish a virtual reference service shared among 19 libraries to answer common and specialized questions and explain the use of the Fama library catalog. We present a first assessment of the service that will go live in the academic year 2009-2010.

Abstract

Academic libraries are facing a range of new challenges in the 21st century. Models of scholarly communication are experiencing a revolution with the advent of open access, with libraries adopting a lead role in self-archiving their institutional outputs in digital repositories. In addition, researchers are taking advantage of the computational power at their disposal, conducting research in innovative and collaborative ways that use and produce vast amounts of data. Such research-generated data underpins intellectual ideas, which in turn propagates new methodologies, analysis and ultimately knowledge. It is crucial that we preserve such mechanisms and output for future generations. With the experience gained from traditional cataloguing, indexing and organisational skills coupled to those acquired in developing, establishing and maintaining institutional repositories, the time is ripe for academic librarians to explore a new role. Research data need to be looked after from the moment of creation through their life cycle. The concept of data curation refers to activities like digital preservation but also those geared towards adding value to the data so that they can be discovered and reused. This article introduces e-Research and the likely function of academic libraries in this domain. After this, data curation is described and several initiatives of interest for information professionals in this field are presented.

Abstract

Trends over the past 20 years (1992-2012) of interlibrary lending and document supply (ILDS) automation in Spanish academic libraries are discussed. Taking into account the routines and procedures carried out by ILDS services -document identification, localization, document request, reception of borrowed items and user services or internal management- the article lists the software used in Spanish universities to handle these services, setting it into the context of the evolution of each process in parallel with software developments.