Abstract

Against the background of the recently announced European Commission FP7 post-grant Gold open access pilot, this note addresses the increasingly relevant role that gold open access (OA) is playing in the scholarly communications landscape and argues that the “gold vs green” controversy is of little use for increasing worldwide OA implementation. The text highlights the role played by funding agencies in developing the OA landscape and analyses the role that libraries may play in supporting researchers for managing their article processing charges (APCs) at institutional level. Some challenges posed by the gradual expansion of gold OA are also examined, including the transition in business models that journals are undergoing.

Abstract

The progress made by the Bibliographic framework initiative (Bibframe) in 2014 is described. Developments are related to the consolidation of Bibframe at the organizational level, as an element of cooperation between institutions, including those who have different views on linked open data such as OCLC and the Library of Congress. The implementers list has been greatly expanded, making it possible to evaluate Bibframe for various new applications. Finally, advances in the Bibframe data model and in tools available to test this model are summarized.

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

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

Children in many cases do not yet visit libraries but should become library users in the near future. They are growing up in a highly technical environment in which information needs are increasingly being met directly online through different devices and without visiting libraries (even virtually). This article warns about the need to be aware of this situation in order to build a library model than can remain useful over time.

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

Innovation is a continuous need to improve and to adapt to changes, and even anticipate them, to maintain or increase competitive advantage over those with activities similar to ours. Analytical and interpretive approaches to innovation are commented, and the principles of closed and open innovation are set out. The latter follows the current trend 2.0 of sharing and being transparent in order to benefit from present a good image to clients and users. Information professionals are in a unique position both to innovate in their work and to help others do so, but their traditional conservative position of preserving materials and following strict standards requires them to maintain a certain balance.

Abstract

The most significant developments in the field of mobile technology in 2014 are reviewed, with the aim of obtaining an overview of the sector and its market penetration in the library and reading worlds. First, major developments in terms of devices, operating systems, standards, applications and technologies are examined. Then we analyze their use by readers and libraries, both internationally and in Spain. To conclude, in a prospective exercise, we describe the mobility trends that we will see soon in our libraries.