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Article
Publication date: 6 January 2012

Wyoma vanDuinkerken

The purpose of this study is to report on the challenges and lessons learnt by the Texas A&M University Libraries' processing team when trying to implement a “resource in common”…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to report on the challenges and lessons learnt by the Texas A&M University Libraries' processing team when trying to implement a “resource in common” high‐density storage unit model between Texas A&M University Library and The University of Texas‐Austin Libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study draws on the experience of the Texas A&M University Libraries' processing team when the university funded the creation of a jointly owned remote storage unit, which foundation would rest on a “resource in common” model. The creation of a new library building allowed Texas A&M University Libraries to free up stack space in order to create new learning spaces to meet the needs of the library users. However, as the processing began, initial theories of what a “resource in common” was, how to implement a “resource in common” and resources needed to implement the “resource in common” model began to be questioned. This study examines the lessons learnt when trying to implement a “resource in common” model.

Findings

Based on the experiences of the Texas A&M University Libraries' processing team, increased communication and early participation in the decision‐making stages is key when trying to implement a “resource in common” model. This processing team was responsible for updating the MARC records for all the items that were identified to go to the joint storage unit. They recognized that any collaborative venture of this magnitude required an excellent workflow and workload understanding by all parties, including those members of the TAMU Library initial project planning team who were active members on the initial library storage facility oversight committees. This understanding would allow everyone at TAMU involved in the massive project to have a clearer knowledge of the strains caused by the increased workload and could communicate to the full team the obstacles the library would be facing.

Originality/value

This paper introduces the idea of “resource in common” and will be of interest to all libraries facing both space and funding shortages who might be considering building a storage unit. These libraries might consider implementing a “resource in common” model as a way to solve these problems.

Book part
Publication date: 1 January 2009

Catherine Murray-Rust

Library storage is traditionally viewed as a space management strategy, a way of dealing with overcrowded buildings and growing collections. Storage also is implicitly a…

Abstract

Library storage is traditionally viewed as a space management strategy, a way of dealing with overcrowded buildings and growing collections. Storage also is implicitly a preservation strategy: an alternative to weeding, cramming books tightly on shelves, stacking them on the floor, or not purchasing them in the first place. Among its obvious preservation benefits, storage provides security from theft and vandalism, and protection from spills and pests caused by increasingly prevalent food and drink in library buildings. Although transfer to storage may be risky for fragile materials, leaving them in stacks that are constantly being shifted is likely to be more damaging. Many storage facilities provide better environmental conditions for collections than old or poorly maintained modern library buildings.

Details

Advances in Librarianship
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-12-024627-4

Article
Publication date: 1 September 2001

Linda Shirato, Sarah Cogan and Sandra Yee

In June 1998, the Bruce T. Halle Library opened on Eastern Michigan University’s campus and began using an automated storage and retrieval system for low‐use books and…

1908

Abstract

In June 1998, the Bruce T. Halle Library opened on Eastern Michigan University’s campus and began using an automated storage and retrieval system for low‐use books and periodicals. Approximately one third of the library’s total collection was placed into this storage system, freeing floor space for many new activities in the library. This system, linked to the library’s online catalog, could retrieve items requested by a patron in less than ten minutes. While the Automated storage/retrieval systems (AS/RS) performed well, other start‐up problems of a new building and public perceptions of the AS/RS made its introduction a challenge. Planning, implementation, and public reaction and acceptance are discussed.

Details

Reference Services Review, vol. 29 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0090-7324

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 August 2014

Helen Heinrich and Eric Willis

The purpose of this paper is to examine the ongoing life cycle of the world's first library Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) at the Oviatt Library at the California…

2555

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the ongoing life cycle of the world's first library Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) at the Oviatt Library at the California State University, Northridge (CSUN). Born from the pilot project at the California State University Chancellor's Office, CSUN's ASRS was inaugurated in 1991 and cost over $2,000,000 to implement. It survived a devastating 6.8 Northridge earthquake and protected the collection housed within. Almost 20 years later the CSUN ASRS underwent a major renovation of hardware. With the changing concept of library as space and the construction of Learning Commons at the Oviatt, the demand for ASRS capacity is higher than ever.

Design/methodology/approach

In addition to the history and overview, the paper explores the major aspects of ASRS administration: specifications of storage layout and arrangement of the materials, collection policy for storing materials, communication of retrieval requests and ASRS interface and compatibility with successive Integrated Library Systems.

Findings

The first ASRS served as proof of concept that a library collection does not lose its effectiveness when low-circulating materials are removed from the open stacks. Furthermore, with the changing concept of library as space and the construction of Learning Commons at the Oviatt, the provision of the nimble, just-in-time collection becomes paramount, and the demand for ASRS increases exponentially.

Practical implications

Administrators and librarians who consider investing in ASRS will learn about the principles of storage organization, imperatives and challenges of its conception and long-term management on the example of CSUN.

Originality/value

The paper carries unique qualities as it describes the formation and evolution of the world's first library ASRS. The visionary undertaking not only withstood the test of time and nature, it continues to play a pivotal role in Oviatt Library's adaption to the new generation of users’ demands and expectations.

Details

Library Management, vol. 35 no. 6/7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 22 August 2022

Byron A. Brown

The application of blockchain, particularly through avenues in teaching and learning and academic administration, has created scope for a new business model in higher education…

Abstract

The application of blockchain, particularly through avenues in teaching and learning and academic administration, has created scope for a new business model in higher education. Although higher education institutions in many African countries including Botswana are yet to adopt blockchain in their institutional processes, the chapter points to seven unique areas of practice in which the technology could be infused. Distributed ledgers and smart contracts are among the blockchain functions that could assist in improving efficiency, security, and privacy in the way academic administration is executed especially in student identification, processing of student admission applications, degree certification, document authentication, and quality assurance. A distinct highpoint of the chapter is the attention it calls to student experience in the learning and teaching process, by highlighting that it stands to benefit from the collaborative learning model that blockchain enables. At a wider level, the conversation about blockchain-based pedagogy coalesces with the push by many African governments, in particular in Botswana, towards a digitally transformed society. Already, many colleges and universities have placed the focus on achieving ‘smart campuses’ as a strategic goal. Blockchain adoption is one such step towards a smart campus. The chapter theorises that higher education institutions cannot legitimately talk about smart campuses while still holding steadfast to manual systems and processes.

Details

The Emerald Handbook of Higher Education in a Post-Covid World: New Approaches and Technologies for Teaching and Learning
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80382-193-1

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 2002

Steve O’Connor, Andrew Wells and Mel Collier

Cooperative storage is essentially the sharing of a space within a facility, while collaborative storage implies a shared approach to the collection in terms of growth, shape…

1969

Abstract

Cooperative storage is essentially the sharing of a space within a facility, while collaborative storage implies a shared approach to the collection in terms of growth, shape, management and access. Collaborative storage provides a more efficient use of resources. This study is an investigation of the physical options, rather than of digital storage. However, the study does reflect on the prospective relationship between these two responses. The tension is an emerging issue and one which is not yet placed in the policy context of a local, regional or national perspective.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 20 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2001

Miriam Deutch

Construction of a new library for Brooklyn College required that the collections and staff move out of the existing library building. This move into temporary quarters…

Abstract

Construction of a new library for Brooklyn College required that the collections and staff move out of the existing library building. This move into temporary quarters necessitated that the library close its stacks. The author describes how the staff planned, implemented, and managed an on‐site as well as an off‐site paging system for approximately one million volumes. Practical administrative and management issues are discussed that could be applied to other libraries needing to plan a paging system for their library collections. The impact on library users is also discussed. The author concludes that paging systems may become commonplace as storage facilities become the new model for academic and research libraries.

Details

Collection Building, vol. 20 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0160-4953

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1992

Malcolm Getz

I log into Acorn, Vanderbilt's electron library catalog and index system and identify a half‐dozen items that I wish to review for a current research project. They comprise two…

Abstract

I log into Acorn, Vanderbilt's electron library catalog and index system and identify a half‐dozen items that I wish to review for a current research project. They comprise two articles from the Social Science Index (which are in journals in the Central Library), an article in a journal in the Education Library, a book in the Management Library, and a pair of articles in journals not held by Vanderbilt.

Details

The Bottom Line, vol. 5 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0888-045X

Abstract

Details

Advances in Librarianship
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-12024-618-2

Book part
Publication date: 15 December 2016

Mary Barbosa-Jerez, Kasia Gonnerman, Benjamin Gottfried and Jason Paul

The purpose of this case study is to demonstrate how a liberal arts college library has reimagined its spaces in response to the changes in higher education, particularly…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this case study is to demonstrate how a liberal arts college library has reimagined its spaces in response to the changes in higher education, particularly integration of educational technology into research, teaching, and learning; changes in students’ information-seeking behaviors; and an increasingly important role of local special collections as a means to preserve and reinforce unique institutional identity.

Methodology/approach

This case study is built on the first-hand experience, as all contributors directly participated in each phase of the process, from formulating ideas to completion of the current stage.

Findings

Meaningful and high-impact space adjustments do not necessarily entail extensive budgetary investments. They do entail, however, developing comprehensive goals and directions and a level of collaboration among library departments and relevant academic units in order to deliver cohesive services, programming, and a creative, nimble response to the constantly changing needs of the patron.

Practical implications

We believe that these high-impact, cost-conscious improvements provide a useful model for other small academic libraries preparing to reconfigure or renovate their spaces. We offer a model for creating a dynamic, service-centered space on a limited budget.

Originality/value

The overwhelming majority of the literature related to library spaces focuses on large universities, and the treatment of space topics in small undergraduate colleges, and liberal arts colleges in particular, is strikingly negligent. This case study of a small liberal arts college will help fill the void by adding to the rare voices commenting on library spaces in liberal arts colleges.

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