bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards the active collection: the use of circulation analyses in collection evaluation
Authors: Day Mike , Revill Don
Published: March 2008

As Learning Services at Liverpool John Moores University came under increasing pressure to provide value for money, they undertook a library per formance measurement exercise based on library circulation data gathered by their Dynix Library System. The project aimed to produce a simple analysis of the use of new acquisitions which would utilize the management infor mation existing in the library's automated system and set out to achieve 2 aims: to analyze the use made of each book acquired in order to determine the pro portion of each subject area's new acquisitions which circulated in the first full year of shelf life and the number of loans per item in each subject area; and to compare the library's acquisitions with statistics produced by Loughborough University's Library and Information Statistics Unit (LISU). Concludes that the data derived from these circulation activity reports can prove valuable in collection evaluation, enabling the library to identify high and low performing subject areas and examine budget allocations. The lim itations of this technique, identified in the study, could be easily overcome by library system suppliers if they provided collection management infor mation at a more sophisticated level.
The selection of online databases for UK company information
Authors: Tseng Gwyneth , Drenth Hilary , Morris Anne
Published: March 2008

Describes the development of an expert system, designed to assist novice and end user online searchers to identify which databases to use for partic ular types of company information. The Company Information Database Adviser (CIDA) assists the selection of online databases for a range of types of UK company information: basic company details; company financial information; company ownership and shareholdings; company news; merg ers and acquisitions details; market information; and detailed company profiles. Although CIDA is designed to locate information about UK com panies, the databases it recommends are both national and international. Presents the database selection criteria identified during the project for 5 of the original CIDA company information categories. Outlines the specific functions for which CIDA was designed: end uses of company information; checking company details; company screening; financial assessment; com petitive intelligence; company accounts and financial datasheets; owner ship and shareholdings; company news; mergers and acquisitions. Whilst not providing an exhaustive survey of the company information scene, the CIDA project has highlighted some of the significant factors influencing choice of databases for certain types of company information.
Book Reviews : Harris, C. (ed.) The new university library: issues for the '90s and beyond. Essays in honour of Ian Rogerson. 1994, London: Taylor Graham Publishing, 131 pp, £25.00 ($46.00), ISBN 0 947568 64 6
Authors: Morgan Steve
Published: March 2008

The reviews of the journal are intend ed to be more than guides to purchase or borrowing of the material listed, for they are often read as personal comment on aspects of theory and practise in library and information work and as short informative arti cles. Our reviews are usually of at least 750 words and our 'Guidlines to reviewers' note that 'Well-based crit ical comment is preferred to bland statements'. Some publications are used as pegs for occasional longer review articles of some 1500-2000 words.
Peering into the Mist and Struggling through it - The Education and Training of the Future Information Professional
Authors: Johnson Ian M.
Published: March 2008

Article prompted by an editorial published in Education for Information, 14, (2) July 1996, 83-4. Outlines some of the responses being made by library schools to changes affecting the library and information science (LIS) profession, including: changes in the place of information in society; availability and sophistication of information technology; changing nature of the information and communication industry; and the added complexities that these have brought to the task of maintaining and developing information services. Focuses on UK library schools’ activities aimed at: updating their curricula and courses to develop the necessary technical competencies; planning for the growing needs of management and leadership skills; determining how best LIS practitioners can assist.
Using the World Wide Web for library user education: a review article
Authors: Cox Andrew
Published: March 2008

Explores the possibilities of using the World Wide Web (WWW) for library user education and training with particular reference to existing sites of this type produced in the USA and relevant examples taken from other disciplines. Reviews the hypertext protocol, underlying the WWW, and its application to the creation of computer assisted learning (CAL) packages. Specific examples described include: the Research Center; Library Research at Cornell a hyper-text guide; Virtual Library Tutor; Wisconsin University at Parkside Library/Learning Center’s Information Literacy Programme; Paradigm Online Writing Assistant; Isaac Rosenberg’s Break of Day in the Trenches; Netskills’ TONIC; and The Hot Seat: Wacky Job Interview Game. Full Internet URLs are given for all web sites and products.
Adamastor Reclaimed
Authors: Underwoo Peter G.
Published: March 2008

Considers the transformations likely to take place in South African libraries and information services following the 1994 election with particular reference to the work of the Adamastor Trust. A major component of the Trust is the CApe LIbrary CO-operative (CALICO), consisting of the libraries of the five tertiary institutions in the Cape Province: Cape Technikon; Peninsular Technikon; Cape Town University; Stellenbosch University; and Western Cape University. Comments on the role of the process: TRANSforming out Libraries and Information Services (TRANSLIS); and its objective of bringing information workers together in order to suggest appropriate regional and national policy initiatives.
Concern for the future
Authors: Eden Paul
Published: March 2008

Combines the results of two questionnaire surveys of preservation policies, conducted by Loughborough University, Department of Information and Library Studies, to compare the ways in which librarians perceive and carry out preservation management and how their perceptions and activities compare with those of archivists, for whom preservation plays a more central role in their working practices. The first project was based on a questionnaire survey of 682 UK academic, national, public and special libraries. The second project was based on a questionnaire survey of 290 archives and record offices and interviews with 25 librarians, archivists and conservators. Discusses appropriate issues including: attitudes to preservation; selection for preservation; resources available; external funding; increasing use of library and archive collections; photocopying demand; past neglect; and digital technology. Concludes that, although librarians and archivists may have different attitudes to preservation, preservation managers face similar problems regardless of profession. Digitization can offer researchers distant access to surrogates of important materials via networked systems but stresses the need for a coherent and comprehensive UK national preservation strategy.
The 1996 Research Assessment Exercise: the Library and Information Management Panel
Authors: Elkin Judith , Law Derek
Published: March 2008

Reports on the 1996 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), the fourth such exercise aimed at providing funding councils of UK universities (including former polytechnics) with the necessary data to rate the quality of UK academic research for predetermined units of assessment in order to fund research selectively. Previous RAEs were conducted in 1986, 1989, and 1992 (for a report of the 1992 RAE see JOLIS 26 (3) Sep 94, 141-7 (LISA ref. 9409765)). Reports generally on the work of the Library and Information Management Panel in agreeing criteria specific to their assessment task, particularly the five principal modes of publication: research monographs; articles in scholarly periodicals; refereed conference papers; published research reports; and book chapters. Discusses the methodology used by the Panel, research submissions received and the overall results.
Learning support for all? Special needs pupils and learning resources
Authors: Heeks Peggy , Kinnell Margaret
Published: March 2008

Reports results of the British Library funded LESSEN (Learning Support for Special Educational Needs) project, undertaken at Loughborough University, Department of Information and Library Studies, from 1994 to 1996. The research project focused on the role of learning support, provided by a variety of means, for Year 7 pupils in 10 UK secondary schools who were on the Special Educational Needs (SEN) register because of learning difficulties. The schools were selected from five Local Educational Authorities to provide a range of geographical and social environments. Aims were: to assess the support needed by pupils with special reference to the National Curriculum; document good practice in meeting those needs, in terms of materials, staffing and strategies; and foster collaboration between subject teachers, learning support staff and librarians in curriculum planning and delivery. Findings identified the factors that make it difficult for some children to access the mainstream curriculum and concern for very able children, who may be constrained by a mainstream curriculum that does not match their ability level. Concludes with a discussion of role of the school library in supporting special needs provision in terms of: library materials; library staff and other resources. Concluded that the key consideration was how the National Curriculum affected SEN children.
Marketing: a review article
Authors: Rowley Jennifer
Published: March 2008

Considers the important role played by marketing in the work of library and information science (LIS) professionals and draws parallels between the concepts of satisfying customer needs inherent in both. Illustrates the argument with particular reference to a review analysis of seven representative marketing textbooks, chosen for their being well established and in at least their second edition. Identifies the most topical issues covered by each book and points to the differences in emphasis between them. Concludes that the advent of the global business world and associated global marketing, supported by powerful communication technologies, will be bound to pull together the LIS and marketing professions.
Personal information acquisition by health professionals in Brazilian and British hospitals: a comparative study
Authors: De C. Mendes H. M. , Meadows A. J.
Published: March 2008

Reports results of a joint questionnaire and interview survey to determine the ways in which four groups of health professionals (consultants, junior medical staff, nurses and administrators) working in three hospitals in Brazil and three hospitals in the UK, use libraries and information resources. Patterns found in the two countries were compared. The investigation was carried out in two stages. The first stage examined the role of the library and the second looked at information activities that did not involve the library. Concludes that the information activities of health professionals in Brazil and the UK follow a generally similar pattern which, in overall terms, fits the general picture gained from previous studies. However, UK health professionals clearly have better access to publications (particularly periodicals) than their Brazilian counterparts, due to the latter’s problem of acquiring foreign publications, the language barrier, poorer access to electronic information resources and greater difficulty in attending conferences. Recommends that teaching hospitals in Brazil should make greater use of electronic communication and act as a focus for the information needs of non-teaching hospitals.
ViCLib: creating a hypertext library information system
Authors: Ugolini Donatella , Lombardo Claudio , Casilli Cristina , Alloro Giovanna
Published: March 2008

Describes the development of the Sustaining Oncology Studies (SOS) project, a World Wide Web (WWW) resource for organizing information on oncology available via the Internet, and for supplying users with locally held material. Focuses on a particular section of the SOS system: the Virtual Cancer Library (ViCLib) project (URL ); which includes a database of regional and national library catalogues and some specialized hypertext links to sources of specialized oncological information. ViCLib was conceived and developed by the National Institute for Cancer Research, Genoa, Italy and the Department of Clinical and Experimental Oncology, Genoa University. Hyperlinks are provided to an international network of online public access catalogues (OPACs), international document delivery agencies, electronic periodicals; and specialized navigation tools and facilities such as: electronic mail; File Transfer Protocol (FTP); and Telnet.
‘A Rustic in the Library ’. The First Dr Pafford Memorial Lecture
Authors: Foskett D. J.
Published: March 2008

Argues that the elements that comprise ‘style’ in creative writing are directly applicable to librarians, in the choice of books and periodicals, and in the process of cataloguing and classification to make them accessible to users. By the selection and arrangement of their stock librarians reveal professional accounts of the culture they have inherited and are endeavouring to pass on to future generations. Illustrates the discussion with particular reference to the life and career of Dr John Henry Pyle Pafford, Librarian at London University, and in particular to his views on the development of general classification schemes, such as the Dewey Decimal Classification and Bliss Classification, and the work of the Classification Research Group. Concludes by noting his work in the fields of education, national and international library co-operation, and as Library-Keeper of the University.
Electronic technology and its impact on libraries
Authors: Johnston Colin
Published: March 2008

Critically assesses the value of the Internet to the library and information science profession by examining its role in three areas: the impact on academic and scholarly periodical publishing and the dissemination of information; the contribution to reference work; and the impact on recreational reading. Concludes that the Internet will be most useful in the publication and distribution of scholarly electronic journals and reviews recent trends in Internet published electronic periodicals and the problems requiring solution, particularly those relating to bibliographic description. Commercial publishers are taking a keen interest in these developments but it remains to be seen how the academic community will react, given their past criticisms of periodical publishers. The design of electronic periodicals will probably be brought more into line with their printed counterparts. Screen layouts and display features will need to be improved to facilitate skimming and browsing and, if the hypertext linking facilities are retained, then a major breakthrough in readability will be achieved. Nevertheless the issues of authority, accuracy and currency of information remain to be solved.
The stakeholder approach to the construction of performance measures
Authors: Crawford John , Pickering Helen , McLelland Dorothy
Published: March 2008

Reports on the British Library, Research and Innovation Centre (BLRIC) supported stakeholder project, conducted by Glasgow Caledonian University Library, to apply the stakeholder method to the design of a set of user chosen performance measures to assist British academic libraries in improving customer service. Reports results of a questionnaire survey, involving 15 institutions and 10 stake holding groups, consisting of 91 performance measures organized in four categories: assistance from library staff; provision of study space and equipment; access to materials and equipment; and management and administration. Identifies similarities and differences between groups and describes their principal characteristics. Compares pre- and post-1992 universities and suggests questionnaires for user surveys which would yield qualitative information on library services. Compares this research with similar work carried out in New Zealand, with recent reports on academic library evaluation and with Leeds Metropolitan University Library’s service level agreement. The project ran from July 1995 to November 1996. (These results were also reported in British Library, Research and Innovation Report No. 36, 1996).
Scholarly communication: a study of Israeli academic researchers
Authors: Shoham Snunith
Published: March 2008

Reports results of a 1994-1995 questionnaire survey of faculty members in two Israeli universities, to discover whether changes in scholarly communication have occurred in the wake of technological changes that have added new media and tools and altered the structure and composition of library collections; 477 questionnaires were returned out of 2361. Research focused on three components of the information gathering process: the researcher’s needs and approaches, channels of access to information, and information sources. Five basic approaches to information and eight information channels were defined. Concludes that, despite extensive changes in higher education, institutions and libraries that have occurred during the previous 45 years since the interest in information gathering behaviour began, patterns for obtaining information remain conservative and have resisted transformation. Professional periodicals are still the most important tools for obtaining professional information and monographs still play a major role.
Managing short loan collections in academic libraries: print and electronic alternatives for the new learning environment
Authors: Dugdale Christine
Published: March 2008

Many academic libraries are currently caught between the pressures of increasing library usage and reduced budgets. Traditionally, short loan or reserve collections addressed this issue by increasing core text availability through ‘rationing’ the length of loan periods. As pressures increased, so libraries have tried to make this technique more efficient. However, the extension of the short loan collection principle can bring its own problems and these problems are examined through the various approaches to print short loan collections adopted by the University of the West of England, Bristol, UK, reflecting specific responses to the needs of users at different campuses. Considers the increases in efficiency which might be achieved through the introduction of ResIDe, an electronic reserve collection system designed to address the issue of the ‘peak demand periods’ and to meet the needs of each user group whilst providing a service which does not disadvantage others.
Where does the British Library Go from St Pancras?
Authors: Stoker David
Published: March 2008

Takes the opportunity of the official public opening of the British Library’s new building to reassess the whole project objectively. Comments on the improved environment provided for users by the new library relative to the old. Disadvantages due to the lack of restaurants and bookshops are judged to be short term as the area develops under the influence of the Library. Nevertheless, the long term prognosis is deemed fairly gloomy due to continuing growth in the rate of acquisitions, expected increased use of the collections, increasingly urgent need for preservation and the shortfall in funding. Cites extracts from BL2001: initiative for change; the briefing paper announcing a new planning process which aims to build on the Library’s current strengths. The Strategic Review which is at the heart of the process will consider each of the British Library’s roles and consider some far reaching possibilities. Possible solutions to the funding crisis could include increased efficiency and more flexible work patterns and commercial activities, through partnerships with the commercial sector. Questions the ability of the British Library to implement its stated aim of achieving a new, broad vision of a national library. Concludes that it has moved to a new building and is standing on the threshold of a digital revolution yet is suffering from financial diffulties which threaten to undermine future achievements.
International co-operation: the role of the IFLA Offices for UAP and International Lending
Authors: Gould Sara , Watkins Judy
Published: March 2008

The IFLA Programme for UAP (Universal Availability of Publications) is one of the core programmes within IFLA and is particularly concerned with document supply and interloans activities. Briefly notes three aspects of its work: practical support for libraries actively involved in international lending; collecting and disseminating information in the field; and conducting research projects. Projects include: the IFLA Voucher Scheme, as an alternative payment method for interloans and which currently involves over 150 libraries in 30 countries; the IFLA Twinning Database, as a focus for libraries interested in forming twinning links with other libraries; involvement in the COPEARMS Project (Co-ordinating Project for Electronic Authors’ Rights Management Systems) for the development of Electronic Rights Management Systems (ERMS); involvement in the Copy Smart project, aimed at developing an industrial low cost solution for implementing IPR management based on the CITED model; and work undertaken as part of the SEDODEL (SEcure DOcument DELivery for blind and partially sighted people) project. Concludes that the IFLA Programme for UAP is gradually eroding many of the barriers preventing widespread availability of publications but still faces problems, particularly those involving new technologies and developing
Skills for the 21st Century
Authors: Abell Angela
Published: March 2008

As the economic value, to companies and organizations, of information management and knowledge management becomes more widely accepted, there are likely to be many opportunities for information professionals to benefit from this new recognition. As information is seen to underpin many diverse activities, from education to electronic shopping, the question arises as to whether information professionals will benefit from this opportunity or whether more opportunistic professions may take the lead. Considers the key skills likely to be of importance to these new ’Chief Knowledge Officers’ and frames the discussion in the light of the TFPL study, undertaken for the British Library Research and Innovation Centre, to examine the skills and competency required by employers in the corporate sector from candidates for first and second level posts.
Special collections on the World Wide Web a survey and evaluation
Authors: Love Christine , Feather John
Published: March 2008

Reports results of a preliminary analysis and questionnaire survey of selected UK university libraries known to have both significant special collections available on the World Wide Web and which are active in using these to promote the libraries. Interviews were conducted with those involved in the development of the Web sites. The special collections resulted from Electronic Libraries Programme (eLib) funding and the study aimed to examine the outcome of these initiatives and to assess their value in giving access to special collections across the Internet. Particular attention was given to the issue of online or virtual exhibitions. Concludes that: the principal objective of special collections Web sites is to publicize collections and provide information for potential users; Higher Education Funding Councils’ non-formula funding has played a significant part in enabling such sites to be developed; many sites are still in an early stage of development, making it impossible to judge their likely future impact; and there is some evidence of a shift of enquiries towards electronic mail contacts from a distance, including researchers from outside the UK.
Designing DiLIS: a distance learners’ information service
Authors: Lock Debbie , Nordon Jennifer
Published: March 2008

Reports the preliminary results of a questionnaire survey, undertaken as part of the Continuing Vocational Education funded ‘Library Support for Distance Learners’ initiative at the George Edwards Library (GEL), University of Surrey. The study aims were: to identify the information needs and resource requirements of the University’s distance learners; to design a range of new or modified library services to address these needs; to assess the resource implications of the proposed library and information services; and to enable GEL to formulate a policy for distance learners. Describes how the GEL Management designed a Distance Learners’ Information Service (DiLIS) based on the findings of this study. DiLIS will offer a range of facilities including: a written policy that states the borrowing, reservation and renewal rights for all distance learning students; a World Wide Web based information gateway; a postal loan service; a document delivery service; a staffed telephone and electronic mail help line; remote literature searching facilities; a mediation service for negotiating access arrangements to alternative academic libraries; and modified user education programmes.
Introducing project management techniques to the Robinson Library, University of Newcastle
Authors: Chambers Shirley , Perrow David
Published: March 2008

Reports results of a questionnaire survey, conducted as part of a study of the use of project management techniques and software in UK libraries, involving university librarians and Electronic Libraries Programme (eLib) project managers. These managers were asked about their experience in using formal project methodologies and project software. A case study of project management, at the Robinson Library, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, is used to illustrate conventional project control methods by analyzing past projects. Outlines a formal structured project management framework which was adopted for projects in the 1997/1998 session following training in the use of project management techniques and software. Draws preliminary conclusions about the effectiveness of this change. (Further details of the project can be found at URL http://www.ncl.ac.uk/library/projects/projman/index.htm and there is a mailbase discussion list at lis-proj-man@mailbase.ac.uk).
New approaches in library networking
Authors: Rowley Jennifer , Slack Frances
Published: March 2008

Distils the views obtained from a number of conversations and interviews with staff associated with CALICO (Cape Libraries Co-operative) and GAELIC (Gauteng and Environs Library Consortium) during a study visit in December 1997. Notes the six library co-operatives in South Africa: FRELICO (Free State Library Co-operative); SEALS (South Eastern Academic Library System); CATNIP; EASEL(Eastern Seaboard Libraries); CALICO; and GAELIC. Presents two case studies of CALICO and GAELIC focusing on: missions; structure and management; and activities. Concludes that CALICO and GAELIC and the other library co-operatives and consortia in South Africa have been formed at a time when the challenges facing the new South Africa and, in particular, higher education in South Africa, are considerable. Their objectives and activities reflect the issues facing the management of library resources in higher education in South Africa, including the increasing cost of periodical subscriptions leading library managers to seek collaborative acquisitions strategies and to consider the potential of electronic periodicals and other forms of electronic document delivery.
Ranganathan revisited: a review article
Authors: Kuronen Timo , Pekkarinen PÄIvi
Published: March 2008

Pays homage to the work and inspiration of the Indian mathematician and library science scholar, S. R. Ranganathan (1892-1972), with particular reference to his five basic statements about librarianship, known as the five Laws of Library Science, first published in 1931: ‘Books are for use’; ‘Every reader his book’; ‘Every book its reader’; ‘Save the time of the reader’; and ‘The Library is a growing organism’. Argues that, although these five laws are still generally applicable in the computerized library and information services of the 1990s, they require two supplementary laws: ‘Every reader his library’; and ‘Every writer his contribution to the library’. The first supplementary law relates to the technological changes, particularly in telecommunications, that have taken place since Ranganathan’s time. The second supplementary law is concerned with the individual reader’s or citizen’s freedom of expression, as a right that can be put into practice and not merely articulated in principle.
Wanted - An Innovative and Visionary Evidence Based/Knowledge Management Librarian
Authors: Stoker David
Published: March 2008

Points to the bewildering range of job titles that information professionals carry and which appear in job advertisements, yet identifies a current trend for the terms ‘library’ and ‘librarian’ to be returning in popularity after many years in retreat. An analysis of job advertisements reveals five factors which have brought about the various changes in library and information terminology: professionalization of modern library and information practice; growth in the range and complexity of educational qualifications, with associated competition between institutions; impact of other disciplines or professions; developments in information technology; and the developing role of information within society. Expands on these factors and weighs their relative importance in driving the perceived changes in the profession.
Fiction indexing and the development of fiction thesauri
Authors: Saarti Jarmo
Published: March 2008

Considers the theoretical questions involved in the indexing of fiction from several viewpoints: general principles of fiction indexing, and the making of book indexes for novels and other fictional works. Describes the work undertaken to develop fiction thesauri with particular reference to work done in Scandinavia, notably in the development of Kaunokki: the Finnish Thesaurus for Fiction, by Helsinki University Library and the BTJ Group Ltd. Briefly presents notes on the structure of Kaunokki with some examples of its practical use and user feedback from several years’ experience of its use in Finnish public libraries. Concludes that the widest field for additional studies would be in the building up of special information systems for fiction.
Investigating the learning resource requirements of students at the Open University of Tanzania
Authors: McHarazo Alli A.S. , Olden Anthony
Published: March 2008

Describes a survey, conducted at the Open University of Tanzania and consisting of both open and closed questions, to determine the user needs of their distance education students. Due to the nature of the user survey, in which questionnaires were distributed in person and because it was often less trouble for those surveyed to have a researcher or research assistant write down responses, the questionnaire became, in a sense, an interview for which a list of questions had been drawn up in advance. A total of 54 students were interviewed: one year two, one year three and one year four students for law, education and science in each of the six regions selected from the 25 regions of Tanzania (Dar es Salaam, Pwani (Coast), Morogoro, Tanga, Kilimanjaro and Arusha). A major problem was the scattered nature of the Open University students and this was solved by having a trained local research assistant in every region. These assistants were given a day’s training in advance of the work, all were Tanzania Library Service staff and training took place in regional libraries. A substantial number of students preferred meetings to take place at their workplaces, in urban areas the majority of meetings took place in public libraries and a few meetings took place in students’ homes. It is planned to interview academic staff with responsibility for the six regions, as well as senior academics such as deans of faculties at headquarters, authors of the study material, Tanzania Library Service staff and other librarians. Full findings of the research will be presented when the investigation is complete.
And after automation, what?
Authors: Moscoso Purificacion , De Molina Teresa Malo
Published: March 2008

Reviews the current state of computerization of Spanish libraries with reference to the political and institutional support and professional commitment involved. Whereas the first library automation systems were introduced in the UK, USA and Canada in the early 1970s, the first experiences in Spain dated from the following decade. Lack of institutional support for library modernization tended to be compensated for by the dedication and commitment of professionals across the library system, particularly in the Spanish university and research library sector. The principal problem pending is the modernization of the National Library, which has been in the slow process of reform over the past 20 years. Outlines the steps that should be taken in order to ensure true modernization of libraries in Spain: adopt a global perspective; integrate libraries in institutions; create more flexible library staff; introduce reinforced services; build stable relationships with users; improve communication; provide information that is needed and not that which the library holds; design a real global strategy; take full advantage of new technologies instead of following in the wake of developments; promote interlibrary co-operation by adopting common policies; and find a clear place in the market.
Should Newspaper Preservation be a Lottery
Authors: Stoker David
Published: March 2008

The NEWSPLAN project aims to microfilm and make more accessible thousands of fragile local and regional newspapers in UK libraries and is the first major preservation award made to libraries by the UK’s Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). The grant of five million pounds was made towards a nationally co-ordinated preservation microfilming programme. Questions why this project should have been successful compared with others and whether the chosen micrographic technology is the right one, compared with digital alternatives that may soon be available. Questions also whether the parochial contents of local and regional newspapers warrant the cost of preservation, compared with other categories of literature. Concludes that the strength of NEWSPLAN lies in the involvement of a consortium of different groups rather than an individual institution. Justifies the use of microfilm on grounds of the urgency of the preservation problem, which necessitates some immediate action before more titles are lost forever; and the inadequacies of existing OCR technology to cope with the poor printing quality found in local newspapers. Local newspapers provide a detailed record of the changing social patterns of community and national life, are important for genealogical studies and are an intrinsic record of the development of the UK press. As such, they are suitable candidates for preservation.
’Look, Hear, upon this picture’
Authors: Evans Geraint , Del-Pizzo Jane
Published: March 2008

Reports results of a questionnaire and interview survey conducted at the Sound and Moving Image Collection, Department of Pictures and Maps, National Library of Wales, to investigate the low level of usage by academics in the University of Wales, to consider ways of increasing awareness of the collection and consider retrieval devices which might enhance remote searching and access. The Collection includes: archival films; multimedia CD-ROMs; original music recordings; and published and unpublished spoken word recordings. A high level of satisfaction was expressed by users and important points were raised by the survey. Researchers recommended: academic loans for academics who are unable to travel to Aberystwyth; more effective self-marketing of the collection; loading of the Collection’s databases on the National Library of Wales’ Web server; production of a printed catalogue of holdings or a newsletter outlining acquisitions; greater liaison with relevant academic departments; more detailed cataloguing information for some types of materials; establishment of a consultative user panel to discuss policy and future developments; establishment of a lecture room where materials from the Collection can be incorporated into lectures and seminars; provision within its collection policy for developments which are already occurring within audio-visual media; planning for future methods of delivery of materials, including digitization; and fees to be levied against commercial users to pay for enhanced provision of services.
CD-ROM in schools
Authors: Wishart J. M.
Published: March 2008

Reports results of a questionnaire and interview survey to investigate the views of UK secondary school teachers and school librarians on the changes in teaching and learning in their schools brought about through increased availability of CD-ROM databases. Information technology (IT) co-ordinators in the 120 secondary schools in partnership with Loughborough University, Department of Education, were sent the CD-ROM use survey and this was followed up by structured interviews with teachers and school librarians in a stratified random sample of eight schools. The survey was returned by only 26 of the schools. The number of CD-ROMs used in these schools ranged from two to 16 with an average of 7.36 with only Encarta being common to more than 20 schools. Results from the interviews show that CD-ROMs were found to be a motivating influence on pupils, with the more individualized, student-centred learning activities being reported as enhancing teaching in schools. Installation of CD-ROMs in UK schools has increased the teaching role and status of school librarians, with 85% of schools locating CD-ROMs in the school library. Recommends that schools recognize and support the changing role of the librarian, provide training for pupils in school in information handling skills and make use of the pupils’ motivations to use CD-ROM by including student-centred activities or independent research projects in schemes of work.
OUT on loan
Authors: Norman Mark
Published: March 2008

Reports results of a questionnaire survey of users of the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Collection (LGB) located in, and shared between, Brighton Central Library and nearby Hove Central Library, UK; to determine who uses it, reasons for use, what resources are used and the benefits of having a separate and centralized collection. Questionnaires were made available at the two libraries with sealed boxes provided in which to deposit responses to ensure anonymity and confidentiality and were available during November and December 1997. Forty four completed questionnaires were received and the results were analysed using SPSS. The importance of the Collection to the LGB community was confirmed, but the view that such collections also serve the wider community could not be supported from the profile of respondents. Concludes that separate collections aid information access and that concerns of ‘ghettoization’ seem unfounded. A centralized collection increases access and availability and bibliographies aid access and possibly lead to greater use. Most respondents use the LGB Collection for recreational use, particularly fiction, highlighting a gap in the research literature and showing that even advocates of LGB Collections have underestimated this need.
Supply and demand
Authors: Goulding Anne , Bromham Beth , Hannabuss Stuart , Cramer Duncan
Published: March 2008

Reports results of a questionnaire survey of 888 UK chief librarians, conducted as part of a British Library Research and Innovation Centre research project, to identify and analyse the personal qualities demanded by Library and Information Service (LIS) employers and those personal qualities that new graduate entrants are perceived to lack. Reviews the literature on the changing role of information professionals and the importance of personal factors in library and information recruitment and presents a comprehensive list of 50 desirable personal qualities arranged under five headings: characteristics needed for a user centred approach; characteristics needed for effective team work; thinking orientation; attitude to work; and style of working. Concludes that the ability to accept pressure, deal with a range of users and respond to change, are most essential for information work. The significant overlap between those qualities felt to be most essential and those perceived to be lacking raises the concern that qualities that are high in demand are also in short supply.
High concomitance of disease marker autoantibodies in anti-DFS70/LEDGF autoantibody–positive patients with autoimmune rheumatic disease
Authors: Muro Y , Sugiura K , Morita Y , Tomita Y
Published: March 2008

Autoantibodies against dense fine speckles 70 (DFS70) are found in 10% of healthy individuals, but only in a tiny population of patients with autoimmune rheumatic disease. The antibody may thus be a marker of autoimmune rheumatic disease negativity. To investigate this possibility, we examined the presence of various disease-marker autoantibodies in anti-DFS70 antibody–positive patients with autoimmune rheumatic disease. Serum samples from 500 patients with various types of autoimmune rheumatic disease were examined for anti-DFS70 antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence and immunoblotting. Various disease-marker autoantibodies were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Twenty-two patients were positive for anti-DFS70 antibodies. Eighteen patients also had disease-marker autoantibodies including anti–double stranded DNA, anti-cardiolipin, anti-SS-A, or other antibodies. In one patient with Sjögren syndrome and two patients with dermatomyositis, no disease-marker antibodies were found; however, one patient with dermatomyositis had a concomitant anti-cytoplasmic antibody. All seven systemic lupus erythematosus patients fulfilled the classification criteria for this disease even if anti-nuclear antibody–positive findings were excluded. One patient with morphea had high-titer anti–single stranded DNA antibody. According to this and previous studies, patients with only anti-DFS70 antibody are rarely diagnosed as having autoimmune rheumatic disease. Recognizing dense fine speckle patterns in anti-nuclear antibodies tests is, thus, very important for analysis of laboratory results in rheumatology clinics.
Sulpha allergy in lupus patients: a clinical perspective
Authors: Jeffries M , Bruner G , Glenn S , Sadanandan P , Carson CW , Harley JB , Sawalha AH
Published: March 2008

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic, relapsing autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organ systems. An increased prevalence of drug allergy has been reported in lupus patients compared with the general population. Using a cohort of 417 lupus patients, we found a history of sulpha allergy in 27.3% of patients. European-American lupus patients with sulpha allergy are about two times more likely to suffer from lymphopenia, two times more likely to have anti-Ro autoantibody, and four times less likely to have anti-nRNP antibodies compared with lupus patients without a reported sulpha allergy ( P = 0.0075, 0.025, and 0.032, respectively). In African-American lupus patients, a history of sulpha allergy was associated with over three times increased odds of developing pericarditis ( P = 0.005).
Antiphospholipid antibodies induce vascular functional changes in mice: a mechanism of vascular lesions in antiphospholipid syndrome?
Authors: Belizna C , Lartigue A , Favre J , Gilbert D , Tron F , Lévesque H , Thuillez C , Richard V
Published: March 2008

Abstract

A premature atherosclerosis has been presumed in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome. The potential role of antiphospholipid antibodies in the development of atheroma is rather controversial. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that antiphospholipid antibodies could induce atherosclerosis via vascular functional changes. CD1 mice received one single injection of antiphospholipid monoclonal antibodies derived from male (BXSB × NZW) F1 mice with a lupus-like disease associated with an antiphospholipid syndrome and coronary artery disease. One week later, first-order mesenteric arteries (diameter 220–260 μm) were isolated and mounted on a small-vessel myograph for the measurement of the relaxation responses to acetylcholine or the NO donor nitroprusside after precontraction by phenylephrine. Five out of eight antiphospholipid monoclonal antibodies reduced the response to acetylcholine compared with control mice, and this effect was especially marked with one of them. No change in the response to nitroprusside was observed. The impairment was maintained after 3 weeks of treatment and appeared related to a moderate decrease in NO-mediated responses and a marked decrease in prostanoid-mediated relaxations. These vascular functional changes could be prevented by chronic treatment with statins or aspirin. These data could constitute additional elements supporting a direct pathogenic role of antiphospholipid antibodies. We suggest that a sub-population of these autoantibodies could be responsible for the endothelial dysfunction observed in antiphospholipid syndrome.
The use of selected community groups to elicit and understand the values underlying attitudes towards biotechnology
Authors: Gamble Joanna , Kassardjian Elsa
Published: March 2008

Focus groups were used to examine the social, cultural and spiritual dimensions of biotechnology through an analysis of five selected community groups (total n = 68): scientists, Buddhists, business people, mothers with young children and the environmentally active. Participants from all groups were united in their perspective on three of the value spheres explored: health and welfare of family/society; maintaining/preserving the environment; and ethical considerations (e.g. welfare of animals, sanctity of life). However, values regarding science and business differentiated scientists and business people from the remaining community segments. Business people were more likely to adhere to “productionism,” resulting in a greater acceptance of biotechnology, since business people did not hold the same resentment toward the business sphere held by other community segments. Scientists were far more accepting of the norms and values inherent in the sphere of science, believing science to be more predictable and controllable than general public perceptions. The disparity in worldviews for this value sphere meant scientists and laypeople did not communicate at the same level, in spite of having the same concerns for health and the environment. This resulted in feelings of frustration and powerlessness on the part of the layperson and the scientist.