Abstract: This article reviews available cost-effective options libraries have for updating and maintaining pathfinders such as subject guides and course pages. The paper discusses many of the available options, from the standpoint of a mid-sized academic library which is evaluating alternatives to static-HTML subject guides. Static HTML guides, while useful, have proven difficult and time-consuming to maintain. The article includes a discussion of open source database-driven solutions (such as SubjectsPlus, LibData, Research Guide, and Library Course Builder), Wikis, and social tagging sites like del.icio.us. This article discusses both the functionality and the relative strengths and weaknessess of each of these options.

Abstract: LibraryH3lp is an integrated IM and web chat system designed specifically for Virtual Reference services in libraries. The software was designed for, and is currently used by, a night-time chat reference collaboraton between several large academic libraries. LibraryH3lp is designed for the workflow of chat reference, supporting multiple simultaneous operators and routing to queues of operators in a particular service area. It also supports web page embeddable chat ?widgets?, as well as simultaneous gateways to multiple IM protocols. This article discusses the motivation for the development of the software, and provides an overview of LibraryH3lp?s features and technical architecture. Parts of LibraryH3lp are available as open source. The complete application is available as a low-cost hosted service, and will eventually be available to be licensed for local hosting.

Abstract: The Ohio State University Libraries created scripts to overcome the local limitations of the proxy server and to offer resource connections at the point of need. All libraries struggle to provide seamless authentication for access to paid resources, such as research databases and electronic journals. In order to obtain access to this content, the libraries must sign contracts promising to limit access to these resources to their user community. The challenge then comes in balancing the patron’s need for easy access to these rich data sources from any computer and the vendors’ desire to protect their assets. Background Since the increase in the need for distributed access to library resources, libraries have been struggling with methods to provide seamless, intuitive access for people who are not at the physical library. Users expect to be able to do their work from anywhere, including being able to access library resources such as paid databases. Some libraries offer remote access via Internet Protocol (IP) authentication, but that alone does not address the needs of the people who are out of the organization's IP range (Blansit, 2007). The Ohio State University Libraries, like many libraries, have addressed this need by using a proxy server to act as an intermediary between the user and the database. Webster (2002) offers a clear definition of a proxy server, pointing out that a proxy server makes it appear as though users are working from valid IP addresses associated with the University, instead of off-site. The literature exposes a variety of issues involved with offering off-site/off-campus

Abstract: Authors retain copyright on their works, but articles we publish in the journal must be licensed by their authors under a US CC-BY license. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/), which permits distribution of derivative works, making multiple copies, distribution, public display, and publicly performance, provided the original work is properly cited. This license requires copyright and license notices be kept intact, credit be given to copyright holder and/or author.