Abstract: This study assesses the relative efficiency of public library services by examining the relationship between library inputs and library outputs in multi-outlet library systems. Differences in the size of the area and population served are reflected in differences in the number of outlets and mix of outlet types. Using a Data Envelopment Analysis, which controls for the accessibility of library resources, this study derives technical and overall efficiency scores for 99 UK Public Library Systems. The data are survey observations for 1995/1996. Over the decade leading up to the survey, library services had been subject to a protracted period of budget restraint and contraction in most areas of activity. The distribution of efficiency scores is skewed, implying that although many library systems are efficient or near-efficient, there is a tail of inefficient operations. Inefficiency is mainly, but not exclusively associated with over subscription to serial publications. Many library systems are scale ineffic...

Abstract: The library classification scheme was the first means of subject access to information, but is largely disregarded as a tool for the management of electronic resources; modern classifications built on facet analytical principles are more appropriate to this purpose than is generally realised. Faceted classifications as exemplified by the Bliss Bibliographic Classification (BC2) are powerful tools for the management of vocabulary, characterised by a rigorous analytical approach to terms, and the clear identification of semantic and syntactic relationships and structures. The philosophy and function of BC2 are described, as is the process of building a knowledge structure on facet analytical principles. The range of related functions of such structures when employed as knowledge management tools (as classification, thesaurus, subject heading list, browsable index) is considered, as is the potential of facet analytical knowledge structures for the management of digital materials. Facet analysis is regarded as a powerful methodology for the creation of structures appropriate to specific retrieval requirements in a range of contexts, with emphasis on the problems of complex subject description and retrieval and multidimensionality.

Abstract: This paper describes a unique robotics project, Comprehensive Access to Printed Materials (CAPM), within the context of libraries. As libraries provide a growing array of digital library services and resources, they continue to acquire large quantities of printed material. This combined pressure of providing electronic and print-based resources and services has led to severe space constraints for many libraries, especially academic research libraries. Consequently, many libraries have built or plan to build off-site shelving facilities to accommodate printed materials. An autonomous mobile robotic library system has been developed to retrieve items from bookshelves and carry them to scanning stations located in the off-site shelving facility. In subsequent stages, remote users will be able to trigger this process through a web interface in order to achieve real-time browsing of printed materials. Enhanced commercial robot systems are used in this project. The developments of the robot design, control systems, simulations, experiments and results are presented.

Abstract: In recent years, we have witnessed continual growth in the use of ontologies in order to provide a mechanism to enable machine reasoning. This paper describes an automatic classifier, which focuses on the use of ontologies for classifying Web pages with respect to Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) and Library of Congress Classification (LCC) schemes. Firstly, we explain how these ontologies can be built in a modular fashion, and mapped into DDC and LCC. Secondly, we propose the formal definition of a DDC-LCC and an ontology-classification-scheme mapping. Thirdly, we explain the way the classifier uses these ontologies to assist classification. Finally, an experiment in which the accuracy of the classifier was evaluated is presented. The experiment shows that our approach results an improved classification in terms of accuracy. This improvement, however, comes at a cost in a low coverage ratio due to incompleteness of the ontologies used.

Abstract: Western universities continue to attract large numbers of international students. But we have not always understood their information literacy needs, which go much deeper than lack of facility with English and into the realm of educational philosophy. In order to enable international students to experience the education our universities are promising them, we need to develop integrated training programs that move beyond the basics of information literacy to what might be called "academic literacy." Librarians are in a unique position to initiate the development of such programs. ********** The Challenge Of International Students Every year Western universities invite hundreds of thousands of students from countries around the globe to study at their institutions. In the United States alone, the numbers have grown from 154,580 in 1974 to 366,359 in 1988 to 547,867 in 2001. Half are undergraduate students and half graduate. Some 54% come from Asia, 15% from Europe, and the rest are from every part of the world. [1] While it is clear that these students often need considerable help to manage their information needs in our setting, the aid they are receiving in many institutions tends to be sparse. "Information literacy" has become a growing concern, especially since the release of the ACRL guidelines. It is commonly assumed that international students, as their English improves, can be made information literate using the same methods we undertake with our own students. That assumption, however, may be considerably short-sighted in light of the struggles such students face. On top of the easily identifiable issues of difficulty with the English language, unfamiliarity with our library systems, lack of comfort with technology, and tendency toward plagiarism, are obstacles that have to do with these students' very philosophies of life. It is the contention of this paper that academics, beginning with librarians, need to be in the forefront of initiating programs that lead international students through information literacy into what may be called "academic literacy," that is, skill at using information within a Western academic setting. The barriers faced by international students in assimilating into Western academia are too complex to be overcome by the training we normally offer our own students. Informational Struggles Of International Students A number of studies have identified the following as key challenges for international students: English language hearing and speaking, library systems and technology, Western academic culture, and research and writing. Let us consider each in turn. English language, particularly in the categories of hearing and speaking Most international students have taken English language courses that focused on written rather than spoken use of the language. [2] They may pass the TOEFL but not be able to understand a classroom discussion. [3] International students regularly complain that Westerners speak too fast, using too many colloquialisms, idioms, and technical terms. On the other hand, professors who over-compensate by speaking too slowly or raising their voices are not appreciated either. [4] International students often find themselves needing to ask a question but lacking the language skills to formulate it properly or to process the answer that is provided. For some, this means that the question never gets asked because the fear of appearing ignorant is stronger than the need to know. For others it means that the question is repeated endlessly in various forms until the answer becomes clear. [5] This struggle with English is a foundational problem. It permeates all aspects of an international student's quest for information literacy, from taking notes in the classroom, to asking directions in the library, to the kinds of database searches that are done, to papers that are written. …

Abstract: This short essay, based on a presentation given at the 2001 American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference, enumerates a number of possibilities for open source software (OSS) in libraries and how it can be leveraged to provide better and more effective digital library collections and services. ********** OSS Briefly Defined Open source software (OSS) is both a philosophy and a process. It is a philosophy describing the intended use of software and methods of distribution. OSS is often times equated with GNU software as well as described as free software, but the term "free" should be more equated with the Latin word liberat (meaning to liberate), and not necessarily gratis (meaning without return made or expected). In the words of Richard Stallman, the founder of the GNU software project, we should "think of `free' as in `free speech,' not as in `free beer.'" (1) In this regard, the ideology behind OSS is not unlike some of the basic principles of librarianship in America. (2) OSS is also a process for the creation and maintenance of software. This is not a formalized process, but rather a process of convention with common characteristics between software projects. First and foremost, the developer of a software project almost always is trying to solve a specific computer problem--commonly called "scratching an itch." The developer realizes other people may have the same problem, and consequently the developer makes the project's source code available on the Internet in the hopes that other people can use it too. If there seems to be a common need for the software, a mailing list is usually created to facilitate communication, and hopefully the list is archived. Since the software is almost always in a state of flux, developers need some sort of version-control software to help manage the project's components. The most common version-control software is called CVS (Concurrent Versions System). Codevelopers then "hack away" at the project, adding features they desire or fixing bugs of previous releases. As these features and fixes are created, the source code's modifications, in the form of "diff" files, are sent back to the project's leader. The leader examines the diff files, assesses their value, and decides whether or not to include them into the master archive. The cycle then begins anew. Much of a project's success relies on the primary developer's ability to foster communication and a sense of community around the project. Once accomplished, the "two heads are better than one" philosophy takes effect and the project matures. A highly recommended book titled The Cathedral and the Bazaar by Eric S. Raymond outlines this process in much greater detail. (3) OSS Contrasted with Homegrown Systems Some people may remember the homegrown integrated library systems developed in the `70s and `80s, and these same people may wonder how OSS is different from those humble beginnings. There are two distinct differences. The first is the present-day existence of the Internet. This global network of computers enables people to communicate over much greater distances, and it is much less expensive than twenty-five years ago. Consequently, developers are not as isolated as they once were and the flow of ideas travels more easily between developers--people who are trying to scratch an itch. Yes, there were telephone lines and modems, but the processes for using them were not as seamlessly integrated into the computing environment (and there were always long-distance communications charges to contend with). (4) Second, the state of computer technology and its availability has dramatically increased in the past twenty-five years. At that time, computers, especially the type used for large-scale library operations, were almost always physically large, extremely expensive, remote devices whose access was limited to a small group of specialized individuals. …

Abstract: When people speak of open source software they are referring to computer code--programs that run. But code is only the final step in the information technology process. Prior to writing code the information technology professional must do analysis to determine the nature of the problem to be solved and the best way to solve it. When software projects fail, the failure is more often than not attributable to shortcomings in the planning and analysis phase rather than in the coding itself. Open source software provides some particular challenges for planning since the code itself will be worked on by different programmers and will evolve over time. The success of an open source project will clearly depend on the clarity of the shared vision of the goals of the software and some strong definitions of basic functions and how they will work. This all-important work of defining often takes place through standards and the development of standards that everyone can use has become a movement in itself: open standards. ********** Open standards are publicly available standards that anyone can incorporate into their software. An example from the library environment is the MARC record standard. The original documentation for the MARC record was published by the American National Standards Institute. (1) The most common use of the standard, that of the MARC21 records that libraries adhere to, is also published and available for use. No one owns the MARC record format; there are no fees for its use and no restrictions on who can use it in their products. Any software developer who wishes to write for library systems therefore has access to a vital part of the system needs: the basic data structure that libraries use today. This may seem so obvious that its importance is hard to grasp. In fact, the library world has probably made more use of open standards than practically any other industry. Let's face it, "open" is practically our middle name. Examples from the non-open world of proprietary software might help us understand the importance of our preference for open standards, and the examples are not hard to find: Microsoft Windows versus the Macintosh operating system; VHS versus Betamax; Nintendo versus Sega. In each case you have unique products that are inherently incompatible. As a matter of fact, this incompatibility is purposeful and actually enhanced by the companies in question as part of their market strategy. If you need to compete, then openness is a disadvantage. If you need to cooperate, then openness is the way to go. Goals of Open Standards Open standards can serve multiple needs. The most common one is the need for interoperability. Interoperability refers to communication between systems or system parts. In the highly networked world of the twenty-first century, the ability for computer systems to exchange data in order to carry out basic functions is absolutely vital since most systems operate in a vast and varied digital community. Our library systems communicate electronically with sources of bibliographic records, book vendors, and users. They also now interconnect themselves with networked information resources outside of the library and deliver these through library-maintained interfaces. Much of this communication is through open-standard interfaces, such as Z39.50, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), and hypertext transport protocol (HTTP). (2) These standards operate at the point where system boundaries touch; they determine the rules of the digital membrane but do not determine how systems handle data up to that point of permeability. Internally, few systems store bibliographic data in the format prescribed by ANSI Z39.2, the basis for the MARC record. But they are able to transform the data into that format for communication with other systems. Another purpose of open standards is to create the framework for a community. In many ways this is the prime reason for many library standards. …

Abstract: Summary Library classification schemes have become increasingly available in electronic form and undergone many enhancements that make them attractive for Web knowledge organization. In fact, library professionals have been quite successful in applying library classification to Internet-based information services in a number of projects, both small and large. Yet, many opportunities remain for improving our general knowledge organization tools and using them in new ways. In this article, the DDC hierarchy structure is compared to the subject trees of Internet directory services in terms categories, hierarchies, and distributions of postings. The schemes are also compared with respect to several general characteristics that support browsing. The findings suggest that the prospects are very good for developing effective DDC-based browsing structures to large collections.

Abstract: The concept of marketing covers not only the buying and selling for financial gain, but also the achievement of organizational objectives successfully. Thus the term 'marketing' has a wider and deeper sense, which proliferates the organization's successive achievements. Modern marketing is applied not only to the profit making organizations, but also to the non-profit sector and social service organizations like libraries. Marketing in the library service sector intends the performances of planning, organizing, dissemination and controlling of information services on a proactive and user oriented way that ensures the user satisfaction while achieving the objectives of the parent organization. Information services system of Sri Lanka incorporates mainly the various library systems like academic libraries, special libraries, public libraries, school libraries and other information centers. Parent organizations of the libraries spend a large amount of money for their library activities. However, due to many reasons, most of these libraries seem to be under-utilized and have failed to satisfy the information needs of their users. One reason for this is considered to be the lack of marketing in their activities. Having no proper planning, the majority of libraries and information centers seem to be conventional, supply-led, and isolated in their service provision. Library personnel have not properly understood potential opportunities of their library business. They are less aware of their challenges and are not prepared to win the competitive advantages in the market. This study attempted to understand the present attitude to marketing in special libraries and academic libraries of Sri Lanka. Here the basic marketing performances of above libraries were examined. Focus was given on the investigation of the understanding of markets/potential markets, planning targeted services to accurate market segments, identification of competitive advantages, the application of marketing mixes (4Ps) etc. to libraries. It is also aimed at identifying the problems encountered in marketing of library and information services. Two tentative hypotheses were tested in the investigation. The sample survey technique, which involved an exploratory analysis of primary data related to the problem, was utilized as the methodology for the study. Structured written questionnaires were the main instruments used for the gathering of data from samples. 33 out of 50 special libraries and 20 out of 22 academic libraries responded to the questionnaire. Data analysis was completed with quantitative means such as percentage analysis, arithmetic mean analysis and qualitative descriptions using graphical presentation wherever needed. Hypotheses were proved with findings. Special libraries and academic libraries of Sri Lanka have a sufficient amount of resources acquired and market opportunities available. Yet, they practice poor marketing. In comparison, marketing performances are more available in special libraries than in academic libraries. Special libraries and academic libraries of Sri Lanka have cost recovery capabilities and even profit potentials from their services if they undertake proper marketing. Library personnel had very little knowledge of marketing principles. Lack of trained staff; poor library investments (allocations), insufficient technology and know-how etc. are identified as problems that hinder the practice of marketing. More research studies should be implemented in the field.

Abstract: OVERVIEW OF PORTALS An increasing number of requests for proposals (RFPs) for automated library systems now include specifications for a portal module. A portal is a single user interface for access to many electronic resources. It may include: * A library's own catalog * The catalogs of other libraries * Online reference services to which the library subscribes * Selected websites * Even the Internet as a whole Most library patrons want information regardless of where they find it. They don't want to limit themselves to their library's collection. A portal offers them one-stop shopping that takes them from the initial need for information through its delivery--without having to use several different tools. If well-designed, a portal also provides effective navigation of complex, multiple, and disparate collections. In the words of Vinod Chachra, president of VTLS, a vendor of automated library systems: "It's not if libraries should be portals, it's not when libraries should be portals, it's how libraries should be portals." Despite the growing interest in portals, fewer than one-half of 1% of libraries have implemented them, which is why only limited information is available at this time. The consensus among vendors is that widespread implementation is at least two years away. History Portals were first developed by large companies seeking to provide employees with a single interface by which they could access corporate information from multiple computer systems. Although the first portals were developed by or for a specific company, commercially produced portal software soon became available. A portal can be mounted either on a dedicated server or on a Web server that supports other applications. The software is generally described as a portal server or enterprise portal product. Major portal software vendors include BroadVision, Epicentric, iPlanet, Oracle, Plumtree, Tibco, and Thunderstone. Plumtree is the market leader with a 39% share; none of the others has more than 9% market share. The products of these companies are not discussed in this report because few libraries have entertained the idea of building their own portals from scratch. Thunderstone is the only vendor that claims a library (an ARL member) as a customer. The library, which was not identified, selected Thunder-stone before library portal options became available. The library had to do much development work to tailor the portal to the needs of its faculty and students. Four smaller vendors (Auto-Graphics, Fretwell-Downing Informatics, MuseGlobal, and WebFeat) have developed portal software they sell directly to the library market. (See Chapter 3 for more information.) Elements of a portal A portal typically contains the following: * Intuitive and customizable Web interface A portal provides an easy-to-navigate interface that can be designed to match the look and feel of an organization's existing applications. Although most portals are implemented with Web browsers, they can have another client interface, such as a graphical user interface (GUI). * Personalized content presentation A portal can access user profile information to deliver personalized content. Each user can gain a view tailored to his or her access privileges. The personalization can be for a person or a category of people. In most organizations, each employee is provided with personalized content; customers and suppliers are provided content personalized for a category. * Security User profiles can be used to increase the security of the systems being accessed because most portal servers use caching to improve performance. The users access the cache, rather than the back-end server that is the source of the information. Patron authentication is another security feature that can be used not only to determine rights to access that information stored on the local system, but to access remote resources that are limited to specific people or categories of people. …

Abstract: A method and tool for simplifying the Customs Classification process (e.g., assignment of HTSUS numbers to components and products). Using information about the importer's business, selected item numbers from the HTSUS are mapped onto a secondary classification set. Then, a decision tree is constructed for the secondary classification. A user interface is constructed which contains simplified questions to enable a user to “walk through” the decision tree and arrive at an appropriate classification.

Abstract: One of my main professional interests involves following the library automation industry. I maintain a Web site devoted to this topic and regularly write about the companies and systems that comprise this arena. So it is with great interest that I consider the impact open source software (OSS) might make on this industry. The open source movement could effect radical changes to libraries should it produce an integrated library system (ILS) that earns a level of acceptance on the same order that Apache did in the Web server market. Like Apache, an open source ILS would have to offer top-of-the-line features and performance to gain acceptance over its commercial rivals. My general approach to software, technologies, and systems is initial skepticism. I've learned that the hype about any new technology usually exceeds its practical impact in the long term. My attitude toward OSS in libraries is no different. While I appreciate its successes, I also recognize its limitations. There is no doubt that Linux and Apache represent a worldwide victory over high-powered commercial opponents in the operating system and Web server arenas. (1) I do not, however, expect to see such victories of OSS over commercial products in the ILS arena. Both broad historical and recent trends argue against a movement toward libraries creating their own library automation systems--either in an open source or closed development process. An undeniable trend in library automation involves a movement toward vendor-supplied systems and away from locally developed ones. Libraries large and small recognize that they do not have the resources to develop and maintain library automation systems. Some of the recent examples that come to mind include: * Library of Congress: Adopted Endeavor Voyager to replace several locally developed systems. * UCLA: Early implemented DRA Taos over their locally developed ORION system. * Stanford University: Abandoned locally developed BALLOTS system for SIRSI Unicorn. * Penn State: Converted from their locally developed LIAS system to SIRSI Unicorn. Other less prominent libraries that have left locally developed systems for commercial systems include Carelton University, Jefferson County (Colo.) Public Library System, and the Fogelson Library of the College of Santa Fe. Very few large libraries continue to operate locally developed library automation systems. The only two ARL libraries currently running locally developed systems are the University of California at Berkeley and the University of Texas at Austin. Neither of these locally developed systems is open source. It should be noted, however, that the development of these systems far predates the open source movement. One may well speculate that had the open source movement been in place during the period in which many libraries were creating library automation systems, the current environment of reliance on commercial systems would be quite different. The complexity of library automations systems exceeds the pool of available volunteer programmers. Full-fledged ILS software can easily contain a million lines of software code. Library automation companies that have recently undertaken the development of a new ILS have generally expended about five years of development time with a team of thirty to fifty programmers. The creation of a new ILS is a multimillion-dollar project. It is hard to see that even a large collective of libraries would have the available programming staff to develop and maintain a large-scale ILS. Preferred technology architectures evolve faster than the development cycles of applications built upon them. The history of technology has seen constant shifts in computing models and architectures. Time-sharing host/terminal systems gave way to client/server systems with thick graphical clients. These gave way to an N-Tier architecture and Web-based clients. …

Abstract: There is a growing need for practical solutions to provide flexible access to digital documents in a structured form on the Web. The existing library classification schemes serve as good bases for achieving this goal. This paper presents a brief review of the various methods applied in automatic classification. It focuses on the main activities fulfilled within various research projects to make possible the effective automatic indexing and classification of Web sources. It describes the approaches taken in the Nordic WAIS/WWW; DESIRE II - Engineering Electronic Library System (EELS); GERHARD; and SCORPION projects. Artificial neural networks and artificial intelligence show great potential.

Abstract: This project featured collaboration between a large public library system and an academic institution to address training needs related to the rise in the demand for quality consumer health information. A train the trainer program featuring hands-on training and Web-based support was designed and implemented. Public reference librarians received customized education and support to facilitate their efforts to train library users of consumer health information. The results of the collaborative effort included an increased awareness of cultural, linguistic, and literacy issues for effective provision of public library consumer health reference service along with a reaffirmation of the need for strategic community collaborations for health education.

Abstract: A growing yet unresolved problem in access services today is controlling user access to resources in a networked environment. This paper describes the history of network authentication, explores the issues involved in selecting an authentication method, discusses the benefits and drawbacks of the various methods, identifies efforts by some integrated library services vendors and academic institutions to address this problem, and makes recommendations for selecting an authentication scheme for a college library. The discussions are based in part upon the results of a survey conducted with California community college libraries, various integrated library system vendors, and online resource companies. Technical terms are defined in a glossary.

Abstract: We introduce a flexible mechanism to classify metadata resources using their elements and attributes. The metadata resources are represented in XML and we assume that they have been created based on some resource schemas. The concept of a classification schema is proposed to construct a taxonomy with metadata resources classified into different categories using classification rules. To define these classification schemas, a classification language has been developed. Using this language, we are able to define different classification schemas and thus construct different taxonomies for the same metadata resource collection. In this paper, we will describe the important features of this classification language, illustrating it with different examples.

Abstract: This paper describes the first phase of a project at Columbia University Libraries to create a hierarchical interface to LC classification (HILCC). The project's objective was to assess the potential of using the Library of Congress classification numbers as provided in standard catalog records to generate a structured, hierarchical menuing system for subject access to resources in the Libraries' electronic collections. The classification mapping table -jointly developed by the Libraries' systems, cataloging and reference staff- links each LC classification range with entry vocabulary in a three-level subject tree. Classification numbers and other metadata elements are extracted from catalog records in the Libraries' OPAL on a weekly basis, matched against the HILCC mapping table and then used to create browsable subject category menus to guide users to e-resource subject content.

Abstract: Philosophically, users are the central entity in all types of libraries. Thecharacteristics of the user body make up an essential and indeed central elementin the development of library services. In ways that are now familiar from serviceindustry contexts, we need to incorporate elements of client-orcustomer-centeredness in our approaches to serve users. Users also expectrecognition, attention, and appreciation for their individual needs and have desirefor self-expression. In such environment, the library system triumphs, which hasmore customer-focus approach in serving and meeting these needs and thelibrary becomes market driven in the real sense. The customer-focusorganisations accept that marketing issue is philosophical and also a strategicone. They are concentrating on developing customer orientation. Their focus ison distinctive competencies, value delivery, customer-defined quality, relationshipmanagement, and a customer-focused organisational culture. In the presentpaper an attempt has been made to clarify, what customer-focus approach is allabout?; how quality, customer service and marketing are closely related to eachother in customer-focus approach?; and how customer-focused culture can bedeveloped in library and information centres. http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/dbit.22.3.3564

Abstract: In this paper, we present the AutoCat system for product classification. AutoCat uses a vector space model, modified to consider product attributes unavailable in traditional document classification. We present key features of our user interface, developed to assist users with evaluating and editing the output of the classification algorithm. Finally, we present observations about the use of this technology in the field.

Abstract: We discuss access to e-documents from three different perspectives beyond the plain keyword web-search of the entire document. The first one is the situation-depending delivery of multimedia documents adapting the preferred form (picture, text, speech) to the available information capacity or need exemplified by documents from the annotated media database of the Rijksmuseum. It goes beyond Quality of Service methods which insist on delivering information in the same form even if that is no longer effective. Secondly, we discuss the use of ontologies to provide access across diverse library categorizations as part of the W3C semantic web. The system translates codes in the one catalogue system into a set of codes in another expanding the potential access to digital heritage knowledge across all library systems in the ontology, such as AAT, Worldnet and IconClass. Thirdly, we discuss access to the pictorial contents of paintings by computer vision techniques, here showing in examples of Pieter de Hoogh and Johannes Vermeer which one of the two consistently painting photometric realistic in addition to adhering to the geometric realism as they both did. It is concluded access is the key issue in digital cultural heritage - be it access by situational delivery of e-document of cultural heritage, be it access to diverse knowledge systems, or be it access to the pictorial content of the picture

Abstract: The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is the alpha/beta test site for 3M™ Library Systems Digital Identification System, a cutting‐edge technology in library materials flow and collection management. This article discusses the components of the system and their assimilation and testing at a UNLV branch library, the Curriculum Materials Library (CML), in anticipation of the opening of Lied Library. Challenges and discoveries in the development of the system and implementation differences between a small and large library are outlined. Future growth for both product development and the UNLV libraries’ use of the system are forecasted.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, apparatus and systems for cost conversant classification of objects. In order to achieve this, we create an efficient tree structure to store different classification rules. The methods particularly relate to objects with multiple attributes and classification rules that are defined in terms of these attributes. The techniques can handle rules that can be represented as a single or multiple hypercubes in attribute space. Furthermore, the present techniques are effective when the number of relevant object attributes are large and no specialized classification hardware is accessible. Such methods can be used in various applications such as classification of web sessions in an e-commerce application, classification of connection request in TCP connections etc.

Abstract: This study compares the results of three national surveys of fundraising in public libraries with the results of a survey done of public libraries in Kentucky. This comparison is placed within the context of the library literature. Results show that libraries are increasingly conducting fundraising activities and that in spite of reservations raised in the literature, Friends groups often perform these efforts. Library foundations and Friends groups are most prevalent in large library systems and these systems are also the most likely to raise funds. Obstacles identified by library directors are noted as are their experiences with the relationship between private and public dollars.

Abstract: As academic programs grow increasingly interdisciplinary, a library may fail to acquire some works of importance to a discipline, simply because the books have been classified in an area outside a selector’s purview. To gain a perspective on the issue of interdisciplinary gaps in the collection, the authors researched the case of American and British History. Book reviews published in four major history journals for 1978, 1988 and 1998 were examined, and a classification was assigned to each reviewed work per the LC classification scheme. The resulting data confirm that more than half of the works that historians generally consult tend to be outside the traditional “history” LC call numbers. While each institution is unique in its organization and collecting interests, various ways to resolve the issue are discussed. This kind of analysis could be used to justify funding for interdisciplinary purchases.

Abstract: A system for document classification with multiple dimensions and multiple algorithms. The system includes a preference database, a generator, and a classification unit. The preference database stores at least one classification preference. The classification preference includes a plurality of categories, each of which has a corresponding algorithm. The generator transforms the classification preference into a classification code. The classification unit executes the classification code to classify the document, thus one or several detailed catalogues corresponding to each of the categories are acquired.

Abstract: Refers to a 1999 Australian survey which examined a 26 item scale developed regarding three major automated library systems issues, which approved 23 items that represented criteria for the success of automated library systems, and rejection of the remaining three items. The same scale was translated into Farsi in the year 2000 and distributed among 240 library managers and systems librarians in 120 Iranian institutions of higher education. Results of the Iranian survey were acceptance of 24 out of the 26 scale items by university librarians and systems managers, and rejection of two items. The rejected items were not identical in the two studies, and the discrepancies mainly raised by “boundary” issues. However, Australian and Iranian colleagues seem to be identical in their attitudes towards management, technicalities and usage of automated library systems. The scale, so far, has proved to be reliable and valid, at least with 21 of its items.

Abstract: Successful library system automation depends on many factors, both technological and organizational, including institution's flexibility in making changes that are consistent with a system's optimal use. Here, as the authors reflect on more than three decades of system implementation trial-and-error, they also examine the many interrelated factors that contribute to achieving a complete integration of automated library services.

Abstract: What kinds of cooperative reference initiatives are currently in practice? This is the question the Cooperative Reference Services Committee (of the American Library Association's Reference and User Services Association's Management and Operation of User Services Section [MOUSS]) undertook to answer. The members of the committee were aware of many informal cooperative reference arrangements among libraries in specified geographic areas or among special libraries devoted to a specific discipline. However, a literature search conducted in 1999 (www.ala.org/ rusa/mouss/committees/coop/bib. html) showed that not only was there a dearth of literature on this topic, but that the most recent article had been published in 1996. Disturbed by these findings, the committee decided to find out just what kind of cooperative reference initiatives were currently in place. Method The committee decided to survey library consortia to explore the various aspects of cooperative reference. Consortia relationships had already been established for joint purchasing of commercial databases, and we knew that consortia membership had an impact on some additional services and activities, such as interlibrary loan and serial collection development. As reference librarians, however, we could only list a few consortia that had used the infrastructure that grew out of the joint-purchasing decisions to build a cooperative reference network. The committee began the project by defining a cooperative reference network as one in which libraries in a specified category (academic, public, school, special) agree to provide library-to-library reference service to share expertise and collections. The next step was the instrument itself, and, after much editing, a questionnaire was drafted in January 2000. The twenty-six-item questionnaire, which was based on reading professional literature and personal experiences, emphasized the steps required to form a cooperative reference network. It inquired into the protocols for referring requests, clarifying questions, maintaining confidentiality, and responding to requests. Additional questions dealt with advertising the service, turnaround time, archiving questions, and evaluation procedures (appendix A). The next question to answer was which consortia to survey. The listing provided in The American Library Directory was daunting in size; a smaller universe was needed. The committee looked at the membership of the International Coalition of Library Consortia (ICOLC), which acts as a forum for information exchange by 129 academic and public library consortia. We then broke this list down to eighty-five groups located within the United States. From this group, we removed those consortia that appeared to be established for the sole purpose of sharing electronic resources, which then narrowed the list to sixty-five. The authors then reviewed each consortium's Web site for mention of cooperative reference services. The committee sought to have representation from both academic and public libraries. Based on the Web site review, the committee selected twenty-four coalition members to survey (appendix B). Emory University Library agreed to mount the survey instrument on their Web site. A liaison for each consortia was identified from the consortium Web site whenever possible. E-mails, and in one case, a letter, were sent to each respondent in September 2000. Thirteen consortia responded to the survey, either by completing the survey instrument itself or by e-mailing the committee contact person. Only seven of the respondents, however, stated that they had a cooperative reference agreement among their member libraries. The compiled results were then discussed during the committee's meeting held as part of ALA's Midwinter Meeting (January 2001). Results The seven consortia indicating that they had cooperative reference agreements are: Appalachian Library Information Cooperative, Big 12 Plus, Chicago Library System, Fenway Library Consortium, Indiana Cooperative Library Services Authority, Kentucky Commonwealth Virtual Library, and MINITEX Information Network. …