Since 2006, Research Online, the University of Wollongong's open access institutional repository has utilised Bepress' Digital Commons software to make available published research outputs and digital theses. This article discusses the outcomes of recent academic demand for its use as a publishing tool of university journals and conference proceedings.
In 2011 the University of Wollongong Library undertook a significant review of its Resource Sharing services. This was prompted by constraints in the systems supporting this service, changes to the Library's key suppliers, Infotrieve Australia and the British Library Document Supply Service, and the need to deliver effective library services within a defined physical and budgetary environment. As a result of the review, the existing Millennium Interlibrary Loan and Ariel software hosting the service were replaced by the Relais ILL system. The most cost-effective and relevant methods for supporting the research needs of the university were achieved through subscriptions with networks characterized by strong unmediated requesting functionalities, including ArticleReach, BONUS+, and RapidILL. To expand the Library's access to international collections, a subscription to OCLC WorldCat Resource Sharing was begun. UOW Library now processes approximately 50% more requests, 76% of which are now processed to some degree without library staff mediation.
The digital environment is growing rapidly, through ubiquitous and increasingly powerful personal computing devices, and the demand for information to be accessible. Libraries and archives, as traditional providers and storehouses of content, are adapting to this changing environment by adopting new and innovative digital content delivery mechanisms to unmask their special collections. In 2012, the University of Wollongong Library implemented a comprehensive digitisation program for its unique archival and research collections. Film, photographs, documents, artworks and audio are being made available online through several platforms and delivery tools in combination, complementing the increasingly important role played by the library in supporting research, education, and community engagement. The implementation of a Digital Collections Portal has channelled Australian and international audiences to the library's digital content. Open access to collections is a key library goal, with success measured in part by the amount of material made available and the number of times it is downloaded. With a focus on building collections, prominent issues such as format shifting, metadata production, and methods of open communication have been resolved as the library develops expertise and knowledge in managing an embedded digitisation programme.
Since 2006, Research Online, the University of Wollongong's open access institutional repository has utilised Bepress' Digital Commons software to make available published research outputs and digital theses. This article discusses the outcomes of recent academic demand for its use as a publishing tool of university journals and conference proceedings.
PurposeIn 2013 the University of Wollongong (UOW) Library completed a review of its Resource Sharing services in order to provide a financially viable service relevant to the research support needs of University clients. This paper provides an update of the service two years on.Design/methodology/approach UOW Library has been attentive to global changes in the resource sharing industry and document supply services. Unmediated resource sharing options are growing and assuming an increasing portion of requests received from clients. UOW's involvement in new services has focused attention on the value of its collection, particularly the last national copy of a publication. By ensuring these unique titles remain in the collection indefinitely, they can be shared with other libraries through resource sharing arrangements. Ensuring staff workplace health and safety during the ongoing transformation in the delivery of services is an important element in the continued viability of resource sharing at UOW. FindingsThe 2011-2013 review of UOW Library Resource Sharing services has resulted in a viable and relevant service that is adaptable to the changing needs of UOW clients and institutional directions into the near future. Unmediated requesting continues to assume a greater share of the requesting workload, though staff expertise is equally important in supporting this service. A future challenge for UOW Library is the rising cost of postage for the sharing of loans across institutions. Originality/valueThis case study demonstrates how an academic library can transform its resource sharing service for ongoing relevance and cost-effectiveness. Taking a holistic view of the service, in terms of people, costs and services is important to ensure the overall viability of the service.
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