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    August 31st, 2016LISWire aggregatorUncategorized

    Contact:

    Kat Kamp
    Backstage Library Works
    Phone: 801.356.1852 | Fax: 801.356.8220
    news@bslw.com | www.bslw.com

    PROVO, Utah, August 30, 2016 –– As library collections around the world continue to reflect a diverse community of users, Backstage Library Works (www.bslw.com) is meeting the challenge in providing highly-descriptive bibliographic metadata adapted to best serve the needs of libraries and their patrons. Backstage works with materials in any format to provide rich catalog records for academic, public, and special libraries.

    Nicole Arbuckle, vice president of metadata services for Backstage states:

    “Libraries face a growing need to have materials available in a range of languages and formats. At Backstage, we’re pleased to partner with libraries to meet their challenges.”

    Four cataloging projects currently underway represent a small percentage of Backstage’s multi-lingual contracts. Catalogers are working from original materials and from digital surrogates of title pages and other key elements.

    University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) – Backstage has been awarded a contract to deliver full-level cataloging from scanned surrogates for 650 Georgian, Russian, and other non-English language monographs and some serials. Original cataloging will be provided to UCSB in RDA.

    Illinois Wesleyan University – Backstage will continue with a sixth year of full-level cataloging support to the library. This will include the provision of LC classification and subject headings for English, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Japanese books; additional materials may include music scores.

    University of Oregon – The library is initiating its first cataloging project with Backstage. Full-level cataloging from item-in-hand will be provided for approximately 100 Thai monographs. Copy cataloged records will be edited according to AACR2 or RDA, as found. Original records will be cataloged in RDA.

    Connecticut College – Backstage is excited to have the opportunity to initiate a first-time project with the library to provide non-Roman cataloging. Full-level cataloging from item-in-hand will be provided for monographs, vinyl sound recordings, and DVDs in Russian, Chinese, Japanese and Korean languages. All cataloging will be performed in RDA.

    About Backstage Library Works

    Backstage’s objective is to provide the most technologically advanced, high quality, yet efficient means for delivering professional library services. With over 25 years of experience, the company is known for its expertise in handling complex and unique projects. Backstage specializes in solutions for cataloging, authority control, digitization, preservation microfilm, and on-site needs. In providing services to more than a thousand libraries, large and small, public and private, and in locations across the globe, Backstage has cultivated an understanding of libraries, their mission, their operations, and the challenges they face. Backstage offices are located in Provo, Utah, and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

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  • scissors
    August 26th, 2016LISWire aggregatorUncategorized

    DUBLIN, Ohio, August 26, 2016—Today is the 45th anniversary of the launch of WorldCat, the world’s most comprehensive database of information about library collections.

    On August 26, 1971, the OCLC Online Union Catalog (now known as WorldCat) began operation. From a single terminal, catalogers at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, were able to catalog 133 books online that day. Today, WorldCat comprises more than 380 million records representing more than 2.4 billion titles in libraries worldwide.

    “WorldCat represents the cooperative spirit of thousands of librarians and catalogers around the world who have contributed to this unique resource for the past 45 years,” said Skip Prichard, OCLC President and CEO. “What started as a database created for Ohio libraries to share work and resources has become a global network of data about the collective collection of the world’s libraries. Technologies have changed and evolved over time, but the objectives of WorldCat have remained the same—to improve access to information through library cooperation. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of library staff around the world working with OCLC staff, the creation and evolution of WorldCat is a remarkable achievement.”

    Ohio University’s Alden Library was the first library to catalog a book online using WorldCat. The title of the first book cataloged in WorldCat: The Rand McNally Book of Favorite Pastimes.

    “Our contribution and participation in the creation of WorldCat with the submission of the first record is an incredible legacy and an incredible part of our history,” said Scott Seaman, Dean of Libraries at Ohio University. “The ability to electronically share library cataloging—and library holdings—revolutionized not just libraries, but also scholarship. What WorldCat has become in the 45 years since is just as extraordinary. It speaks to the dedication and the hard work of librarians everywhere.”

    Since 1971, 380 million records have been added to WorldCat, spanning more than 5,000 years of recorded knowledge. This unique collection of information encompasses records in a variety of formats—books, e-books, DVDs, digital resources, serials, sound recordings, musical scores, maps, visual materials, mixed materials, computer files and more.

    Libraries cooperatively contribute, enhance and share bibliographic data through WorldCat, connecting people to cultural and scholarly resources in libraries worldwide. Each record in the WorldCat database contains a bibliographic description of a single title or work and a list of institutions that hold the item. Institutions share these records, using them to create local catalogs, arrange interlibrary loans and conduct reference work. Libraries contribute records for titles not found in WorldCat using OCLC shared cataloging systems.

    When libraries share their data through WorldCat, they support a variety of network services, such as global resource sharing, collection evaluation and collection management.

    WorldCat gives people the ability to view library collections from anywhere in the world, giving them access to a rich assortment of information much deeper than what can be found through a basic internet search. There are 491 languages and dialects represented in WorldCat, and 62 percent of records are in languages other than English.

    WorldCat makes it possible for libraries to share data and improve the visibility and accessibility of library resources where users begin their searches. Once records have been added to WorldCat, they can be discovered on the Web through popular websites and through WorldCat.org.

    On average, a bibliographic record is added to WorldCat every second. To watch WorldCat grow in real time, visit the OCLC website.

    Read a blog post by Scott Seaman, Dean of Libraries at Ohio University, at http://oc.lc/yFVaM2 and watch a brief video featuring library staff, faculty and students describing the university’s role in the history of WorldCat http://oc.lc/sEF9Ky.

    About OCLC
    OCLC is a nonprofit global library cooperative providing shared technology services, original research and community programs so that libraries can better fuel learning, research and innovation. Through OCLC, member libraries cooperatively produce and maintain WorldCat, the most comprehensive global network of data about library collections and services. Libraries gain efficiencies through OCLC’s WorldShare, a complete set of library management applications and services built on an open, cloud-based platform. It is through collaboration and sharing of the world’s collected knowledge that libraries can help people find answers they need to solve problems. Together as OCLC, member libraries, staff and partners make breakthroughs possible.

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  • scissors
    August 26th, 2016LISWire aggregatorUncategorized

    7/14/2016
    CONTACT:
    Nathan Curulla
    (888) 900-8944
    sales@bywatersolutions.com

    The Edsel Ford Memorial Library at The Hotchkiss School Goes Live on ByWater Solutions Koha Support

    ByWater Solutions, an open source community contributor and America's forefront provider of Koha support, announced today that The Edsel Ford Memorial Library at The Hotchkiss School, of Lakeville, CT is now live on ByWater Solutions Koha Support. ByWater Solutions had completed the migration of the Libraries' more than 70,000 titles earlier this year and is providing ongoing hosting and support services to the library. The Library's customized online catalog can be viewed at: https://bearcat.hotchkiss.org/

    Robert Hilliker, Director of the Ford Library, commented on their decision to move to Koha with ByWater:

    "I think the biggest factor in our decision to move to Koha was the sense of ownership: knowing that we have the ability to make the changes we need to suit our workflows. We were also blown away by the support the ByWater team have us during our migration, especially Rocio, who put us at ease that our data would transfer smoothly out of our old system. Our users love the new Koha interface too: in fact or students actually cheered when I demonstrated the shelf browsing feature in the OPAC!"

    Brendan Gallagher, CEO of ByWater also commented on the library's partnership with ByWater

    "We are very excited to have the opportunity to partner with Rob and the team at the Ford Library at The Hotchkiss School. Having come from a private school in Connecticut I know the value of personalized education and we are thrilled to be able to help by supporting a vehicle to effectively deliver the resources of the library to the students.

    About The Edsel Ford Memorial Library:
    The Edsel Ford Memorial Library provides students with a wealth of research tools — and an ideal place for both individual and group study. In addition to cozy armchairs and quiet study carrels, the library offers ample space for collaborative work: a smart classroom, two media viewing rooms, and a multimedia lab. Wireless computer access is available throughout the building, and students can check out a variety of equipment, such as computers, calculators, cameras, and tripods.

    • Personal Librarian Program
    • Departmental Liaison Program
    • Research Consultation
    • Interlibrary Loans
    • Spaces to study, meet, and socialize
    • Classrooms and viewing rooms
    • Maker Space:
      • Programmable sewing machine, Arduino and Raspberry Pi kits, desktop laser cutters
      • Innovation Club
    • Children's Library

    Beyond the library’s collection of books, multimedia, and reference volumes, students can access a wide range of online databases for research. Each academic department has a designated librarian to help students make the most of the library’s resources, and a knowledgeable staff is available during library hours to provide assistance. Town residents are welcome to use the Library. For more information please visit:

    About Koha:
    Koha is the first open-source Integrated Library System (ILS). In use worldwide, its development is steered by a growing community of libraries collaborating to achieve their technology goals. Koha's impressive feature set continues to evolve and expand to meet the needs of its user base. It includes modules for circulation, cataloging, acquisitions, serials, reserves, patron management, branch relationships, and more.

    Koha's OPAC, circulation, management and self-checkout interfaces are all based on standards-compliant World Wide Web technologies, HTML5, CSS and Javascript, making Koha a truly platform-independent solution. Koha is distributed under the open-source General Public License (GPL). For more information about Koha, please visit: http://koha-community.org/

    About ByWater Solutions:
    ByWater Solutions is a full service, high quality support and implementation company dedicated to providing libraries with a lower cost, more advanced level of support for their ILS than a traditional proprietary solution can offer. ByWater Solutions has a proven track record in first rate Koha implementation and support with library systems of all sizes. Our highly ranked, comprehensive support is what sets our company apart from any other vendor in the industry. Partnering with ByWater Solutions to support Koha not only lowers the cost of implementing and maintaining an ILS, but more importantly empowers libraries by giving them the flexibility and freedom they deserve. For more information please visit: http://bywatersolutions.com/

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  • scissors
    August 26th, 2016LISWire aggregatorUncategorized

    Contact:

    Kat Kamp
    Backstage Library Works
    Phone: 801.356.1852
    news@bslw.com
    www.bslw.com

    PROVO, Utah, August 25, 2016 –– Backstage Library Works (www.bslw.com) is pleased to announce its upcoming seminar Metadata Matters: New England to be held on Wednesday, September 21st in Boylston, Massachusetts. It is the second in a series of leading-edge programs focusing on library topics. The event will be attended by library and metadata specialists throughout the region.

    As library content and the systems for hosting and indexing content continue to multiply, rich metadata becomes ever more important. Librarians from leading institutions will discuss their current and future plans for creatively tackling the challenges of today’s metadata landscape.

    Speakers will include metadata innovators from Harvard University, Massachusetts Medical Society, MidPointe Library System, and Backstage Library Works. They will discuss projects that include:
    ◾Developing solid metadata to enable discovery
    ◾Preparing materials for transcription
    ◾Current metadata trends in libraries
    ◾Exploring untapped metadata collaboration between libraries and publishers

    Following the talks, the audience will be invited to join roundtable discussions on the following topics:
    ◾What’s new with BIBFRAME
    ◾The modern cataloger’s evolving role in metadata
    ◾Practical steps toward linked data
    ◾Preparing data for migration to a new ILS
    ◾Collaborating with non-library partners: cross-domain metadata sharing
    ◾Finding and dealing with duplicate records in your catalog

    John Merrill, president of Backstage states:

    “We are thrilled to have Michelle Durocher, Rob Chavez, and Adam Wanter in the same meeting sharing their expertise and leading discussions about metadata issues. The world is so much more complex and our patrons so much more demanding that we all have to be as informed as possible about developments that can improve the user’s experience. We hope this seminar is of value to everyone who can attend.”

    For more information, visit: http://www.bslw.com/presentations/metadata_matters

    About Backstage Library Works

    Backstage’s objective is to provide the most technologically advanced, high quality, yet efficient means for delivering professional library services. With over 25 years of experience, the company is known for its expertise in handling complex and unique projects. Backstage specializes in solutions for cataloging, authority control, digitization, preservation microfilm, and on-site needs. In providing services to more than a thousand libraries, large and small, public and private, and in locations across the globe, Backstage has cultivated an understanding of libraries, their mission, their operations, and the challenges they face. Backstage offices are located in Provo, Utah, and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

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  • scissors
    August 23rd, 2016LISWire aggregatorUncategorized

    Facet Publishing have announced the release of Practical Ontologies for Information Professionals

    David Stuart’s new book is the first accessible introduction and practical exploration of ontologies specifically written for library and information professionals.

    More data and information are being created than ever before. Ontologies, formal representations of knowledge with rich semantic relationships, have become increasingly important in the context of today’s information overload and data deluge. The publishing and sharing of explicit explanations for a wide variety of concepts, in a machine readable format, has the power to both improve information retrieval and discover new knowledge. Information professionals are key users of and contributors to the development of new and increasingly useful ontologies.
    Speaking about the book, David Stuart said, “Practical Ontologies for Information Professionals has three aims; firstly to demonstrate the importance of ontologies for knowledge discovery, secondly to show the important contribution information professionals can make to the development of ontologies, and finally to provide a practical introduction to the development of ontologies. The book covers the semantic web and existing ontologies including RDF, RDFS, SKOS and OWL 2 and shows you how to adopt, build and interrogate ontologies.”

    David Stuart is an independent information professional and an honorary research fellow at the University of Wolverhampton, and was previously a research fellow at King's College London and the University of Wolverhampton. He regularly publishes in peer-reviewed academic journals and professional journals on information science, metrics, and semantic web technologies, and in 2015 began writing a regular column for the journal Online Information Review called 'Taming Metrics'. He has previously published Web Metrics for Library and Information Professionals (Facet Publishing, 2014) and Facilitating Access to the Web of Data (Facet Publishing, 2011).

    - Ends

    Press and review copies contact:
    James Williams, Marketing Manager, Facet Publishing
    Tel: +44 (0)20 7255 0597
    Email: james.williams@facetpublishing.co.uk

    Notes:
    Link to the cover image: http://www.booksonix.co.uk/facetpublishing/9781783300624.jpg

    Practical Ontologies for Information Professionals | Aug 2016 | 224pp | paperback: 9781783300624 | £59.95 | hardback: 9781783301041 | £89.95 | eBook: 9781783301522| £59.95

    The book is published by Facet Publishing and is available from Bookpoint Ltd | Tel: +44 (0)1235 827702 | Fax: +44 (0)1235 827703 | Email: facet@bookpoint.co.uk | Web: www.facetpublishing.co.uk. | Mailing Address: Mail Order Dept, 39 Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 4TD. It is available in North America from the American Library Association.

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