LAR3650

Information resources: acquisition and access

B J McMullin and H Singh

6 points
* 3 hours per week
* First semester
* Clayton
* Prohibition: LAR4650

Objectives At the completion of this subject students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the major categories of information resources in all media; and the concept of the virtual library, and issues affecting its realisation. They should also be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how libraries keep all aspects of the library's information provision optimal, through development and implementation of an information resources management plan using, where appropriate, frameworks such as the RLG Conspectus methodology, the Distributed National Collection, and cooperative last-copy storage, with provision for preservation of materials and disaster recovery; administer acquisitions/licensing budgets; identify and evaluate sources for procurement of information resources; select specific information resources for purchase or licensing; conduct purchasing/licensing negotiations and transactions; receive and accession acquired items (including pre-cataloguing), and assign such items to particular locations in the collection; install and/or arrange appropriate networked access for users in the case of electronic resources; manage the public areas of the library in ways which are effective, comfortable, secure and safe for users and staff; provide remote on-line access to the widest possible range of library resources and services; communicate with users through well designed publicity materials and exhibitions; conduct lending/access operations (including reprographic services) in ways which maximise user satisfaction; ensure the security of collection items; conform to copyright law or licensing contracts; and provide users with access to the resources of collaborating libraries or document vendors through reciprocal borrowing and document supply arrangements.

Synopsis This subject focuses on the logistics of library services - how appropriate information resources are procured by libraries through purchase or licensing and supplied to users on a cost-effective basis. It examines the conduct of the selection, purchase and licensing functions of libraries; the management of collections and of library venues; provision of lending, document supply and photocopying services; and the impact of cooperative or methodological frameworks such as reciprocal borrowing, cooperative last-copy stores, Conspectus methodology, and the Distributed National Collection. The subject explores the emergent concept of the virtual library, through which eligible users should be able to gain access to any information whether currently in analogue or digital form, wherever held, aided by a common user interface for identifying and requesting appropriate information items. It also systematically introduces students to the major categories of information resources in all media and typical sources of supply.

Assessment Investigative report (2000 words): 30%
* Project essay (2000 words): 30%
* Examination (3 hours): 40%

Recommended texts

Gorman G E and Kennedy J Collection development for Australian libraries 2nd edn, Centre for Information Studies, 1992