Briefly Noted

Assessment in College Library Instruction Programs, Lawrie H. Merz and Beth L. Mark. (CLIP note, no. 32) Chicago, IL: Association of College and Research Libraries, 2002. 190 p. $29 softcover (ISBN 0-8389-8291-8)

This compilation follows the standard CLIP format—158 survey responses were analyzed to determine the type, extent, content areas, and in particular, assessment of information literacy programs. Reflecting increased focus on outcomes since ACRL's Information Competency Standards for Higher Education, 59 percent of respondents conduct some sort of assessment, although the authors point out that summative evaluation (measures actual learning) lags behind the more prevalent formative (quality of instruction) assessment. The appended documents include pre-tests, assignments, forms for evaluation of the instructor, and assessment of faculty information literacy. (S.H.)

 

The State of Preservation Programs in American College and Research Libraries: Building a Common Understanding and Action Agenda, Anne R. Kenney and Deirdre C. Stam. (CLIR Reports, no. 111) Washington, DC: Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR), 2002) 56 p. $20 Full text (PDF and HTML) available online <http://www.clir.org/pubs/reports/reports.html> (ISBN 1-887334-96-3)

This joint study by CLIR, the Association of Research Libraries, the University Library Group, and the Regional Alliance for Preservation examined the state of preservation programs in American academic libraries. Drawing on both survey and interview data (quantitative data from 116 libraries and qualitative data from 20 site visits), the report confirms extensive preservation activity, but resources and expertise vary and many smaller libraries need outside help for their programs. The report concluded with six recommendations to encourage greater self-help capabilities, explore collaborative solutions, address the digital preservation challenge, and secure sustainable funding. (S.H.)

 

Libraries as Agencies of Culture, ed. Thomas Augst and Wayne Wiegand. (Special issue of the journal American Studies (42, 3)) Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin Press, 2003. 211 p. $19.95 softcover (ISBN 0-299-18304-1)

While only tangentially relevant to academe, this collection of ten essays (from almost as many disciplines) explores the historical role of the library in the lives of individuals and communities. The ubiquity of libraries leads to speculation on ways in which they have disseminated knowledge and served as social institutions. Subjects of study include the New York Public Library, antebellum home libraries, and presidential libraries, with an introductory essay by Augst, professor of English at the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities. (S.H.)

 

Fundraising for Libraries: 25 Proven Ways to Get More Money for Your Library, James Swan. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers, 2002. 411 p. $69.95 softcover (ISBN 1-055570-433-6)

Building on experience in school, academic, and public libraries, Swan has compiled a useful guide for beginning fundraisers. After a 125-page section on fundamentals, the guide has 25 brief (8 to 10 pages each) chapters on specific techniques, such as passing a referendum, annual events, new book fair, deferred giving and memorial gifts, and direct mail. The brief chapters will only serve as an introduction; any library launching a capital campaign, for example, will need to engage in additional background study. (S.H.)

 

Copyright Issues Relevant to the Creation of a Digital Archive: A Preliminary Assessment, June M. Besek. (CLIR Reports, no. 112) 21 p. $15 Full text (PDF and HTML) available online <http://www.clir.org/pubs/reports/reports.html> (ISBN 1-887334-97-1)

Commissioned by the Library of Congress' National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation Program, this brief report highlights copyright implications that are relevant to long-term collection of digital content, including copyright rights and exceptions, requirements, mandatory deposit, unpublished works, and international issues. Besek, executive director of the Columbia Law School's Kernochan Center for Law, Media, and the Arts, identified areas of uncertainty where further legal research is needed. (S.H.)