Harmonizing serials management: From discordant ensemble to solo performance
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The document outlines the evolution of serials management in libraries from manual processes to automation, highlighting key changes that began in the 1980s with the implementation of the Aleph system. It discusses the transition from paper-based workflows to electronic management, the introduction of dedicated serials librarian positions, and the challenges faced during this transition, such as hiring inexperienced staff and the complexity of managing electronic journals. Ultimately, the aim was to harmonize the management of serials and improve workflow efficiency in library technical services.
Harmonizing serials management: From discordant ensemble to solo performance
- 1. Harmonizing Serials Management: From discordant ensemble to solo performance Prior to the 1980s, all serials functions were performed on paper by the Serials Serials management faced a drastic change clerk. These functions included: in 2002 when the Aleph system was •Issue check-in was done in the implemented. All serials processes could Kardex. The first ILS, the CARL system, came now be managed in an automated •A missed issue was claimed via letter to Blackwell Library in the late 1980s. environment. The catalog now contained •Binding was done with a system of This implementation did not effect the bibliographic records for serials with paper slips serials workflow. All processes were holdings. Predication patterns could be •A paper list of journal holdings was still done on paper. created and issues arrived through the The first automation change to provided to Circulation and Reference. catalog. EDI was eventually enabled for effect serials workflow was the use of LARS for journal binding. claiming and invoicing. The cataloging department took on binding and some issue arrival. The acquisitions technician did most of the issue arrival. The long-term Serials Clerk retired shortly after the introduction of In the meantime, Aleph. With her departure, serials the development of In 2003, a new serials technician with no library or functions were divided among all electronic journals The government No one consistently serials experience was hired. members of Technical Services. and resources documents technician did claiming. began to emerge. Every one tried to teach her managed the each separate serials task but newspapers. her limited knowledge and lack of direct supervision kept her from being able to bring serials back together. With serials management becoming more technical and difficult, library administration recognized the need for a motivated professional. The position was created and the first serials librarian was The serials librarian hired in 2004. was on board for two In 2008, I was hired as the second serials While the position sat vacant, a new Head of years. She tried to librarian. All of serials management has Technical Services was hired who possessed bring all the parts come together including the licensing and serials experience. She was able to take over back together in activation of electronic journals. To the supervision of the serials technician and harmony. The facilitate the management of serials, guide her in basic duties while bringing order to position, however, several Access databases have been the serials holdings and claiming process, but a suffered growing created: dedicated serials librarian was still needed. pains. • to track requests for new journal titles • for most aspects of e-journals • for details of serial holdings not easily extracted from the catalog. Leigh Ann DePope, Serials/Electronic Services Librarian, ladepope@salisbury.edu Blackwell Library, Salisbury, Maryland