This study investigates the extent to which hospital librarians use and are satisfied with Loansome Doc. One hundred and ninety-two libraries in the southeast region were surveyed. Results indicate that hospital libraries using Loansome Doc were not overburdened with end-users or requests. Hospital libraries’ satisfaction with Loansome Doc was generally high. However, many libraries did not offer Loansome Doc services due to limited staff, fear of increased workload, cost/billing issues, and unfamiliarity with the system. Hospital librarians should consider offering Loansome Doc because of the potential for considerable timesaving benefits. Also, Loansome Doc can be an important promotional tool, fostering user confidence in the library’s ability to quickly and conveniently meet information needs.

Interlibrary Loan entails obtaining copies of library materials not found in the library's collection on behalf of the library's patrons (borrowing), as well as providing copies of library materials requested by other libraries (lending). The dynamic nature of today's library environment is well illustrated by the rapid changes occurring in the role of interlibrary loan. The vision statement of the University of Central Florida Library is: The library performs a central role of adding value to information for the academic community by creatively improving and providing information resources and services. The library strives to create an environment that encourages the pursuit of intellectual endeavors and the creation of new knowledge. In an endeavor to fulfill this vision, the Interlibrary Loan Department at the UCF main library wants to set up a document delivery service within the UCF main campus in order to facilitate research efforts on campus. The document delivery service will include delivery and pickup of library materials for ILL requests by faculty online (via computers). In this study, we build a Traveling Salesperson model for obtaining a routing sequence for the document delivery service. Next, we analyze this model in order to check the feasibility of the routing sequence in presence of demand (delivery and pickup) by simulating the demand over the route using computer simulation software. We conclude by validating the model under given conditions and providing route sequence recommendations in the case of extreme demands.

Document distribution in a large corporation requires a set of routing procedures for each type of document. Documents may include memorandums, payroll reports, technical reports, external correspondence, and internal mail. Some of these documents may require managerial review and signature release authority to leave the organization. The document must be routed through the different levels of the organization according to the document procedures. The availability of the signers and reviewers becomes a delay factor in the routing of the document. This dissertation describes an approach to a solution to this problem using artificial intelligence and expert system concepts coupled with distributed computer networking to distribute the documents. A prototype system has been demonstrated. A document is originated as an "electronic file" on a user workstation (WS), called the Writer. The document is processed by an inference engine in the WS which also appends the list of Signers and Reviewers. The document is then sent to a Knowledge Base Server (KBS) which adds additional information regarding the distribution of the document. Each document contains headers for the communications network in the organization, distribution control header, and the document text body. The KBS stores the document according to the user profiles in the organizations. Activity of reviewing and signing the documents is originated at the user WS. The document is retrieved from the KBS, reviewed by the user, signed and returned to the KBS for intermediate storage. When the KBS has determined that the document has all the required signatures (Signwords), the document is sent to the final destination. The automated document distribution system summarized above has been demonstrated using a C language implementation on PC workstations and a UNIX-based KBS. The PCs are AT&T 6300 systems and the KBS is an AT&T 3B2/310 system. The communications network is a Sytek LocalNet 20 broadband local area network. Knowledge about document processing and distribution is distributed between local workstations' knowledge bases and the KBS. The second phase of the project involves implementing the system using AI and expert systems tools in the PCs and KBS.

Poster presentation from the Living the Future 7 Conference, April 30-May 3, 2008, University of Arizona Libraries, Tucson, AZ. / The University of Arizona Libraries implemented free in-house article delivery for the entire campus in August 2006. The success of collaborating with other universities and teams in the library resulted in making the Express Document service a premiere service for our faculty, staff and students. Learn about what we did and how we did it-our connections with Greater Western Library Alliance consortial partners for benchmarking this type of service, how we created a business plan, what steps were taken to implement the service, the technology purchased and implemented, our collaboration with other teams in the library, and how we measured our progress.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Carnegie Mellon University, 1990. / October, 1990. Order number 9126972. Bibliographical references: p. 135-140.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the document delivery service (DDS) at an open distance learning institution (ODL). A quantitative survey was conducted using a convenience sample (N=107) of the students registered in the Master’s programme with the College of Education (CEDU) at the University of South Africa (UNISA). Pearson’s correlational analysis was used to determine the students’ perceptions of the relationship between the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the DDS at an ODL institution. The results indicated a negative relationship between computer literacy and communication channels. Furthermore, the results indicated that information literacy skills positively and significantly predict the means of access to the Internet and library skills training predict access to information. The findings of this study show a need for future research in exploring the association between the use of ICTs and document delivery services. In order to rectify the challenge in an ODL institution, it is suggested that ODL institutions should ensure that both librarians and students possess the required skills and competencies. It is recommended that future research takes into consideration the limitations of this study. / Information Science / M. Inf.

Universities in the new millennium find themselves in a knowledge-driven economy that is challenging them to produce a qualified and adaptable work force if they are to contribute to societal development. Owing to the structural change in the economy, entrepreneurs require high level scientists, professionals and technicians who not only have the capability to create and support innovations by adapting knowledge to local use but also people with managerial and lifelong learning skills. Such are they who can accelerate changes and make organizations more productive and efficient in the services they render. Consequently, universities in Sub-Saharan Africa are challenged to transform learning so as to produce graduates who have both knowledge and competencies. Such a system will create a balance between university education and the changing labour market. Satisfying these new educational demands are only possible through research and unhindered access to global information resources. Paradoxically, some private university libraries, because of limited funding, find themselves fiscally constrained in the provision of unhindered access to global stores of information particularly at a time of exponential growth both in number and cost of information resources. This had led libraries to re-examine resource sharing as a viable option to meeting the new demands placed on universities. It is for the reasons above that this study examines the practice, problems and prospects of resource-sharing in selected Seventh-day Adventist university libraries in Sub-Saharan Africa. It examines scientifically the causes of poor sharing practices that are unique to each library, the situational and environmental factors that can enhance resource sharing. It provides also research-based information that will help to determine the best ways by which each library can have greater access to information resources. There are proposals for resolving the problems, and there are recommendations for dealing with the matter on a more permanent basis. The study advances resource-sharing model called Consortium of Adventist University Libraries in Africa (CAULA) as a resource sharing network for Seventh-day Adventist libraries in Africa. The organizational structure for CAULA are outlined and discussed. The proposed cooperation is not only sustainable but also structured to provide efficiency and greater regional cooperation of SDA libraries in Sub-Saharan Africa. / Information Science / DLITT ET PHIL (INF SCIENCE)

Universities in the new millennium find themselves in a knowledge-driven economy that is challenging them to produce a qualified and adaptable work force if they are to contribute to societal development. Owing to the structural change in the economy, entrepreneurs require high level scientists, professionals and technicians who not only have the capability to create and support innovations by adapting knowledge to local use but also people with managerial and lifelong learning skills. Such are they who can accelerate changes and make organizations more productive and efficient in the services they render. Consequently, universities in Sub-Saharan Africa are challenged to transform learning so as to produce graduates who have both knowledge and competencies. Such a system will create a balance between university education and the changing labour market. Satisfying these new educational demands are only possible through research and unhindered access to global information resources. Paradoxically, some private university libraries, because of limited funding, find themselves fiscally constrained in the provision of unhindered access to global stores of information particularly at a time of exponential growth both in number and cost of information resources. This had led libraries to re-examine resource sharing as a viable option to meeting the new demands placed on universities. It is for the reasons above that this study examines the practice, problems and prospects of resource-sharing in selected Seventh-day Adventist university libraries in Sub-Saharan Africa. It examines scientifically the causes of poor sharing practices that are unique to each library, the situational and environmental factors that can enhance resource sharing. It provides also research-based information that will help to determine the best ways by which each library can have greater access to information resources. There are proposals for resolving the problems, and there are recommendations for dealing with the matter on a more permanent basis. The study advances resource-sharing model called Consortium of Adventist University Libraries in Africa (CAULA) as a resource sharing network for Seventh-day Adventist libraries in Africa. The organizational structure for CAULA are outlined and discussed. The proposed cooperation is not only sustainable but also structured to provide efficiency and greater regional cooperation of SDA libraries in Sub-Saharan Africa. / Information Science / DLITT ET PHIL (INF SCIENCE)

Records are essential to the efficient administration of municipalities and more critical to the facilitation of good governance, transparency and accountability. Despite this, the records management processes of many municipalities in South Africa have remained ineffective and inefficient. The study investigated the extent to which records management enhances service delivery in Mogale City Local Municipality. The objective was to determine how far sound records management goes in enhancing the public services, accountability, transparency and good governance. The study sought to address the following research questions: “What contribution, if any, does records management play in enhancing service delivery?”; “Are there any suitable standards and practices for creation and maintenance of records MCLM?”; “To what extent does records management impact on transparency and accountability in Mogale City Local Municipality?” and “Identifying the benefits derived from records management in the municipality.” The study was underpinned by the record life-cycle and records continuum models. The literature reviewed was based on themes derived from the research questions, the underpinning models and broader areas of the study. The study adopted an interpretivist paradigm, which is associated with the qualitative research approach. The study adopted a single case study design and data were collected through the use of interviews and observation. The qualitative data collected were presented and analysed in narrative description. The findings of the study revealed that there is a positive correlation between records management and effective service delivery. In conclusion, it is evident that the future well-being and quality of basic service delivery depend on the ability of the MCLM to utilise records management strategic planning processes. Records contain information that will assist the municipality in determining the required resources, and moreover, in setting or improving service standards. The records management policy in the municipality must be adhered to and practiced consistently to ensure compliance and sound records management. This affirms the need for reformed records management strategies to enable administration efficiency and improved service delivery in the municipality. / Rekords is noodsaaklik vir die doeltreffende administrasie van munisipaliteite en meer krities vir die fasilitering van goeie bestuur, deursigtigheid en verantwoordbaarheid. Ten spyte hiervan het die rekordbestuursprosesse van talle munisipaliteite in Suid-Afrika ondoeltreffend en ondoeltreffend gebly. Die studie het die mate waarin rekordbestuur die dienslewering in Mogale City Plaaslike Munisipaliteit verbeter, ondersoek. Die doel was om te bepaal hoe ver klankrekordbestuur gaan om die openbare dienste, verantwoordbaarheid, deursigtigheid en goeie bestuur te verbeter. Die studie het probeer om die volgende navorsingsvrae aan te spreek: "watter bydrae, indien enige, doen rekordbestuursspel in die verbetering van dienslewering?"; "Is daar enige geskikte standaarde en praktyke vir die skepping en instandhouding van rekords MCLM?"; "Tot watter mate het rekordbestuursimpak oor deursigtigheid en verantwoordbaarheid in Mogale City Plaaslike Munisipaliteit?" en "die identifisering van die voordele wat uit rekordbestuur in die Munisipaliteit afkomstig is." Die studie is gerugsteun deur die rekord lewe-siklus en rekords kontinuum modelle. Die literatuur is gebaseer op temas wat afgelei is van die navorsingsvrae, die onderliggende modelle en breër areas van die studie. Die studie het 'n interpretivist paradigma aangeneem, wat geassosieer word met die kwalitatiewe navorsingsbenadering. Die studie het 'n enkele gevallestudie aangeneem en data is ingesamel deur die gebruik van onderhoude en observasie. Die kwalitatiewe data wat ingesamel is, is aangebied en ontleed in narratiewe Beskrywing. Die bevindinge van die studie het getoon dat daar 'n positiewe korrelasie tussen rekordbestuur en effektiewe dienslewering is. Ten slotte is dit duidelik dat die toekomstige welstand en gehalte van basiese dienslewering afhang van die vermoë van die MCLM om rekordbestuur-strategiese beplanningsprosesse te benut. Rekords bevat inligting wat die Munisipaliteit sal help om die vereiste hulpbronne te bepaal, en verder in die opstel of verbetering van diensstandaarde. Die rekordbestuurbeleid in die munisipaliteit moet nagekom en konsekwent beoefen word om nakoming van voldoening en goeie rekordbestuur te verseker. Dit bevestig die behoefte aan Reformatoriese rekordbestuurstrategieë om administraseringdoeltreffendheid en verbeterde dienslewering in die Munisipaliteit moontlik te maak. / Information Science / M.A. (Information Science)