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ED 154 778 AUTHOR TITLE INSTITUTION SPCNS AGENCY PUB DATE GRANT NOTE EDRS PRICE DESCRIPTORS IDENTIFIERS ABSTRACT and resources; DOCUSENT BESUAE Ik 005 809 Chang, Henry C.; And Others Virgin Islands Demonstration Litrary Network Study: Exploring Library Networking in Remote, Disadvantaged Areas. Final Report. Virgin Islands Bureau of Libraries, Museums and Archaeological Services, St. Thcsas. Bureau cof School Systems (DHEW/CE), Washington, D.C. Office of Libraries and Learning Fesources. 31 Jan 78 G00-7-60-3345 8ip.; Not available in hard ccpy due tc marginal legibility of the document MF-$0.83 Plus Postage. HC Not Available from EDRS. Data Processing; *Demonstraticn Projects; Develofing Nations; *Feasibility Studies; Interlibrary Loans; Library Cooperation; *Library Networks; Library Surveys; *Models; Questionnaires; *Rural Areas; Union Catalogs *Virgin Islands The Virgin Islands Demonstration Library Network Study (VIDLNS) seeks to determine whether the development cf either local or regional library networks would be the key to optinal Organization of small library collections in isclated areas. This report describes the research and dewonstraticn ccmponents of the exploratory phase of the project: (1) a survey cf local library needs (2) a national survey of library network a.tivity in remote, disadvantaged areas; (3) feasibility studies of linkage to national library networks, and the formation of regional or lecal library networks; (4) development of local union lists of filmgs, periodicals, loan services. and books; and (5) the development cf local interlibrary The report recommends local, sulti-type library networks as the goal for small libraries in rescte, disadvantaged areas, and a gsodel plan for the formation of such networks is proposed. Some problems are identified: lccal rescurce sharing networks seem to be nore feasible than online bibliographic data bases because of cost and the failure cf OCLC to cffer Sears Subject Headings; and problesas in document delivery and lecal data processing limitations in isolated areas present obstacles to effective interlitrary cooperation. The questionnaire used to survey local library needs, tabulaticn of data obtained from the national survey, and press releases and news articles on the VIDLNS project are appended. (Author/JPF) SSSECHKSESSEASSSSSEKSSERASKSESHKESRK SS SESSEE EK SEEEEKEEEEEEEEEAEEESEHEEESEE4EEEEEEEEESE * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are “he best that can be made * * from the original deccument. * SESESKKS SESS SSSSESSESSSESHKS SE SSESSAC SHEL SE SSESRAESSEREEEKESSEEREERKEGEEEESESEEEEKESRE US DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH EOUCATION & WELFARE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN REPRO- DUCED EXACTLY AS RECEIVED FROM THE PERSON OR ORGANIZATION ORIGIN- ; ATING IT POINTS OF VIEW OR OPINIONS Final Report STATED OO NOT NECESSARILY REPRE- SENT OFFICIAL NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION POSITION OR POLICY ED1547 78 SE ot aeeeere as COPY AVAILABLE Henry C. Chang, Ph.D., Principal Investigator Bonnie Isman and Adele Zenchoff, Project Staff Bureau of Libraries, Museums, and Archaeological Services P. GO. Box 350 St. Thomas, U. S. Virgin Islands 00801 VIRGIN ISLANDS DEMONSTRATION LIBRARY NETWORK STUDY: EXPLORING LIBRARY NETWORKING IN REMOTE, DISADVANTAGED AREAS January 31, 1978 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE Office of Education Office of Libraries and Learning Resources mk COA 709 Final Report Project No. 475-AH60070 Grant No. 7-60-3345 VIRGIN ISLANDS DEMONSTRATION LIBRARY NETWORK STUDY: EXPLORING LIBRARY NETWORKING IN REMOTE, DISADVANTAGED AREAS Henry C. Chang, Principal Investigator Bonnie Isman and Adele Zenchoff, Project Staff Bureau of Libraries, Museums, and Archaeological Services Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. 00801 The activity which is the subject of this report was supported in whole or in part by the U. S. Office of Education, Department of Health, Education and Welfare. However, the opinions expressed herein do not necessarily relfect the position or policy of the U. S. Office of Education and no official endorsement by the U. S. Office of Education should be inferred. January 31, 1978 U. S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE Office of Education Office of Libraries and Learning Resources ABS TRACT The Virgin Islands Demonstration Library Network Study seeks to determine whether the development of either local or regional library networks would be the key to optimal organization of small library collections in isolated areas. This report describes the research and demonstration components of the exploratory phase of the project. Components reviewed are: (i) a survey of locai library needs and resources; (2) a national survey of library network activity in remote, disadvantaged areas; , (3) feasibility studies of linkage to national library networks and the formation or regional or local library networks; (4) the development of local union lists of films, periodicals and books; (5) the development of local interlibrary loan. The report recommends local, mulit-type library networks as the goal for small libraries in remote, disadvantaged areas, and a model plan for the formation of such networks is proposed. FOREWORD This reszarch and demonstration project has been a successful first step in bringing better library service to the people of the U. S. Virgin Islands. Through its final report and other publications, the project's staff hope to contribute to the improvement of library service in other remote, disadvantaged areas as well. Dissemination of these reports will bring the special needs of small, isolated libraries to the attention of library network managers and planners of national library networks whose help is urgently needed by libraries in isolated regions. The staff would like to acknowledge the assistance of the hundreds of librarians in remote, disadvantaged areas who cooperated in surveys and provided information on their experiences in library networks. Without the enthusiasm and encouragement of Virgin Islands librarians, @ducators and others, this project would not have been possible. Special thanks go to Mr. James Kennedy, Executive Director of AMIGOS, and Dr. Ed Brownrigg of New York University, for supporting the project with their expert advice and for their patience. Mr. Lawrence Papier, USOE Program Officer, has been extremely helpful in his assistance with grant administration and his professional knowledge. The opinions expressed in this report are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the territorial library agency or the Virgin Islands Demonstration Library Network. TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT FOREWORD be INTRODUCTION Background Problems under consideration Research environment Objectives LIBRARY SURVEYS AND FEASIBILITY STUDIES Local library survey National library survey Feasibility of a regional or national network Feasibility of a local network DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS Design for a union catalog of books Interlibrary loan Union list of films Union list of pericdicals MODEL PLAN FOR LIBRARY NETWORKS IN REMOTE, DISADVANTAGED LIBRARIES Typical characteristics Plan for network development The Virgin Islands experience SUMMARY OF PROJECT ACTIVITY Project evaluation Objectives 1977-1978 Conclusions and findings REFERENCES APPENDIX A: Questionnaire for Virgin Islands libraries APPENDIX B: Tabulation of national survey to selected libraries APPENDIX C: News articles on networking and the Virgin Islands Demonstration Library Network Study I. INTRODUCTION Backoround mani , The Bureau of Libraries, Museums and Archaeological Services acts as the territorial library agency for the U. S. Virgin Islands. It asfumes responsihility for meeting the needs for information, independent education, recreation, and preservation of local cultural heritaqe of the territory's 100,000 + popvlation and its seasonal visitors. The public library systen, made up of five facilities on the three largest of fifty islands and cays, is administered by this acency as well as a photo- Zuplication lahoratory, the territorial government publi- cations depository program, the planning board for local archives and records management, three museums, and the USVI archaeological service. In January 1°76, Bureau Director and Territorial Librarian Dr. Henry Chana initiated a request to the U. S. Office of Fducation for funding the Virgin Islands Demon- stration Library Network Study. The proposed research and demonstration project was desiqnec in resvonse to the critical need for improvec library services in the territory, and was submitted in the hope that the islands’ limited library resources could be used more efficiently and effectively through interlibrary cooveration. Notification of the crant award was received in July 1°76; however, payment of the first installrent of federal fundine was Celayed until October 1976. Key members of the project had alreacy heen recruited to the territory from the mainland, namely Acele Zenchoff as Systems Librarian, and Bonnie Isman as Research Librarian, and the project was well underway. Coordinated by Dr. Chang, the project staff jointlv addressed the objectives of the study. In this they were assisted by an Acvisory Board of librarians, educators and computer scientists from the territory and Puerto Rico. Participants on the Advisory Board were: Ms. Mary Bleecker, Librarian, College of the Vircin Islands (CVI), St. Croix campus library; Sra. M. E. de Cardona, Director, Caribbean Regional Library, San Juan: Dr. Willian Coover, Visitine Professor of Feaucation, CVI; Mr. MFulktert Lewis, Director, Data Processing Center, V. I. Department of Finance; Mrs. Fiolina "ills, Director, Bureau of Library Services and Instructional !faterials, V. I. Nevartment of Fdaducation: Dr. Frank “ills, Institutional Research Officer, CVI: Mr. James Oliver, Director of Feeeral Procrams, V. I. Department of Mducation: Pr. John Veenstra, Pirector, Libraries of Inter-American "niversity, San Juan: Pr. Farl Mortenson, Assistant Professor of Teucation, CVI- and Dr. Donald Lehnus, Professor, Gracuate School of Librariansh.p, University of Pnerto Pico. 1 My : é After examining the preliminary results of the re- search and demonstration projects the value of testina the fincings of the remote, Cisacvantaged libraries studv became evident. In order to thoroughly document and eva- luate the recommendations of the 197€-1977 period, a second year or "test phase" of the project was pronosed USOrF. Continuation fundira of $21,199 was awarded in July 19°77, and the test phase of the project is nov in Unc er Cy oy DI,1S small libraries Nuring its first lucted to cetermine r ree 2 oer recicnal lib national networks ; he key anh scsdeceelein £ ep scepeal collecti Concurrently, several Virgin Island in small scale exnerimental coopera order to demonstrate the utility of A rFhn a 9 Network Studv considered problens but also those crowing out te, AGisaevantaged libraries network being vlanneda hy the Tnformation ie shonmig ane others. Primary is telecormunications “| pers aa Ser S OL e O + the envi rerote areas ané@ the ccsts of chnology. rhe staff weigqhec 7 0 « . + — {- Le r Cc Weve oa) ior’ nly recoani >ceuse the stucy has been e:mloratory the staff eclectec to use a broac cefinition. organizational structures which make it possibl independent libraries to act cooperatively for purpose have been consicered uncer the term In doing so, the staff studied many reves. of operation for their arpet ose seeing to rer areas. Regional public library svstems ruil automated librarv a eke anc rrancsements have heen examined. This vamaatad variety of network adrinstra patterns as impr ssive as the variety seine off : i A + +-* we" 4 o- Nae project has hee researc! ’ eronstratin ¢ network feasib1 y anc by form aiat plan for networkine Ci is adv an ita val Ss ri ig aq a a at = Cc rw cy 7een >i 7 Research Environment —$—_—— vironment The U. s. Virocin Islands, like other remote, @Gis- advantaged areas suffers from uncerdeveloped, Fracmented library Services. MThic 1S an UNLCOrnorated territory of the United States, mace up Of sore fifty islands ane cays in the Caribbean Sea. Only the thren Jarcest islancées are inhahitea with a Sizeahble permanent population totalling about 199 7009 Persons. Approxinate] y forty per Cent are Sper.ish-speal- tine or osaguel in fpanish- Pnolish An add ai tional One million to rists pass throuch the islands Separatec from Plorica Dy 1,150 miles and from New Yor by 1,559 Miles, 1slane residents feel the effects Of severe isolation from cultural ana e“ucational centers uch a remote location results in hich transportation Coste for Supplies ana materials ana extraordinary tele- one munications fees, which exeacerbetes the growth of tibrery Operatirc expenses, Partl+ “ecovse of enese Le operating. costs and Partly hezause Of limited local tax revenues, library Services in the -GtF2tory are lese ata. quate than tho Ose of mainlana librarians, recarcless of the Standard use. "or exemple, present incications are that the larcest Collection Serving the islanes has WUst 55,000 monograph titles and is acdine § ann titles annually, frequently in compe iS Of hist cOorice]l ita Materials, Particination in the region's rulti- —~national lihrary essociation, the Assacia- tion of Carihbean eereaty end Research ra fear en (A MUPTL) , was not widespread, mae Werte ‘+ tim islara Professional library a asscciations united i) cheir efforts. Thus, no framework for networkj ing had heen Nuilt, even thouch most librarians Sid acree informaliv on the need for cooperative action. Fach SOcio- -~economic Setting has Unique ch laracter- istics, but Similar Prohlems confront al} rerote, dis- advantaged libraries. Assuring that the networl exveriences Of other isolatea libraries vould *e relevant to this study, Project staf Surveyed the literature for information. Coneuctineg @ major literatura Scarch from a remote Tisadvantaced locatior recuired a accd Ceal of irnrovi s~ ation. Manv tools taken for Grented hy thea lo hased researcher, such as lihrar- *iterature irefores. a Cannot he found in “She territory. "ith a qreat 4 eal af heln fron the Participa ating loca} librarians ane frienes et mainland institut tions, @ hroada rance of current re-- Search wes examined, Studies foune Darticularly valuahlea 1] are cite@ throughout this report. A hrief Cescription o* a few selected articles and research i1 progress follows to place the VIDLNS in context with ozher vork in this field. In an article on general administrative stratecy, Jaime Robredo,” a Brazilian librariar, Ciscusses settino ‘ up and operatine informatinn networks in the,ceveloping countries. He acrees with Israeli Uri Bloch’ and net- work authority Brett Butler’ that the human factors of leagership ahility, staff morale anc the development of teamwor): will be decisive in the success or failure of an information network. His solution calls for ad- ministrative creativity and natience in copirs with the problems of an inadeauate social infrastructure, necative human «ttitudes and transfer of technoloay. The Vircin Islands experience confirms his areurent. Charles Bourne’ founé that computer-hased reference services, while extremely effective in improving cis- semination of information, are commonly frustrated in @eveloping countries by Gelavs in docurent celivery. In an unpublished report on brincinag on-line computer-hased catalogine services to small litraries in Intiana, Rarbara Markuson conclude? that while a centralizec catalogine service for all tvpes of small libraries usine OCLC was successful, the hich cost of on-line computer services wed in@fividval small libraries from nrar- ticipating in computer-based networks without generous a. inancial suksidies.” ™he VY. T. “etvorl Study staff agrees th both authors that use of comnuter-hbasee services has + 3 a sléed only partial success in small isolated lifreries. ys a Pesearch papers Gescrihbina or vroposinc cooperative rOgrams among Caribkean libraries have heen presented to the annual meetings of ACU’NIL and to the Seminars en the Acquisitions of Latin American Librarv “Yaterials (SALAD) ?" Pr. Alma Jordan of the "niversity of the "est Indies has published a regional stucy on library service orgqaniza- tion and ways to develop coopeZa ive library services } anong all Caribbean countries. Flans for Pan American library networks have been civen in revorts and conferences sponsoreé by the Orcanization of American States (CAS). the project. @irector of the “tetwor Stuey continues to work with ACURIL, OAS, ard Caribbean libraries in planninc po increasee interlibrary cooveration in this region. ey One neec felt by remote, disacvantacec libraries, and their rore fortunate counterparts as well, is the neec For measuring ané plannine tools which can procuce cata for Gecision making. Particulariv in the small librar’ where every venry must count, Jecisions affectina fundire rust ke sased a tamation. ™he Metworl fStuev caiscoveres several research projects new in nmrocress which aim to provice such manacenent aics. 'n Va be fsa 4 ~ Mire 19 '* 3 VTestern special Te) (Oo ee: ~ anc. others, is ructure anc stenc cooperation fun st ancard guic a informatio system (ALA) throuch ¢ receivec aoa process of needs for use in planning Once these tools in small, isolatec libraries resources in data collection, formation will result. expe awe - 4. ranct will be pp ving moc | -_ be ~ Libtacy . he Ics aan ar cucth of interlik y écoperation “thr state erary ac tion census consorti clearer and its future encies. Mh aw St s pl anit ne. 3 libre now ary networks, these nati éxtent of characteristics projects. ceneral shoul Fe. lee pig spay’ discussion hac an sy hipeneiet 1 " shah £o S wTH VIDLMNS ha the literature on in remote, disadvantaced ation for networking i community. ‘Without this : forced to explore a. fea ility of Adisadvantaced areas, netead of full program of sak inal services. mance Wao dt 4 RELONG a comprehensive onal interlibrary of relaetec inited for Neither in the local 1i! framewor!:, networkins immeciately * cone an? zat oa S carried Aa ee oe -\« ranagei our 1eNt a stetistical ions ENTSCO ; mEAaAS y 4 M4 dhs Of. 25 G4e ” surement in public libraries. acrinis knowing that valuahle ie ie cneratives y e* sa Soi coc ile research body of lil:rary was a 1% VIPLNS in ee ine 2srofes inevorks firn rary trators staff in- cooperation to foune- staff was renote initiating Objectives The proposed cbijcctives ‘¢ VID outlinee tvs centers of aczivity. As resé I je an inter- island library network would *% lesisgned irst through feasibility and cost etudies, to he followed by a ce- tailed plan for network a tic Manacement and funding. The feasibility study anc ne i plan were to consicer all local, regional and nationa for interlibrary esoperation. As deronstraticn activities, the territorial library system was to undergi) extensive reorganization. Also, machine reacahle, on-line union lists of serials and book catalogs, a comprehensive interlibrary loan program, centralization of all local libraries' technical services, staff training in the use of advanced technology, and expansion of Spanish languace library services were to he instituted during the twelve ronths of the crant period. The proposed objectives were first mocifiec hy the Systems Librarian when she becan work on the project in Aucust 1976. Major adjustments later in the scone although not the goals of the study reflected the staff's growin; awareness of the limitations of the local re- search environment. Problems with incompatible and outdated procedures in use by local libraries had heen identified, blocking all but the most basic cooperative efforts during the rest of the project's first year. The reassessment of the original objectives also stimulated the decision to submit a continuation proposal to the US Office of Education for a secone year or "test phase’ to follow the first, exploratory studies. The I P adie objectives in their final form emphasized ons of feasibility. They can he listed as follows: 1. To conduct a survey of local libraries in order to assess resources, cétaloging procedures, cost of processing anc to solicit librarians’ opinions on priorities for union listings. To conduct a study of library networks in remote, CGisadvantecgec areas in order to as- certain the level of network ectivity and cormon characteristics of networks in isolated areas. Tc stuév the feasibility of joininc mainland library networks, especially concerning telc- cormunications costs. To study the feasibility of creating a local or recional library oc: especially concernine locally aveilable data processing facilities anc communications eyetens vetvean islands. 14, 5. To construct a mocel nlan for cooperative organization among remote, Cisadvantaced libraries. Pemonstration activities envhasized increased re- source sharinc. Demonstration objectives are listed below. 1. To design production methods for a Virgin Islancs Union Catalog using machine readable formats. To produce a union list of ]@rm filrs fror a machine readable Cata hase. To produce union list of serials from a machine reacable Gata base. To create a formal interlihcary loan networ" among public libraries. Por the most part, the VIDLNS was successful in meeting its objectives. The qreatest cifficulty vas encountered because of the low prioritv for library data processing on the part of another qovenment acency, as the staff had anticipatec. In all other objectives, work was completed within the estimate? time scheeules. AND FLASIBILITY STUDIES This section describes local and national Surveys and also feasibility stucies in local, recional and national networks. hese studies, techincal processing utilizirc national bibliographic bases to an emphasis on local resource sharing. Here some of the findings that contributed to this chance. The territorial library survey revealed a stronc interest in expanding access to likrary materials through union catalogs. Obstacles to centralized cataloging ane processing were also identified. A selective national survey discovered extensive network activity among other small remote libraries. These networks emphasized resource Sharing. Interlibrary loan and union list prodcuction were most commonly reported by public,-acadenic and special libraries alike. Feasibility studies found many difficulties in es- tablishing linkage with mainlane networks from outlving areas, esrecially resulting from the hich costs of tele- communications and the lack of funcine sources for regional network develonment. The formation of a local network was Gdetermined to be a preconcition for effective regional or national network membership, in anv case. The concept of library networking was introduced to key institutions in the territory anc enjoyed a tide accentance. Local Library Survey At the start of the VIDL"S, no Gescriptive cata was available which would assist in a general analysis of local likrary needs. Project staff uncertool: a census of academic, publi::, school and special libraries in order to gather basic Cata on library resources anc practices in the territor’. A questionnaire was Cesicnec to assess the nature and extent of collections, cataloqing practices enc costs, library usace, reference ccllections anc re- ferral practices, anc to solicit 1li!l-rerians' opinions on union list projects. Seventy Vircin Islaics institutions presurec to hb "e libraries receivec this cmuestionnaire in October 1276. By Mav 1977, thirty-nine libraries ensvwerec, and twenty-one other locations responded that they had closed or hac no library. Over seventy-nine ner cent of Virgin Islancs libraries contrilbutec data tec is survey. To the best of ouc Knowlecge, this irst corprehensive, written survey hac libraries. me Because of a lacl of acecuate records for manv Catesories of library services, the survey failec to provide all cf the information soucht. ‘lo librarv re- portec reference statistics, an? onlv a few estirated cataloging costs other than the flat charce assessec by the supplier for vrenrocessec hooks (an averace of $.774 for full preprocessing). Budcoet information was generaliv unreported hecause (a) the librerians @id not knoyw fror vear *o year how much thev would ke hudceted, ant (h) money which had heen encurhere’ from librarv buccets for unfilled orcers was not returne? to library accounts. Most libraries cave only rough estimates of the number cf titles in their collections. The public libraries, for example, were in the middle of cone@vuctinc inventories. Results of the local librarv survey indicated a wide- spread interest in expanding access to li*rary materials throuch the cevelopnment of union cataloas, esnecially of Caribbeana. Tlowever, major obstacles to cdevelopino con- bined catalogs using MAPC standar@s were also uncovered. Most public and school library materials were reportec és cataloced by a book jobber using Pewev Decimal Classifi- cation and Sears subject heavings. Project staff founc that the use of Sears subject headinos made corversion o catalog records to machine readable form both expensive and time consuming, as "APC recorées an? most of CCLC's files retained onlv LC subject heavines. A siqnificart amount of modification (adcine Sears subject headinas) would waee to be done on ajl entries for production of machine readable unicn catalod which woul]? accurately list cmat holeings. rj A union cataloa of materials hele hy the tivo collece libraries, the Caribbean collections of the vublic litreries and a special library's collection on Caribbean subjects was found to he rore easily prepared since all these collections usec LC subject headings. In addition, this limitee union listine would ennhasize local Caribbean materials. The possihility of centralized technical services was also stnueied, with refererce in varticvler to usinc OCLC as an on-line hibliocraphic tool. Differences in unit costs were sianificant, however, an? civen the nee? for Seers suhiect headings, ICT.C Cata would have reanire?e constant rodification. Most responeents received at least 502, of their hocols vreprocecse*. All ottier ceteal ing was cone at the infivieual Jlikvarics from CIP in- formation, stancard cataloeins , or oricireal cataloging which was assicned * she Vilrariar. Cataloc rai for oricinal catalocine vere nrotuce’™ in-hoveae, prefessional “j>rariars nerfor:e*® al} sine anc€ vrocessing with littie or ro cuppert fF. The averade pre-nrocessinc cort came out at ; 4 0.774 compare? to $1.80 for first tine use charces alonc throudh AMICNS /OCILC. Yo comparatiye “ata was aveilalle ’ , on the ful! cost of cataloaine library materials. 11 bee The project staff conclucec ing service would be unahle to cost of on-line CCLC cataloging and ke competitive with current ¢xnenc incs hac leen reported in Markuson libraries. 14 that study "ac small libra were juccedc opposec to § t eLo per tit harce ~C4a4 development of stancardized forms anc centralizec gathering of eet : libraerwv use had since been Cesionate? priority project of the territorial library acency under t ervision of the Systems Librarian. Special stucies on nerfornance of library services as well as continuing collection of library activity Cata, such as circulation ane borrowers registration, ace planned for the coning year. The Head of Technical Services for the public library system has been asked to draw up a plan for centralized technical processing facility open to all territorial libraries. This center would be a potential noce in the national bibliographic network ane would eopport a recional bibliographic data Base, using manual or automated methocs, as feasible. Copies of the 20 pace report on the survey of Vircin Islana libraries were distributed to interested respon- Cents anc discissions of its fin€inecs and recormsencations influenced the formulation of re mo Dlan for networks in remote, Gise€vantaged areas. A Ll text of the Yircin ~ Islands survey questionnaire is a ‘icheca in Appendix A. National Librarv Survey Lacking substantiel professional literature on inter- ibrary cooperation in other remote, Ccisacvantacec areas, it was necessary to co directly to selected librarians in other parts of the United States via mailed question- naires for data on the operations of their libraries in networks. By compilinag their answers, a picture of network activity in isolated locations would develop. Selection of the survey population was mace in terms of limited (under 199,000 volumes) holcings: public, snecial or academic librarv service anc isolation fror large research libraries. All libraries were locatec within the jurisdiction of the saraaare States, since the fut.ve developnent of territorial libraries Cenenes cn action within the greater U. S. library cormunity. Priority was aiven to sepuighpstchoai the non-contiguous states and outlying territories ! heir similar problems in communicatine with library } i The survey population was located in eight five outlying territories anc the commonvealth Ric Os Thirty-one questions were asked, twelve of which cribed the library's resources, versonnel, hudcet procedures. Librarians tere asked to name any local recional] atopic consortiun or other coonerative p> made up of independent libraries in their area. scription was requested of their narticipation (or non-participation) in these cooperative procrams and of characteristics of the programs the.1selves. The final question asked for the name of anv recicnal or multi- State networ): in which thev varticinatec. DPistribured in December 1976, a total of 185 usable responses were received by 27April 1977 (68 per cent). a fu O (tT so it) uO o & The VIDLNS survey reached’a group of small, isolate? libraries holdina an averace of uncer 39,090 volumes, spending under $10,000 per vear and staffed bv an averace of two or less professional librarians. So like the territorial libraries in some wavs, these libraries were already deevly involved in library networking. Approxi- mately half (93 as at £ the respondents rticivated in local library and thirty-nine 1i (about 21 ner cent) pl: that thev helonce state networks. fin CGingds Aemonstrated networks, such as the : Bibl lowtanhse Center in Denver, !!INITEN from the University of Minnesota OCLC, can reach the small, isolated library. Public libraries were more active in local librarv networks small academic or svecial libraries. Academic libraries reported membership in multi-state networks slichtly more often than other libraries. Library network activities emphasized resource- sharing, with interlibrary loan the ro: onular activity reported. Local networks performed mu -service functions, reporting an averace of six activities and a mode of three. Each type of library reported different activities in the second and third hichest rankincos. For pnw>slic libraries, reference referral and com munications functions ranked second and third, respectively. Amonc acacemic libraries preduction of union lists of serials rose to second pla followed by centralized catalog card procuction. The special library responcents nared interlibrary loan, reference referral and@ production of union lists of in a tie for the three top ranks. Traeciticnal means of communications such as tel anc postal service, were commonly reported, rather acvenced téchnolecv. Computer : ‘ an Tact, narea least often in this recarée nel also "ccoverc Cevelopment of lihrarv autor as a network activity. "cst which areas their local neotyre 10 ee c Librari sed the performance of networks hichly. A rajority of hose re ponding chose “excellent”, and all others marked "c satisfactory". As furthe evidence of oe lib j satisfaction, the mums Kenefits of network membership merked by respond outweighed Peet pee io, a& Yatio of over “Increased access to information for users" was benefit most often indicated. Over a third of respondent be was no network or coopera 63/185 or 36.7 per cent). ver two,thircs revlied hha Cid not belong to multi-state cooperative programs. Uniortunately, only five of sixty-eicht librarians res- ponded to the question on whv their library cic not participate in existinc local networks. A number of poncents, about 12 per cent, were unsure either existence of networks in their area or their library' role aS an inactive participant in recional or national cooperative procrarms. A full tabulation of survev find- ings is given in Appendi:: B. & ~~ however, n ’ rative prograi The subject of library network their impact on services and their future develonren + prese hts a vast anc. troublesore a . for research by Library scientists. . Lacking basic definitions and information, each stucv > - - - ~ + + - , ~ + 7 ~ ATT Ot must start essentially from scratch. The national survey Oz interlibrary coone atsen ~resenti:; vuncer-ay Center for Ddu ict Shotien3 j : quicen projects The resovrces a ag m_es 4 Caceni.¢c, nuit a however , ‘adecuate dizecto for school libraries in The VIDLNS surveys have examinec network experiences of small, isolated libraries. Yhile the tcols are lacl:- ing to detemnine “optinal organization" of remote library collections, this stucy has concluded that networl:s have been found to be beneficial, feasihle form of library service organization in remote, disacvantaged areas. Both the local and national surveys of libraries in remote, Cisacvantaced areas were reported to the Li- brary Research Roundtable of the 2Arerican Librarv Associa-: tion at the annual convention in June 1°77. Their findings have been revortec in local news releascs ‘to the national library press. Feasibility of a National or Recional Network From the beginning of the VIDL'NS, there has been substantial interest in the CCLC networl and linkage with it from the Virgin Islands. The cataloging services of OCLC were of first consideration, while all other potential uses of reference, interlibrary loan, and so forth were also of interest. Professional library literature was not found to cive adequate evidence on the effectiveness of OCIC in remote, disadvantaged areas: nor did it seen to document OCLC's ability to "lower the rate of rise of per-unit library costs while increasing availability of library resources", an objective stated hy OCIC. Lacking per- formance date or vublished evaluations of OCLC's service capvabilities in isolated recions, the VIDLNS engaced in a series of conferences, consultations, and on-site in- spection to investiagt: the costs and benefits of OCLC membership. It was first presumed that, the cheapest, most efficient way to go ahout linkine the “ircin Isli cs to OCLC would be to participate in the formation of . re- gional Caribhean user group ane service center. Several libraries would share the costs of telecourmunications from Ohio to a central point in the Carihbhean, thereby reducing the individual library financial burden for data transmission. larly in December 1976, the VIDINS Project Director alone with the director of the Caribbean Recional Library, the Cirectors of libraries for the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) anc Inter-American University (IAU), repre- sentatives of the University of the West Indies in Trinidac, Jamaica and Barbad@os, and director of the Library Ceveloprent Program for the OAS, visited OCLC to inguire into the feasibilitv of develoning a linkace anonc the Caribbean libraries and the OCI.C data files. The group then travelled to Washincton, . C. for consultation ana discussion with representatives of the OAS, the Acency for International Development (AIP). and the Development Office at LC,anec USOF. There Caribbean li- brarians explored wavs to obtain federal funcind for a reaional network: and the coordination of efforts neeced in the develonprent of such network. MAPC In addition, efforts were mace by the Project Pirector to investicate the nossibility of recional networkine at the eichth annval conference of ACTRIT,. At this reetire he gave a presentation on *he VITUS are completed wor!)--- - shops on plennine national library anc irforration syste -s usine the UrP™Scn revels. In January, 1977 project staff travelle€ to San Juan, Puerto Rico to meet with librarians ane tour librarv Facilities at six institutions. Several interviews were held regarding coopverative nrocrams in technical services, utilization of electronic data pvrocessinc, Cevelopnment of bilingual library service an¢ other potential areas of interlibrary cooneration. A joint review of plans to link the Carihhean with OCIC tool vlace with ''rs. Merietta Daniels Shevherd, Chief of the Lihbrarv Yevelonment Proaran of the OAS, and librarians fron IAU, (TPR and the USVI participatinga. This exploratory research procvced inconclusive results. Cost studies promised hv OCLC were never sent to the Caribbean libraries which hae recuested them. Grant pro- posals to AID by the libraries of the "'niversitv of the “Nest Indies are still under necotiation. Another crant proposal sent to SOF hv libraries in Puerto Rico was not Funded. A chance in kev staff at UPR, the Caribhean Regional Library and IAU means future cooperative proorars with Puerto Rican institutions must he renecotiatec. Seeking more detailed information on the possibilitv of a Caribbean connection to OCT.C, VIPLNS staff invited two mainland experts in libhrarv netvor’ oneratien to consult with the project. ‘fr. James Fenneey, Fxecutive Director of the AMIGOS Bibliographic Council, an? Yr. Fewin Prown- riqg, Director of Aca€emic Proararming at ‘New Yor! Uni- versity, met with Virgin Islanes librarians an? covern- ment officials Curing Fekruerv and “arch, 1977. After conferring with the project sta** or local needs, “r. Nennecdy presented his estirate for oneratina costs o*f A**IGOS membership and an on-linr comnvter link from Columbus, Ohio to St. “horas, %. T. throuch Dallas, Texas anc San Juan, Puerto Rico. Dr RBrownrigo discussed the use of alternative hardware for such linlkace ané explorec the local resources of aqovernnmental anc private corrercie] Cata processing centers. Through the advice of these two exverts several major problems for networking in rerote locations were identified. 1. ‘‘e2 2comnunications. “he stanf@ar? ocrc 10% terrinal using a cathode ray tuhe (C™™) Cisplayv unit pleces a heavy Cenand on teleconnunicaticns transmission to the UST. The alternative use of rore econonic teletypewriter terminals was recormrended hecause of their ability to hané€le lower crate cata transmission Signals over locally availahle ecuinvent at no loss cf inforration. Also, teletvnerriters nev >e connecter to corrercial nactet-switctino networ's, such as mvéenAPr which overate at a lover cost than Cedicated telephone line service. Unfortunately, to the hest of ovr present Inowlecce, OCLC has heen extremelv reluctant tc acetnt near uscrs fy ke 16 Crv terminals and dedicate : Tpeneee Basec on minimur estimates inclucine wo OCrC | 10% terminals, pane telephone line from Ohio to the Vircin Islands throuch San Juan, first time use catalosino charces (rary aceuisitions, procuction of cataloa public libraries, and start up fees for AMIGOS, the total for first year fune- to approxirately $85,090. “his would increase of ahout 1% in the Rureau's ating buecet for all litrarv services. ecause of gots current fiscal crisis facino the UEF'’I government, 19C% local fundine for OCLC mem':ership is not consiceree a possibility. In Avoust, 1977 the entire covernment suffered from an across the hoard hucget sut of 298, This event underscores the maa- nituae of the fundine problem in remote, disae@vantaced locations. The staff has conclueceée tiat, for the foreseeable futvre, the USVI will not te able to sinvle hanéecly support an OCLC link which woule meet ocrc's current requirements to the Carihhean. Tecional library ccoperation seers essential. On's fy ” fu Prepavment and contracts. “lertership in A™MICaS in | OCLC requires contractual aqreenments and pre- payments of vearlv fees. The local reanlations governing library agencies Co not incluce a provision for prenayment for services, and anv tyne of forral contract by a government acencv can ke exnecte4 to take an averaqe of sivy rorths in neqotiations. “hese obstacles can be overcome. BONEVSE sate the sale of efficiency, local libraries willine to use OCLC must cooperate in setting un contracts for OCLC services. 4, Linitations on local Cata vrocessing. In terms of profucing a local, machine-readable cata hase of Virgin Islands library hol€inas, present qovernmental data processing facilities were iudqece to }e inaeecuate for this task in hoth haréware anc software. A maior prohler is the lack of remote terminal capability for entering anc eciting data. 2% pronesed new installation at the covernrent's Cata vrocessine center of an Th” 370-138 will oreatly irprove their facilities: however, no assurances were nossikle as to when this richt cccur. The procuctior of a retrosnective urion cataloac therefore, rust be undertaken hv a corrercial] ver“or if it is to 4e completed in the next fet? years. “uneire for suck preject acain poses a problen as commercial estirates are hich, ina zpnronriate t7ork snace far Auta near lilsrarv m6 Vere v4 * tyaorv 3 ’ ts Mhoras. ehic.. “avses tke ae ee processine an’ tachnical cervicese unit for the territorial lihrery aeercy, occupies an historic kuilding which is 161 ears olf. 8 nart of } an? severe over- c mits hc the avality ane sccpe of present service Plans have heen mate to rove this unit to a rocern builéine in the coming vear as part of a comprehensive reorcanitation vlan. This relocation would assist the staff in adapting to eutomation of library routines anc provide proper housing for so- phisticated electronic hardware. In summary, preliminary findincs of the VIDLNS re- search show major, but not unsurmountable problems in connecting these remote libraries with the OCLC network. In this isolated, disadvantaged location the linkage costs are high, and not enouch evidence of OCLC's cost effective- ness in small, remote libraries exists to convince local funding sources that this would be the most effective use of the public's money. While the project staff considers OCLC a tool for upgrading library services, exploratory studies have indicated that certain preconditions must he net before a local membership in this national network can hecome a reality. First, as originally presumed, cooperative action by several Caribbean libraries will be needed to lower telecommunications costs between Ohio and the Caribbean. OCLC must authorize adoption of teletypevriter terninals and use of a packet-switchine computer network. Secondly, a structure for joint action by local libraries is neeced to facilitate network membershinv contracts and fee pay- ments. Feasibility of a Local Network The VIDLNS staff placed a high priority on exploring the feasibility of a strong local library network. The local network would act not only as a direct service provider, but also as a delivery system for services re- ceived from regional or national networks. Without an effective local network, many of the benefits of regional or national library cooperation would be lost to the widest possible user group. During this first year, the idea of a local network was presented and explained to local librarians. Demon- stration projects illustrated the potential for expansion of services through interlibrary cooperation. Actual services made networking a concrete experience and created a favorable clirate for planning a solic network structure. The VIDLNS consicered four institutions as essential]. building blocks for a local library network: a) the public likvary system, b) the local agency for elementary and ia ary schoo college wide varicty of ecessary fer ch of these operative projec nad operatec a serving schcol issued sh coll 7 Cc ct brought progra: secone 7) amr anc aj territeri: s anc the a | a Vina © these on r= = L reacan ine rm Tw for interlibrary A¢visory Eo four institution iS, aperil: rormead in Cctober 1976. year to acvise project progress or the stucay ventures. Discussions we greatest valuc was in the interisland The concept of its ! tings mrchange networ*“ing at 1ee Accitiona libraries retworks in the ubLlicity cal a 4 newsnedia brary as ~ 4 pDroacucerc a Tarr ¢ os <2 ap ge © _. Sc sen CGistributed se information rel Union list cescribec in lat cevelcoped by the bined participatio: anc special librarie Libgeries encouraced with handle interlibrary loan (I ‘) services. Coordi Librarian, one of the I & directory of secondary sc special libraries in tie has been distributed free out the region. c Throughout the year trencthenec the wublic ticn sie: establishnent the Veclinical Services at Ow bears re: Sibi tancarcs anc control. recuirine that all loca we) SPO nN bwatd battens nroaviAing providing US VI + , | a cooperatio: it LTodcet rescnting pr ieee Boare Curing the -, reccive reports on the explore future cooperative generél in nature. The rare opportunity se ogee i evelicp computer met ras na - a a SOF of views ent was CA vd On articles on libra: nevwsleti uncertalen These 1 syster by VIDLUS staff, inion lists were Librari ns 4400 Resource- -sharing anong acced professional st and infornation and referral natea by the study's Research ™ procucts was a resource hool, public, college ance This informative cuice £ charge locally and tnrougn P Oz 1G c! Lbrary h reorea “he rol Fiec so catalogi ap ahaa was aw Cc “Oc onmt-a Lew 7? u ository ] ‘ ae these Wa lowl: S ,.~ Boarc' - dq. s4n2bee an with a com- tributed to depository libraries throuch the territoriz1] library agencv. This created the opvortunity for es- tablishing uniform bibliocranhic control ane central processing of covernment docurerts. A regional ac- quisitions program sponsored by ACURIL named the terri- torial library agency as the cGistribution agent for the Virgin Islands. Under this vrocram, ACURIL libraries will be able to select and receive national publications from the English-speaking Caribbean throuch five distri- bution points. As one of these five outlets, the terri- torial library acency participates as a kev node in the fledgling Caribbean acauisitions network. A major innovation in the territorial lihrary aqencv resulted in the establishment of an R & D Crovp which plays a major role in long range planning and Cevelopment of territorial library services. Three full time professional positions, supported by clerical and para-professional assistants, report directly to the T“erritorial Librarian on matters of importance systemwide. The major function of the R & D Group is to implement the VIDLNS objectives, but it also works on such important projects as plannina for a new territorial librarv headquarters facility, a complete revision of the voublic librarv system's personne] and salary structure, crants—raising, and plannine for the territory's pre-White Fouse Conference on libraries and information services. During the exploratory nhase, throuch the introduction of the network concept to key library institutions and organizations an? a qeneral awareness campaign so that the public micht be familiar with library networks, the VIDLNS has becqun work on local network formation. Fx- ploration of local library resources anc Ceronstration of cooperative activities have illustrated the potential for local network services. Peoracanization of the territoria! library acency has mace its adrinistrative support of a local network a vossibility. III. DEMONSTRATION PROTECTS Demonstration component: of the VIPIVIS vere Cesicned to link local libraries in networking activities. Thes initial experiments with netvorlking support the feasibility of local library networks in remote, @isatvantaced areas. Interlibrary loan among public libraries was en- couracsed by adding professional staff to fiele reauests for materials. Dependable celivery service remained a problem, but the release of local union listings was ex- pected to stimulate additionel usace of the service. Procuction of a union list of films exposed several weaknesses in local data processinc pamiiittes. Fourteen months were reguired frem writing the computer procran anc solicitation of entries to distribution of the final publication. The seconc project, a union list of pericdcicals and gy td took ten months to complete, and was much less expensive to produce. Poth lists were Aistributed at nin ena of the arant period, and feedback on their imsact is anticivated in the project's X Union Catalog of Books was also desicned; however, mo further action could he ta.sn on this project without ignificant additional fundine. Interim measures for a focal union catalog of hooks have heen proposec. Desicn for Fa Union Catalog of RBeoks One of the demonstration activities of the study was to produce a design for an on-line union cetelod of local holdings. Information cathered Curine this Cesicn phase was subnmittee to the study's A@visorv Toard for union catalog planninc. Production of a union boo!: catalog in machine read- able form would be a'vital’ link among libraries in the implementation of local interlibrary loan and@ tvrould also contribute to national resource sharinc. emai and retresrective collection ~4COi.€ it0ré e@fficie:.t, as locaetioius of mater dals would be reaecily icentiviec, atalocing to machine reacalle means for coordcdinatins tocai PARC IT stancarcs. ~ of alterneti rear - BOLYO.wuction nclucine use o: < st ace anes: th: worl:. 21 27 high because local Lib: uri ised Sears rather than Library ~f Concress - keacines. Fntries for vublic library special coliectia ire } stanecard, as they used the Universal Decina locally assicned One of the first altern:tives consicered possilbility of producing union catalocs as a hby- of OCLC merbership. Storage tapes of local cat activity could be converted to union listings. bined costs of membership, telecormunications, cataloginc activity and union list production made this the most expensive alternative consicered. OCLC's charaes for adding retrospective collection information to the data base anc first time use charces were estimated to he twice as expensive as the per entry fees of the commercial vencors, for example, Some OCLC costs coulée he reduced if all local libraries' holdines were input with one assigned location designater for the territory, assuming that they joined a regional network as one unit. However, nothing would in@icate on the public OCLC record which of the local libraries held the title. This tculd defeat, in part, the recoré's ILL function. Three commercial firms which convert cata and produce beok catalocs submittec c i proposals. Estinatec costs for conversion anc eciting of the public libraries' retrospective catalog ranqec fron approximately £30,000 to $56,900 for a turnkey effort. Other aches’ in- Clucing one in which the library inpvts and edits data, hac lower prices but entailed increased ioee 11 expenditures for adcitional staff. The rance in price for the turnkey effort resulted from differences in the firm's data bases and authority work and may have elso reflected differences in approach to preparing estirates. -% regional network service center, the AIMICOS Piblio- graphic Council, estimatec charces of $20,909 for cocn- verting local holc€inas Cata and providing it on tape to the territory as a non-nember. As with the estimates from commercial processors, costs varied depencing upon the number of local titles found in their Gata hase and the number cf titles needing full conversion to machine reaec- able format. Since the public anc school libraries acquire rost of their materials preprocessec fron the same jobber, it was hoped that local catalocing information would he available on the jobber's “APC storage tapes. The pre- sent vendor wes unable to svusplv this service. Tncuiries are being mace to other jocbers ° hoth hard copy and MARC tane records of catalecine cuonlied to their customers. Once MARC records have heen creatce, ro) aw iw =~ catalogs or comnuter output ricrofilm (COI!) catalogs nay be produced. In remote, Cisadvantaged locations, hare copy is still to be preferrec since CO! reacers, which cost $800 to $859 apiece in cuantityv, have been @ifficult to maintain and service. Estimates for microfilm catalocs from firms offering the conversion and printing packaae ranged between $2,000 and $6,000 for 20 copies. Only one firm proposed book production, at a cost of approxi- mately $12,000 for a minimum of 100 copies. Because the territorial library agency includes photoduplication laboratory, the staff :concluded that the kest local alternative would be to recqu::st a master copv of the union catalog on COM. Eavipment could be purchased to reproduce it in hard copy using in-house facilities. Interim measures have heen proposed for union catalog- ing while additional funding is being sought for conversion to machine readable Gata. The Advisory Board is presentlv considering a title entry card file of current cataloging including public, college and special libraries. A union shelf list presentiy exists for the public library systen, and this would be a first attempt at expansion to a local unicn list for all types of libraries. Data conversion might begin from listings in this title entry cataloca. Interlibrary Loan The utility of local resource-sharine was demon- strated during the first year of the VIDLIIS by formalizing interlibrary loan among the branches of the public library system. It should be noted that since their establishnent in the 1920's, the four public libraries have experienced a chechkerec administrative history. The current role of the territorial library agency was established less than ten years ago, and system-wide policies are still being set. Nesource-sharing is seen as the primary means of expancing access to lihrary collections especially for residents servec by smaller libraries. All of the public libraries have limited budcets for acauisitions ane can- "40t hope to completely satisfy all requests without access to other collections. Resource Sbaring will allow librarians to concentrate their purchases in special subjects of local interest with the confidence that the general reaccr will not he Ceprived of service. The overall benefits of enlarcee book buecets will be spread further by an effective ILl service. An accicent of local geography has placed hoth of the largest local library collections on one islanc, while the najority of the territory's permanent resicents currently live on ancther. Interisland Gelivery of library materials, therefore, is ay consicerec essential to equalize access to loval informa- tion sources. After observing local procedures ance staffing. patterns in the public libraries, a number of problems could be identified. One of the most critical obstacles to ILL cevelopment was the limitedc staffing in reference and reader services. A proposal was submitted to ACTION to assign professional librariai:.=z as VISTA volunteers to the territory's public librayies. Four volunteers were placed under this program providing in-house and telephone reference service, assisting patrons in library use, and handling interlibrary loan of materials. ACTION has agreed to continue this program on an annual basis. A variety of delivery systems have been tested, using xisting messengers and library personnel. ‘'lowever, at present no dependable cCelivery system has been arrangec. Special funding for library messenger service has been requested from CETA. The loss of control, conficence, and Cependabiliity of interlibrary loan delivery when handlee through a second or third agency costs rore than it saves. In order to build an interlibrary loan service for all local libraries, dependahle delivery under the control of the libraries is essential. keeping were Cesicnedc, } Srane; Policies and forms for recoré tested anc nodifiee. “eeting with pul anc 737 Lbrary heecs uncoverec wice supoort fo: ering of library > resources. Workshop presentations at meeting familiarized all agency personnel with L philosophy anc service. Telefacsimile service will be installed between the two major islands on a trail Lasis for transmission of printed information. The distribution of the union list of periodicals is expected to increase interlibrary requests for journal articles, and statistics on that ILL activity will be closely watched. Preliminary work has also been Gone on the potential for resource sharing between territorial anc mainland libraries. Small libraries in remote, disadvantaged cannot afford to ignore the riches available to their patrons through national resource centers. The enormous federal investments represented by the Library of Conoress, the National Library of Medicine and the National Agricultural Library, to name a few, are available to the nation’s borrowers in varying degrees. Results of the project's exploratory p a list of specific needs to present to the Board. Continued planning anc expansion of al resource. sharing is expected during the comine vear. 2sts will also be conducted on the availability of materials from special national resource centers. TY . so Union Lists oO; In respons a concer? library acency £ listine filns rea uNnLO oT tres, Was > ae 4 eparedc to in o © 7] hy é clessroors these expensive a union li sral] the territory's their films and use, machine the of l6rnm raterials neatce the first VWINT.IS TAS librarv Stinc local collections. Was holc- , covern- titles TY: e required trips Ss were ds anc will 1n -_ asl¢ lancguace solicited % in throuch rntries to come edited 211 entries for entric ency. were Gelays in receivin various indexes were experi corrections were not comple was experiencec after that the contaiz copv 1formed Cata chain Cid not list. Onlv after the the center attempt, wit facility with a list. duplication laboratory Secause »oreparetion of it is alroacy outcatec printing of 175 pecer with nec was in “hout of the OL a schoo] VIPT, 7s sartiets eg OnYy o re “ FYE =) ine 3F° ed. C enc ted prena processinc all punctuation requirec for the final printouts success, full character print chain to print Final printing ane binding were Gone by the list ceived copies the rain iis tine anc the sad Seg A final Celav } VIDENS staff er's vrint were approvec cid to locate a the pho agency, delevec, territorial library se lonc¢ has been respects. A liniteé Lbution tool »lace in Harch 1978, in All . t£Ge of charce dy c in Ce Corn = 7 tation -r - Ar! arenot included in this amount and must be consicered part of the development costs. Rough estimates of per entry costs of the first edition exceed $2.80. Final printing charges have not yet been determined. In hindsight, this project not only producec a useful library tool, but also exposed a number of weak- nesses in local data processing services. Preliminary assessment of local expertise had been unrealistic. Mistakes were made in arranging for keypunching staff anc in timetables for program development. Improvements in these areas in later data processing projects lowered costs and promoted more efficient use of resources. Union List of Periodicals and Newspapers The VIDLNS created a machine readable union list of periodicals and newspapers as a second tool to support local resource sharing. Long back runs of periodicals are extremely rare among local libraries, as are periodical indexes. A union listing would assist both students and ceneral readers in locating hard to find in- formation. An existing machine readable pericdicals file of approximately 1,000 titles was mace available by the local college libraries. It was decidec to retain this original format and to develop a new edition alona its lines. This created a rather informal fincing list for local periodicals, instead of developing a precise serials catalog. In March anc April entries were actively solicited from public (branch) libraries. Because of incomplete records of holdings, inventories of branch collections had to be conducted over the summer months. All entries were submitted by August, and keypunching of new cata was finished in September. The union list of periodicals contains about 1800 entries from the holdings of collece, public and special libraries. Because of previous problems with the government data processing center, attempts were made to secure donated computer services from local business firms with no success. Faced with the need to pay commercial rates for data processing and assured that some of the problems with the covernment center had been solved, the VIDLNS staff continued to work with the local government's data processing staff for modifications of the college's proarams and date entry. A keypuncher was hired by the library.to increase control over the quality of input data and to make corrections in the existing data base. Itinimum costs for the union list of serials, ex- Cludine VIDLNS staff time and staff time contributed by participating libraries, is estimated to be at least $700.C0 to $890.00, making a per entry cost of approximately $ .45. Copies for Gistribution will he procucee through the photcduplication laboratory. Selecteda local libraries will receive copies of this union listing free of charge. Production of the periodicals list demonstrated the utility of machine reacable data bases. Costs were Gramatically lowered in this second union listing for several reasons, primarily because of the type of data collected and the program itself were less complex than those used in the film list. A major part of the data base already existed in machine readable form. Only minor modifications were needed in the computer program to run the data. Future editions of the periodicals list will ke economical to produce also, because major development costs have alreacy been absorbed. IV. A HODEL PLAN FOR LIBRARY NETWORKS IN REMOTE, DISADVANTAGED LIDRARIES Typical Characteristics During this study several recurring or typical problems have been identified which faced administrators of remote, disaévantaged libraries. These characteristic problems influence a library's need for and ability to work with networks. The limited bucgets common to disadvantaced areas usually result in small library pach pane Sealy ane reduced physical facilities. Generally, as documented by both the local and national VIDLNS surveys, only one or two professionally trained librarians make uv a staff which is expectee to provice public services as well as ad- minister the library. The librarian becomes a ceneralist, responsille for all ox~erations anc iacking the tire and tools to develor expertise in any particular area of professional skill. The program of librarv service also kecones generalized with little money available to commit to experimental or innovative projects. The isolatec nature of the community creates barriers to interaction with other libraries, professional essociations or continuing education in Libear taelite In such circumstances, interlibrary cooveration or networking can be seen to offer particular acvantaces, including Cirect user services anc indirect staff support systems. Various needs of small, isolated libraries can be matched with the benefits resulting from jointly sponsorec programs. If the library network offers access to specialized profesional tools anc experts, the library manager gains ways to rake his or her library operations more efficient. Acce. to specialized bibliograpvhic tools, for example, could affect library acquisitions, processing, cataloging of materials and gquicance of users to pertinent source of information. Bibliographic networks could free professional staff from clerical tasks or release staff from technical services to public services operations. Central processing of library materials by the network can also relieve library staff of unnecessary "kusywork". If resource~sharino is a major networ): activity, the librarv's information anc materials resource ase will be greatly expanded, and, consequently, the quality of its loan service may be upcracec. This is a highly Cesirable service for renote libraries, as Cemonstratec in both local and national VIDLUIS survevs. Interlibrary loan of materials enlarges each library's capacity to serve its users. Special rethods for the transmission of LL requests, compilation of union lists of raterials, the designation of primary resource centers and Cocurcnt’ celiver’ 2c 34 systems will all substantially facilitate resource- e ee c Another preferred activity, the systematic referral of information reauests along a reference network, can produce access to a skilled level of service without the expense of additional local vrofessional staff or specialized collections. A reference network may also allow for searching of computer-hasec bibliographic data at a greatly reduced expense because many libraries would be able to send queries to a single terrinal installation and reference snecialist. Networking by its very nature increases communications anong its rermbers anc often makes special channels of communications available to libraries. Reference service as watt as interlibrary loan may he handled throuch tele- type, computer terminals, or other special hardware. Workshops and seminars snonsored by the local network can assist librarians in keepine current wit Geveloprents in library science without taking essential staff members avay from their vosts for extenced periods of tir The network orcanization itself provides a forum for communications on professional matters, and it commonly issues a newsletter or other publications with news of innovations. Isolation from nrofessicnel issues can he reducec through these contacts with other network members. Cooperation creates the possibility for more flexible programming through network sponsored nrojects. the collective authority of the network may help to justify innovations to local sponsors, and by sharing the finencial burcen of offering new programs among the network merbers, any one library will be relieved of excessive fiscal strain. Cooperative activities can also be orcanizec to recuce, throuch economics of scale, the rising costs of the coccs or services. s of netvorkinc cite’ above shovld he e costs of its administraticn anc services. et: Z OG+0ns to spreac these costs among the great Sisle membership, anc therefore, the VIDLIS staf comnen’s rulti-tvpe library cooveration. In this feshion, the greatest varicty of Vit wary re- sources may be united in service to *he greatest nunber Of library users. It would s e “i.e superstrvcture cf local, multi-tvne netvorks need not be an overwhelring burden to its remvers. 23 wiéc veriety of structures now exits, an? profcssicnal livrarians agree that each Iccalitv reouires its own variation accorcinyg to its political realities. face \/ 4. . ‘ er See ere — sine as ~SWOL J rust have sore rt w- & of leval identity to ensure that it nav narticipate casily in - rr - . 7 3 ~ - ~ m any case, the loca! n regional and national networks as they develop. Ideally, this would mean that the locel network enjoy the tax status of a nonprofit incorporated body, whether in its own right or in association with a larcer institution which fits those characteristics. This legal status will become a necessity when securing funding, signing contracts and otherwise acting for the membership as a whole. In order to clearly differentiate the goals and services of the network from the goals and services of any of its members, a network structure should be es- tablished, separate from any other library organization. Personnel assigned to networking functions must have un- ambiguous guidelines for their overations, regarding hierarchies of authority, obligations to the host library, funding and job security. Traditionally, local networks have been heavily supported by in-kind contributions by their member institutions. These individual contributions must not be confused with the network or threaten its autonomy. One requirement for any network should ke clearly stated memberships obligations in terms of staff res- ponsibilities, time and money. Any geographic limits of the network's services or membership must be clearly spelled out. The inclusion of academic, public,school and other types of libraries means that members will have widely varied hackgrounds and expectations. Open menbership anc clearly defined membership duties and privileges will encourage full participation. Funding for a local network, as for any other, mav come from membership, contracts or service fees; direct or foundation grants; state or federal aid. ILSCA Title III was specifically written to encourage interlibrary cooperation. Dependable, continuing funding is the goal, though a difficult one to attain. fetworks are now being encouraged to plan for Cevelopmental funding as well as for operational funds. Special funding for initial program development must be complemented by cuarantees of ongoing funds for the continuation of services. With their limited resources, remote, disadvantaged libraries may find finances the hardest part of the net- work bargain. The high costs of telecommunications and data processinc hardware in some cases will only be met through special federal or foundation assistance. A case must be made for special subsidies for the connection of small libraries in the formation of the proposed national library network. Othervise, libraries in remote, disadvantaged areas will be effectively excluded from a national library resource. In formulating plans for a local network, the leacer- ship of one library or library agency can be very effective, 36 especially in locating and applying for outside financial assistance from state, federal or private sources. In fact, until a legal identity for the network has been achieved, outside funding for group programs must go through individual members. The identification of national library resources available for local use may best be Gone through individual members, as well. For example, in the-case of territories, agreements for special access to federal libraries may only be possible through the territorial library agency. Special libraries may also have privileged access to national library resources through connections with businesses or the professions. Excessive dependence on any one library for total network operation is an unhealthy development, and it should be discouraged from the beginning. Delegation of authority to a small planning group, therefore, is re- commended. All potential members should be kept informed about network plans. Inclusion of all local libraries in the planning group, however, would not result in an efficient development process. The larger a planning body grows, the more opportunity arises for difference of opinion and delays in the planning process. The development cf a local multi-type library net- work for remote GQisadvantaged libraries can be seen as a series of four stages: exploration, planninc, testing, and operation. The exploration phase covers preliminary identifica- tion of and contacts with potential members for a local network. Existing networks in the region should also be identified and participation in their network programs consicered. Alternative communications systems and their costs should be studied in detaii, as the type of access to electronic data processing ecuipment will significantly effect network planninc. The valuation of altc.natives will come at the conclusion of this stage of the process. At this point libraries must decide whether to join an existing network or to go on to the next phase. Plannina for a local, multi-type library network re- quires the statement of goals ane objectives common to all members. Improving likrary service to vsers, re@ucin+; rising costs, making cffective use of personnel anc worl:ing effectively with statewice anc recional networks snould ke consicered for the coals stzetenrent. PAecisions wm Sa Any ’ pare oy a hanes eodanen sven " g mcs On. ©: syanicational : rcturxre C — wm 2 Ne 7 eee 4. Cu.le initial progras:. -plan: fiemlbership qualifications, ‘Cuties ana privileges shc be ential out as soon as possilbic. Sources of fund aust. ke located anc money raisea for beginning netio Planning for networ): activities which are Cepencent upon sophisticated tech nology shoule be attemptec only after detailed cost analysis of present methods ot opera- tion and a survey of community needs anc resources. In particular, local electronic data processing anc tele- communications capabilities must be examinec thoroughly. The limited local labor pool may pose restraints for ade- quate staffing. Possible problems in servicing innovative hardware in remote locations should be consicered. The advantages of joining a national or regional computer network, or, indeed, of developing computer cependent procecures at the local level,may be outweighed by any combinations of these problems. A test phase is recommendcec, if at all possible, to demonstrate the network's effectiveness as soon as a cemonstration program can be put into motion. A Ge- tailed plan of operation must be Crawn up, personnel and committees assicned to its work, anc the program ir- plemented on a small scale. Reports on the program and an evaluation by management and the users will indicate any mocifications which are needed. The importance of the test phase lies in mys concrete scrvice, a procuct rather than an icea of interlibrary cooperation. It has been suggestec that successful network dcevelopnent is Cirectly encouraged by Speedily ceveloped services. It could also be sabotaged by a program which suffered many delays before coine into Operation. Fven with limitec funding, tests of full service procrams can be Genonstratec without over- cormitment of group resources. The final phase is network Cevelopment, an evolu- tionary process which must be continued throughout the life of the orcanization. This entails the implementation of all programs anc services in full operation and modi- fications as necdec. Policies shovld he established to cirect the growth of the network and its relation- ships to other agencies. Secure sources of continuing funding must be locatec anc maintained. This final framework of the network will be kevec to the goals and objectives as defined by the membership, changing with their needs. Ca CO an ~~ The Virgin Islands Experience The experience of the Bureau of Libraries and lMusewuas in developing a Vircin Islands library network will illus- trate some of the points mentioned above. The reader will notice, however, the extensive overlap of the “phases" when VIDLI1S activities are outlinec according to te proposed model Cevelopment plan. 1. Exploratory Phase: January 1976-June 1977. During this time the Territorial Librarian began an in- vestigation of national, regional anc local library net- work linkace for the Caribbean. Grant applications were submitted to the U. S. Office of Education for a network research and demonstration project. The study approved and cfficial notification arrived in July 1976. The first installment of grant funcing was received in October 1976 Project staff was hired to further network investigations. The grant year's first quarter activity emphasized project planning and assessment of local needs and re- sources. The local survey vas desicned ané distributed. Information was gathered on automated cataloging services ind networks. In the second quarter, the national survey of other libraries in remote, disadvantacec areas '’as Gesigned ane distributed. On-site investications of SCLC anc federal libraries in ‘Jashington PD. C. were croncucted by the Project Director. Pesearch on network -ovelopr.ent and methods of network ee senor was con- uctec. Studies were mace for intré-and inter-island rvansportation for the circulation of Raoke on inter- Library loan. Staff continuec to investigate data pro- cessing and conversion to machine reacable cataloging. The VIDLiS Advisory Board was formed and had its first mecting. During the third quarter, consultation with experts in library networking yieldec much valuable ad- vice concerninc local network development. A continu- ation grant proposal was submitted for the VIDILI!S second year. Project staff examined academic library resources in Puerto Rico and discussed possible regional cooperation. The last quarter of the first grant year saw reports written and disseminated on both local and national surveys. Recommendations were issued on conversion to machine reecable cataloging and union bcci: catalog production. Standardization of library statistics was chosen for special attention. At the end of the present grant period, the ex- ploratory phase comes to a close. A decision has »een made to concentrate on forming a malti~service, multi- type local likrary networl:. The irmeciate er:phasis will ke on resource sharinc, reference networts anc stuff cevelopment. Dxpanded access to hibliographic information, coordinated accuisitions, central processin«: of library materials, and central AV services are also unver ¢cis cussion. 34 AC) Planning Phase May 1977- y 1978. The VIDLNS udvisory Boarc has been reconstituted for the project's second yeax in order to stress partici- pation of working librarians fron local libraries. As potential nembers in a local library network, th 1iey re- present a small planning grozp which will formulate a Statenent of netwerl goals and objectives as well as advise on VIDLIS project objectives. Network menber- Ship requirerents, services, and funding will also b explored by this body. By the enc of the planning phase, an organizational. structure for a local network will have heen Cesicned by project staff and potential networl: members, The objectives of the VIDLNS' second year concentrate primar. ty on Cemonstration activities; however, some re- Search will be conducted on topics which are related to network planning. The role of state and territorial library acencies '7iitl be stucied in their relationship to library networls. to Negeare ee progrars will he Surveyed, and hilingue?. be stucied. ~est Phase: September 1976-Necember 1°72. ——_ AN early cormitment to testing and @e: honetrating the utility of interlibrary cooperation was mace by the territorial library acen ney in ite fi erent application for feceral funds Tne union list of films was started in the project's ; first cuarter. The union list of peri- odicels becan with periocicals invertorics ane production cesign in the second quarter. Interlibrary loan among public libraries received Special staff Support through the ACTION program for information anc re! ferral service, beginning in the third cuarter. e three progrars are continuing and expanding in the econa year of the VIDLiiS project. A€ditional tests of local interlibrary cooperation will soon be initiated. Acquisitions agreerents will be proposed, celineating icp state for subject Specialization among all types of local libraries. A local reference networl: anong libraries will indicate each participant's subject Strenoths. In service train- ing worl.shops \will be concuctec on aut matec Cata process- ing anc. networ’. programs eas continuin G eX ceti a for -. union caré f recently ac- Pore ex- wi:ite will aay hel« resolutions and agreements supporting network programs will result fron this unique public forum as well as from the deliberations of the national conference on libraries and information services. Network Development: 1°97°-until? The territorial library agency hones to see the local library network in operation by late 1978. Its continued cevelopment is being treated as a high priority for territorial library service. Hand in hand with the networking activities outlined above, the territorial library agency went through ex- tensive reorganization during the grant period. Under the leadership of a new Territorial Librarian, innovation and reorganization touched every part of the territory's public library system. New organizational charts illustratec changes in the administrative structure for the agency's library, museum and archaeological programs. The agency head- quarters was defined as separate fror the operation of any of its units, and branch libraries were placec on equal footine to receive headquarters' services. Plans for a much needed territorial library facility, one which could adequately house the agency's expanding central services, were formulated with input from the ceneral public and institutional users. A revised personnel structure and pay plan was proposed for the agency. The revised plan would allow for the continuing expansion and developrent of the territorial library system anccomplies with standards for library personnel organizations as set forth by the American Association of State Libraries of the ALA. In part, it formalizes current staffince patterns, and in part, it attempts to meet the projected personnel and program needs for the period of growth ahead. The plan revises the present career-ladder structure as it applies to professional and non-professional alike, so that employment within the territorial library system may constitute a career service which provides geniune opportunity for acvancerent. In particular, it provides for the recognition and appropriate compensation of librarians who assume administrative res- ponsibilities. Three new professional positions were created with systemwide responsibilites which report Cirectly to the Territorial Librarian. Known as the R & PD Group, these became key positions in the implemen-ation of VIDLIS coals, as mentioned earlier. Cormittees were orcanized with representatives from various branches of the agency to handle systemwide publications rolicyv 36 Ae and to set acquisitions policy. Complete responsibility for ordering, cataloging and processing of library materials was granted to a central technical services unit for the public library system. Local public library bibliographic Gata from all islands now resides in one union shelf list and is under stricter controls regarding subject heacings and name usace. A systemwide accuisitions policy details financial allotments to all branches and snecial programs. Given the geographic barriers between public libraries in the territory, the accelerated growth of systemwide activities is little short of amazing. Mandatec by a newly passed depository law, the territorial library agency became a distribution and processing center for territorial government publications. Documents are classified using a modified Superintendant of Documents system with LC subject heacincs. A oavarterly checklist is being compiled, civina full bibliographic information, subject headings and classification for Gocuments which are received. The acency disseminates these publications to five local depository libraries and through its gifts and exchange program. ec the territorial library agency as one of five S for acquisitions and distribution of mnglish language Caribbean publications. ACURIL's Cooperative Acquisitions Programme of the Acquisitions Committee (English speaking areas) will promote the Cis- tribution of hnard-to-set regional materials amone associa- tion members. Because of the active involverent of the Territorial Librarian, NCLIS agreed to the inclusion ané participation of the outlying territories of the United States in the White House Conference on Libraries and Information Service. Preliminary plans have been made for a terri- torial Governor's Conference on Libraries, and joint planning with the commonwealth of Puerto Rico for strong Caribbean representation at the national conference has been initiated. Additionally, the territorial library system has been recognized with membership in the Association of State Library Agencies anc the Chief Offi- cers of State Library Agencies. The territorial library agency can surely be des- cribed as an institution in the midst of radical chance and €xpansion. Administrative structures have been suh- stantially revised, and more changes are pending. ‘The agency has shown new cormitment to systemwide library cevelopment, supportec by the R & P Group anc new staff committee participation. The expansion of t technical services unit race it nossible for the to play a new active part in local ard reciconal trilsution of Gocunents with full bibliographic control. The agency has accepted the challence to narticipate, for the first tive, es a fully recognized nemher of national 43 37 ne i | library councils where it can voice the needs of remote, disadvantaged areas for library services. ULMMARY OF PROJECT ACTIVITY Project Evaluati m-librarian specialist in systems analysis anc orotect svaluation acted as project evaluator for the VIDLNS's first year. Even though the evaluator lacked formal library science e€ucation, he contributed signi- ficantly to areas such as work scheduling, staff task assignments, measuring attainment of objectives, and providing community feedback, in adcition to recommending rethods of statistical analysis. The following informa- tion was supplied by the project evaluator. Generally, the evaluator served to monitor and provide feedback: on all Seyerte of network activities. His role would be described as consultative as much as evaluative. We provided information and advice suited to the on-goince activities of the project, rather than a quantifiable system for measurement of project cevelop- ment ana for effectiveness. It was ceterminec that a more fovralizec procecure for project evaluation shoulc become an integral part of future networking activities. Methods usec in the evaluation were strictly qualitative in nature. They consist of informal sneetings with project staff, participation in staff anc oy structured interviews were conducted with professional roject st.ff in an effort to establish the decree of Sistency among staff concernine project philosophy, ort-and long-term coals,personnel orcanization, task Signments, research stratecies, anc so forth. ~ t Ud. 0) 0 4 re) ee 4 In general, it was judged that the original pro- posal was overly ambitious and requirec revision hy present staff. was sSucgested that the scope of the proposec work be re€uced. Staff vere advised to concen- t-ate on those qceals which could he accomplished within the given time perioc. The first year was later re- Gefined by staff as “exploratorv" in nature, and a secone year of expanced cemonstration programs was planned. co vali orcanization scveral areas, +o correct ~ PDR 9, 32 for: al 7 2 at -ian a ' proved cvisory Board meetings, anc an examination of preject files grant period as were regular staff reetings. Closely related to the points mentioned above was the general lack of coordination of netwerk activities. This was traced to the fact that the network offices were new, and that much reorganization of the entire, territorial library system was undertaken Curing this perioce. Although staff compnetence and motivation was judged as very hich, all three staff members comprising the administration of the networl. project were relatively new to the islands. The existing library system was found to be bereft of adequate records, making the process of familiarization more difficult. At least a portion of staff time had to be devoted to a consideration of means for adapting to local culture. It is é¢ifficult to judge if this had any significant (positive or negative) impact on networking activities. Although there was a general acrecment as to the eventual need for introduction of new technoloay, there was also concerned disacreement over the type of system needec, the resources requireé and whether or not the library system was capable of utilizinc such services in the near future. A rudimentary interlibrary loan System was initiated, anc union lists were Ceveloped thouch now completed by the enc of the initial crant period. Staff anpeared relvctant to push most aspects of the prograr and remeined at the planning staces of developr.ent. The preble :; outlined ablove covld be tracec to the fact that staff was new to the existing system and to the consicerable problems encountered in the already existina structure. The lack of cohesive public library system and the lack of substantial help from other territorial agencies also limited the staff effectiveness. In general, the evaluation incicatec that the net- work study was createc in response to a real need in Virgin Islands libraries and that the questions as to its relevance for spearheading a reorganization of local library service should be answered in the affirmative. The staff was judged as aware of existing problems and well equipped to form alternative plans of action, when needed. Network staff made great efforts to cormunicate activi- ties to the remaincer of the library organization, and plans for increasing the quantity, scope ana auality of those communications were constructeca. Objectives, 1977-75 ancs Demonstre2tio! has two miin objectives, one relatina tes f the model networ: plan and the other re- ating to refinerents of the network plan throuch further research. The objectives ani the rethods to be used to achieve them build on the work of th ig eell year. The cemonstration rrojects amonc public libraries are to ke expanced to incluce at types of 1d libraries year will % Researcn fincings be testec 1 o77- Objective: Test the !‘odel :- Network Include all tvpes of lcecal work preject. Involve all locai of inter-—type simrary cooperation. Document anc evaluate network vlan. Produce a Union reacable cata. upfate back on Cesicn 4 utility of Union List of 1s anc the Union pond > pericdical Gather current jon on hol¢ci “update lists procuce and cis new ecitions. reference network amone local libraries icentifyin ubject specialties for each nembrer of the ia. ‘Pvatonte ability to answer reference requests with local resources. le. £E ue he Interlibrary loan sv for nublic aries rszpanc to incluce a 1i’-_aries. te ‘7 research collections £ cuests which must be sent out of the territory. lf. Conduct two vorlshops as in service trainine for liirary staff on networ!. management anc automated . cata proceesing ‘ ) Cenéuct research rel * to the further Ccevelopment optinal organization of library services in rerote, advantaccd areas. Stucy the utility of mini-comnuvuters ane other cated small office machinery in rerote library both as incependent systems and as remote access linked to the central U.£.V.I. covernment center. Compare to commercially available os Qs > FF - He bee compute ¢ ?] services for automation. Recommence hardware purchases to support the continuing automation of technical process- ing and user services in network CGevelonrment. 2b. Studv role of the state and territory library agency in relation to library networks operatinc in small states and territories. Report and disseminate findinas. 2c. Examine the methoces used hv libraries serving bilingual communities. Measure the access which the local Spanish-speaking puhlic has to Spanish lanquace information and library materials. Formulate a lonc- range plan for developing Spanish lanquade and bilingual library services. 2d. Survey the coonverative lihrarv procrams in the Carilbean sponsoreée hy the Association of Caribbean University and Research Libraries (ACURIL) ard others. Publish a guide to these procrams for local use. Investigate sources of future funding to suonort wider participation. In summary, products relating to the tests of the mocel Network Plan will he of two tvnes: The Cesian and evaluation of a reference network, acquisition agreerents, in-service training for staff, ane interlibrarv loan service; and the publication of a quide to cooverative programs in the Caribbean, a Union Cataloc of hooks and upcated Union Lists of periodicals and filrs. Products of research relatec to the mocel Networl: Plan will include a report on the utility of mini- computers, a revort on the role of state librarv acencies in interlibrarv cooveration, a report on hilincual librarv service and cooperative procrams, and the Final Renort with a revisec model Network Plan. Conclusions and Findincs 1. Networking appears “eneficial to rerote, dis- acvantagec libraries. In so far as possible uncer the present circumstances, project staff have concluded that library networks are a feasikle beneficial form o% librarv oroganization in remote areas. This conclusion is supnorted ky the find- ines of both local and national survevs which Cocunented wide-spread enthusiasm for interlibrary cooperation, and more specifically for resource-sharing. Local denon- stration projects confirmed the feasibility of local net- ~7orks. 2. Local resource sharing networks seem to be more feasible than sharee bibliographic data hases. Amona remote, disadvantaged libraries, local net- works for resource sharine appear to be more cenerally feasible than connections to recional or multi-state networls for bibliographic information. While some ac- tivity was reported in networks for the sharing of biblicgraphic data, thea costs of computer telecommunications anc sophisticated electronic hare@ware were identified as major probhlens for disaecvantacged areas with limited local funding. Hard data for cost comperisons were un- availatle. MNovever, it was estimatec that charges for commercially preprocessec hooks would be more econo- rical than local processing wsine an on-line link to the OCLC data base. The failure to offer Sears Subject Uead- ings was seen as another ceterrent to OCLC use hy small libraries. Tests discovered prohlens in docvrent Celivery local data processing limitations in isolated In the local network tests initiated tv the VIDLNS several obstacles to effective interlibrary cooreration were revealed. In establishine an interlibrary loan service, the low volume of 4eranc die not justify full time librarv Celivery service, ané lack of full control over the dclivery service provided ky cooperating acencics mace the deliveries uncependable. In creatine union lists of materials, the liritec Cata vrocessine facilities avail- able to local covernrent restricted the gesicn of rachine readable systems and Celavec vrocessina ane outlication of inforration. Because of a lack of local fundes, a Cesicn a for local vnion list of *ooks was not immlexmentec. Use of computers in netvorkine Ne skepticisn. ¢ Ta7e th ’ Veawiuadl — Ino VINTATS kas conclvced that olannin -7 — ies should he attemnted only after 943 analyses of present ope:ations and surveys of community resources. On-going as well as Cevelopmental costs for telecormunications and automatic data processina, the restraints inposed by a limited lahor pool, anec possible problems of hare€ware servicing in remote locations mav outweich the acvantages to bh? aained by joinine a national or recional network, or in€eec hv Ceveloning computer dependent procecures at the local level. 5. There is no such thing as an instant network Implenentation of the four phase motel plan has been recormrencec to esteblish a local iry, network remote, Cisa€vantacec locaticns. rts weule gather information on local opt followed by active planning anée testinc of networkine procrams. A clear uncerstancina of the objectives which are to be met, the analysis of present procecures and costs, and coorerative solutions using locally available material anc human resources will be the keys to optimal organization of small, Zisadvantagec libraries in remote locations. 6. Inclusion of rerote lil:raries in library network recvires federal assi t is of critical ir nee when Ciscussina a viable national library networ’ that the special needs of rerote, disadvanta ged lib es ke considered. Froblerms = of rap ic alle document C ivery and the excessive costs of telLecommnications to isolatec areas must he ecacressee at the federal level. In ordeer to ecualize access to national library resources, some tvpe of financial subsidy or fecerally financee corrunications system must he offered as a link for isolated libraries. - Additional research is needed so that librarians an evaluate the potential benefits o* networkina. As noted et ae aboard report, extensive research remains to be Cone before the optiral Oraanization of library collecticns can my “ascertained. Librarians lack a means for measurina the potential of the networrs which might serve them. Researchers are in the process of inventing new analvtical tools ane testing the eppro- priate methodolocy for decision-rakine. The tests being concucted by the VIDLNS Curinog its second vear will contribute to this effort. RETEPESICrS i tion Network Deve loprient?" ‘SIS Washington, D. C.; American Socicty ‘ Rgeshedhcbocs "State 9 he lat — etworhking, 200- 235 Bourne, Charles. “Computer-based Reference Services an Alternative Leans to Improve Resource-poor Local " Libraries in Developing Countries", International Library Review Ss. (Wan. 1977} 43-59. - Ds Markuson, Barbara E. “Analysis of Requirements of On-liue Network Cataloging SuEvoces for Small Acacenic, Public, School anc Other Libraries: A Demonstration Pro- ject Using the OCLC System. Unpub plished final report to U.8.0.2. 1977 {7) é. Jordan, Alma T. ed esearch Library Cooperation in the Caribbean. Chicago, | is-erican Library Association, TOG0 5 » >: oe r 3 « reia- its baa, ENLG ti. na LS rant q ite rials. cL ion to Problens of Lt1ion of Taibrary 3st. Thomas, St. Thomas Pi LOEary, L960. OOF BDeCLACLON a “a G. Jordan, Dr. Alma T. The Develooment of Library Ser- vice in he West Indies Throuch Interlibrary Cooperation. Metuchen, New Jersey; Scarecrow Press, 1°7/0. Fa WILCO. Final Report. Cost and Funcing Studies of the Proposed Western Interstate Bibliocrap shic letvor: Boulder, Colo; WILCO/MICHE, 1976. anc others. Development and Dermon- tical Data Base System for Library anc Evalueaticn. SGoulder, Colo; Hicher Deucation lManacement Syvsteis onal Inforration “evel O}> ene. ror ssociation. 13. Simpson, Donald B. The State Library ix — 4 gencies, \ Survey Project Report, 1977. 3rd ed. Chicago, I1l.; ~*~ Association of State Library Agencies, 1977. 4, Markuson, Op. eit. iS. OCLC. "Computerized Regional Library Pesources." Columbus, Ohio. OCLC pamphlet, distributed in 1976. APPENDIX As: QUESTIONNAIRE FOR VIRGIN ISLANDS LIBRARIES Appendix OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION & CULTURAL AFFAIRS BUREAU OF LIBRARIES & MUSEUMS P.O. BOX 390, (809) 774 — 0630 CHARLOTTE AMALIE, ST. THOMAS, V.!. 00801 October 1, 1976 To All Virgin Islands Librarians: In order to improve library service by making the limited collections and re- sources of individual Virgin Islands libraries more readily available to all our present and prospective patrons, the Bureau of Libraries and Museums has applied for and received a grant from the U. S. Office of Education to conduct a feasability study on cooperation and for the creation of a demonstration library network. The attached questionnaire is designed to assess the extent and nature of our resources and of present interlibrary cooperation, to determine present cataloging practices and costs, and to solicit librarians’ views on the needs for cooperation and the priorities for the network. No budget figures or other confidential information will be released for in- dividual libraries, We will report back to you on the results of the questionnaireand on progress with the network project. If you have any questions about the network or the questionnaire, please call Ms. Adele Zenchoff, Network Coordinator. Please take the time now to fill in the questionnaire. We would appreciate your returning it to Ms. Zenchoff no later than October 15. Thank you in ad- vance for your prompt response. Sincerely, Mim y ¢. CAans Henry C. Chang, Ph.D. Project Director HCC: AZ:kt QUESTIONNAIRI OR VIRGIN ISLANDS LIBRARIES Branch Library System Unit for which responding Name of perscn responding I General What target pepulation does your library serve? Number Age range How many staff members do you presently have? (Please indicate by full-time eq: valency in each category - i.e., 2 half-time clerks = 1FTE, 1 half-time clerk = 1/2 FTE.) Professional Paraprofessional Clerical Other II Library Materials Budget (Budget or spending figures will not be released for individual libraries) ae Please answer either a or b: a. What is your present acquisitions budget for all types of library materials? b. If you are unable to give budget figures, please indicate the amowt actually spent during school or fiscal year 1974/75 ; 1975/76 ° Please indicate the .mounts budgeted or actually spent for each category of material: books-adult audiovisual materials books-juvenile special collections periodicals other III Collections 4. For the following types of material, please indicate the number of titles held and the number of titles added each year: Present holdings Titles added per year Monographs Periodicals and newspapers (including microforms) Motion pictures Phonograph records Audio tapes or cassettes Video tapes or cassettes Film strips Slide sets Pamphlets Other (specify) Questionnaire - p. 2 » Please indicate the subject matter and extent of all special collections in terms of numbers of volumes, reels of microfilm, periodical titles, vertical files, etc. Does your library have particular strengths in other areas which do not form special collectircns? Please specify. Other Resources 7. What photocopying facilities do you now have? 8. Does your library have a car or van and driver which might be available on a regular basis for the transportation of library materials? Cataloging Practices 9. What classification system(s) does your library use? (Explain if more than one) 10. What subject headings list(s) does your library use? (Explain if more than one) ll. What filing rules do you follow in your card catalog? 12. Please indicate whether your library catalogs or classifies the following types of material, and if material is cataloged, whether the cards are integrated in the catalog for books or maintained in a separate file. Catalog (Sep. file) Classify Periodicals Newspapers Other serials Documents Motion pictures Phonograph records Other audiovisuals VI Processing 13. How are catalog cards acquired for your library: (Check more than one if necessary) a. Purchased-added entries typed in-house LC Wilson Other (specify) Photocopied from standard source in-house Full card set typed in-house Partial card set (e.g., shelf list card) typed in-house Questionnaire - p. 3 14. Does your library acquire materials which are processed elsewhere - for example, by Baker and Taylor? . Please name the outside processing agency What percentage of all materials acquired is processed in this way? What services does the outside agency supply: Cards Pockets Spine Labels Book Jacket Covers Stamping Bookplating What is the average unit charge for such processing? What is the cost of additional processing required for such books? What percentage of books acquired in your library is not processed else- where but has cataloging copy found within the publication (CIP) or in Standard sources available to you? What is the average unit cost to do such cataloging? What percentage of books acquired in your library requires original cataloging (not processed by outside agency and cataloging copy not found in standard sources available to you)? *b. What is the average unit cost to do original cataloging? For all books, please estimate the average unit cost of cataloging. Guidelines for calculating processing costs. Include staff time for: Intellectual work of cataloging (determining entry, des- cription, subject headings and classification number); searching for cataloging copy and/or card order number; revision; shelf list look-up. Include staff time for: Typing, ordering or photocopying cards; accessioning; typing added entries; stamping, plating and labelling books; inserting material in jackets or covers; filing cards. Include materials costs for: printed cards or card stock; book jackets or album covers; labels; cost of running photocopier for producing cards. Do not include: Overhead costs such as lighting, cost of typewriters, typewriter ribbons, pencils or pens, photocopying machine purchase or lease price. Questionnaire - p. 4 VIL Public Services If statistics have not been kept, indicate 'NS' for no statistics. However, please do indicate the names of libraries with which you cooperate in providing material or reference services to your patrons. How many users did you serve in 1974? In 1975? Jan-July, 1976 How many reference questions were asked in 1975? Jan-July, 1976? a. How many reference questions were you unable to answer because of in- adequate resources? b. Of these, how many did you refer to another library or agency? c. Please give names and locations of libraries to which you referred re- ference questions, naming the most frequently used first. How many reference questions were referred from another library to you? Please name referring libraries. When a patron requests material not in your library, is an effort made to obtain the item elsewhere? Please list cooperating institutions by name and location, naming the most frequently used first. Do you call the cooperating library, or is the patron required to make the inquiry? Is material sent to your library by a cooperating institution, or must the patron use it at the other library? If material is sent to you for use by your patron, what means of transmittal is used: Messenger (library employee) ; messenger service (commercial or government) ; U.S. mail ; other (specify) ° Union List Priorities Ir order to make the limited resources of each library available to a wider segment of the population, we will be working on the development of union catalogs for various types of materials. We are now preparing a union catalog of motion pictures and will continue with one for periodicals. Please indicate your further preferences and needs. Of the following types of materials, what are your priorities for union lists? (indicate 1 for soonest, 2 for next, etc.) New adult books - general Phonorecords New children's books - general Books on order New Caribbean materials 5S Other (specify) Questionnaire - p. 5 24. For a union catalog of books, do you prefer a dictionary or a divided catalog? If the concensus is for a divided catalog, please specify how you would like it divided: ae Authors (personal and corporate names, including others related to a work) Titles Subjects (names and topical and geographic headings) Authors (same as above) - Titles Subjects (same as above) Names (including authors as defined above plus all names as subjects- i.e., works by and about Shakespeare would file together) Titles Topical and geogr-~hic subject headings Names - Titles Topical and geographic subjects Other (please specify) What types of special wnion lists of books do you most need (for example, Caribbean History in Spanish; large-print fiction, etc.) Comments /Suggestions Please use this space and the back of the page for your comments and for suggestions for future developments in cooperation. Careful attention will be paid to any comments or suggestions you might care to make. Please return by October 15 to Enid M. Baa Library, Box 390, St. Thomas, VI 00801 Attention: Ms. A. Zenchoff APPENDIX B: TABULATION OF NATIONAL SURVEY TO SDCLECTED LIBRARIES INTERLIBRARY COOPERATION IN REMOTE OR ISOLATED AREAS: A QUESTIONNAIRE Population served. not tabulated Book holdings in volumes. 10,001- 30,000 0- 10,000 30,001- 60,000 60,001-100,000 Blank/Not Available Total Responses Annual circulation. not tabulated Total annual budget. $ 0- 25,000 $ 25,001- 50,000 Plank/Not Available $150,001+ $ 50,001- 75,000 $ 75,001-100,000 $100,9001-125,000 $125,901-150,000 Total Responses 185 Annual aquisitions budcet. Blank/Not Available $ 0- 5,000 $25,001+ $ 5,001-10,000 $15,001-2),000 $10,001-15,000 $20,001-25,000 Total Responses 185 Total grants received during 1976. not tabulated Total staff, full-time. 1 2 Total Responses 185 8. Total staff, part-time. Total Responses 185 9. Professional staff, full-time. w ~ 0) =] Aan ~ UYBONAURWO + Total Responses 131 10. Professional staff, part-time. (Tabulated only if #9 = 9.) Part-time only: 4 gO 4 be Classification system(s) used: 121 50 aa 7 Total Responses 191 Source of Most cataloging information. CHECK ONE. a. Library staff original cataloging. c. Standardized cataloging tools. b. Commercial vendor. e. Other Two or More Blank d. On-line shared cataloging computer network. 3 Total Responses 18 Is there a library network, regional system, consortium, Or other cooperative group made up of wholly independent libraries in your area? Yes 93 No 68 Unsure 24 Total Responses 185 If no network exists, have plans for a library network been proposed? No 44 Yes 23 Total Responses 67 If no network exists, check the group(s) which would be likely to organize a network of libraries. CHECK AS MANY AS APPLY. b. Academic libraries. f. State or territorial library agency, c. Public libraries. a. Professional library association. g. Don't know. e. Special libraries a. School libraries. Total Responses If there is a local network, please give the name of the network and the address of its central office so that we may contact its staff for more administrative information. not tabulated How many years has the network been in operation? not tabulated Approximately how many libraries are currently members? not tabulated What, if any, geographic restrictions limit network mem- bership? CHECK ONLY ONE. not tabulated If there is a local network and your library does NOT par- ticipate, check which of the following reasons were im- portant in making the decision not to join. - CHECK AS MANY AS APPLY. Don't know. Other. Not eligible for network membership. Staff lacks training in network operations. Cannot afford costs of network services. Communications too difficult. Network does not perform well. Incompatible hardware or software. Network has unacceptable standards of service. i h b e a. d e £ g \o JocoooHHU Total Responses How many years has your library been a member of the network? not tabulated Please check the met’.ods of interlibrary communications used by members of tne network. CHECK AS MANY AS APPLY. a. Telephone. 77 d. U.S. Postal Service. 77 h. Personal visits. 54 c. Membership meetings. 42 b. Telex. 36 e. Network courier service. 10 f. Commercial postal service. i. Other. g. Computer system. Total Responses Check which of the following written documents form the basis for your library's membership in the network. CHECK AS MANY AS APPLY. Membership agreement. State legislation. Don't know. A contract between two or more parties. A formal agreement between two or more parties. Other. Interstate library compact. Federal legislation. YMMQAdAAadSd Total Responses Please check which of the following are services or func- tions of the network. If the phrase used is unfamiliar to you, check the blank under "Don't know." CHECK AS MANY AS APPLY. Tabulated only those marked "Yes." Interlibrary loan service. Systematic referral of information requests. Communications forum (meetings, newsletter). Production of union list of serials. Photographic reproduction of research materials. Regional bibliographic center. Centralized processing of library materials. Centralized purchasing of library materials. Patron has user privileges at all libraries. Production of union list of books or monographs. Centralized catalog card production. Centralized cataloging. Central audiovisual studio, staff, or resources. Bookmobile service. Production of union list of audiovisuals. Coorcinated storage program. Standard borrower's registration. Coordinated acquisitions program. Cooperative development of library automation. Please list other activities 7 Total Responses 580 Mark with a star (*) any of the above services or functions which you consider the most important activities of the network. not tabulated Check the areas in which the network utilizes electronic data processing (computers). CHECK AS MANY AS APPLY. Don't “now. Interlibrary loan. Seriais or periodicals records. Production of bibliographies or catalogs. Cataloging. Reference. Acquisitions or purchasing. Circulation records. Other. Total Responses Check the method(s) of funding the services your library receives from the network. CHECK AS MANY AS APPLY. State aid or grants. 49 Federal aid or grants. Libraries subsidize network as part of their general operation. Membership fees. Library pays fees for specific services. Patron pays fees for specific services. Don't know. Annual flat fee for services. Foundation grants. Total Responses Check the benefit(s) your library receives from inter- library cooperation. CHECK AS MANY AS APPLY. h. Increased access to information for users. Expanded library services. Improved existing services. Increased circulation of materials. Less duplication of effort and/or purchasing among local libraries. Reduced costs of technical services. Reduced staff necessary for services. Higher quality cataloging. Other. Total Responses Check the greatest problem(s) your library has experienced due to network membership. CHECK AS MANY AS APPLY. Other. Confusing communications system. Inadequate financial reimbursement for services rendered. Loss of authority over local decisions. High costs of using new technology. Network makes excessive demands on staff time. Lower quality cataloging by network standards. Increased competition for grants and other funds. Total Responses Rate your library's over-all experience in a library network. CHECK ONLY ONE. Excellent 45 Good 22 Satisfactory 13 Two or More 3 Poor 0 Disastrous 0 Total Responses 83 Does your library currently participate in an inter-state or national library network or consortium? No 124 Yes 39 Unsure 22 Total Responses 185 NETWORK ACTIVITY BY TYPE OF LIBRARY LOCAL NETWORK? PUBLIC LIBRARIES OTHER LIBRARIES ACADEMIC LIBRARIES TOTAL 65 93 18 UNSURE 14 TOTAL RESPONSES REGIONAL NETWORK? ACADEMIC OTHER LIBRARIES PUBLIC LIBRARIES LIBRARIES le 38 3 23 AVERAGE FIGURES FOR SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS OF RESPONDING LIBRARIES LIBRARY CHARACTERISTICS LOCAL NETWORKS LIBRARIES WITH LOCAL NETWORKS LIBRARIES IN UNSURE LIBRARTES Holdings 32,310 vols. 27,140 vols. 21,110 vols. Total Budget $86,940.00 $105,810.00 261,200.00 Acquisitions Budget $24 430.00 $12,520.00 $7, 370.00 Professional Staff 1.9 2.3 1.4 APPENDIX C: m 77 7 ee TICLES Of NLTWMORKING AND THE VIRGI? DEMONSTRATION Ltr 2G DEMONSTRATION LIBRARY STUDY NEWSLETTER OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS BUREAU OF LIBRARIES AND MUSEUMS DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ./ VOL. 1NO. IV DEMONSTRATION LIBRARY NETWORK INTRODUCED IN The Bureau of Libraries and Museums has received 2 one-year grant from the U.S. Office of Education to conduct a feasibility study on library cooperation and to create a demonstration inter-island network in order to make the limited resources of each of the Virgin Islands libraries more readily accessible to our patrons. Since at least the beginning of the 1970's, libraries have been caught between the pressures of increasing costs and stable or decreasing funding on the one hand, and of increasing levels of use and of rising expectations of service by library patrons on the other. Successful response to these pressures has in- cluced automation of repetitive library tasks, the use of computers for information storage and for retrie- val in many ways not possible or too time consuming by manua! methods, and the development of library networks for sharing human and material resources. Cooperation has taken such forms as interlibrary loan networks, centralized processing, formation of depository centers for seldom used material, refer- ence and referral centers, consortia for the produc- tion of special materials, and shared, on-line catalog- ing. The libraries of the Virgin Islands have been con- fronted with the same problems and pressures en- countered by educational institutions elsewhere, but these problems have been made more difficult by the libraries’ remoteness from one another and from any large research institution which might serve as the nexus for cooperation. The terms of the grant from the Office of Education specify that we are to study the needs of other re- mote or disadvantaged areas, to find out whether so- lution found for the Virgin Islands may be applicable elsewhere. A questionnaire has been sent tc all V.I. Librarians to solicit their opinions on priorities for the network and for the purpose of determining the extent and nature of our combined resources. SEPT. — OCT. 1976 THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Adele Zenchoff At the request of the Division of Library Services and Instructional Materials of the V.I. Department of Education, our first cooperative venture will be the development of an alphabetical list of motion pic- tures, with subject access, for the public, college and school libraries, to which we hope to add the collec- tions of the Department of Health and the private schools. Mr. Hulbert U. Lewis, Jr. Director of the Data Processing Center at the Department of Finance has been writing the computer program for this list, and he and his staff are providing technical assistance for all aspects of our work requiring data processing. The next project to be undertaken, the addition of periodicals records, including inventory of holdings by all participating libraries. During the one-year term of the grant, we hope to accomplish the following: 1. assess the present resources and col'ections of all Virgin Islands public, academic, school and special libraries. tudy the costs and benefits of participating in a national, one-line shared cataloging system, which will provide additional services later compared to present costs and benefits. Formalize interlibrary loan procedures for the sharing of material. Create a machine-readable data base for metion pictures and for periodicals, and print and dis- tribute union list for these materials. Start the preparation of union book catalogs for other types of materials, based on the needs expressed by library staff and our present tech- nical and staff resources. As new developments in other Caribbean territories may make it pos- sible for us to contribute to and receive infor mation from a national or international data base, our efforts in this area must conform to in ternational standards for the coding and trans- mission of bibliographic information. Dr. Henry C. Chang is Project Director, Ms. Adele Zenchoff is acting as network coordinetos. ana Mrs INFORMATION Kharid Turnbull is temporary clerk typist. Addi- tional temporary staff, including a research asso- ciate/editor and an editorial assistant will be added in the near future. 7 4 +t ¥ b 5 2 ae ia er - Rey GSTS eet % NEWSLETTER OF THE VIRGIN ISLANOS BUREAU OF LIBRARIES AND MUSEUMS DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA VOL.INO.V 7 a NOV. — DEC. 1976 , 4, a } } WY y Se Get’ ¢ Micory af oe ae tv Y/Y Phe eure LIBRARY NETWORKS EXPLAINED _ 8. ISMAN The first question facing the V.!. Demonstration Library Network Study was “What is a library net- work?’ Due to the wide variety of library networks Operating across the United States, this question has no simple answer. Some library networks are even hidden behind other names. The public libraries of the U.S. Virgin Islands might be called a network now according to certain definitions, but would not qualify for network status according to others. A broad working definition of a library network might be “an organizational structure which makes it possible for independent libraries to act cooperatively for a specific purpose.’’ The academic researcher's de- finition of a library netwerk requires that the organi- zation be based on formal contracts between partici- pating libraries and that the purpose for the network involve the use of electronic Gata processing techno- logy, such as computers. For the purposes of the Network Study the broader definition has been chosen. This allows us to study many types of library cooperation for their applicability to the US Virgin Islands. Regional pub- lic library systems, academic consortia, automated, library networks and informal arsangements between wholly independent libraries all will be examined as types of library networks. Based on the information from the Network Study, V.1. librarians will be able to cnoose the type of network, if any which is right for the Virgin Islands. When networks are organized, either (1) the existing libraries form ar interlocking service chain, or (2) a new central agency is created. This new cen- tral agency is then responsible for contracting with in- Gividual libraries for services, financial support and other obligations. An example of the first type of network is the statewide public library system of Hawaii. Over thirty libraries use uniform loan regulations, receive their materials through a centralized processing department and are coordinated by the State Library. The Southeastern Library Network, or SOLINET, is an example of the second type. SOLINET was created in 1973 by the members of the Association of Southern Research Libraries in order to establish a cooperative computer facility and to develop automated processing for libraries in the region. Via SOLINET the research libraries of the southeast also have acc’ss to the extensive biblio- graphic resources of another major network, the Ohio College Library Center. Some networks are the product of federal or state legislation, such as the Hawaii state iibrary net- work. Interstate compacts for interstate library net- works usually need enabling state legislation as well. At times a membership agreement is all that is used to create a library network. A recent development is the use of contracts as the basis for network opera- tion. Contracts specify standard library practices to be used throughout the network, work to be per- formed or services to be provided during the time period, contract cancellation rights, penalties for non- compliance, costs and methods of payment and so on. SOLINET Coperates :?S through this type of con- tractual agreement between member . Methods of financing library networks vary with each situation. Common means of funding are local taxation, state federal or foundation grants, member- ship or access fees for libraries, fees paid by individual users, and subsidies by member libraries who absorb some costs of the network into their general operat- ing expenses. In the example of the Hawaii state li- brary network, operations are financed through state taxation for statewide library service. In the example of SOLINET membership fees and investment in- come have been augmented by grants from the Mellon Foundation and the Council on Library Re- sources. In future articles in Information, we will take a closer look at library services and functions. We will discuss over twenty of them in the next issue. i f bel aa 4 NS SR a a SET » eg ge % . 4 ’ > t_ ae ation waste SERB Le ok ° 4S , S . im? SAT OTe A " @e re 4 Leta eet Sa ON ath ‘ ¢ ae ‘ . to* ee e~ +. yy . ie oe . : stgctes Ch Gs <®* INFORMATION Dr. Chang represented the Virgin Islands at the eighth conference of the Association of Caribbean University and Research Libraries (ACURIL) held in Kingston, Jamaica, October 24 - 30, 1976. The theme of the conference was “The planning of university and tesearch library and information systems and their integration with the educational and information systems in the countries of the Caribbean area.” As official delegate, Dr. Chang was invited to a reception at King’s House by His Excellency, the Most Honourable Florizel Glasspole, Governor-General of Jamaica and Mrs. Glasspole. There, Dr. Chang met with His Excellency regarding the V.!. Library System and possible avenues of cooperation with Jamaica. AFTER-SCHOOL INSPIRATION PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN AT WILLIAMS PUBLIC LIBRARY H. LAURENCE The Williams Public Library Juvenile Services Divi- sion has been awarded a grant from the V.!. Council on the Arts which, supplemented by a grant from the Bureau of Libraries and Museums, will be used to support the “‘After-School Inspiration” program. This free program will include a creative writing compo- nent consisting of ‘Creation Unlimited,’’ guided by Mary King Wilson, ‘Seasons of Inspiration’ with Iris Holiday, and ‘‘Caribbean Inspiration” by Angela Greene. Art classes (“Literary-Art Interpretations’) will be taught by Diddie Mae Fadde, a well-known local artist. Creative movement-yoga classes will be given by Angela Greene and a Drama Workshop by Aisha Samad. Helen Laurence, Juvenile Services Li- brarian, will conduct a story hour series for preschool as well as school age youngsters. And finally, the Inspiration program is very fortunate to have the ta- lents of a very dedicated volunteer, Carlos Alonso, who is conducting a free Math/Science Tutorial pro- gram for 7th through 12th graders three evenings a week. The Inspiration program is open to approximately 150 children, ages 6-18. Workshops are scheduled to begin meeting during the week of November 29th and will continue through the school year. of the Bureau of Libraries & Museums Department of Conservation & Cultural Affairs Henry C. Chang, Ph.D. Director Eva Lawaetz, Editor Helen Laurence, Assistant Editor 49-- 50 King Street Christiansted, St. Croix, V.1. 00820 773-5715 Compiled by members of the Bureau staff Design & Offset Printed by the Photocuplication Laboratory Bureau of Libraries & Museums Opinions expressed in the Newsletter do not necessarily reflect those of the Bureau of Libraries and Museums CAR ors rt POLIO IAS N FRENCHTOWN J.ALLIS a 0 a 4 a CHILDREN'S LIBRARY | Now that the Regional Library for the Blind and Handicapped has moved inio a new facility in Sugar Estate, its old headquarters in Frenchtown have been entirely given over to Children Services. A Children’s collection has always been main- tained in Frenchtown although with no librarian. Now, this collection has been considerable expanded, and Mrs. Mary Hastings from the Children’s Room at the Enid M. Baa Library is serving as librarian. Due to staff limitations, this branch is only being kept open from 1 5 p.m. on weekends. However, even with this restriction, it seems to be getting a good response from the children in the Frenchtown community. CHILDREN’S BOOK WEEK Williams Public Library Juvenile Services Division celebrated Children’s Book Week, November 14th - November 20th, by presenting an exhibit of chil- dren’s book selected by the Childrens Book Council as part of the 1976 Children’s Book Showcase. The Showcase books were selected on the basis of excel- lence in illustration and design. The Exhibit was well received and many patrons expressed the hope that these books will be acquired by the Library. “GOINGS ON” AT THE FRECERIKSTED PUBLIC LIBRARY Sarita K. Bynoe The Frederiksted Public Library proudly an- nounces the arrival of three library pages. The young ladies are working on a volunteer basis and have proved to be a definite asset to the library’s staff. Hildreth Stevens, an 8th grade student at the Claude O. Marko School enjoys ‘reading, sleepina. and P.R. Vk The Advisory Board of the VI. Demonstration Library Network met at Galleon House recently to review the history and accom- Daily News Tuesday, December O. 3 Pel rary plishments to date of (ue network project, and to discuss planning priorities for future goals and activities. 1976. 2G, The Virgin Islands Demonstra- tion Library Network is a federally funded research and demonstra- tion project, sponsored by the US. Office of Education, and admini- stered through the Bureau of Libraries and Museums of the Department of Conservation and Cultural Affairs. Dr. Henry C. Chang, director of the bureau, is project director and Adele Zenchoff, bureau systems libra- rian is the project coordinator. The purpose of the project is twofold: 1( To conduct a feasibility study on the practicability and application of a library network, characterized by interlibrary co- operation, centralized processing, computerized union catalogs of holidays, and telecommunications, | tothe library system; and 2) Based on the results of the feasibility (See ADVISORS, Page 14) Advisors iMieet (Continued from Page 5) work, which would link the library systems of the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and other study research efforts, to establish a demonstration library network for the Virgin Islands. A major theme of the meeting was the possibility of setting up a Caribbean regional library net- ilsands through the use of a computerized library network such as the Ohio College Library Center. -On Friday, December 17, 1976, the Advisory Board of the V.L Demonstration Library Network met at Galleon House in St. Thomas to review the history and . accomplishments -to date of - the Network Project, and to discuss planning priorities for future goals and activities. The Virgin Islands Demon- stration Library Network is a .. federally funded Research and Demonstration Project, sponsored by the U.S. Office © of Education, and administered through the VJ. Bureau of Libraries and Museums of the Department of Conservation and Cultural Affairs. Dr. Henry C. Chang,- Director of the Bureau, is Project Director. Ms. Adele Zenchoff, Bureau Systems Librarian, is the Pro- ject Coordinator. The purpose of the pro- ject is twofold: 1) To conduct ‘a feasibility study on the pra-ticability and application of a library network, charac- terized by interlibrary coopera- tion, centralized processing, computerized Union Catalogs and holdings and teleconimu- nications; to the Virgin Isiands Library system; and 2) sased on the results of the feasibili- ty study research efforts, to” establish a “demonstration library network. for the Vir- gin Islands. on mT # the meeg- A major theme of the ing was ,the possibility of setting, up a ‘Caribbean regio- nal library network,-: which would link the library systems of the US. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Barba- its sah nehvoric lool OIKES s back Janead dos, Trinidad and Tobago, and other Caribbean states, through the use -of a national com- puterized library network such as the Ohio College Library Center. The following members of the V.J. demonstration Library Network Project Advisory Board, and selected resource persons, participated in Friday's meeting: Ms. Mary Bleecker, Libra- rian, St. Croix Campus, C.V.I. Dr. William Cooper, Visiting Professor of Education, C.V.L.; Mr. Hulbert Lewis, Director, Data Processing Center, De- partment of Finance; Ms. Fiolina Mills, director, Bureau of Library Services, Depart- ment of Education; Mr. James Oliver, Director, Federal Pro- grams, Department of Educa- tion; Dr. John Veenstra, Di- rector, of Libraries, Inter- American University, Puerto Rico; Dr. Frank Mills, Institu- tional Research Officer, C.V.1.; Sra. M.E. Arguello de Cardona, Director, Caribbean Regional Library; Dr. Henry C. Chang, Director Bureau of Libraries and Museums; Ms. Bonnie Isman, Research Associate, V.I. ‘Demonstration Library Net- work; Ms. Helen Laurence, Research and Development Officer, Bureau of Li‘raries and Muxeums; Dr. Earl L. Mortensen, Assistant Professor of Education and Research Associate, C.V.I.; Dr. Donald Lehnus, Associate Professor, Graduate School of Librarian- ship, University of Puerto Rico; Ms. Adele Zenchoff, Project Coordinator, Library Network. Baer Croi 4 Micver Friday , December 24 lath . INFORMATION JAN. FEB. 1977 NETWORK STUDY NEWS Bonnie Isman Travel dominated the calendar of the V.I. Demonstration Library Network Study during December and January. Due to the limited local re- sources for library research and to the isolated, re- mote location of these exotic isles, project staff must track down needed information in person. These fact finding trips create the staff's only opportunities to investigate possibilities for regional library coovera- tion. Early December found Dr. Henry Chang attend- ing a series of meetings in Columbus, Ohio at the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC) and in Washing- ton, D.C. with various federal agency representatives. Dr. Chang was accompanied by librarians from the University of Puerto Rico, Inter-American University in San Juan, the Caribbean Regional Library and the three academic libraries of the University of the West Indies. The Organization of American States made arrangements for this Caribbean libraries ‘summit meeting”. Main topics of discussion were: ---feasibility of developing a communications link between library systems in Trinidad and Tobago, - Jamaica, Barbados, Puerto Rico, USVI and the OCLC data based for transmission of catalog data. ---sources of funding a centralized or cooperative program of cataloging based in Puerto Rico and linked with the USVI and OCLC. ---coordination of efforts in the Caribbean so as to participate most effectively in the development of the structure, instruments and operations of the pro- posed Inter-American Network for the Transmission of Bibliographic Information. In mid-December the first meeting of the Ad- visory Board of the Network Study took place in St. Thomas with several participants arriving from San Juan and St. Croix. School, college and public libraries, educational and research institutions and data processing centers were all represented for the discussion of accomplishments to date and planning priorities for future goals. Members of the Advisory Board and selected as- visor-specialists who attended are as follows: Ms. Mary Bleecker, Librarian, St. Croix, CVI; Dr. William Cooper, Visiting Professor of Edu- cation, CVI; Mr. Hulbert Lewis, Director, Data Processing Center, Department of Finance; Ms. Fiolina B. Mills, Director, Division of Library Ser- vices and other Instructional Materials, Department of Education; Mr. James Oliver, Director, Federal Programs, Department of Education; Dr. John Veenstra, Director of Libraries, Inter-American University, Puerto Rico; Dr. Frank Mills, Institutional Research Officer, CVI; Ms. Maria Elena Arguello de Cardona, Director, Caribbean Regional Library; Puerto Rico; Dr. Earl Mortensen, Assistant Professor of Education and Research Associate, CV!; Dr. Lehnus, Associate Professor, Graduate School of Librarianship, University of Puerto Rico. In January, Systems Librarian Adele Zenchoff, Research Associate, Bonnie Isman, and the Project Director, Henry Chang spent two days meeting with librarians from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Chief areas of research were cooperative programs in_ technical services, regional library cooperation, computer li- brary applications, and developments in_ bilingual library service. Network Study staff were the guests of the In- ter-American University at Hato Rey and the Central Processing Center for all [AU campuses, the Colegio Universitario de Sagrado Corazon, the Caribbean Re- gional Library, the University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras, and the Graduate School of Librarianship at UPR. Plans are being made for a future visit in late spring to study potential areas of library cooperation with Puerto Rican school and public libraries. By the first of January it was evident to the pro- ject director and the staff that the research in pro- gress would have to be carefully tested and evaluated in order to be as complete as possible. Accordingly, a continuation grant proposal will be submitted to the U.S. Office of Education on January 28, 1977 for the ‘Virgin Islands Demonstration Library Net- work Study, Test Phase.’’ The approval of the con- tinuation grant proposal would extend the life of the Network Study through June 1978. An article appearince in im) Information 2:l, 9-9 Tebruary, 1977). “THE ST. ‘CROIX: AVIS”: ~ = TUESDAYMARCH 8, 1977 ~~ ~ No. 53 “fibraries Expanding Info Services. ‘People ~orieerted - information - ond referral service will son be ‘available from the Virgin lelends - public library system. © gai 7. » Commissioner ° Conservation>end Cultura! Af- fairs has ennmounced the es-. ~ -tablishment of the Virgin islands gram; an experimental cost- " sharing © program ° worked out between:-the ‘tederal ACTION ' agency _and: -the ~ Bureau of Libraries .. and Museums. The " program - will. ~expend. existing library reference “SOT VICE to all. three islands “by _ "establishing tuly-steffed ¢nformation— and referral centers. Four. _ profes-- sions! librariens -wil be placed | in public libraries before Jure of ‘ this year, specifically to provide Me Dr. Henry C. Chang, Director of the Bureau of Libraries and Museums, _recentiy -compteted negotiations to begin the pro- gram..end named Ms. Bonnie isman as Coordinator. of in- _ formation and -Referra! services " under-his direction. ‘The first of the four. proposed positions has ' elready been filted.~Ms. Martha Ammermen was placed with the Williams Public Library in Chris- tiensted, St. Croix by the New York -ACTION. -office. Ms. “Ammerman received her 8.S. ' degree in Library Science from the Clarion Stste College in California. -Wirdin Cc... Brown of the- Department of: information «to the -generai public on fibrary and commun- * New information services pro- “wied by this program will in- Chace : santephone reference - ser- vice; community “information files; ~- interdibrary __doan - of materials between islends; access to US. and V.I. government . publications -and special -coliec- tions of library materials. Ac- _-Information-and Referral Pro- - curacy . and — timetiness.- ‘will cheracterize all information ser- -wices of this new program, - < - aS reported. "ay INFORMATION MARCH — APRIL FRI KKK IK KKK KICK KKK LIBRARIANS MAKE FRIENDS WITH AMIGOS Bonnie Isman Mr. Jim Kennedy, Executive Director of the AMIGOS Bibliographic Council from Dallas, Texas, met with librarians in St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John during the first week in March. Mr. Kennedy's visit in the Virgin Islands was made possible by a grant from the U.S. Office of Education to the De- partment of Conservation and Cultural Affairs for the V.1. Demonstration Library Network Study. During his meetings with local librarians Mr. Kennedy was able to describe the services of the AMIGOS Bibliographic Council and its relationship to the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC). He ex- plained that AMIGOS is a “service center’’ for more than 85 libraries in 7 southwestern states. He invited libraries from the Virgin Islands to join. AMIGOS helps its members in effectively using the OCLC computer network and its biblio- graphic data base. Training of library staff, “‘best- selling’ instructional manuals, development. of computer-output-microform catalogs, and centralized access to specialized information and retrieval data bases are some of the extras AMIGOS members gain along with access to OCLC cataloging and other bibliographic services. Special meetings were held on St. Croix, March 2, and on St. Thomas, March 4, to view video tapes of the OCLC network in action. A total of twenty-five librarians from elementary and secondary schools, the librarians of the College of the Virgin Is- lands and librarians from the public libraries were able to attend. Mr. Kennedy first presented ‘Finding Infor- mation in the OCLC System”, a description of how to search the data base using either the title or the author and title to construct a ‘‘search code.” “‘The OCLC System” introduced the network concept, hardware, the format of the bibliographic data, and Cataloging using records presently in the data base. The librarians were assured that this computer net- work could be extended to the Virgin Islands over local telephone lines and that transmission of cata- loging data would take no more than 10 seconds between here and Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Kennedy met extensively with the staff of the V.I. Demonstration Library Network Study, re- viewed its accomplishments to data and its research in progress. Dr. Henry C. Chang, Project Director; Adele Zenchoff, Systems Librarian; and Bonnie Isman, Research Librarian and Mr. Kennedy discussed Meeting to discuss library networks are (left to right) Dr. Henry C. Chang, Director of the Bureau; Blanche Soufront, Asst. Director; Earnest Wagner, CVI Librarian; Bonnie Isman, Research Librarian for the Bureau; and James Kennedy, Exec. Director, AMIGOS. Photo taken by Paul Bastian local, regional and national library network develop- ments and examined their implications for the Carib- bean. Mr. Kennedy left the islands March 5 and planned to meet with several groups of university librarians in Puerto Rico to discuss AMIGOS and OCLC before returning to Texas. Dr. Chang has expressed a special note of ap- preciation to Mr. Kennedy for sharing with local li- brarians his knowledge of library networks, their operations and their requirements. Mr. Kennedy do- nated a week of his time to the improvement of li- brary services in the Virgin Islands without the usual consultant's fee. KRKKKKKKKKKKKKEKKEK An article appearine Information 2:2, Anril, 19°77). INFORMATION WHAT DO NETWORKS DO? Bonnie Isman Part of the confusion over the definition of the word “‘network’ among librarians results from the fact that library networks do a wide variety of things. Here’s a list of their different services as identified by the Network Study: Centralized purchasing of library materials. Centralized processing of library materials. Centralized catalog card production. Centralized cataloging. Standard borrower's registration. Patron has user privileges at all libraries. Interlibrary loan service. Production of union list of books or mono- Production of union list of serials. Production of union list of audiovisuals. Systematic referral of information requests. Central audiovisual studio, staff, or resources. Communications forum (meetings, news- letter). Photographic reproduction of research mate- Is. Regional bibliographic center. Coordinated acquisitions program. Bookmobile service. Cooperative development of library auto- mation. The list contains three types of activities: Bibliographic services, user services, and adminis- trative services. Generally speaking, networks are formed around only one type of activity. However, since the network structure in itself creates a mec- hanism for working out mutual problems, multi- service networks are developing. Interlibrary loan (ILL) and delivery of docu- ments are the cooperative programs of greatest value, according to a survey of remote, isolated li- braries by the Network Study. A loose national ‘‘net- work” for ILL can be said to exist, operating in accordance with the ‘‘National Interlibrary Loan Code, 1968, Annotated" which was approved by the American Library Association. Any organized library staffed by an authorized person can participate as long as tney follow the standards set by the code. Local networks employ a variety of devices to speed materials: teletypewriters; switching, referral and relay arrangements; printed catalogs and union lists; and automatic photocopy substitution for journal articles. The Ohio College Library Center (OCLA) and the OCLA Network supplies bibliographic informa- tion over telephones lines to 1,433 computer termin- als across the United States. Its central data file of cataloging information contains over two million records and is currently growing at an average daily rate of about 2,500 records. Only part of this biblio- graphic data is contributed by the Library of Con- gress in Washington, D.C. Most of its comes from the membership. While OCLC stores and transmits a vast a- mount of cataloging information, this is not its only function. It also produces catalog cards to each mem- ber's specifications, is used in preorder searching, in- terlibrary loan, union catalog activities, collection analysis and reference work. What started out to be a cooperative means of sharing Cataloging data has grown into a national bibliographic resource used for a variety of purposes. An article appearing in Information 2:2, 6-7 (larch- April, 1977). ST. CROIX AVIS THURSDAY, OCTOSER Guide To Library Eollections Issued The Bureau of Libraries, Museums, and Archaeological Services has announced the pub- lication of a guide entitled “Library Resources in the Vir- gin tstands of the United States, 1977." A product of the Virgin slands Information and Re- An art ferral Services, the guide intro- duces the reader to over 30 academic, public, secondary school, and special collections of library materials, according to Director Dr. Henry Chang. By scanning the descriptions of resources, services, and facili- ties of the territory’s lioraries, students and the general pubiic cen be assured of finding library assistance to fit their needs, Dr. Chang stated. He noted that the services of each library are described, and tKat policies governing user eligibility and fees or fines are also listed. Special mention is made of inter-library loan services, and ten libraries offer services in Spanish, or other foreign lan guages. Research for the guide was done by VISTA librarians during the spring and summer of 1977. Cooperation from the many individuals surveyed allows for what is hoped will be valuable icle appearing in Library Journal March l, informationai libraries, Or. Chang said. guide is available free of charge at each public library in the U.S. Virgin Islands. For resources to information, contact Isman, | & R Coor- the Williams Public in Christiansted, 773- Virgin Islands network trial A Higher Education Act, Tithe II-B grant of $29,500 will fue! a Virgin Is- lands Demonstration Library Network Study which aims to determine if net- working “‘is the answer to optimal or- ganization of library materials in the Virgin Islands and other remote areas.’ The study will try to determine whether linkage with national, online shared cataloging networks or the crea- tion of a local network is the best alter- native. A small-scale network of Virgin Islands public libraries will be created to try out interlibrary cooperation and develop such products as a union Cata- log of films and union list of serials. OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION & CULTURAL AFFAIRS BUREAU OF LIBRARIES & MUSEUMS P.O. BOX 390, (809) 774 — 0630 CHARLOTTE AMALIE, ST. THOMAS, V.1. 00801 VIRGIN ISLANDS DEMONSTRATION LIBRARY NETWORK STUDY ABSTRACT The Virgin Islands Demonstration Library Network Study is conducting research to determine whether library networks are the key to optimal organization of small library collections in remote and/or disadvantaged arees. A literature search found very little published infor- mation on interlibrary cooperation as it concerns the needs of small, remote libraries. In order to lay a foundation for a model plan of network development, a survey, funded by the U.S. Office of Education, was undertaken to gather information on present network activity in remote, disadvantaged areas. The objectives of the mailed questionnaire survey were: to create a profile of remote, disadvantaged libraries; to survey network activity in the 321 selected libraries; and to estimate the effectiveness of library networks in serving these libraries. It was found that remote, disadvantaged libraries share similar characteristics in total book collection, number of professional staff members, operating budgets and classification practices. Approximately half of the libraries surveyed outside tke Virgin Islands have access to a local library network, but only one in five participated in a regional or multi- state network. The libraries were connected to networks via traditional means of communication rather than advanced telecommunications technology. Network performance was rated as excellent to satisfactory in ail cases. For more information on the Virgin Islands Demonstration Library Network Study, contact Project Director and Territorial Librarian Dr. Henry C. Chang or Research Librarian Bonnie Isman at the Bureau of Libraries and Museums. The Bureau's newsletter Information carries news of the study and its related demonstration projects. The newsletter is available free of charge. 6/77 in Junc,