Joint Collection Development/Digital Libraries Working Group
ALA Annual Meeting
24 June 2007
Washington, DC

Present: Jeff Garrett (Northwestern University), Dick Hacken (Brigham Young University), Dan Hazen (Harvard University), Sebastian Hierl (Harvard University), Heidi Madden (Duke University), Thea Lindquist (University of Colorado at Boulder), Jim Niessen (Rutgers University), Anne Oechtering (Yale University), Chip Robinson (Harvard University),
Anna Shparberg (Rice University), James Simon (Center for Research Libraries), Sheila Smyth (University of California, Irvine), Melissa Trevvett (Center for Research Libraries), Kizer Walker (Cornell University)

Guests: Austin McLean (ProQuest), Kathy Ratliff (ProQuest), Ann Snoeyenbos (Project MUSE/JHU Press), Karen Smith (ProQuest), Clara Waldrich (K.G. Saur/de Gruyter), Mandee Williams (Jacobs University Bremen)

1. Introductions were made

2. Minutes from January 2007 meetings were approved.

3. CRL/ProQuest German Dissertations Project (McLean)

Austin McLean provided a brief overview of ProQuest and the pilot Historic German Dissertations database. The goal of the pilot project was to determine interest in a digitized retrospective collection of dissertations published in Germany from “golden age” (late 19th century). GNARP selected sample titles for digitization, the Center for Research Libraries (CRL) provided the copies from its collection, and ProQuest handled conversion and distribution of the digitized resources.

McLean provided a brief demo of the product and opened the floor for questions and feedback. GNARP members inquired as to the number of titles and scope intended, OCR plans, and funding models for the project. McLean responded that ProQuest is looking to this group to help make those determinations.

The balance of cost and quality of presentation requires discussion, as does the funding model The project assumes that external funding will come from a participant group (TCP-style funding, grant funding, others). On average, conversion costs of the sample came to ~$50 per title (no OCR, PDF page images only; metadata taken from the bibliographic record, with keywords added by ProQuest staff; preview, citations, and other features).

Sebastian Hierl asked the group what subjects would be of interest in such a database (possible topics included classics, philosophy, Germanistik, art history, history, and “famous authors”).

It became clear that a number of attendees had not had time to preview the database, and it was agreed to extend the trial and solicit comments over the summer and fall (deadlines to be set). GNARP will also continue to explore German interest in the project.

4. Consortial Acquisitions (Hierl/Niessen)

Hierl and Jim Niessen presented a summary of current and prospective electronic resources for subscription.

BDSL-Online, DigiZeitschriften, and the Digitale Bibliothek deutscher Klassiker offerings all seem to be operating very well. Niessen summarized the ongoing discussions with Brockhaus-Duden regarding xipolis and the “Library Information Portal (LIP)” alternative. Negotiations continue, though LIP seems to be too expensive for most institutions.

Trials and negotiations continue for the following:

• Bibliography of Linguistics Literature online (BLL) – trial has been extended to July 11. The English interface has been implemented. There have been few comments, but many have expressed only limited interest.

• World Biographical Information System Online (WBIS) – Ongoing discussions regarding terms have resulted in an offer of discounted pricing for the purchase of individual biographical archives. Price per archive depends on the total number of archives acquired by GNARP institutions. Annual maintenance fees will also apply. Trial access is available to GNARP members.

• 20th Century German History Online – This product, demoed at the previous GNARP DLWG meeting, is available for trial access, if there is interest. A new US representative to Saur will begin work in July. A consortial deal for GNARP will be made.

Other products upcoming:

• 18th Century German Literature Online – This product has been slightly delayed, but should come online in August. This product will be drawn from the BDDL, with added authors and editions. Jeff Garrett reminded members that bibliographic records for the BDDL have already been prepared.

• KLG online (Kritisches Lexikon zur deutschsprachigen Gegenwartsliteratur) – Some GNARP members have negotiated access to this database of contemporary authors writing in German (post 1945). The license is currently only in German. Subscribing members will pass on more information regarding this product.

Members expressed interest in a members-only site to view current product offerings and status of trials. Members also favored hard deadlines for trials and responses. A possible schedule might be for new products to be brought to the committee for recommendation at the summer meeting, with trial access being established by the fall and final discussions made at midwinter.

5. Newspaper Holdings Wiki (Hacken)

Dick Hacken presented preliminary results of the Wiki site for German-Language Newspaper Access in North America (http://wess.lib.byu.edu/index.php/German-Language_Newspaper_Access_in_North_America). The purpose of the site is to provide a union list of German-language newspapers held in North America. The goal is to be able to use the list as a collection development tool. Hacken demonstrated existing holdings, which include links to paper, microfilm, and digitized newspaper content. James Simon demonstrated CRL’s holdings that link to the CRL catalog for more detail and borrowing information.

Members provided suggestions for organizational improvements. Members were strongly encouraged to contribute their holdings.

The meeting was adjourned.

Submitted by James Simon