New UKSG Research Project: Link Resolvers and the Serials Supply Chain

[<Beverley.Acreman@tandf.co.uk>]

**WITH APOLOGIES FOR CROSS POSTING**
Sent on behalf of the UKSG <http://www.uksg.org/>
UKSG Research Project: Link Resolvers and the Serials Supply Chain

In academic libraries Open URL and linking technology is 
transforming access to electronic journals and articles. As 
digital library collections become 'mission critical' and 
libraries move to electronic only serials, it is essential that 
electronic content is made available in a timely, reliable and 
accurate manner. The accuracy and timeliness of the knowledge 
bases that lie behind linking technology is critical. The 
experience of many libraries is that while resolver technology 
has the real potential to enhance access to digital collections, 
in practice it has also introduced a range of new problems. There 
can be significant delays in the updating of knowledge bases, the 
titles in packages from content aggregators can be inaccurate as 
is identifying who needs to do what to solve such problems.

The traditional serials supply chain of publishers, subscription 
agents and librarians has become more complex with a new player - 
companies providing resolver software and the knowledge bases 
behind them. By studying the roles and expectations of the 
various parts in the supply chain we should be able to identify 
and clarify the expectations, performance issues and barriers 
that need to be overcome to ensure a smooth supply chain to the 
end user.

This email invites tender proposals to undertake a study to 
identify the new relationships and information exchange 
requirements between publishers, resolver software and knowledge 
base suppliers, subscription agents and librarians to maximise 
the benefit of OpenURL linking.

More detail can be found at: http://www.uksg.org/resolvers.asp 
and if you have any questions, please email alison@uksg.org

About the UKSG

The United Kingdom Serials Group (UKSG) <http://www.uksg.org/> 
exists to encourage the exchange of ideas on printed and 
electronic serials and the process of scholarly communication. In 
a dynamic environment, the UKSG works to promote discussion and 
the free flow of information on serials matters and associated 
technology; to develop links between all parties in the serials 
information chain; and to encourage professional awareness, 
stimulate research and provide a programme of training and 
education. The UKSG is a registered charity and a company limited 
by quarantee. It is the only organisation spanning the wide range 
of interest and activity between serials producers and readers - 
with a membership of nearly 600 organisations, a third of them 
based outside the UK, the UKSG engages a broad cross-section of 
people concerned with the publication, distribution and use of 
serials.

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