Pictures from our celebration of our partnership with Lulu/Kirtas can be found at: http://flickr.com/photos/macetg/
Included are pics of Bob Young (Lulu) and Lotfi Belkhir (Kirtas)
Enjoy!
Archive for May, 2008
McMaster University Library/Kirtas/Lulu Partnership
May 22, 2008Imagine owning a copy of Galileo’s 1632 book, Dialogo di Galileo Galilei (Galileo’s Dialogue), challenging the traditional thinking that the universe revolves around the earth. At the time, the book and its concepts were so controversial, that Galileo was convicted of heresy in 1633 and the book was placed on the Index of Forbidden Books.
Or perhaps a first-edition, autographed copy of H.G. Wells’ The Time Machine is a more suitable choice for your own personal library?
These books and more will be made available to the public, beginning this fall, through a unique partnership between McMaster University Library and U.S.-based companies Kirtas Technologies, Inc. and Lulu.com.
With the support of Kirtas’ Canadian reseller Ristech, McMaster University will be using the Kirtas APT BookScan 2400RA to digitize rare, out-of-print books. Once the books are digitized and processed, McMaster faculty, students and staff will have free access to digital copies of the entire collection of scanned materials. The world will be able to access McMaster’s unique collections online, and even purchase as print-on-demand books from Lulu.com.
“We have significant collections that we would like to make more widely accessible through digitization,” said Jeffrey Trzeciak, University Librarian at McMaster University. “The digitization technology provided by Kirtas, the support and service we receive from Ristech, and the ability of Lulu to pull it all together increases both the electronic availability and the availability of the books in print for those who choose print on demand.”
As the publisher of these unique books, the Library also hopes to generate revenue through the print-on-demand service.
“We see more and more universities taking advantage of the print-on-demand option that is enabled through the digitization process,” said Kirtas Founder and CEO Lotfi Belkhir. “Not only are these institutions sharing their unique collections, but they are also creating a revenue stream that allows them to reinvest in their access and preservation efforts.”
“This is a tremendous opportunity for our customers to obtain books that may not be easy to find,” said Lulu.com CEO and Founder Bob Young. “In addition to being a place to publish, Lulu is a vast marketplace where anyone can buy books on just about any subject.” A native of Hamilton, Ontario, the affiliation puts Young in familiar territory.
McMaster University Library will be hosting a launch event celebrating their entry into mass digitization and publishing on Monday, May 26th at 9:30 a.m. The event will take place in the Mills Learning Commons at Mills Memorial Library and will include a demonstration of the machine and display some of the Library’s rare book collection.
To keep up to date on this project, please visit, http://digi.blog.lib.mcmaster.ca
Employment Opportunity: GIS Librarian
May 21, 2008GIS Librarian
McMaster University Libraries is seeking an energetic, innovative and service-oriented individual with excellent communication skills to fill the position of GIS Librarian. The successful candidate will be a creative and self-motivated person who works well with colleagues in a challenging and changing environment.
This is a full-time continuing appointment reporting to the Director of Library Services, Maps, Data and GIS.
The successful candidate will be responsible for the optimal development, organization, access and use of digital geospatial information and related data resources in support of the learning, teaching and research missions of McMaster University.
The incumbent will:
* develop, manage and deliver library services related to geospatial
data
* act as the Liaison Librarian for Geographic Information Systems to
faculty in all disciplines and work with faculty to integrate
library GIS and data resources and services into the curriculum
* provide reference services, consultation and/or advice on the use
of GIS and geospatial data to support research and teaching activities
* provide instruction to library patrons in the use of GIS software
and data
* develop and maintain a GIS services delivery system and web site
* lead library service development in GIS and in emerging
neogeography technologies
* manage collection development, organization and maintenance of the
Library’s spatial data collections
* participate in initiatives related to the collection, organization
and maintenance of GIS data generated by McMaster University
researchers and affiliates
* assist with the provision of twenty-first century fluencies
training (including spatial and numeric literacy)
* provide reference services and support related to the Lloyd Reeds
Map Collection and the Library Data Service as required
* keep up with emerging trends in GIS and other library-related
information technologies, and demonstrate a commitment to
professional issues in librarianship through participation in
professional organizations, research and publication
The successful candidate must hold a MLS from an ALA-accredited library school or information science program. The preferred candidate will also hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject area such as Geography or Environmental Science with a major in GIS, or additional GIS qualifications such as a community college diploma in GIS, or two (2) years of professional experience relevant to the position.
The successful candidate will have pertinent knowledge of and experience in the use of GIS and a variety of kinds of maps and geospatial data, as well as a knowledge of and experience working with general academic library tools and resources. The successful candidate must also demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the potential to excel as an instructor. A current working knowledge of GIS software, particularly ESRI products, is expected. The ability to convey complicated information to a variety of end-users at different technical levels is essential.
The preferred candidate should demonstrate a high degree of computer literacy and a demonstrated interest in geographic information technologies and their applications to academic libraries. The candidate should demonstrate a commitment to developing, maintaining and sharing technical expertise, and the ability to work creatively, collaboratively and effectively, both as a team member and independently.
This position is included in the McMaster University Faculty Association (MUFA) for Librarians. The appointment will be made at Level 2, Annual Salary Floor $50, 556; Ceiling $82, 072. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position includes a competitive and comprehensive benefit package.
The Position Responsibility Statement is available from the Library Human Resources Office. Further information about the Library is available from its web site at http://library.mcmaster.ca/. McMaster University Libraries is the first Canadian library to be awarded the prestigious Excellence in Academic Libraries Award from the Association of College and Research Libraries in 2008 (http://library.mcmaster.ca/php/blog.php?id=832&display=full <http://library.mcmaster.ca/php/blog.php?id=832&display=full>).
Applications must be received by June 13, 2008.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be considered first for this position. McMaster University is strongly committed to employment equity within its community and to recruiting a diverse faculty and staff. The University encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women, members of visible minorities, Aboriginal persons, members of sexual minorities and persons with disabilities.
Librarians who wish to be considered for this opportunity should send their Curriculum Vitae with a covering letter and the names of three references to:
Library Human Resources Office
Mills Memorial Library, Room 209
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario
Fax: 905.522.0691 ext. 24722
E-mail: libjobs@mcmaster.ca
