· The Library Mounts a Pilot Project
Current Periodicals staff have scanned materials used for two classes that depend heavily on reserves. The faculty involved are Lynne Savage (Geology) and Laraine McDonough (Psychology). However, the present reserves area is hampered by a lack of terminals. While the material does not have to be read in this area (an advantage of e-reserves), the staff must be able to demonstrate how the system works and answer students' questions. Nonetheless, we expect to begin this pilot with the spring 2001 semester. A simple interface has been designed by Nicholas Irons.
· Interest is Expressed in Baruch's System
Nicholas Irons, Susan Vaughn, and Judith Wild (who is in charge of the E-reserves project) visited Baruch's library to see their homegrown e-reserves system. The visit was worthwhile, though the system seems quite labor-intensive. We could perhaps improve upon it by using Blackboard for authentication, but this would save little if any labor. The technology used at Baruch seems workable and could serve as a stop-gap measure for us, until we know more about the availability of a reserves module within CUNY's new integrated library system, Ex Libris. At present, Baruch's e-reserves can only be viewed on the Baruch campus.
· What Are Our Other Possibilities?
As yet, we know little about Ex Libris's proposed reserves module. CUNY's Ex Libris rep has suggested that a reserves module will be included in the package the University has negotiated, and there would certainly be advantages to an integrated system. Nonetheless, many libraries (including Queens and Fordham) belief that the Docutek system is and will remain a superior one; they have already purchased this stand-alone product. (Docutek is not inexpensive: even if CUNY central picked up server and software fees, annual maintenance is estimated at about $1,500.) Those faculty who build Blackboard course sites also have the ability to store electronic material online and make it available 24/7 to students enrolled in their courses.
· Access & Copyright Issues
Pace University's Manhattan campus reports that most of their students do not have adequate computer equipment at home to read the scanned documents their e-reserves system makes available. Fordham's reserve material can be viewed by anyone, anywhere, but to avoid potential copyright violations, the library is very restrictive in what it mounts. It seems likely that some thorny issues lie ahead for us, as we try to determine how to interpret "fair use" for electronic reserves.