Purpose -This paper seeks to define and describe agile project management using the Scrum methodology as a method for more effectively managing and completing projects. Design/methodology/approach -This paper provides a general overview and introduction to the concepts of agile project management and the Scrum methodology in particular. Findings -Agile project management using the Scrum methodology allows project teams to manage digital library projects more effectively by decreasing the amount of overhead dedicated to managing the project. Using an iterative process of continuous review and short-design time frames, the project team is better able to quickly adapt projects to rapidly evolving environments in which systems will be used. Originality/value -This paper fills a gap in the digital library project management literature by providing an overview of agile project management methods.

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to define and describe virtualization of servers and cloud computing. Understanding the differences and similarities between the two technology models will help digital library managers make better decisions related to hosting of application services. Design/methodology/approach -The paper is a general overview of the principles and techniques of virtualization and cloud computing. Findings -Both virtualization and cloud computing can be effective methods of optimizing hardware resources used to run digital library applications; however, system managers should not overlook the potential for security problems and management problems given the outsourced nature of the computing resources. Originality/value -The paper fills a gap in the digital library project management literature by providing an overview of the server virtualization and cloud computing models which could be applied to digital library projects.

Purpose-The aim of this article is to develop an understanding of the issues related to risk management in digital library projects as well as techniques for mitigating risk in these projects. Design/methodology/approach-Using evidence from other research in the area, this article outlines the major risk issues within a project and then defines a model for mitigating risk within a project. Findings-The article finds that understanding the risk management entails understanding the underlying factors that contribute to project risks. These risks are often the same, regardless of the nature of the project. The first step in risk assessment is risk identification. Once risk identification is complete, risk analysis is used to identify the likelihood the risks that have been identified will happen. While there are several formal methods that can be used for risk analysis, many project managers use some type of matrix-based decision process for analyzing and evaluating project risk. The most successful project managers maintain open lines of communication throughout their organizations to stay in touch with constituent's needs. Originality/value-This article fills a gap in the digital project management literature by helping project managers understand the issues related to project risk and how to avoid them, thereby insuring greater probability their project will come to a successful and satisfying conclusion.

Purpose The current study aims to analyze the curriculum of selected knowledge management (KM) programs at universities in the USA, Europe, Australia and Asia within current and historical contexts to understand the scope and nature of the requirements in KM programs. By comparing the results from programs, a baseline understanding of what the overall requirements within these programs has been developed. This may provide benefits for the profession, as this baseline can provide a clearer understanding of the skills and knowledge elements that are present or absent in the current academic programs. In addition to better informing the KM community of what graduates of these programs may know, this information can provide a basis for academic program improvement and, ultimately, better use of KM in professional practice. Design/methodology/approach The basic approach in this study is a comparative analysis of curriculum in master-level programs in English that are focused on KM. In the current study, historical references to programs in KM were identified through prior research in the topic area. Current programs were identified through standard reference sources. The course titles and program descriptions for current programs are further analyzed using text analytics tools to understand the relationship of topics within and between programs. Findings The concept of KM as a distinct program of study appears to be stable but the number of programs is declining. The number of new master degree programs in KM has not significantly increased in the past 15 years, whereas many programs have been discontinued or have been reduced to the certificate/diploma level. Of the programs that exist today, we see that a greater variety in home locations of these programs which tend to imply coverage of the field is becoming increasingly diverse in its approach. Overall, it appears that the KM programs are moving toward transformation or integration with allied fields. Originality/value There has been very limited study of the curriculum within KM programs. Most of the research performed dates from 2010 or earlier. The current study adds a unique contribution to the literature by looking at earlier iterations of KM programs and compares those to the current state of the curriculum in KM programs and their successor programs in an attempt to understand how the field may be developing and changing.

The one-box federated search of databases brings as many challenges as promises to database searching, especially in terms of adapting these systems to user needs and the effects this new mode of searching will have on users' research behaviors. This issue of "The Balance Point" presents several librarians with strong interests in reference and instruction, who tell the story of adapting a federated search system for their libraries and reflect upon how federated searching can change the way students do research and on the implications federated searching has on information literacy skills and the quality of results found.