Online Documentation in Library Technical Services

Documenting Classification Systems: A Case Study and Considerations

“…In 1999, Brisson characterized the lack of documentation in libraries as resulting from the perceived ineffectiveness of documentation in improving library productivity, and noted that libraries often rely on institutional memory, rather than effective documentation to "maintain consistency in local practice and procedures." 14 In 2005, White similarly reflected on the lack of library documentation (and lack of literature on documentation), pointing out the irony that "while librarians excel at archiving and collecting the records and materials used and produced by other people, many libraries are not very good at creating and maintaining their own documentation." 15 This lack may be due to it being a "a huge task that is often not a high priority in day-to-day work, especially when staff already feel overloaded, and it may be difficult to justify the need for documentation work to administrators who are focused on production."…”

Online Documentation Portals in Library Technical Services: Shedding Light on Local Practices and Procedures

“…Brisson provided an early argument for technical services units to adopt online documentation, pointing to online as being more cost-effective and efficient than print. He also examined online documentation systems for use in technical services, comparing Microsoft Word, the World Wide Web, and Folio VIEWS as possible candidates (Brisson, 1999). Current technology allows for different system possibilities, but the issues Brisson identified as being associated with the creation and maintenance of documentation are still applicable today.…”

“…Current technology allows for different system possibilities, but the issues Brisson identified as being associated with the creation and maintenance of documentation are still applicable today. Creating and maintaining documentation remains a labor-intensive activity, and the identification of responsibility and assumption of ownership of specific types or pieces of documentation is important not just for keeping these documents current but for encouraging buy-in from users tasked with "owning" those areas (Brisson, 1999).…”