Library purchasing consortia in the UK: activity, benefits and good practice.

Following a brief introduction in Section 1, Section 2 sets out the operational context of library purchasing consortia. A range of key factors have shaped recent developments in the four LIS sectors under consideration (FE, HE, health and public libraries); some have exerted a common influence over all (e.g. information technology, European Commission purchasing directives, new central government, decline in bookfunds); some are sector-specific (e.g. purchasing arrangements, regional administrative frameworks, collaborative partnerships). The structure and markets of the book and periodical publishing industry in the UK are reviewed, with attention paid to historical as well as more recent practice that has had an impact on library supply. Although each component of the LIS purchasing consortia jigsaw displays individual characteristics that have evolved as a response to its own environment, the thread that links them together is constant change. Section 3 presents the results of a survey of identified library purchasing consortia in the four library sectors. It treats common themes of relevance to all consortia arising from information gathered by seminar input, questionnaire and interview. These include models of consortium operation, membership and governance, ‘typical’ composition of consortia in each sector, and links to analogous practice in other library sectors. Common features of the tendering and contract management process are elicited and attention paid to any contribution of procurement professionals. Finally, levels of consortium expenditure and cost savings are estimated from the published statistical record, which readily demonstrate in financial terms the efficiency of the consortial purchase model for all types of library in the United Kingdom. Section 4 presents the results of a survey of suppliers to libraries in the United Kingdom of books and periodicals, the two sectors most commonly represented in current contracts of library purchasing consortia. It sets out in some detail the operating context governing the highly segmented activities of library booksellers, as well as that pertaining to periodicals suppliers (also known as subscription agents). Detailed responses to questions on the effects of library purchasing consortia on suppliers of both materials have been gathered by questionnaire survey and selected follow-up interviews. Results are presented and analysed according to supply sector with attention given to the tendering process, current contracts under way, cross-sectoral clientele, and advantages and inhibitors of consortia supply. Further responses are reported on issues of how consortia have affected suppliers’ volume of trade, operating margins and market stability as perceived in their own business, the library supply sector and the publishing industry. Finally, overall conclusions are drawn and projections made as to future implications for both types of library suppliers. Section 5 synthesises findings, details enabling and inhibiting factors for consortia formation and models of best practice amongst consortia. The scope for cross-sectoral collaboration is discussed and found to be limited at present. Pointers are given for future activity

Library purchasing consortia: achieving value for money and shaping the emerging electronic marketplace

Drawing on a current study, funded by the British Library Research and Innovation Centre, the context of higher education libraries is discussed, including funding and costs and recent major official reports on education and libraries. Future trends and imperatives are outlined. Models of library purchasing consortia are presented. The operation of the Southern Universities Purchasing Consortium’s Libraries Project Group is examined in detail. The lessons and benefits of consortium membership are discussed. The future influence of purchasing consortia, particularly on the regional library and on electronic publishing are examined

Library purchasing consortia: their activity and effect on the marketplace

This chapter is based on a survey undertaken for a BLRIC/LIC-funded research project (RIC/G/403). It describes the models of operation of purchasing consortia in three library sectors (health, higher education and public libraries) and discusses present and future savings deriving from consortial activity. The effects of consortia on suppliers are discussed and future activity predicted. The views expressed are those of the authors, not of BLRIC or LIC

Library purchasing consortia: the UK periodicals supply market

This article is based on surveys undertaken for a British Library Research and Innovation Centre/Library and Information Commission-funded research project. It describes the models of operation of purchasing consortia in two library sectors (health and higher education) and their expenditure patterns. Present and future savings deriving from consortial activity and the effects of consortia on periodicals suppliers are discussed. The article closes by predicting future activity

Library purchasing consortia in the UK: activity and practice

This Briefing is based on a survey undertaken for a BLRIC/LIC-funded research project (RIC/G/403). It describes the models of operation of purchasing consortia in four library sectors (further education, health, higher education and public libraries) and their expenditure patterns. It discusses present and future savings deriving from consortial activity and closes by predicting future activity. A list of active consortia is provided. The views expressed are those of the authors, not of BLRIC or LIC. The full report is available from CPI Ltd (e-mail [email protected] quoting ISBN 1 898869 56 1)

The National D-Day Museum as mystory praxis

Museums in general are shrines of collected memory and cultural values. The National D-Day Museum, in particular, presents the memory of World War II as a good and just action taken by the Allied forces against the evil of the Axis powers. In contrast with later wars, which might be seen as morally ambiguous or futile, World War II was and is thought of as the good war. In this study, I explore and express how The National D-Day Museum encourages exploration and expression on the part of the visitor, using Gregory Ulmer’s concept and practice of mystory to analyze the museum as a mystory and also as encouraging mystory praxis on the part of the visitor. While the purpose for encouraging such a process may be to conserve the stated values of the museum and while that indeed may occur, it is my theory that the process functions in a more significant way than simply realizing the pre-determined intent. In brief, a heuristic experience becomes more important than a hermeneutic one. In this way, the museum prompts performative agency on the part of the visitors

Medical ultrasonics: dynamic focusing in diagnostic imaging

The design and implementation of an ultrasonic dynamic focusing annular array system is described. The array is designed for use as a contact transducer and for eventual incorporation into the head of a real-time mechanical scanner.A solution for the continuous wave field of a focused thin ring array is used to examine the effects of the number of rings, ring arrangement and apodisation of the array aperture on its focal plane response. Other aspects of array design are also considered. A suitable method of array fabrication, based on printed circuit board techniques, is described.The design and implementation of an electronic system for the generation, detection and processing of the array signals is given. Digital techniques are used to implement the dynamic delays.The dynamic focusing capabilities of the array are confirmed experimentally. Dynamic focusing of the reception response of the array is usually combined with a fixed focus on transmission. The compromise of fixed focusing on transmission may be overcome by applying the idea of Synthetic Aperture Imaging. An effective dynamic focus is then achieved on both transmission and reception. This novel application to annular arrays is investigated experimentally, and significant advantages are confirmed, however, at the expense of a lower pulse repetition frequency

Using ICT to Increase the Effectiveness of Community-Based, Non-Formal Education for Rural People in Sub-Saharan Africa: The CERP Project Final Report

Teaching/Communication/Extension/Profession,

Supply chain security: the need for continuous assessment

Ease of Internet accessibility has offered business the opportunity to incorporate this electronic infrastructure technology into establishing electronic-based supply chains. With the improved efficiency that this brings to the management and functionality of the supply chain, there are also security considerations that should be taken into account for protecting the integrity of the electronic supply chain, not only within each business node, but also across the entire supply chain. Such security vulnerabilities can be negated with the implementation of security measures and policies, however these need to be consistent throughout the supply chain and regularly assessed against security benchmarks in order to ensure they meet dequate security standards.</div

Investigations into oral health and dental care factors associated with oral cancer risk and management

Introduction: In Scotland in 2010, 460 new cases of cancer of the oral cavity were reported with a crude rate of 8.8 per 100,000 person/year risk (ISD Scotland). Worldwide, oral cancer (also known as lip and oral cavity cancer) is the 15th most common cancer, with more than 300,000 new cases diagnosed in 2012 (2% of the total). Oral cancer is the 15th most common cancer in Europe, with around 61,400 new cases diagnosed in 2012 (2% of the total) (GLOBOCAN 2012). In order to reduce the incidence of oral cancer, risk factors need to be identified and appropriate preventative strategies developed. In addition to significant mortality, there is significant morbidity associated with oral cancer. Patients can suffer from disfigurement, pain, reduced function and depressive illness as a result of the disease and its treatment. Guidelines state that oral cancer patients should receive pre- and post-operative dental assessments and management as part of their cancer treatment to reduce complications and improve outcomes (British Association of Head and Neck Oncologists, 2009, National Institute for Clinical Excellence, 2004, Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, 2006). Aims: To carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis of the world-wide literature regarding oral health and dental care factors associated with oral cancer risk. To examine the level and degree of clinical dental care for patients diagnosed with and treated for head and neck/ oral cancer. Materials and Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the world literature was undertaken assessing the association between oral health and dental care factors and the incidence risk of oral cancer. Studies were included if they reported odds ratios and corresponding 95% Confidence Intervals of oral cancer with respect to oral health or a dental care factor or if the estimates could be calculated or obtained. Meta-analyses were performed to quantify the risk associated with each factor. Included studies were assessed regarding heterogeneity and meta-analysis were carried out using a random effects model where heterogeneity was significant and a fixed effects model where heterogeneity was not significant. Included studies were also assessed regarding their methodological quality and sensitivity analyses and publication bias assessments were conducted. Case records for head and neck cancer patients diagnosed 2002-2004 were examined and assessed for evidence of dental assessments in parallel to a large multi-centre case-control study. Data were compared to audit data collected from patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer 2013-2014. Results: The systematic search retrieved 8534 articles (after removal of duplicates, books and patents) which were screened against the inclusion criteria. This resulted in 18 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The overall estimate for general oral health associated with increased risk of oral cancer comparing the best oral health score with the worst was OR 3.91 (95% CI 2.29, 6.67) based on 3 studies. The overall estimate for gum bleeding associated with increased risk of oral cancer comparing the absence of gum bleeding with the worst score was 1.76 (95% CI 1.20, 2.58) based on 6 studies. The overall estimate for poor oral hygiene associated with increased risk of oral cancer was 3.56 (95% CI 2.52, 5.04) based on 2 studies. The overall estimate for 6 or more missing teeth associated with increased risk of oral cancer was OR 2.3 (95% CI 1.27, 4.18) based on 6 studies. The overall estimate for non-attendance at the dentist associated with increased risk of oral cancer was 1.45 (95% CI 1.12, 1.87) based on 3 studies. The overall estimate for denture-wearing associated with increased risk of oral cancer was 1.08 (95% CI 0.80, 1.46) based on 5 studies. The overall estimate for reduced frequency of toothbrushing associated with increased risk of oral cancer was reported as OR 1.75 (95% CI 1.21, 2.53) based on 6 studies. Regarding dental assessment of head and neck cancer patients, 6 out of 43 (14%; 95% CI 4%, 24%) dentate patients from the 2002-2004 cohort had a pre-operative dental assessment compared to 45 out of 71 (63%; 95% CI 52%, 74%) of the dentate patients in the 2013-2014 cohort, which was a significant improvement. In the 2002-2004 cohort, 14 (18%; 95% CI 9%, 27%) patients out of 76 had a post-operative dental assessment compared to 19 (26%; 95% CI 16%, 36%) out of 74 patients were identified as having had some form of post-operative assessment or management, which was not a significant improvement (p= 0.28). Conclusions: The available evidence indicates that general oral health, gum bleeding, oral hygiene, missing teeth, dental attendance and frequency of toothbrushing are all risk factors for oral cancer. Denture use per se is not associated with an increased risk of oral cancer. Oral health factors and, more widely, dental care factors should be acknowledged alongside traditional smoking and alcohol behaviours as important risk factors for oral cancer. An improvement in the frequency of pre-operative dental assessments has been seen. However, guidelines and standards that state that all oral cancer patients should receive a pre-operative dental assessment are not being met (British Association of Head and Neck Oncologists, 2009, National Institute for Clinical Excellence, 2004, Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, 2006) and we don’t appear to have achieved the quality performance indicator (Healthcare Improvement Scotland, 2014) stating that at least 90% of oral cancer patients should receive a pre-operative dental assessment. Post-operative dental assessments have not seen a significant improvement and compliance is difficult to assess against other research as there is little published work in this area. As standards have not been met, further efforts should be made to attempt to ensure dental assessment and management are integrated as part of the multidisciplinary team approach for patients with oral cancer