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This article will be of interest to librarians, particularly those in consortia that are evaluating OpenURL link resolvers. This case study contrasts WebBridge (an Innovative Interface product) and LinkSource (EBSCO's product). This study assisted us in the decision-making process of choosing an OpenURL link resolver that was sustainable to maintain and, most importantly, made it easier for users to access the full text of an article. This case study does not propose that one product is superior to another; however, the criteria and methods used to evaluate the products will be of use to those seeking to improve user access. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study reviewed link resolver success comparing 360 Link and a local implementation of WebBridge. Two methods were used: (1) comparing article-level access and (2) examining technical issues for 384 randomly sampled OpenURLs. Google Analytics was used to collect user-generated OpenURLs. For both methods, 360 Link out-performed the local implementation of WebBridge. 360 Link provided more direct article access and demonstrated fewer technical issues for theOpenURLs tested. 360 Link also provided management of target syntaxes, which created time savings. The assessment outcome for a local instance of WebBridge may not translate to other WebBridge implementations. The methods employed could be used to compare any link resolvers. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article explores electronic-resource librarianship in current library and information science education. Over the past 10 years, electronic resource management tools such as OpenURL resolves and electronic resource management systems have emerged to help practicing librarians make voluminous numbers of electronic resources as visible as possible in a landscape of multiple access points and simultaneously manage all the technology, tasks, and data necessary to facilitate such ubiquitous access.

The author addresses how electronic resources acquisition and management processes fit into the library's larger information technology (IT) landscape from development in and outside the library domain. He believes that an OpenURL-enabled application would be immeasurable to libraries and even more useful to its users. He argues that the vastness of content available freely on the Web and unavailable to the systems cannot and should not be ignored.