This study explores the extent to which undergraduate and graduate students in China differ in their digital library use. Unlike the factors promoting digital library use, non-use factors, perceived influences, and degree of satisfaction are quite different between undergraduate and graduate students due to their differing emphases and…

It has been a decade since the first aggregator journal packages began to become available at academic and public libraries throughout the United States of America. During these 10 years, the library and information science community has published numerous articles on the pros and cons of this method of delivery and these collections, more than…

The relation between library instruction and the reference function is explored, noting characteristics and aims of both functions, terminology (bibliographic instruction and library instruction), user attitudes toward library use, correlation of the two services, and purposes of both bibliographic instruction and the reference process. Sixteen…

This study analyzes 9,131 citations from the 2002 volumes of journals in eight humanities fields: art, classics, history, linguistics, literature, music, philosophy, and religion. This study found that citation patterns varied widely among humanities disciplines. Due to these differences, it is important for librarians with humanities collection…

Academic librarians are challenged with development and maintenance of collections of research materials in various formats. Although it is assumed that they are monitoring the needs of their constituencies as a part of the collection management decision-making process, the literature reflects only a few studies that focus on direct solicitation…

This study examines sixty academic libraries' Web sites and finds that 80 percent of them do not have a technical services' homepage. Data reveal that institution's status might be a factor in whether a library has such a page. Further content analysis suggests there is an appropriate and useful public service role that technical services…

Compares OCLC, WLN, and RLIN in terms of the composition of the databases, indexes and searching, special uses for public services, costs, and documentation. Selected bibliographies of general public service uses and interlibrary loan applications are provided. (CLB)

Describes a study that compared the quality of reference services provided by reference librarians and paraprofessionals, using patron satisfaction as the measure of success. Factors associated with satisfactory service are identified, and suggestions for the effective use of paraprofessional staff are presented. (4 references) (CLB)

Reviews arguments for and against fees for online services and describes a supply side model in which the library absorbs the costs of online searching. The implementation of this policy at an academic library is evaluated and detailed guidelines for implementing such a policy are provided. (CLB)

Describes a publication from the U.S. Department of Education that reports the results of a national survey on the status of library media resources and services in elementary and secondary public and private schools in 1985 and compares the findings with statistics gathered in 1975. (CLB)

Discusses the trend toward increased numbers of off-campus programs and the difficulty of providing adequate library services to off-campus students. Several delivery systems are described and compared, and a system at the University of Wyoming that utilizes bibliographic utilities is presented as model for off-campus library services. (22…

Reports the rationale, design, implementation, and results of an examination of the impact of online subject catalogs on users by comparing their behaviors before and after catalog installation. Evaluation criteria included volume of use, types of searches, use of other catalogs, search time, user satisfaction, and need for assistance. (CLB)

Reports measures of the gains in search time and likelihood of success in known-item searches with the Acorn automated catalog at Vanderbilt University. User time and search success are valued in dollar terms to make the measures meaningful for system design choices. (Author/CLB)

Describes the methodology and findings of a study that examined the reasons that people use academic libraries and the relationship between library use, library instruction, and user success. The conclusions identify library services and physical facilities that may increase user satisfaction. (Author/CLB)

Discusses changes in academic libraries resulting from evolving technologies, and the need to train library patrons and staff in the use of electronic information systems. A review of the training literature and the results of three projects for supporting patron use of online systems are reported. (CLB)