Laptops have become ubiquitous in academic libraries, as has the practice of circulating laptops for student use. Several studies have analyzed the how-to of loaning laptops, and a number of surveys have focused on how they are being used. However, little has been written of the practical lessons learned; the trial and error of those on the…

Discussion of problems of interlibrary loan services highlights high prices, confusing terminology, poor invoicing practices, and restrictions on lending. Two tables show charges for lending/photocopying and number of items loaned in selected private and public university libraries in 1974/75 and 1983/84. Twenty-six references are listed.…

Discussion of productivity in the workplace focuses on libraries, particularly academic libraries. Productivity is defined; opportunities and barriers for productivity in the workplace are explained, including adversity, technology, teamwork, and management styles; and implications for managers are suggested. (16 references) (LRW)

Examination of present conditions of law libraries in Pakistan with respect to their origin, resources, and services covers court libraries, academic law libraries, bar association libraries, government department libraries. Development of legal information service, the judicial system in Pakistan, and problems and prospects peculiar to law…

Discussion of the acculturation of academic librarians to faculty positions focuses on the processes of acculturation, including selection, sequestration, instruction and apprenticeship, sanctioning, certification and sponsorship, and mentoring. Difficulties with this process specific to librarians are considered, and suggestions for improving…

Discusses the effects of copyright law and the ownership of intellectual ideas on scholarly publishing. The effectiveness of copyright law for scholarly and academic publishing is considered, university-based networks for scholarly publishing are described, and problems with and possibilities for electronic journals are examined. (31 references)…

Discussion of the relationship between academic libraries and academic computing centers focuses on the need for cooperation. Theoretical organizational models are discussed; administrative issues are addressed; working models of both mergers and cooperative arrangements are described; and potential problems are examined, including budget…

This study examines and evaluates security issues in academic libraries and examines how educators in institutions of higher learning deal with them. Security issues include: the theft of library materials, the mutilation or vandalism of library materials, dealing with deranged and/or disruptive patrons, and assaults on library patrons and staff.…

Describes the history and development of the algorithm that was used to produce a union list of monographs for ALEPH (Automated Library Expandable Program Hebrew University), Israel's research library network. The literature on merging online records is reviewed, case studies are examined, and problems with matching and merging online…

W. Edwards Deming condemned performance evaluations as a deadly disease afflicting American management. He argued that performance evaluations nourish fear, encourage short-term thinking, stifle teamwork, and are no better than lotteries. This article examines library literature from Deming's perspective. Although that literature accepts…

Stresses the need for understanding the barriers to effective library use resulting from the diversity of users and the overwhelming amount of information available. Guidelines are suggested for use by academic librarians in evaluating facilities, services, and staff to assess their effectiveness in welcoming users and validating their information…

Examines literature for guiding libraries to develop services that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Presents a case of the University of Alabama Libraries' establishment of a technologies lab to serve the needs of the blind, visually impaired, and learning disabled students; examines problems and efforts to increase staff…

Examines the effects of CD-ROM on academic library reference work. Topics discussed include the impact on job duties of the reference librarian; impact on users; system drawbacks; location of equipment; search strategies of users versus librarians; budgetary concerns; and future ramifications, including networking and electronic publishing. (10…

Discusses the role of academic libraries and librarians and suggests they should become more involved in social and political issues such as AIDS education. The use of a mass media campaign as a model for library activities is explained, and problems surrounding AIDS education in libraries are addressed. (20 references) (LRW)

Discusses the current environment in which health information is disseminated. Topics addressed include health information versus patient education; a model for examining delivery of consumer health information; the role of library professional associations; national libraries; public libraries; hospital libraries; academic health sciences…