Discusses rare books in library collections and problems that are encountered with theft and/or preservation. Highlights include the effects of online auctions on the Internet; costs of replacing lost materials; and libraries that keep valuable books in the circulating collection, stamping them and subjecting them to use that devalues them. (LRW)

Discusses the history of the reference reform movement that began with an article that described what was wrong with reference. Highlights include the use of technology; remote access; tiered service; appointment-based reference service; alternative staffing patterns; and providing adequate resources to enhance reference service. (LRW)

In 1997, the American Medical Association (AMA) agreed to endorse untested home health care products of Sunbeam Corporation in exchange for royalties and the opportunity to include informative materials in the products. This article compares the AMA and the American Library Association (ALA) and presents the AMA experience as a cautionary tale for…

Discusses how libraries can deal with criminal and disruptive behavior, including vandalism, theft, and threats toward individual safety. Security measures proposed and/or implemented by various public and academic libraries, and the Library of Congress, are highlighted. Also included are a list of crisis prevention tips and suggestions for…

Describes the collection of the Martin Luther King Library and Archives and examines recent problems that have developed. Topics discussed include a lack of adequate funding and personnel; the lawsuit concerning papers given to Boston University by Dr. King; and an interview with Coretta Scott King. (LRW)

Describes the oldest and largest combined school-public library system in the United States. According to school principals and librarians who function within it day to day, the system is working, although it has limitations. (LLS)

There are no foolproof solutions to Internet access in libraries. This article lists selected library solutions, what not to do, and what to do: pick a common-sense approach, focus on customer service, keep an open mind, avoid accepting or repeating hearsay, and find common ground. Includes highlights of the Orange County (FL) Library System's…

Describes how a library in the state of Washington was floated on a barge across the Hood Canal (part of Puget Sound) to its new site. Discusses property costs, the mechanics of moving the building, community support, obstacles, media coverage of the move, and renovations at the new site. (AEF)

Discussion of the use of interactive television highlights a program by the Minnesota State Law Library that provides reference services to prison inmates. Time, cost, and quality of reference services are considered versus on-site visits; technical difficulties are discussed; and a sidebar describes two other library experiments with interactive…

Chronicles the process used by University of Denver officials as they decided to close the library school as of August 16, 1985, due to overall enrollment declines and financial pressures. Highlights include plans of university's reorganization committee, questioning of library school's quality, and 30-minute defense by library school dean Bernard…

Libraries' commitment to open access can jeopardize personal safety. Violent incidents are increasing in libraries due to factors such as evening hours, variety of clientele, and flaws in building design and materials arrangement. This article provides ideas on how to create a safer library environment and on factors to consider when preparing…

Describes the impact that the war on drugs in Colombia has had on their library services and on the lives of professional librarians. Topics discussed include political, staffing, budget, resource, and physical plant problems; the serious shortage of professional librarians; and extending library service to rural areas. (LRW)

Explains why the Internet is not replacing libraries. Highlights include the lack of substantive material that is available; problems with finding what is there; the lack of quality control; physical difficulties with reading electronic texts; high costs of digitizing; and lack of access to older material. (LRW)

Reports on public and academic libraries' efforts to collect and preserve zines, which many librarians consider to be an important record of communication and culture. Discusses a donation to the New York State Library in Albany; collection development; use by scholars and students for research; problems with cataloging zines; and handling zines…

The Librarian of Congress addresses the increasing security threats to the collection at the Library of Congress that caused him to close library stacks, increase police patrol, install surveillance cameras and alarm systems, create material inventories, and limit patron privileges. Many of the security functions are being assessed and monitored…