Discusses problems faced by innercity libraries and describes programs at a Cleveland Public Library branch that help make the library an integral part of the community. Topics addressed include a new immigrant population; developing a Spanish language collection; attracting children and adolescents; discipline and safety; and working with the…

This second part of an article on sexual harassment and libraries features stories of library workers who have suffered sexual harassment. Highlights include problems from men and women; homosexuality issues; harassment from supervisors, employees being supervised, co-workers, and patrons; and the involvement of Equal Employment Opportunity…

Discusses features to consider when selecting dictionaries. Topics addressed include the publishing industry; the dictionary market; profits from dictionaries; pricing; competitive marketing tactics, including similar titles, claims to numbers of entries and numbers of definitions, and similar physical appearance; a trademark infringement case;…

Compares and contrasts policies and procedures pertaining to sexual harassment from selected national organizations with those of the American Library Association (ALA). Policies from the American Bar Association, American Council on Education, American Association of University Professors, American Psychological Association, and National…

Description of the history of a statewide interlibrary loan and electronic mail telecommunications network highlights difficulties and reinforces the idea that off-the-shelf systems are preferable to in-house system development. Recommendations include: solicit expert technical advice (including review by an independent programmer); choose…

Addresses several differences between computer software and books that affect copyright-related issues. Discussion covers durability of the physical medium, dilemma of backup copies, software licensing agreements, integrity of honest customers, and policy suggestions for libraries that have or are considering microcomputer labs and are concerned…

Explores three forms of alternative work schedules that research has shown improve job performance and decrease absenteeism: flextime (starting and stopping times vary within limits); permanent part-time employment (regular employment carried out during shorter working hours); and job sharing (two or more part-time employees share one full-time…

Argues that the entrance of research libraries into the "arena," i.e., the area of public responsiveness, is a necessary adjustment to current realities. The special situations of patron-sponsored, affiliated, and independent research libraries are discussed in this light, using the Folger Library in Washington, D.C., as an example. (JD)

Describes the conversion of card catalog records at William Jasper Kerr Library, Oregon State University, to an online system. Discussion covers the use of OCLC and student assistants, procedures and specifications, and problems associated with massive retrospective conversion needs and uncertain budget allocations. Eight sources are recommended.…

Based in Berkeley, California, the Green Library is dedicated to helping solve the world's environmental problems by providing information on ecology, environmental problems, public health, and related fields to overseas libraries. The library has opened environmental libraries in Poland and Nepal and plans to expand this network worldwide. (MES)

Discusses the development of a research library at Rice University, whose first and only library building is less than 40 years old, highlighting the founding of the University in 1912, the Fondren Library building, library collections and cooperation, fee-based services, automation and the future, and problems and prospects. (EJS)

Describes a six-month experimental library program carried out in Venezuela that sought to develop a home alternative to regular preschool education by providing parents and other adults in the family with the means of teaching children academic and problem-solving skills required by school. (Author/JD)

An explicit, nondiscriminatory code of conduct that is based on due process standards, and the enforcement of relevant laws can constitutionally address offensive behavior problems in libraries. (AEF)

Provides a summary of the 1991 conference of the Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE). Highlights include an evaluation of the doctorate degree; problems with traditional library education; the need for multidisciplinary curriculums; statistics about library science educators; postgraduate internships; and revised…

Discusses alternatives for dealing with insider theft of rare library materials, including publicizing losses and prosecuting. An example of insider theft is detailed. Ideas for preventing theft, including hiring practices and restricting access to materials, are considered. Suggestions for thinking through procedures to deal with the…