The University of Baltimore Library was recently renovated. Part of the design in the newly renovated space was having one single service point, that we call the Information Desk. This desk serves as the public facing portal for what was previously three public facing service points to services by three separate departments, Academic Success,…

School librarians regularly face difficult intellectual freedom questions. Is it a good idea to put grade- or reading-level labels on the outside of books or use labels to determine what students should read? Do children have First Amendment rights? The ALA "Intellectual Freedom Manual" provides answers and guidance. The…

Describes selected commercial and academic Web sites providing interactive services (Amazon; Jones Library, Amherst, MA; Pine Crest Lower School, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Barnes & Noble; Cal State's Information Literacy Tutorials; PBS's techknow site; K.I.D.S. Report), and argues that libraries that stop at links and policy statements miss…

Discussion of online authority control in library catalogs highlights a system for shared authority work among libraries participating in the Illinois statewide online union catalog, ILLINET Online. Topics discussed include the design of the ILLINET Online database; staff training procedures; documentation in the form of manuals; communication;…

Examines guidelines for conducting quality Internet searches, highlighting subject catalogs, annotated directories, annotated directories with ratings or reviews, subject directories with ratings, subject guides, and information gateways. Discusses variable quality; evaluation criteria: metainformation, credibility, timeliness; quality assurance;…

Whether you are a new school library media specialist just starting in the profession, or a more experienced librarian who may not have the time to research and gather the information you need, this comprehensive guide provides an excellent overview of numerous topics related to school libraries. Written in easy-to-understand language, this…

Discusses the information on academic library practices provided in student employment manuals. Highlights include the mission statement, expectations of employment, enrollment and eligibility requirements, employment eligibility verification, application form, the hiring process, program policies, release of employment verification information;…

Presents seven articles that discuss reference librarians and technical services librarians; evaluating online public access catalogs; bibliographic instruction and CD-ROMs; interactive multimedia and electronic media in academic libraries; open versus closed stacks for academic library periodical collections; policies and procedures manuals as…

This issue presents 42 articles that provide an overview of current reference services in all types of libraries in Illinois. Highlights include designing reference areas; policies and manuals; the reference interview; reference tools; automated databases; resource sharing; services to youth; services to special populations; and reference…