To prevent vastly different Internet access policies from creating uneven service for patrons from community to community, the author argues that librarians, as the logical champions, must define "universal service." Offers hardware, software, Internet functions, training, and service as some of the elements of access that should be…

Presents basic design tenets for electronic library guides and the concerns these guides present for internal policymaking. The goal is to help library staffs produce electronic guides that will be effectively utilized by a variety of patrons without creating an added burden for the library. (Author/LRW)

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…

Outlines the Family Friendly Libraries (FFL) charter and how its aims challenge equal and unrestricted access to information as mandated by the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights. Discussions include how FFL might hurt libraries, how libraries can "keep things positive" by promoting services that FFL can support, and…

Reviews the research on maintaining information currency in reference collections. Discusses age versus use; continuity of maintenance; problems with irregularly published works; manual maintenance methods; computer-assisted methods; assignment of responsibility; and collection management/maintenance policies. Suggests how to improve reference…

Suggests that varied and often understated uses of copyrighted materials exist in academic settings. Introduces four "frames" of reference: Academic, Technological, Social, and Market. Presents court cases relevant to each frame. Explores two scenarios involving use of copyrighted materials. As technology increases both access and control, the…

Discussion of violence in the workplace focuses on libraries. Highlights include types of violence in libraries; recognizing warning signs of employee violence; preventive action; and strategies for a safer library, including appropriate security systems and other devices. (LRW)

Emphasizes the need for collection development policy in community college academic libraries. Highlights areas of resource sharing, community analysis, and collection assessment. Also provides an overview of how to create a collection for development policy, and recommends books on writing such policy. Includes model policy statements. (NB)

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)

Describes the role of automation in library acquisitions and serials departments in support of collection development. Highlights include workstations and expert systems; links to external databases; vendor services, including serials services and online review and selection of approval books; and automated access to collection development…

Describes building security procedures developed at the Hampton Public Library (Virginia) to deal with problem patrons. Highlights include need for the library monitor program; staffing patterns; monitor selection criteria; training procedures; library behavior guidelines; library policy statements; theft detection systems; and sample job…

Focuses on effective technology training for library staff. Discusses helping staff overcome technophobia; suiting technology-based jobs with staff members' needs and capabilities; providing a policy/procedure manual to guide the training; the steps that should occur in training; aligning training with in-house library resources and services;…

Explains libraries' roles in protecting intellectual freedom. Outlines these faulty impressions: librarians endorse the content of their collections; "everyone" agrees on controversial material; representation of all viewpoints means equal numbers; and denial of reconsideration requests indicates librarians don't take challenges seriously.…

Describes the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) advisory committees in terms of research, public, college and university, and special libraries. All four of the type-of-library advisory groups work to shape OCLC policies and programs, according to the particular needs of each group. OCLC's financial and programmatic success depends upon…

Examines innovative ways for school libraries to collect organize, and make effective use of student work. Highlights include recognizing original work; student writing; student posters of favorite books or characters; databases for organizing information; videotaping of students' activities and presentations; electronic products; events;…