Early collaborative efforts between librarians and computing professionals at Rice University (Texas) led to the realization that some organizational restructuring was needed to effectively serve changing user needs. A new approach to delivering user services has not only benefited users but also resulted in growth and skills development for…

Discussion of text files and textual analysis in humanities research focuses on the results of two surveys of Research Libraries Group (RLG) academic libraries which was conducted to identify the systems used to support text files. Description of a system at the University of Michigan includes examples of screen formats, and seven sidebars…

Discusses staffing needs and plans that need to be considered by library administrators. Topics addressed include the supervisory process, including patron needs assessment; the staffing process, including a staffing control system; staffing studies that establish a base for decision making; staffing standards; staffing problems; scheduling; and…

Provides guidance to academic librarians for making cost-effective and appropriate purchase and networking decisions for electronic bibliographic database products. Topics include user needs, user and program demographics, academic computing and network support, delivery options, and considerations for the future. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the need for libraries not only to recruit, but also to retain, diverse professional staffs. Topics include diversity as a multi-dimensional concept; creating an environment conducive to retention; ensuring equity in regard to promotion, professional development, and success; the tenure process in academic libraries; and mentoring…

Discusses various communities that have contributed to the development of the Yale University Library Electronic Text Center (ETC) and describes the evolution of the ETC from a center for the support of electronic texts in the humanities to an electronic resource center providing support in the creation of World Wide Web resources. (LRW)

A Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Equity Grant provided an opportunity for the QUT Library to engage indigenous students in a dialog facilitated by an experienced storyteller who focused on cultural and motivational issues that affect the relationship between students and the library. Results and recommendations are discussed.…

Discusses results of a survey of 10 Florida State University System libraries that investigated how they incorporated electronic resources into their library instruction and compared them to theories and methods described in the literature. Topics addressed include instructional levels; instructional media; trends in bibliographic instruction; and…

Describes the Connecticut Library Network, which was created through state legislation to expand the state library's existing database; to link all school, public, and academic libraries and municipal government offices; and to make the state library's information resources widely accessible. Public library Internet access, National Information…

Explains the status of information technology deployment in Kentucky. Topics include Kentucky Information Resource Management Commission, created by the state government; the Kentucky information highway, including education, health care, economic development, geographic information systems, and science and technology; and library-specific…

This overview of the use of technology in Missouri libraries describes the statewide bibliographic union database; elementary and secondary school projects using the Internet; full-text magazine database; remote electronic access; state depository program for digitizing resources; networks; electronic publishing; interlibrary loan; public and…

Reviews statewide multitype library automation and connectivity initiatives in New Hampshire. Topics include an information system incorporating a union catalog, interlibrary loan, electronic mail, CD-ROM databases, and Internet access; state government information on the World Wide Web through the state library; OCLC FirstSearch access; and a…

Asserts that there is a need for immediate attention to be given by librarians to assistive and enabling devices that may be acquired and installed on computer and other high-tech devices that will ensure full use of technology by disabled users. Suggestions for assistive technologies are recommended from examples at Cabrillo College. Appended is…

Describes library services available to distance learners at the Rochester Institute of Technology's library. Highlights include courseware products; subject specialists; electronic course reserves; interlibrary loan; research databases; online library instruction, including online guides, streamed instruction, and computer based training for…

The Canadian university library members of two consortial e-journal deals were surveyed t o determine how many of the corresponding print journals had been cancelled as a result of their participation in the online package purchase. The survey indicated that the number of concurrent print subscriptions held by the libraries had notably decreased.…