Provides advice for systems librarians facing the question of when to provide CD-ROM access and when to provide online access to databases for their patrons. Discusses price, updates, effective resource utilization, and determining users' needs. (AEF)

Describes some of the adaptive technology that is useful in a library. Highlights technologies that accommodate persons with low vision, those with learning disabilities, and the deaf and hard of hearing, and discusses screen readers and voice-output mechanisms, the Internet. Includes a selected list of adaptive-technology vendors and products and…

Reports how access to libraries in Library Power schools was provided, the changes in facilities and equipment that were made, the amounts and kinds of use that occurred, how practices and facilities were related to use, and how teacher involvement in Library Power activities related to use of the library by students. (AEF)

Managing technology has become a significant task in today's school library. The library media specialist must control the inventory and optimize its use so that the school community can access and use the information it needs. Presents the following tips: documentation; processing; preventative maintenance; facilities issues; access; security;…

This article describes how librarians stepped up to the plate to rescue materials and meet the needs of thousands of uprooted evacuees from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, employing their unique skills and resources to put forth a humane and herculean effort. In Houston and Austin, Texas; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Memphis; Fayetteville, Arkansas; and…

The Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) was the first, and the largest, federal program of assistance to libraries, and as amended in 1990, contains eight titles that authorize aid to public libraries. In 1994, the appropriations authorizations for LSCA programs were extended for one year, but without substantive amendment, by the…

This compilation of documents submitted by various academic and research libraries on library services to the disabled is arranged under six topics. Policy and procedure statements are addressed by Colorado State University and the Universities of Wisconsin at Madison, Connecticut, and Missouri. The University of British Columbia and the…

This report examines the various functions and operations of the shelving unit in the academic library, including staff organization, personnel selection, staff supervision, staff morale, staff training, administrative tools, and equipment utilized. The practical experiences of the shelving unit of the M. D. Anderson Library of the University of…

Describes the selection of a library computer system for the University College of the Northern Territory in Australia. The criteria used in developing a cost-effective system, advantages and disadvantages of the resulting system, and possible applications to libraries in developing nations are discussed. (CLB)

Relates experiences of University of Rochester's main library during complete renovation of the central reference department including the addition of a full-service reference station. Topics covered include planning the reference station, solutions to seven design requirements, increase in staffing and reference questions after one year, and…

Examines the problem of book theft in libraries, including why people steal; titles and subjects most frequently stolen; budget impacts; collection redevelopment; and a list of 31 suggested prevention measures, including policy issues; security measures; facility design; automated system tracking capabilities; collection strategy; and…

Presents tips and suggestions for installing computer hardware and related equipment in school libraries. Highlights include cabling and wiring set-up; temperature control and lighting; hardware placement that allows for safety and supervision; spatial and furniture considerations for hardware stations; equipment storage; and security. (AEF)

Discusses factors to consider when estimating the number of public access terminals (PACs) or workstations needed in public and academic libraries for online catalogs, including building size and layout, physical facilities, resources available through the system, peripheral equipment, graphical user interfaces, remote users, system capacity, and…

Focuses on the library service principles of multisensory thinking, respect for the question, and respect for the questioner as they relate to people with learning disabilities and all users. Discusses reading difficulties of people with dyslexia, along with audiotape and computer technologies that libraries can use. Presents approaches to the…

Presents security procedures for protecting a library's computer system from potential threats by patrons or personnel, and describes how security can be breached. A sidebar identifies four areas of concern in security management: the hardware, the operating system, the network, and the user interface. A selected bibliography of sources on…