Discusses the benefits of creating a collegial environment for library reference staff, highlighting application of the "Golden Rule," supervisor's role, policies and procedures, barriers to success (lack of communication, competitiveness, conflict, dictatorial supervisors, envy, burnout, lack of reward), collegial education and…

Needs assessment in legislative libraries has three critical components: a well-thought out strategy to identify what should be understood about Members' research and information needs, expectations and preferences; a range of reliable, effective and appropriate methods to find this critical information; and ways of building what is learned into…

Argues that today's technology supplements traditional means of scholarship and communication. Discusses University of Denver's policy of technology implementation, information technology, interdisciplinarity, changing library environment, information usage and control, and costs. Concludes that future libraries will be defined not by technology…

Provides a description and assessment of the merger of the government publications division and the maps division at the San Diego State University (California) library that was necessitated by budgetary constraints. The impact on patrons is discussed, including reference assistance, arrangement of materials, reference and circulation policies,…

This study examines 104 articles on the fee versus free controversy in libraries, written primarily between the years of 1992 and 1997. The content analysis assesses the types of libraries that charges fees--academic, public, school, or special; who is charged--everyone, businesses and their personnel, law firms and lawyers; and what services the…

A study at the King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (Saudi Arabia) revealed that the overall materials availability performance rose from 63.8% to 76% when library staff provided assistance. The major reasons for nonavailability of items were related to circulation policy, ownership, and user skills. (Author/AEF)