Librarians, like patrons and researchers, are caught between traditional library service models and the promise of evolving information technologies. In recent years, professional conferences have strategically featured programs and presentations geared toward building a mobile agenda and adapting or adopting services to meet new demands of mobile…

Describes a study that investigated the use of electronic book devices by college students, professors, and librarians. Topics include the use of personal digital assistants (PDAs); challenges for libraries, including policies for PDAs; technological problems with PDAs; and student attitudes. (LRW)

This study examined the influence of (1) the setting of the reference interview on the interaction and (2) accuracy and the librarian's behavior on the success of the reference interview. Tables display correlations between the interpersonal, interviewing and listening, and searching skills of the librarian with the patron's willingness to return…

The third annual survey on use of audio- and videocassettes in public, academic, and special libraries covered: (1) collection size; (2) budget support; (3) sources for selection and acquisition; (4) fees and publicity; and (5) problems. It was concluded that audio- and videocassettes and libraries are inextricably linked. (MES)

Summarizes results from a survey of construction of new academic law libraries and extension of existing libraries from 1967 to 1976. Facilities discussed include stacks, reading rooms, audiovisual materials, computer terminals, special purpose rooms, and special libraries. Library integrity is viewed as a major factor in design and construction.…

Composed mostly of photographs and statistical tables, this survey report provides data about construction costs, book capacity, and seating capacity for academic libraries. New libraries, additions, addition/renovations, renovations only, and new law libraries are the subjects of the statistical presentation. (SW)

Analyzes trends in the library automation marketplace. Market shares for online vendors are examined in terms of total installations, academic libraries, public libraries, revenues, differently sized systems, and foreign installations. Hardware availability, operating systems, and interfaces with MARC are also discussed for each vendor. A source…

Discusses the results of a survey of academic member libraries of the ARL (Association of Research Libraries) that investigated changes in reference services over the last three years and how electronic resources have impacted them. Topics include remote users; email reference; and live virtual reference. (LRW)

Presents the expectations of academic research libraries in the hiring of entry level librarians relative to academic and work experience. Results of a survey indicate that skills in management, automation, research, and writing are highly desirable. (RAA)

A survey of 83 academic public service librarians to ascertain the extent to which they were aware of, involved in, or affected by retrospective conversion projects found that the role of public service librarians in such projects is limited. A need for improved communication between public and technical services librarians is indicated. (13…

Iowa State University's cost study proves academic librarians can keep cataloging in-house and save staff costs. Several factors play a role in the productivity surge at ISU: increasing use of shared cataloging; growth of online authoring files; expanding role of support staff; increasing automation of catalogers' work; and structural flattening…

Discusses the library skills preparation of students entering college and reports on a study of students' attitudes about doing research in an academic library which revealed feelings of anxiety. Implications of this anxiety for the design of bibliographic instruction programs, as well as specific instructional techniques, are described. (5…

Library construction continues to thrive as money allows for new and remodeled buildings. This year's 197 public projects alone account for $543 million. The 81 new buildings join 116 additions/remodels and 35 academic libraries. Five tables provide statistics on new buildings and additions/renovations by name of institution and by state and…

Describes results of a survey of librarians conducted using the Internet, regarding their attitudes toward electronic mail and networking. Topics addressed include software; the effect on job descriptions; privacy issues; use in academic libraries; navigation problems; discussion groups; and perceived value. A sidebar discusses network etiquette.…

Presents results of a "Library Journal" study that surveyed paraprofessionals to determine their attitudes towards their jobs and supervisors, and compared salaries and job benefits of paraprofessionals and professionals in public and academic libraries. Findings indicate that paraprofessionals feel they don't get the respect and…