Due to inaccuracies in method, public libraries consistently undermeasure their reference transactions. This article chronicles the process of developing ways to systematize the count. Results of a literature survey, merits of various sample sizes, sample selection, and calculations are all discussed. Appendices include a list of categories of…

Description of the accreditation process of the American Library Association addresses the purposes of accreditation, development of standards, eligibility, application for evaluation, visiting team, the visit, the team report, action on the report, appeal, reaccreditation, relations with other accrediting bodies, and advisory services. Issues of…

In two articles, recent graduates of ALA-accredited library schools discuss how well the schools prepared them for their current positions. Areas discussed include reasons for choosing librarianship as a profession, reasons for choosing specific schools, expectations of a library education, and specific examples of how library school did or did…

Presents a framework to discuss trends in higher education based on the economic concept of production function. Criticism of education and economic and demographic changes are discussed; responses from higher education institutions are examined; and implications for academic libraries are considered. (Contains five references.) (LRW)

Examines the conceptual basis for the cost of quality and its application to libraries. The framework for analysis of this conceptual basis includes definitions of the cost of quality; a brief historical review of the cost of quality; and the application of quality cost to libraries, including an explanation of how quality costs respond to quality…

Discusses the vendor's role in the library collection evaluation process. Vendor services are described, including catalogs, bibliographies, periodicals, and announcement services; the process required to produce a vendor publication is explained; and new online and CD-ROM collection assessment tools are described. (LRW)

Reports results of a survey of library assistants in 32 university libraries in the United Kingdom that gathered information about their views, opinions, and attitudes toward their work. Dissatisfaction with promotional opportunities, pay, and challenge provided by the work is noted; and suggestions for improving motivation are offered. (54…

Discusses leadership assessment in academic libraries; explores the topic of leadership assessment through a review of the literature, the arguments on performance reviews, and through an exploration of the societal and institutional context within which these reviews take place in academia; and reviews the leadership roles of library directors.…

Discusses the positive effects that can be attained in a library when senior management successfully supports library directors, and the importance of understanding the director's role and management style in order to increase his or her effectiveness. (CLB)

Describes a study of gender and race data for 86 academic libraries in eight NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Division I conferences. Results show an increase in white women as deans, whereas women and men of color continue to have a small presence in top library management. (Author/LRW)

Examines changing relationships between subscription agents, librarians, and publishers as a result of electronic journals. Discusses customer expectations, pricing models, and the subscription agent's new role as aggregator, acting as an intermediary who offers the end user access to the library's electronic journals via the Internet. (LRW)

This historical overview of librarians' reactions to technological change reviews theories of resistant behavior, as well as strategies for accepting change within the library setting. (CD)

Discusses the early days of the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) in Europe, and developments in its usage. Highlights include negotiations between OCLC and France; retrospective conversion; reorganization and restructuring; the gradual approach to international use of OCLC; problems facing European libraries using OCLC; and benefits. (AEF)

Discusses the effects of rapid development and deployment of information processing technology and the aging of the workforce on library technical services. Problems that can result are considered, and ergonomic solutions, training, change management, and the avoidance of stereotypes are advocated. (Contains nine references.) (EAM)

Academic institutions having curriculum centers were surveyed regarding cataloging, classification, and resource sharing of curriculum materials. Findings showed a variety of cataloging and classification practices and a low rate of input of records onto national bibliographic utilities, such as OCLC. Standardization and usage of materials were…