Since the late 1970s, the access services librarian or equivalent position has become commonplace in academic libraries, and degreed professionals have been sought for these positions since the beginning. In 2009, David McCaslin, California Institute of Technology, examined the place of access services in American Library Association-accredited…

The intent of this study was to aid academic librarians in examining their perceptions of the future of higher education, engaging disciplinary faculty members to understand their views, and determining actions to take to shape the future. In this mixed methods study, scenarios about the future of higher education served as the basis for…

Direction and guidance are provided for establishing and maintaining bibliographic instruction (BI) programs. This document provides an overview of BI and BI programs and points readers to other sources of information. Five key topics were identified and the following papers are presented: (1) "An Introduction to Learning Theory" (Lori Arp); (2)…

This kit is the result of a written request for sample materials from 35 ARL (Association of Research Libraries) members known to have active preservation programs. Twenty-three libraries responded, and of those, 16 contributed documents--some of which are included here. This kit contains: four preservation-related policy statements; 32 examples…

Analyzes problems which inhibit group learning and considers factors which, in the perceptions of students and teachers, contribute to effective group learning, within the context of an academic library simulation for teaching library management to students. Practical strategies to develop educators' and trainers' skills in managing group learning…

Describes a computer-based training program for library staff developed at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, that used HyperCard stacks on Macintosh computers. Highlights include staff involvement; evaluation of modules; trainee participation and feedback; staff recognition; administrative support; implementation plan; supervisory…

Sociology resources housed in the campus library potentially offer valuable support for a department's instructional efforts. Provided is a strategy for (1) evaluating an existing library collection; (2) correcting extant deficiencies; and (3) maintaining the balance and quality of the collection on an ongoing basis. (Author/RM)

Discusses the development of an electronic reserves software system and related administrative issues at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Topics include staffing; technical and work flow issues; education and training of users, faculty, and staff; assessment; and advice for other libraries building electronic reserve programs.…

The results of a managerial rotation program in a medium-sized academic library reference department are presented. After meeting certain minimal eligibility requirements, librarians in this department take turns on a 2-year cycle serving as head of the department. This case study is used as a model to assess both the advantages and disadvantages…

This proposal suggests library inventory procedures to meet the need for improved security in the California State University libraries and to preserve the integrity of the collections at the 19 campuses. There is a need for a reliable method of inventory for the collection as a whole, in order to determine significant changes in the collection…

Presents the principles of effective supervision of library employees from practical, rather than theoretical framework. The topics covered are directed to library school students and new library professionals and include supervisory expectations, respect, delegation, communication, praise and criticism, accessibility, loyalty and support,…

These checklists developed by the Association of College and Research Libraries to provide guidelines for the organization of a bibliographic instruction program cover the following areas: (1) preliminary planning, including needs assessment and research; (2) developing goals and objectives; (3) gaining and maintaining support from within and…

This essay proposes the use of assessment centers, designed to simulate real-life situations and identify managerial skills, as a possible solution to dilemmas of current administrative personnel selection practices in academic libraries. Background, setting up the assessment center, obtaining assessment expertise, and legal implications are…

This report documents the procedures and problems encountered during the evaluation of Western Illinois University's library by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and proposes recommendations for future evaluations of university libraries. Basic problems with the NCATE evaluation involved: (1) an unqualified…

Types of performance evaluation for academic librarians are discussed, noting strengths and weaknesses--formats, relative ranking system, dimensionalized ranking system, management by objectives, and degree of participation. Use of appraisal program to aid library administration in monitoring ongoing activity, planning ahead, and motivating…