The Electronic Information Resources Task Force was formed by the University of Rhode Island Library to evaluate the present program and plan for and develop improvements. The specific charges to this to this Task Force were to: evaluate the range of the electronic information and delivery mechanisms relevant to the programs of the University of…

This working outline provides a detailed plan and background information for conference participants, who were assigned to assist the government and an institution in one of four developing countries in planning for the establishment and/or strengthening of a system's information capabilities over a 10-year period. These projects were: (1) the…

Two recent studies clarify the growing importance of tribal college libraries in the overall tribal effort to educate Indian people. Cheryl Duran (1991) applied Flamholtz's organizational development model to the role of libraries in the development of tribal colleges. During the new venture, expansion, professional, and consolidation stages,…

The purpose of this study is to look at how the academic library systems office (i.e., an entity or group of entities within a library whose purpose is to oversee the hardware and software systems functions within its electronic automated processes and services for the use of the staff and public) in Ohio has evolved to become a library-wide…

This paper examines the role of innovation in library operations, with an aim to incorporate innovative procedures that achieve convenience in practice, and efficiency and effectiveness in a simultaneous economic reduction. The methodology outlined in this paper is that of Best Practices. The objective of this method is to examine an…

This address focuses on technological change, the Information Age, and the relevance of libraries. Highlights include: creating a shared vision; adding value to information services; sharing organizational values; forging strategic alliances with vendors and suppliers; reallocating resources; and responding to change with flexibility. The speech…

Latin American libraries have experienced an important development in the last two decades. Telecommunications and Information Technologies (ITC) have been key elements in this process. There are leading institutions with remarkable programs; nevertheless it is necessary to design marketing strategies to improve their benefits. A case study based…

This SPEC Kit and Flyer focus on the gifts and exchange function in Association of Research (ARL) libraries. The survey was sent to 119 ARL institutions via e-mail; 62 usable replies were received. Results, discussed in the SPEC Flyer, highlight trends and effects of changes in library automation, staffing decreases, administrative reorganization,…

Describes how undergraduate libraries have responded to change and the changing needs of undergraduate students. Examines statistics from 20 libraries, and summarizes results of a survey of 9 libraries on book versus periodical usage; staff size; reference staff philosophy; library status; and response to increased emphasis on undergraduate…

Describes factors behind a 1993 proposal at Harvard College (Massachusetts) to renovate its undergraduate library to a gateway library to change from print to digital information. Summarizes findings from a national conference sponsored by Harvard College Library and based on a position paper entitled "Gateways to Knowledge: A New Direction…

Discussion of the development of undergraduate libraries focuses on Harvard's Lamont Library. Topics include financial issues, including sources of revenue, computerization, and personnel costs; technological changes, including hypermedia and the virtual library; and organizational changes, highlighting the merger of libraries at Cornell…

Summarizes users' opinions of a networked electronic library at Cornell University's Mann Library as part of the planning process for a major redesign. The system's impact on library collection development, preservation, technical services, information services and delivery, instruction, and computer support are described; and plans for library…

Discusses the results of a nationwide survey (57 survey questions) of academic libraries that investigated fund-raising programs, including personnel involved; goals and costs of fund-raising; library donors, friends, and advisory groups; priorities; and factors of success, including involvement of the director and time on task. A copy of the…

Presents results of a survey designed to provide an overview of the academic media center past, present, and immediate future. The survey included sections on the history of the academic media center and/or collection, current policies and functions of the academic media center, and the way in which Internet technologies have changed academic…

Describes the Selected Archives at Georgia Tech and Emory (SAGE), a local grant-funded project to build virtual library capabilities at both libraries. Discusses the progress made by the libraries in six areas: selecting materials; preserving original data formats; creating digital files; indexing digital files; designing Web-based navigation and…