Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to compare the attitude of the managers of libraries located at Iran, Tehran and Shahid Beheshti Medical Sciences Universities' training hospitals, on the status of information technology (IT) in the mentioned libraries. Design/methodology/approach: This study employed a researcher-made questionnaire. The…

Librarians are familiar with the single-line form, the consolidated index, which represents a very large portion of a library's print and online collection. Their end users are familiar with the idea of a single search across a comprehensive index that produces a large, relevancy-ranked results list. Even though most patrons would not recognize…

Libraries, as authoritative custodians and providers of information, are facing a number of challenges as they are trying to adjust to the new information environment. Some challenges arise from major paradigm shifts in recent decades relating to the understanding of the nature of information processes and conceptions of authority. Engagement…

Discussion of recent developments in personal workstations and software that make it possible to extend the utility of library systems presents the advantages of workstations as well as technical problems and potential solutions. Development of a simple prototype workstation environment at the University of Western Ontario is described. (16…

Examines the environmental context that is shaping academic libraries and computing centers and their interdependence. The strengths of a partnership of these two information service organizations are discussed, and potential areas of tension between them are considered. Resulting changes in the nature of information work are suggested. (16…

Discussion of the library, its information providing function, and the systems librarian examines: (1) the impact of information technology on libraries; (2) library organization charts; and (3) position advertisements--who are systems librarians, what do they do, and what should they do? (seven references) (MES)

Discussion of methodologies for libraries to use when selecting an integrated library system focuses on the benefits of using a Request for Proposal (RFP), based on experiences at the University of Rochester. A copy of the system vision statement which describes the purpose of the RFP is appended. (LRW)

Examines the information infrastructure and the impact of information technology in India. Highlights include attempts toward automation; library networking at the national and local level; descriptions of four major networks; library software; and constraints of networking in academic libraries. (LRW)

Discusses the organization of information in academic libraries and suggests that librarians' organizational experience could be helpful to other academic information systems. Technological advancements in libraries are explained, standardization is considered, and the need to manage information efficiently among all campus departments is…

This review of the positive and negative impact of centralization of library collections and services on library staff and quality of services focuses on reference services. The move from decentralized to centralized library services at Louisiana State University is discussed as well as the effect of automation on that configuration. (Author/CLB)

This paper discusses the development of information technology (IT) literacy among library staff at the University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa). The first section describes the networked environment in South Africa. The second section summarizes the IT background of library staff and perceptions of IT literacy among staff. The third section…

This research examines the changes that electronic information technologies have caused on power within organizations, particularly related to library automation, academic libraries, and their positions on college campuses. Based on the strategic contingencies theory of intraorganizational power, a model of organizational power is developed and…

Discusses the traditional role and functions of research library technical services departments and examines the impact of electronic information and information technology on technical services. It is argued that technical services units will stagnate if they do not accept the responsibility of becoming technologically adept. (19 references) (CLB)

Discusses the growing similarities between academic libraries and computing centers and proposes an organizational model for the union of the two into an information services center. The administrative and personnel implications of such a union are addressed. (Author/CLB)

Discussion of the roles of library schools and library personnel in educating librarians for work with information technology highlights the following needs: technology-oriented and innovative graduates; relevant curricula; updated faculty; expanded continuing education offerings; on-the-job training; encouragement of further education;…