Explores the changing role of the library and the importance of developing a strategic technology policy. An approach to technology that includes a review of the technology base, continuing education, improved hiring practices, innovative organizational design, and greater involvement of libraries in research and development is recommended. (six…

Compares and contrasts the experiences and perceived roles of librarians and architects in the library-design processes of recently completed branch public libraries in three library systems in the Greater Vancouver area of British Columbia. Discusses the project team, site selection, architect selection, library interiors, and information…

Discusses the challenges confronting law libraries in this age of technology. Highlights include physical storage space; transformation of the library environment; search and retrieval challenges; law library/librarian profile; librarian/publisher partnerships; and the future roles of technology and library services. (AEF)

Assesses the changes in interlibrary loan (ILL) practices, and points the way to an ideal future. Discusses patron-initiated document request systems; library-mediated ordering systems; document delivery suppliers; accessing electronic resources; ILL management software; paying ILL invoices; new electronic delivery options; and results of a…

Discusses four areas in school library media programs that media specialists are expected to develop. Topics include promoting information literacy among students; knowing how to evaluate and use various information technologies; consulting with teachers to strengthen student learning and outcomes; and serving on school-based management…

Discusses the emergence of electronic text and examines the interrelationships between the evolving electronic environment and the library's collection, organizational structure, personnel, budget, and external relationships. A figure showing the convergence of complex science, management, and the electronic word is appended. (AEF)

Discusses the value of school library automation, and suggests that an automated school library is the right of every child and teacher. Examines the role of the teacher librarian in the current environment; advantages of Online Public Access Catalogs (OPACs); and trends towards greater convergence in information technology applications in the…

The authors envisage a new future for libraries, one in which they assume a very proactive role, pushing, as well as pulling information back into the Web, in a manner similar to that in which a private electricity producer feeds back surplus power into the grid as well as taking electricity when needed. (Author)

This document examines the impact of new information technologies on the various roles of national libraries. Seventy-two national libraries responded to a questionnaire designed to assist in determining how such institutions worldwide are responding to recent technological innovations. The first of six chapters identifies three basic…

This article discusses the possible answers to most librarians' questions and how advanced and hi-technology help them in the library world. Many of the answers to librarians' questions regarding digital media depend upon community/patron awareness and library resources. In this article, the author presents some quoted statements from electronic…

The objectives of this survey were: to gather information on the development of institutional information technology policies and guidelines for responsible computing and use of electronic information; to identify the scope of such policies and guidelines; and to determine the role of the library in the development and/or use of the policies and…

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…

Most professionals in the field of educational technology have served as change agents; it is no accident that one domain in the current definition of the field specifies a sociological theory base linked to practice that includes diffusion, adoption, implementation and institutionalization of innovations. This paper emphasizes the implementation…

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 document, like its predecessor, will serve as a blueprint for and a means of communication about statewide library automation. The original plan introduced the concept of the electronic doorway library as a way to explain the changes occurring in the delivery of library services. Through 14 assumptions, 32 recommendations, and implementation…