This column assesses the state of library and information studies (LIS) research. Researchers and practitioners in various LIS fields address questions related to the research front and agenda for collection development; what the field needs to advance further; whether it needs a more sophisticated conceptual or theoretical framework; operational…

Digitization benefits the users of special collections through increase in traditional use of materials, development of new avenues of research, and the appearance of new types of research using rare books and manuscripts. It challenges the relative value given to paper originals of rare materials as digital holdings increase. Special collections…

Describes the Perseus Project, a Harvard University-based effort to develop a hypermedia library of text and images concerning classical Greece. Explores the role of naturalistic inquiry (NI) in the Project. Reports that NI has helped researchers uncover unanticipated demands upon instructors, students, and developers in working with hypermedia.…

Describes the development of a multimedia library collection at Concorde Career Institute (Missouri) that specializes in allied health technical career training. Highlights include determining student needs, barriers to student and faculty use, instruction in library use, and working with instructors. (LRW)

The history of the Reference and Adult Services Division (RASD) of the American Library Association is traced from the creation of the individual adult and reference service divisions through the merger that formed RASD. Focuses on the origin, structure, and activities of the division and on the individuals responsible for the development of RASD.…

Discusses the development of Electronic Library at TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute, New Delhi). Highlights include: hardware and software used; the digital library/Virtual Electronic Library; directory of Internet journals; virtual reference resources; electronic collection/Physical Electronic Library; downloaded online full-length…

Bringing the scholarly world and the collections of scholarly resources together is an ongoing challenge that involves providing a variety of inducements, rediscovering the potential riches of collections, and encouraging imagination and innovative perspectives in the use of special collections. (Author)

Presents a method for building library collections in career planning and suggests current awareness resources; collection development resources; a selected core collection including general works, series on various occupations, books on specific careers, directories of employment opportunities, and guides to resume writing and interviewing;…

This article derives from a review of key challenges confronted by libraries that are actively investing in online collections and services. Conducted in the first instance to help refine programmatic goals of the Digital Library Federation (DLF), it took account of digital library developments, successes, needs, and challenges perceived by…

Describes the library of the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC. Highlights include the library director and personnel, promotion of the library's mission, budget, formats and subjects in the collection, cataloging, access policy, patrons, and future plans. A sidebar discusses "One Survivor Remembers" (the 1995 Oscar-winning…

The conclusions reached at the conference "Rare Book and Manuscript Libraries in the Twenty-first Century," (Houghton Library, Harvard University, 1992), summarized in this essay, provide a context for the "Flair" Symposium. Some issues have changed; others have not. Newer technologies have produced aids and challenges for…

Describes attempts to develop library services in the island republic of Kiribati (the Gilbert, Phoenix, and Line islands). The development of rural library service in conjunction with school libraries is discussed, a postal library service is described, the establishment of village libraries is discussed, and constraints that have inhibited…

This theme issue includes eight articles that discuss the information age, the impact of information technology, and the role of libraries. Highlights include libraries in Brazil, Indonesia, and Nigeria; the Universal Availability of Publications (UAP) program; community literacy; database development in Malawi; and the Regional Energy Resources…

In the basement of the Waupaca Area Public Library, the Best Cellar is a separate room for young adults that allows teens the freedom to laugh, talk, snack, and listen to music without disturbing others. The furniture, collection, young adult population and community, hours of operation, staffing, planning, youth participation, and librarian and…

Librarians at Indiana University Northwest Library surveyed patrons on how to make the library's collection and services more accessible by improving signage. Examines the effectiveness of signage to instruct users, reduce difficulties and fears, ameliorate negative experiences, and contribute to a user-friendly environment. (AEF)