When Leslie Polott arrived at the Hudson Library and Historical Society in 1996. She headed out into the community to find out what people wanted from their library. After rounds of surveys, focus groups, and town meetings, she knew: a library that was the center of their educational and cultural lives, that provided more opportunities for…

Provides a case study of the acquisitions processes that were necessary when Cardiff University's School of Engineering made a decision to subscribe to electronic-only versions of journals where such subscriptions were less expensive than the print equivalent. In doing so, addresses issues of electronic subscriptions management in UK academic…

Jacksonville State University's (JSU) Houston Cole (HCL) Library has always provided access to required course readings through a reserve circulation system. Prior to 2002, this services was "print based," requiring students to photocopy materials held physically at the reserve desk in the library. In 2002, the library integrated the…

The previous head of the Central Library of Riverside City and County Public Library (RCCPL) (California) examines the economic failure of the system and the effects of the move to total outsourcing to a private commercial firm, Library Systems & Services (LSSI). Concludes that RCCPL had problems long before it was outsourced to LSSI. (AEF)

Storing and curating authentic academic literature and making it accessible for the long term has been a time-honoured task of national libraries. By guarding existing knowledge and facilitating its use to produce new insights, national and university libraries have formed an integral part of the research environment, complementing the roles of…

The University of Chicago's Joseph Regenstein Library Bookstacks Department has used process mapping and continuous improvement to successfully improve its overall operations. The most recent efforts focus on Lean manufacturing, an initiative centered on eliminating waste in manufacturing processes. The conversion of the Bookstacks Department from…

The authors examine strategic priorities for local studies libraries in the context of the interactive Web. They examine the implications for access, investigations and the needs of different users. The philosophy that has previously guided local studies is articulated as a number of maxims, taking into account also social inclusion and lifelong…

In December 2006, the Missouri River Regional Library (MRRL) in Jefferson City, embarked on a journey. They had been watching the Public Library of Charlotte-Mecklenburg County (PLCMC), NC, on its adventure through the wilds of Web 2.0, and they decided to follow the trail it had blazed. What PLCMC had done was pretty revolutionary. The library…

Reviews the growth and development of library fund raising within the context of library history and the development of contemporary philanthropy. Topics addressed include changing environments and the need for additional resources; the role of fund raising in a library's mission; effective leadership; and public relations. (Contains 40…

Presents the concept of building an effectiveness pyramid to align and utilize all major aspects of a library's organization to support and improve the effectiveness of the library. Describes the three levels of the pyramid and how they relate to library effectiveness: the individual; enabling skills and tools; and organizational structure and…

The most critical factor in creating a successful school library is the development of a clear vision of the mission and functionality of this integral learning space. However, the process of bringing a vision to realization involves harsh realities and sensible planning. The budget will determine many purchasing decisions and therefore it is…

This cumulative report serves to keep a record of University of Guam Learning Resources (LR) activities, identify milestones in LR's history, review LR's past progress, and on the basis of the review results, plan for the future. It contains five major sections: "List of LR Administrators"; "List of Important LR Activities";…

Identifies key issues and provides strategies for building a library Web site. Highlights include defining the purpose in accordance with what is technically possible; the server; connectivity; designation of responsibilities; page and link maintenance and enhancement; administrative organization, including a Web Governing Group, Web…

Suggests that credibility and communication are keys to expanding library funding and that library leaders must be aggressive in forging connections both within their institutions and among their communities. Discusses fiscal responsibility and upper administration, finances and staff, and development work. (Author/LRW)

A first-time project manager on a $4 million library addition and renovation project by the Homewood (Alabama) Public Library shares her experiences. Sidebars provide tips for new library project managers; description of construction administration documents; effective phrases to use with the contractor; and the top 10 lies told to a library…