Discusses a five-point approach for library media specialists about school-based management. The approach includes establishing priorities for the school library media program, developing strong community support and a public relations program, creating a support staff within the school, refining human relations, and using creative scheduling and…

Provides answers to some commonly asked questions about furniture and interior space utilization in libraries. Examines the impact of increased computer usage on electrical, space, and reference desk requirements. Highlights specialized needs with regard to the Americans with Disabilities Act and air quality standards. Discusses shelving and chair…

The University of Washington (Seattle) developed an administrative process that integrates user needs assessment. The user-centered library is defined and assessment initiatives including policies, surveys, analysis of resource allocation, and professional development are discussed. (AEF)

Academic libraries should focus on their users as customers and develop programs to meet expectations. Discusses gaps between expectations and management's perception of expectations and suggests strategies for enhancing satisfaction, communication, and management. (AEF)

Reports on an agreement signed by 15 leaders of large U.S. research libraries and archives to collaborate on the establishment of a National Digital Library Federation which will implement an open digital library consisting of digitized collections accessible via the Internet. Also lists the federation's mission, goals, and participant names and…

Using networked information resources to communicate research results has great potential for academic libraries; this development will require collaboration among libraries, scholars, computing centers, and university presses. Library managers can help overcome collaboration barriers by developing appropriate organizational structures, selecting…

To coordinate an academic-library marketing effort effectively, a comprehensive plan is essential. A traditional marketing plan consists of four activities: determining what to promote, defining target audiences, choosing type of outreach, and evaluating program. Suggestions for promotional activities, forms of publicity, and examples from the…

Discusses the following management challenges libraries must cope with in the paradigm shift from print to electronic access to information: becoming involved in network issues; leveraging resources; duplication of effort; partnering; legal, political or economic; standards; remote users; and acquisition, selection and organization of electronic…

This column presents views of professionals in the library and information studies (LIS) field and assess the state of LIS research. Questions are posed to researchers and practitioners in various LIS fields, asking them to address where they think the research front is. Six respondents focus their discussions on library and information center…

Describes seven "habits" for effective school library media specialists: (1) Be proactive; (2) Begin with the end in mind; (3) Put first things first; (4) Think win/win; (5) Seek first to understand, then to be understood; (6) Synergize (get students, teachers, administrators, community members to work cooperatively); and (7) Sharpen the saw (take…

Argues that without reform and adaptation to contemporary technology, paper libraries will become little more than book museums. Outlines four major problems with contemporary library practice. Discusses benefits of database-management systems for organization of libraries' paper resources. Lists requirements libraries should demand of any new…

The support of electronic services requires special skills and in many cases more, not fewer, staff hours. Each library must develop individual solutions to this dilemma, but many will find useful a model that incorporates three basic elements: utilization of experienced librarians, targeted recruiting of entry-level librarians and creative…

Last year, Louisville, KY, grew overnight from the country's 64th largest city to the 16th largest, the result of the merger of the city with Jefferson County. Pittsburgh and Buffalo, NY, are among other communities discussing city-county mergers. Many smaller communities are considering merging services, such as police and fire, or consolidating…

Collection development in the highly specialized area of the United States merchant marine, which includes navigation, marine engineering, shipping, naval architecture and shipbuilding, and seamanship, requires familiarity with the national and international organizations, governmental and other, which regulate and oversee the marine industry.…

This paper discusses techniques for selection of library materials in the subjects of exercise, sport and leisure. Details are shared about utilizing standard review sources, locating subject-specific publishers, searching indexes and abstracts as sources of reviews, and tapping into the work of professional organizations.