Illustrates the possibilities of freely or inexpensively connecting a library to the Internet. Discusses the advertising-supported approach; local resources for free or budget Internet resources; public access catalogs; examples of free Web materials and of libraries that have achieved a low-budget Web presence; building an effective planning…

Memorial Hall Library in Andover, Massachusetts wanted to offer live reference service online but with limited resources, they couldn't do it alone. The 24/7 Reference cooperative program administered by the California State Library required Memorial Hall's librarians to monitor only 10 hours a week in return for live reference coverage. Memorial…

In Florida, as in the rest of the country, there is a paradigm shift within libraries. Increasingly, the information necessary to respond to user needs is available electronically--sometimes only or most conveniently in electronic form. For librarians to be most effective in the electronic revolution, they need to link their libraries into a…

This book provides school library media specialists (SLMSs) with practical guidelines and suggested Internet sites for designing cyber libraries that are reflective of their school's research, curriculum, and recreational reading needs. An introduction provides SLMSs with a rationale for designing cyber libraries. Chapter 1, Cyber Library…

In 1982 the New Hampshire Automation Task Force made recommendations for an online statewide union catalog, which first came into use in 1984. In 1991 a subcommittee of the Automation Planning and Review Committee of the New Hampshire State Library presented a report on elements that should be addressed in a long range plan. This strategic plan is…

During 1993-94 the University Libraries of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, began formal needs assessment to collect data that reflect the information needs of university students, faculty, and staff. The program was implemented by a Needs Assessment Coordinating Group, an assessment consultant, and staff members. Data from the…

One of the most significant decisions in a library administrator's career is the decision to automate one or more of a library's operations. This book describes the present state of local library automation; the planning, selection, and implementation process; and the library administrator's role in the process. The bulk of the text provides a…

The experience of Rutgers University Libraries illustrates the extensive planning, work effort, possibilities, and investment required to develop the digital library. Examines these key areas: organizational structure; staff development needs; facilities and the new digital infrastructure; metadata standards/interoperability; digital collection…

Reviews factors that should affect the decision to automate a school media center and offers suggestions for the automation process. Topics discussed include getting the library collection ready for automation, deciding what automated functions are needed, evaluating software vendors, selecting software, and budgeting. (CLB)

Discusses transition of the small library into twenty-first century, highlighting evaluation of collection development plans and procedures, examination of catalog in terms of collection control, building of machine databases for future online catalogs to improve access to collections, and involvement in research to improve bibliographic control…

Created at the Library of the University of California, Berkeley, by a task force on machine readable data files (MRDFs), this policy provides guidance to materials selectors in acquiring MRDFs through purchase, gift, lease, network, or other cooperative arrangements. The guidelines offer a collection development framework and identify problems to…

Discussion of the information crisis focuses on possible new forms of library collections. Topics discussed include the rising quantity and costs of publications; improvements in access through new technologies; vendors' plans using electronic text; information flow; economics factors, including user fees; and the role of the commercial sector.…

The 16 articles in this issue focus on planning for future trends in public library administration. Topics discussed include leadership qualities; administrator education; collective bargaining; funding and budgeting; governance; user fees; collection management; community involvement and support; special population groups; services to educational…