School libraries are no longer solely repositories for the information that has traditionally been published in books. School library professionals are providing education and access to information in many different formats and technologies. The role of the school librarian is much more than just literacy; it is about visibility, culture, and…

Whether a library's reference collection is large or small, it needs constant attention. Singer's book offers information and insight on best practices for reference collection management, no matter the size, and shows why managing without a plan is a recipe for clutter and confusion. In this very practical guide, reference librarians will learn:…

Campus librarians play a central role in conversations revolving around copyright compliance. The sheer volume of information provided within library physical and virtual spaces affirms the role libraries play in current copyright debates. Regardless of the function of librarians on any particular campus, it is important to confront the myriad of…

In this paper the author compares the use of digital materials that have been deposited in The Ohio State University (OSU) Knowledge Bank (KB). Comparisons are made for content considered in scope of the university archives and those considered out of scope, for materials originating from different campus sources, and for different types of…

Focusing on slide and photograph collections that document art, architecture, design, and related fields, this book provides a comprehensive guide to more than 500 visual collections in libraries and institutions throughout the United States and Canada. Listings provide complete information about the collections, including the name and title of an…

The New Thought movement is the focus of an exercise in developing a core collection to support research in a defined subject area. The authors outline the New Thought movement's conceptual and historical development and apply this outline to the selection of library resources. A sample collection development policy is included; such a policy is…

The purpose of library public relations is to develop ongoing programs of contact between the librarians and the population groups that they serve. This book is a guide to creating a library public relations program or for improving an existing program. The information is divided into six sections, and sources of additional information are…

Examines three essential questions and suggests areas for research in each: (1) How are digital resource users best served: What resources will they want? How will they want to use them? What services will most enhance use? (2) What elements are required for a coherent preservation strategy covering resources both digital and traditional? (3) What…

Presents American Library Association guidelines for medical, legal, and business responses at general reference desks covering the role of the librarian, including interpretation, advice, confidentiality, and tact; sources, including currency and referrals; telephone or mail reference; and ethics. (MES)

The author reviews the evolution of the Circulation Department at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) Library and Information Center from 2001 to the present. It is shown how a traditional circulation department with poor customer relations transformed itself by adopting innovative policies and services leading to improved customer…

Proposes that training paraprofessionals for routine reference desk service is an inexpensive way for libraries to allow professionals to address tasks such as long-range planning, policy making, and sophisticated information retrieval. Suggests that training should focus on specific questions that are likely to come up and on appropriate…

A policy and procedure manual for all members (new and current) of the church or synagogue library staff is valuable because it preserves continuity in library administration, gives an easy reference to policies and procedures, helps maintain efficiency and effectiveness, provides a first step in establishing a new library, and provides a guide…

Assessing user needs is vital to planning and development of collection and service policies in depository libraries. Community surveys, published surveys, library internal reports, and databases are alternative sources of user information. A group process, such as the Nominal Group Technique, which creates a listening forum, may be more effective…

This book is a guide to providing library resources and services that support homeschooling. The first section contains an overview of the homeschooling movement, statistics that show a nationwide trend toward this form of education, and an examination of the motivations, philosophies and educational styles of homeschoolers. The second section…

Examines the impact of electronic technology on libraries and scholarship. Focuses on some of the challenges of using electronic resources in research libraries, which include cost of acquiring electronic formats and the effect such expenditures have on other library services and collection development practices. Explores how electronic resources…