Model for evaluation of library reference services examines four elements of reference process: librarians' performance on requests for factual information; knowledge of library policies, procedures, or services; provision of bibliographical instruction; and performance of interviewing techniques. Reference service questionnaire, criteria for…

The first section of this paper on the school library and the learner discusses policies and the school library. Recommendations are offered related to hours, creating an inviting atmosphere, convenience, collection, computer services, reading material selection, storytelling, and reading aloud. The second section addresses principles of learning…

This presentation investigates the various kinds of services that are needed in school library systems. It relates to the leadership style and organizational needs for small, medium, and large systems at district, regional, or state levels. The content addresses some of the components of the print versions of school library system handbooks and…

The Library Policy Committee appointed by the Finland Ministry of Education in 1999 worked for 2 years to identify the challenges arising in the civil information society and the concrete solutions to them. This document is a summary of the salient points of the Committee's report. First, the vision for the Finnish public library is outlined,…

This paper focuses on ethics for librarians and library science in the age of electronic information. First outlined is the "public relations nightmare" that the Internet is creating for the administrators and the library staff. It is suggested that libraries pick a common sense approach that involves the library staff and community and…

An analysis of user requests for interlibrary loan materials revealed that about 5% of the total requests placed at the University of Oklahoma required lending fees. Costs and users' willingness to pay those costs are reviewed. Libraries seeking cost recovery would provide more efficient and democratic service if flat charges on all requests were…

Compares the results of an interlibrary loan (ILL) user satisfaction survey conducted among the Greater Midwest Research Library Consortium members with institution-specific data from Iowa State University and University of Arkansas. Discusses contrasts in policies in light of results that show significant differences in supplier charges per…

The International Federation of Library Association (IFLA) announced that Dutch scientific and German special libraries adopted electronic licensing guidelines. Emphasizes consortia and the need for libraries to stick together. Discusses general principles; access and use; storage, formats and integration; services and costs; information and use;…

Examines the pros and cons of providing access to the World Wide Web for library patrons as well as suggesting solutions to problems. Discusses the establishment of a library policy governing the use of the Web, as well as the importance of workshops and instructional materials on Web use in libraries. (Author/AEF)

Discusses the evolving role of academic libraries in providing products and services to distance learners. Guided by accreditation standards, libraries are examining how well their services satisfy the unique needs of these students. Gives examples of library policies and procedures, highlights Internet significance, and discusses future trends in…

Most of 814 academic libraries surveyed allow onsite access to unaffiliated users, and many give borrowing privileges to certain categories of users. Use of library computers to access library resources and other computer applications is commonly allowed although authentication on library computers is increasing. Five tables show statistics.…

Discusses the impact of Internet access on library reference services based on 1994 interviews with almost two dozen university librarians. Highlights include library policy, overcrowded workstations and methods of controlling use, recreational use of terminals that interferes with more formal library use, restriction as a form of censorship, and…

Examines the impact of Libraries Online!, a Microsoft grant to provide technology to low-income populations, at High Point Library (Seattle, Washington). Discusses race relations among users, children helping children, computer lab programs for children, developing an Internet Use Policy, homework and reference services, and staff training and…

Lists values that should underpin librarians' work: stewardship, service, intellectual freedom, privacy, rationalism, commitment to literacy and learning, unfettered access to recorded knowledge and information, and democracy. Discusses how these values should be used to shape a vision of the future library, a "library as a place" that challenges…

Examines how libraries can encourage and increase youth access to information. Discusses the role of the school library media center; law, illegal information, and censorship; parental rights; information policy; and promoting youth access before a challenge occurs in the library. (AEF)