This qualitative study explores how online learning is defined at academic libraries in the U.S. and examines the current roles and challenges of online learning librarians. Findings from in-depth interviews reveal that approaches to online learning in academic libraries vary in terms of audience and instructional strategies, and that online…

Special collections and area studies librarians face similar challenges in the changing academic library environment, including the need to articulate the value of these specialized collections and to mainstream processes and practices into larger discovery, teaching, learning, and research efforts. For some institutions, these similarities have…

There has been a noticeable divide the past few years within the library world regarding electronic books. Many academic libraries have been purchasing or leasing web-based academic ebooks for years. Most public libraries on the other hand (thanks in large part to services such as OverDrive) have directed their attention toward downloadable…

Laptops have become ubiquitous in academic libraries, as has the practice of circulating laptops for student use. Several studies have analyzed the how-to of loaning laptops, and a number of surveys have focused on how they are being used. However, little has been written of the practical lessons learned; the trial and error of those on the…

Auraria Library purchased Innovative Interfaces, Inc.'s Millennium Electronic Resources Management (ERM) to manage data about acquisitions, licensing, troubleshooting, and usage statistics of electronic resources. After 3 days of implementation, the software vendor enabled resources records to display. As a result, the electronic resources team…

Discusses the problem library patron from various fronts: historical, personality traits, importance of complaints, nature and types of problem patrons and their behavior, technology and the newly-bred problem patron, strategies for dealing with problem patrons, and ensuring that library administrators and other supervisors understand the need to…

Provides a brief background of the new town development in England during the past 20 years, describes the problems caused by lack of community identity and employment in the new town of Skelmersdale, and discusses the role of the library and its services in the new town setting. (JD)

This transcript contains the text of a speech and five panel presentations on the problems of people with hearing impairments and the provision of academic library instruction to deaf students. Herbert W. Larson describes: methods for effectively communicating with the deaf; the use of signing, lip reading, and interpreters; colleges for the deaf;…

Discusses the use of chat rooms by teens in libraries, including educational reasons and socialization. Considers problems encountered when using chat, including viruses; stresses the need for establishing safety tips; and provides descriptions of five Web sites that allow chat, including instant messaging. (LRW)

Public and school libraries having begun as an outgrowth of each other and then separated, have some overlap in philosophy, function, and public served. Although studies have opposed the combined school and public library, communities continue to attempt mergers largely for promise of dollar savings. There is also a philosophical trend in…

Discussion groups met to address the following seven problems prominent in the young people's and children's departments of Wisconsin libraries: (1) decline of hardback circulation; (2) stealing and vandalism; (3) facilitating user self-help without fragmenting collections; (4) recruitment and orientation of volunteers; (5) censorship; (6) staff…

Discusses elements and situations which act as barriers in the way of library services needed by residents and staff of correctional institutions. It is argued that labeling such services "special" has relegated them to the status of a fringe or extra service provided only when resources allow. References are cited. (Author/LLS)

Discusses the changes necessitated as the Library of Congress moves towards adoption of "Anglo-American Cataloging Rules 2 (AACR 2)," increases its use of automation in technical service procedures, and explores how such changes will disrupt a patron's ability to find materials or information locally. (Author)

A description of the present state of library services in Bangladesh, and suggestions for their future development are presented. (Author/SJ)