Describes several online resources devoted to the issue of information access by the disabled; librarians serving disabled users and seeking to employ adaptive technology will find a great deal of information on these sites. (AEF)

Tracking use of print journals over a ten-year period has allowed The University of South Carolina (USC) School of Medicine Library an essential tool for more accurate collection development, for both print and electronic selection. This lengthy study has provided usage statistics for purchasing decisions regarding electronic subscriptions still…

Academic branch libraries located at a distance from the parent institution often face unique challenges in meeting users' needs for scholarly information. This is especially true for distant branch libraries that do not have a specialized function or collection, but who often face the challenge of meeting users' needs for scholarly materials…

Information is a consumer-driven commodity; the very existence of libraries and information centers is based on the patrons' need for specific information or material. This professional resource shows how to use management methods to implement a strong customer service program to deliver better service to patrons. This book outlines the reasons…

The purposes of this five-year Oregon State Library plan are: (1) to establish goals, priorities, objectives, and strategies for the development of library services within the state of Oregon; (2) to set forth methodologies to evaluate the success of the strategies in meeting the goals, priorities, and objectives; (3) to set policies and…

Case studies of six public libraries that have adopted the concept of long range, community-based planning were conducted to explore what actually happens in natural settings as public libraries implement long range planning, and to document the differences that exist among these settings in process, goals, implementation, participant perceptions,…

This paper focuses on the responsiveness of libraries to user needs within the context of a changing academic environment. First, the character of the changes in the academic environment and the consequences of them for the relationship between scientific information and users are elaborated. Then, the kinds of responses needed for the adequate…

This paper outlines the efforts of the United Kingdom (UK) Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) to help UK higher education institutions deal with the growing diversity of information resources. These efforts are based on two strands: the Electronic Libraries Program and the development of the JISC collections. These strands are now coming…

Examines 18 articles on international students' use of U.S. academic libraries, identifies common issues and concerns, and discusses proposed solutions. Recommendations for conducting research on meeting the needs of culturally diverse students, and implications for staff development and bibliographic instruction are also provided. (Author/AEF)

Examines the idea of the whole internet as a library resource, discusses advantages of the Internet, and presents a list of the author's favorite Internet sites. Listed sites include an Internet address and a brief description of what information the source provides. (JMV)

An econometric model of library reference service is suggested for revision and improvement of current services. Discussion focuses on costs and budgets, expanding needs, and community support. (AEF)

Describes how a library, with an MCI Corporation grant, approached the process of setting up computers for the visually impaired. Discusses preparations, which included hiring a visually-impaired user as a consultant and contacting the VIP (Visually Impaired Persons) group; equipment; problems with the graphical user interface; and training.…

This working outline provides a detailed plan and background information for conference participants, who were assigned to assist the government and an institution in one of four developing countries in planning for the establishment and/or strengthening of a system's information capabilities over a 10-year period. These projects were: (1) the…

This document represents the five-year Arkansas State Plan for the operating in accordance with the Library Services and Technology Act in Arkansas (fiscal year 1998-2002). The following are covered: vision statement; a description of the types of libraries in Arkansas (public, school, post-secondary education, special, and State Library); an…

This document, like its predecessor, will serve as a blueprint for and a means of communication about statewide library automation. The original plan introduced the concept of the electronic doorway library as a way to explain the changes occurring in the delivery of library services. Through 14 assumptions, 32 recommendations, and implementation…