Summarizes some of the applications of automation in the Miami-Dade (Florida) Public Library System. A detailed discussion of the system CD-ROM LAN (Local Area Network) covers hardware and software, cost factors, advantages of networking CD-ROMs, problems, and evaluation. It is concluded that the advantages of a CD-ROM LAN outweigh the…

The second of two articles on setting up a CD-ROM work area in a library considers access to the discs, including security, distribution alternatives, and limiting access; user needs, including needs of novice and expert searchers, troubleshooting, and instruction; distance from printed reference tools; and other issues, including printing,…

Discusses the use of global computerized information networks through statistics and examples of the involvement of various countries. Topics addressed include growth of the global network; countries that lack any connections; the value of information; librarians and the network; and exploring the Internet, including gopher sites. (Contains 29…

Special section on fair use and copyright contains three articles: "The Management of Intellectual Property" (Scott Bennett); "The Meaning of Fair Use" (Kenneth Frazier), including electronic infringement and examples of court cases; and "Document Delivery" (Laura N. Gassaway), including copies for primary users,…

Provides an overview of marketing efforts of the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. Examples of a marketing plan that stresses fostering relationships with the community are described, including staff training in customer service, a cultural festival, and services to the business community. A sidebar offers marketing tips for…

Reviews the use of CD-ROM technology in libraries. Topics addressed include personal computers and CD-ROM; possible futures of CD-ROM technology; the organization of CD-ROMs; workstations; help for users; remote access; delivery systems; and providing reference services to CD-ROM users. (Contains nine references.) (LRW)

Discusses the need for appropriate continuing professional education for reference librarians. Topics addressed include issues of competence; professional and ethical responsibility; certification and licensure; and continuing education and the new model that focuses on user needs. (Contains 12 references.) (LRW)

Presents guidelines from the Reference and Adult Services Division relating to the needs of libraries that use fax and electronic document delivery systems in the interlibrary loan process. Highlights include equipment recommendations; uniform practices regarding equipment operation and administration; guidelines for borrowing and formatting; and…

Describes the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law by President Bush in 1990, and explains possible impacts of the legislation on libraries. The goals of the ADA regarding people with physical or mental disabilities are explained, compliance to prevent discrimination is discussed, and possible litigation is mentioned.…

Describes procedures used by the St. Paul Public Library (Minnesota) to gather input from patrons to use in developing a new strategic plan. The use of group interviews and a survey to identify which roles of the library were important to users and which services supported each role is explained. (two references) (LRW)

Shows how l'Heure Joyeuse, a children's library started in Paris in 1923 as a gift from U.S. philanthropists, became a model of open-access, user-oriented public libraries. L'Heure Joyeuse's unique role in the development of public libraries in France from before 1900 to the present is described. (41 references) (EAM)

Provides highlights of the activities of the Association for Library Services to Children (ALSC) for 1992-93 as they relate to the American Library Association priority areas of access to information; legislation and funding; intellectual freedom; public awareness; personnel resources; and library services, development, and technology. (EAM)

Two articles discuss the library hardware marketplace. The first examines the Apple Macintosh in libraries from 1984 to the present, including linking libraries, computers, and endusers over large geographic distances. The second article discusses upgrading components of systems in the IBM compatible, MS-DOS, and Windows environments as costs…

Discusses Total Quality Management (TQM), benefits to libraries, and possible barriers to its adoption. An overview is provided of 13 articles included in this issue on (1) library approaches to TQM; (2) implementing a TQM program; (3) supporting TQM efforts; and (4) learning from the experience of others. (EAM)

Offers an implausible view of reference services by proposing that librarians anticipate questions and provide a kind of preventive service. A tongue-in-cheek survey of nonlibrary users is described and supposedly analyzed with the conclusion reached that traditional reference service is fine. (EAM)