A pilot project at the Medical College of Wisconsin illustrates how even small computing organizations with limited financial and staff resources can provide remote access to CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read-Only-Memory) databases, and that providing such convenient access to a vast array of useful information can greatly benefit faculty and students.…

Summarizes the highlights of a report on the results of a 1989 survey conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) to obtain current information on the availability and usage of services for children in public libraries. The design of the questionnaire and unasked questions for future research are mentioned. (EAM)

Reviews theory and research findings concerning service organizations, develops a model of the library reference process, and summarizes the results of a partial test of the model in five academic libraries in northern California. The roles of clients and service providers are explored, and variables that influence service outcomes are discussed.…

Summarizes issues raised at the 1991 spring conference of the Association of College and Research Libraries/New England Chapter (ACRL/NEC) concerning computer networks and libraries. Highlights include national information policy; library resources and services; developments at the National Agricultural Library (NAL); ILLINET; resource sharing in…

Reports results of a preliminary survey which examined the potential of downloading as a means of reducing the recurrent printing costs of CD-ROM database use in libraries. Highlights include (1) profile of a typical library; (2) printing availability, restrictions, and fees; and (3) downloading availability, promotion, and computer support. (MES)

Continues a description of the Usenet computer network that began in the previous issue. The effective use of Usenet is discussed, including how to screen out unwanted information, the most helpful newsgroups to access, and setting up news reader software. Ideas for library outreach services via Usenet are also suggested. (LRW)

Provides background on the selection process for government-produced CD-ROMS for small selective depository libraries. Hardware, software, staffing, and service issues relating to statistical CD-ROM databases are discussed from the perspective of the smaller depository library. Reasons for and against selection of these databases are considered.…

Outlines the arguments of the author's 1992 book, "Librarianship: The Erosion of a Woman's Profession," which explores the changes underway in librarianship. The importance of acknowledging the abilities of professional librarians, recommitting to direct service with clients, and advocating for the public's right to information are stressed. (EAM)

The Illinois Off-Campus Library Services Evaluation Model utilizes collaboration between evaluators and individual stakeholders. An OCLS survey administered at a small comprehensive liberal arts college with evening and weekend course offerings showed compliance with state and Association of College and Research Libraries requirements, general…

Reports on a national survey of 400 2-year colleges concerning the current status of online activities. Details responses from 207 institutions regarding the provision of online services, vendors used, primary users, costs per search, sources of funding, and search topics. Compares findings with other recent studies. (DMM)

Discussion of bibliographic instruction (BI) in academic libraries focuses on a search of the literature in nonlibrary journals that was conducted to determine the significance of BI to those outside the library profession, especially faculty. The need for library-faculty cooperation is discussed, and the authorship of BI articles is examined. (23…

Describes programs such as "Read Together" and the "Gift Book Program" that were developed by "Beginning with Books," a prevention-oriented literacy agency affiliated with the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Discusses projects that promote literacy in home and community. (MG)

Discusses the benefits and drawbacks of fee-based services offered by tax-supported libraries and describes their rationale, extent, and cost-benefit potential. Research services, video rentals, online searching, and interlibrary loan services are among the fee-based services described. (KRN)

Examines the development of electronic books and traditional libraries in relation to the history of books and publishing. An ongoing project is described that is developing two forms of electronic books: hyper-books (built from paper books) and visual-books (built from electronic texts). (22 references) (EAM)

Describes a survey that was conducted at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville library to count and categorize the types of questions coming into the reference department from telephone calls. Informational and directional calls are examined, implications for staffing are considered, and queuing theory is applied. (seven references) (LRW)