Summarizes historical development of product liability laws which allow an injured party to seek to recover damages for personal injury or loss of property allegedly resulting from defective product and reviews activities of Triodyne Inc. in gathering evidence to be used in product liability lawsuits. Sixteen references are cited. (EJS)

Proposes guidelines to assist educational technologists and librarians in exploiting and communicating video information effectively in public and academic libraries. The reasons for using video in libraries, current international developments, equipment and facilities recommendations, and relationships between educational technology units and…

Profile of the computer program offered by the library/media center at Chief Joseph Junior High School in Richland, Washington, highlights program background, operator's licensing procedure, the trainer license, assistance from high school students, need for more computers, handling of software, and helpful hints. (EJS)

Discussion of role of school library media centers (SLMCs) in multitype library networks notes five basic factors that contribute to their exclusion from library networks: psychological, political and legal, funding, communication, and planning. Examples of programs attempting to reduce barriers to school participation in library networks are…

This article provides realities in reaction to myths that have developed around online searching based on experience at Northbrook Public Library (Illinois). Discussion covers experience needed by online searcher, use of the multitude of databases, retrieval of relevant material, and cost. Two reference situations utilizing online searching…

Description of the Preservation and Conservation program of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions emphasizes the importance of approaching problems of preservation and conservation on an international scale and the need for international guidelines and standards. Forthcoming international seminars and conferences…

Written from perspective of the president of a graduate research-oriented university, the author explores nature of the academic library, its size and structure, retrenchment as it affects acquisitions and services, and issue of who makes decisions concerning the library. Space and budgetary problems at the University of Oregon are discussed.…

Discusses five developmental needs of adolescents and explains how they contribute to an "instrumental approach" to the selection of library materials. Highlights include traditional attitudes of librarians; place of popular culture in libraries; popular culture media as arbitrators of behaviors; and heroes, mass media, and reading.…

This discussion of the cost efficient allocation of time in public libraries highlights time as a "fee," the cost of time, time and public library use, Sunday hours and time, cost of Sunday hours, the flextime factor, and use of Sunday hours. Eight sources are given. (EJS)

Presents suggestions to librarians for helping patrons who want to perform their own online searches. Background information, end user training, equipment (hardware and software), continuing help, and document delivery are discussed. Ten references are included. (EJS)

Discussion of the homeless in American public libraries focuses on harmless individuals who may be considered nuisance by library staff/patrons. Highlights include literature about problem library patrons, national problem, social issues, major themes (offense to others and library staff, balancing rights, and elitism), and implications for…

Describes the growth, rationale, and operation of a no-charge cooperative formed in 1982 by group of small Australian health science libraries to combat rising costs of interlibrary loans (GRATIS), and its South Australian equivalent (GRATISSA). Membership, coverage, features, problems, applications, and future developments are noted. Nine…

Describes the conversion of card catalog records at William Jasper Kerr Library, Oregon State University, to an online system. Discussion covers the use of OCLC and student assistants, procedures and specifications, and problems associated with massive retrospective conversion needs and uncertain budget allocations. Eight sources are recommended.…

Seven articles provide reactions to the lead essay on the topic of library reference work. Highlights include quality and quantity, prestige, making appointments, staffing patterns, reduction in hours at reference desk, tasks for non-reference desk hours, professionalization, innovation, evaluation, fees, and gender makeup of librarianship.…

Suggestions for the establishment of a puppet performance center highlight: how to begin (tap natural inclinations of student, set aside spot); how to set up a show center; necessary materials; planning a show; special effect puppets; and the audience for the performances. Five further resources to consult are included. (EJS)