In this column, the author compares and contrasts the most popular scripting languages that are used to create truly dynamic service-oriented Web sites, building a conceptual framework that be can used as a starting point for specific server-side library projects.

Library media specialists make it a point to be sure their students and parents know they are responsible for the books and other materials that they borrow from the library media centers. In her K-2 library media center, the author sends friendly letters home at the beginning of the school term informing the parents that they and their child are…

When budgets are especially tight, librarians often do not have the spare time for innovation, yet these conditions require the most creativity. This article describes how to set up a once-a-week Library Club that meets during the lunch hour. Since many schools have multiple lunch hours, materials can be set up for two or three lunch times at…

A book sitting out on a shelf for display is worth 10 book jackets hanging on a bulletin board. Circulation increases when students can actually handle the book and look inside its covers.

CIC library Web sites were examined to determine how diversity related to collections was represented. As diversity in collection development is frequently highlighted by broader diversity initiatives, other diversity pages on these sites were explored as well. In the majority of cases, neither diversity collection development nor diversity was…

The purpose of this column is to share information and ideas about how libraries, technology companies, content creators, vendors, and users can work together to make the world of information technology in libraries more accessible for everyone, including people with visual, auditory, physical, and learning challenges. It will discuss how these…

If someone has something to say, they have never had it so good. People can get their word out by posting to a blog, by editing a wiki or a web site, or even by using cost-effective print-on-demand book production services. In other words, collection development librarians now live in a world of hurt. All these methods, as well as a number of…

These pioneers set out to set up new communities in the virtual frontier. Now, more than 50 libraries serve as Web hubs for their local settlements. The communities we live in have changed over time. But no matter the size of the tallest building, no matter how advanced the infrastructure, they grew to that size from humble beginnings: a…

This article discusses the current environment of the ILS (Integrated Library System) plus add-ons tailored for electronic content and its future. It suggests that while the ILS may be mature, the supplemental products are not and the linkages among them are even less so. On the technical front, the recent interest in Web services gives reason to…

The authors think fun is a key word when it comes to early literacy. Learning to read is hard work for most children--and kids, like adults, enjoy things that bring them pleasure. So as professionals who work with young children, their job is to make sure that kids discover the joy of books. And one of the best ways to do that is by providing…

Nearly all academic libraries keep circulation statistics which are often shared with their parent university, library consortia, and national organizations. This study attempted to discover what goes into circulation statistics by surveying Southeastern research libraries. Libraries were asked what they count in their circulation statistics and…

In June of 2001, the University of California Libraries initiated a pilot project that enabled library patrons to direct request items held in the University of California Special Collection Units. The pilot ended the need for patrons to initiate most requests for unique items in person through the Special Collections department and allowed…

Conspectus tools are used to gather collection data for a variety of reasons. Criticisms of the instruments are equally varied. Conspectus users frequently express uncertainty about the accuracy and validity of judgments about collections based on conspectus evaluations. An overview of decision-making research demonstrates that uncertainty is…

Regardless of whether cell phones remain the dominant platform or Wi-Fi becomes the prevalent platform, there are some things that libraries can do to improve patron service in light of evolving expectations, behaviors, and tools. People today are more nomadic, which leads to the very real possibility of having to deliver content not just to the…

This article considers strategies for promoting information literacy other than classroom instruction. Library services, such as the creation of pathfinders, excellent reference practices, and provision of user-friendly Web pages, are considered in terms of how they might be useful in supporting an information literacy initiative.