Reports on a survey that revealed that few U.S. libraries (46 of 485 responding institutions) offer self-guided English-only or multilingual audiotape tours for user orientation. Barriers to their implementation included lack of funding and the prospect of frequent revision. Issues of technological advancement, appropriateness, and maintenance are…

A survey of 97 Ohio college and university libraries provided data on types of accommodations made in Title II (public), Title III (private), and Title IV (communication services and auxiliary aids) with respect to: access; auxiliary aids and services; restroom facilities; signage; and staff and policy making. Investigated the effects of…

Outlines the design, objectives, and evaluation of an introductory Internet workshop offered with library instruction classes in an electronic classroom at Queens University (Kingston, Ontario, Canada). Presents teaching tips and frequently-asked questions. The Internet primer handouts are appended. (AEF)

Presents the results of a survey conducted at the State University of New York Albany to explore library patrons' use of the Internet and their use of the library-sponsored Internet instruction program. Results indicate that most Internet users chose to learn on their own; different instructional needs, based on gender and learning style were…

Outlines the Follet Report, the United Kingdom's Electronic Libraries Programme, and the Focused Investigation of Document Delivery project, and describes document delivery research projects in the areas of resource sharing, network communication, scanning, and electronic delivery systems. Suggests that librarians reassess their roles, and calls…

Describes a study that explored the interaction between academic librarians and faculty at the University of Manitoba, the impact of librarian's contributions, and the future roles of librarians. Highlights include teaching and instruction; information services; information technology; research; collections; and the willingness of faculty to…

Discussion of electronic library reference services focuses on an overview of the chief methodologies available for conducting assessments of electronic services. Highlights include quantitative measures and benchmarks, including equity and access; quality measures; behavioral aspects of quality, including librarian-patron interaction; and future…

Discusses the increasing number of student with disabilities that are attending higher education institutions and participating in distance learning programs, focusing on the role that libraries can play in assuring access to electronic resources. Highlights include the digital divide; legal issues; universal design; accessible design; and…

Describes a study that asked undergraduates to list three personally memorable incidents concerning library use in order to understand the human experience of libraries and implications this understanding has for library use and service, education, and design. Discusses results of content analysis, phenomenological analysis, and grade levels at…

Surveys the new directions for research in the humanities that are both under way and projected. Digital applications and collaborative partnerships are key elements. Discusses collaboration and partnership; new strategic directions for the British Library; the British Library's e-strategy; collaborative e-ventures in support of research and…

A literary scholar interacts with various other speakers at the Fleur Cowles "Fleur" Symposium 2000 (Austin, TX) and makes his own case for the necessity of physical materials that are always yielding new insights. He rues the apparent denigration of paper materials and the reduction of books even in research libraries and suggests that research…

Librarianship's worldview or philosophy preconditions understanding of ideas such as core value, diversity, and equity. Adherents to the orthodox version of this worldview restrict minority interests while aspiring to become a scientific profession. Those in favor of a modified version of the worldview support cultural diversity and non-positivist…

Includes five papers presented at the 1995 VTLS Inc. Fifth Annual Director's Conference in Roanoke (Virginia), entitled "Back to Basics: Rethinking Libraries." Topics include libraries' use of high technology, collection management and electronic publishing, public services and telecommuting clientele, what to expect of library school…

Discusses experiences and outcomes of benchmarking at the Queensland University of Technology (Australia) library that compared acquisitions, cataloging, document delivery, and research support services with those of the University of New South Wales. Highlights include results as a catalyst for change, and the use of common output and performance…

As budgets decrease and demands for services increase, private fund raising could be the answer for public libraries. Identifies fund-raising strategies: campaigns to raise taxes, educational partnerships, planned gifts, bequests, tax-free foundations, and capital campaigns. (PEN)