Examines the role of the serials vendor in the collection assessment and evaluation process in academic libraries. Topics discussed include the subscription agency's resources, including databases; issues of quality, accessibility, and manageability; costs, both present and future forecasts; availability, including document delivery; and issues of…

Provides an introduction to sampling, determination of sample size, and selection of the actual sample that would be useful for librarians conducting research and evaluation studies. Highlights include sampling method, sampling error, confidence level, and microcomputer software packages that help determine sample size. (Contains 26 references.)…

Reviews the effects of technology on interlibrary loan (ILL) services, and discusses ILL at the Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). Examined the number of ILL requests at SIUC from 1983 to 1993, and found that ILL requests have not increased for undergraduates, despite the increased quantity of information available. (JMV)

Examines the nature of faculty culture and how certain aspects of it impede bibliographic instruction efforts. It is suggested that continued initiatives by librarians to understand and to reach out to faculty are needed to increase widescale acceptance by faculty of bibliographic instruction. (Contains 126 references.) (Author/LRW)

Faculty status for academic librarians is based on the teaching faculty model even though the basic tenure and promotion constructs of teaching, research, and service do not readily apply to academic library practice. A clinical faculty model is presented as a more viable foundation for faculty status for academic librarians. (Author/JKP)

Argues that library services to older adults have historically been weak and summarizes research to support this point of view. An expanded role for libraries as suggested in the American Library Association's guidelines is advocated, and the four guidelines most relevant to reference services to older adults are evaluated. (nine references) (EAM)

Argues that patrons in a publicly supported academic library come from the general community as well as from the university, and include children, adolescents, and business people. The importance of recognizing the needs of various user groups and budgetary and staff limitations are stressed along with setting future priorities. (28 references)…

Outlines a process for downloading MARC format bibliographic data into a form readable for an Apple Macintosh computer running HyperCard software. Loading procedures for two data sources--an OCLC format tape and records from UCLA's ORION public access catalog--are discussed, and the use of a minicomputer system is considered. (eight references)…

This report summarizes findings of the American Library Association (ALA) Survey of Librarian Salaries 1991, which covered full-time professionals in academic and two-year college libraries and large public libraries. A table showing rank order of position titles by mean salaries is included, and it is noted that staff cutbacks have been reported…

Discusses active learning techniques in elementary education and postsecondary education and describes the successful conversion of a research methods lecture to an active learning session at the University of Nebraska library. Ideas for increasing student participation in university library instruction are suggested, and effects of active…

Discussion of staff loyalty to library directors highlights guidelines for directors to sustain loyalty and support, including choosing the appropriate management style, developing trust, and supporting staff by encouraging input and helping them reach their professional potential. Results of a survey of Missouri state academic libraries that…

Describes a peer coaching program implemented at Temple University's Reference and Information Services Department to provide staff with support in fine-tuning and maintaining certain reference desk skills. The discussion covers the origins of the program, coaching basics, and the applicability of peer coaching to the academic library setting. (12…

Describes a search strategy method for bibliographic instruction in academic libraries that includes the major types of bibliographic tools and the prescribed sequence in which to use them. The strategy begins with dictionaries and encyclopedias, progresses through bibliographies and subject guides, and ends with periodicals and books. (five…

Results of a study conducted at Arizona State University West revealed that nearly 36% of reference questions asked were from non-affiliated patrons and approximately 70% took five minutes or less to answer. While longer questions took a disproportionate amount of time, this study shows that the time spent answering affiliated and non-affiliated…

Describes the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI) professional-development program that is designed to provide institutional teams of librarians and information technologists with the tools they need to work collaboratively on projects of mutual interest and need. A workshop is described and future development is considered. (Author/LRW)