Summarizes advantages and disadvantages of using computer-assisted instruction for library skills instruction and describes seven steps for developing a program for use in an academic library setting: (1) needs assessment; (2) objectives; (3) program language selection; (4) hardware selection; (5) writing the program(s); (6) feedback and…

Reviews materials on comic books meriting inclusion in a core collection for academic and public libraries. Included are encyclopedias and guidebooks, general histories, collections and anthologies, and books about comic book collecting. Sources of further information on the subject are also briefly discussed. (Author/MES)

Focuses on advantages and disadvantages of centralizing the administration of a bibliographic instruction program in the academic library reference department, noting objectives in administration of such a program; concerns to be addressed prior to deciding who, within organizational structure, administers program; and administration through…

Report on "ALA Survey of Librarian Salaries, 1984" notes the sample of 920 academic and public libraries, five library types surveyed, changes made in the survey since the first was published in 1982, and results. A table charting comparison of average top-of-the-range salaries for librarians (1982 and 1984) is included. (EJS)

A market system based on user subsidies which can provide libraries with a mechanism for accurately determining user need and incentives to provide more efficient services is suggested. Benefits of the market, equity, assessing staff performance, and exploiting new technologies are highlighted. Nineteen references are provided. (EJS)

Discusses responses of 937 academic library directors who were surveyed to determine whether their libraries provide services to users outside academic community; whether outside users are charged fees; and what services are provided for fee. Extracts of information (services, staff, comments) received from ten universities are highlighted. Survey…

Ralph Waldo Emerson's criticism that libraries lack the profession of "professor of books" represents the central problem of bibliographic instruction: an inadequately formed theoretical or conceptual framework. A history of the ideas, notions, terms, and phrases about bibliographic instruction illustrates this. (MSE)

This essay considers problems with perceptions of the value of academic and public library information and thus with its marketing and pricing. Public perceptions of information, awareness of information services, value and cost of information, pricing details, and cooperation between libraries and providers of services are discussed. Seven…

This report presents tabulations for the 2004 Academic Libraries Survey (ALS) conducted by the United States Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). An academic library is defined as an entity in a postsecondary institution that provides all of the following: An organized collection of printed or other materials,…

University libraries are becoming increasingly aware of the need to assess the quality of students' information literacy and library research skills and to use this assessment data to effectively improve the quality of university library services to graduate programs. However, libraries have had difficulties finding ways to accomplish this both…

Eleven issues of "Fast Facts" from the Library Research Service cover information from libraries across Colorado. These issues focus on topics from the public, academic, and school sectors. These topics include patron use of AskColorado (a statewide virtual reference service) and the rising use of online services. The "Fast…

This study explores and documents the inclusion of American women literary authors in recommended lists that have been used by academic librarians as a main tool for collection development and evaluation. These lists have been the well-known standards used as guides for building a core collection in support of the college curricula. A sample of 40…

This document is the library intern orientation packet for Pfau Library at California State University, San Bernardino. The packet contains the following: (1) a checklist for training; (2) a list of duties for reference services; (3) a list of "things to know" that includes library and employee rules; (4) frequently asked reference…

This paper discusses the importance and the place of collections preservation management in the larger preservation objectives of a library or an archive. Topics addressed include the issues, restraints, strategies, and difficulties associated with implementing collections preservation. The first section frames some of the management issues…

The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) has collected descriptive data from its members for the better part of the 20th century. This data shows that as libraries' environments change to reflect increased interest in accountability and institutional outcomes. To account for this, an ARL New Measures Initiative has been established to develop…