This ethnographic, baseline study explores elements of expertise that academic employee library trainers should have, including knowing how to learn about technology; how to understand information science; how to learn about trainees and develop effective training approaches; and how to negotiate organizational constraints. (Author/LRW)

Explores issues related to the selection and purchase of digital content in academic libraries, including commercially-produced databases, electronic journals, and books and other electronic resources that are purchased from vendors; and in-house digitization projects. Considers the degree to which standard collection management principles apply.…

Reviews the personnel issues of greatest concern to academic librarians over the past 50 years, and discusses both the positive changes that have occurred and the issues that remain unresolved. An argument that the current environment provides an opportunity for librarians to ensure their central role in higher education is presented. (28…

Uses empirical data from an obtrusive study of reference performance to explore the content validity of and assumptions about unobtrusive studies. Changes needed to improve unobtrusive studies of reference services are discussed, including the development of test questions representing all types of queries and supplementing the correct fill rate…

Explores management techniques for efficient use of student desk attendants in the reader service operation of a typical academic law library. Several practical tasks that students can do are suggested, and student training manuals and supervisory considerations are discussed. (seven references) (MES)

Discussion of public librarians' salaries examines data on: (1) salary progression from 1978 to 1987; (2) public librarians' salaries compared with salaries of librarians in other positions; (3) public librarians' salaries compared with increases in the Consumer Price Index since 1978; and (4) salaries earned in other fields. (19 references) (MES)

Information on freebasing cocaine was requested from reference librarians at six public and seven academic libraries. None of the librarians refused to offer assistance, although assistance varied in its extensiveness. None of the encounters involved a reference interview or bibliographic instruction. Arguments in support of information…

Discussion of automation in the Oxford College Libraries (England) begins with background on the university library system, which consists of numerous independent libraries. Centralized and decentralized automation activities are described, and hardware and software for the microcomputer-based system at the University College Library are…

Reports results of a study which analyzed course syllabi at a liberal arts college and a university with graduate and professional programs to determine the type and quantity of library use required. Data are presented on percentage of courses requiring library use by department, overall use patterns, and use patterns by course level. (12…

Argues that the most important component in effective bibliographic instruction is the learning styles of students. The discussion examines learning styles, in general, and Kolb's theory of experiential learning, in particular. The use of Kolb's theory in a freshman library instruction program is described and evaluated. (10 references) (CLB)

Discusses topics relating to the Virginia Tech Library System: the company (VTLS, Inc.); the software; data structure; cataloging, status, and authority control; circulation; serials control and acquisitions; the online catalog; management reporting; networking; and the operating environment. Sidebars discuss the Vanilla Network; LINNEA--a network…

Contributors from five libraries--Bentley College, Boston University, the College of Charleston, the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire, and the Resource Sharing Alliance of West Central Illinois--describe their automation projects, including staff impact; costs and funding; time and schedules; users; computer support; vendors; and consultants.…

Discusses the value of critical thinking in higher education and the role of the librarian in teaching these skills. Nine questions that students can use to evaluate their readings are listed, and class discussion of library research methods and review of the evaluation questions are recommended. (11 references) (MES)

Provides overviews of expert systems and library material selection, and describes six steps in the process of the development of the Monograph Selection Advisor, a demonstration prototype expert system that provides advice on monograph selection decisions. (17 references) (MES)

Describes a simulation of OCLC's TAPECON retrospective conversion service and its impact on an online catalog in a large university research library. The analysis includes results of Library of Congress Card Numbers, author/title, and title searches, and hit rates based on an analysis of OCLC and locally generated reports. (three references)…