Describes an experimental integrated service point that combines the desks and staff who perform reference and circulation at one of Massachusetts Institute of Technology's libraries. Considers whether this service model can consolidate public service points to improve response to customer needs; discusses performance measurement; and offers…

This experiment explores the effectiveness of retrieving the listing of a known-item book from the 3.6 million entry online catalog at the library of the University of Michigan using various combinations of author's name plus first and last title words. Discusses implications for the design of OPAC (online public access catalog) screens.…

Describes the process of initiating an e-mail reference service in 1995 at the Ohio State University Health Sciences Library and the growth of the service through 2000. Includes data on types of patrons who use the service; types of questions and answers; and how results have led to re-evaluating all reference services. (LRW)

Discussion of the role of cataloging education within the library profession focuses on results of a survey of members of the Association of Research Libraries that investigated the importance of cataloging competencies for all entry-level academic librarians. Discusses implications for library education for academic librarians and for the…

Describes a study conducted at Auburn University that analyzed four months of chat reference questions received at a centralized reference services desk. Discusses types of questions; types of users; whether questions were localized to the specific library's resources; and further areas of research. (Author/LRW)

Topics include: digital library projects in the National Science Foundation's NSDL program; an electronic reserve platform at the University of Calgary; highlights from the sixth International Summer School on the Digital Library; the Digital Imaging Project of South Africa; a database of local information at the Oregon State University library;…

Despite the growing recognition of the importance of information literacy education, there are few working models for curriculum integration within the Australian higher education sector. Librarians, in conjunction with faculty at Central Queensland University, developed a framework that can assist in the planning and evaluation of information…

The University of Oklahoma librarians underwent a dramatic challenge to their faculty status in the 1990s. This article chronicles that challenge and documents the events that led to the retention of faculty status by the librarians. The event is analyzed in the context of conflict resolution research. (Author/AEF)

Includes four articles that discuss LibQUAL+[TM], a collaborative effort of the Association of Research Libraries and Texas A&M University responding to the need for greater accountability in measuring the delivery of library services to research library users. Discusses the reliability of LibQUAL+[TM] scores in measuring perceived library…

Applied the Biglan model of disciplinary differences to the information-seeking behavior patterns of undergraduates responding to questions on the College Student Experiences Questionnaire (CSEQ). Discusses implications for the redesign of academic library services and use of the Biglan model as a theoretical framework for future library research.…

Discussion of the need for effective leadership and identifying leadership competencies for academic librarians focuses on the areas of development and fundraising. Describes areas of expertise, experience, and skills associated with academic development positions in colleges and universities as a basis for identifying relevant leadership…

Discusses experiences at the Niagara University Library with compact shelving. Highlights include citations to other relevant articles; patron use; selection of vendor; reliability; possible problems; and installation considerations, such as floor-load requirements. (LRW)

Describes the inclusion of interlibrary loan services in the reference department of the science and engineering library that accounted for a large percentage of the interlibrary loan activity, based on experiences at Baylor University. Staffing, interlibrary loan statistics, and faculty needs are discussed. (LRW)

Summarizes Carol Kuhlthau's research on the information search process. Discusses how Kuhlthau's model of students' information search process (ISP) has been integrated into a course at Arizona State University and is being used experimentally as a training tool in the library's reference services. Selected student responses to research process…

Analyzes position descriptions of science engineering librarians described by college and university job advertisements in "American Libraries" and College and Research Libraries News." Results show an increase in required, preferred, desired qualifications and job responsibilities, and reflect how technology has changed the role of…