Discussion of the preservation of digital information focuses on the changing roles of stakeholders; standards; and collaboration between researchers, publishers, and libraries. Describes various projects at Cornell University in the areas of science and mathematics that are involved with digital preservation, particularly for electronic journals.…

Considers problem library patrons in a virtual environment based on experiences at California Institute of Technology's Web site and its use for virtual reference. Discusses the virtual reference desk concept; global visibility and access to the World Wide Web; problematic email; and advantages in the electronic environment. (LRW)

Describes the usability evaluation of the CUNY (City University of New York) information system in Web and Graphical User Interface (GUI) versions. Compares results to an earlier usability study of the basic information database available on CUNY's wide-area network and describes the applicability of the previous usability instrument to this…

Discusses methods to determine why employees leave or stay, based on experiences at Pennsylvania State University libraries. Considers retention tools that work best to retain diverse employees, including mentoring, networking, career and learning opportunities, balance between work and home life, a welcoming climate, and support for research.…

Discusses digital books, or electronic books, and their relationship to libraries and communication between authors and readers. Topics include the scholarly market, for academic libraries, versus the consumer market; textbooks versus novels; digitization of older books; marketing; costs; and electronic books versus printed books. (LRW)

Examines the effectiveness of a library instruction program at Concordia College, a four-year liberal arts college with fewer than 3,000 students. Measures it against a pilot group of students exposed to enhanced information literacy opportunities based on the ACRL (Association of College and Research Libraries) "Information Literacy for…

Presents three case studies illustrating how many applicants for positions in academic libraries fail to meet the advertised minimum requirements. Recommends applying for positions listing minimum requirements matching one's qualifications and seeking advice from librarians who serve on search committees or faculty members in ALA-accredited MLS…

Discussion of the philosophy of reserve collections in academic libraries focuses on how the University of Canterbury Library (New Zealand) deals with high demand materials and the role an automated library system can play. Comparisons of reserve materials are made by subject areas and level of study, and future possibilities are considered.…

Examines a number of writings that advocate a customer service approach for academic libraries and the attendant view of library materials and access as commodities. The examination is informed by a substantial body of thought that addresses questions relating to customers and commodities in light of some cultural, social, and intellectual…

Examines survey responses from female academic librarians that investigated why the percentage of women academic library directors is lower than the percentage of women in the profession as a whole. Results conclude that deprivation behavior, including antimentoring, blocks the advancement of women directors. (Author/LRW)

This research examines the changes that electronic information technologies have caused on power within organizations, particularly related to library automation, academic libraries, and their positions on college campuses. Based on the strategic contingencies theory of intraorganizational power, a model of organizational power is developed and…

Describes a two-part segmentation technique applied to an instruction program for an academic library during a strategic planning process. Discusses a brainstorming technique used to create a list of existing and potential audiences, and then describes a follow-up review session that evaluated the past years' efforts. (Author/LRW)

Describes the use of an outside graphic design firm to redesign the Yale University Library (New Haven, CT) Web site. Topics include division of labor; design principles and technical requirements; related Web sites at Yale; usability testing; coding that conformed to library standards; ease of use; and communication between the design firm and…

This focus group study explored library patrons' opinions about Texas A&M library's Web pages. Discusses information seeking behavior which indicated that patrons are confused when trying to navigate the Public Access Menu and suggests the need for a more intuitive interface. (Author/LRW)

Describes the library at Far Eastern State Technical University in Vladivostok (Russia) based on a visit that was part of a collaborative project with California State University, Sacramento. Highlights include staffing; problems with funding, space, and technology; library collections in the Department of World Politics and Law; and the nearby…