Presents statistics on public and academic library construction for new buildings, as well as for additions and renovations. Information is provided on funding sources, costs, size, book capacity, and seating capacity. A directory of architects, numerous photographs, and a list of buildings in progress are also included. (LRW)

Discusses the use of electronic mail for reference services and investigates systems in health sciences libraries and in academic libraries. The use of electronic mail for services including interlibrary loan, online search requests, literature searches, photocopies or other document delivery, reference questions, and purchase requests is…

Discusses the problem of keeping library staff motivated when promotions are not available. Topics addressed include the importance of management training that emphasizes communication skills; alternative ways to help employees grow, including staff development programs, lateral transfers, job rotation, and short-term projects; and helpful…

Provides background on accreditation in higher education and examines the role of accreditation in development of the academic library. Topics addressed include performance measures for libraries, accreditation in the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, accreditation criteria, prerequisites for a successful evaluation, benefits of…

Presents a model for decision making concerning allocation of academic library materials to various levels of access (e.g., branch or central library open access shelving, compact shelving, depository facility, or interlibrary loan). Variables included in the model are the size of the collection, distribution of use, effects of time on use, and…

Academic libraries, pursuing excellence in their products and services, are a natural entity for total quality management (TQM). Basic TQM principles include making decisions based on objective data, respecting people and their ideas, empowering all library staff, focusing on the process, and doing the job correctly the first time, all to benefit…

Argues that, with shrinking budgets, academic libraries must obtain optimal performance from their human resources, requiring a larger investment in staff training and development. Discusses how strategic planning and changes in organizational structure to include greater staff participation in decision making can improve staff effectiveness. (16…

Discussion of electronic versions of maps focuses on TIGER files (i.e., electronic maps distributed by the U.S. Bureau of the Census) and their manipulation using geographic information system (GIS) technology. Topics addressed include applications of GIS software, projects to improve access to TIGER files, and the role of GIS in libraries. (MES)

The first of two articles on MELVYL, the University of California's online library system, discusses the next generation of public access information retrieval systems for research libraries based on lessons learned from 10 years of MELVYL. The second article considers MELVYL in the larger context of the University of California's information…

Discusses collection coordination and development in academic libraries and describes collection development activities in the area of psychology at the University of Florida. Barriers to efficient collection development are addressed, including physical, organizational, and discipline-related problems; duplication studies are described; and…

Discussion of the relationship between academic libraries and academic computing centers focuses on the need for cooperation. Theoretical organizational models are discussed; administrative issues are addressed; working models of both mergers and cooperative arrangements are described; and potential problems are examined, including budget…

Guidance for libraries in implementing the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is provided in question and answer format. Topics covered include library services and materials, employment issues, and parking requirements. (LAE)

Describes a study that assessed social styles (i.e., preferred work environment and preferred use of time) and sustained library use (i.e., amount of work completed in the library) to learn more about the interaction between the library and the user. A significant relationship between social style and library use is reported. (seven references)…

Reviews the developments of the 1960s that laid the groundwork for computer-assisted literature searching (CALS), the establishment of CALS as a major research tool in the 1970s, and the advent of end-user online CALS programs in the 1980s. The impact of CD-ROM products on librarians and students, future prospects, and global concerns affecting…

Reviews the literature of the "Writing across the Curriculum" (WAC) movement and suggests ways for libraries to become involved. It is argued that WAC programs transfer the responsibility for teaching writing from the English department to all academic programs; curriculum-related writing assignments potentially involve library research; and…