Describes workshops based on active learning that were developed collaboratively between a librarian and an economics faculty member to teach students how to locate appropriate academic sources on the World Wide Web and in library databases, how to create effective search strategies, and how to use retrieval features in InfoTrac. (LRW)

Examines the growing body of literature dealing with interdisciplinary academic research and discusses challenges that the erosion of subject-area boundaries presents to those selecting library materials. Reports on a case study that ascertained patterns of interdisciplinary research at Rutgers University's School of Communication, Information,…

Using published studies and references, shows why the requirement that a manager of interlibrary loan be a librarian with a master's degree in Library Science may be outmoded in the modern academic library. Discusses the librarian's role, certification and professional elitism, job requirements, and user needs. (AEF)

Discussion of academic bibliographic instruction highlights an exercise in developing critical reading skills by reading and effectively reviewing ERIC abstracts. Topics include rhetoric and writing-based approaches in bibliographic instruction, sentence structure, text assessment, and automated bibliographic tools and interpreting text on a…

Describes a process-oriented approach to teaching searching skills for computer-based resources that was developed at the New York University library. A syllabus based on DIALOG's Classmate Program is explained, and the use of active learning theory to help restrict results is described. (LRW)

Describes changes in a required library research course at the State University of New York College at Plattsburgh that focused on providing information more directly related to students' fields of study. Differences in the content for various disciplines are discussed, problems are described, and future plans are considered. (LRW)

A survey of interlibrary loan (ILL) staffing levels in Michigan academic libraries was conducted in 1994 to examine the relationship between ILL transaction volume and staffing patterns. Results show that departments with the largest volume needed additional staff; inadequate staffing levels caused blurring of job descriptions; and that ILL staff…

Presents a trend analysis, using the college library as a model, which maps internal and external financial contacts to show the complexity of library financial dealings. Topics discussed include Total Quality Management; the library's financial role in the parent organization and in worldwide finances; and the profession's response to change.…

Faculty at Western Illinois University were asked to share in the library's journal deselection responsibility by ranking the library's journals by importance. These rankings were then compared to student use of the same journals. Results indicate that journals that were frequently cited or retrieved by students were highly ranked by the faculty.…

Notes that high school librarians should know what transpires at Model United Nations Assemblies and which books will help prepare students and educators for these experiences. Describes the conferences, student responsibilities, and awards. Provides a list of relevant university depository sources for United Nations records and reports. (AEF)

Academic libraries can improve their management of change by reshaping performance appraisal into performance planning. This article notes problems with traditional employee evaluation as well as benefits of alternatives that focus on the future, on users, on planning and learning, and on skills needed to address problems and enhance individual…

Outlines the scope of planning and activities with which Montana libraries have undertaken connections to the information superhighway, the hurdles the libraries have overcome, and future outlooks. Topics include university libraries, public library collaboration, Internet training and access, and state-sponsored connectivity projects. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the length of library loan periods and the number of books allowed to be borrowed. An integer programming model is formulated whose solution yields the optimum user satisfaction, and a case study conducted at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (Saudi Arabia) is presented. (Author/LRW)

At Colorado State University, the library liaison works with the director of the first-year composition program to design Web pages for courses. Discusses the rationale behind the use of Web pages to teach library research skills, and provides illustrated examples. Includes the frequency of use of the pages and teacher feedback. Analysis of…

Explains streaming technology and discusses how to integrate it into Web-based instruction based on experiences at St. Cloud State University (Minnesota). Topics include a modular approach, including editing, copyright concerns, digitizing, maintenance, and continuing education needs; the role of the library; and how streaming can enhance…