Reviews recent reference works and compares them, as appropriate, to other works. Topics represented are the Internet, periodicals, religion, literature, women's studies, ethnic studies, United States history, English history, and French history. Brief descriptions of new editions of standard works is provided at the end of the article. (KRN)

Presents data from 1971 to 1990 to show that the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) standard that the library's appropriation shall be 6% of total institution budget has never been realized. Suggested reasons (e.g., increasing budgets for administration, research, and student services) are discussed, and possible solutions are…

Discussion of electronic texts in the humanities highlights the major electronic editions of Shakespeare's work. Published versus unpublished texts are explained; other electronic texts currently available in English and American literature are described; and the effect of electronic texts on libraries is discussed. (17 references) (LRW)

Reviews the literature on patron perceptions of library use and the necessity of instruction, describes a survey of Illinois public library patrons that asked their views on library use instruction, compares results with those of an earlier survey of academic library patrons, and suggests areas for further study. (16 references) (LRW)

Compares the more positive library automation experiences of a small public library with those of a large research library. Topics addressed include collection size; computer size and the need for outside control of a data processing center; staff size; selection process for hardware and software; and accountability. (LRW)

Traces the development of computerization of library operations in Singapore from 1970 to 1989. Highlights include the role of the Ministry of Finance; institutional computerization; consortiums; the Singapore Integrated Library Automation Service (SILAS), a national network whose main function is to provide online shared cataloging; and access to…

Examines library programs for teaching information technologies and argues that many fulfill the wishes of librarians, not faculty and students. Faculty visions for the use of technology in teaching, research, and publishing are discussed. It is concluded that librarians must look at technology from the faculty viewpoint in order to develop…

Discusses training for online searching and describes how librarians can use evaluation-based methods to teach end users how to produce quality search results. Topics discussed include teaching end users to ask appropriate questions, teaching needed analytical and technical skills, and teaching the use of a simplified search model. (17 references)…

Discusses training for student assistants in academic libraries, reviews the literature on role playing, and describes "The Reference Game," a role-playing exercise used to train reference student assistants at Baylor University (Texas). Description notes participant roles, preparation, rules of the game, typical questions, and…

Describes Virginia Tech's participation in the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI) Assessing the Academic Networked Environment Project to field test measures of the impact of networks and networked information resources on higher education institutions. Topics include student surveys, library surveys, administrative information services,…

A survey of 977 postgraduate distance-learning students in the United Kingdom investigated student perceptions of library needs. This article examines how students felt they were treated, need for libraries, library training (previous experience and nature and extent of training), problems of distance and time, costs for texts and charges for…

Reviews reasons why chemical information instruction is important in academic libraries, offers suggestions for developing partnerships with faculty and computing staff, and provides tips for overcoming barriers to teaching effectively. Tips on designing effective class sessions are offered, along with a list of general and chemistry teaching…

Describes a cataloging project at the University of Nevada, Reno, that was funded by a special grant to produce cataloging for the Basque Studies Collection. Highlights include cataloging backlogs; bibliographic control; staffing considerations; language problems; and future possibilities, including the need for international cooperation. (LRW)

Describes a study conducted at Eastern Illinois University's library that examined nine full-text databases to determine the content and subject coverage of each database. Discusses implications for collection development, including policies for the evaluation of electronic resources; and the need for dialog between librarians and vendors. (LRW)

Reviews the literature of library and information science to examine issues related to service quality and customer satisfaction in academic libraries. Discusses assessment, the application of a business model to higher education, a multiple constituency approach, decision areas regarding service quality, resistance to service quality, and future…