No two administrators view the library in the same way, yet all university libraries will be subject to similar local and national influences in the next decade. Rising costs, new technology, external funding, limits on interinstitutional cooperation, and storage problems will be challenging issues. (Author/MSE)

Presents the results of a survey of academic libraries belonging to the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) concerning the availability and accessibility of OCLC (via dedicated or dial access terminals) for use by reference personnel. The methodology of the survey is described and data are presented in five tables. (JL)

Describes the online catalog in a university library, including the database, the database index, user instruction, the command language and search capabilities, functions of various commands, statistics generated to monitor system use, and hardware for both public access and staff use. (CHC)

Discusses the development of electronic government publications and the resulting standards and service needs. Focuses on results of a report on the impact that electronic information has brought to bear on depository library services. Includes 11 draft Depository Library Public Service Guidelines for government information. (AEF)

When the Johnson County Library (Shawnee Mission, Kansas) went the extra mile to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), an intensive program of building modification, new equipment acquisition, staff education, and community-awareness promotion was the result. A Disabilities Awareness Month was also launched. (AEF)

Discusses the appropriateness of applying diffusion theory to the study of five factors that influence school library development globally: (1) the evolution of, acceptance of, and consensus on a viable service-delivery model; (2) influence exercised by professional organizations; (3) generation of acceptable standards; (4) overt government…

Profiles eight youth services librarians from public and school libraries, who participated in a recent American Library Association seminar. Describes reasons for career choice, learning experiences, salary, public image, duties performed and programs developed, highlights of the job, librarian teacher cooperation, technology, library education,…

Focuses on a Web-based version of a national survey for the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science (NCLIS) of public library involvement with the Internet. Describes the procedures used to develop the Web-based questionnaire, identifies issues concerning Web-based research, and presents recommendations for the future…

Examines what Australian university libraries can and cannot do for independent scholars, scholars with no formal university affiliation. Argues that university libraries are not able to accept acquisition proposals from independent scholars because of shrinking acquisitions budgets and cites acquisition cooperation, especially of electronic…

Describes how a library automation system administrator developed a computer support network for the Finger Lakes Library System's (New York) evening and weekend hours. Discusses support options and decision-making factors--hiring extra staff, utilizing vendors, pagers, cellular phones, or contracting for third-party support. After employing staff…

A survey of high-tech (n=289) and non-high-tech (n=219) school library media centers revealed that most high-tech schools (38%) are in the South and that most (35%) are high schools. Analyzes patterns in funding, types of technology, automated management, expenditures and collections, staffing and salaries, participation in staff development…

Traces the evolution of the science fiction genre and its representation at the Library of Congress, including original paperbacks, hardcovers, television, film, and sound recordings. Highlights include science fiction "classics", the Library of Congress collection development policy, library programs, and preservation activities…

Based on "Library Journal's" 1997 Public Library Budget Report, this article discusses the state of public libraries in terms of Internet-related costs, budgets, local, state and federal funding, and fundraising. Presents--in six tables segmented by population served--the financial situations of 84 randomly surveyed public libraries.…

The Boehringer Mannheim Library (Germany) switched its loose-leaf pharmacopoeias from printed versions to electronic media. Discusses the decision-making and implementation process, and considers costs, technical requirements, availability of databases, user acceptance, installation, maintenance, and skills needed. Found that electronic media…

Presents six conversations between school library media specialists and teachers that are based on true stories involving collaboration. Discusses pressures to relinquish individuality in lesson plans; planning; curriculum development; and child development classes and preschool programs. (LRW)