Discusses impacts of the Internet on reference services and changing roles for reference librarians. Describes a continuum of libraries (Sutton) from a paper-based (traditional) to a fully digital library. Examines K-12 uses and benefits of digital reference services (question-and-answer services sometimes referred to as AskA's). Describes K-12…

Discusses issues facing libraries using digital information resources, based on experiences at the Pennsylvania State University at Harrisburg library. Topics include comparing electronic resources; goals of providing the service or resource; determining users' needs; resources for access, including networks and financing; software; budgeting;…

Offers suggestions to make high school libraries more appealing to students, based on results of a student survey. Highlights include comfortable furniture; decorated walls; community information; limiting rules, including the amount of noise allowed; friendly staff; longer hours; more varied programs, including outside speakers; orientation…

Examines investments that will ensure that library information technology (IT) meets future academic needs. Looks back on the introduction of IT to research libraries. Assesses outcomes of IT investments in terms of cost and service benefits, and then focuses on developing new service models. (AEF)

A study of how patrons think and behave as they seek information at a major research library (Johns Hopkins University) reveals the need to provide the kinds of services and programs that meet the actual needs and preferences of patrons. Focusing on what librarians think is needed can result in poor service. (Author)

In a large-scale user survey at Washington State University (WSU), respondents rated current services, print materials, and electronic resources, and prioritized those services and resources in terms of importance to their work (outlined in appendix). Respondents also ranked services and resources that might be offered. User profiles were…

Discusses changes in academic library collection development due to societal attitudes toward higher education; budget and service pressures; copyright, licensing, and intellectual property issues; and preservation considerations. Recommends cooperative collection management, made more possible through network technology, as a means to effectively…

Describes strategic planning efforts in eight states (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin) to implement guidelines in "Information Power" (1998, American Library Association) relating good school library media programs to student achievement success. Discusses Web pages; state conferences;…

In this study of liberal arts college libraries, data was gathered with regard to programs related to diversity awareness, staffing, information services, and library collections. Discusses minority recruitment efforts, the survey questionnaire used, sources of funding for diversification of library collections, and the importance of college…

Focuses on the selection and decision-making aspects of the Edelmen model of collection development. Reviews challenges facing library/information studies education and the place of collection development within that context. Considers implications for the library/information center of the rise of a new class of resources. Suggests that a more…

Library Media Center 2000 (LMC2000) focuses on school library media services, technology, training, and advocacy--restructuring information and meeting linguistic, cultural, and multimedia learning needs. Over the last three years, San Francisco, California library media specialists have engaged in a process of professional development, networking…

Effective management of traditional materials will remain essential even when digital resources dominate scholarly communication. Examines traditional and digital objects in information services; provides an overview of collection management; discusses goal values, information services as purveyor and repository, the role of collection management,…

Reports findings of Project ACORN (Access to COurse Readings Across Networks) an eLib-funded project eliciting views of publishers on issues associated with electronic short-loan collections and the policies/procedures for granting copyright clearance. Findings show little consensus in policies and views; publishers wary of electronic environment;…

Describes a cooperative project between several year-round elementary schools in Indianapolis (Indiana) to promote reading, based on the National Education Association's campaign using Dr. Seuss books. Discusses planning with library media specialists, activities that included writing about reading, volunteers and funding, and evaluation. (LRW)

Describes two indexes, the Electronic and Print Usage Indexes, created at the Cushing/Whitney Medical Library at Yale University, that can be used easily by librarians to clearly demonstrate usage trends in their libraries. The indexes show that in 1998-1999, patron usage of electronic resources more than doubled, whereas print use declined. (AEF)