Discusses a possible shift to self-service check-out systems for academic library patrons. Provides an annotated bibliography of 51 items that discuss the impact of self-service technology on the quality of service and customer satisfaction in libraries, service sectors, banking, and the vending industry. (LRW)

Addresses the role of professional associations in the process of organizational change in academic libraries. Topics discussed include user-centered organizations and associations; the literature on organizational change; the roles of associations; associations as change agents; and how associations can assist in the transition to user-centered…

Describes a study which linked the misconduct of proposing, performing, and reporting academic research to librarians' perceptions of service quality; explores implications of fraud for library collections and information services; and discusses factors meriting further research. Tables present examples of sources in which those implicated in…

Discusses the increased costs of library materials, the need for a new budgeting approach, and the impact of technology. The development of a library materials index that was developed at Ohio State University to provide a consistent source for measuring library materials expenditures against the marketplace is described. (Contains 14 references.)…

Discussion of academic libraries and the accrediting process focuses on an evaluation and comparison of library guidelines from 17 specialized accrediting bodies with guidelines from regional accreditors. Input versus output measures are discussed, and suggestions for improving the library's participation in the process are offered. (Contains 25…

Pathfinders help library patrons find information, develop research strategies, and learn about library resources and physical space. This article offers a format and construction guide to aid librarians in preparing readable and usable pathfinders. An appendix presents pathfinder format guidelines and a sample pathfinder. (Author/JMV)

Outlines techniques of utilizing interlibrary loan (ILL) statistics to establish productivity and staffing patterns to evaluate library services and reveal staffing needs. This article also presents results from an ILL workload and staffing study in Alabama academic libraries. Results are displayed in table form. (JMV)

Considers the future of library instruction and addresses four main areas: (1) the reference/instruction relationship; (2) the vision of creating the self-sufficient user; (3) organizing library instruction as a curriculum; and (4) the need for significant outcomes. Examples from Association of Research Libraries members are included. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of postmodernism and bibliographic instruction in academic libraries is based on a prospectus for an experimental information course at Evergreen State College (Washington). Highlights include structural bibliographic instruction, including a taxonomic model; discourse analysis and bibliographic instruction; composition and…

Discusses the microform collection at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) Library in terms of support, materials, access through the OPAC, marketing and access tools developed by staff, and training manuals developed for staff and students. (JKP)

Presents results of a "Library Journal" study that surveyed paraprofessionals to determine their attitudes towards their jobs and supervisors, and compared salaries and job benefits of paraprofessionals and professionals in public and academic libraries. Findings indicate that paraprofessionals feel they don't get the respect and…

Examines the intrinsic value of browsing a library collection, either in the stacks or on an online catalog. The value and cost of classification and shelf-listing is discussed, based on data compiled during studies conducted at Cornell University that timed catalogers while they performed the shelf-listing component of cataloging. (Author/LRW)

Outlines the issues and concerns of providing spatial data that have been encountered by the Map and Geographic Information Center (MAGIC) at the University of Connecticut's library. Highlights include collecting and archiving, cataloging and indexing, networking, distribution, user education, geographic information systems, and a glossary of key…

Provides a list of directories, encyclopedias, bibliographical dictionaries, and bibliographies that are part of the Jewish National and University Library collection (Israel). Supplies Hebrew bibliographic data for all starred entries, translated titles for Hebrew works lacking English titles, indication of pagination in Hebrew letters, and…

Outlines common problems facing the academic library and graduate schools of library/information studies and examines the relationship between librarians and faculty. Topics include the image of academic librarians, including faculty status and research; library collections, services, and instruction; and involvement of librarians in library and…