Describes the assumptions and goals of the Performance Effectiveness Management System (PEMS) of the University of Arizona Library and explains how to integrate performance measurement with a new system that focuses on teams and organizational outcomes. Phases of PEMS include: mission-critical services, programs, and activities; setting quality…

Provides background information on the Beinecke Library at Yale University and describes the digitization of a portion of the James Boswell papers to make them more accessible. Discusses funding; the decision making process; the scanning process; and the decision to deliver images on CDs instead of over the World Wide Web. (LRW)

Discusses the need to change reference service in academic libraries to meet changes in user needs and customer service technologies. Topics include convergence of information services and technologies; portable computing; new values; new service models; on-site integrated services; and remote integrated services. (Contains 27 references.) (LRW)

Librarians at Harvard University have written the most comprehensive guide to selecting research collections for digitization. This article applies the Harvard Model to a digitization project at Indiana University in order to evaluate the appropriateness of the model for use at another institution and to adapt the model to local needs. (Contains 7…

Describes a study conducted at the Utah State University library that investigated electronic database awareness and use by 856 administrators and teaching faculty. Responses to a survey revealed the need for greater publicity regarding new electronic acquisitions, training opportunities, and methods of remote access. (Author/LRW)

Proposes and tests a five-factor model (demeanor, competence, resources, responsiveness, tangibles) to explain user satisfaction with academic libraries. Students using the services of three academic libraries in Erie, Pennsylvania were surveyed over a period of three semesters. Five tables show results. (AEF)

Academic libraries in China are transforming traditionally isolated and separated operations by initiating an integral library system to connect all academic libraries nationwide with each other and with other information networks abroad. The current academic library environment in China, the concept of the integral library system, and major goals…

A study of the catalog holdings of all Canadian academic libraries found that fewer noncorporate publications were available than mainstream titles published by corporations and that electronic vendors provide little access to noncorporate "small publisher" titles while providing 100% access to surveyed mainstream titles. Examines the…

An OPAC transaction log analysis at the University of Illinois at Chicago revealed that users had trouble with basic search techniques. After the introductory screens were simplified, a second analysis showed improved search results, indicating that monitoring OPACs can lead to improved information retrieval when changes are made in response to…

Examines key management issues involved in delivering geographic information services on the World Wide Web, using the Geographic Information Center (GIC) program at the University of Virginia Library as a reference. Highlights include integrating the Web into services; building collections for Web delivery; and evaluating spatial information…

The Institute of Physics Publishing (IPP), a subsidiary body of the Institute of Physics (IOP), has used electronic publishing on the Internet as a major means of improving the speed of dissemination of physics information. The development of the Comprehensive Electronic Journals service is described along with recent enhancements and other…

Purpose of this study was to examine whether data collected locally by biology faculty at a large research university may provide a better indicator of journals they value than data compiled over a broad geographic area, to relate those journal issues cited by faculty to the holdings of the library, and to determine how faculty access articles…

Discusses reasons for developing electronic reserves (i.e., digital collections of library reserve materials), as well as technical and content options, intellectual property issues, and the issue of equitable remuneration for use of intellectual property in electronic reserve, including recent Australian developments. Experiences at the Monash…

Describes activities of the Commonwealth Regional Health Community Secretariat/Namibia Dissemination Center, at the University of Namibia, which was identified as a partner institution to serve in the Secretariat's information dissemination network in reproductive and health and nutrition programs. The University of Namibia Library has modern…

This case study describes the management system of Dickinson College Library. Highlights include a rotating chair instead of a director; collegiality in decision making; rotating departmental responsibilities; developing an acceptable level of expertise in both technical and public services; and an emphasis on professionalism. (Author/LRW)