Provides an overview of the library infrastructure of Bangladesh; the current state of special, academic, public, and school library collections; and an overview of librarianship and library education. Topics include the national library and archives, the unequal distribution of limited library resources, and support from developed countries.…

Discussion of the use of CD-ROM databases for end-user searching versus online database searching in academic libraries focuses on a comparison of two databases, "Psychological Abstracts" and "Sociological Abstracts," that were searched in both formats. Factors of response time, coverage, content, and cost were investigated for…

Discusses the emerging three-tiered structure (i.e., the "Baby Bells," network nodes, and information marketers) that will assume responsibility for implementing a new national information network and getting networked information to the public. The role of libraries related to networked information is also considered. (EA)

Describes the decision-making processes involved in the development of the ACCESS PENNSYLVANIA database, a statewide union catalog of school, public, academic, and special libraries' holdings on compact laserdisc. Highlights include the planning process; the role of retrospective conversion vendors; the nominal group technique; the role of task…

Discussion of the cost effectiveness of searching online versus searching on CD-ROM highlights an example that compares costs for searching the ERIC database. Fixed costs and variable costs are described, labor costs are examined, implications for management are considered, and the effect of the number of databases and workstations is discussed.…

Criticizes reviews of library CD-ROM products as being uncritical of the user interface and advocates a more rigorous evaluation, not only to aid potential buyers, but as a way to influence manufacturers. Congressional Information Services' Masterfile 2 is evaluated in the context of Heckel's "Principles of Friendly Software Design." (24…

Discussion of current applications of and future possibilities for electronic text, or e-text, focuses on activities in the area of higher education. Topics covered are input technology, including optical scanners and keyboarding; standardization; copyright issues; access to e-text through networks; user interface; hypertext; software; shareware;…

Discussion of the information search process (ISP) from the user's perspective focuses on a model of the ISP derived from longitudinal studies of high school and college students. Cognitive and affective aspects of the ISP are discussed, and their implications for future research are suggested. (31 references) (LRW)

Early collaborative efforts between librarians and computing professionals at Rice University (Texas) led to the realization that some organizational restructuring was needed to effectively serve changing user needs. A new approach to delivering user services has not only benefited users but also resulted in growth and skills development for…

Reports the results of a survey of librarian job satisfaction that covered librarians' perceptions of their jobs, compensation and benefits, advancement opportunities, and technological challenges. Statistics on average salaries, benefits, salaries by gender, advancement opportunities, and staff cuts are presented by library type. Gender…

Discusses the role of academic libraries and librarians and suggests they should become more involved in social and political issues such as AIDS education. The use of a mass media campaign as a model for library activities is explained, and problems surrounding AIDS education in libraries are addressed. (20 references) (LRW)

Discussion of text files and textual analysis in humanities research focuses on the results of two surveys of Research Libraries Group (RLG) academic libraries which was conducted to identify the systems used to support text files. Description of a system at the University of Michigan includes examples of screen formats, and seven sidebars…

This annotated bibliography includes materials in English published in 1990 that deal with information literacy, including instruction in the use of information resources; research; and computer skills related to retrieving, using, and evaluating information. Publications on user instruction are included for all types of libraries and for all…

Discusses trends in the future of higher education and considers the possible resulting challenges for libraries, particularly the development of special collections. Topics discussed include management, developing cost-benefit measures, considering possible new users, inter-library cooperation, developing quality by communicating standards and…

Discusses staffing needs and plans that need to be considered by library administrators. Topics addressed include the supervisory process, including patron needs assessment; the staffing process, including a staffing control system; staffing studies that establish a base for decision making; staffing standards; staffing problems; scheduling; and…