A survey of undergraduates taking non-course-related library tours found that 86% learned what they expected to learn, 96% believed they learned useful information, and 93% indicated feeling more comfortable about using the library after the tour. Overall use of the tours suggested a need for more promotion of the service. Includes the tour survey…

Provides an annotated bibliography of 42 books that rank as the library profession's most outstanding literature published between January 1997 and March 1998. The list is organized by the following categories: academic libraries; archives/preservation; cataloging/technical services; children's services; collection development; general library…

Discusses academic library consortia, examines types of consortia, and presents three case histories (OhioLINK, PALCI and CIC). Highlights include economic competition; changes in information access and delivery; growth of information technology; quality improvement; and future strategies, including pricing models for electronic information,…

In this study, small academic libraries (monographic collections of under 30,001 volumes) were surveyed to determine the types and extent of electronic technology available and how it was being used. Satisfaction of users and staff, the correlation between instruction and the use of electronic technology, and funding are also discussed. (LRW)

Reports survey results of user education objectives and practices in New Zealand academic libraries, and makes comparisons to a Canadian study. The New Zealand research explored librarians' attitudes about the relationship between user education and information literacy. Five tables include resources, methods, mean-importance rank, preferred…

Describes a chemistry information course developed at Oberlin College (Ohio) including team teaching by chemistry faculty and the science librarian, changes in course content, and guidelines set by the American Chemical Society. Course syllabus and sample assignments are appended. (LRW)

Discussion of cooperative learning focuses on how it can be used with course assignments that require students to use the chemical literature, based on experiences with undergraduate chemistry students at Earlham College (Indiana). Suggests factors to consider when developing cooperative learning exercises, including group dynamics and an emphasis…

Discussion of electronic journals focuses on the development of TESS (The Electronic Seminar System) at the Yale University chemistry library. TESS was envisioned as a way for graduate students and faculty to virtually interact with articles digitized from print literature, enhanced with hypertext links. Responses to a survey evaluation are…

Describes the experiences of University of Arizona and Pima Community College librarians in building World Wide Web exhibits featuring traditionally underrepresented groups in the Tucson, Arizona community. Highlights developmental considerations, goal setting, costs, benefits, and rights and permissions. Concludes with recommendations for other…

Describes the relationship between Carnegie Mellon University libraries and Sirsi Corporation, their integrated library-management system vendor. Topics include Carnegie Mellon's expertise in library automation research and development; and three primary elements of the alliance: research, including user protocols, surveys, and focus groups;…

At George Washington University, the position of faculty outreach librarian was created to educate faculty and university administrators on the role of information technology in research and teaching, and to enhance their support for new electronic resources. Discussion includes how that position evolved, the projects initiated, and outcomes that…

A survey at the University of Kansas Libraries was conducted to provide statistical information on the physical condition of the Slavic materials collection. Results revealed the condition of these collections should be cause for serious concern; however, the problems could be overcome through careful preservation planning and interlibrary…

Briefly describes the elements of document delivery and provides an introduction to four articles that discuss the planning and process of implementing document delivery in four university libraries. Major themes discussed include collection-development issues; user needs and expectations; and the reorganization of the libraries to incorporate…

The new library at Eastern Michigan University provided Learning Resources and Technologies (LR&T) with an opportunity to restructure its services and fully integrate technologies and technology services for the 21st century. Challenges facing LR&T include the need to reallocate and/or reclassify staff positions, extend the campus network…

Presents the results of a survey that studied attitudes toward research and students' experiences at the West Bank Campus Library of Delgado Community College in New Orleans. Asserts that students previously unfamiliar with academic libraries and electronic resources were intrigued enough to practice and become capable end users. (VWC)