Considers the success and satisfaction of end users' searches on CD-ROM systems. Topics discussed include introductory training lessons; the selection of appropriate databases; search strategies; and implications for the role of library staff and for staffing patterns. Examples of end-user search techniques and common errors are included. (11…

Discussion of cooperative activities among libraries focuses on cataloging of Latin American materials among research libraries. Differences in motivation for cooperation in acquisitions and in cataloging are discussed; and a study is described that examined which libraries were providing online cataloging, and differences between OCLC and RLIN…

Describes a flexible model for developing library research skills based on analysis of a relevant text. Students begin by tracing endnotes, reflecting on purpose each cited source serves in fulfilling writer's goals, and practicing locating similar resources. Model can be adapted to individual instruction, group instruction, or computer assisted…

Describes a cooperative effort among five Bronx libraries, known as the Bronx Library Emergency Consortium, which is designed to enhance emergency recovery procedures in their libraries should a disaster occur. The history and collaborative nature of the consortium are described, and the consortium equipment and supply list for immediate disaster…

Describes problems facing academic libraries today concerning the amount of literature and information available, costs, copyright issues affecting ownership, and technological changes. Strategies for dealing with diminishing funds and increasing information resources are suggested, and activities at the Association of Research Libraries (ARL)…

Discusses budgets for library materials and how to select and evaluate book and serial vendors. Trends in automation, publishing, and economics that affect both libraries and vendors are discussed; and examples from the University of California at Berkeley that include serials service charges and approval plan discounts are presented. (six…

Describes measures of cost effectiveness that are useful for academic library collections, based on experiences at the Louisiana State University libraries. Highlights include circulation analysis of newly cataloged books; current periodical use compared to cost; faculty ranking of journals; and circulation patterns (i.e., use versus cost and…

Discusses the role of research in graduate education for library and information studies from the perspectives of students, practitioners, and researchers. Results from two studies are examined that explored (1) research activities by academic librarians, and (2) practitioner and student attitudes about research and required research methods…

Describes a study that was conducted to examine the influence of institutional type, as defined by the Carnegie Classification, on tenure and promotion criteria at academic libraries. Highlights include faculty status; academic degree required; job performance; service; research and publication; teaching; and similarities of criteria for…

Describes how Illinois libraries are promoting awareness and ease of access to government documents and services. Electronic products, select bibliographies, sources of foreign country information for businesses, dealing with electronically published information, and classification of Illinois documents are among the topics covered in this…

Library services to students with disabilities at a university with special programs in rehabilitation are described, including staff commitment, physical features, and adaptive technology such as the Arkenstone Reader which converts printed materials to electronic formats and synthetic speech. Photos of students and staff are included. (EAM)

Describes a study that investigated the skills that bibliographic instruction (BI) librarians in academic libraries thought were needed to provide adequate BI and where these skills should be taught or acquired. Training for BI offered in library schools is examined, and recommendations for further study are suggested. (19 references) (LRW)

Discusses collaborative or cooperative learning and its use in school and academic libraries to improve the effectiveness of bibliographic instruction. A study in which the pairing of undergraduate education students was used to teach information retrieval using the ERIC database on CD-ROM is described. (13 references) (EA)

This survey of 164 assistant academic library directors at comprehensive and liberal arts institutions was conducted to analyze the professional characteristics and role of assistant directors. Findings indicated similar characteristics within this group and differences in administrative and service responsibilities, depending on the preferences…

Practicing librarians describe issues that intensify long-standing problems with the U.S. Depository Library Program. Solutions to the problems of decreasing federal funds, potentially conflicting legislation, and the introduction of electronic products and services are discussed; and suggestions for reorganizing the U.S. Government Printing…