The Memex Research Institute (MRI), an independent nonprofit research and development organization, has created an electronic library program of shared research and development to make the collective vision of Vannevar Bush's "memex" more concrete. Program is working toward the creation of large, publicly available indexed electronic image…

Describes steps involved in the process of hiring academic librarians. Topics discussed include refining the job description; forming a search committee and determining appropriate administrative support; salary decisions; selection criteria for qualified candidates; conference placement activities; evaluating applicants, including dealing with…

Considers whether or not library materials in East Asian languages should be integrated into the general collection. Romanized access through a Latin-script library catalog and nonromanized access through a browsing collection are considered. After exploring the difficulties in romanizing Chinese and Japanese scripts, a separate collection is…

Discusses the copyright implications of the practice in some academic libraries of converting reserve materials to electronic format to make more copies available to patrons. Issues considered include fair use, public display, remote availability, character of use, and substantiality of copying. (seven references/notes) (EA)

Discusses copyright issues for librarians that have arisen because of technological advances. Topics discussed include changes in the electronic information environment; legal aspects of copyright enforcement; research patterns and electronic use; multimedia; electronic information networks; local databases; license agreements; printing;…

Discussion of the influence of technological developments on social change focuses on the effects of information technology on academic reference librarianship. Highlights include reference skills; electronic resources; microcomputer technology; online catalogs; interaction and communication with users; the need to teach information skills; and…

Considers probable societal changes in the United States between now and the year 2000, including cultural pluralism, an increasingly older population, increased variety in the configuration of households, changes in the workforce, globalization, and shifts in education. Changes in libraries and in library and information science education are…

Explores the academic status model for university librarians that is recommended in guidelines laid out by national organizations in Canada, focusing on terms and conditions of employment in a representative sample of collective agreements. Examines inclusion of librarians in agreements, appointments, performance evaluation and criteria,…

Discusses library instruction in the use of CD-ROMs and describes results of a survey of CD-ROM users at C.W. Post College (NY), including characteristics of CD-ROM users, evaluating searches, advanced search techniques, learning and using the system, and changes in CD-ROM users from 1992 to 1996. (LRW)

Discusses issues facing libraries using digital information resources, based on experiences at the Pennsylvania State University at Harrisburg library. Topics include comparing electronic resources; goals of providing the service or resource; determining users' needs; resources for access, including networks and financing; software; budgeting;…

Provides advice for instructors using the World Wide Web for additional channels for intraclass communication, offering an easier and more convenient way to access library materials, and allowing students to engage in primary research or active learning. Discusses didactic and technical challenges, including students' computer skills and…

Examines investments that will ensure that library information technology (IT) meets future academic needs. Looks back on the introduction of IT to research libraries. Assesses outcomes of IT investments in terms of cost and service benefits, and then focuses on developing new service models. (AEF)

A study of how patrons think and behave as they seek information at a major research library (Johns Hopkins University) reveals the need to provide the kinds of services and programs that meet the actual needs and preferences of patrons. Focusing on what librarians think is needed can result in poor service. (Author)

In a large-scale user survey at Washington State University (WSU), respondents rated current services, print materials, and electronic resources, and prioritized those services and resources in terms of importance to their work (outlined in appendix). Respondents also ranked services and resources that might be offered. User profiles were…

Discusses changes in academic library collection development due to societal attitudes toward higher education; budget and service pressures; copyright, licensing, and intellectual property issues; and preservation considerations. Recommends cooperative collection management, made more possible through network technology, as a means to effectively…