Described is an attention-getting assignment in a college level developmental psychology course in which students were given a list of 24 library research questions on the first day of class to be completed and discussed on the third day. Student reaction to the assignment is discussed. (Author/DB)

A school librarian reviews CD-ROM encyclopedias, determining their suitability for school and public library use with children and young adults, and favoring content and accessibility over special features and multimedia enhancements. Outlines essential considerations when choosing encyclopedias (price, network and print versions, and online…

When helping undergraduates assess materials, academic librarians balance the reference interview with instruction in electronic databases. This article describes a method connecting these tasks with a search strategy dependent on the user's information needs. The connection is made by labeling the user's need with a diagnostic tool based on…

The availability of Internet access in public libraries has raised concerns about free speech rights and library liabilities. This article, part one in a three part series, examines the constitutional background for free speech and Internet provision, defining "speech" and highlighting limitations to free speech and court analysis of…

Discusses issues in Australian libraries related to copyright in the digital environment. Examines what constitutes a digital copy; exceptions/limitations; the extent of liability of those who communicate/transmit digital copyright-protected works; how uses of material can be monitored/controlled; and the process of copyright reform in Australia…

Discusses the need for a common discourse about interdisciplinary needs in order to meet library users' needs. Considers why and how interdisciplinary activities emerge, what form they take, and where they are located in institutions. Also discusses knowledge representation. (Contains 78 references.) (Author/LRW)

Explores the interdisciplinary nature of interdisciplinary research, provides a brief explanation of the Integrative Review of Research of which meta-analysis can be a part, and describes the librarian's role, particularly in data collection. Discusses developing trends in the area, including the use of the World Wide Web. (Author/LRW)

Describes a study of problems in preserving higher-degree theses in Victorian university libraries. Rates of deterioration varied according to type of paper, ink, glue, bindings, and photographic materials. The development of a detailed set of guidelines is recommended for improving thesis preservation. (LAM)

Examines how and to what extent business-oriented libraries and information centers in the Nordic countries have implemented strategic quality management (SQM), drawing from theoretical considerations in an earlier article. An operational assessment model is proposed and empirical findings from a survey of business information services are…

Investigates the growing prevalence of participatory management in libraries. The operation of self-managed teams is discussed both in theory and in practice, the latter with examples from Sterling Library at Yale University. Research is summarized that relates to management teams and how they create a sense of empowerment by building shared…

A survey of the different technical communications and information-related activities of 305 engineers and scientists from 3 sites of the Philips Laboratory, an Air Force research and development laboratory, found that scientists have a closer affinity for libraries and traditional information sources than do engineers. Eight tables depict survey…

Group Feedback Strategy was used to evaluate data from 73 employers, 18 tutors, 156 students, and 45 graduates involved in work placements in a library and information science program. Respondents showed reasonably high satisfaction for the following characteristics of placements: teamwork experience, assessment of capabilities, training…

Details the rationale, evaluation and implementation of use scenarios-structured narrative descriptions of envisioned system use-in the development of the Alexandria Digital Earth Prototype (ADEPT). Discusses the strengths of the scenario approach, obstacles to their use, and lessons learned in the overall development process. (Author/AEF)

Includes reports from the National Endowment for the Humanities, discussing grants, federal-state partnerships, and a directory of state humanities councils; and from the Institute of Museum and Library Services Library Programs, including state-administered programs, funding, national leadership grant awards, Native American grants, and national…

Describes the development of a course at Rutgers University that resulted from collaboration between the history department and the library in which academic instruction, a new digital library resource called Early English Books Online, and Web technology were brought together to provide a new learning experience for undergraduates. (Author/LRW)