Reports on research that focused on competence and performance of reference libraries in academic libraries in Nigeria. Includes recommendations for improving competence and performance, including the reference process; staffing and other resources; education for reference librarians; knowledge of modern technology; and emotional stability and…

Describes the "Excellence in Academic Libraries" award in the university division from the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL). Discusses the history of the award; results of the award; winning libraries as examples of excellence; cash award; and campus impact. (AEF)

Discussion of the ARL (Association of Research Libraries) E-Metrics project focuses on understanding how academic libraries might specify, produce, and assess institutional outcomes. Offers a framework for approaching the outcomes assessment process and suggests that multiple approaches to assessment are needed for an assessment of libraries in…

Discussion of remote access to library services focuses on proxy servers as a method for remote access, based on experiences at Saint Mary's University (Halifax). Topics include Internet protocol user validation; browser-directed proxies; server software proxies; vendor alternatives for validating remote users; and Internet security issues. (LRW)

Explores how the four-part model of transition cycles applies to becoming a chief librarian of an academic library. Considers the four stages from various organizational levels, as well as for their psychological and social impact on the new job incumbent, and presents an instrument for assessment of transitional success. (Author/LRW)

Considers job rotation, the systematic movement of employees from one job to another, as one of the tools for organizational development. Reviews relevant print and Internet literature, discusses the pros and cons of job rotation, and describes experiences at the Ryerson University library to illustrate process. (Author/LRW)

Addresses issues related to library acquisition of microform collections. Cooperation in the acquisition process between libraries and scholars is urged. The value of microforms and the importance of providing finding aids are also discussed. (nine references) (MES)

Reports on a survey of 22 undergraduates and three bibliographic instruction librarians at Iowa State University to elicit their views on misrepresentation, i.e., copying another student's work. It is concluded that there is a need for librarians to instruct students on principles of independent scholarship and proper documentation. (six…

This discussion of the interrelationship between libraries and learning focuses on the development of university libraries. Changing attitudes toward students' involvement in the learning process and expanding curricula are cited as reasons for the growth of university libraries. The professionalization of librarianship and increased participation…

Discusses the problems caused for both users and systems by queries containing negation, and presents an algorithm for transforming Boolean queries with negated terms into queries without negation using a hierarchical thesaurus. A set of user requests submitted to an academic library are also examined to determine the pattern and frequency of use…

Describes production of a 10-minute videotape for freshman library instruction at Brigham Young University. Positive response by English instructors, librarians, and students is reported. (MES)

Reports a survey of three top U.S. academic library holdings of the U.S. telecommunications periodical press. Shows a dramatic decrease in the proportion of telecommunications titles during a time when these publications were increasing in number and price. Suggests that the research library-centered information system is being bypassed. (SR)

Presents the results of a test of an information support service for academic administrators by librarians, together with the model and rationale for such service. The demand for such a service, administrator reactions, and its cost effectiveness are discussed, as well as issues in library service, techniques, and philosophy that were identified…

This study examined the influence of (1) the setting of the reference interview on the interaction and (2) accuracy and the librarian's behavior on the success of the reference interview. Tables display correlations between the interpersonal, interviewing and listening, and searching skills of the librarian with the patron's willingness to return…

Describes a project for the creation of an indexing system for architectural drawings that will allow integration of bibliographic and intellectual access to the collection using an existing online library information network. The discussion covers the influence of archival, curatorial, and library traditions on the project. (11 references) (CLB)