Outsourcing library cataloging offers advantages and disadvantages. This article discusses case studies of outsourcing projects at Michigan State University, SUNY Binghamton, Loyola University, Truckee Meadows Community College, and Wright State University. Highlights the retrospective conversion and reclassification of the Mines/Engineering…

Reviews the current state of bibliographic cooperation in Saudi Arabia, discusses prospects for further cooperation, and highlights difficulties. Concludes with recommendations that King Fahd National Library develop a national cooperative cataloging program and prepare rules and procedures for participating libraries to contribute in various…

A survey of 97 Ohio college and university libraries provided data on types of accommodations made in Title II (public), Title III (private), and Title IV (communication services and auxiliary aids) with respect to: access; auxiliary aids and services; restroom facilities; signage; and staff and policy making. Investigated the effects of…

Librarianship's worldview or philosophy preconditions understanding of ideas such as core value, diversity, and equity. Adherents to the orthodox version of this worldview restrict minority interests while aspiring to become a scientific profession. Those in favor of a modified version of the worldview support cultural diversity and non-positivist…

Examines three essential questions and suggests areas for research in each: (1) How are digital resource users best served: What resources will they want? How will they want to use them? What services will most enhance use? (2) What elements are required for a coherent preservation strategy covering resources both digital and traditional? (3) What…

Considers issues facing academic libraries in liberal arts colleges. Topics discussed include the need for faculty support; needs of faculty researchers; collection development, including faculty demands; resource sharing; the impact of information technology; the role of the library; and current awareness services, such as selective dissemination…

Based on a literature review and content analysis of written collection development policies for school libraries in Indiana, a Delphi survey of district-level school media directors in 28 states identified important issues to be addressed in future school library collection development policies. Respondents found copyright guidelines to be an…

Illustrates the use of factor analysis in interpreting large sets of data. Describes how factor analysis of a 19-question survey revealed faculty opinions about library policies for (1) computerized access; (2) circulation; (3) specialized collections/services; and (4) the general collection. A characterization of each category is followed by…

Examines demographic and economic trends of rural areas nationally, in the Northeast, and in Pennsylvania, and discusses the impact of these trends on rural library planning and services. Four options for developing rural library policy and implementing quality library services are outlined. (55 references) (CLB)

Presents issues from a debate about interlibrary loan (ILL) policies and the use of union lists on the OCLC (Online Computer Library Center) ILL subsystem. Highlights include library funding, costs of maintaining serials holdings on a utility, borrowing procedures, quality service, workload leveling, staffing, and problems with OCLC system…

Collection development policies as traditionally conceived are of little practical utility. Research librarians will better serve themselves and their users by devising flexible guides to information associated with particular fields of study. Resource maps using electronic technology could accommodate different kinds of inquiries. (Author/AEF)

Discusses interlibrary loan issues including costs and fees, staff and training, net-borrowing and net-lending, copyright, and document delivery. Describes the following strategies: monitoring activities, resource sharing/consortia, networking protocols, communicating and sharing ideas, and policies and procedures. (Author/AEF)

Addresses issues of electronic publishing from an archival perspective, including authentication, mutability, reformatting, preservation, editorial and administrative policies, costs, the role of librarians and archivists, technical procedures, access and the rights of privacy and freedom of information, and standards. (AEF)

Presents American Library Association guidelines for medical, legal, and business responses at general reference desks covering the role of the librarian, including interpretation, advice, confidentiality, and tact; sources, including currency and referrals; telephone or mail reference; and ethics. (MES)

Discusses the role of paraprofessionals in secondary school libraries and suggests guidelines for the selection process. Highlights include a sample job description for a library media assistant that includes expectations and responsibilities; the need for adequate training; providing a variety of assignments; and establishing consistent policies.…