Discusses the role of technology in library reference interactions and suggests the need to focus more on what the users bring to the reference interaction. Topics include how the Internet impacts reference; the role of information literacy; representational and system models; users' mental models; studies in mental models; and reconstructing…

Describes a books by mail program developed by the San Francisco (California) Public Library to extend free mail service to homebound patrons, including both older users and users with disabilities. Discusses previous library service; planning, including working with the Postal Service; and costs. (LRW)

Discusses the ten precepts underling the "Guidelines for Distance Learning Library Services" as a sort of Bill of Rights relating to library services provided to distance learning students. (EV)

Considers differences between the scientific community and literary intellectuals, focusing on librarianship and information technology in higher education in particular. Discusses library services that rely on information technology; differences in status and in education and training; standards; and collaboration, including attempts to integrate…

Although the personality traits of archivists make them resistant to adopting marketing strategies, changes in the archival environment and information require that reference archivists understand and use concepts of marketing to advance archival services. Discusses changes in archival service, concepts of marketing: customer-orientation,…

Describes a study that investigated the use of electronic book devices by college students, professors, and librarians. Topics include the use of personal digital assistants (PDAs); challenges for libraries, including policies for PDAs; technological problems with PDAs; and student attitudes. (LRW)

Describes a program at the State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Morrisville (SUNY-Morrisville) developed with IBM called ThinkPad University that integrates computers into the teaching and learning environment. Explains a partnership with Raytheon that provides wireless connectivity; and discusses changes in…

Discusses Web design accessibility from the perspective of a librarian who is legally blind. Explains problems encountered with the growing use of graphics as opposed to text-based sites and suggests steps that librarians can take to help make the Web more accessible. (LRW)

Examines 11 electronic research journals for accessibility to users with visual or mobility impairments and suggests that librarians need to consider accessibility issues. Discusses the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act (1998); usability and universal design; accessibility errors; following links; browser compatibility;…

This empirical research examined scale economies of academic research libraries that belong to the Association of Research Libraries and developed a total cost function for estimating economies of scale. Argues that libraries are information provision organizations that provide multiproducts and multiservices and compares this study with previous…

Discusses how school librarians can use self-interest to increase their influence with the principal. Topics include demonstrating how the library can help; providing pertinent information; increasing interaction with the principal; accuracy and speed of providing information; helpful Web sites; and organizing and presenting the information. (LRW)

Examines the demographic profile of reading room users in urban public libraries in Israel as well as their patterns of use. Reports results that include user occupations; age; educational level; use of additional library services; purposes of spending time in the reading room; and how books used were located. (Author/LRW)

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)

Summarizes information about public libraries in the 50 states and the District of Columbia for state fiscal year 2000. Also contains information about service measures, including Internet access, and collections and library finance. (SLD)