Explains how Rutgers University libraries have been experimenting with platforms in which more complex Web database technology can be reused by designing generic software functions and a generic database. Describes a platform for collecting and cataloging Web sites for an undergraduate course in history. (LRW)

Reports results of a nationwide survey of first-year experience (FYE) courses for college freshmen to determine whether FYE course curricula contained a library component, especially information literacy. Discusses who develops the library component, who teaches it, course content, and the role that libraries and librarians play. (Author/LRW)

Discusses types of peer training and describes the development of peer training instruction for reference/instruction librarians at DePaul University (Illinois) to keep communication open among staff members, share subject expertise, sharpen skills needed in group and one-on-one instruction, train new librarians, and provide ongoing professional…

Discusses the effects of reductions in federal funding on academic libraries and describes the development and implementation of a faculty and staff needs assessment at the University of Iowa that identified what resources and services are used for research, teaching, study, and work so plans can be made for the future. (Author/LRW)

Describes a study that investigated the relationship between an institution's academic library performance measures and undergraduates' library use and educational outcomes. Discusses results of regression analyses and suggests that the most important implication of this study is the creation of a new model of academic library quality. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of the difficulties undergraduates have with the research process focuses on the research process of scholars and suggests guiding questions for students to ask. Highlights include finding a topic and its focus; selecting a search method; the role of the librarian; and evaluating Web sites. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the history of academic research, library instruction, and the role of leisure, reflection, and creativity. Suggests that these cultural elements should be introduced to undergraduates and contends that deep reading, rather than information literacy competency, cultivates these elements. Examines productivity and the faculty research…

Describes a computer use survey that investigated users' search behavior in an academic library, specifically how they approached their research needs using online resources. Discusses the variety of sources accessed, requests for assistance, and satisfaction with results; concludes that searches are not always effective; and considers how to…

Explains how to decide what type of computer to buy for a small academic library, based on software requirements, staff and patron use, and PC technology. Topics include the central processing unit; types of memory; storage devices; ports; multimedia capabilities; modems; operating systems; and monitors. (LRW)

Presents arguments in support of research library microfilm collections of archival sources for use by scholars. Historical background on microfilming and new technological developments enhancing use of microforms are discussed, as well as preservation and other benefits of microfilming. (10 references) (MES)

Fifteen articles cover issues related to academic libraries in Illinois, including the library of the future, expert systems, information brokers, impacts of technology on reference services, bibliographic instruction, training, shared authority control, needs of minority students, professional associations, library cooperation, and interlibrary…

Reports results of a content analysis that was conducted to determine the coverage of issues relating to academic libraries in the "Chronicle of Higher Education." Topics discussed include automation; presidential libraries; special collections; copyright; federal legislation; and a bias toward the Washington, D.C., area and toward large…

Discusses the roles academic and public libraries can play in the process of economic restructuring and development. A business school library in Hungary is described, and its role in economic restructuring and the education of future managers is discussed; and the role of public libraries in the United States is examined. (four references) (LRW)

Discussion of the activities of academic libraries focuses on a survey of 27 English-speaking West African university libraries. The effects of technology are discussed, activities in West African university libraries are compared with activities in other African countries, and implications for West African librarians are suggested. (12…

This article describes some of the potential inhibitors of the transformation of libraries by digital technologies and some steps that universities can take to overcome them. Included is information about the formation of a national coalition by the Association of Research Libraries, CAUSE, and EDUCOM--the Coalition for Networked Information.…