Offers suggestions for libraries selecting automated systems based on experiences at Purdue University. Highlights include the institutional context; long-term versus short-term benefits; involving staff and users throughout the process; request for proposals; negotiating contracts; evaluating vendors; and communicating. (LRW)

Examines a new approach to measuring service quality--conducted at Yale University's libraries--one that produces findings useful for local planning and decision making. The goal is to probe the service attributes of greatest potential to both actual customers and service providers. The setting for this study was Yale University. (AEF)

The experience of Rutgers University Libraries illustrates the extensive planning, work effort, possibilities, and investment required to develop the digital library. Examines these key areas: organizational structure; staff development needs; facilities and the new digital infrastructure; metadata standards/interoperability; digital collection…

Changes in user needs resulted in Colorado State University Libraries' decision to turn a traditional library computer lab into an information commons. Issues raised during implementation are discussed, staff training modules are described, and the center's success is evaluated. Training quickly became a critical factor. (AEF)

Research indicates significant levels of burnout in academic teaching librarians. This article describes parallels with other "helping professions" and examines characteristics, causes, and solutions of burnout, inside and outside the classroom. Solutions should be sought in research on similar professions and their effectiveness should…

During the 2000-2001 academic year, the General Libraries of the University at Buffalo conducted a pilot project to assess feasibility of providing reference through instant messaging. Describes the project, its implementation, the software used, staffing issues, and publicity efforts. Discusses results of the project in terms of user…

Explores the number of dimensions needed to measure users' perceptions of library service quality based on data from the ARL (Association of Research Libraries) LibQUAL+ project. Results were consistent with a view that a single set of scores is one reasonable way to characterize user perceptions of library service quality. (Author/LRW)

Examined the effect of an interdisciplinary Web-based citation database with full text, the ProQuest Research Library, on the Western State University library's acquisitions allocation plan. Used list price of full-text journals to calculate increases in acquisitions funding. A list of articles discussing formula allocation is appended.…

This study discusses assistive technology (AT) for student with disabilities in academic libraries. An expert panel, using the Delphi Technique, recognized adequate funding, training opportunities, AT evaluation, and including individuals with disabilities in AT decision making as being some of the primary issues. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the role of consortia in academic libraries, specifically the Illinois Digital Academic Library (IDAL), and describes a study conducted by the IDAL that investigated issues surrounding full text database research including stability of content, vendor communication, embargo periods, publisher concerns, quality of content, linking and…

Describes a study at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln that compared searches in two different keyword indexes with similar content where search results were dependent on search strategy quality, search engine execution, and content. Results showed search engine execution had an impact on the number of matches and that users ignored search help…

Identifies core journals in the life sciences for Cornell University researchers by analyzing the frequency of Cornell-authored citations in Biosis Previews between 1996 and 2001. Discusses distribution, Bradford's Law of Scatter, the 80/20 Rule, and prices, and recommends this methodology to provide guidance on which titles to purchase for…

Describes a survey of midsized academic libraries that measured the departmental relationship between librarians who provide reference services and librarians who provide instructional services. Discusses satisfaction levels with various organizational arrangements as well as pros and cons of integrated or separate reference and instruction…

Discusses reference-use statistics in academic libraries. Highlights include new functions and resources, limits of traditional counting methods, ranking the sources, the Internet's impact on instruction, computer-assisted versus one-on-one instruction, and creative solutions to reference services. (AEF)

Surveys literature relevant to study of University/TAFE (Technology and Further Education) joint-use libraries, revealing: recommendations for single line management; full integration of services and resources and need for broad guidelines for operation; indications of client and economic benefits; and concerns about service compromises. The…