Founded in 1894 to support museum research, the Field Museum of Natural History Library specializes in fields of anthropology, archaeology, botany, geology, palaeontology, and zoology. A rich serials collection and numerous special collections serve both the scientific community and wider public as noncirculating reference collection and through…

This article describes the history of the Museum of Science and Industry Library (Chicago, Illinois) and its services, collections, and facilities. Emphasis on educational and children's materials is discussed. Statistics provided include date founded, director, collection and staff size, and main subjects collected. (EJS)

Description of a special library housed in world's largest indoor aquarium highlights history of aquarium and library; the collection supporting animal care-taking, reference, and research activities; archives; computer capabilities; users (primarily staff) and services; and networking and cooperation. Date founded, director, collection and staff…

This discussion of the problem of funding college and university media centers outlines the general categories of available support, assesses current prospects of attracting funds for instructional technology in higher education, and explores the implications that a media center poses for a library's internal budget policy. Twenty-nine references…

Describes an exercise for California high school seniors which reviews basic library skills. Positive impact of exercise use on study-locational skills scores of the California Assessment Program Survey of Basic Skills is illustrated through a review of test scores from 1977 to 1984. (MBR)

A survey of University of Sydney library users shows the library holds 90 percent of the items sought, but more than a quarter of the catalog searches and almost half the shelf searches fail. Overall, 36 percent of users seeking a known item will leave without finding it. (MSE)

Book reviewed by Robert D. Stueart points out the need for organizational change in academic libaraies and suggests new organizational and work system designs and ways of incorporating them. Academic libraries are urged to begin thinking in terms of client needs, rather than organization of work into categories. (EJS)

Review of research on online public access catalogs sponsored by Council on Library Resources notes the scope and method (questionnaires administered to catalog users and nonusers in 29 participating institutions) and findings and applications (including organizational setting and computer system, catalog use and satisfaction, and implications).…

Examines two issues to determine how they affect delivery of consumer health information: (1) Who is responsible for disseminating consumer health information, and what role should public and health science libraries play? (2) Should librarians (public or health science) provide medical reference works for general public? Thirty-five references…

Reports on a survey of Texas community college libraries conducted to determine to what extent library services were offered to developmental programs and students and the impact of these services on academic achievement. (AYC)

Since 1976, Uris Undergraduate Library at Cornell University has provided a program in bibliographic instruction involving 140-150 classes per year and reaching between 2,500 and 3,500 students. In addition to course related and course integrated classes for students at all levels, the program includes intensive training for teacher-librarians.…

This paper outlines the history and purpose of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which insures the right to access the voluminous files of U.S. government agencies, and explains FOIA implementation procedures for reference librarians assisting patrons. Recent attempts to amend the FOIA are discussed. Thirty-four references are cited. (EJS)

Results of survey involving 54 U.S. colleges and universities reveal that while 98% of international education offices offered orientation programs for newly enrolled foreign students, only 56% of libraries provided special instruction for this group. Need for programs and suggestions for establishing them are discussed. Questionnaire is appended.…

Examination of present conditions of law libraries in Pakistan with respect to their origin, resources, and services covers court libraries, academic law libraries, bar association libraries, government department libraries. Development of legal information service, the judicial system in Pakistan, and problems and prospects peculiar to law…

Discussion of compulsory school attendance in United States focuses on a national exodus from public schools into self-education or other alternative education by the 5 percent of the nation's children classified as gifted. Nurturing of the innovative mind and entrepreneurial daring by the public library movement is addressed. Six references are…