Discusses a five-point approach for library media specialists about school-based management. The approach includes establishing priorities for the school library media program, developing strong community support and a public relations program, creating a support staff within the school, refining human relations, and using creative scheduling and…

Describes Libraries Online, a pilot project created by Microsoft and the American Library Association to develop ways to provide access to information technologies to underserved populations. Presents the nine public libraries that will receive cash grants, staff training, computer hardware and software, and technical support to help support local…

Discussion of the rapid growth of information and information sources focuses on the role of librarians in promoting and providing literacy programs. Topics addressed include global views; effects of illiteracy; electronic computer networks; and the need for librarians to become more active, visible, and politically aware. (LRW)

Discussion of children in single-parent families focuses on contributions fathers make to children's development; proposes a model for viewing fathers' roles in literacy; and suggests programs for libraries and schools to involve fathers and compensate for fathers' absences, including a bibliography of children's literature with positive male role…

Explores ways in which senior academic librarians contribute to the long-term educational, professional, collegial, and career development of entry-level reference librarians. Literature on reference training is reviewed; and four roles of senior librarians are described, including teacher, advisor, interpersonal role model, and mentor. (Contains…

Compares LISA (Library and Information Science Abstracts) on SilverPlatter's CD-ROM with its replacement version, Bowker-Saur's LISA Plus. Features reviewed include entry to the databases; use of Boolean search facilities; indexes and browsing; displaying and printing records; subsidiary functions; on-screen help; and interfaces. (Contains eight…

Describes use studies of OCLC's FirstSearch, an online reference service for end-users, that was conducted at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Qualitative and quantitative research methods are described, including use statistics, online user surveys, questionnaires, and focus groups; and strengths and weaknesses of FirstSearch are…

Presents views of eight library jobs considered to be among the most desirable based on an informal poll of over 50 librarians. Directors of public libraries, the Librarian of Congress, state librarians, special librarians, and reference librarians are profiled, and a list of 22 additional desirable jobs is included. (LRW)

Outsourcing has been proposed as a method for improving effectiveness and productivity in Australian public library service. Developments, drawbacks, and potentials are discussed, and differences between contracting out whole services as opposed to selected activities are examined. (AEF)

The SUNY University Center Libraries conducted a survey on faculty use of electronic information technologies and resources at Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, and Stony Brook. Questionnaire topics included access to electronic technologies, and current and future expectations and preferences for library services. Findings revealed inequities in…

Describes goals, background, and steps of the RIDDLE project (Rapid Information Display and Dissemination in a Library Environment), a study of the use of scanning technology in libraries. Project results show that it is possible to extract bibliographic information from the contents page of journal articles and to include this information in…

The University of Washington (Seattle) developed an administrative process that integrates user needs assessment. The user-centered library is defined and assessment initiatives including policies, surveys, analysis of resource allocation, and professional development are discussed. (AEF)

A media specialist discusses methods for promoting a library media program. Highlights include a staff survey; monthly newsletters; community celebrity readings; fund raising; taped cable programs; flexibility; displays; communication with staff, parents, and students; supporting the principal and staff; and having a positive attitude. (AEF)

Describes part of a project designed to develop a user-based approach to measuring the extent to which services provided by librarians meet or exceed user expectations on a consistent basis. Results show that academics and librarians have similar expectations, but there are differences in the emphasis each group places on aspects of service.…

Changes in information technology threaten the traditional role of the college library on campus. Library administrators must position the library politically as well as technologically to play a central role in services, technology, and organization, and to enable the library to retain an integral place in the university's intellectual life. (MSE)