Argues that, if libraries are to maintain their role in learning and research, they need to shift their focus from documents to content and from collection to individuals. Topics discussed include library concerns in 1939, services made possible by technology, and the necessity to implement information management strategies on campus. (22…

Examines demographic and economic trends of rural areas nationally, in the Northeast, and in Pennsylvania, and discusses the impact of these trends on rural library planning and services. Four options for developing rural library policy and implementing quality library services are outlined. (55 references) (CLB)

Describes an electronic bulletin board called LIBRARY that was developed at Carnegie Mellon University to display the tables of contents of scholarly journals and timely postings of new monographs in the fields of computer science and robotics. Areas discussed include preparation involved in beginning the service, management and upkeep, feedback…

Reviews literature on marketing techniques for public, academic, special, and school libraries from 1982 to the present. Results of a survey of librarians in Indiana and Illinois on marketing techniques are included, and a 114-item annotated bibliography is presented. (LRW)

Describes four models for providing literacy training to rural adults: self-instruction programs based in local libraries; job site training programs; one-to-one instruction programs utilizing volunteers; and mobile delivery systems. Reviews the results of field tests of the models in Kansas community colleges. (DMM)

Describes changes in Soviet research libraries as a possible indicator of the success of glasnost. Topics covered include open access to resources, improved library services, and the use of information technologies. A special report on the 1988 U.S.-U.S.S.R. library seminar is provided. (12 references) (CLB)

Describes a survey of public libraries that examined problems associated with access to local government information. Findings are reported on the nature of requests received, the types of responses given and sources used, and reasons given by librarians for providing access to local government information. (14 notes with references) (CLB)

Reference materials used by librarians responding to reference requests and by patrons at the Iowa State University Library were analyzed to determine which subject areas of the collection received greatest use, and whether subject areas and types of materials used by librarians differed from those used by patrons. (19 references) (MES)

Abstracts describe five research projects which investigated a library-based computer-assisted writing program; high school library media specialists with exemplary programs; the impact of access to an academic library via online catalog for college bound students; transferability of library research skills from high school to college; and the…

Describes the possibilities of hypermedia stackware with emphasis on applications for youth librarians. A model for the development and evaluation of stackware is offered, and an example of a proposed hypermedia product is provided. Differences in personal interest levels and learning styles are considered, and copyright concerns are discussed.…

Discussion of historians as library users divides the historians into four categories: professional historians, student historians, amateur historians, and family historians. Highlights include examples of problems with library services, including misleading library catalogs and inadequate reference service; the reference librarian as guide to…

Explores how to analyze various political processes which affect resource allocation to libraries. The marketing of library "products" is discussed, and practical strategies for assisting the individual librarian in political processes are offered. (AEF)

Describes Germany's national engineering library, the Technical Information Library, and discusses its usefulness as a model for a similar library in the United States. Highlights include a discussion of the library's history, facilities, collections, services, online catalog, and clientele. (JMV)

Discusses the trend for bibliographic instruction in academic libraries to be more attentive to aspects of content and delivery related to diversity. Highlights include communication competence; ethnic competence; ethnocentrism; navigating community information systems as opposed to libraries; different ways of learning; and nonverbal…

Presents a step-by-step guide to creating a student-run puppet program in public libraries. Topics discussed include buying a stage; collecting puppets; recruiting and screening volunteers; selecting and adapting stories, including length, characters, and dialogue; the rehearsal process; and performance suggestions. (LRW)