Discussion of reference librarians in higher education focuses on experiences at the University of Southern California. Topics include reference costs and time demands; reorganization and cutting costs; merging computer departments with libraries; Internet advantages, including the Internet Public Library; attitudes and creativity of librarians;…

Describes an applied research project which builds on a perceived need for community information and through exploiting the professional know-how of library science, takes the initiative in inventing and designing an information product and service to meet that need. Discusses cooperative planning and describes seven main components of the work.…

Examines how rural librarians view librarianship and libraries, and the future of both. A total of 441 surveys were sent out; 232 were analyzed. Findings indicate rural librarians are overwhelmingly positive about the profession and its future. The major obstacle facing rural libraries is a lack of education to cope with changes the information…

The role of the public library has changed with the advent of the Internet and digital technology. In addition to its traditional role as a storehouse of information, the role of the public library now encompasses a range of duties such as a resource learning center, a community center, and a business liaison. The opportunities for service have…

Describes the new facilities at the New York Public Library, the British Library, and the National Library of France, including reference service, delivery time for books, and general ambience. Also reports on a conference that addressed issues related to scholarly communication and digital technology in the academic community. (LRW)

Presents the results of a study of Web sites for 133 academic libraries serving medium-sized universities. Suggests that navigational and design aspects need improvement; information should not be included unless it will be accessed and used; and greater use should be made of online tutorials and virtual tours to supplement regular bibliographic…

Discussion of collaboration between classroom teachers and school library media specialists focuses on programs at an elementary school in the Katy Independent School District (Texas). Topics include knowing the faculty; knowing the curriculum; providing needed materials and services; cooperation with public librarians; and recognition of shared…

The executive director of the Special Libraries Association (SLA) and the president of the Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP) answer questions about outsourcing information services. Relevant policy, vendor-client relationships, managerial considerations, and effects on libraries are discussed. Two sidebars offer 19…

Describes quantitative and qualitative research that investigated students' perceptions of the library service at the University of Sussex (England). Highlights include results of a user survey regarding the reserve collection, user interviews and the software package used to analyze them, and types of student searching. (Author/LRW)

Examines the disproportionate use of reference desk service by users not affiliated with the university based on a survey conducted at Georgia State University. Topics include the use of these statistics to justify extra funding, and decision making regarding reference desk staffing. (Author/LRW)

Describes programmatic changes in reference services at the Johns Hopkins University (Maryland) medical library and speculates on the future. Topics include institutional restructuring and consolidation; improvements in technology infrastructure; external economic pressure; and fiscal accountability, including library funding and cost center…

The Dallas Public Library surveyed 21 surrounding public library systems to help identify barriers that limit children's use of public libraries. Describes identified barriers, examines causes of the barriers, and offers possible solutions. Tables present study results and list discontinued and current library outreach programs. (JMV)

Describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of an innovative information service at the University of Arkansas that provides graduate students and faculty with improved access to information, comprehensive training by appropriate subject librarians, and subsidized document delivery. Presents student and faculty reaction to both a…

Explores the use, revision, and evaluation of a written, self-paced tour that precedes librarian-led instruction at the Indiana State University library. Presents student reactions to the tour and its accompanying exercises. Guidelines for administering the tour and a questionnaire on tour use are appended for readers to answer and submit to the…

Discusses academic library support for new courses and new educational programs based on experiences at the University of Illinois at Chicago health sciences library. Topics addressed include the challenge of regionalization; budget constraints; enhanced services in lieu of acquisitions; resource sharing; and faculty resistance. (Contains 12…