Describes the development of a computer-supported cooperative problem-solving environment designed to help librarians and remote access users work together in performing an online search. Results of a study of graduate students indicate that groups using the computer demonstrated more effective skills than those performing the same tasks face to…

Describes how participants interpret the process of implementing flexible access library programs in elementary school settings and how these programs evolve over time. Topics include educational change and reform, communication and public relations, support, adequate resources, professional development, and school climate. (Author/LRW)

Analyzes Web sites of ten large research libraries in order to establish a basic understanding of how some major libraries are currently providing virtual reference services. Discusses centralization; email reference guidelines; creating a service economy; expanding hours of service; virtual users' needs; and real-time virtual reference.…

Examines the impact of the transition of the Federal Depository Library Program from print collections to a mix of print and electronic materials. Considers library collections and services; discusses reference service within the context of Zipf's Law; and presents a case study of the University of Florida documents reference services. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the concept of Earth's Largest Library (ELL), a mega-virtual library based on the Amazon.com model. Topics include who will be included; privacy; censorship; scope of the collection; costs; legal aspects; collection development; personnel management; access; the concept of community; public service; lending policies; technical…

Explains the public printing services available at computer terminals for patrons at the University of Guelph (Ontario) libraries. Highlights include configurations of the public workstations; client and server hardware and software; security features; cost projections; and printing charges. (LRW)

Explores whether library instruction can enhance college students' self-efficacy in electronic information searching. Assesses self-efficacy before and after library instruction; examines how self-esteem is related to students' attitudes toward acquiring electronic search skills, their emotions, and search performance; and discusses implications…

Reference service technology has passed its first stage of insuring more accurate, rapid delivery of information. The second revolution underway will improve on both acquisition and retrieval of data. New technologies must fit into traditional reference service goals. The human should be given first priority. (Contains 46 references.) (Author/AEF)

Investigated centralized copyright clearance services in higher education institutions based on the findings of a questionnaire survey and five case study interviews in United Kingdom libraries. Examines reasons why services were established, how they were funded and staffed, their overall remit, problems, and good practice guidelines. (Author/LRW)

Defines values that librarians have in the information age, including service, preservation, intellectual freedom, equitable access, and information literacy. Discusses the results of a survey that compared the values of American academic librarians, library science students, and librarians from Russia and the former Soviet Union. (LRW)

Growing numbers of libraries are experimenting with a new form of interactive reference to extend service to their patrons at the point-of-need and time-of-need. Examines digital reference for the altered user culture and point-of-need service products. Describes a pilot project offering chat reference service. Discuses developing service…

Describes how the physical environment of the library at Saint Mary's University (Halifax) was developed into a more welcoming and inviting space. Highlights include the use of student marketing projects to examine perceptions of the library, including student surveys; raising its profile within the university community; and enhanced services.…

Examines the importance of understanding how and why academic libraries are changing, analyzes the limitations and difficulties of traditional library performance measures, and explores environmental factors that may help account for why library use is changing. Discusses how user behavior and preferences affect demand for and use of library…

Reports the results of a survey of reference librarians in public and academic libraries that investigated experiences with and attitudes toward the use of digital and networked technologies and resources in reference work. Highlights include a correlation between experiences and positive attitudes; characteristics of librarians; and current and…

Describes the development of a prototype Web-based database selection expert system at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign that is based on reference librarians' database selection strategy which allows users to simultaneously search all available databases to identify those most relevant to their search using free-text keywords or…