Describes a study at the California State University at Chico library that was conducted to determine the success of the ERIC database on CD-ROM as a retrieval tool. The results of user interviews are summarized, surveys of reference librarians are reviewed, and cost considerations are examined. (three references) (LRW)

A small, private, liberal arts college whose library had been found unsatisfactory during accreditation transformed the library by placing it in the same reporting structure as academic and administrative computing and telecommunications. Application of strategic planning and organizational theory smoothed the transition by modifying central…

Describes common characteristics of learning-disabled persons, proposes strategies for library reference assistance to children and adults, and describes the approach of the Westchester Library System in New York State. Questions are proposed for further thought, discussion, and action. (nine references) (EAM)

Reviews studies of humanists' use of information and discusses three characteristics of the behavior of humanists in relation to trends in the application of new information technologies to the humanities: (1) reluctance to ask questions of reference librarians; (2) regard for influential peers; and (3) concentration on research specializations.…

Proposes that librarians and teachers of English as a Second Language (ESL) form partnerships, and describes roles and suggested activities of librarians and teachers in such a partnership. ESL collection development is discussed, covering funding, selection, foreign language materials, nonprint materials, and the professional collection. (11…

Briefly summarizes findings from a report from the Office of Educational Research and Improvement, U.S. Department of Education, on a survey of 846 public libraries. The study focused on their children's services and resources, including children's access to materials, cooperation with schools, and summer reading programs and story hours. (LRW)

Discusses imperatives for implementation of Omnibus Children and Youth Literacy through Libraries Act, including provision and prioritization of information about library services for youth, support from educational and community groups, improved library media education, cooperation among different types of libraries, leadership by state…

This survey of 288 academic, public, and special librarians in Canada examined attitudes toward the role of bibliographic instruction in reference service. Results indicated that academic librarians stress instruction, special librarians stress information delivery, and public librarians fall between the two positions. It was found that…

Presents 101 variables for use in developing a microcomputing profile and determining the type of microcomputing management appropriate for a library. Variables are presented in 16 categories, including the larger institutional, library, and financial profiles; administration's stance on microcomputing; user profiles; training and support for…

Describes the development of a consumer health information service, InfoHealth, which is operated by the Kingston Public Library (Ontario). Cooperative planning between public, academic, and hospital libraries and community health organizations is described; acquisition of materials is explained; and staffing and promotion of the service are…

Describes the management, programs, and services at the Brown County Library (Wisconsin), winner of the Library of the Year award sponsored by Gale Research Inc, and "Library Journal." Highlights include involvement of library staff; financial support; total quality management; coalitions with local businesses, community agencies, and…

Relates the whole-language concept to the reference process in the school library media center and presents a model of a whole-language librarian. Highlights include selection as part of the inquiry process; books as the basis for discussion; and the media center as a model of democratic community. (Contains 27 references.) (LRW)

Discussion of the approach taken by librarians at the Denver Public Library to improve their children's library facilities includes descriptions of (1) a conference on multidisciplinary approaches to facilities design which focused on creativity, education, and child advocacy; and (2) the use of focus group interviews in which children shared…

Financial pressures brought on by economic recession and increasing costs of academic materials are causing academic libraries to cancel journal subscriptions, reduce book orders, neglect book preservation, cut staff positions, and reduce general services while seeking new revenue sources. Examples of libraries cutting back include those at…

Describes the historical background of the National Library of Sri Lanka; explains the National Library Services Board; outlines the functions of the National Library; discusses library standards for school and public libraries; describes library development projects at local levels; and considers the public library's role in the government's…