Latin American libraries have experienced an important development in the last two decades. Telecommunications and Information Technologies (ITC) have been key elements in this process. There are leading institutions with remarkable programs; nevertheless it is necessary to design marketing strategies to improve their benefits. A case study based…

Long a controversial topic in the specialized world of reference librarianship, unobtrusive evaluation is a useful tool in gauging the degree to which reference librarians are effectively performing their jobs. Based on a nationwide survey of government documents reference service in Canada, This book examines the broad philosophical implications…

This SPEC Kit and Flyer focus on the gifts and exchange function in Association of Research (ARL) libraries. The survey was sent to 119 ARL institutions via e-mail; 62 usable replies were received. Results, discussed in the SPEC Flyer, highlight trends and effects of changes in library automation, staffing decreases, administrative reorganization,…

This paper reports the results of an international study of the principal's role in developing and supporting information literacy programs in Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Japan, Scotland, and South Korea. Principals and librarians in all countries except South Korea differed significantly on the amount of time they perceived the principal…

Discusses the user-oriented design, technology application, and innovative re-organization employed in the new facility of the Iowa City Public Library. Shelving of audiovisual materials, open access, cable television, the online catalog, and staffing considerations are noted. Nine references are cited. (EJS)

Outline of the library movement in Qatar, a peninsula located on the middle of the western shore of the Arabian Gulf, includes the educational system, book publishing, establishment of the National Library in 1963, public libraries (2), academic libraries (2), school libraries (54), special libraries (5), and library education. (EJS)

Results of study conducted in academic library to determine whether self-disclosure by librarians would promote patron satisfaction with the reference interview and willingness to return for aid indicate that patrons felt more satisfied with self-disclosure, but it had no effect on their perception of being understood. Thirteen references are…

Describes techniques developed for providing continuing education to individuals solving medical reference requests over a telephone teleconference network linking library personnel in nonurban public libraries, systems libraries, and small hospital libraries. Background, project aims, and teleconferencing techniques, including their advantages,…

Presents an analysis of a set of syllabuses from a graduate-level academic institution and relates syllabus design and mode of instruction to the use of library resources by students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate courses. Course syllabuses are discussed as indicators of potential library use. Five data tables are included. (Author/JL)

Presents a taxonomy of 11 different levels at which school library media centers can be involved in instructional development, ranging from no involvement to participation in curriculum development by the library media specialist. (CHC)

A two-year research project funded by the British Library with the objectives of analyzing and assigning the role of the public library services in the development of educational advisory facilities for adults is discussed. The project has produced a new directory of services in operation. (MLW)

Summarizes the proceedings of the White House Conference on Libraries and Information Services, held November 15-19, 1979, in Washington, DC. Key issues raised in its five theme areas--meeting personal needs, lifelong learning, service to organizations and the professions, effectively governing society, and international cooperation--are…

Discusses ways instruction librarians can use the World Wide Web to serve students in the classroom, at the reference desk, in distance education, and as a self-directed learning tool. Outlines how the Web can function as a desktop publishing system, revitalize subject pathfinders and "how-to" guides, and promote the invention of interactive…

Discusses activities at the Library of Congress during 1996, including the Management Improvement Plan, legislative support to Congress, technology projects, service to Congress and the nation through technology, collections security, materials processing, storage, acquisitions, preservation, copyrights, exhibitions, restoration and renovation,…

A system of course analysis was developed and used to code and compare faculty research, courses, and library materials in the Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics departments of the University of South Carolina. The purpose is to provide a guide in determining how well the library's collection supports the academic needs of these departments. (10…