Describes the microcomputer-based online search services provided by the library of the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Topics addressed include databases used; users; searcher characteristics; computer printouts; costs and user fees; interlibrary loans; and CD-ROMs. (four references) (LRW)

Summarizes recommendations from the 1991 White House Conference on Library and Information Services which examined directions that technology must take regarding the library/media information fields (emphasizing literacy, productivity, and democracy). The paper makes recommendations about services, access, governance, networking, training,…

Explores the roles of information brokers and information consultants. Topics discussed include reasons for the emergence of information brokers, including technological, sociological, economic, and political factors; legal and ethical considerations; implications for libraries; access to information; future prospects; and the information industry…

Reports on research by library science students for a public library to determine the information needs of a community's health-care professionals, their views of patient information needs, and the public library's ability to meet those needs. An added benefit was positive public relations with the medical community. (Contains 14 references.) (EAM)

Presents an overview of the benefits of portable library structures and discusses results of a national survey of 16 public library systems representing 18 portable facilities. Findings relate to common locations, user groups, cost effectiveness, advantages, and staff reactions. (Contains 10 references.) (EAM)

Describes the technical, political, economic, and cultural environments of library automation. A review is then presented of five books covering wide-ranging library automation themes, including practical experiences; planning second-generation library systems; software, systems, and services; new roles for librarians; and the national network…

Argues that librarians should respond to the growing demand for medical information by expanding their role. The development of medical information reference, issues of accountability, legal responsibility, and user characteristics are discussed. Seven steps toward accountability, including in-depth reference interviewing, referral, training, and…

Highlights the changes that have occurred from 1987-93 in database access systems. Topics addressed include types of databases, including CD-ROMs; enduser interface; database selection; database access management, including library instruction and use of primary literature; economic issues; database users; the search process; and improving…

Discusses bookmobile service as it exists today and projects its future for the 1990s based on a survey of public libraries identified through the Adult Services in the Eighties (ASE) project. Topics discussed include costs; circulation figures; service areas, including rural communities; staff training and public services; collections;…

Reviews Greenville Technical College's plans for a Technical Resource Center (TRC), incorporating library and instructional delivery functions. Discusses plans regarding library services; Computer Valley (an integrated learning lab and academic computing center); the Greenville Education Network (an Instructional Television Fixed Service based…

Describes a survey of library development officers in state library agencies that was conducted to investigate the types of governance structures of public libraries. Highlights include consolidation of public library services, public library boards, trends in public library governance, financial support and managerial effectiveness, and…

Relates the concept of total quality management to serving information users through remote access technology. The three key factors of personnel, user communication, and equipment support, as well as other areas of concern, are considered. (EAM)

Identifies characteristics of the international student population and patterns of international students' library use. The students' prior use of microcomputers and their current perceived difficulties in using libraries are reported, and the implications for libraries are drawn. Fourteen tables provide data about student characteristics and…

Reports results of a 1990 survey of the progress Minnesota school library media centers made toward meeting Information Power guidelines for automating circulation, reference services, and the catalog. Order of automation, relationship between school size and automation, media specialists' satisfaction with new systems, and reasons for not…

Reviews the problems of implementing information technology in developing countries and cites examples from African projects. The use of CD-ROM for access to information is examined, and experiences at the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Saudi Arabia in introducing CD-ROM search services are described. (Contains five references.)…