Three urban library systems asked their patrons to read descriptions of seven library roles and to select the role that best described why they were visiting the library. From these patron surveys, each library system was able to develop profiles of the roles that its libraries play in the community. (Contains two references.) (SLW)

Describes the creation of an interactive retrieval system for electronic numeric files that was developed at Cornell University's (New York) Mann Library. Topics discussed include user characteristics; special data characteristics; quality control; software; hardware; data preparation; database design and construction; interface; subject indexing…

Discusses virtual libraries, i.e., library services available to users via personal computers; considers the issues of technological development, user demands, and organizational response; and describes progress toward virtual libraries in the Netherlands, including networks, online systems, navigation tools, subject classification, coordination…

Describes the British Library's strategic planning preparation for probable changes in the information environment up to the year 2000 caused by technological, economic, social, and other factors. Highlights include library services; improving its user orientation; information systems strategy; digital collections; catalog access; gateway…

Argues that combining public and school libraries may overcome the scarcity that slows library development in third world countries. The relationship between libraries and development, factors contributing to successful combined libraries, and the ability of libraries to support literacy efforts are discussed. (Contains 29 references.) (KRN)

Discussion of off-campus library services focuses on a literature review of surveys on reference services to off-campus users that investigated the philosophy of service, student demographics, the reference environment, materials provision, theory versus practice, reference assessment and guidelines, local library partnerships, and future trends.…

Describes a survey of user satisfaction among 300 young adult patrons at 2 urban libraries, 1 with special staff and programs and 1 without. Issues involved in specialization and the study methodology are presented. Nine conclusions about the effectiveness of young adult librarians and other services are drawn from the survey. (Contains 19…

Summarizes the proceedings of the 1991 White House Conference on Libraries and Information Services (WHCLIS2). Highlights are conference resolutions, which address federal appropriations for libraries, First Amendment privacy rights, access to information, legislation, marketing, networking and resource sharing, a national information policy,…

Discussion of cultural diversity in a rapidly changing population focuses on efforts at the San Jose Public Library to respond to cultural and demographic changes. Obstacles to responding are reviewed as well as positive responses, which include creation of policy statements, developing goals and objectives, administrative reorganization, and…

Describes attempts to improve library and information science education at the University of Papua New Guinea. Missions and goals of the department are discussed, including school librarianship, information skills, continuing education, and rural and community library services; financial resources are examined; and recommendations for information…

Suggests that the traditional concept of library resource sharing achieved through interlibrary loan cannot be justified and proposes expanding resource sharing to all library functions with information resources represented in machine-readable form accessible via data communication networks. The changes that would occur in the publishing process…

Addresses training in the context of organizing and implementing a Total Quality Management (TQM) initiative. The customer service implications and relevant training or skill implications for the following phases are described: (1) exploration and commitment; (2) organizing for quality; (3) start up; and (4) expansion and integration. (Contains 18…

Stresses the need for understanding the barriers to effective library use resulting from the diversity of users and the overwhelming amount of information available. Guidelines are suggested for use by academic librarians in evaluating facilities, services, and staff to assess their effectiveness in welcoming users and validating their information…

Discusses reasons for staff resistance to library CD-ROM services based on responses on electronic bulletin boards from primarily academic libraries in North America and the United Kingdom. Highlights include psychological reasons; problems of multiple interfaces; increased teaching load; increased costs; increased stress; maintenance time; and…

Presents three articles that describe the use of storytelling and oral histories in junior and senior high schools: (1) a project that emphasizes family and community history using storytellers; (2) using tape recorders to gather oral histories and write a book; and (3) storytelling ideas for librarians to use in a variety of classes. (seven…