This study measured the following performance factors at the Cleveland Health Science Library: user bibliographic information; collection development policy; acquisition policy; user catalog; circulation; library operation/functioning; and user search. Book availability rates were similar to rates for other academic libraries, and book…

This survey of library patrons gathered data about training needs and methodologies for CD-ROM users. Data from 87 inexperienced CD-ROM users and 31 experienced users were analyzed. Patrons especially wanted training in search strategy, procedures, Boolean logic, and equipment. Females rated the importance of training higher than males, and…

Describes a bibliographic instruction (BI) program aimed at improving the quality of research report literature reviews of fourth year civil engineering students. Faculty and librarian collaboration is discussed, and survey results showing how students could most benefit most from BI and how the program affected their work are presented. (four…

Discusses issues and procedures involved in auditing the automated acquisitions system at Ohio State University Libraries. The audit process is explained, internal controls within the system are identified, general control mechanisms such as limited electronic access are discussed, and application control mechanisms that relate to specific…

Describes a study that investigated the information-seeking behavior of users searching a card catalog and a comparable online catalog. The purpose was to explore whether a theory of human remembering, retrieval by reformulation, might be useful in explaining search behavior in bibliographic databases. (61 references) (CLB)

Six articles address telecommunications issues that are relevant to library and information science. Topics discussed include national library networks, the growth of computer networks, telecommunications strategies for academic libraries, the need to increase process research in telecommunications, and the potential of future lightwave…

Reports results of a 1987 survey designed to determine the educational preparedness and attitudes of academic librarians who participate in bibliographic instruction. Findings are discussed under the following headings: demographics; educational preparation; previous teaching experience; gaining and retaining support for the program; position…

Discusses the importance of introducing undergraduate students of mathematics to available library materials in mathematics in order to develop a sense of the history, literature, and methods of mathematical research and inquiry. Three library based assignments that could be integrated into intermediate or advanced level mathematics courses are…

Reviews the trends in scholarly publishing that are forcing many academic libraries to cancel subscriptions to high priced or seldom used titles. A strategy of librarian-faculty communications in which faculty awareness and support were enlisted during a periodicals cancellation effort at Idaho State University is described. (31 references) (CLB)

Discusses the growing emphasis on preservation in academic libraries and examines the assumptions underlying the prevalent approach of one-time reformatting using microforms. A model for preservation policy and planning based on needs assessment and prioritizing is presented, and alternatives to current practices are considered. (10 references)…

Discusses the need for professional continuing education for librarians in developing nations and describes a series of seminars developed by the British Council for academic librarians in Pakistan. The description includes the implementation, evaluation, and future direction of the seminar program. (24 references) (CLB)

Describes a four-phase bibliographic instruction program for English as a second language students: (1) a pretest to assess readiness; (2) an in-class session including pretest review and practice with bibliographic description; (3) a library search using either the card or online catalog and a periodical index; and (4) a posttest to measure…

Description of the use of CD-ROM as an alternative to online searching at the University of Bahrain discusses hardware selection, database selection, CD-ROM operation, and implications for libraries in developing countries. (six references) (MES)

Reference services for disabled students include traditional directional and informational assistance as well as physical assistance. Providing this service takes planning, commitment, and funding on the part of librarians and library administration. A staff development program should be offered to increase awareness of disabled users' needs. (17…

Argues that the inability or refusal of librarians to define their own mission has resulted in school libraries without professional staff, academic libraries perceived as warehouses, and public libraries that fluctuate with society's whims. The premise that saving the library is a primary concern, regardless of the quality of the institution, is…