Presents norms for reference desk staffing based on 1988-89 statistics from over 100 libraries in the United States and Canada and compares results with an earlier study based on 1978-79 statistics. Data are reported on gate count, reference transactions, person-hours at the reference desk, and workload. (five references) (MES)

Experience at the reference desk motivated this librarian to redesign a library skills course to meet the basic and practical needs of undergraduates. Activity-based rather than conceptual, this "crash library survival course" resulted in increased student success and enthusiasm. (EA)

Examines the historical role affirmative action programs have played in academic libraries and the shift from affirmative action to more broadly based diversity programs. The contribution a library staff may make to these programs is shown by examining the evolution and function of Iowa State University Library's Committee on Diversity. (13…

Discusses potential problems for confidentiality within interlibrary loan requests, outlines legal issues related to confidentiality, and proposes guidelines intended to protect library users' rights to privacy. Interlibrary loan documentation procedures are considered; laws and professional standards are reviewed; and the disposition of…

Discussion of the use of academic libraries by external users focuses on a study that investigated how libraries deal with local business people as external users. Literature on external access to academic libraries is reviewed, and fee-based information services are considered. (42 references) (LRW)

Reviews the history of architectural developments in academic libraries. Highlights include natural lighting and the invention of the incandescent bulb; compact shelving; open versus closed stacks; modular construction methods; central air conditioning and controlled environments; interior arrangements; access to handicapped users and staff; and…

Explores the significance of expert system design for library reference services and library education, focusing on model logic and modeling for query analysis. The approaches of some graduate library schools are reviewed. Appendices included a decision-support module, a reference module component, and a typology of queries and reference tools.…

Outlines methods that the Florida Center for Library Automation (FCLA) has developed to estimate transaction costs and overall demand for NOTIS services. Transaction resource usage analysis is discussed, record structures are explained, institution collection size is considered, and usage and response time by hour of day is described. (six…

Describes a study that identified common characteristics of successful searches for library directors at large university libraries. Characteristics identified include relative openness with respect to the process, a clear understanding of affirmative action guidelines, a commitment to the library by academic officers, and interest from…

Discussion of interlibrary loan transaction fees and their effect on user requests focuses on a case study of the library of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin. Comparisons are made between charging and noncharging conditions, and it was found that only public libraries showed a decrease in interlibrary loans after fees were initiated. (31…

Reports results of a study of the relative effectiveness of two library orientation/instruction methods--computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and a traditional library tour. Test scores and cost data for the two approaches are compared, and three CAI cost models are described. A significant cost advantage for offering CAI orientation/instruction is…

A study examined the content of papers presented at the second, third, and fourth national conferences of the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL). Analyses of the papers presented at the first national conference revealed that one-third of them were research reports, whereas proceedings from subsequent meetings contained fewer…

Includes reprints of four articles published in "Library Journal" from 1894-1963: (1) "The Distinctive Value of Books" (Lester Asheim); (2) "The Changing Role of the University Library" (Ralph E. Ellsworth); (3) "It Is a Mistake to Recruit Men" (Ralph Munn); and (4) "Is It Best for Libraries to Buy…

Views academic libraries through the lens of the assessment and accountability movements. Illustrates how a research library at the University of Rochester (Rochester, New York) has created an assessment environment in an effort to focus on educational impact. Discusses principles of good practice, and formal and informal evaluation. (AEF)

An instrument for measuring service quality was developed in Singapore's polytechnic libraries, based on previous work done in New Zealand. Focus groups of academic librarians reported on their understanding of service quality. Contrasts between the two instruments are examined. The time lapse between the projects accounts for some variation. A…