Presents a multifaceted approach to identifying facility needs in academic libraries that applies different evaluation methods to different functional areas, defines problems from more than one viewpoint, and considers the interrelationships of various areas. The strengths and weaknesses of this approach are discussed using examples from its…

Considers trends in measurement and evaluation of reference service and summarizes research findings on the importance of reference work, library clientele, reference questions, duties of the reference librarians, and the effectiveness of reference service. Measures for the organization and performance of reference work, the adequacy of reference…

Describes a study that asked college students to compare CD-ROM and print versions of ERIC, PsycLit, and the Business Periodicals Index. The findings indicate that students found the CD-ROM versions to be faster and easier to use. Search strategies employed by students and the extent to which they required assistance are also discussed. (four…

Six articles discuss library buildings and construction: (1) library buildings and their parts; (2) the North Campus Library of California State University at Long Beach in 1995; (3) new structures for teaching libraries; (4) construction standards for California public libraries; (5) Sick (Library) Building Syndrome; and (6) using focus-group…

Discusses the growing importance of machine readable data files (MRDFs) as library reference tools, and describes the policies and services for MRDFs developed at the University of Florida libraries. Guidelines to selecting, acquiring, and planning for MRDFs are appended, along with examples of ERIC records for MRDFs. (four references) (CLB)

Describes a project that examined a random sample of 5 percent of a shelflist to provide detailed information about the distribution of imprints according to age and language, percentage of duplication, and distribution of serial and monographic formats. It is concluded that the resulting collection profile provides a multidimensional, quantified…

Describes study that examined both currently operational and planned programs where academic libraries are involved in cooperative programs either financed or encouraged by state coordinating agencies of higher education. Limitations of the study are discussed, and a questionnaire and interview questions are appended. (eight references)…

Describes workshops developed at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) library for faculty and graduate assistants to improve their understanding of library-based computer searching services. Bibliographic instruction is discussed; grant funding is described; the seminar format is explained; and responses to the workshops are…

Describes the current state of automation at academic libraries, outlines issues that face library planners today, and emphasizes the use of technologies such as nationwide computer networks to improve access to information. The University of California's MELVYL system is described, and the use of online catalogs is discussed. (LRW)

First published in 1944, this article predicts unprecedented growth for American university libraries, and examines the underlying causes of this growth. The use of microforms and cooperative cataloging to control library costs is recommended. A brief introduction to the article is included. (CLB)

Examines the impact of information technology, the economics of information, and changing patterns of scholarly communication on the role of the academic library. Libraries are called upon to cooperate in building a national information network for scholarly communications based on existing bibliographic utilities and the developing academic…

Discusses the need for on-the-job training for newly appointed academic librarians to provide an introduction to the policies, procedures, methods, relationships, and attitudes that form the character of their positions. An example is used to illustrate the guidelines for a successful orientation. (7 notes with references) (Author/CLB)

Describes a study that surveyed users to examine the impact of a well-established CD-ROM service on traditional mediated searching and library staff workload. Findings discussed include user demographics, notification and training, searching precision and problems, users' perceptions of the service, and users' comparisons of online service to…

An article originally published in 1973 discusses the increasingly difficult role of the university library director and identifies factors contributing to the declining status of that position. Recommendations for ameliorating the problem are offered. The introduction discusses the applicability of the article to the current situation of…

Describes the planning, development, implementation and impact of online information systems at three academic libraries. Some of the issues discussed include the campus computing environments, factors affecting the selection of databases and search systems, the impact of the system on library staff and users, and future considerations. (CLB)