Describes a computerized reference and bibliographic instruction system currently under development at the University of Waterloo Library. The functions of the system, which will include query negotiation, suggestions for research strategies, referral to appropriate reference materials, information on library services and locations, and library…

A survey of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) information in libraries measured scope of information, scope of reference and referral patterns, and librarians' opinions on the adequacy of AIDS information relative to patron needs and community education. Librarians should take an active role in developing collections and networks about…

In the first of two articles, William Potter discusses the drawbacks and opportunities presented by advances in technology, including budgeting for online access, dealing with publishers and producers, and relating to computing centers. In the second, Paul Metz discusses collection development in academic libraries with emphasis on new electronic…

Discusses the current focus on the librarian's role as educator as the result of the report, "A Nation at Risk," by National Commission on Excellence. Publications identifying responsibilities of academic, public, corporate, and technical librarians are examined noting library role in creation of learning society and views on…

Describes MEDOC, an index to U.S. government documents in health sciences produced at the Eccles Health Sciences Library at the University of Utah. Both the development of the index from an in-house catalog into a subscription service, and the application of computer technologies in its production are discussed. (CLB)

Examines the effects of new technologies on scholarly communications, including changes in scholarly research and writings, the publishing industry, documentation of scholarly works, and users of records of scholarship. The research library's responsibility to collect, preserve, and make available records of scholarship is also discussed. (CLB)

Describes a model enumerating cost factors for comparing costs for paper, online, and CD-ROM indexes and abstracts. The model is applied to start-up and annual costs, and to the cost of storing and providing access to ERIC, Applied Science and Fisheries Abstracts, and Excerpta Medica, based on anticipated academic library usage. (MBR)

Description of the conversion of San Diego State University Library's Asian collection from catalog cards to online catalog through OCLC discusses technical problems involved in creating databases with Chinese, Japanese, and Korean vernacular characters. Ambiguities created by romanization and decision to convert the collection only in romanized…

A 15-item questionnaire was administered on the online catalog terminals at the University of New England (Australia) to assess student attitudes toward computer technology and the new online catalog, and identify predictors of future online catalog use. Data analyses defined two groups of respondents: "reluctant users" and "naive enthusiasts."…

Circulation time-series data from 50 midwest academic libraries were used to test 110 variants of 8 smoothing forecasting methods. Data and methodologies and illustrations of two recommended methods--the single exponential smoothing method and Brown's one-parameter linear exponential smoothing method--are given. Eight references are cited. (EJS)

Focusing on management decisions in academic libraries, this article compares management information systems (MIS) with decision support systems (DSS) and discusses the decision-making process, information needs of library managers, sources of data, reasons for choosing microcomputer, preprogrammed application software, prototyping a system, and…

This paper discusses the concept of information resources management using the library as touchstone; examines the academic environment and implications of changes for future academic librarianship; and suggests way of looking top-down at library/information school curriculum concentrating on three substantive components of education (theory,…

Reviews information on part-time professionals from legislatures and associations, reports on informal survey of five academic library administrators, and examines part-time librarian situation at a community college (salaries, fringe benefits, adjunct decision making, different success scales). American Library Association's Part Time Employment…

Reports results of study based upon analysis of factors that have militated against proportional representation of women as administrators in libraries belonging to Association of Research Libraries. Demographic and career variables are emphasized: family background and personal characteristics, mobility and career history, role models and…

This study compares attitudes of top level academic library managers with those of middle managers toward the provision of bibliographic instruction. Highlights include hypotheses and research questions; review of literature (doctoral dissertations, journal articles, reports, guidelines); methodology (design, population and sample, data…