The Dallas Public Library surveyed 21 surrounding public library systems to help identify barriers that limit children's use of public libraries. Describes identified barriers, examines causes of the barriers, and offers possible solutions. Tables present study results and list discontinued and current library outreach programs. (JMV)

Describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of an innovative information service at the University of Arkansas that provides graduate students and faculty with improved access to information, comprehensive training by appropriate subject librarians, and subsidized document delivery. Presents student and faculty reaction to both a…

Explores the use, revision, and evaluation of a written, self-paced tour that precedes librarian-led instruction at the Indiana State University library. Presents student reactions to the tour and its accompanying exercises. Guidelines for administering the tour and a questionnaire on tour use are appended for readers to answer and submit to the…

Discusses academic library support for new courses and new educational programs based on experiences at the University of Illinois at Chicago health sciences library. Topics addressed include the challenge of regionalization; budget constraints; enhanced services in lieu of acquisitions; resource sharing; and faculty resistance. (Contains 12…

Describes the development of a computer-supported cooperative problem-solving environment designed to help librarians and remote access users work together in performing an online search. Results of a study of graduate students indicate that groups using the computer demonstrated more effective skills than those performing the same tasks face to…

Describes how participants interpret the process of implementing flexible access library programs in elementary school settings and how these programs evolve over time. Topics include educational change and reform, communication and public relations, support, adequate resources, professional development, and school climate. (Author/LRW)

Analyzes Web sites of ten large research libraries in order to establish a basic understanding of how some major libraries are currently providing virtual reference services. Discusses centralization; email reference guidelines; creating a service economy; expanding hours of service; virtual users' needs; and real-time virtual reference.…

Examines the impact of the transition of the Federal Depository Library Program from print collections to a mix of print and electronic materials. Considers library collections and services; discusses reference service within the context of Zipf's Law; and presents a case study of the University of Florida documents reference services. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the concept of Earth's Largest Library (ELL), a mega-virtual library based on the Amazon.com model. Topics include who will be included; privacy; censorship; scope of the collection; costs; legal aspects; collection development; personnel management; access; the concept of community; public service; lending policies; technical…

Explains the public printing services available at computer terminals for patrons at the University of Guelph (Ontario) libraries. Highlights include configurations of the public workstations; client and server hardware and software; security features; cost projections; and printing charges. (LRW)

Explores whether library instruction can enhance college students' self-efficacy in electronic information searching. Assesses self-efficacy before and after library instruction; examines how self-esteem is related to students' attitudes toward acquiring electronic search skills, their emotions, and search performance; and discusses implications…

Reference service technology has passed its first stage of insuring more accurate, rapid delivery of information. The second revolution underway will improve on both acquisition and retrieval of data. New technologies must fit into traditional reference service goals. The human should be given first priority. (Contains 46 references.) (Author/AEF)

Investigated centralized copyright clearance services in higher education institutions based on the findings of a questionnaire survey and five case study interviews in United Kingdom libraries. Examines reasons why services were established, how they were funded and staffed, their overall remit, problems, and good practice guidelines. (Author/LRW)

Defines values that librarians have in the information age, including service, preservation, intellectual freedom, equitable access, and information literacy. Discusses the results of a survey that compared the values of American academic librarians, library science students, and librarians from Russia and the former Soviet Union. (LRW)

Growing numbers of libraries are experimenting with a new form of interactive reference to extend service to their patrons at the point-of-need and time-of-need. Examines digital reference for the altered user culture and point-of-need service products. Describes a pilot project offering chat reference service. Discuses developing service…