Proposes and explains a modification of the mixed Poisson model for library circulations which takes into account the periods when a book is out on loan and therefore unavailable for borrowing. Highlights include frequency of circulation distributions; negative binomial distribution; and examples of the model at two universities. (Contains 34…

Discusses the development of successful pricing algorithms for cooperative library automation projects. Highlights include desirable characteristics of pricing measures, including simplicity and the ability to allow for system growth; problems with transaction-based systems; and a review of the pricing strategies of seven library consortia.…

Gives a historical explanation of library confidentiality policies and procedures and reviews notable invasions of patron privacy through use of library records by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service. Also reports on a study that examined patron confidentiality policies in Texas academic library reference…

Discusses the need for online help for end-users based on experiences with an online public access catalog (OPAC) at the University of Cape Town libraries. The concept of end users is examined, the role of search intermediaries in information systems is explained, and online help and systems design is discussed. (LRW)

Examines commercial electronic document delivery services that are available to academic libraries. Highlights include collection development issues; criteria for selection and evaluation; remote access systems, including CARL UnCover 2, Faxon Finder and Faxon Xpress, ContentsFirst and ArticleFirst, and CitaDel; and on-site access systems,…

Reports the findings of a survey of 37 participants in the Professional Development Program developed by Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois (Chicago) to promote the integration of newer professional staff members into research libraries are discussed. Concludes that the successful program can serve…

Reports on a study that investigated the effects of subject knowledge and search experience on tactics used by novices and experienced searchers in online searches. Results of an experiment conducted with 32 undergraduate students and 32 professional searchers, and implications of the findings for system design are discussed. (52 references) (KRN)

Reports results of a survey of library assistants in 32 university libraries in the United Kingdom that gathered information about their views, opinions, and attitudes toward their work. Dissatisfaction with promotional opportunities, pay, and challenge provided by the work is noted; and suggestions for improving motivation are offered. (54…

Describes the use of CoSy, a computer conferencing system, by academic librarians at McMaster University in Ontario. Computer-mediated communications systems (CMCS) are discussed, the use of the system for electronic mail and computer conferencing is described, the perceived usefulness of CMCS is examined, and a sidebar explains details of the…

Presents a vision statement developed by the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI) that discusses the need to invest in academic computing to create an academic information environment based on network access to geographically dispersed resources. A model of potential investments that was developed for the University of California is…

Looks at the views of some of the seminal contributors to the development of conflict theory and then describes the broad range of library conflicts, the value and danger of those conflicts, and some techniques for lowering or raising the level of conflict. (14 references) (LAE)

Reports on the development and implementation of a self-study process at the California University of Pennsylvania library. Use of the results by the State System of Higher Education as well as other accrediting organizations is described, academic library standards are discussed, and benefits of a program review are considered. (four references)…

Discusses faculty status for librarians and criteria for achieving tenure based on experiences at the University of Colorado Libraries at Boulder. Highlights include factors affecting librarians' ability to achieve tenure; and characteristics of librarianship as they relate to the faculty model, including cooperative practices and the hierarchical…

Surveys the literature on the lack of use of government documents collections in academic libraries and discusses using library displays to increase awareness. Bibliographies on preparing library displays, locating ideas for government documents displays, increasing awareness and use of government publications, and specific documents for displays…

Ten top authors talk about how they use libraries; what they think of technology in libraries; the impact of libraries on society; how society values libraries; and how libraries helped inspire their writing careers. Authors include writers of novels, plays, poetry, historical fiction, nonfiction, and children's literature. (KRN)