Discusses academic and public libraries that expand the range and type of their services via fee-based information services and private information businesses that charge fees. Questions of billing the total cost to the patron versus part of the cost are considered; and the impact of such fees on library cooperation and networks is described. (six…

This symposium report includes seven papers that address issues concerning the North American Collections Inventory Project (NCIP) Conspectus sponsored by the Research Libraries Group (RLG). Topics discussed include cooperative collection development; rigor and research in library and information science; decision making and uncertainty; and data…

Discussion of training needs in large libraries focuses on a field test conducted at Simmons College of a course developed by the Library of Congress for developing training skills called "Training the Trainer." Student and teacher evaluations of the curriculum and of the course materials are reported. (LRW)

Describes the development of the Network of Alabama Academic Libraries (NAAL). Membership parameters are described; voting representation and governance is discussed; the organizational structure is explained; funding is examined; and factors contributing to the success of NAAL are considered, including a mix of short- and long-term goals and…

Discussion of the role of academic libraries in curriculum development activities focuses on their role in Nigeria. Relevant literature is reviewed; the Nigerian higher education system is explained; criteria used by accreditation teams are examined; and suggestions for improving and increasing the roles of academic libraries are offered. (22…

Describes ALEPH, the research library network in Israel, and analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of its decentralized structure. Highlights include comparisons between RLIN and ALEPH; centralized versus decentralized networks; the format of ALEPH; authority control in ALEPH; and non-Roman scripts in both networks. (16 references) (LRW)

Describes a cooperative collection development program implemented by the Network of Alabama Academic Libraries (NAAL) to strengthen resources available for graduate education and research. Topics discussed include funding collection development, the formula for the equitable distribution of funds, research support, and other related activities.…

Describes a survey instrument developed at the University of Northern Colorado library that compared students' self-assessed library skills with a test component. Findings are reported that indicated no dramatic trend of higher proficiency with increasing academic status, although self-assessed skills showed such a trend. (seven references) (LRW)

Discusses the causes and symptoms of burnout among bibliographic instruction (BI) librarians in academic libraries. Highlights include the content of BI sessions; criticism of BI; a review of pertinent literature on burnout; sources of stress for new professionals; burnout in human service organizations; coping strategies; and high expectations…

Examines the ineffectiveness of search and screen committees in hiring for professional positions in academic libraries. Alternatives such as automating various parts of the process, group interviews, and assessment centers are considered; and educating all staff in interviewing skills and increasing their participation in the search and screen…

Discusses issues raised at the Special Libraries Association (SLA) 1992 annual conference. Topics addressed include international activities; goals for SLA; a keynote speech by Ray Kurzweil that discussed innovation and creativity; SLA board actions; candidates for upcoming elections; and the interests of academic members versus working corporate…

Approval plans challenge library boundaries, require consensus on collection development priorities, cooperation among library departments, and a close partnership with the vendor. Few concrete performance standards exist, and effectiveness is difficult to measure. Vendors will play an active role in the evolution of approval plans, though…

Two articles respond to the "Librarians' Manifesto," which discusses the U.S. Depository Library Program (DLP). The first urges that DLP be legislatively removed from the Government Printing Office. The second views the manifesto as the mindset of academic librarians, who think the DLP is a collection of entitlement programs for academic…

Describes the development of a HyperCard system at the University of Hong Kong that enables users to retrieve information about maps, aerial photos, or satellite images in a particular area of interest. User needs are discussed, and cartobibliographic information contained in the HyperCard stacks is described. (six references) (LRW)

Summarizes results of a survey of professional librarians in Nigerian university libraries that was conducted to determine the extent to which they have achieved faculty status. Research and publication requirements for academic status and for promotion are examined, and parity of ranking between academic teaching staff and librarians is…