Identifies research topics related to outcomes assessment in a networked environment and discusses issues affecting these topics. Proposes a framework to relate traditional evaluation components and terminology to the networked environment and identifies factors in the networked environment that affect assessment methods. Suggests outcomes…

If the effect of bibliographic instruction is to create a more self-reliant library user and information-seeker, does this mean that bibliographic instruction programs lead to a decline in the demand for reference services? This research analyzes data for 83 Association of Research Libraries (ARL) academic libraries over a six-year period. Each…

Presents a profile of Cherry Creek High School (Colorado) and its library media program and describes the following five elements of power that library media centers have to increase student achievement and love of learning: (1) access; (2) support for data driven decision making; (3) integration of technology; (4) connections between teaching and…

Discusses digital reference services, also known as virtual reference, chat reference, or online reference, based on a round table discussion at the 2002 American Library Association annual conference in Atlanta. Topics include numbers and marketing; sustainability; competition and models; evaluation methods; outsourcing; staffing and training;…

Describes the Pathways to Knowledge model for helping students achieve information literacy in library media programs. Discusses the searcher's thinking, information search or seeking, and instructional strategies; information skills; the six stages in the model, including appreciation, presearch, search, interpretation, communication, and…

Discussion of oral narrative tradition and storytelling focuses on the role of librarian-storytellers. A story of children's librarians and their storytelling experiences at the Los Angeles Public Library is described, the process of acquiring and developing storytelling skills and roles is examined, and implications for administrators and…

This study measured the following performance factors at the Cleveland Health Science Library: user bibliographic information; collection development policy; acquisition policy; user catalog; circulation; library operation/functioning; and user search. Book availability rates were similar to rates for other academic libraries, and book…

This survey of library patrons gathered data about training needs and methodologies for CD-ROM users. Data from 87 inexperienced CD-ROM users and 31 experienced users were analyzed. Patrons especially wanted training in search strategy, procedures, Boolean logic, and equipment. Females rated the importance of training higher than males, and…

Examines public library interlibrary loan statistics from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) as a measure of the effectiveness of efforts to equalize service throughout a state. Data from 1988-89 are compared with data from approximately 5 years earlier from 35 states. Data without earlier year comparisons are offered for other…

Considers issues and concerns relating to the integration of archival and manuscripts records into library bibliographic and retrieval systems. Differences in the nature of library and archival materials are discussed, library functions and archival functions are compared, and archival uses of authority files are described. (six references) (LRW)

Describes attempts to develop library services in the island republic of Kiribati (the Gilbert, Phoenix, and Line islands). The development of rural library service in conjunction with school libraries is discussed, a postal library service is described, the establishment of village libraries is discussed, and constraints that have inhibited…

Discusses the use of microcomputer-based workstations that are provided for public access in libraries. Criteria for workstations are discussed, including standard hardware, open-design software, scalable interface, and connectivity options for networking; systems that provide full-text access are described; and the need for standards is…

Discusses the potential of the Supreme Court's recent decision in Webster v. Reproductive Health Services, which upheld the Missouri anti-abortion statutes, to encourage state sponsored fiscal censorship in libraries. The types of library services and materials that might be affected are identified, and the First Amendment implications are…

Briefly reviews the history of public libraries in the United States and discusses the features that make them distinctive from other libraries, including patrons served, objectives, services provided, collections, involvement in public relations and dependence on local financial support. It is argued that public libraries have a bright future,…

Description of the use of CD-ROM as an alternative to online searching at the University of Bahrain discusses hardware selection, database selection, CD-ROM operation, and implications for libraries in developing countries. (six references) (MES)