Discusses whether libraries should limit access to the Internet by the use of filtering devices or blockers. Topics include censorship issues; access to information; filtering software; intellectual freedom; costs; acceptable-use policies; and self-regulation. (LRW)

Defines and describes cyber-collaboration as the process by which disparate-appearing components wired to the Internet (e.g., libraries, publishers, bookstores) deliberately move beyond their boundaries and merge so that mutually beneficial improvements occur. Discusses technological juxtaposition, creative collaboration, and opportunities for…

Discusses studies of public library multicultural services in England. Describes multicultural programs in Birmingham and Brent that involve the citizens in planning and implementing these services. Access to electronic technology will affect the provision of these services. (MMU)

Presents ideas and strategies to enhance digital reference services available via the Internet in public libraries. Describes print publications which include Web reference columns; subject guides, both print and online; and the resources of the Internet Public Library and other virtual reference desks. (LRW)

Illustrates the benefits of an aggressive library program of regularly scheduled and professionally curated art exhibitions and related events. Describes the Visual Arts Program at the Pacific Beach branch library (San Diego). A sidebar by Debra Wilcox Johnson discusses libraries' development of cultural programming for adults. (AEF)

Describes a Delphi study of digital libraries (DL; January 1998) focusing on issues related to digital libraries. Highlights include an overview of the Delphi technique; its shortcomings; use of the Delphi Planning System, a Web-based software application; methods for identifying experts and identifying/selection questions; and results of the…

Describes how the innovative children's librarian, Katherine Watson, of the Denver (CO) Public Library surveyed famous American men and women in 1929-1930 about their favorite children's books to inspire young readers. Discusses Watson's idea that became children's book week, a book talk with local children's authors, a traveling collection of…

Paul Ricoeur's narrative theory, when combined with the social theory of Pierre Bourdieu, fosters a fresh perspective on the debate about the language of business and its influence in librarianship. It is suggested that narratives about readers hold promise because they capture the active nature of reading. (Author)

Examines how faculty at Texas A&M University perceived a library liaison program. Discusses what faculty thought were important library services, whether they saw improvement resulting from the program, whether the subject background of the liaison librarian was indispensable, faculty support for the program, and faculty opinions about the…

Examines the growing decline in institutional support for libraries and discusses how libraries can generate revenue to replace it. Highlights include entrepreneurship; fee-based services; the PBS (Public Broadcasting System) model of fund raising; and running a library more like a bookstore, including expanded hours. (LRW)

Discusses the problem library patron from various fronts: historical, personality traits, importance of complaints, nature and types of problem patrons and their behavior, technology and the newly-bred problem patron, strategies for dealing with problem patrons, and ensuring that library administrators and other supervisors understand the need to…

Describes efforts by the Redmond Library (Washington) to reach out to the senior citizen population by planning an all-day Senior Fair. Transportation, refreshments, an overview of library materials and services including Internet access, tours of the library, craft programs, participation by community groups, and funding are discussed. Sidebar…

Describes how technology changes the nature of the school media specialist's job, and discusses staff and equipment sources of techno-stress. Notes the importance of anticipating problem areas and planning to deal with them in advance. Presents strategies for minimizing the amount of frustration/stress associated with technology. (AEF)

Describes a collaboration between planners of a student-centered, modular nursing curriculum and library and information services staff, which resulted in directed reading lists, study packages, and development of library and information skills. (SK)

MetroDocs, an organization of the metropolitan Oklahoma City depository libraries, formed a committee to establish service standards for the Oklahoma depository libraries. The libraries conducted a survey, the results of which revealed that customers were generally happy with the libraries' services, but that there was still room for improvement.…