Presents a case study of Empire Express, a resource sharing network among the libraries of the State University of New York (SUNY) University Centers at Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, and Stony Brook, along with Syracuse University. The network involves an expedited interlibrary loan service. (Author/LRW)

Discusses how main and departmental art libraries handle mutilated art books based on experiences at East Carolina University (North Carolina). Highlights include a survey of academic libraries which are members of ARL (Association of Research Libraries); costs; importance of the work; amount of mutilation; and availability of photocopiers to…

Describes an investigation that was conducted to show the feasibility of spectral methods in information science, particularly for analyzing academic library circulation data. Signal analysis methods were used to detect periodicity, and spectral methods show promise for analyzing time series and other signals in information science. (Author/LRW)

Examines the relationship between bibliographic instruction and reference services in academic libraries. Highlights include historical definitions for the two services; results of a survey of academic librarians that investigated how they are connecting the two services; and recommendations for improving the teaching of information literacy at…

Compares a digital reference service that uses instant messaging with traditional, face-to-face reference based on experiences at the Southern Illinois University library. Addresses differences in reference questions asked, changes in the reference transaction, student expectations, bibliographic instruction, and librarian attitudes and procedures…

Discusses the issues involved with setting the tone for a library instruction session and emphasizes the importance of the first five minutes of the class. Topics include adequate planning; making contact with students; student attitudes and library anxiety; librarians' anxiety; and setting the tone for lifelong learning. (Author/LRW)

Discusses bibliographic instruction evaluation and the need for objectives and proposes a framework for developing well-defined objectives by reviewing evaluative materials based on those objectives. Describes experiences at Southern Illinois University Carbondale that analyzed question weight, question content, and question type. (Author/LRW)

Discusses yearly information technology costs for academic libraries. Topics include transformation and modernization activities that affect prices and budgeting; a cost model for information technologies; life cycle costs, including initial costs and recurring costs; cost benchmarks; and examples of pressures concerning cost accountability. (LRW)

Discusses international students on campuses in the United States and examines cultural differences with a focus on communication processes and styles, and recommends ways to accommodate cross-cultural differences in information services in academic libraries. Includes a survey of relevant literature and draws on the results of focus groups.…

This ethnographic, baseline study explores elements of expertise that academic employee library trainers should have, including knowing how to learn about technology; how to understand information science; how to learn about trainees and develop effective training approaches; and how to negotiate organizational constraints. (Author/LRW)

Explores issues related to the selection and purchase of digital content in academic libraries, including commercially-produced databases, electronic journals, and books and other electronic resources that are purchased from vendors; and in-house digitization projects. Considers the degree to which standard collection management principles apply.…

Reviews the personnel issues of greatest concern to academic librarians over the past 50 years, and discusses both the positive changes that have occurred and the issues that remain unresolved. An argument that the current environment provides an opportunity for librarians to ensure their central role in higher education is presented. (28…

Uses empirical data from an obtrusive study of reference performance to explore the content validity of and assumptions about unobtrusive studies. Changes needed to improve unobtrusive studies of reference services are discussed, including the development of test questions representing all types of queries and supplementing the correct fill rate…

Explores management techniques for efficient use of student desk attendants in the reader service operation of a typical academic law library. Several practical tasks that students can do are suggested, and student training manuals and supervisory considerations are discussed. (seven references) (MES)

Discussion of public librarians' salaries examines data on: (1) salary progression from 1978 to 1987; (2) public librarians' salaries compared with salaries of librarians in other positions; (3) public librarians' salaries compared with increases in the Consumer Price Index since 1978; and (4) salaries earned in other fields. (19 references) (MES)