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…

Discussion of the rising costs of academic library materials and their effects on collection development focuses on the social science collection. It is suggested that combining the numerical weights used by the Research Libraries Group Conspectus to evaluate subject collections with estimates of publication production and changes provides a…

Discussion of qualitative and quantitative research techniques highlights the use of focus group interviews and describes their use at Purdue University to determine student user perceptions of and attitudes toward the library system. The use of the interviews as a supplement to a questionnaire survey is discussed. (20 references) (LRW)

Discusses information needs of university administrators and committees, and describes the development of an information service provided by the Electronic Information Services (EIS) unit of the Indiana State University library. Highlights include staff reactions, a pilot test, marketing the service, cost effectiveness of CD-ROM use, and document…

Describes Chinese higher education and methods for developing bibliographic instruction in Chinese academic libraries. Issues discussed include cooperation between instructors and librarians, the development of teaching materials, barriers that may prevent growth in future user education programs, and possible solutions to those barriers. (11…

Reports results of a survey of research university and community college faculty regarding perceived quality, estimated price, price-quality relationship, selection criteria, and publishers' policies for textbooks. Implications for librarians of the lack of faculty awareness of textbook prices is discussed. (Six references) (MES)

Describes an orientation program that was developed at Northern Kentucky University to supplement the specific job training provided for student employees in the university libraries. Goals that include an increased knowledge of library operations and strengthened commitment to assigned work are discussed, and the program's effectiveness is…