Discussion of access versus ownership for libraries facing rising serials cost. Focuses on a study at Pennsylvania State University that tested the feasibility of using commercial document delivery (CDD) as compensation for discontinued ownership, as a complement to ownership, and as a supplement to ownership. Positive results for CDD were found.…

Describes a study conducted at Baruch College of the City University of New York that assessed the search techniques of trained endusers and determined whether or not they were searching the full-text system effectively. Correlations between native language and searching results and satisfaction are shown, and implications for training are…

Discusses some approaches to meeting the needs of disabled students in academic libraries in keeping with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Highlights include types of disabilities, including visual, mobility, and hearing impairments; obstacles found in libraries, including poor communication; and possible remedies. (LRW)

A content analysis of 2,500 employment advertisements for academic librarian positions appearing in American Libraries (1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994) revealed patterns and trends in demand for computer-related skills. Reports an increase in demand over time; demand by size of library; changes in demand by position type; requirement by position…

A survey of 72 member libraries in the Association of Research Libraries revealed the incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and the measures taken to cope with it. Recommends implementing proactive ergonomics programs; soliciting staff input for solutions; providing report guidelines; using external help; stressing preventive measures and…

Describes how the library staff at Stetson University in central Florida coped with flooding. Offers recommendations on storage; carpeting; fans and humidifiers; emergency phone contacts; labeled keys; protective coverings for books; safe storage for "disaster" materials and equipment; removal of less valuable materials; sandbags;…

Explores the perceptions of students entering university about the roles of librarians as well as other occupations by examining the role of professionalism in perceptions of occupations. Tests a model of professionalism developed by Elizabeth Graddy that focuses on the informational relationship between the professional service provider and those…

Discusses the role of librarians in teaching information literacy in higher education. Topics include faculty opposition; preparing teacher librarians with educational training; partnerships in relationship management; and information literacy for lifelong learning. (LRW)

This model addresses the use of past circulation data to support allocating an academic library acquisition budget. Suggests that the budget allocation should be able to reflect a requirement that the more a department makes use of its acquired materials in the present year, the more it can budget for the coming year. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of the preservation of digital information focuses on the changing roles of stakeholders; standards; and collaboration between researchers, publishers, and libraries. Describes various projects at Cornell University in the areas of science and mathematics that are involved with digital preservation, particularly for electronic journals.…

Considers problem library patrons in a virtual environment based on experiences at California Institute of Technology's Web site and its use for virtual reference. Discusses the virtual reference desk concept; global visibility and access to the World Wide Web; problematic email; and advantages in the electronic environment. (LRW)

Describes the usability evaluation of the CUNY (City University of New York) information system in Web and Graphical User Interface (GUI) versions. Compares results to an earlier usability study of the basic information database available on CUNY's wide-area network and describes the applicability of the previous usability instrument to this…

Discusses methods to determine why employees leave or stay, based on experiences at Pennsylvania State University libraries. Considers retention tools that work best to retain diverse employees, including mentoring, networking, career and learning opportunities, balance between work and home life, a welcoming climate, and support for research.…

Discusses digital books, or electronic books, and their relationship to libraries and communication between authors and readers. Topics include the scholarly market, for academic libraries, versus the consumer market; textbooks versus novels; digitization of older books; marketing; costs; and electronic books versus printed books. (LRW)

Examines the effectiveness of a library instruction program at Concordia College, a four-year liberal arts college with fewer than 3,000 students. Measures it against a pilot group of students exposed to enhanced information literacy opportunities based on the ACRL (Association of College and Research Libraries) "Information Literacy for…