Reports results of a 1987 survey designed to determine the educational preparedness and attitudes of academic librarians who participate in bibliographic instruction. Findings are discussed under the following headings: demographics; educational preparation; previous teaching experience; gaining and retaining support for the program; position…

Discusses the importance of introducing undergraduate students of mathematics to available library materials in mathematics in order to develop a sense of the history, literature, and methods of mathematical research and inquiry. Three library based assignments that could be integrated into intermediate or advanced level mathematics courses are…

Reviews the trends in scholarly publishing that are forcing many academic libraries to cancel subscriptions to high priced or seldom used titles. A strategy of librarian-faculty communications in which faculty awareness and support were enlisted during a periodicals cancellation effort at Idaho State University is described. (31 references) (CLB)

Discusses the growing emphasis on preservation in academic libraries and examines the assumptions underlying the prevalent approach of one-time reformatting using microforms. A model for preservation policy and planning based on needs assessment and prioritizing is presented, and alternatives to current practices are considered. (10 references)…

Discusses the need for professional continuing education for librarians in developing nations and describes a series of seminars developed by the British Council for academic librarians in Pakistan. The description includes the implementation, evaluation, and future direction of the seminar program. (24 references) (CLB)

Describes a four-phase bibliographic instruction program for English as a second language students: (1) a pretest to assess readiness; (2) an in-class session including pretest review and practice with bibliographic description; (3) a library search using either the card or online catalog and a periodical index; and (4) a posttest to measure…

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)

Reference services for disabled students include traditional directional and informational assistance as well as physical assistance. Providing this service takes planning, commitment, and funding on the part of librarians and library administration. A staff development program should be offered to increase awareness of disabled users' needs. (17…

Argues that the inability or refusal of librarians to define their own mission has resulted in school libraries without professional staff, academic libraries perceived as warehouses, and public libraries that fluctuate with society's whims. The premise that saving the library is a primary concern, regardless of the quality of the institution, is…

Discusses the pressure placed on research libraries to maintain a balanced collection of serials and monographs, and presents an allocation formula for serial versus monograph budgeting. The formula is based on the findings of over 50 studies that used citation analysis to determine the actual percentage of serials versus monographs used by…

Describes a checklist survey of five major Metropolitan Toronto library systems that examined the inclusion of New Right literature in library collections. It is concluded that the presence of this literature indicates a strong commitment to intellectual freedom by Canadian librarians. The checklist used is provided. (six references) (CLB)

Describes guidelines for an online public access catalog (OPAC) workstation that will support the terminal, printer, and other peripherals. Workstation dimensions, lighting, wire management, printer and paper, acoustical treatment, seating, storage for books and coats, wastebasket, and interior decoration are addressed. Flexibility and simplicity…

Symposium on staff training in the automated library environment includes discussions of (1) an environmental approach to training; (2) training reference staff for automation in a transitional environment; (3) training for ILLINET Online; (4) training systemwide on MELVYL MEDLINE; (5) vendor training of library staff; and (6) training for support…

Reviews research that indicates that effective adult education should focus on the immediate needs of the student and applies those findings to library instruction. Suggestions for instructional approaches that stress the practical aspects of library instruction and address the special needs of adult reentry students are offered. (21 references)…

Describes the development and evaluation of a CD-ROM local area network that allows multiple users to access the same CD-ROM disk simultaneously. The discussion covers the planning process, administrative issues, reactions of users and staff, and future issues to be considered in expanding CD-ROM access. (CLB)