Notes that high school librarians should know what transpires at Model United Nations Assemblies and which books will help prepare students and educators for these experiences. Describes the conferences, student responsibilities, and awards. Provides a list of relevant university depository sources for United Nations records and reports. (AEF)

Academic libraries can improve their management of change by reshaping performance appraisal into performance planning. This article notes problems with traditional employee evaluation as well as benefits of alternatives that focus on the future, on users, on planning and learning, and on skills needed to address problems and enhance individual…

Outlines the scope of planning and activities with which Montana libraries have undertaken connections to the information superhighway, the hurdles the libraries have overcome, and future outlooks. Topics include university libraries, public library collaboration, Internet training and access, and state-sponsored connectivity projects. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the length of library loan periods and the number of books allowed to be borrowed. An integer programming model is formulated whose solution yields the optimum user satisfaction, and a case study conducted at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (Saudi Arabia) is presented. (Author/LRW)

At Colorado State University, the library liaison works with the director of the first-year composition program to design Web pages for courses. Discusses the rationale behind the use of Web pages to teach library research skills, and provides illustrated examples. Includes the frequency of use of the pages and teacher feedback. Analysis of…

Explains streaming technology and discusses how to integrate it into Web-based instruction based on experiences at St. Cloud State University (Minnesota). Topics include a modular approach, including editing, copyright concerns, digitizing, maintenance, and continuing education needs; the role of the library; and how streaming can enhance…

Offers suggestions for libraries selecting automated systems based on experiences at Purdue University. Highlights include the institutional context; long-term versus short-term benefits; involving staff and users throughout the process; request for proposals; negotiating contracts; evaluating vendors; and communicating. (LRW)

Examines a new approach to measuring service quality--conducted at Yale University's libraries--one that produces findings useful for local planning and decision making. The goal is to probe the service attributes of greatest potential to both actual customers and service providers. The setting for this study was Yale University. (AEF)

The experience of Rutgers University Libraries illustrates the extensive planning, work effort, possibilities, and investment required to develop the digital library. Examines these key areas: organizational structure; staff development needs; facilities and the new digital infrastructure; metadata standards/interoperability; digital collection…

Changes in user needs resulted in Colorado State University Libraries' decision to turn a traditional library computer lab into an information commons. Issues raised during implementation are discussed, staff training modules are described, and the center's success is evaluated. Training quickly became a critical factor. (AEF)

Research indicates significant levels of burnout in academic teaching librarians. This article describes parallels with other "helping professions" and examines characteristics, causes, and solutions of burnout, inside and outside the classroom. Solutions should be sought in research on similar professions and their effectiveness should…

During the 2000-2001 academic year, the General Libraries of the University at Buffalo conducted a pilot project to assess feasibility of providing reference through instant messaging. Describes the project, its implementation, the software used, staffing issues, and publicity efforts. Discusses results of the project in terms of user…

Explores the number of dimensions needed to measure users' perceptions of library service quality based on data from the ARL (Association of Research Libraries) LibQUAL+ project. Results were consistent with a view that a single set of scores is one reasonable way to characterize user perceptions of library service quality. (Author/LRW)

Examined the effect of an interdisciplinary Web-based citation database with full text, the ProQuest Research Library, on the Western State University library's acquisitions allocation plan. Used list price of full-text journals to calculate increases in acquisitions funding. A list of articles discussing formula allocation is appended.…

This study discusses assistive technology (AT) for student with disabilities in academic libraries. An expert panel, using the Delphi Technique, recognized adequate funding, training opportunities, AT evaluation, and including individuals with disabilities in AT decision making as being some of the primary issues. (Author/LRW)