A survey of Association of Research Libraries library members studied their use of temporary librarians, paraprofessionals, and clerical workers. This report of the findings covers advantages and disadvantages of temporary help, extent of their use, and wages and benefits. Recommendations for hiring, training, and evaluation of temporary staff are…

Describes a study undertaken by San Jose State University of business-related ready reference searches done at that library. The results suggest that within certain restrictions of patron questions, librarian training, search cost, and the database, ready reference online searches can be the most cost effective approach to providing business…

Librarians should adopt a teaching role to instruct users in microcomputer literacy, as microcomputer laboratories and software collections are increasingly a part of academic libraries. University of Wisconsin-Parkside has provided microcomputer orientation workshops and faculty seminars in their microcomputer lab for students, faculty, and…

Describes the growth and linkage of computer and communication technologies in academic libraries, and suggests that librarians should assume a militant role in dealing with information issues, including: the library's role in relation to the individual scholar and the university's information environment; costs and budgets; and information as a…

The administrator of the library of the future will be concerned with costs of new services, while the scholar will see a knowledge explosion within his or her own lifetime. Librarians must help scholars stay informed of new developments in their respective disciplines and teach them new techniques to access materials. (CDD)

Standard collection evaluation techniques appear to receive varying amounts of emphasis from one type of library to another. Differences in choice of technique arise from differing evaluation objectives, and choice of questions to be answered is determined by purpose(s) of library and additional factors (i.e., governance, clientele, size). (97…

Argues that in-college basic research skills instruction is really "remedial," and suggests solutions to problems encountered in instructional programs offered at college level. Highlights include the value of cooperative bibliographic instruction programs between universities and high schools and the Bridging the Gap program offered at…

Presents results of survey based on sample of 500 U.S. academic libraries which was conducted during spring and summer of 1984 to gather descriptive data on current status of online searching and to predict future trends. Four broad categories are covered: availability; search service characteristics; evaluation; future trends. (31 references)…

A survey of 99 academic music librarians identifies current administrative practices regarding cataloging and attempts to determine how these practices affect user service and cataloger satisfaction. Highlights include the problem, administrative structure, physical facilities, location of cataloging tools, music catalogers' duties, support staff,…

Examines changes in behavioral science education in light of four trends identified in John Naisbitt's "Megatrends": high tech/high touch phenomenon; continuing need to reconceptualize purposes; growth of self-help skills; and concern with more and effective networking. Appropriate library responses to these trends are suggested. An…

This essay suggests that conversation, crucial for human life in society and intrinsic to nature of libraries, may be the appropriate model for providing guidance, means, and context for change in academic librarianship. The business model, missions and goals, collection development, bibliographic instruction, and organizational considerations are…

This revision of Standards for College Libraries, which was prepared by Association of College and Research Libraries' Ad Hoc College Library Standards Committee, includes an introduction to standards; objectives; collections (print, audiovisual, resource sharing, determination of grade); organization of materials; staff; service; facilities;…

Interviews with faculty, a survey of 20 students, and examination of style manuals revealed that students are confused by inconsistencies in and multiplicity of styles when confronted with writing and documenting a research paper. Librarians are urged to teach various citation formats and work for adoption of standardization. (17 references) (EJS)

Focuses on current events and features of copyright law that affect decisions and policies daily in library media centers. Highlights include exclusive rights of copyright owners; legal exceptions, decisions in court cases contributing to media center administration; and satisfying requirements of Copyright Law and patron needs. Permission-to-use…

This article suggests three ways to enhance undergraduate periodical use assignments to foster conceptual skills students need when they undertake complex research projects. Discussion covers scholarly or professional literature versus popular literature, differentiation among points of view and differing interpretations of facts, and use of…