Describes the integration of personal digital assistants into a medical center library's services in Illinois. Discusses training for users; hardware selection; software selection and content; technical support; the role of libraries, including the creation of policies and procedures; and future challenges. (LRW)

With the support of outreach library services and visits by university-based faculty, area health education centers improve a rural community's ability to recruit, retain, and keep up-to-date primary care physicians and other health manpower. North Carolina is an example of this enhanced professional environment. (Author/MSE)

Reviews experiences with online searching at the Nazareth College library. Topics discussed include user expectations; actual and perceived search quality; the impact of laser printers; growth in online searching; increases in other reference services; the use of CD-ROM technology; and costs and pricing policies. (LRW)

Describes a survey of public libraries that addressed the presence of latchkey children in libraries, library policies regarding this population, and services that are or should be offered. In-depth interviews with 10 librarians explored ideal responses to latchkey children, advice on library services, and community services for children. (14…

Discusses the possible benefits of basing library media programs on the information need exhibited in different developmental stages of childhood and adolescence. Four developmental stages are identified, and the appropriate library services for the information needs of each are discussed. (12 references) (CLB)

Describes the first White House Conference on Library and Information Services and assesses its impact on youth services in school and public libraries. It is concluded that the conference had little influence on youth services and ways in which youth librarians can take a more active role in the upcoming second conference are discussed. (two…

Describes a visit by American children's librarians to the Soviet Union for a formal colloquium on children's library services. The Soviet attitude toward children as reflected in the quality of facilities, services, and research is discussed, and the benefits of such cultural exchanges are stressed. (CLB)

Briefly describes available expert system shells and identifies evaluation criteria relevant to the use of a shell by libraries. Areas discussed include ease of use by system developers and end users, detachability of finished systems, and costs. A glossary is provided. (10 references) (CLB)

Description of public libraries that are combined and housed with school libraries focuses on successful library combinations in Canada and Australia. Topics discussed include community needs; cost factors; staffing and administrative issues; cataloging differences; location considerations; services offered; funding; and advantages for rural…

Outlines the history and curriculum of Stuyvesant High School, and describes both the intellectually gifted student body and the role played by the school's library media center. Topics discussed include the library facility; its collections; library instruction; reference services; and plans for the future. (CLB)

Describes a survey of student patrons of a Nigerian academic library that sought to assess user needs and examine student attitudes toward the library. Findings discussed include prior library experience, effectiveness of library orientation programs, actual use of the library, student relationships with library staff, and student reactions to…

Describes a survey of library personnel, faculty, and students that examined issues related to the role of libraries in the future design and delivery of distance education. Recommendations are made in the areas of program and course planning, services marketing, resource development, data access, technical communications, services and materials…

Argues that the fee-or-free issue is far from resolved and discusses factors contributing to the debate. These include the impact of technology on social values, arguments for and against user fees, and the impact of technology on library services. A reconceptualization of information as a gift, rather than a commodity, is presented. (25…

Traces the development of academic librarianship from 1939 to the present. Specific areas discussed include the revolution in higher education, library collections, library budgets, organizational patterns, library buildings, staff, and services. The impact of technology on higher education and academic libraries is discussed and possible future…

Reports on the development, practice, and success of instructional methods for teaching CD-ROM use which were explored at the Wayne State University Library. Results of a preliminary survey designed to evaluate user reaction to CD-ROM products are presented. A copy of the questionnaire is appended. (MES)