Discusses the appropriateness of applying diffusion theory to the study of five factors that influence school library development globally: (1) the evolution of, acceptance of, and consensus on a viable service-delivery model; (2) influence exercised by professional organizations; (3) generation of acceptable standards; (4) overt government…

Focuses on a Web-based version of a national survey for the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science (NCLIS) of public library involvement with the Internet. Describes the procedures used to develop the Web-based questionnaire, identifies issues concerning Web-based research, and presents recommendations for the future…

The creation of an information technology center at the University of Oregon Science Library is described. Goals included providing access to Internet-based resources and multimedia software, platforms for running science-oriented software, and resources so students can create multimedia materials. A mixed-lab platform was created with Unix-based…

For libraries to succeed, a clear understanding of what services are in demand is necessary. The SWOT analysis technique for evaluating an organization's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats is examined, and barriers to effective diagnosis are discussed. (AEF)

Presents results of a report on development trends in librarianship and schools of library and information science in the Neue Bundeslander of the Federal Republic of Germany. Discusses political, economic, and technical factors; cites specific changes in public, union, university, scientific, and special libraries; and reviews trends in library…

Examines new guidelines for library media programs developed by the American Association of School Librarians and the Association for Educational Communications and Technology. Discusses future developments, mission statements, the relationship of information use to standards, the dimensions of library services, and the role of the library media…

Under the Library Services and Construction Act, the InfoPeople project was created allowing 182 California public libraries to receive Internet workstations. This article discusses guidelines for grant application for this project, the relationship between participating libraries and their communities, workstation equipment, access to the…

Describes a project at the Denver Public Library (Colorado) called "Kid's Catalog" that involved creating a child-oriented online catalog with a graphical user interface. The catalog's software is designed to search, make cognitive links, and present a list of materials. Research was conducted at the library and three elementary schools…

Discusses the development of Nigerian federal universities and their libraries. Topics include library funding; the Nigerian economic crisis and the university library system; rationale for the World Bank Federal Universities Adjustment Loan Project that was used for library materials, staff development, and equipment; and problems with the…

Twelve articles describe new library buildings in Illinois and address various aspects of library construction. Highlights include public, special, academic, and school libraries; library design and historic preservation; Carnegie libraries; handicapped accessibility, including the Americans with Disabilities Act; construction considerations; and…

Describes the National Library Program supported by the DeWitt Wallace-Reader's Digest Fund. The program's national goals and guidelines and results of eight projects are presented. Brief descriptions of five new projects and nine planning sites are given. Continuation plans and the possibility of funding beyond the three-year project period are…

Describes the general situation of information services in rural public libraries in the context of the changing nature of rural America. Highlights include the development of rural communities and libraries; public expectations and information needs; barriers to information access; and examples of successful rural reference services. (Contains 31…

Description of a Canadian research and development project that involved the development of a library information system which would satisfy the needs of a variety of libraries focuses on the technological aspects of the system. Data manipulation is discussed, software is described, standards are considered, and customer requirements are examined.…

Discusses impacts of the Internet on reference services and changing roles for reference librarians. Describes a continuum of libraries (Sutton) from a paper-based (traditional) to a fully digital library. Examines K-12 uses and benefits of digital reference services (question-and-answer services sometimes referred to as AskA's). Describes K-12…

Discusses the planning process for migrating to a new library media center automation system, including identification of the need to migrate, solicitation of stakeholder support, enumeration of required attributes of a new system, writing the Request for Proposal (RFP), and maximizing vendor demonstrations. (MES)