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)

Examines investments that will ensure that library information technology (IT) meets future academic needs. Looks back on the introduction of IT to research libraries. Assesses outcomes of IT investments in terms of cost and service benefits, and then focuses on developing new service models. (AEF)

A study of how patrons think and behave as they seek information at a major research library (Johns Hopkins University) reveals the need to provide the kinds of services and programs that meet the actual needs and preferences of patrons. Focusing on what librarians think is needed can result in poor service. (Author)

In a large-scale user survey at Washington State University (WSU), respondents rated current services, print materials, and electronic resources, and prioritized those services and resources in terms of importance to their work (outlined in appendix). Respondents also ranked services and resources that might be offered. User profiles were…

Focuses on findings from studies investigating leadership for change in schools and districts which indicate that teacher- librarians must be mirror-images of other teachers if they are to have credibility with teachers and principals. Discusses the essential characteristics of knowledge base; technical skills; personal, interpersonal and team…

Discusses the recent development of libraries in Cambodia. Topics include rebuilding the infrastructure; restoring old libraries and opening new ones; government libraries; public libraries; academic libraries; cultural considerations; collections; staffing; support from the United Nations and other international organizations; and the lack of…

Library Media Center 2000 (LMC2000) focuses on school library media services, technology, training, and advocacy--restructuring information and meeting linguistic, cultural, and multimedia learning needs. Over the last three years, San Francisco, California library media specialists have engaged in a process of professional development, networking…

Discusses early developments in the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) interlibrary loan, including use of OCLC for verification and request transmittal, improved service to patrons, internal cost control, affect on work flow and borrowing patterns. Describes advances in OCLC, including internationalization, electronic information access,…