Explains the origins of technology assessment and defines the term. The method is discussed in general and with particular attention to use of the Delphi technique as a data-gathering tool for technology assessment studies. The method is suggested for considering the likely impacts of new information technologies on library and information…

This guide lists more than 5,000 library-related computer services, resources, and supplies in the following sections: (1) products and services, including hardware and supplies, software, and services; (2) vendor products/services; (3) product names; (4) vendor addresses; and (5) consultant addresses. (MES)

Describes microcomputer-based digital video technology and compares it to analog video. Topics discussed include converting analog video to digital data; digital image compression technology; digital compression and digital video on Macintosh computers; and potential library and information-related applications, including electronic publishing and…

Argues that the key reason for using the services of a library automation consultant is to obtain expertise not available in the library staff, and that the library must continuously evaluate the consulting process and provide feedback to the consultant. Related insights and perspectives of both librarians and library system vendors are provided.…

Describes a visiting information consultant program in a corporate library that was developed to provide library services to more clients, increase library visibility, and to provide new and convenient outreach library services and information to users. The initial pilot program is discussed as are observations that were incorporated into the…

Discusses digital libraries, interoperability, and interfaces to access them, and proposes one universal protocol for communication for simple archives based on the hypertext transfer protocol (http). Describes the creation of a special class of digital objects called buckets, archives based on a NASA collection, and a set of digital library…

Describes the MyLibrary concept of personalization or customization of library user Web pages. Discusses benefits for libraries and patrons, as well as technical issues to consider. Highlights personalization projects at Cornell and UCLA. A sidebar gives a list of online sources. (AEF)

Describes a study that replicated two earlier studies to determine whether environmental factors of reference departments and behavioral characteristics of references staff members had changed over the past ten years. Results emphasize the need for more and better education and training in conducting reference interviews and providing client…

Describes a project for middle school librarians to use to motivate students to read for pleasure. Explains activities based on the idea of a mystery at the school, and describes how clues were developed and linked to books in certain genres that students had to read. (LRW)

Describes a book of poetry written by teenagers that was published from materials written in poetry workshops or submitted to the Web site of the New York Public Library. Discusses the structure of the workshops, and the multicultural background of many of the teens. (LRW)

Describes customer call centers that provide customer service and support in business and considers how their routines could be adapted to library operations. Topics include centralized staff; interactive voice response; automated call distribution; question analysis; sophisticated software; training and monitoring; telephone reference; and…

Discusses how to plan for successful author or illustrator visits to school libraries. Topics addressed include preparing students by acquainting them with the visitor's works; how to contact authors or illustrators; written letters of confirmation; arranging for copies of books for autographing; scheduling; and follow-up. (LRW)

Three British public libraries offer open learning services that have expanded their outlook on outreach. There remains a need for links with other education and training providers, a coordinated publicity campaign, and work with community groups. (SK)

Describes the procedures developed at the Los Angeles Public Library to offer age-appropriate and user-friendly electronic resources to children and teenagers via the Internet. Discusses filters and dedicated terminals; and describes appropriate Web sites and search engines for parents, children, and adolescents. (LRW)

Contains 67 annotated references in the following categories: lifelong learning policy--international perspectives, lifelong learning policy--national perspectives, and lifelong learning and library services/role. (SK)