Examines issues of leadership as they relate to the new organizational structure in the University of Arizona library precipitated by the current economic crisis, changing information technology and automation opportunities, and changing user needs and expectations. Implications for user services are discussed, including needs assessment and…

Describes the development of OhioLINK, a statewide integrated information access network linking library collections at state schools, community colleges, two-year technical colleges, and the state library in Ohio. Discussion includes aspects of OhioLINK such as document delivery service; regional depositories; plans for extensive online access to…

A retired library administrator discusses contemporary reference service based on his experience as a volunteer at the reference desk of an academic library. Narrative includes education; experience; work setting; training; impressions of users; knowledge acquired from fellow reference librarians; and print and electronic resources. (AEF)

Describes the Braille/Large Print Reference Project developed in Illinois to provide visually impaired patrons with information transcribed into either Braille or large print. Topics discussed include equipment needs; staff training; user response; and problems. Examples of publicity and guidelines are included. (LRW)

Discussion of library activities at the Bensenville (Illinois) Public Library to promote lifelong learning focuses on services to the Hispanic community, including defining the target audience; family literacy programs, including home visits to help explain and promote library activities; and community involvement. (LRW)

Based on experiences at Brandeis University libraries, and findings from management literature, a discussion (with figures) is presented on the challenges faced by libraries in integrating technology and information services. Reviews reasons why change is needed, examines information services as a team-based approach, and presents management…

Discusses the future of libraries in the electronic age both in terms of the facility itself and of the types of information to be stored or accessed in the facility. Library facilities must have the ability to adapt easily both to technological changes, changing patterns of service and use, and the growth and change of departments, within the…

Addresses an article written by Nicholson Baker in 1994 that lamented the demise of the paper card catalog, and points out important aspects of online catalogs and library computerization not discussed by Baker: authority control, collection preservation, collection costs, and access to materials. (JKP)

Discusses the challenges and opportunities facing social science academic reference librarians working with researchers in a rapidly changing technological environment. Highlights include faculty relations and training needs; assistance to graduate students, such as suggestions for bibliographic instruction; information products and user…

Discusses the concept of electronic workstations and describes four different types: (1) the academic workstation; (2) the reference workstation (i.e., for end users); (3) the information specialist workstation; and (4) the workstation for management information. The creation of a new integrated information center (ICC) is also described. (11…

Describes a study of student online searches at Cornell University that was conducted to explore the value of staff assistance to trained end users searching the BRS Menus system. Analysis of audio tapes of the search process, questionnaires, and interviews is presented; student attitudes are discussed; and future possibilities are considered.…

Interviews at the University of California, Berkeley, revealed various problems experienced by students from developing countries in using U.S. academic libraries, including insufficient English proficiency, open stacks, Library of Congress Classification, indexes, and U.S. concepts of plagiarism. Ways in which library staff can assist foreign…

Reports on survey results from 275 faculty and 640 students, predominantly in the aerospace engineering field, concerning their behaviors about the appropriation and dissemination of information. Indicates that, as information processors, aerospace faculty and students are "information naive." Raises questions about the efficacy of…

Explains the concept of diagnosing information needs as part of the role of the school library media specialist. Topics discussed include the diagnostic process, i.e., the reference interview; information psychology; theories of information transfer; a model for diagnosing information needs; and implications for practitioners and for research. (19…

Discusses agency library information activities, production and dissemination, and resource access as presented at the first conference of state and provincial fish and game agency librarians. Agencies represented include the Fish and Wildlife Reference Service, Aquaculture, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management,…