The tremendous expansion of online information sources has prompted academic librarians to increase their outreach to undergraduates of the "Net Generation" in an effort to more effectively promote their libraries' resources to these students. Such outreach programs involve identifying library resources that support the information-seeking…

What would it take for libraries to provide their patrons with the same kind of success in finding information using their resources as they achieve with Google, and as quickly? This author asserts that the answer is not that complicated: be more like Google, and then move beyond Google. With the technology available right now, this is not an…

The University of Florida Libraries took the opportunity of remodeling its Humanities and Social Sciences library to conceptualize the design of an info commons area for the new building. An Info Commons Concept Team was formed and charged with this task. The team used site visits, surveys, focus groups, and interviews to determine the needs of…

Discusses the problems encountered by elementary school children in retrieving information from a library catalog, either the traditional card catalog or an OPAC (online public access catalog). An alternative system of classification using colors and symbols is described that was developed in the Common School (Amherst, Massachusetts). (Author/LRW)

Presents a cognitive model that provides a user-centered perspective of the information retrieval process and confirms the problematic nature of online library catalogs for children. Related research is reviewed, and it is concluded that developing children's thinking skills will help them search for information. (71 references) (Author/LRW)

Outlines common problems facing the academic library and graduate schools of library/information studies and examines the relationship between librarians and faculty. Topics include the image of academic librarians, including faculty status and research; library collections, services, and instruction; and involvement of librarians in library and…

Examines the present services offered by university libraries in Nigeria, future users' expectations, the role of information technology, the type of staff needed, and the impact of computers on acquisitions, circulation, interlibrary loan, serials control, and online information retrieval. Finances, staff development, and the need for library…

Describes the planning, organization, and implementation of a reference workshop offered as a continuing education option for reference librarians at the Queens Borough Public Library (New York, NY). Participant evaluations are analyzed, recommendations for future learning activities are presented, and assignments and the evaluation form are…

A study to explore public librarians' attitudes and opinions concerning issues of intellectual freedom, collection balance, and controversial materials focused on the availability of Holocaust-denial literature. Results indicate that librarians, regardless of outside pressures, would provide access to this material. A copy of the survey is…

Inconsistencies in librarians' professional identification and self-image are seen as partly responsible for the limited effectiveness of instructional programs and for the lack of a central position in the information society. Considers ramifications of faculty status; implications of the commitment to intellectual freedom; obligations implied by…

A study of the use of print materials in the Capital University (Ohio) Library's Reserve Department revealed 29% of the faculty use its services for classroom instruction. Two factors that contribute to the department's heavy faculty and student use are class design and use of reserve materials in courses. (AEF)

Identifies sources of technological stress for public services librarians and patrons and proposes ways to reduce stress, including communicating with staff, implementing a system gradually, providing adequate training, creating proper documentation, planning, considering ergonomics in hardware and software selection, selecting a good interface,…

Describes a study that compared the cost-effectiveness of consolidated county libraries in large metropolitan areas of the Midwest with the cost-effectiveness of large city libraries which share service to the county with other large public library systems. The questionnaire used in the survey is appended. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the issues facing New York State public libraries regarding preservation of materials. Highlights include a review of related literature to examine the history, preservation methods, control of the library environment, education and training, organization, and government involvement; and results of a questionnaire that surveyed directors…

Outlines activities that collection development librarians can undertake to involve faculty in the development of the academic library collection. Topics include liaison activities with academic departments, public relations activities, and campus involvement to act as vocal advocates for the library. (Author/LRW)