Discusses the challenges facing digital library evaluation and suggests a conceptual framework for evaluation derived from the systems approach. A review of evaluation efforts in research and practice concentrates on derivation of criteria used in evaluation. Essential requirements for evaluation are stated. Discussed are constructs, context, and…

This examination of the criteria used in the evaluation of library literacy programs reviews the relevant literature, discusses several evaluation models that have already been used in literacy projects, and outlines a proposed evaluation model. (EM)

Describes the research objectives, rationale, methodology, and findings of a model program developed at the Northwestern University Library, which examined whether online catalogs require instruction and, if so, how that instruction would be best delivered. (CLB)

Factors to be considered in selecting children's films are discussed, and guidelines are provided for film evaluation and for the establishment of film programs in libraries. Some examples of multimedia theme programs combining stories with films are given. (MBR)

Discussion of the female-intensive specialization of youth services librarianship and their role in the American Library Association focuses on their jurisdiction over the Newbery Medal. Topics include the question of realism in children's literature; the Sayers Institute; and evaluation criteria. Contains 65 references. (LRW)

Five Grand Challenges are proposed for library research: (1) Library service: Could library services be made more meaningful? (2) Library theory: Who knew what when? (3) Library design: Have digital libraries been designed backwards? (4) Library values: How neutral can libraries be? (5) Library communities: How do communities differ? (AEF)

Reports the rationale, design, implementation, and results of an examination of the impact of online subject catalogs on users by comparing their behaviors before and after catalog installation. Evaluation criteria included volume of use, types of searches, use of other catalogs, search time, user satisfaction, and need for assistance. (CLB)

Planning for customer-focused library services requires a reexamination of the business and customers. Libraries must continually collect and evaluate data about the community they serve to accommodate ever-changing needs. (AEF)

Draws some initial connections between library performance measures and library space planning and collection management. Output measure surveys are suggested for establishing hierarchies of use and appropriate design of environments for housing the collection. Four references are listed. (MES)

Discusses the results of a study investigating the similarities between information jobs in university computing centers and research libraries. Findings show a strong relationship between some computing and library jobs, suggesting the creation of a single information job family in classification systems. (15 references) (EA)

Criteria, with examples, for good science materials for elementary school libraries. (LS)

Suggests that in digital library services assessment, anthropology can provide the initial understanding, the intellectual basis, on which informed choices about sample population, survey design, or focus group selection can reasonably be made. Analyzes the National Gallery of the Spoken Word (NGSW). Includes brief descriptions of nine NGSW…

Suggests that preliminary findings from research on intellectual access to digital images indicate a need for improved browsing tools, image manipulation software, feedback mechanisms, and query analysis. Discusses problems of image retrieval identified in current research, reports on an evaluation project in process, and proposes a framework for…

Effective promotion and communication of public library services is essential. The following questions are examined: (1) Why promote? (2) What should be promoted? (3) How much promotion/communication needs to be done? (4) What is the best way to promote/communicate? and (5) What are some of the potential pitfalls? Thomas Smith's "Hints to…

Describes a preliminary study that was conducted to examine the collection development practices, selection criteria, and sources used in acquiring Native American literature for children and adolescents in public libraries in Alaska and Oklahoma. Results of a literature survey are discussed, and further research is suggested. (Contains 36…