Suggests ways of using computers to access the periodical literature including integrated public access catalogs; natural language display; network access to area union lists; links between indexing and location tools; access to journal content through the online catalog; broadened search capabilities; and remote user access with document…

This guide to information services used by the Environmental Research Center (ERC) in Cincinnati, the scientific and technical information focal point for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), explains the online searching services available at the Cincinnati Library, outlines the procedure for requesting a literature search, and…

Discusses how to improve library reference service, especially the effective delivery of accurate answers, based on a program at Wichita State University (Kansas) that used concepts of quality from business and organizational management. Topics addressed include customers and customer service, and methods of reference service evaluation. (Contains…

This handbook is designed to serve the needs of colleges and universities considering the development of distance degree programs. Its objectives are to report on current practices among colleges offering degree programs primarily through telecommunications; to describe current distance degree programs that can be used as models; and to identify…

Since funding levels will probably not change much, college libraries will need to shift emphasis from seeking more funding for current and new services to delivering more and better service for less, becoming leaner and more able to deliver adaptable services. Increased budget flexibility will be essential. (MSE)

Discusses the possible benefits of basing library media programs on the information need exhibited in different developmental stages of childhood and adolescence. Four developmental stages are identified, and the appropriate library services for the information needs of each are discussed. (12 references) (CLB)

Intended for use by state library officials with policy responsibilities, this report presents a process for determining state levels of adequacy of public library services, measuring the current statewide performance, and planning statewide strategies for improving performance. Several facets of library service and resources are addressed, and…

Reports on a panel presentation given at the 1991 American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference that discussed emerging technologies in resource sharing and document delivery. Highlights include issues to consider before implementing new technologies; managerial and policy issues; impacts on public library service; and public school library…

Presents five principles for audio-conference course design and implementation: (1) make learning activities detailed yet flexible; (2) ensure collaboration among students, professors, and librarians; (3) define responsibilities for progress and success at the outset of the course; (4) base decisions to use technologies on ease of use; and (5)…

Identifies factors that reduce the effectiveness of computers as intermediaries and discusses possible negative effects on user satisfaction and the interaction between users and librarians. A set of guidelines for the improvement of online catalogs, based on user needs and abilities, is presented. (41 references) (CLB)

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,…

Stresses the need for understanding the barriers to effective library use resulting from the diversity of users and the overwhelming amount of information available. Guidelines are suggested for use by academic librarians in evaluating facilities, services, and staff to assess their effectiveness in welcoming users and validating their information…