Describes how a library cooperative can use marketing analysis and other tools to move successfully from an institution-based business to a network-based business that will better serve individuals who need information. (CHC)

Discusses a method of evaluating public library systems development in metropolitan areas with regard to four aspects: financial systems, interlibrary cooperation, new uses and services, and technical developments. The method was first proposed by the Urban Library Study Project of the Toronto Public Libraries. (Author/FM)

Describes the collection assessment methodology presented in the Research Libraries Group's "Conspectus," and assesses the usefulness of this instrument both in general, and as applied to an attempt to coordinate collection development at the consortium level. (eight references) (CLB)

Includes five articles that discuss digital reference in elementary and secondary education; the need to understand the technological environment of digital reference; question negotiation in digital reference; a pilot study that evaluated chat reference service quality; and collaborative digital museum and digital library reference services. (LRW)

The fourth of five phases of a study of planning and evaluating multitype library networks pulls together the results of the first three, which examined individually three previously used approaches--performance, organization, and attitude--to form a model. The fifth phase is currently testing the model on a national basis. (CDD)

Reports on an evaluation of the higher levels of California's statewide reference referral network that involved an unobtrusive method utilizing existing records of actual reference transactions evaluated by panel of judges. Reference evaluation methods, findings of other studies, and other uses of the method are discussed. (Nineteen references…

Describes a collaborative workshop designed by the Associated College Libraries of Central Pennsylvania to identify and teach World Wide Web search skills to librarians. Highlights include how information get on the Web and is indexed; evaluation of Web resources; types of search sites; and which search engine is the best. (Author/LRW)

Reviews meaning and theory of library collections and structure and enumerates ways that data on collections can be organized to reveal underlying global structure (links and connections between collections, parts of collections, and users of collections). Definitions of terms applying to eight models described in text are appended. (53…

Describes the use of the CACD (Collection Analysis CD-ROM), a microcomputer-based evaluation tool introduced by OCLC and supported by AMIGOS, by a consortium of SUNY (State University of New York) libraries. Topics include analyzing monographic collections, cooperative collection development, and resource sharing. (LRW)

Describes a project that examined a random sample of 5 percent of a shelflist to provide detailed information about the distribution of imprints according to age and language, percentage of duplication, and distribution of serial and monographic formats. It is concluded that the resulting collection profile provides a multidimensional, quantified…

Explains the Palladian Alliance Project of the Associated Colleges of the South (ACS) that is designed to provide member institutions with an effective means to enhance information access through electronic resource sharing of indexes and journals. Planning, individual library needs, evaluation of possible sources, and implementation are…

Describes a collection development project to assess the African American materials in the Georgia State University library from an interdisciplinary point of view that grew into a continuing strategy of collaboration. Highlights include bibliography checking; individual and group initiatives; local library cooperation; and budgetary support.…

Describes a cooperative project among three German libraries that used the Balanced Scorecard as a concept for an integrated quality management system. Considers performance indicators across four perspectives that will help academic libraries establish an integrated controlling system and to collect and evaluate performance as well as cost data…

Examines arguments in favor of membership in the Center for Research Libraries in light of changing collections and services, the cooperative collection development environment, and the needs of research libraries. The discussion covers classic arguments for participation and methods for assessing the value of four membership benefits. (76 notes…

Examines the functions, roles, and responsibilities of the public library trustee in a rural setting. Topics include serving the information needs of the community, determining policy, encouraging partnerships with other libraries and community organizations, ensuring sufficient funding, public and community relations, and evaluation of the board…