In this chapter, we explore the organizational units, projects, and support that exist for digital literacy within the Vanderbilt University Library system. We frame the chapter chronologically, starting with the efforts of the past, then moving toward the present efforts, and concluding with where future efforts are going.

Library long-term and strategic plans tend to employ top down approaches that can leave departmental staff feeling disconnected an unrepresented in the plan. In 2019, the Access Services Department at the University of Denver engaged in a long-term planning process. This process puts Access Services staff members at the center of the process. This…

Discusses ways to achieve peak performance in academic libraries by emphasizing staff development. Highlights include self-assessment; conflict of commitment; self-absorption; institutional loyalty; focusing on the future; and understanding the library's strategic plan, mission statement, and policies. (AEF)

Successful higher education institutions of the next century will be learning-centered; successful college libraries will become teaching libraries that equip students with lifelong learning skills; librarians of the future will be knowledge managers. Libraries must become user-centered, which will require a substantial initial investment that…

Discusses how reengineering can be applied to user services in libraries; identifies trends affecting library user services operations; and describes the reengineering effort at Rice University (Texas) where services have been transformed through collaboration between the library and computing services. (AEF)

Describes the results of Flossmoor Public Library's long-range planning initiatives for youth services, which has resulted in improvements in collection development and programing. Evaluation procedures and techniques were recognized as valuable learning tools to increase the effectiveness of services, enhance communication with the board and…

Outlines the European Picture Book Collection project designed to help young children understand more about Europe. Contains preparatory stages of the project, discussing the first symposium in France (1966), the establishment of a European picture book collection, the initial evaluation of the materials in U.K. schools, the second symposium in…

Explores how libraries will function in the year 2000 as an exercise for planning. Looks at changes in clientele, collections, facilities, and staff, and the impact of technology on these and other aspects of reference work. (six references) (EA)

Describes a survey that examined the effects of increasing serial subscription costs on American and Canadian research libraries. Strategies adopted by libraries are described, including faculty and campus involvement, retrenchment, long range planning, and shared resources. Relationships with publishers and the possible impact of electronic…

Reviews the historical record of cooperative collection development activities and identifies fundamental problems that have hampered these activities. An argument is made for the need to implement a resource network approach which emphasizes short term need and resources as opposed to long range planning. (20 references) (CLB)

Discussion of the provision and management of technology by school library media specialists focuses on CD-ROMs in high schools. Highlights include needs assessment planning; funding options; management strategies; long-range planning; and sidebars which include a bibliography of materials that discuss CD-ROM, recommended conferences, and CD-ROM…

Reviews the literature on library acquisitions allocations and the lack of agreement on effective policies. Discussion focuses on a process developed at Western Washington University, which combines mathematical formulations of equity with the reality of campus politics, while protecting collection integrity. (44 references) (Author/CLB)

Presents design objectives to consider when planning library/media facilities for elementary schools which will also incorporate computer technology. Highlights include providing for future growth and the development of new technologies; collection development plans; professional growth and staff support; scheduling considerations; and…

The 16 articles in this issue focus on planning for future trends in public library administration. Topics discussed include leadership qualities; administrator education; collective bargaining; funding and budgeting; governance; user fees; collection management; community involvement and support; special population groups; services to educational…