Many academic libraries have embraced the concept of the information commons or the learning commons. These library spaces consist of collections of tools, services and programs intended to enhance the student learning experience. According to Scott Bennett (2008), an information commons supports learning, while the learning commons…

"ARL" is the bimonthly report on research library issues and actions from ARL (Association of Research Libraries), CNI (Coalition of Networked Information), and SPARC (Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition). "ARL" reports on current issues of interest to academic and research library administrators, staff, and…

Describes an orientation tour allowing library staff to work together in introducing large numbers of students to library services and facilities. Groups of students move through a series of five stations in an hour's tour with a minimum of congestion and traffic. (Author/RAA)

A library renovation class was offered to special education and low-income high school students during the summer, including lessons in Dewey Decimal classification, equipment repair and cleaning, and library organization and research skills. Students helped to plan and implement renovation of their school library media center. (MES)

Drexel University instituted a microcomputing program in 1984 which required all freshmen to own Apple Macintosh microcomputers. All students were taught database searching on the BRS (Bibliographic Retrieval Services) system as part of the freshman humanities curriculum, and the university library was chosen as the site to house continuing…

Shows how a successful bibliographic instruction program can be achieved through the interrelationship of program support, facilities, and growth by examining how the librarians at Brigham Young University (Utah) developed a proposal for, helped design, and obtained funding for a new bibliographic instruction facility. (Contains seven references.)…

Profiles eight successful library/media/information technology programs at technical institutes in Georgia. Highlights include descriptions of information services, collections, building size and design, information technology, library staff, library catalogs and equipment, information access, distance learning facilities, resource sharing,…

The result of a joint effort of the Texas State Library and the Statistics Committee of the Texas Council of State University Librarians, this publication provides a comprehensive source of statistical data on academic libraries in the state. The report contains a directory of the 150 participating institutions (33 four-year public schools, 32…

Description of aggressive education program initiated at Houston Academy of Medicine-Texas Medical Center Library highlights the library's environment; administrative configuration; staffing issues (recruitment, training); facilities, including 13 microcomputers and computer projects; materials production; program development; marketing;…

Discusses the need for strategic planning in university libraries and describes the planning process, based on experiences at Brown University. Explains the role of task forces that were formed to address six main issues: service to users, collections, educational role, technology, staff development, and facilities and space. (LRW)

Guidelines are provided for a curriculum-based school media program. A discussion of media center philosophy and the means of activating it is followed by the description of a three-phase program. Directions for phase 1 focus on physical arrangements and operating procedures for display, circulation, the card catalog, study areas, reference,…

Describes the renovation of the Horace Greeley High School library (Chappaqua, New York). Discusses initial planning; costs; teachers' use of the library; new technology and the blending of print resources; and the appeal of the facility for students. Sidebars highlight the lighting design and renovation goals for the media specialist and…

The easiest link for libraries to establish in relation to the learning society is the direct managerial link that many have with educational institutions. Libraries in schools, colleges, and universities of all kinds are significant parts of the education enterprise. They become more so when the emphasis of education shifts to independent…

Discussion of developments in Nigerian higher education focuses on library services and user expectations. Topics include library automation; currency and timeliness; physical environment; preservation and conservation of library materials; information management; user education; translations to overcome language barriers; and the role of the…

Provides an overview of school libraries in Israel. Highlights include a historical background of school library development, including teaching library skills, developing curriculum, and reading guidance; problem areas, including funding shortages, the need for improved physical facilities, public libraries, and classroom library collections; and…