When a new library system, WestCat, was installed in the Western Michigan University Libraries (August 1998), an initiative was undertaken to announce its arrival, establish its identity, and train the university community in its use. To promote this initiative, two committees were broadly charged with the responsibilities of publicity and…

The British Library supports research by collecting and maintaining the national archive; by ensuring the provision of the national bibliography; by building up its collections of research materials from all over the world; and by providing access to its collections through reading rooms and interlending and document delivery services. This paper…

This paper first argues that the World Wide Web at its best, has been able only to imitate the resources and services of an exemplary research library. It then goes on to examine how academic research libraries can take advantage of their brand identity as market leaders in the information business. The basic concept of brands and branding…

This paper discusses some of the lessons learned in the collaboration of the TriUniversity Group (TUG) of libraries; three universities in Ontario--the University of Guelph, Wilfrid Laurier University, and the University of Waterloo--participate in TUG. Four critical areas of influence in creating a human climate for effective inter-institutional…

This paper discusses the establishment of a research service in the Norwegian parliament. The first section presents some general assumptions regarding a research service in parliament. The second section describes the first initiative, a mandate in the 1970s to establish a commission to clarify the need for such a service. The third section…

Presents interviews with Fred Kent, founder of the Project for Public Spaces (PPS) and Phil Myrick, PPS's assistant vice president, about transforming libraries into desirable public spaces. Discusses qualities people value in public spaces; great library buildings and what they are doing right; the first thing library directors should do when…

This installment of the "International Library Education" column presents a brief overview, by three Russian librarians, on the curriculum and philosophy of librarianship in Russia two years into the democratization process. Discussion focuses on changes in librarianship and the end of the Soviet system. (Author/LRW)

Describes how a library in the state of Washington was floated on a barge across the Hood Canal (part of Puget Sound) to its new site. Discusses property costs, the mechanics of moving the building, community support, obstacles, media coverage of the move, and renovations at the new site. (AEF)

Addresses the Wallace-Reader's Digest Funds' experiences working with school libraries and the lessons learned from the Library Power initiative, including: how school libraries can support national education goals, particularly in meeting the challenges outlined in the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001; current threats to library reform; and how…

Describes the historical development of libraries in Ethiopia. Examines the National Library of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa University Libraries, the Institute of Ethiopian Studies Library, and the Ethiopian Science and Technology Documentation and Information Center. Discusses the development of special libraries, libraries and documentation centers of…

Presents a strategic planning model originally developed for university research and illustrates its usefulness for academic libraries. Library development and fund-raising activities are used as examples to illustrate the various stages of strategic planning, including scanning the environment, designing the plan, acceptance, and adoption.…

Includes five articles that discuss presidential libraries. Highlights include an overview of the development of the federal presidential library system; the Ronald Reagan library; the Richard Nixon library archives; access at the Gerald Ford library; and computerizing the Jimmy Carter library. (LRW)

Describes informal leadership opportunities for library staff. Identifies three key characteristics: vision, courage, and the ability to make things happen through others. Discusses requirements for successfully leading from below; hostile, neutral, and supportive environments; and benefits. (AEF)

Describes the Danville Public Library's (Illinois) planning and implementation of a groundbreaking ceremony and provides guidelines for the process. Highlights include early planning, the planning staff, publicity, videotaping, selecting a convenient time, decorations, invitations, knowing individual responsibilities, commemorative items, and a…

Outlines the results of a review of the cataloging operations at the library at Curtin University of Technology and the three other publicly funded universities in WAGUL (the Western Australian Group of University Librarians). Identifies cost savings to be achieved by re-engineering cataloging and related operations, and separates them from the…