In 1998, Hagerstown Junior College, was renamed Hagerstown Community College and opened a new Learning Resource Center (LRC),which now holds the college library. The article details some of the administrative decisions that guide the services of the library and some of their plans for the future. Contains three photos: (1) LRC entrance; (2) LRC…

Describes attempts to develop library services in the island republic of Kiribati (the Gilbert, Phoenix, and Line islands). The development of rural library service in conjunction with school libraries is discussed, a postal library service is described, the establishment of village libraries is discussed, and constraints that have inhibited…

Provides an overview of school library development in Great Britain and the United States and discusses five factors that have facilitated or retarded school library development in each country: standards, staffing and certification, government support, rationale for school libraries, and professional organizations. (Author/LRW)

Five articles describe the involvement of the Government Printing Office (GPO) and four depository libraries in the initial GPO Access Gateway Library Program. Technical issues and innovations are discussed, and the challenges of building such a program are outlined. (AEF)

Describes the historical development of online information retrieval systems and services. Gives an overview of the three pioneer groups of the online age: (1) programmers, system designers, and researchers; (2) managers, trainers, and custom service representatives; and (3) users. Also examines those individuals who made exceptional contributions…

Presents three articles that discuss customer service in libraries, with a focus on planning for service management, a customer service program for library staff, and a quality improvement process. Highlights include developing and implementing service strategies, dealing with requests, redefining work relationships, coworkers as customers,…

Investigates the government policies in India, especially the five-year plans regarding finance, since its independence in 1947 and their impact on the establishment of the public library system. Highlights include model library systems, library development, national libraries, information services, and adult education and public libraries.…

Describes efforts to conserve library materials in Cambodia being undertaken by a Cornell University library program. Topics discussed include the absence of educated librarians; environmental problems, including insects; an absence of preservation facilities and supplies; a lack of policies for the National Library; and physical and bibliographic…

Discussion of the possible changes in Hong Kong in 1997 when rule passes to the People's Republic of China focuses on the uncertain future of libraries and librarians. Topics discussed include the political climate; the departure of qualified Chinese librarians; and the growth of libraries and computerized systems. (LRW)

Discusses the role of the Commission of the European Communities (CEC) in the development of the electronic information industry in Europe. Activities aimed at libraries are described; the IMPACT program for developing the market for information services is explained; and problems of multilingualism are addressed. (LRW)

Discusses recent developments in extending library services into provincial centers and rural areas in the Solomon Islands. Topics addressed include background on library development in the Solomon Islands, the establishment of the National Library Service, links to government policy, rural library history and development, provincial libraries,…

Discusses the ancient library at Alexandria and describes plans for the development of the new Bibliotheca Alexandrina. The administrative organization is discussed; the building design is explained; international cooperation between Egypt, UNESCO, UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), and the library community is described; and future…

This theme issue includes eight articles that discuss the information age, the impact of information technology, and the role of libraries. Highlights include libraries in Brazil, Indonesia, and Nigeria; the Universal Availability of Publications (UAP) program; community literacy; database development in Malawi; and the Regional Energy Resources…

Vision 2008, a gathering of technology and library experts, was an unprecedented industry think-tank developed by 3M Library Systems as a means by which the future of libraries could be projected. Participants worked together to map out a best scenario for libraries of the future. Creative thinking and cooperative working were two ideas that the…

Introduces the nine papers in a special issue focusing on progress toward digital libraries. Articles fall into three categories: history and activities about digital libraries (DL); understanding digital library users; and extending and integrating through digital libraries. (AEF)