This article examines the tensions and risks inherent in implementing new technologies and collaborative spaces while maintaining the library's critical role as a "civic temple" and knowledge center that inspires and facilitates contemplation and deep thought. New technologies present "disruptive" challenges, having already…

The current ARL report summarizes a multi-year effort that captures evidence in the form of narrative profiles as it delivers the message of the value and contributions of research libraries during transformative times. When ARL library directors were interviewed in 2005 and asked to describe a research library in the 21st century, there was…

The need to plan for operating and service patterns and to establish priorities for services to readers in the new Reference and Bibliographical Center at the Newberry Library guided this self-study. From December 1983 to August 1984, 32 staff members (grouped into 1 study team and 4 task forces) investigated the critical issues of bibliographic…

Discusses the need for ongoing evaluation within high school libraries to ensure adequate library services, which, in turn, enhance the total educational program. The evaluation of library facilities, collections, and staff is discussed, and an annotated bibliography of evaluation tools is provided. (6 references) (CLB)

Universities worldwide are reconfiguring their campus environments to respond to the emerging pedagogy within higher education with its emphasis on self-directed, collaborative, and problem-solving approaches to learning. In particular, there is an emphasis on forming "learning communities." In this context libraries are increasingly…

This report by the City of Saint Paul's Citizens Task Force for the Library presents a documented written program of recommendations for growth and change for the next five years based on the results of three sub-studies: (1) a 'Community Analysis,' an in-depth study of the library-related needs of the Saint Paul community; (2) a self-study of the…

The "library-college" philosophy conceives of a library as a total educational resource, that (1) fully uses media and instructional aids; (2) stresses independent study; (3) encourages teachers and librarians to share instructional and bibliographic duties; and (4) aids students in achieving competency in reading, speaking, and critical thinking.…

Discusses the future of libraries in the electronic age both in terms of the facility itself and of the types of information to be stored or accessed in the facility. Library facilities must have the ability to adapt easily both to technological changes, changing patterns of service and use, and the growth and change of departments, within the…

One in a series of reports on public service studies by academic libraries that are being administered by the Office of Management Studies (OMS) of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), this report on the self-study of the University of California, Riverside (UCR) Libraries includes a brief description of the overall project and an…

This document presents the executive summary of an evaluation of Library Power, a program of the DeWitt Wallace-Reader's Digest Fund to enhance and elevate the role of libraries in public schools. The report begins with an examination of Library Power's core components (collection development, facilities refurbishing, flexible scheduling,…

A footnote to state legislation provided an opportunity to examine the extent to which joining Wyoming's libraries might better serve the needs of those who depend on library services. The footnote designated an appropriation of $20,000 to evaluate the feasibility of merging the state library and the university library by: (1) reviewing the space…

This report consists of a series of recommendations for the improvement of the services and facilities of the DePauw University libraries in three areas--personnel, both professional and support staff; administration and management; and buildings and equipment--with an appended set of supporting documents for the most important recommendations,…

This report assesses the current stage of program development in the branch libraries of the Saint Lucia Public Library and Information System (PLIS), based on data collected during September-December 1997 using a branch library questionnaire, site visits, and informal surveys of library users. The vision and philosophical statements used to frame…

Policymakers and library administrators are being drawn to the idea of the "virtual library" and the "library without walls," the webs of electronic resources that supposedly will displace books, physical libraries, and most library staff, and are believing the virtual library to be imminent, adequate, and cost-effective. This…

This strategic plan postulates the goals and directions that the Millersville University Library (Pennsylvania) will strive to achieve during the next 5 years and beyond; defines the central place in the campus community that the library maintains; outlines how change will affect its services, collections, staff, facilities and users; provides an…