The University of Texas at Arlington's Library began using an online chat reference in 2002. The service, called Collaborative Digital Reference Service, later became "Ask a Librarian." Slightly over one year later, the library joined the University of Texas System's "Ask a Librarian" service. Both services are powered by…

The Improving Literacy through School Libraries (LSL) program was established under Title I, Part B, Subpart 4 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB). The purpose of the program is to improve the literacy skills and academic achievement of students by providing them with increased…

Examines literature on latchkey children and public libraries, and reviews solutions to this issue. Presents four recommendations to help public libraries clarify their role in serving latchkey children: educate personnel regarding appropriate services, develop a written policy, reevaluate programs and services, become involved in a community task…

This document addresses the advantages and disadvantages of a required bibliographic instruction program at Millikin University, Decatur, Illinois. Issues addressed include: the public relations efforts; the planning and implementation of the program; the staff requirements; and the impact on library operations and services. Course requirements,…

Describes the objectives, development, and implementation of a professional continuing education program for academic library personnel. The program is evaluated in terms of staff response to various activities, director support, cost considerations, and overall effectiveness. (CLB)

An evaluation of the Curriculum Resource Centre (CRC)-Library Services for the Nanaimo (British Columbia) School District is presented in this report, which is based on surveys, interviews, observations, tours, discussions, readings, and meetings conducted by the team members during the course of the study. The evaluation team consisted of two…

Evaluation of Tanzanian experiences in developing nationwide public library system under conditions of limited resources and unlimited user demands discusses six principles as basis for alternative strategy: liquidating irrelevant librarianship theories; establishing valid performance measures; adopting cost-effectiveness; giving primacy to…

Discusses an in-service cross-training program designed for reference desk workers at the University of New Mexico Library. Describes the reference department and provides an overview of cross training. Highlights include training issues, a needs assessment questionnaire, program implementation, and evaluation. Four appendices provide sample…

The purpose of this project was to demonstrate that computer-based training (CBT) sessions, produced as HyperCard stacks (files), are an efficient and effective component for staff training in libraries. The purpose was successfully met in the 15-month period of development, evaluation, and implementation, and the University of Tennessee (UT)…

This document presents the evaluation report for Utah's Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) program for 1998-2002. Part I, "Executive Summary," describes the evaluation study process and summarizes recommendations related to goals in the following areas: (1) basic library technology; (2) enhanced library technology; (3) PIONEER:…

A task force on school library media issues was appointed in Wisconsin to describe the current program status in the state; identify those factors that are preventing the fulfillment of the library media program's mission--that every student in public elementary and secondary schools in Wisconsin has a right to a comprehensive program of library…