This paper discusses readers' advisory services in academic libraries from the 1920s to the present. Highlights include: definition of readers' advisor or advisory; browsing rooms and collections; reasons for the decline of this service in academic libraries; recent decline in reading interest and ability among college students; the importance of…

This paper presents an annotated bibliography of 69 articles published in the 1990s that examine the impact of technology on reference service in public, school, and academic libraries. The paper is organized in the following seven parts, each dealing with a different type of application of technology: (1) "General Change Caused by…

Discusses how the resources of public libraries are now available to distant learners through telecommunication services. Highlights increases in library Web access, revitalizations of libraries, and increases in library use. Summaries key items in one university-public library cooperative agreement. (AEF)

The Web site library is a new type of digital library incorporating both digital collections and digital service. In the parliamentary context, this new application of information and communications technology has a dual function: to provide a virtual collection to satisfy users' information demands and to provide all the current services needed…

Describes criteria for good academic library instruction practices and applies them to Web-based tutorials. Topics include course-related instruction, active learning, collaborative learning, media use, instructional objectives, concepts versus mechanics, and offering a librarian's help. (LRW)

This report identifies potential issues that the Cornell University Library (CUL) might face in supporting distance learning, and recommends solutions. While the precise budgetary implications are uncertain, additional resources, services, and personnel will need to be accounted for in the cost of serving distance learners. The report addresses:…

Advancing library services in large universities requires creative approaches for "building to scale." This is the case for CIC, Committee on Institutional Cooperation (Big Ten), libraries whose home institutions serve thousands of students, faculty, staff, and others. Developing virtual Web-based services is an increasingly viable…

This paper explores the evolution of the Swaziland National Bibliography (SNB), noting its roots in international resolutions on national bibliographies and legislation bestowing legal depository status on the University of Swaziland Libraries and the Swaziland National Library Service. It is observed that since publication of the first issue in…

This paper on electronic books (e-books) in the academic library begins by defining the e-book and presenting general information on developments in the e-book industry, including collections of e-books that are accessed through the Internet and electronic editions of print books that can be downloaded to a proprietary reading device. A list of…

This book assesses progress and technical changes in the field of serials management and anticipates future directions and challenges for librarians. The book consists of 18 chapters: (1) "Introduction" (Jim Cole and James W. Williams); (2) "Peter Gellatly--Editor with a Deft Touch" (Ruth C. Carter); (3) "The "Deseret…

Discusses the role of the library in distance education and describes key elements of library services for distance education, including reference services; portfolio of nearby libraries or other resources; document delivery; databases; electronic journals; database of subject specialists; and electronic resources on the Web. (AEF)

Describes a demonstration given by two university librarians to faculty and researchers at the City University of New York on the use of the World Wide Web as a research tool. The demonstration, using the library's newly created home page, focused on virtual libraries that give access primarily to on-line research resources. (MSE)

This paper discusses the importance of information literacy as a key educational issue and the integral educational role of librarians and libraries. Four discursive fields concerned with the information and communication technologies and education are described: (1) Boosters (or Technolusts)--the "noisiest" group, unequivocal promoters…

The authors envisage a new future for libraries, one in which they assume a very proactive role, pushing, as well as pulling information back into the Web, in a manner similar to that in which a private electricity producer feeds back surplus power into the grid as well as taking electricity when needed. (Author)

This report discusses selected issues regarding public library Internet connectivity, costs, and use. It discusses the implications of the "1997 Public Libraries and the Internet" study and presents policy recommendations related to the study's findings. This report suggests the importance of federal policy and library management in…