A discussion with the staff of the Internet Public Library (IPL), which began as a project at the University of Michigan, highlights its role in supplementing local public library services; classification; collection development policies; and the impact of legislation, copyright, and universal service on IPL. A sidebar presents IPL user…

Considers issues relating to children's access to information on the Internet in public libraries. Topics include censorship versus selection; First Amendment rights; the American Library Association's challenge to the Communications Decency Act; filtering software; and the role of the public library. (LRW)

Presents the results of the Seattle Public Library's survey on its Internet service. Seventy-one percent of users were satisfied with the service, but expressed a need for more staff assistance and instruction. Users also valued using the Internet for educational assistance. A sidebar by Jacobson highlights students' expectations for Internet…

Describes the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) library. Highlights include security measures, a day in the life of two CIA librarians, sample reference questions, collection development, the Historical Intelligence Collection, the CIA Web site, and library modernization. (JAK)

Only 1 in 20 library directors serving communities of fewer than 2,500 people have an Master of Library Science degree or equivalent. This article examines problems facing small and rural public libraries and the necessity for a new form of librarianship brought about by the Internet. Proposes a professional action plan for library staff…

Describes various projects being undertaken by academic libraries to provide information in digital form. Highlights include the Library of Congress's program; access via the Internet; software programs; cooperative library projects; possibilities of financial support from the private sector; technical problems; and copyright issues. (LRW)

Discusses how core values in the library profession present dilemmas when they come into conflict, since there is no established hierarchy of values. Notes that these values are further challenged by the Internet. Argues that the survival of libraries is critically dependent on information professionals effectively dealing with conflicts in these…

The Utah Library Network established Internet access in public libraries serving rural communities. It was a cooperative effort between the Utah State Library, public libraries, Utah State University, and state and local governments. Uses include supplementing small library collections, electronic mail, and facilitating interlibrary loans. An…

President Clinton discusses issues affecting libraries and explains his administration's plans regarding them. Addresses connecting educational environments to the Internet, the Communications Decency Act, the Federal Communications Commission, the Telecommunications Act of 1996, and rates for "universal service." Describes federal…

Describes how the Nashville State Tech Library has added Internet resource links to its home page and online catalog. Highlights include original cataloging for Web sites, selection and cataloging criteria, problems encountered, and faculty attitudes and input. (LRW)

There are no foolproof solutions to Internet access in libraries. This article lists selected library solutions, what not to do, and what to do: pick a common-sense approach, focus on customer service, keep an open mind, avoid accepting or repeating hearsay, and find common ground. Includes highlights of the Orange County (FL) Library System's…

Suggests components necessary for a library career center to help patrons look for jobs. Highlights include location; collection; physical arrangement; local resources; teaching about appropriate Internet tools; word processing stations; having reference materials as well as circulating materials; and seminars. (LRW)

Discusses rare books in library collections and problems that are encountered with theft and/or preservation. Highlights include the effects of online auctions on the Internet; costs of replacing lost materials; and libraries that keep valuable books in the circulating collection, stamping them and subjecting them to use that devalues them. (LRW)

To prevent vastly different Internet access policies from creating uneven service for patrons from community to community, the author argues that librarians, as the logical champions, must define "universal service." Offers hardware, software, Internet functions, training, and service as some of the elements of access that should be…

Explains why the Internet is not replacing libraries. Highlights include the lack of substantive material that is available; problems with finding what is there; the lack of quality control; physical difficulties with reading electronic texts; high costs of digitizing; and lack of access to older material. (LRW)