Discusses core beliefs held by traditional academic libraries, and how these beliefs represented something of value for the user and provided a common intellectual framework. Identifies disturbing trends in modern librarianship, and suggests libraries need to balance technological knowledge with a respect for traditional library practice, focusing…

Describes the use of docents at the Denver Public Library and explains how to develop a successful volunteer docent program. Discusses their educational background; duties, including training patrons in computer use; cooperation of and acceptance by the professional staff; administrative support; and improved customer service. (LRW)

Considers the changing roles of public libraries and challenges facing them in the future. Topics include core skills needed by library professionals, print and nonprint materials, the inclusion of new formats, blending traditional and electronic library resources, the expanded roles and responsibilities of librarians, meeting user needs, and…

If libraries what influential people in their service areas to regard them as full partners in community building, libraries need to know their information needs before they do, and get the resources into their hands that will facilitate their decision-making before they realize they need it. Suggestions are provided for effective marketing of…

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 role of librarians at National Public Radio, emphasizing the immediacy and accuracy needed at this special library. Discusses journalism, reference materials, clipping files, customer satisfaction, preservation concerns, and funding. (LRW)

Describes the rebuilding efforts at the library of California State University at Northridge after the January 1994 earthquake. Discusses electronic resources; patron use of other libraries; rescuing materials that could be salvaged; staff assignments; resuming library service; fundraising; communication with staff; public relations, emotional…

Discusses the results of focus groups and surveys that asked teenagers their opinions of libraries and library services. Highlights include access to technology; customer service for students; library space for teens; books and materials; rules, regulations, and hours; jobs and service opportunities; and marketing toward teens. (LRW)

Ameritech provides automated systems to academic and public libraries which in turn provide services to communities. It has identified library marketplace trends, including increases in use of electronic resources; interconnectivity of resources; number of remote users; and expectations regarding access to online catalogs, full-text documents, and…

Presents ways libraries can provide services for refugees. Discusses identifying needs, distributing orientation guides, and collecting foreign-language literature. Libraries can raise awareness through collection development, exhibits, lectures series, locating teaching resources, and creating Web sites. Examples of different patrons include…

Describes the Ohio State University Libraries' Gateway to Information project, which was developed to help users find, evaluate, and select materials in any format; access online catalogs and CD-ROM databases; and apply information seeking and critical thinking skills independently. Funding support is discussed and Gateway's impact on the future…

Discusses policies and attitudes prevalent in public libraries that encourage female users and discourage male users. The lack of technical books that may appeal more to men is examined, the lack of appropriate reviews is described, subconscious classism is suggested, and differences in fiction preferences are discussed. (two references) (LRW)

Argues that librarians should respond to the growing demand for medical information by expanding their role. The development of medical information reference, issues of accountability, legal responsibility, and user characteristics are discussed. Seven steps toward accountability, including in-depth reference interviewing, referral, training, and…

Describes a program developed at the San Francisco Public Library to allow homeless residents to apply for library cards, and discusses concerns that had to be addressed, including loss or damage of materials, overdue materials, residency requirements, and state and local funding requirements. Cooperation with public and private service providers…

An information industry analyst suggests ways for librarians to deal with the acquisition and use of CD-ROM technology in their libraries. Practical information is provided on needs assessment, purchasing, system standards, and user access and fees, as well as sources of optical disk systems and titles. (CDD)