Describes the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) advisory committees in terms of research, public, college and university, and special libraries. All four of the type-of-library advisory groups work to shape OCLC policies and programs, according to the particular needs of each group. OCLC's financial and programmatic success depends upon…

Considers the challenge of leading a research library that is between directors. Discusses issues involved in the transitional period of "acting" directorship. Outlines recommendations for acting directors: seek advice; negotiate well in the beginning; consider the staff; state an objective; build consensus; and consider cautiously the candidacy…

Eight articles address topics related to development and fund raising in libraries: philanthropy; public relations and fund raising; special events and fund raising; finding donors; annual funds in academic libraries; library capital campaigns; a public library endowment campaign; and planned giving. An introduction to the articles and a 244-item…

Addresses changes in cataloging at the University of California, Berkeley. Discusses experimentation with pilot technical services (OCLC PromtCat, Bibliographic Record Notification, and Repeat Search); technical services staff reductions and the emergence of a new staffing model and motivating supervisors and staff to become more flexible and…

Provides a framework for the Library of Congress (LC) digital library initiatives; outlines LCs two-phase strategic plan designed to contribute to the development of a national digital library (NDL); and highlights funding strategies to support the NDL that include the public and private sectors. (LRW)

This case study describes the use of an information technology vendor conference to assure the smooth opening of a public library in Portland, Oregon. Vendors for hardware, telecommunications, integrated library systems, and networks met with library administration and staff to troubleshoot problems and share information and to ensure a timely…

Suggests that credibility and communication are keys to expanding library funding and that library leaders must be aggressive in forging connections both within their institutions and among their communities. Discusses fiscal responsibility and upper administration, finances and staff, and development work. (Author/LRW)

Focuses on academic and research library networking in Latin American and Caribbean countries (LAC), where a high level of library service has been achieved. Discusses the information challenges of the 1980s and 1990s to LAC countries; networking in LAC; Brazilian information services; the University of Sao Paulo integrated library system…

Library literature is examined for patterns for succession to the academic library director's position. A survey of 21 library directors of The Council on State University Libraries was conducted to determine changes. Findings indicate women find it easier to obtain library director positions through external hires; male librarians no longer have…

Presents a background on the Committee on Institutional Cooperation (CIC) partnership with the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) and notes its achievements. Discusses the CIC Center for Library Initiatives; leveraging investments in libraries; maximizing use of information resources; improving delivery of information/library services; the…

Explores the evolving paradigm of academic libraries, the impact of this change on the library director's role, and the orientation and qualifications. Reveals that the "post-hierarchical" library will call for a leader who is flexible and innovative, a superb communicator with good analytical skills and deductive and reasoning ability, as well as…

It is important that librarians research and plan to make the relationship between library collections and remote access comfortable and successful for users and the library. This article discusses the political, social, and economic advantages and disadvantages of remote access. (JMV)

Users Council has proven itself to be a critically important element in the Online Computer Library Center's (OCLC) organizational structure. In fulfilling its combined roles, Users Council has provided a national forum for articulating member library interests to OCLC as well as a training ground for preparing individuals with library expertise…

Based on the authors' experiences as catalog, reference, and network resources librarians, this paper examines traditional methods of operation and the emerging blending of duties and the effects on individuals and the profession. Examines changing demands on library users as a cause for the blurring lines. Concludes that catalogers and reference…

Academic libraries, like many consumer businesses in the "for-profit sector," may expect to experience discomfort as they embark on a transition stage between old and new ways of operating. The challenge for academic library directors is to successfully navigate challenges of implementing performance-based pay concepts and cultural…