Describes the Pacific Northwest Conspectus Database, a regional resource assessment tool which includes information about library collections in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Use of the database by academic, public, and special librarians to better manage their collections and to coordinate planning and purchasing with other…

The resurgence of interest in e-books, who uses them, and where the technology is headed were among the issues discussed March 16 at the eBooks in the Public Library Conference in New York, sponsored by the Open eBook Forum (OeBF). Roughly 200 librarians, publishers, and vendors braved a winter squall to share their expertise and experiences.…

Presentation of a scenario in which a city council imposes fees for public library services without consulting the library director or trustees is followed by three analyses of the situation, and ways in which it should be handled by the library director are suggested. (CLB)

Reports results of unobtrusive testing of reference service (asking reference questions of library staff who are unaware of being evaluated) in government documents and central reference areas of 26 U.S. libraries. Accuracy of answers, interview and search process duration, referral, and use of catalog and technology are highlighted. (12…

Notes that draft proposal for voluntary public library accreditation prepared by ad hoc committee is now ready for consideration by professional community. This article defines accreditation and proposes possible goals to provide a framework for discussing the pros and cons of establishing a Commission for the Accreditation of Public Libraries.…

Briefly summarizes topics discussed within the theme of global information access at the annual conference of the Special Libraries Association, including information policy in foreign countries, copyright laws, the impact of library automation on access to information, and findings of a task force on the value of the information professional.…

Describes the activities at the annual meeting of the Medical Library Association, including adoption of a strategic plan for the association and discussions of access to health care information, the impact of information technologies, and medical ethics. (CLB)

Reports results of a survey of 800 library staff members on aspects of library work that they find stressful. The findings include sources of satisfaction and stress for all participants, and sources of stress specific to public services librarians, technical services librarians, and support staff members. (CLB)

Discussion of efforts by federal, state, and local government agencies to enhance the library resources and services available to older citizens highlights the roles of the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science (NCLIS) and the Administration on Aging (AoA), cooperative agreements, and descriptions of state and local programs.…

This report of the events at the American Library Association annual conference summarizes presentations and debates on several social issues as well as a manifesto addressing social and ethical problems that was presented at the conference. A list of officers and awards is provided. (CLB)