Identifies research topics related to outcomes assessment in a networked environment and discusses issues affecting these topics. Proposes a framework to relate traditional evaluation components and terminology to the networked environment and identifies factors in the networked environment that affect assessment methods. Suggests outcomes…

Provides an overview of developments in health sciences libraries leading to the virtual library. Highlights include online searching; integrated library systems; networked resources; the expansion of interlibrary loans and document delivery systems; the Integrated Academic Information Management System; and the role of the National Library of…

Examines the changing role of reference and bibliographic instruction librarians in undergraduate education. Topics include teaching students how to find information; faculty resistance to library instruction; students' ability to evaluate information sources, including information on the Internet; and computer-based instruction. (LRW)

Discusses the impact that network technology, electronic publishing, and Internet communication are having on collection development policies in research libraries. Highlights include changes in the research library environment, including financial difficulties; scholarly communication; workstations for material selection; and materials in…

This article offers a number of statistics and performance measures that libraries may find useful in determining the overall quality of their network-based services; identifies a number of service quality criteria; and provides a framework to assist librarians in selecting statistics and performance measures based on service quality criteria.…

Presents an overview of issues concerning civilian competitive intelligence (CI). Topics discussed include competitive advantage in academic and research environments; public domain information and libraries; covert and overt competitive intelligence; data diversity; use of the Internet; cooperative intelligence; and implications for library and…

Libraries need to adapt their systems for the collection, preservation, organization, and distribution of information to take advantage of new technology and communication tools. Libraries that successfully adapt these systems will become a more central institution in the community served. (AEF)

Discusses the uses of microcomputers in libraries. Highlights include selecting hardware and software; providing microcomputers for public use; using microcomputers to access larger systems; the use of general purpose software, including desktop publishing; computer networks; library specific software; and the future of microcomputers in…

Provides an overview of the current state of networking technology in rural libraries and describes a model for educating rural librarians in accessing electronic networks. Topics discussed include information needs in rural libraries; telecommunications technology access in rural areas; and examples of services to enhance information access.…

Describes several projects that integrate the Internet and specific Internet resources into undergraduate teaching and learning. Problems are discussed, including trying to retrieve specific and useful information, questions of reliability and accuracy of information, the need to become more user friendly, and demands on libraries for training and…

Discusses the impact of computerization on humanists and libraries. Highlights include a lack of relevant databases; a reliance on original text; vocabulary and language issues; lack of time pressure; research style; attitudes of humanists toward technology; trends in electronic publishing; hypertext; collection development; electronic mail;…

Discusses the use of electronic journals for scholarly communication within the humanities. Twelve electronic journals that are currently available are described; and issues they raise for libraries are examined, including the nature of the medium, the impact on content, the impact on audience, library access, and archival responsibilities. (LRW)

Discusses developments in electronic reference sources for the history of art and considers their use by librarians and researchers. The traditional literature of art history is described, and current projects and databases are reviewed that include art, architecture, auction sales catalogs, preservation, library catalogs, thesauri, authority…

Discusses educational issues concerning the Internet, including the changing role of the Internet in schools, libraries, and the workplace; unequal access resulting from economic and geographic barriers; implications of different privatization approaches; the impact of the Internet on professional school curricula; and the need for better tools…

Describes five programs that have been significant to the evolution of biomedical communications in health sciences libraries over the last twenty years: the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NNLM); Integrated Advanced Information Management Systems (IAIMS); National Research and Education Network (NREN); Unified Medical Language System…