This essay focuses on types of health information the public is seeking and sources for obtaining health data. Discussion of librarian's role in providing health information covers legal entanglements, reference interview, collections and services provided by academic health science libraries, hospital libraries, and public libraries, and future…

Addresses the question of librarians' response to women's needs, examining the basic differences between public and academic libraries and their service philosophies in terms of the community of women library users, collection development of material on women's issues, access to information, and library services for women. (EJS)

Describes LibRef-L, an electronic mail-based conference that was developed to provide a forum for the discussion of library reference service issues. Networks and electronic mail are described; a profile of subscribers is given; and how to subscribe to LibRef-L is explained. (two references) (LRW)

This discussion of America's outstanding rare book libraries notes the inception of collections, library facilities, technical difficulties, reference services, publicity efforts, and research. The John Carter Brown Library at Brown University, Clark Library of the University of California, and the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C.…

Discusses the inception and history of the Research Libraries Group, a member-owned corporation of 25 universities begun in 1972 and dedicated to improving the management of information necessary for the advancement of scholarship. Goals, programs (shared resources program, collection development program), and network database are noted. (EJS)

Discusses the future of librarians, libraries, and library schools in the age of electronic information. Commentary includes the changing role of the librarian in information selection; organization and access in instruction; and suggestions for revitalizing library education and image improvement. (seven references) (KRN)

Discusses six broad categories of activities in the context of planning for future organizational changes in academic libraries: facilities, budget, organizational structure, staff, service, and information resources. (EM)

Defines cataloging management; describes cataloging work flow basics; discusses current issues such as outsourcing, job duties, cataloging Internet resources, and online catalogs; and predicts the future role of cataloging managers. A simplified cataloging work flow chart and cataloging management exercise with a sample solution are presented in…

Argues that in-college basic research skills instruction is really "remedial," and suggests solutions to problems encountered in instructional programs offered at college level. Highlights include the value of cooperative bibliographic instruction programs between universities and high schools and the Bridging the Gap program offered at…

In response to student demands, academic libraries are making adaptations to improve services: (1) paying for access (as opposed to ownership) of materials; (2) using electronic information, i.e. creating web home pages; (3) moving to a client/server computing environment; (4) working collaboratively with other departments and/or organizations;…

Provides an overview of the American Library Association (ALA) 1991 midwinter conference. Highlights include federal legislation, the organization of library support staff, fees for library services, library collection preservation policies, electronic access, access policy guidelines for academic libraries, reference staffing for electronic…

Provides suggestions for academic libraries to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Topics addressed are planning, including patron surveys; physical access to buildings; signage; library security systems; furniture; library services; staff development; telephone access; library acquisitions; and equipment and software. A sidebar lists…