Geographic Information Systems (GIS) integrate computer hardware, software, data, and the human mind to bring new perspectives to creative problem solving. The power of GIS is in adding a graphic, spatial dimension to problem solving. Still an emerging technology for most libraries, GIS can be expensive, entails a steep learning curve, and…

Based on interviews with 29 librarians at a midwestern research university, this publication serves as a benchmark for what it is like to work as an academic librarian in a U.S. research university in the mid-1990's and considers changes occurring within the wider field of librarianship. Chapter 1 begins with a broad overview of the concept and…

This report identifies potential issues that the Cornell University Library (CUL) might face in supporting distance learning, and recommends solutions. While the precise budgetary implications are uncertain, additional resources, services, and personnel will need to be accounted for in the cost of serving distance learners. The report addresses:…

This survey examined whether recent changes in the accessibility of bibliographic records and electronic access has led to an emerging pattern in the way that documents are organized into four areas: (1) general questions; (2) technical services; (3) collections and public services; and (4) changes in the organization of documents service.…

Twelve articles focusing on the issue of cooperative collection management describe the history and current status of specific projects within the Illinois Library and Information Network. The last article summarizes the status of coordinated cooperative collection management in Illinois, clarifies terminology, and speculates on future…

Discusses the growing importance of test collections in academic libraries and provides resources for test collection development. Tests in the following areas are described in detail: academic; achievement and aptitude; child development; educational development and preschool readiness; intelligence; personality; sensory motor skills; special…

The 25 articles in this book were written by librarians as a guide for reference services personnel working in two-year college libraries. Part I, The Community College Reference Mission, includes "Community College Services," by Derrie B. Roark; "Community College Librarianship: A Changing Frontier," by Marilyn Searson Lary; "Typical Is Atypical:…

This report presents the results of a survey of the information needs, attitudes, and expectations of faculty, administrators, and other academic professionals in the four University Centers of the State University of New York. The study sought current faculty views on information technology and access, library collections, cooperative collection…

The Association of American Universities (AAU) Research Libraries Project was designed to involve universities in the process of shaping the new electronic environment faced by research libraries. The project has engaged university expertise to develop recommendations for action at the national and institutional levels to assure that the…

Changes occurring in college libraries as a result of automation are described, along with financial issues in library management, personnel issues, and changing patterns of collection development and resource sharing. New developments include online public access catalogs, computer-generated bibliographies, online search systems, and computerized…

At the sixth transborder forum, librarians from the United States, Canada, and Mexico gathered to explore topics of interest to academic, public, school, and special librarians in all three countries. The conference program and general information are provided in English and Spanish. Presentations, some in English and some in Spanish, include:…

The libraries of the University of California recognize the need to transform present collections and services into the library of the 21st century. Doing so will require bridging issues of cultural diversity and enhancing support for existing diversity collections. The Ad Hoc Committee on Regional Workshops of the Library Association of the…

This paper discusses problems related to library collection of science materials from developing regions, including price increases leading to cancellation of peripheral titles. The importance of access and preservation of such materials is noted. The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Science Research…

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…

Presents summaries of 12 papers presented at the 1990 Computers in Libraries Conference. Topics discussed include online searching; microcomputer-based serials management; microcomputer-based workstations; online public access catalogs (OPACs); multitype library networking; CD-ROM searches; locally mounted online databases; collection evaluation;…