Library staff members should ultimately base their purchasing choices on the mission statements of their employing institutions. Fortunately, library mission statements have much in common. Undoubtedly, for example, all libraries have a goal that includes "serve the information needs of the community," because on some level, all libraries are…

Discusses commercially available electronic books (e-books) and implications for librarians. Highlights include factors that influence its dissemination and use, including type of library, access methods, and the vendor; copyright; digital rights management; e-book hardware, including PDAs (personal digital assistances); comparing content vendors;…

Discusses options available to libraries for document delivery. Topics include users' needs; cost; copyright compliance; traditional interlibrary loan; types of suppliers; selection criteria, including customer service; new developments in interlibrary loan, including outsourcing arrangements; and the need to evaluate suppliers. (LRW)

Though the bookmobile has fallen on hard times, the cybermobile, a technology platform combining personal computing, CD-ROMs, fiber network, and wireless access to the Internet, may be the next step in mobile library services. Discusses standard vehicle, computer hardware, software, wireless access, and alliances with users, vendors, and community…