This article explores recent developments in national policy for academic libraries. It considers the shift from traditional to managerial academic librarianship; the move to "social space" and multi-use systems; changes in the balance between meeting teaching and research needs and in public funding priorities; the difficulty of making…

The increasing prevalence of digital information systems and technologies compels libraries across the globe to update systems and provide users with a digital experience outside the confines of the structural library, providing useful benefits to the user while creating new areas of concern such as digital information preservation.…

Changes in user needs resulted in Colorado State University Libraries' decision to turn a traditional library computer lab into an information commons. Issues raised during implementation are discussed, staff training modules are described, and the center's success is evaluated. Training quickly became a critical factor. (AEF)

In order for the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) and depository libraries to assume their new role in the electronic environment, librarians need to examine their current technology, deal with political realities, and be critical of FDLP ideals. The FDLP needs to be reorganized into a new system of information centers to provide the best…

Discusses early developments in the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) interlibrary loan, including use of OCLC for verification and request transmittal, improved service to patrons, internal cost control, affect on work flow and borrowing patterns. Describes advances in OCLC, including internationalization, electronic information access,…

The complexity of the information environment, and more uncontrolled distribution and access, lead to new issues for users. Reference services, with a stronger instructional role, must become more proactive in providing a fully developed repertoire of services responsive to the multifaceted queries facing librarians today. (Contains 31…

Among information workers, the term "disintermediation" has been used to describe the diminishing role of the intermediary associated with the electronic information environment. IMPEL2 is a JISC-funded e-Lib Project investigating the social, organizational, and cultural impacts of the growing electronic library in United Kingdom higher…

Examines the readiness of depository libraries in Canada to adopt new technologies for disseminating government publications. Findings are reported on current use of different publication formats, type of help sought by users, staff skills and training needs, adequacy of physical and financial resources, support from governing bodies, and…

This 5-year master plan reflects the Nevada State Library and Archives' continuing commitment to providing open access to comprehensive state of the art information services and to preserving Nevada's valuable information resources. The planning process is indispensable to the design of systems and programs which will meet the changing information…

The primary areas of concern challenging Missouri's libraries as they move from the 20th to 21st century can be divided into three major themes and two sub-themes: current library services and operations; technology and information access; and leadership and funding; and training; and operation. Librarians and library clients are concerned about…

Government agencies are adopting electronic-information-dissemination strategies which both challenge established dissemination structures and offer new access opportunities for all libraries. This article explores the implications of this change and describes the initiative of one medium-sized, non-depository library to become a government…

Highlights major trends in information technology and speculates on their impact for library services in the future. Bibliographic accessibility and the role of the librarian in information management in tomorrow's libraries are discussed. (EM)

Restructuring serials management along access-versus-ownership lines doesn't solve the serials crisis, but it alleviates inflationary pressures and has other significant economic, service, and political outcomes. This new series model is illustrated at three institutional libraries. ((Author/AEF)

Four papers addressing the future of information and changes brought on due to the Internet include: "Internet and the Future of Collection Development: A Teacher Librarian's Perspective" (Jill Johnson); "The Provision of Information Services in Networked Schools" (Eric Wainwright); "When the Book? When the Net?"…

These articles address the core values of librarianship, focusing on democracy and public libraries; equity of access to information, including building collections, circulation policies, interlibrary loan, and intellectual property and licensing; intellectual freedom, including rating systems for various media; and library service in the light of…