Describes factors in successful customer service programs that are pertinent to libraries choosing an integrated online library system. Topics discussed include quick response time; easy access to information; well-trained client representatives; low costs; cooperation with customers and vendors; and anticipating customer needs. (LRW)

Considers future possibilities and needs in libraries, including fewer acquisitions due to rising costs; the demise of older materials; the influence of the nature of access on the direction of scholarly inquiry, i.e., the influence of technology; using electronic resources appropriately; and questioning established routines. (LRW)

Considers changes that technology could make in libraries in the future. Highlights include digital formats; centralization of libraries and library services; the role of librarians; competition between libraries and for-profit information vendors; the publication process; the integrity of information in electronic format; costs; and access to…

The availability of electronic information sources in libraries has revived the debate over user fees. As increasing amounts of information are available only electronically, the cost of providing access becomes higher and harder to predict. User fees help to defray the increased costs of electronic information while allowing libraries to continue…

Discusses designating the Library of Congress (LC) as a national library. Topics addressed include problems with Congress; costs of serving the information needs of Congress; funds for electronic conversion; access to LC resources; user fees; reallocating federal library aid; and governance of LC. (LRW)

Argues that advanced networks, particularly BITNET, NSFNET (National Science Foundation Network), Internet, and NREN (National Research and Education Network) can simplify global networking as well as library functions and interfaces; provide easier and more cost-effective connection of the research and education communities; and transport very…

Reports on a study that examined the impact of national information networks, particularly the Internet and the emerging NREN (National Research and Education Network) on academic libraries. Topics addressed include academic computer services; costs; and academic library services, including electronic journals, electronic collection development,…

Describes the technical, economic, social, and cultural challenges to building a national digital library system. Selecting and filtering information, building and scaling distributed digital library networks, invoicing, payment, authorizing access, the locus of planning leadership, and the information poor are discussed. (Contains three…

Addresses the topic of digital libraries from a planning perspective and examines policy issues. Discusses developing collections by providing access to remote files and/or creating a local collection; funding; considering what to digitize; copyright issues; storage costs; converting paper-based collections and catalogs; and reasons why to…

Discusses the role of professional associations in theological librarianship in accreditation, advocacy, and education. The need for the profession to expand its impact on theological research and teaching, the need for preservation of library materials, the impact of new technology on library budgets and practices, and the myth of free…

Based on "Library Journal's" 1997 Public Library Budget Report, this article discusses the state of public libraries in terms of Internet-related costs, budgets, local, state and federal funding, and fundraising. Presents--in six tables segmented by population served--the financial situations of 84 randomly surveyed public libraries.…

Discusses the future of computer networks and libraries in light of rapid advances in technology. Topics discussed include information growth; decreasing costs and increasing performance; and changes needed in libraries, including organizational structure and culture, increased access rather than increased holdings, more classification schemes,…

Suggests guidelines to consider when choosing electronic reference tools for school libraries, including stand-alone systems versus networked versions; other resources that give access to the same information; annual updates; replacement costs; equipment needs; student and teacher needs; training time needed; and ease of use. (LRW)

Addresses the inadequacies of traditional methods of library financing and proposes a strategy to be implemented in an environment supported by automation and networks. Publisher pricing of data rather than publications, options for charging library users with debit cards, and the role of regional library networks are discussed. (EAM)

Argues for simplification in the use and development of bibliographic standards to increase usability by librarians and patrons and to reduce costs for libraries. The application of technology such as hypertext is also considered. (EA)