"Research Library Issues" ("RLI") focuses on current and emerging topics that are strategically important to research libraries. The articles explore issues, share information, pose critical questions, and provide examples. This issue includes the following articles: (1) ARL Library Budgets after the Great Recession, 2011-13…

A small group of midsize land-grant institutions in the western United States responded to a survey on what tools they used for troubleshooting, what activities they accomplished using the tools, and who performed their troubleshooting. Most respondents use subscription-manager administration tools, email programs, electronic resource management…

Kansas libraries suffer from a shortage of professional librarians and information materials, restricted budgets and increased demands for services. Librarians are aware of the problems and have taken steps to reorganize, revitalize and refinance the structure of library services. State-wide planning is, however, hampered because the delegation of…

An interlibrary loan telephone loop system operated by the Kansas City Regional Council for Higher Education libraries is briefly described. Chronological steps in establishing the loop are delineated, and early problems are identified. Expansion of the loop and special uses also are discussed. Conclusions about the operation and tips for others…

A state-wide library network was proposed for Kansas to improve library service throughout the state. A regional system of library service was established in 1965, but services and financial support have not been evenly applied to the total state population. In order to provide library and reference service to even the most isolated residents, a…

Describes the Kansas Digital Library (KDL), a comprehensive, electronic library of visual, textual and auditory information resources. Discusses projects that KDL sponsors, including Blue Skyways, a Web site that functions as a subject-oriented entryway to the Web for Kansas librarians. Reports that the KDL is an example of a successful state…

Reviews survey responses from 127 nonmedical academic libraries in Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas regarding their vertical files (e.g., acquisitions, weeding, size, nature, collection management, frequency of use, maintenance of statistics, types of users, circulation, and security), reporting that 109 had vertical files, with most emphasizing topics…

Five studies were conducted to complement and supplement existing accreditation studies for Johnson County Community College (JCCC): (1) "Community Satisfaction with JCCC Programs and Services," (2) "Continuing Education Student Profile," (3) "JCCC Student Success at Four-Year Transfer Institutions," (4)…

Presented by the Region VII Child Welfare Training Center, this collection of four papers examines aspects of interaction between schools and social agencies which could be exploited more fully to the benefit of both organizations. The first paper, a presentation from the Sixth Rural Institute of Social Work in Rural Areas entitled…