This article reports on a study addressing the readability of content on academic libraries' Web sites, specifically content intended to improve users' information literacy skills. Results call for recognition of readability as an evaluative component of text in order to better meet the needs of diverse user populations. (Contains 8 tables.)

This study aimed to improve the current state of electronic resource evaluation in libraries. While the use of Web DB, e-book, e-journal, and other e-resources such as CD-ROM, DVD, and micro materials is increasing in libraries, their use is not comprehensively factored into the general evaluation of libraries and may diminish the reliability of…

This study examines the changing roles for women in academia from 1991 to 2001 through a content analysis of quality characteristics in 626 "American Political Science Review" book reviews. Results revealed increases for women over men in quantity of books and reviews published, as well as quality appraisals of books written. (Contains 2 tables…

Discusses the importance of reviews of bibliographies to librarians, identifies common problems with the review process, and proposes a worksheet that will enable reviewers of printed subject bibliographies to address the needs of librarians. The theoretical foundation for the concepts used in the worksheet are discussed. (14 references) (CLB)

A qualitative study of a group of traditionally aged undergraduate students showed their reliance on content relevance and familiarity when making source selection decisions. Credibility, convenience, and format/type were also frequently mentioned criteria. Students' year in school influenced their selection criteria and format preference.

Many libraries are expending an increasing part of their collections budgets on electronic resources. At the same time many libraries, especially those which are state funded, face diminishing budgets and high rates of inflation for serials subscriptions in all formats, including electronic resources. Therefore, many libraries need to develop ways…

Examines commercial electronic document delivery services that are available to academic libraries. Highlights include collection development issues; criteria for selection and evaluation; remote access systems, including CARL UnCover 2, Faxon Finder and Faxon Xpress, ContentsFirst and ArticleFirst, and CitaDel; and on-site access systems,…

Discusses faculty status for librarians and criteria for achieving tenure based on experiences at the University of Colorado Libraries at Boulder. Highlights include factors affecting librarians' ability to achieve tenure; and characteristics of librarianship as they relate to the faculty model, including cooperative practices and the hierarchical…

This discussion focuses on the problems involved in the interpretation and verification of the data gathered and presented by the North American Collections Inventory Project. It suggests that the National Shelflist Count is a better resource for collection management and shared library resources decisions. (CLB)

Describes the concept of cost effectiveness analysis, and discusses its possible application to library technical services. The steps involved in measuring costs and quantifying performance are discussed, and examples of cost and benefit analysis of technical processes are provided. (12 notes with references) (CLB)

Discusses expectations that weaknesses within the system of Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) will be bypassed by other subject access routes available on online catalogs, and compares the performance of LCSH to title field subject access. Observed patterns of LCSH functions are discussed and conclusions about search strategy are…

Describes the development of a salary formula for academic librarians that incorporates component values of quantifiable criteria based on base salaries, the determination of individual qualifications, and the analysis of professional positions. Applications and adaptations of the formula are discussed. (10 references) (CLB)

Describes a study that compared the quality of reference services provided by reference librarians and paraprofessionals, using patron satisfaction as the measure of success. Factors associated with satisfactory service are identified, and suggestions for the effective use of paraprofessional staff are presented. (4 references) (CLB)

Describes the evolution of the library staff at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, from a hierarchically organized staff with faculty status to a professional staff with the status of librarian, distinct from that of faculty or administrator. Such topics as hiring requirements, professional development, and evaluation criteria are…

Using a multi-method approach--student and faculty surveys and a comparison of bibliographies from senior nursing students--to evaluate the Information Literacy Skills Program at the University of Botswana, this study found that information about the impact of instruction can be discovered through more open-ended questions; the ALA's…