Competition in the virtual reference market got really hot this past summer. Recent developments in virtual reference offerings suggest the market is much more dynamic than most people would have imagined a short time ago. With Google's acquisition of Meebo and its subsequent decision to shut down the chat widget service, many libraries scrambled…

The paper describes the theory and definition of the practice of librarianship, specifically addressing how Web 2.0 technologies (tools) such as synchronous messaging, collaborative reference service and streaming media, blogs, wikis, social networks, social bookmarking tools, tagging, RSS feeds, and mashups might intimate changes and how…

Rapidly developing online information technologies provide dramatically new capabilities and opportunities, and place new responsibilities on all involved to recreate networks for scholarly communication. Collaborations between all segments of the information network are made possible and necessary as we attempt to find a balanced and mutually…

Integrated Online Library Systems (IOLS) focuses exclusively on the issues of planning and managing automated systems in libraries and information centers. The theme of the IOLS '98 annual meeting is "Embrace and Extend," and 18 papers were selected for presentation that provide insight into the current technologies being "embraced" in libraries.…

Memorial Hall Library in Andover, Massachusetts wanted to offer live reference service online but with limited resources, they couldn't do it alone. The 24/7 Reference cooperative program administered by the California State Library required Memorial Hall's librarians to monitor only 10 hours a week in return for live reference coverage. Memorial…

Discusses the evolution of electronic publishing from the early 1960s when computers were used merely to produce conventional printed products to the present move toward networked scholarly publishing. Highlights include library development, periodicals on the Internet, online journals versus paper journals, problems, and the future of…

In Florida, as in the rest of the country, there is a paradigm shift within libraries. Increasingly, the information necessary to respond to user needs is available electronically--sometimes only or most conveniently in electronic form. For librarians to be most effective in the electronic revolution, they need to link their libraries into a…

Many libraries are using co-browsing chat products to provide reference services to their patrons, whilst their patrons are online and using the internet. The concept of such an online service is highly desirable, but many libraries are concerned that they will never be able to afford such a system. This may have changed: Instant Messaging (IM)…

Describes how the Tulsa City-County Library System built a 22-branch CD-ROM-based network with the emerging thin-client/server technology, and succeeded in providing patrons with the most current research tools and information resources available. Discusses costs; networking options; the Citrix WinFrame system used; equipment and connectivity.…

This submission represents the views of a newly formed organisation known as Public Libraries Australia. Formed to aggregate the political, service and infrastructure capacity of Australia's 1510 (ABS June 2000) public libraries, Public Libraries Australia will support and represent public libraries on a national basis. Networked across Australia…

Suggests guidelines to help libraries formalize their electronic reference services. Covers the following issues: administration/management (library division/department, library administration, campus administration, academic departments); services; primary clientele; personnel; infrastructure/facilities; finances; and evaluation. (AEF)

An overview is provided in this three-part final report of a project designed to disseminate information to assist California high schools, Regional Occupation Programs, and colleges in developing and strengthening 2+2+2 programs. Part I reviews the following project objectives: (1) hire a project coordinator and technical assistant; (2) develop a…

In using conventional print, CD-ROM and online resources, librarians are still middlepersons between publishers and users. By exploiting Internet and World Wide Web online technology and developing local databases, libraries can tap new information sources and make them available to local audiences and others dispersed around the world in an…

This report provides a step-by-step look at defining, planning, implementing, operating, and supporting Internet services for library patrons. Experts from the Cambridge (Massachusetts) Public Library share their experiences pioneering a high-speed, graphical Internet service that supports the full range of multimedia materials available across…