The relevance of the study is due to the intensive introduction of information technology to library activities. Active use of information technology has a significant impact on the professional development of a librarian. It requires a high level of information competence. The purpose of the paper is to present and describe an information…

The majority of research that has been conducted on structuring mentorship programs has been on career support in terms of transferring tacit and explicit knowledge from the supervisor to the protégé. While the instructional design literature touts that cognitive apprenticeships provide a great framework for constructivist and situated learning…

To better understand health information provision in the public library setting, two cooperative library systems that serve primarily rural populations in upstate New York were studied. The central library in one of those systems established a consumer health information center (CHIC) in 1999. In the other system, the central library does not have…

Bill Schickling has spent a good chunk of his professional life at what is now Polaris Library Systems, shaping both the older Galaxy system and the newer Polaris integrated library system (ILS). When he joined the company as a programmer in 1987, it was still part of Gaylord, known mostly for its furniture and supplies division. Schickling was…

This article discusses some of the premigration tasks at Minnesota State Mankato in preparation for migration to a new integrated library system, ALEPH. The authors describe the review of circulation policies to make sure that only relevant, current data and practices were carried over. There is emphasis on the need for ongoing review of policies…

This interview with the president of Research Libraries Group who assumed his duties in January 1983 covers past experiences, perceptions of libraries and librarians, management and technical problems experienced by Research Libraries Information Network, financial situation, prospects for growth, new members, online catalogs, technological…

Five librarians considered authorities on quality cataloging in the OCLC Online Union Catalog were interviewed to obtain their views on the current level of quality control in the OCLC database, the responsibilities of OCLC and individual libraries in improving the quality of records, and the consequences of quality control problems. (CLB)

Described in this report are the results of a survey of 27 libraries which had in operation 40 mechanized systems for acquisition, cataloging and circulation control. The libraries were selected on the basis of advanced performance in the state of the art of library automation. The overall trends show libraries increasing their use of on-line…

Reports on Bill and Melinda Gates's tour of Alabama, the first state to be wired to the Internet by the nonprofit Gates Library Foundation, and the model for connecting 1000 more libraries this year. Mutual appreciation between Alabama librarians and the Gateses resulted. An interview with Bill Gates focuses on challenges libraries face in…

Library usage study of OCLC network-provided software and services indicates most users make local modifications to standard practices. Findings are discussed in terms of network models for decision making in software use; methodology of software user studies; and diffusion of innovation processes in postimplementation stages of transaction…

Reports the results of a survey undertaken to identify language documentation centers at Canadian universities, to describe their chief characteristics and functions, and to assess the feasibility of linking several of them electronically to provide greater access to users throughout the country and internationally. (four references) (Author)

Reports on research undertaken to develop model for planning and evaluating regional multitype library networks that engage in resource sharing. Identification and interdependence of eight organizational variables (planning, governance, funding, communication and delivery, configuration, administration, evaluation, and success) based upon members'…

Based on interviews with OCLC staff, network directors, and librarians in member libraries, and related literature review, it is recommended that OCLC take steps to improve statistics it currently makes available and to consider leadership role in helping libraries use microcomputer technology to provide statistics for library management. (27…

Presents overview of two studies (1981, 1984) investigating the status of automation in U.S. community college learning resources centers (LRCs). Factors leading to automation, current level of automation, LRC organizational structure, attitudes toward and perceived constraints on automated services, consortium participation, hardware options, and…

This research article concentrates on two major aspects of an investigation of communication patterns in four Brazilian universities during 1979/80: internal communication patterns in regard to library and campus community (user manuals, orientation activities); and external communication patterns between university library and other libraries in…