Research support demonstrates the value of academic libraries and librarians. Recent studies have revealed that research support has been evolving from traditional citation analysis to advanced library services such as research field trend/frontiers analysis and talent evaluation. Using a powerful bibliometric tool CiteSpace and "active…

Understanding faculty work practices can translate into improved library services. This study documents how education and behavioral science faculty locate, retrieve, and use information resources for research and writing and how they publish and store their research materials. The authors interviewed twelve professors using a structured interview…

Securing public access workstations should be a significant part of any library's network and information-security strategy because of the sensitive information patrons enter on these workstations. As the IT manager for the Johnson County Library in Kansas City, Kan., this author is challenged to make sure that thousands of patrons get the access…

Discussion of choices posed by the current microtechnology revolution notes librarians' reluctance to utilize new technologies, ability of libraries to deal with success and fund new services, strategic decision facing libraries and professionals concerning essential "business" of libraries, new microcomputer portables and more powerful…

Reports results of a survey of 293 colleges and universities that reveals a growing trend toward making computer software and hardware available to faculty and students, despite potential illicit copying software. The role of the academic library and copyright implications are discussed. Twenty-three references are cited. (EJS)

Discussion of portal software and flat Web site design focuses on the University of California's Labor Research Portal. Topics include the need for reputable content; the library's goal to link digital resources with research, reference, and outreach; developing the library's role; partnerships; controlling intellectual capital; and the flat…

The practice of using a social network to establish and enhance relationships based on some common ground--shared interests, related skills, or a common geographic location--is as old as human societies, but social networking has flourished due to the ease of connecting on the Web. This OCLC membership report explores this web of social…

Describes the Lippincott Library (Warton School, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) online chat reference service for students/faculty/staff to ask questions through chat and get an immediate response using a commercial service provided by LivePerson. LivePerson is a real-time text interface between the user who seeks information and the operator…

Articles in this theme issue focus on young adults and genealogy, music videos, public access microcomputer software selection, literature for and about Black adolescents, library services to reluctant readers, booktalks, historical fiction, the role of young adult services librarians, and the need for adolescents to find their roots through…

Reviews the varying roles of academic libraries and notes ways in which libraries have become involved in administering public-access microcomputers, building software collections, and providing instructional and other support services. The goals of offering microcomputer access services and steps necessary to plan for them are examined. Eleven…

Presents 101 variables for use in developing a microcomputing profile and determining the type of microcomputing management appropriate for a library. Variables are presented in 16 categories, including the larger institutional, library, and financial profiles; administration's stance on microcomputing; user profiles; training and support for…

Special librarians are in unique position to become directly involved in the design, development, and management of automated in-house databases. Software packages called application generators enable the librarian/information scientist to develop database applications without programmer intervention and with very little or no knowledge of…

Discusses impacts of the Internet on reference services and changing roles for reference librarians. Describes a continuum of libraries (Sutton) from a paper-based (traditional) to a fully digital library. Examines K-12 uses and benefits of digital reference services (question-and-answer services sometimes referred to as AskA's). Describes K-12…

This study addressed, within the context of Australian public libraries, how people with disabilities can more easily share in the new world of instant information and communication offered by the Internet. Eight public libraries from Victoria and one from Wagga Wagga participated. The sample consisted of 85 adults with a variety of physical and…

The terms "virtual library,""digital library," and "electronic library" have received growing attention among professional librarians, researchers, and users of information over the past decade. The confluence of exploding sources of data, expanding technical capability, and constrained time and money will quickly move these concepts from…