The right of persons with disabilities for equal access to education and educational resources is enshrined by international and country-specific anti-discrimination laws. Taking the Ethiopian context as an example, this paper sought to identify barriers of access to educational resources and explored ways for removing them. Seventeen students…

Student retention rates have long been a topic among school administrators, but it is an issue barely mentioned in library circles. This article will discuss the role the academic library can play in increasing and maintaining student retention rates on campus. By focusing briefly on four main topics, including reaching out to students early and…

This paper traces the century-long history of a library that has served teacher preparation programs in Calgary, Alberta, since 1909. It looks at how this library's role and collections adapted to shifting notions of what constituted good teacher education and changing economic circumstances. In recounting this history, the paper examines the…

Students at U.S. colleges and universities are concerned about the high cost of textbooks. Expansion of library course reserves has been suggested as one solution to this problem. The authors surveyed libraries at public universities to explore the status and management of physical course reserves and the role they play vis-a-vis textbook…

The job of the contemporary reference librarian has a virtual component unimaginable a generation ago. Today's library professional can obtain an MLS (or equivalent) online with a minimal residency requirement. Not only the degree, but also library sources, and indeed patrons, have become virtual. Both books and periodicals can be consulted by…

Supporting the information needs of researchers adequately is a major challenge for university libraries. This paper outlines results of a survey of 23 researchers conducted by Deakin University Library into their information needs and perceptions of the library's role and performance. The survey challenged established ideas about researchers'…

The subject specialist librarian can perform a number of important services: establishing contact with user groups; selection of materials and collection development; instruction in library use; provision of current awareness, reference, and bibliographic services; serving as a library "ombudsman" for users; and bringing user…

Results of a 1969 survey by Carol Nemeyer of scholarly reprint activity in United States are reviewed in light of subsequent trends. Although replication of survey is not recommended, certain aspects that merit continued study are discussed with emphasis on the role of academic librarians in scholarly reprint selection. (36 references) (EJS)

The roles played by the veterinary medical library and librarian in encouraging scholarly pursuits are examined and specific suggestions are offered for promoting excellence within the library itself. (LBH)

Discussion of the role of academic libraries focuses on a study that proposed and tested a model to explore the use of academic libraries. Investigated service quality factors, resources, and user characteristics, and concludes that use is influenced most by a user's perceived familiarity with the library and its resources. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the relationship between data and the recipient, and the academic library and its institutional information systems. Examples are drawn from the sciences, including medicine, because of their greater intensity of experimentation and change in information management. New roles for libraries and librarians are highlighted. (EJS)

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)

In the face of emergencies, emergency managers should turn to academic libraries. These libraries can serve as gateways through which information from their collection, the faculty of their institutions, and ultimately the whole of the academic community may be tapped to manage emergencies successfully. (Author/EM)

Focuses on the establishment of the first popular lending library in the Netherlands in 1794 and its development until the early nineteenth century. Explores the work of the Society for the Common Benefit and examines the organization of popular lending libraries. (CMK)

Argues that collection development systems need to exert greater control over scholarly and educational information if the systems are to adapt to changing technical and economic conditions. Steps toward increased control should include categorization of sources and access by function, ongoing definition of a title-specific core, and the…