Provides an overview of the current state of networking technology in rural libraries and describes a model for educating rural librarians in accessing electronic networks. Topics discussed include information needs in rural libraries; telecommunications technology access in rural areas; and examples of services to enhance information access.…

Describes four elements of consulting in library networks: network client groups, potential sources of consultants, categories of network consulting, and difficulties in network-related consulting. (FM)

Provides an overview of developments in health sciences libraries leading to the virtual library. Highlights include online searching; integrated library systems; networked resources; the expansion of interlibrary loans and document delivery systems; the Integrated Academic Information Management System; and the role of the National Library of…

Discusses the effects of technology and networking on rural public library service in the future, and describes how these effects will improve the quality and accessibility of service to rural citizens. (FM)

This article offers a number of statistics and performance measures that libraries may find useful in determining the overall quality of their network-based services; identifies a number of service quality criteria; and provides a framework to assist librarians in selecting statistics and performance measures based on service quality criteria.…

Discusses the development of practical strategies for library mediation between Internet resources and potential users. Topics addressed include a hierarchy of information skills; awareness of information services and resources; the information structure of a discipline; analysis of information needs; and retrieval, evaluation, and management of…

Sketches observable trends in states of the United States since the inception of the federal LSCA (Library Services and Construction Act) programs in 1964. (Author)

Considers the role of medical librarians as it contributes to the effectiveness of patient care teams, and discusses the training and certification of clinical librarians, the development of library health care services, and the activities of medical information networks. (FM)

Discusses educational issues concerning the Internet, including the changing role of the Internet in schools, libraries, and the workplace; unequal access resulting from economic and geographic barriers; implications of different privatization approaches; the impact of the Internet on professional school curricula; and the need for better tools…

Explores the possible effects on library services of cable television, cassette television, and computer based activity. (PF)

A discussion of the information needs of health professionals, the regional libraries organized to serve them, and some document delivery services of the Regional Medical Libraries Program. (LS)

Provision of library service to the blind and visually impaired and the development of standards for libraries providing this service are reviewed. The development of guidelines for libraries serving the deaf and hard of hearing is also discussed. Thirty-one references are cited. (EJS)

Discusses library service patterns of cooperation at the local level, the role of library networks in providing new services, collaborations between public libraries and the community, and library policy as it affects forms of public service. (FM)

The increasingly important role of state library agencies in coordinating planning and evaluation of all types of library services statewide are discussed. Formal statements on state agency roles, and state and federal legislation on planning are also included. (Author/MBR)