The academic library, given its often privileged position on campus, is the information source that can include directional as well as general campus facts among the myriad of print and e-resources for reference. Also, an academic library's audiences can be quite varied and include prospective students or parents seeking more general knowledge of…

Oakland University (OU) Libraries undertook an assessment of how to leverage its resources to make online tutorials more focused on users' needs. A multi-part assessment process reconsidered Web tutorials offerings through the lenses of faculty and staff feedback, literature review, and an analysis of other universities' online tutorial offerings.…

This article presents a case study in user-centered design that explores the needs and preferences of undergraduate users. An analysis of LibQual+ and other user surveys, interviews with public service staff, and a formal American with Disabilities Act accessibility review served as the basis for planning a redesign of the Brown University…

Discussion of library information systems focuses on the idea of including user-supplied data (USD) in libraries' automated catalogs. Hypertext is mentioned, the information explosion and the ability to selectively retrieve information is considered, and the value of user input in evaluating the relevance of material is discussed. (12 references)…

With changing user expectations, many libraries are moving toward digital content. Accessible from anywhere at any time, digital content provides users with efficient, on-demand information experiences. Accordingly, librarians are presented with challenges and opportunities to build, manage, and implement outreach strategies that promote their…

Describes the development of a computer-supported cooperative problem-solving environment designed to help librarians and remote access users work together in performing an online search. Results of a study of graduate students indicate that groups using the computer demonstrated more effective skills than those performing the same tasks face to…

Based on experiences of the Vigo County Public Library in Terre Haute, Indiana, this article outlines ways libraries can attract patrons to their Web sites and features that can keep them returning. Discusses marketing and publicity; basic content and special sources and services; attractive and easy-to-use site design; good Web site maintenance;…

Describes an approach outlined by sciences and engineering librarians at the University of California, Santa Barbara to attract users--specifically graduate students and faculty--to the available online databases and services. The strategy focused on the essentials of planning, preparation and publicity, presentation, and post-workshop evaluation.…

Library Web sites must compete against easy-to-use sites, such as Google Scholar, Google Books, and Wikipedia, for students' time and attention. Library Web sites must therefore be designed with aesthetics and user perceptions at the forefront. The Music and Performing Arts Library at Urbana-Champaign's Web site was overcrowded and in much need of…

This bibliography on users' machine-assisted information seeking behavior was compiled by the American Library Association's Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) Machine-Assisted Reference Section (MARS). Includes adoption of technology; digital library services; hypertext; interface design; models and theory; relevance; resource…

Provides a starting point from which individual libraries can evaluate continuation of their depository status. Many of the basic questions that a library needs to address are explored. Issues covered include availability of government information on the Internet, costs, and incentives. Recommended specifications for public workstations in…

Provides an overview of the IRIS (Intelligent Reference Information System) project at the University of Houston (Texas) libraries; describes CD-ROM database performance tests, user reactions to the CD-ROM network, and a survey of users of an expert system to recommend reference sources; and reports on current activities and future plans.…

Librarians providing information services electronically must create useful information systems. This article illustrates that the effectiveness of an information system is characterized by its readability, browsability, searchability, and interactive assistance. Describes the concept of interactive assistance and how it relates to information…

Discusses some of the hardware and peripherals available to people with varied disabilities as an introduction to the things that Web designers and librarians will need to take into consideration when designing a site and selecting materials. Suggests guidelines for good design and tools for increased accessibility. (AEF)

Predicts the effects of information technology (IT) on libraries of the future. Discusses negative implications for school libraries. Describes four emerging roles for media specialists: (1) showing students and staff how to navigate information networks; (2) teaching users how to evaluate and select information; (3) designing information systems;…