In the library context, they depend on sophisticated business applications specifically designed to support their work. This infrastructure consists of such components as integrated library systems, their associated online catalogs or discovery services, and self-check equipment, as well as a Web site and the various online tools and services…

In 2007, "Library Journal" and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation named Hanover's Howe Library one of four "Best Small Libraries in America." Hanover is an affluent community with a long history of support for the public library. In fact, the town's taxpayers support two: Howe and Etna Library, a small, independent institution in the village of…

Examines library automation product introductions and conversions to new operating systems. Compares user satisfaction ratings of the following library software packages: DOS/Windows, UNIX, Macintosh, and DEC VAX/VMS. Software is rated according to documentation, service/support, training, product reliability, product capabilities, ease of use,…

Describes a workshop program developed at the California State University Sacramento to familiarize faculty with the library's electronic resources. The broad subject areas targeted were business, humanities, social sciences, and science and technology. Training covered the online catalog, article indexes, and databases. Evaluations of the…

Suggests that one of the best ways to get word-of-mouth marketing of library technology is to provide "usable" products and services. Provides an international standards definition on usability and notes that understanding usability combines an understanding of user needs/wants with an understanding of goals, functions, and limitations…

A technology plan provides a blueprint against which to measure new technologies and applications, assess future needs, and allocate resources to balance technology with the needs of users and staff. This book is a comprehensive and practical guide for librarians preparing a technology plan. The book is divided into five planning steps, each of…

Examines how librarians are customizing their services and collections for handheld computing. Discusses the widest adoption of PDAs (personal digital assistants) in libraries that serve health and medical communities; PDA-friendly information pages; the reference focus; journals and databases; lending materials; publicity; use of PDAs by library…

Because of public demand for access to new media, librarians must be able to provide specialized systems and facilities. To support librarians in the planning and rethinking of new multimedia libraries, the firm of Gee & Jenson, which specializes in library design, created this guide. It provides an illustration of the possibilities and…

The objective of this document is to provide a tool for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of library services to prisoners. The document is intended to serve as a model guide for the development of national guidelines for prison libraries that can be adapted to reflect local circumstances. At the same time, these international…

Providing service to visually impaired persons can provide a special challenge to librarians. This article provides suggestions on making libraries more accessible. Both technological solutions and staff training are addressed. (Author)

Describes some of the adaptive technology that is useful in a library. Highlights technologies that accommodate persons with low vision, those with learning disabilities, and the deaf and hard of hearing, and discusses screen readers and voice-output mechanisms, the Internet. Includes a selected list of adaptive-technology vendors and products and…

Examines implications of new technology for libraries. Discusses ways libraries interface with new home and business information services and information formats. Highlights include CD-ROMs, the Internet, library networks, technological development, electronic image delivery, costs and funding, and equipment. (AEF)

Focuses on the library service principles of multisensory thinking, respect for the question, and respect for the questioner as they relate to people with learning disabilities and all users. Discusses reading difficulties of people with dyslexia, along with audiotape and computer technologies that libraries can use. Presents approaches to the…

Through lottery funding, all public schools in Georgia received satellite dish equipment. This study is an assessment of the use of the satellite dish equipment by library media specialists in the DeKalb County School System for taping PeachStar (the satellite channel of Georgia Public Broadcasting) programming. The purpose was four-fold: (1) to…

Addresses the necessity of incorporating new computer technologies into school library resource centers and notes some administrative challenges. An extensive checklist is provided for assessing equipment and furniture needs, physical facilities, and rewiring needs. A glossary of 20 terms and 11 additional resources is included. (AEF)